Monthly Archives: March 2021

Quantum computing: How basic broadband fiber could pave the way to the next breakthrough – ZDNet

Posted: March 29, 2021 at 1:27 am

Google's Sycamore quantum processor.

The usefulness of most quantum computers is still significantly limited by the low number of qubits that hardware can support. But simple fiber optic cables just like the ones used for broadband connections could be the answer.

A team of researchers from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) found that, with just a few tweaks,optical fiber can be used to communicate with the qubits sitting inside superconducting quantum computers, with the same level of accuracy as existing methods.

Unlike the metal wires currently used, it is easy to multiply the number of fiber optic cables in a single device, which means it is possible to communicate with more qubits. According to NIST, the findings pave the way to packing a million qubits into a quantum computer. Most devices currently support less than a hundred.

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Superconducting quantum computers, such as the ones that IBM and Google are building, require qubits to sit on a quantum processor that is cooled to a temperature of 15 milikelvin colder than outer space to protect the particles' extremely fragile quantum state.

But whether to control the qubits or measure them, researchers first need to communicate with the processor. This means a connection line must be established between room-temperature electronics and the cryogenic environment of the quantum circuit.

Typically, scientists use microwave pulses to communicate with qubits. With different frequencies and durations, the pulses can influence the state of the qubit; or researchers can look at the amplitude of the reflected microwave signal to "read" qubit-based information.

Microwave pulses are normally sent down to the ultra-cold qubits through coaxial metal cables. This comes with a practical problem: sets of metal cables can be used to connect with to up to 1,000 qubits, after which it becomes physically unworkable to build more wiring in a single system.

Yet companies have ambitious goals when it comes to scaling up quantum computers. IBM, for example, is expected to surpass the 1,000 qubit mark by 2023 with a processor called IBM Quantum Condor, and iseyeing a long-term goal of a million-qubit quantum system.

John Teufel, a researcher at NIST who worked on the institute's latest research, explains that coaxial metal cables won't cut it for much longer. "The focus of most real-life quantum computing efforts has been to push forward using conventional wiring methods," Teufel tells ZDNet.

"While this has not yet been the bottleneck for state-of-the-art systems, it will become important in the very near future...All the companies that are pursuing quantum-computing efforts are well aware that new breakthroughs will be required to reach their ultimate goal."

The researchers opted to replace metal cables with familiar optical fiber technology.

To address this issue, Teufel and his team at NIST opted to replace metal cables with familiar optical fiber technology, which, based on a glass or plastic core, was anticipated to carry a high volume of signals to the qubits without conducting heat.

Using conventional technology, the researchers converted microwave pulses into light signals that can be transported by the optical cables. Once the light particles reach the quantum processor, they are converted back into microwaves by cryogenic photodetectors, and then delivered to the qubit.

Optical fiber was used to both control and measure qubits, with promising results: the new set-up resulted in accurate rendering of the qubit's state 98% of the time, which is the same accuracy as obtained using regular coaxial lines.

Teufel and his team now envision a quantum processor in which light in optical fibers transmits a signal to and from the qubit, with each qubit talking to a wire. "Unlike conventional metal coaxial cables, the fiber itself is not the bottleneck for how many qubits you could talk to," says Teufel. "You could simply give each qubit a dedicated fiber through which to send signals, even for a million-qubit system. A million fibers seems feasible, while a million coaxial lines does not."

Another advantage of optical cable, notes Teufel, is the information carrying capacity of a single fiber, which is much greater than that of a metal cable. Many more signals up to several thousand can be sent through one optical wire, and the scientist envisions separating and re-routing those signals to different qubits in the processor. This would effectively enable a single fiber optic cable to talk to several qubits at once.

The experiment is yet to be carried out. In the meantime, Teufel is confident that all eyes will be on NIST's latest findings. "Novel wiring methods, like the one we have shown here, will eventually be required to maintain the incredible growth trajectory of quantum computing efforts," says Teufel.

"We do not suggest that our new method is the only long-term solution, but we are excited to see that this new idea looks incredibly promising. I expect that companies will be looking closely at this work to see if these new methods can be incorporated into their future strategies."

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The Route to Robust Quantum Computing: Interview with Shruti Puri | The New York Academy of Sciences – The New York Academy of Sciences

Posted: at 1:27 am

Quantum computing is a radically new way to store and process information based on the principles of quantum mechanics. While conventional computers store information in binary bits that are either 0s or 1s, quantum computers store information in quantum bits, or qubits. A qubit can be both 0 and 1 at the same time, and a series of qubits together remember many different things simultaneously.

Everyone agrees on the huge computational power this technology may bring about, but why are we still not there yet? To understand the challenges in this field and its potential solutions, we recently interviewed Shruti Puri, PhD, who works at the frontier of this exciting field. Puri is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Applied Physics at Yale University, and a Physical Sciences & Engineering Finalist of the 2020 Blavatnik Regional Awards for Young Scientists, recognized for her remarkable theoretical discoveries in quantum error correction that may pave the way for robust quantum computing technologies.

What is the main challenge you are addressing in quantum computing?

Thanks to recent advances in research and development, there are already small to mid-sized quantum computers made available by big companies. But these quantum computers have not been able to implement any practical applications such as drug and materials discovery. The reason is that quantum computers at this moment are extremely fragile, and even very small noise from their working environment can very quickly destroy the delicate quantum states. As it is almost impossible to completely isolate the quantum states from the environment, we need a way to correct quantum states before they are destroyed.

At a first glance, quantum error correction seems impossible. Due to the measurement principle of quantum mechanics, we cannot directly probe a quantum state to check if there was an error in it or not, because such operations will destroy the quantum state itself.

Fortunately, in the 1990s, people found indirect ways to faithfully detect and correct errors in quantum states. They are, however, at a cost of large resource overheads. If one qubit is affected by noise, we have to use at least five additional qubits to correct this error. The more errors we want to correct, the larger number of additional qubits it will consume. A lot of research efforts, including my own, are devoted to improving quantum error correction techniques.

What is your discovery? How will this discovery help solve the challenge you mention above?

In recent years, I have been interested in new qubit designs that have some in-built protection against noise. In particular, I developed the Kerr-cat qubit, in which one type of quantum error is automatically suppressed by design. This reduces the total number of quantum errors by half! So, quantum computers that adopt Kerr-cat require far fewer physical qubits for error correction than the other quantum computers.

Kerr-cat is not the only qubit with this property, but what makes the Kerr-cat special is that it is possible to maintain this protection while a user tries to modify the quantum state in a certain non-trivial way. As a comparison, for ordinary qubits, the act of the user modifying the state automatically destroys the protection. Since its discovery, the Kerr-cat has generated a lot of interest in the community and opened up a new direction for quantum error correction.

As a theoretician, do you collaborate with experimentalists? How are these synergized efforts helping you?

Yes, I do collaborate quite closely with experimentalists. The synergy between experiments and theory is crucial for solving the practical challenges facing quantum information science. Sometimes an experimental observation or breakthrough will provide a new tool for a theorist with which they can explore or model new quantum effects. Other times, a new theoretical prediction will drive experimental progress.

At Yale, I have the privilege to work next to the theoretical group of Steve Girvin and the experimental groups of Michel Devoret and Rob Schoelkopf, who are world leaders in superconducting quantum information processing. The theoretical development of the Kerr-cat qubit was actually a result of trying to undo a bug in the experiment. Members of Michels group also contributed to the development of this theory. What is more, Michels group first experimentally demonstrated the Kerr-cat qubit. It was just an amazing feeling to see this theory come to life in the lab!

Are there any other experimental developments that you are excited about?

I am very excited about a new generation of qubits that are being developed in several other academic groups, which have some inherent protection against noise. Kerr-cat is one of them, along with Gottesman-Kitaev-Preskill qubit, cat-codes, binomial codes, 0 qubit, etc. Several of these designs were developed by theorists in the early 2000s, and were not considered to be practical. But with experimental progress, these have now been demonstrated and are serious contenders for practical quantum information processing. In the coming years, the field of quantum error correction is going to be strongly influenced by the capabilities that will be enabled by these new qubit designs. So, I really look forward to learning how the experiments progress.

Interested in the latest experimental developments in quantum computer design and architecture? Register for the webinar Scaling up: New Advances in Building Quantum Computers, hosted by the New York Academy of Sciences on April 7. Featured speakers of this webinar include Andrew Houck, PhD, Professor of Electrical Engineering at Princeton University and Deputy Director of the Co-design Center for Quantum Advantage, and Christopher Monroe, PhD, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Physics at Duke University and Director of the Duke Quantum Center.

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Lectures by Harry Buhrman and Lo Ducas at Quantum Symposium of Dutch Payments Association – Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI)

Posted: at 1:26 am

At the 2021 Quantum Symposium of the Dutch Payments Association, two CWI speakers will give a lecture on the latest developments: Harry Burhman (CWI, UvA, QuSoft) and Lo Ducas (CWI). The conference specifically focuses on quantum computing and security topics with contributions from academic researchers, representatives from the banking industry and authorities in their work area. The event gives a brief update on developments related to quantum computing, explores opportunities, prepares for the advent of the quantum computer and aims to strengthen the dialogue between the academic and industry community.

Abstracts of the CWI contributions:* Quantum algoritmes Prof. Harry Buhrman (CWI, UvA and QuSoft) Quantum computers promise to have a great impact on how we do information processing tasks. The extra power comes the quantum mechanical effects of superposition, interference, and entanglement. Quantum computers require a fundamentally different hardware. The basic building block is a the qubit and operations on these qubits are fundamentally different from the operations that one performs on classical bits. Hence the software that runs on quantum computers is also fundamentally different from the way we are used to program computers. A major driving (research) question is the following: For which computational problems does a quantum computer have an advantage and how big is that advantage? This question is deeply intertwined with fundamental questions in computer science and only a partial answer has been found so far.Recent years has seen great progress in the fabrication of reasonably stable qubits: 50-100 qubits are available now, with a projected growth to a 1000 qubits within the next 5 years. These qubits however are physical qubits that deteriorate and decohere over time. It is known that error correction in combination with fault tolerant computation offer a solution to this decoherence problem. However, this comes at a the price of using a multitude of physical qubits to implement a single stable or logical qubit. This overhead is at the moment and in the near future prohibitively large. We therefore have to develop applications for quantum computers that have a relatively large amount of qubits that decohere over time. I will describe what the impact of the above considerations is on the design of quantum algorithms.

* Quantum resistant cryptography: Standardization and Recommendation - Dr. Lo Ducas (Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica)'In this talk, I first introduce quantum-resistant cryptography, (a.k.a. post-quantum cryptography), explain why it is needed very soon, and explain its difference with quantum cryptography. I then overview the ongoing standardization process of NIST (US National Institute for Standards and Technology), and summarize the pros and cons of the expected portfolio of standards. I conclude with a few recommendations for a safe and orderly transition to security against the cautioned advent of quantum-capable adversaries.'

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Lectures by Harry Buhrman and Lo Ducas at Quantum Symposium of Dutch Payments Association - Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI)

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The ScanEagle And Blackjack UASs Will Reshape Maritime Surveillance – The National Interest

Posted: at 1:25 am

The worlds oceans and seas are vast. Maritime challenges to U.S. interests and international legal and humanitarian responsibilities are increasing in both quantity and quality. But the number of Navy and Coast Guard ships available is relatively small, and given current budget realities, not likely to grow sufficiently to meet increasing demand. In addition, the Defense Department is considering restructuring Navy forces, including among other things, reducing the number of large-deck aircraft carriers on which the Fleet relies for much of its at-sea surveillance capabilities.

If the Navy and Coast Guard are going to continue using aircraft carriers for a broad range of missions, then it will be vital to enhance their airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. Equipping surface ships with small unmanned aerial systems (UASs), such as Insitus ScanEagle and Blackjack, expands their surveillance horizons, lethality, and overall effectiveness at a low cost. Moreover, small UASs are easy to launch and recover.

For several decades, the Sea Services have sought to use UASs to supplement their fleets of manned platforms. UASs, or drones, are particularly useful for conducting routine missions that require a long time on station, such as maritime ISR. While quite capable, platforms such as the MQ-4C Triton, the new MQ-25 Stingray, and the proposed SeaGuardian variant of the MQ-9 Predator B, are big undertakings requiring a lot of personnel. This limits their deployments to airfields or ships with large decks such as aircraft carriers. In addition, these systems are expensive to operate, albeit less costly than most manned platforms.

One challenge to deploying UASs on surface ships has been the lack of space for them. Even ships designed with a flight deck and hangar, such as the Navys Arleigh Burke destroyers and Littoral Combat Ships and the Coast Guards National Security Cutters (NSCs), have limited space for which UASs must compete with manned helicopters.

Today, both the Navy and Coast Guard are deploying a set of small ship-based UASs to supplement manned assets, performing many of the same roles that they do to support military and law enforcement missions. Two UASs that provide all the advantages of operating drones from surface ships while reducing their impact on other activities are the ScanEagle and the Blackjack. With their unique launch and recovery systems, these UASs permit expanded at-sea operations with minimal impact on ship efficiency.

Designed to be low-cost, easily repairable, rapidly modified, and with moderate manning requirements, the ScanEagle has proven a remarkable success since the first version was deployed to support the U.S. military almost twenty years ago. With its stabilized turret housing an advanced electro-optical or infrared sensor, ScanEagles conducted hundreds of thousands of hours of airborne surveillance in support of U.S. Marines in Iraq, transmitting high-resolution day/night images. While it operates at low altitude, the ScanEagle is so small and its engines so quiet that it is virtually undetectable to human observers. The ScanEagle family has logged more than 1.3 million operational hours supporting the U.S. military and numerous friends and allies.

The current version of this UAS, the ScanEagle 3, has a new design, better engines, improved power generation, and a greater carrying capacitynineteen poundsthan its predecessors. As a result, it can launch with multiple payloads simultaneously while staying in the air for up to 18 hours. Depending on the mission and desired range at which the platform will operate, the ScanEagle 3 can carry a sensor package consisting of an electro-optical/infrared camera, a laser pointer, a communication relay, an Automatic Identification System interrogator, and Vidar (visual detection and ranging, a surface search capability).

ScanEagle uses a unique launch and recovery system. It is launched via a pneumatic launcher and is recovered using a hook on the end of the wingtip to catch a rope hanging from a thirty-to-fifty-foot pole. This system is particularly well-suited to operations from unimproved land locations or surface ships with limited open spaces. It also requires a small launch and recovery crew.

The ScanEagle is currently aboard all nine of the Coast Guards new Legend-class NSC. ScanEagle more than doubles the range at which an NSC can conduct ISR relying solely on its onboard sensors, from thirty-five miles to as much as seventy-five miles. This represents a total area search volume four times greater than would possible in the absence of ScanEagle.

Coast Guard Commandant Karl Shultz has effusively praised the ScanEagle: ScanEagle is truly a game changer for our crews and Im proud to report that this technology is coming to every National Security Cutter in our fleet. But, and theres always a but, not quickly enough. Id like to accelerate the fielding of this technology, doubling the delivery schedule of this key enabler from two to four systems per year. At that rate, by the end of my tenure as commandant, we will field full ScanEagle capability across our entire National Security Cutter fleet.

Insitus newest entry in the small UAS market is the RQ-21A Blackjack. Derived from the ScanEagle, and originally called the Integrator, the Blackjack won the competition to be the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps next-generation Small Tactical UAS. Larger than the ScanEagle, it is capable of flying farther, faster, and at higher altitudes. It has an operating range similar to that of the ScanEagle. The Blackjack has a payload of about fifty pounds, allowing it to carry a multi-intelligence sensor package that currently consists of electro-optical zoom and mid-wave infrared cameras, plus an infrared marker and a laser rangefinder. The Blackjack can remain airborne for up to twenty-four hours. Launch and recovery methods for the Blackjack are the same as that used for the ScanEagle and employ the same equipment.

New communications technologies could radically expand the search envelope of the Blackjack by no longer requiring the UAS to operate within its pilots line of sight. By employing a lightweight satellite communications system, the Blackjacks operational range could be increased to more than three hundred miles from its launch location while remaining on station for about fourteen hours. This would increase the area a Blackjack-equipped ship could search by nearly an order of magnitude. With an extended-range Blackjack, a handful of Navy destroyers or Coast Guard NSCs could provide blanket ISR coverage of the western Pacific.

Dan Gour, Ph.D., is a vice president at the public-policy research think tank Lexington Institute. Goure has a background in the public sector and U.S. federal government, most recently serving as a member of the 2001 Department of Defense Transition Team. You can follow him on Twitter at @dgoure and the Lexington Institute @LexNextDC.

Image: Reuters.

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Group posts $5,000 reward in Blackjack’s slaying | News | thedigitalcourier.com – The Daily Courier

Posted: at 1:25 am

RALEIGH Help Asheville Bears is offering a $5,000 reward in exchange for information leading to the arrest of the person or persons responsible for fatally shooing a quarter horse in the head.

Poacher Strike Force (PSF) private investigators are prepared to assist the Rutherford County Sheriffs Office to bring who is responsible to justice. Blackjack, a 21-year-old horse belonging to Robert Hill in Rutherfordton, was killed at the familys farm on 759 Arrowood Road during the early morning hours on Monday, March 22. The motive is unknown at this time. Those who may have any information on this incident are urged to call the tip line.

Information leading to an arrest in this case is eligible for the Help Asheville Bears $5,000 reward. Tipsters can remain anonymous. Call 855-SOS-BEAR or 877-PSF-TIPS.

Through the Help Asheville Bears reward offering system, Poacher Strike Force investigators have been able to assist local law enforcement make arrests in poaching incidents. Most recently, the team awarded $10,000 to a tipster in West Virginia following a successful arrest in a bear poaching case.

Poacher Strike Force is working to stop the rampant poaching taking place around the country, and this is a high priority incident in the Rutherford County area. Tips from the public assist investigators make arrests in poaching incidents and will be compensated. Reports of additional stabbings along the North Carolina and South Carolina border are also under investigation. With the support of private donors, the PSF team of former police, wildlife investigators, military elite & woodsmen are committed to providing additional resources to assist local law enforcement make arrests in poaching incidents.

Anyone who has information on this incident is urged to call the Poacher Strike Force tip line at 877-773-8477.

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Matt James spotted at a blackjack table with RHONJs Melissa Gorga – Monsters and Critics

Posted: at 1:25 am

Melissa Gorga and Matt James were spotted at a blackjack table together in Las Vegas. Pic credit: ABC/Bravo

The Bachelors Matt James was spotted out with The Real Housewives of New Jerseys Melissa Gorga at a casino in Las Vegas.

On March 25th, Virgin Hotels hosted a lavish grand opening party full of alcohol, food, and gambling.

The hotel invited reality stars from shows all across television, and they were able to rub elbows for the first time in a while since public-health restrictions have prevented much travel until now.

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Melissa Gorga took to her Instagram story to repost a photo that her cousin Nicholas Marco caught of her and James on the casino floor.

Shooters got to take their shot. Even if it is long distance. OMG - #Bachelorette alum Bennett Jordan seems somewhat enamored by #Bachelor alum Kelley Flanagan after she posted an Instagram story of her dancing around to Mariah Careys Fantasy.

In true Bennett fashion, he showed his interest by doing a similar video and its hilarious. His adorable caption to the video included the line, I didnt realize brief clips of Fantasy could give such feels until earlier this week.

Kelley has yet to comment but we are kinda hoping she does! Do you think these two could be a match?? See both videos at #linkinbio!

(: @kelleyflanagan /Instagram @bennettandrewjordan /Instagram)

-#BachelorNation #BachelorMondays #ABC #bachelorparty #bachelorabc #thebachelor #abcthebachelor #bachelormonday #bachelorviewingparties #bachelormemes #bachelorspoilers #kelleyflanagan #BIP #bachelorinparadise #love #thebacheloretteabc #bachelortea #bennettjordan #pilotpete #pilotpeter #couplealert #realitytvnews ...

With what Bachelor fans have dubbed his single guy beard in full effect, James hunched over in excitement over a game of blackjack. Melissas husband, Joe Gorga, was rooting them on from behind the table.

According to Eater Las Vegas, the new hotel boasts [a] 60,000-square-foot casino from Mohegan Sun, the first Native American tribe to operate a Las Vegas casino, plus it features 650 slots and more than 150 table games.

James and Gorga took full advantage of this brand new, state-of-the-art casino to have a good time.

The last we heard from James was his appearance on the Bill Simmons Podcast.

In this interview, Matt expressed that he was ready to move on from his breakup with his seasons winner Rachael Kirkconnell; not by dating, but by putting his energy into his work, family, and friends.

James said he wants to leave The Bachelor world behind, especially since some fans harshly attacked him via social media after he broke off his relationship with Kirkconnell amid her plantation party controversy.

Due to the immense amounts of hate, James deleted his Instagram photo feed.

Matt recently reactivated his account, but he deleted the photos he had posted of his time on The Bachelor.

Because of his distancing from the reality TV world, fans were surprised when they saw James at the Virgin Hotels party.

But it seems James is just trying to have fun, and this Vegas celebration was his chance to party and gamble with other reality stars who may understand what he is going through coming off of his season.

Others seen at the star-studded event included Selling Sunsets Chrishell Strause, The Real Housewives of Atlantas Kim Zolciak, Vanderpump Rules Tom Schwartz and Tom Sandoval, and Mario Lopez.

There are rumors that Bravo is going to demote Gorga from full-time Housewife to a friend of going into season 12.

RHONJ fans have been calling for her to be cut from the show after previews deceived audiences into thinking that Joe was cheating on Melissa. It turned out that the editing was used to ham up the drama, and there was actually never a cheating plotline. This caused many to think that she needed to be removed because of the lack of interesting storylines.

As this season unfolds, and until Bravo officially announces any changes to casting, Gorga is having a great time in Vegas with her friends and family.

The Bachelor is currently on hiatus.

The Real Housewives of New Jersey airs Wednesdays at 9/8c on Bravo.

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Detailed Review of the Deadwood Mountain Grand Casino South Dakota – BestUSCasinos.org

Posted: at 1:25 am

Deadwood Mountain Grand Casino is one of the most vibrant casinos in the small town of Deadwood, South Dakota. One of over 20 casinos in town, Deadwood Mountain Grand sure has its perks.

Todays post will cover Deadwood Mountain Grands perks and what you can expect from this rocking and rolling casino if youre planning on making it one of your stops in Deadwood.

We will start with a quick overview of the casino, giving you an idea of what to expect before the latter sections describe things in greater detail. From the casino gaming to the number of area attractions the Deadwood area boasts, lets begin the discussion on yet another hot casino in the area.

Whether youre in the mood for an array of table games or if youre a slot enthusiast, Deadwood Mountain Grand Casino has it. Youll also discover a fair number of deals and promotions when you frequent the casino. This grows even sweeter if you become a member of Grand Rewards.

Deadwood Grand also possesses two dining options, each with a unique flair. Best yet, youre getting a dose of fun dining whether you frequent Six String or Santanas Sports Bar and Grill.

They also have some of the areas coolest entertainment options. Whether youre looking for the big-time act, or a smaller, upcoming local artist, odds are youll find a new group to cheer for when you frequent Deadwood Grand.

Their hotel turns this casino venue into a resort. Their modern amenities present just the tip of the iceberg. It also features vast meeting space, a coffee and gift shop, and even the Grand Spa and Salon.

Now that you know a little of what Deadwood Grand offers, the next sections will build on everything discussed here. So, if you have questions with, say, the gaming, you can expect them to be answered in the sections below.

Speaking of gaming, lets start with it.

As stated in the intro, gaming at Deadwood Mountain Grand Casino comprises slots and tables.

Their slot machine count ranges at around 200, featuring both classic and state-of-the-art themes. Odds are, youll have fun stumbling upon an older game. However, theyre even greater that you will discover at least one new slot machine theme to add to your repertoire.

Plus, it doesnt matter if youre into recreational gaming or if youd like higher stakes. They offer more than just penny denominations here.

If youre into table gaming, Deadwood Grand is the casino for you. Given their vast table gaming options, theyre known more for their tables in Deadwood than perhaps anything else. Their main table gaming staples include: Texas Holdem, blackjack, craps, and roulette.

Youll also find a greater selection with newer games like Six-Deck Blackjack with a 21 + 3 Xtreme Side Bet, Three-Card Poker with a Six-Card Side Bet, Double-Deck Blackjack, Six-Deck Blackjack with a Lucky Ladies Side Bet, Six-Deck Blackjack with a Double Bonus Side Bet, and craps with 10x odds.

You have two outstanding dining options at Deadwood Mountain Grand Casino. If youre looking for fun and casual, head over to Six String: Casual and Fun Dining by Chef Aaron Richards. Yes, youre getting a decent layout of food and drink inspired by the chefs favorites.

And you cant go wrong at Six String. But if youre looking for an exceptional place to catch the big game, Santanas Sports Bar and Grill is where its happening. They claim to be

Deadwoods most unique place to refuel on fun, food, and drinks.

Given their reputation in the area, perhaps such a claim is not so farfetched.Along with your favorite crafts, cocktails, and bar food, youre getting professional and college sports games on their 12 big-screen televisions.

Besides the big games, they also feature lush Happy Hour deals along with free live music when the sun goes down. You cant ask for much more when you frequent Santanas.

For current promotions at Deadwood Mountain Grand Casino, be sure to check the rundown of whats happening when you visit the venue. And as youll discover, theyre offering you more ways to win, or at least more chances to strike gold here.

You may also notice that you wont maximize these promotions unless you become a member of the Grand Rewards Club at Deadwood Grand.

As with any loyalty program, the Grand Rewards Club allows you to take advantage of those sweet casino promotions. Plus, they give you an opportunity to earn loyalty points and casino comps from playing your favorite slot machine or table game.

Its free to sign up, and you can earn Grand Rewards Points immediately. The more points you win, the sweeter those benefits become.

So, step up to your favorite game, insert or flash your card at the slots or tables and see what benefits await. Benefits range from exclusive offers and taking part in exciting promotions as a Base Member to $100 in promotional play during your birthday month as a Diamond Member.

Apart from those sweet promotions and loyalty programs, youre also getting top-notch entertainment at Deadwood Mountain Grand Casino. Check the events calendar provided in the link and youll come across some familiar big names in the industry.

Acts like Larry the Cable Guy, Home Free, and Under the Street Lamp frequent the venue. And its just a tiny sample size of everything you will come across here at one of Deadwoods finest outlets. Check the calendar, book your tickets, and brace yourself for something amazing.

Deadwood Mountain Grand Casinos Hotel provides an outstanding array of contemporary features and comfort.

Amenities include a grand, two-story fireplace, which is perhaps their premier attraction. They also feature a lounge, pool, hot tub, spa, and salon. Best yet, their amenities are rich with history, nature, and world-class entertainment.

Hence the name Grand Mountain, youre in for some of the most breathtaking views from the mountainside. Overlooking Deadwood, the 98-room hotel offers the most stunning looks of the nearby forests with Downtown Deadwood nestled within the valley.

Youre also getting luxury rooms and suites, meaning Deadwood Mountain Grand is the perfect way to go long. Of their 98 rooms, they feature five fully-furnished suites, in which they claim can be fit for royals. Thats a grand testament, right?

And perhaps youre looking for a place to hold your next meeting or work event. If so, the meeting rooms and spaces at Deadwood Grand provide enough space whether youre in a small group of 10 or if youre hosting a conference of over 1,000.

Given the hotels proximity to Downtown Deadwood, there isnt another venue in the region with so much under a single roof just steps away from top-notch casino gaming, dining, entertainment, and nearby attractions.

Now that weve mentioned attractions, perhaps there is no other tiny village in the Heartland so full of them, as you will discover in the next section.

Experience Deadwood by starting your journey at Deadwood Mountain Grand Casino. The Deadwood Experience comprises over 20 casinos of varying sizes and atmospheres. Youll find larger ones in the region, mid-sized casinos like Deadwood Grand, and even smaller venues.

However, dont limit yourself to just casino gaming when you frequent the area. Attractions also include the Adams House, Adams Museum, Calamity Jane Show, Deadwood Re-Enactors, Mount Moriah, Mount Roosevelt, Off-Roading, Days of 76 Museum, Broken Boot Candlelight Tour, and so much more.

Plus, Mount Rushmore and Chief Crazy Horse Monuments are about a 45-minute drive up the road. So, if youre willing to take a ride into the South Dakota wild for even more fun, Deadwood and the entire state of South Dakota have what youre looking for.

Whether youre looking for historical sites, the open range, parks, or monuments in the Black Hills of South Dakota, Deadwood is your ultimate hub. Odds are, you wont want to leave this vibrant area with more attractions than some of Americas largest cities.

Deadwood Mountain Grand Casino has it all. And as with many casinos in Deadwood, it doesnt have the largest gaming floor. However, it makes up for it with just enough gaming to keep you interested, along with a plethora of amenities that will make the casino trip just a small slice in a larger vacation pie.

If youre looking to make your trip to Deadwood the best vacation yet, youll spend some time catching a grand gaming experience at the casino, and even more time catching a grand vacationing experience around Deadwood.

Have you been to Deadwood Mountain Grand Casino? And have you been to Deadwood, South Dakota? If so, tell us about your experience in the comments. We cant wait to hear your stories and discover what you did during your time in the American Heartlands favorite village.

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Scientists find genetic link to clogged arteries | The Source – Washington University in St. Louis Newsroom

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High cholesterol is the most commonly understood cause of atherosclerosis, a hardening of the arteries that raises the risk of heart attack and stroke. But now, scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have identified a gene that likely plays a causal role in coronary artery disease independent of cholesterol levels. The gene also likely has roles in related cardiovascular diseases, including high blood pressure and diabetes.

The study appears March 24 in the journal Science Translational Medicine.

Studying mice and genetic data from people, the researchers found that the gene calledSVEP1 makes a protein that drives the development of plaque in the arteries. In mice, animals missing one copy ofSVEP1had less plaque in the arteries than mice with both copies. The researchers also selectively reduced the protein in the arterial walls of mice, and this further reduced the risk of atherosclerosis.

Evaluating human genetic data, the researchers found that genetic variation influencing the levels of this protein in the body correlated with the risk of developing plaque in the arteries. Genetically determined high levels of the protein meant higher risk of plaque development and vice versa. Similarly, they found higher levels of the protein correlated with higher risk of diabetes and higher blood pressure readings.

Cardiovascular disease remains the most common cause of death worldwide, said cardiologistNathan O. Stitziel, MD, PhD, associate professor of medicine and of genetics. A major goal of treatment for cardiovascular disease has appropriately been focused on lowering cholesterol levels. But there must be causes of cardiovascular disease that are not related to cholesterol or lipids in the blood. We can decrease cholesterol to very low levels, and some people still harbor residual risk of future coronary artery disease events. Were trying to understand what else is going on, so we can improve that as well.

This is not the first nonlipid gene identified that has been implicated in cardiovascular disease. But the exciting aspect of this discovery is that it lends itself better to developing future therapies, according to the investigators.

The researchers including co-first authors In-Hyuk Jung, PhD, a staff scientist, and Jared S. Elenbaas, a doctoral student in Stitziels lab further showed that this protein is a complex structural molecule and is manufactured by vascular smooth muscle cells, which are cells in the walls of blood vessels that contract and relax the vasculature. The protein was shown to drive inflammation in the plaques in the artery walls and to make the plaques less stable. Unstable plaque is particularly dangerous because it can break loose, leading to the formation of a blood clot, which can cause heart attack or stroke.

In animal models, we found that the protein induced atherosclerosis and promoted unstable plaque, Jung said. We also saw that it increased the number of inflammatory immune cells in the plaque and decreased collagen, which serves a stabilizing function in plaques.

According to Stitziel, other genes previously identified as raising the risk of cardiovascular disease independent of cholesterol appear to have widespread roles in the body and are therefore more likely to have far-reaching undesirable side effects if blocked in an effort to prevent cardiovascular disease. AlthoughSVEP1is required for early development of the embryo, eliminating the protein in adult mice did not appear to be detrimental, according to the researchers.

The human genetic data showed a naturally occurring wide range of this protein in the general population, suggesting that we might be able to alter its levels in a safe way and potentially decrease coronary artery disease, Elenbaas said.

Ongoing work in Stitziels group is focused on seeking ways to block the protein or reduce its levels in an effort to identify new compounds or possible treatments for coronary artery disease and, perhaps, high blood pressure and diabetes. The researchers have worked with Washington UniversitysOffice of Technology Management (OTM)to file a patent for therapies that target the SVEP1 protein.

This work was supported in part by grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), grant numbers T32GM007200, T32HL134635, T32HL007081, R01HL53325, R01HL131961, UM1HG008853 and UL1TR002345; a career award from the National Lipid Association; and by The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital.

Jung I, Elenbaas JS, et al. SVEP1 is a human coronary artery disease locus that promotes atherosclerosis. Science Translational Medicine. March 24, 2021.

Washington University School of Medicines 1,500 faculty physicians also are the medical staff ofBarnes-JewishandSt. Louis Childrenshospitals. The School of Medicine is a leader in medical research, teaching and patient care, ranking among the top 10 medical schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Through its affiliations with Barnes-Jewish and St. Louis Childrens hospitals, the School of Medicine is linked toBJC HealthCare.

Originally published by the School of Medicine

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This rabbit walks on its ‘hands.’ Scientists think they’ve found the genetic reason why – Science Magazine

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By Elizabeth PennisiMar. 25, 2021 , 2:00 PM

In 1935, French veterinarians observed a rabbit with a peculiar gait. Sometimes, when walking or running, the sauteur dAlfort rabbit would lift its back legs over its head, scrambling along the ground on its forelimbs like a circus performer (see video, above).

Now, scientists have pinned down the genetic mutation that likely causes this breed to have this strange form of locomotion. The gene involved holds clues to how the spinal cord enables walking, hopping, and even hand-standinga finding that dovetails with other work over the past decade on mice and horses. Together, the studies provide an emerging picture that may help explain how all vertebrates, including humans, move around.

The work could help scientists treat human motor deficits like Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease, a nervous system disease characterized by muscle weakness, says Stephanie Koch, a neuroscientist at University College London who was not involved with any of the studies but has seen similar odd gaits in mice. The studys results are both surprising and exciting.

Gait is complex. Left, right, front, and back limbs must move at the right times. Muscles need to contract just the right amount to bend, straighten, lift, and twist the legs appropriately. And the body has to be able to switch from, say, walking to running, or going forward to sideways, in an instant should the senses detect danger or obstacles.

A set of nerve cells in the spinal cord called the central pattern generatornot the brainmakes most of these decisions. But just how has been unclear, says Snia Paixo, a neuroscientist at the Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology.

Researchers know nerve cells called interneurons, which relay sensory information from the rest of the body to the motor neurons that control muscles, play key roles. Several teams have been working to define classes of interneurons, often categorized by what genes are active in them. Then will come the hard work of figuring out what those neurons do. The exact nature and function of relevant interneurons have been hard to pin down, says Abdel El Manira, a neuroscientist at the Karolinska Institute (KI).

Thats where the sauteur, or jumperrabbit comes in. Geneticists Leif Andersson from Uppsala University (UU) and Miguel Carneiro from the University of Porto decided to try to track down the DNA behind the animal's strange gait after sequencing a rabbit genome in 2014. They mated jumper rabbits with another breed to create first- and second-generation animals with either the normal or hand-standing walk. Then the researchers compared DNA from affected and unaffected rabbits and pinned down one mutation in a gene called RORB. Working with UU developmental biologist Klas Kullander, they tracked down where and when this gene was active.

In these rabbits, the mutation causes aberrant versionsor sometimes none at allof the RORB protein to be produced in a specific group of interneurons, the team reports today in PLOS Genetics. This protein is a transcription factor, meaning it controls the activity of many other genes. Developmental studies showed that the result of two defective RORB genes is those interneurons are completely missing, and in rabbits with one copy there are 25% fewer of them. These interneurons are inhibitorythey stop nerve cells from firingand when they are missing, the rabbits flex certain muscles too much, lifting their hind legs more than they should.

I was impressed that the authors were able to identify a single gene mutation, says Jeremy Dasen, a neuroscientist at New York University. Because locomotion is such a complicated behavior, he expected multiple genes and multiple classes of interneurons would be involved. But this paper drives home that, like modular homes with independent sections put together to make a dwelling, locomotion is achieved through the combined efforts of individual classes of interneurons, he adds.

RORB also seems to control hind-limb coordination in mice: Rodents missing a functional RORB gene waddle like ducks. As a result, says KI neuroscientist Sten Grillner, the importance of RORB applies most likely to all limbed animals including humans. People with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease also have atypical RORB proteins.

RORB is the second gene that Anderssons team has pinpointed as important to gait. In 2012, he and colleagues linked a mutation in a protein called DMRT3, which helps researchers identify a subset of interneurons, to an unusual walking gait called toelt. In Icelandic horses that exhibit toelt, the hind limbs support more weight than the front limbs, making the gait more fluid. Anderssons team confirmed the proteins role by making the same mutation in mice. Breeders have selected for this horse mutation because the altered gait gives a very smooth ride. Some of the horses carrying this mutation can also trot and pace at high speed, which makes them excellent for harness racing. And a connection exists between this group of interneurons and the RORB defect, the researchers now report: Rabbits with the mutation make lots more of the DMRT3 interneurons. The researchers do not yet know why.

Understanding how all the nervous system components interact is a challenge, Paixao says. Advances like the rabbit paper illustrate the progress made possible by combining developmental, genetic, and behavioral studies. We are now in a pivotal time to achieve these goals, she adds. It is an exciting time to see how all the pieces of motor control are coming together.

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Triplet Therapeutics to Present at Upcoming Events – Business Wire

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CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Triplet Therapeutics, Inc., a biotechnology company leveraging insights from the human genetics of repeat expansion disorders (REDs), today announced that Nessan Bermingham, Ph.D., Triplets chief executive officer, president and founder, will present at the following upcoming virtual events:

Dr. Bermingham will discuss Triplets recent activities, including plans to file an investigational new drug application for TTX-3360 in Huntingtons disease in the second half of 2021, pipeline development and completion of enrollment of SHIELD HD, its natural history study of Huntingtons disease.

About Triplet TherapeuticsTriplet Therapeutics is a biotechnology company developing transformational treatments for patients with repeat expansion disorders (REDs) a group of more than 50 known genetic diseases including Huntingtons disease (HD), myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs), fragile X syndrome and familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) leveraging insights from patient genetics. Triplet uses a proprietary approach to design, develop and deliver potential therapeutics for REDs, enabling the Company to develop a single oligonucleotide targeting the DNA Damage Response (DDR) pathway to potentially treat multiple REDs.

Triplet is headquartered in Cambridge, Mass. For more information, please visit http://www.triplettx.com.

About TTX-3360TTX-3360, an antisense oligonucleotide, is Triplets first clinical candidate. TTX-3360 is the first clinical candidate with the potential to modify the course of REDs, including HD, by targeting the DDR pathway. Triplet plans to file an investigational new drug application for TTX-3360 in the second half of 2021, with a focus on HD. TTX-3360 may also be a candidate for the treatment of other central nervous system diseases including SCAs, DM1 and approximately 30 additional potential REDs impacting the central nervous system.

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