This thesis is a collection of theoretical works aiming at adjusting quantum algorithms to the hardware of quantum computers. The overarching topic of these efforts is to enable digital quantum... Show moreThis thesis is a collection of theoretical works aiming at adjusting quantum algorithms to the hardware of quantum computers. The overarching topic of these efforts is to enable digital quantum simulation, the process of approximating the ground state of an arbitrary physical system with elementary operations of a quantum computer. For fermionic systems, a class including molecules and materials, the impact of quantum computing would be undoubtedly high, and algorithms exist for their simulation. However, there is a certain gap between the requirements of those algorithms and what actual quantum devices can provide: it seems that our expectations of a fully-fledged quantum computer still exceed our capabilities to build it. To make quantum simulation feasible, we seek to adapt quantum algorithms to three different types of device limitations within this thesis. Show less
Lysosomal glycosidases are acid hydrolases that fragment glycoconjugates in lysosomes. Their inherited deficiency in human is the cause of a number of lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs),... Show moreLysosomal glycosidases are acid hydrolases that fragment glycoconjugates in lysosomes. Their inherited deficiency in human is the cause of a number of lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs), showing characteristic lysosomal accumulation of undegraded glycoconjugates. In the past, activity-based probes (ABPs) based on cyclophellitol or cyclophellitol aziridine scaffold have emerged as powerful tools enabling sensitive quantification of a number of lysosomal glycosidases in extracts of cells and tissue, as well as in intact cells. This thesis describes the characterization of several novel ABP classes targeting α-glucosidase, β-glucuronidase, α-L-iduronidase, α-mannosidase, β-mannosidase, and β-galactosidase, as well as a broad scale of applications for ABPs in LSD research. Novel glucocerebrosidase inhibitors based on the cyclophellitol scaffold are also described, which are brain-permeable, selective, and potently inactivate the enzyme in adult zebrafish. Additionally, a protocol for gel-based and microscopy-based detection of glucocerebrosidase is described. Show less
This thesis revolves around the electronic spectroscopy of molecules in the laboratory and the search for the carriers of the diffuse interstellar bands (DIBs). The electronic spectra of carbon... Show moreThis thesis revolves around the electronic spectroscopy of molecules in the laboratory and the search for the carriers of the diffuse interstellar bands (DIBs). The electronic spectra of carbon chains are measured and analyzed in the lab, and the abundance of molecules in the diffuse interstellar regions of our Galaxy is quantified to provide some insight on the nature of the DIB carriers and of the environments where they might be found. In particular, cavity-enhanced absorption methods are employed to record spectra of linear hydrocarbons with which molecular constants are obtained. The wavelength positions of the electronic bands found in the lab are then compared to DIB spectra. Finally, absorption lines of interstellar OH+ are searched for in the near-UV spectra of starlight through diffuse and translucent clouds. These lines are used in deriving the abundance of OH+ and inferring the cosmic-ray ionization rates in these interstellar regions. These rates, in turn, are relevant to link to potential DIB carriers in these environments. Show less
The Low Frequency Array enables studies of low-frequency carbon radio recombination lines with unprecedented sensitivity, spectral and spatial resolution. In this thesis we benefit from the... Show moreThe Low Frequency Array enables studies of low-frequency carbon radio recombination lines with unprecedented sensitivity, spectral and spatial resolution. In this thesis we benefit from the capabilities of LOFAR to study the cold interstellar medium through carbon radio recombination lines. We find that at low-frequencies these lines trace cold gas, associated with the C+/CI/CO interface of photo-dissociation regions. This opens up the possibility to study these interfaces over large regions of the Milky Way. Show less
This thesis studied in depth the energy use and CO2 emissions of the industrial sector in China. As discussed in chapter 1, being responsible for about 84% of the Chinese CO2 emissions in 2015, the... Show moreThis thesis studied in depth the energy use and CO2 emissions of the industrial sector in China. As discussed in chapter 1, being responsible for about 84% of the Chinese CO2 emissions in 2015, the industrial sector plays a vital role in achieving the emission goals for China. The regional and sectoral heterogeneities have been considered since the industrial sector is distributed in different regions and consists of different sub-sectors. Chapter 2 studied the regional heterogeneity in industrial carbon intensity and its drivers in specific years of 1999. 2005, 2010 and 2015. Chapter 3 investigated the driving forces of industrial aggregate energy intensity (IAEI) and the contribution of each industrial sub-sector to the changes in IAEI. Chapter 4 studied to what extent performance convergence of energy-intensive industries across provinces can contribute to CO2 emission reductions and China’s emission goals. Chapter 5 provided a critical literature review on the historical drivers of industrial CO2 emissions and the projected ranges for future emissions against the backdrop of policy goals, both for the industrial sector as a whole, and for the major industrial sub-sectors (electricity generation, cement production, steel production, chemicals, petroleum and non-ferrous metals). Show less
