364 research outputs found
Solving Large-Scale Optimization Problems Related to Bell's Theorem
Impossibility of finding local realistic models for quantum correlations due
to entanglement is an important fact in foundations of quantum physics, gaining
now new applications in quantum information theory. We present an in-depth
description of a method of testing the existence of such models, which involves
two levels of optimization: a higher-level non-linear task and a lower-level
linear programming (LP) task. The article compares the performances of the
existing implementation of the method, where the LPs are solved with the
simplex method, and our new implementation, where the LPs are solved with a
matrix-free interior point method. We describe in detail how the latter can be
applied to our problem, discuss the basic scenario and possible improvements
and how they impact on overall performance. Significant performance advantage
of the matrix-free interior point method over the simplex method is confirmed
by extensive computational results. The new method is able to solve problems
which are orders of magnitude larger. Consequently, the noise resistance of the
non-classicality of correlations of several types of quantum states, which has
never been computed before, can now be efficiently determined. An extensive set
of data in the form of tables and graphics is presented and discussed. The
article is intended for all audiences, no quantum-mechanical background is
necessary.Comment: 19 pages, 7 tables, 1 figur
Nonclassicality of pure two-qutrit entangled states
We report an exhaustive numerical analysis of violations of local realism by
two qutrits in all possible pure entangled states. In Bell type experiments we
allow any pairs of local unitary U(3) transformations to define the measurement
bases. Surprisingly, Schmidt rank-2 states, resembling pairs of maximally
entangled qubits, lead to the most noise-robust violations of local realism.
The phenomenon seems to be even more pronounced for four and five dimensional
systems, for which we tested a few interesting examples.Comment: 6 pages, journal versio
Fiber opticsensors for precursory acoustic signals detection in rockfall events
Two fiber optic sensors (FOSs) for detection of precursory acoustic emissions in rockfall events are addressed and experimentally characterized. Both sensors are based on interferometric schemes, with the first one consisting of a fiber coil used as sensing element and the second one exploiting a micro-machined cantilever carved on the top of a ferrule. Preliminary comparisons with standard piezo-electric transducers shows the viability of such FOSs for acoustic emission monitoring in rock masses
Body image is an important augmentation to quality of life in evaluating the results of laparoscopic versus classic surgery
SDG 3: Good health and well-being - framing targets to maximise co-benefits for forests and people
Key Points: The achievement of SDG 3 depends on many other SDGs; some SDGs are logically inconsistent, especially in the attempt to increase conventionally defined GDP while preserving natural capital. Any short-term gains for human health from further forest conversion (e.g. food production) creates short- and long-term, direct and indirect health risks for humans, as well as for other biota. Failure to ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive healthcare services (including family planning) will increase pressure on forests at local, regional and global scales. The burning and clearing of forests cause significant harm to health via impaired quality of water, soil and air; increased exposure to infectious diseases and impacts climate regulation. Many infectious diseases are associated with forest disturbances and intrusions; some important infectious diseases have emerged from forests (notably HIV/AIDS). Greater exposure to green space, including forests, provides mental and physical health benefits for the growing global urban population
Chronic mild stress alters the somatostatin receptors in the rat brain
RATIONALE: The involvement of somatostatin (SST) and its receptors in the pathophysiology of depression and stress has been evidenced by numerous studies. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study was to find whether chronic mild stress (CMS), an animal model of depression, affects the SST receptors in the rat brain and pituitary, as well as the level of SST in plasma. METHODS: In CMS model, rats were subjected to 2Â weeks of stress and behaviorally characterized using the sucrose consumption test into differently reacting groups based on their response to stress, i.e., stress-reactive (anhedonic), stress-non-reactive (resilient), and invert-reactive rats (characterized by excessive sucrose intake). We measured specific binding of [(125)I]Tyr(3)-Octreotide, expression of mRNA encoding sst2R receptors in the rat brains, expression of SST and its receptors in rat pituitary, and the level of SST in the plasma. RESULTS: The obtained results show decreases in binding of [(125)I]Tyr(3)-Octreotide in most of rat brain regions upon CMS and no significant differences between three stressed groups of animals, except for significant up-regulation of sst2 receptor in medial habenula (MHb) in the stress-reactive group. In the same group of animals, significant increase in plasma SST level was observed. CONCLUSIONS: There are two particularly sensitive sites distinguishing the response to stress in CMS model. In the brain, it is MHb, while on the periphery this predictor is SST level in plasma. These changes may broaden an understanding of the mechanisms involved in the stress response and point to the intriguing role of MHb
Creatinine monitoring patterns in the setting of direct oral anticoagulant therapy for non-valvular atrial fibrillation
Guidelines and experts note that patients with atrial fibrillation require regular renal function monitoring to ensure safe use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). Insufficient monitoring could lead to inappropriate dosing and adverse events. Our objective was to describe the frequency of insufficient creatinine monitoring among patients on DOACs, and to describe clinical factors associated with insufficient monitoring. We hypothesized that renal impairment would be associated with insufficient monitoring. A retrospective cohort study was performed with data from the Michigan Anticoagulant Quality Improvement Initiative. Patients were included if they initiated DOAC therapy for stroke prevention related to atrial fibrillation, remained on therapy forââ„â1 year, and had baseline creatinine and weight measurements. Creatinine clearance (CrCl) was calculated via Cockcroft-Gault equation. Our outcome was the presence of insufficient creatinine monitoring, defined as:â\u3câ1 creatinine level/year for patients with CrClâ\u3eâ50, orâ\u3câ2 creatinine levels/year for patients with CrClââ€â50. Multivariable analysis was done via logistic regression. Study population included 511 patients. In overall, 14.0% of patients received insufficient monitoring. Among patients with CrClâ\u3eâ50, 11.5% hadâ\u3câ1 creatinine level/year. Among patients with CrClââ€â50, 27.1% receivedâ\u3câ2 creatinine levels/year. Baseline renal dysfunction was associated with a higher likelihood of insufficient creatinine monitoring (adjusted odds ratio 3.64, 95% confidence interval 1.81-7.29). This shows a significant gap in the monitoring of patients on DOACs-patients with renal impairment are already at higher risk for adverse events. Future studies are needed to describe the barriers in monitoring these patients and to identify how to optimally address them
Quantum interferometry with three-dimensional geometry
Quantum interferometry uses quantum resources to improve phase estimation
with respect to classical methods. Here we propose and theoretically
investigate a new quantum interferometric scheme based on three-dimensional
waveguide devices. These can be implemented by femtosecond laser waveguide
writing, recently adopted for quantum applications. In particular, multiarm
interferometers include "tritter" and "quarter" as basic elements,
corresponding to the generalization of a beam splitter to a 3- and 4-port
splitter, respectively. By injecting Fock states in the input ports of such
interferometers, fringe patterns characterized by nonclassical visibilities are
expected. This enables outperforming the quantum Fisher information obtained
with classical fields in phase estimation. We also discuss the possibility of
achieving the simultaneous estimation of more than one optical phase. This
approach is expected to open new perspectives to quantum enhanced sensing and
metrology performed in integrated photonic.Comment: 7 pages (+4 Supplementary Information), 5 figure
Regulation of somatostatin receptor 2 in the context of antidepressant treatment response in chronic mild stress in rat
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