Ultimate sensitivity of precision measurements with Gaussian quantum light : a multi-modal approach

Multimode Gaussian quantum light, which includes multimode squeezed and multipartite quadrature entangled light, is a very general and powerful quantum resource with promising applications in quantum information processing and metrology. In this paper, we determine the ultimate sensitivity in the estimation of any parameter when the information about this parameter is encoded in such light, irrespective of the information extraction protocol used in the estimation and of the measured observable. In addition we show that an appropriate homodyne detection scheme allows us to reach this ultimate sensitivity. We show that, for a given set of available quantum resources, the most economical way to maximize the sensitivity is to put the most squeezed state available in a well-de ned light mode. This implies that it is not possible to take advantage of the existence of squeezed fluctuations in other modes, nor of quantum correlations and entanglement between diff erent modes

Comparison of measurements of canine plasma glucose, creatinine, urea, total proteins, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase obtained with the APOLOWAKO and Vitros 250 analyzers

The APOLOWAKO is an entirely automatic benchtop biochemistry analyzer that uses stabilized liquid reagents. It was tested for canine blood and plasma glucose, creatinine, urea, total proteins, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase. The APOLOWAKO gave very similar results for whole blood and the corresponding plasma (n = 32). Within-laboratory imprecision was below 2.2% and 5.8% for substrates and enzymes, respectively. Comparison of results with whole blood by APOLOWAKO and with the corresponding plasma by Vitros 250 (n = 139) showed very good correlations. Passing–Bablok’s regression slopes ranged from 0.83 to 1.12 and intercepts were close to zero, except for ALP where the results obtained by APOLOWAKO were approximately 1.5 times higher than by Vitros. The APOLOWAKO system can be a reliable instrument in veterinary practices where larger systems are not available but it should be further validated and reference intervals should be determined

A 30 GHz beam driven high gradient single cell cavity test

In December 1999 a first 30 GHz high gradient experiment [1] was performed using a single cell excited directly by the high-charge drive beam of the CLIC Test Facility (CTF II) [2]. Since this experiment showed quite promising results (peak surface fields of 300 MV/m were measured) it was decided to remeasure the cavity with improved vacuum, diagnostics and data acquisition. In addition an experiment was prepared to cool the cavity with liquid nitrogen and heat it with a hot air gun. The electrical breakdown behaviour was measured as a function of the cavity temperature. The breakdown threshold was found to be at a maximum surface field of 380 MV/m and remained unchanged in the accessible temperature range between 100 K to 500 K. Large data samples were taken to provide statistics of unforseen delays and frequency shifts that occur during breakdown event

Visual hypo and hypergnosia as exemplars of poles of psychic tonus in the occipital lobes: Multiple case analyses

Abstract. The "psychic tonus" model or PT

Activity and functional significance of the renal kallikrein-kinin-system in polycystic kidney disease of the rat

Activity and functional significance of the renal kallikrein-kinin-system in polycystic kidney disease of the rat.BackgroundThe kallikrein-kinin-system is a complex multienzymatic system that has been implicated in the control of systemic blood pressure, glomerular filtration rate, and proteinuria. The present study investigated its functional role in rat polycystic kidney disease (PKD), which is characterized by progressive renal failure and proteinuria in the absence of systemic hypertension and stimulated renin-angiotensin-system.MethodsKallikrein and bradykinin levels were measured in plasma and urine of rats with polycystic kidneys and compared to non-affected controls (SD) and rats with reduced renal mass. The functional relevance of the kallikrein-kinin system (KKS) was assessed by the effects of a short-term treatment with either a selective bradykinin (BK) B1-receptor antagonist (des-Arg9-[Leu8]-BK), a B2-receptor antagonist (HOE 140), an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ramipril), or an angiotensin II-receptor blocker (HR 720) on systemic and renal parameters.ResultsUrine levels of kallikrein were increased threefold in 9-month-old PKD, and BK excretion was increased tenfold in 3-month and 30-fold in 9-month-old PKD compared to age-matched SD rats. Blood pressure in 9-month-old PKD rats was decreased to the same degree by ramipril and HR 720. In contrast, only ramipril and HOE 140 significantly reduced proteinuria and albuminuria, independent from creatinine clearance. This effect was accompanied by an increased excretion of bradykinin. The B1 receptor antagonist had no influence on functional renal parameters.ConclusionsThe present study demonstrates an age-dependent activation of the renal KKS in rats with polycystic kidney disease. The bradykinin B2-receptor is involved in the pathogenesis of proteinuria, independent from systemic blood pressure or creatinine clearance. The antiproteinuric effect of ramipril in this model is angiotensin II-independent and related to its influence on the renal KKS

Type I interferons protect neonates from acute inflammation through interleukin 10–producing B cells

Newborns and infants are highly susceptible to viral and bacterial infections, but the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. We show that neonatal B cells effectively control the production of proinflammatory cytokines by both neonatal plasmacytoid and conventional dendritic cells, in an interleukin (IL) 10–dependent manner, after Toll-like receptor (TLR) 9 triggering. This antiinflammatory property of neonatal B cells may extend to other TLR agonists (Pam3CSK4, lipopolysaccharide, and R848) and viruses. In the absence of B cells or of CD5+ B cell subsets, neonatal mice developed stronger inflammatory responses and became lethally susceptible to CpG challenge after galactosamine sensitization, whereas wild-type (WT) mice were resistant. Paradoxically, interferon (IFN)-α/β enhanced the inflammatory response to CpG challenge in adult mice, whereas they helped to control neonatal acute inflammation by stimulating the secretion of IL-10 by neonatal B cells. Finally, WT neonatal B cells rescued IL-10−/− neonates from a lethal CpG challenge, whereas IFN-α/β receptor–deficient B cells did not. Our results show that type I IFNs support a negative regulatory role of neonatal B cells on TLR-mediated inflammation, with important implications for neonatal inflammation and infection

Subclinical Aphasia Following Closed Head Injury: A Response to Sarno, Buonaguro, and Levita

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Association genetics in Solanum tuberosum provides new insights into potato tuber bruising and enzymatic tissue discoloration

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Most agronomic plant traits result from complex molecular networks involving multiple genes and from environmental factors. One such trait is the enzymatic discoloration of fruit and tuber tissues initiated by mechanical impact (bruising). Tuber susceptibility to bruising is a complex trait of the cultivated potato (<it>Solanum tuberosum</it>) that is crucial for crop quality. As phenotypic evaluation of bruising is cumbersome, the application of diagnostic molecular markers would empower the selection of low bruising potato varieties. The genetic factors and molecular networks underlying enzymatic tissue discoloration are sparsely known. Hitherto there is no association study dealing with tuber bruising and diagnostic markers for enzymatic discoloration are rare.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The natural genetic diversity for bruising susceptibility was evaluated in elite middle European potato germplasm in order to elucidate its molecular basis. Association genetics using a candidate gene approach identified allelic variants in genes that function in tuber bruising and enzymatic browning. Two hundred and five tetraploid potato varieties and breeding clones related by descent were evaluated for two years in six environments for tuber bruising susceptibility, specific gravity, yield, shape and plant maturity. Correlations were found between different traits. In total 362 polymorphic DNA fragments, derived from 33 candidate genes and 29 SSR loci, were scored in the population and tested for association with the traits using a mixed model approach, which takes into account population structure and kinship. Twenty one highly significant (p < 0.001) and robust marker-trait associations were identified.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The observed trait correlations and associated marker fragments provide new insight in the molecular basis of bruising susceptibility and its natural variation. The markers diagnostic for increased or decreased bruising susceptibility will facilitate the combination of superior alleles in breeding programs. In addition, this study presents novel candidates that might control enzymatic tissue discoloration and tuber bruising. Their validation and characterization will increase the knowledge about the underlying biological processes.</p

Covariance of Antiproton Yield and Source Size in Nuclear Collisions

We confront for the first time the widely-held belief that combined event-by-event information from quark gluon plasma signals can reduce the ambiguity of the individual signals. We illustrate specifically how the measured antiproton yield combined with the information from pion-pion HBT correlations can be used to identify novel event classes.Comment: 8 pages, 5 figures, improved title, references and readability; results unchange

Monitoring immune modulation by nutrition in the general population: identifying and substantiating effects on human health

Optimal functioning of the immune system is crucial to human health, and nutrition is one of the major exogenous factors modulating different aspects of immune function. Currently, no single marker is available to predict the effect of a dietary intervention on different aspects of immune function. To provide further guidance on the assessment and interpretation of the modulation of immune functions due to nutrition in the general population, International Life Sciences Institute Europe commissioned a group of experts from academia, government and the food industry to prepare a guidance document. A draft of this paper was refined at a workshop involving additional experts. First, the expert group defined criteria to evaluate the usefulness of immune function markers. Over seventy-five markers were scored within the context of three distinct immune system functions: defence against pathogens; avoidance or mitigation of allergy; control of low-grade (metabolic) inflammation. The most useful markers were subsequently classified depending on whether they by themselves signify clinical relevance and/or involvement of immune function. Next, five theoretical scenarios were drafted describing potential changes in the values of markers compared with a relevant reference range. Finally, all elements were combined, providing a framework to aid the design and interpretation of studies assessing the effects of nutrition on immune function. This stepwise approach offers a clear rationale for selecting markers for future trials and provides a framework for the interpretation of outcomes. A similar stepwise approach may also be useful to rationalise the selection and interpretation of markers for other physiological processes critical to the maintenance of health and well-bein