Developing a Parametric Downconversion Apparatus for Single-Photon Experiments in Quantum Optics

We report our progress toward developing a parametric down conversion apparatus for studying single photon quantum optics in undergraduate laboratory classes, following the model of Galvez et al. [1]. We pump a beta barium borate (BBO) crystal with a 405 nm diode laser to produce correlated pairs of single photons that we detect using avalanche photodiodes (APD). We can conduct coincidence and anticoincidence counts and a measurement of the degree of second-order coherence with the apparatus, and we report a g(2) \u3c 1. We also discuss the headway towards developing a single-photon interferometer

The Argentine species of the genus Megacyllene Casey, 1912 (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), with description of a new species

Fifteen species of Megacyllene occur in Argentina: M. acuta (Germ.), M. bonplandi (Gounelle), M. castanea (Laporte & Gory), M. insignita (Perroud), M. falsa (Chevrolat), M. mellyi (Chevrolat), M. minuta (Chevrolat), M. multiguttata Burmeister (status nov.), . murina Purmeister), M. neblinosa new species, M. proxima (Laporte and Gory), M. spinifera (Newman), M. rotundicollis Zajciw, M. rufipes (Laporte and Gory) and M. unicolor Fuchs (=M. lateripilosa Zajciw new synonym). A Lectotype and Paralectotype are designated for M. multiguttata. Megacyllene quinquefasciata Melzer, 1931, is not considered a true Megacyllene but its generic status remains uncertain and needs further revision. Geographica1 distributions in Argentina and a key are provided

A new species of Argentinoeme Bruch 1911 from Argentina (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)

Argentinoeme Bruch (1911) remained as a monotypic genus until the finding of the material herein described. The type species of the genus, A. schulzi Bruch (1911) from Argentina, is characterized by 12-segmented antennae, cylindrical pronotum with granulations at its base, femora narrowing only toward their bases, and divided eyes. Argentinoeme pseudobscura sp. nov., with 11-segmented antennae and appendiculate distal segment, constitutes the second known species of this genus

The genus Neoclytus Thomson, 1860 (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Clytini) in Argentina

Fourteen species of Neoclytus Thomson, 1860 occur in Argentina: N. armaticollis Zajciw, N. aulai Bruch, N. centurio (Chevrolat), N. curvatus (Germ.) N. delicatus (Gounelle), N. famelicus (Burmeister), N. guianensis (Laporte & Gory), N. mulleri Fuchs, N. patagonicus (Bruch) comb. nov., N. pusillus (Laporte & Gory), N. rufus (Olivier), N. sobrinus (Laporte & Gory), N, stillatus Aurivillius (=N. parumnotatus Zajciw syn. nov.) and N. ypsilon (Chevrolat). N. armaticollis, N. delicatus and N. stillatus are new records for Argentina. The geographical distribution in Argentina and a key for species are given

Psychosocial aspects of epilepsy: a wider approach.

SUMMARY: Epilepsy is one of the most serious neurological conditions and has an impact not only on the affected individual but also on the family and, indirectly, on the community. A global approach to the individual must take into account cognitive problems, psychiatric comorbidities and all psychosocial complications that often accompany epilepsy. We discuss psychosocial issues in epilepsy with special focus on the relationship between stigma and psychiatric comorbidities. Social barriers to optimal care and health outcomes for people with epilepsy result in huge disparities, and the public health system needs to invest in awareness programmes to increase public knowledge and reduce stigma in order to minimise such disparities. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: J.W.S. receives research support from the Dr Marvin Weil Epilepsy Research Fund, Eisai, GlaxoSmithKline, the World Health Organization and the EU's FP7 programme, and has been consulted by, and has received fees for lectures from, GlaxoSmithKline, Eisai, Lundbeck, Teva and UCB. COPYRIGHT AND USAGE: © The Royal College of Psychiatrists 2016. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Non-Commercial, No Derivatives (CC BY-NC-ND) license

The Taxicab: Neglected Form of Public Transportation

Until recently, the taxicab has been largely ignored by transportation planners as an important mode of urban public transportation. A comparison of the taxi industry with the other modes of urban public transport shows that in 1970 taxicabs produced more revenue than bus and rail operations together, carried more passengers than the rapid rail and over half as many as buses. Taxicabs traveled more than twice as many vehicle miles as buses and rapid rail combined, and did this all without benefit of public subsidy. In many small and medium-sized cities the taxicab is the only form of public transportation. In North Carolina, all of the forty-two cities with populations greater than 10,000 have taxicab service, while only thirteen of these cities have bus service. There are at least three important reasons why transportation planners and city officials should be interested in taxis. First, the demand­-responsive, flexible nature of taxi service makes it an ideal means of providing mobility for those who cannot or do not drive or who lack the use of an automobile. Second, the taxi provides low-cost service that makes it an attractive alternative to deficit-plagued bus systems. Third, as of October, 1975, taxis are eligible for federal subsidies through the 1974 National Mass Transportation Assistance Act, under the same conditions as privately-owned transit operations