Experimental demonstration of continuous variable purification of squeezed states

We report on the first experimental demonstration of purification of nonclassical continuous variable states. The protocol uses two copies of phase-diffused states overlapped on a beam splitter and provides Gaussified, less mixed states with the degree of squeezing improved. The protocol uses only linear optical devices such as beam splitters and homodyne detection, thereby proving these optical elements can be used for successful purification of this type of state decoherence which occurs in optical transmission channels

A Longitudinal Study of Resident Emotional Stability, Self-Reported Health and Perceptions of Programmatic Support

Purpose: Certain characteristics such as acceptance, planning, and humility have correlated with less burnout among resident physicians. However, less is known about residency program culture, socialization, and support. The purpose of this study is to investigate social isolation, solidarity, stress, and frustration over time, their self-reported health, as well as the programmatic support. Methods: A longitudinal self-administered survey implemented within an academic pediatric residency program to track resident characteristics over time. Results: In Wave 1, among 101 residents, 78 (77%) responded. In Wave 2, among 98 residents, 73 (74%) responded. 45 residents were in both Wave 1 and 2. All measures of resident characteristics were stable over time. Worse overall health at Wave 2 is associated with feeling alone in residency at Wave 1 (r-.48). More stress (r.35), frustration (r.36) and feeling alone (r.53) (Wave 1) is associated with higher reports of bad mental health in Wave 2 while inversely associated with socializing frequently with other residents outside of work (r-.36) (Wave 1). Thinking the program helps residents cope with stress (r-.49) and that they communicate resources (r-.35) (Wave 1) correlate with improved mental health (Wave 2). Conclusion: Both negative characteristics such as stress and frustration as well as positive ones such as trust and socialization are stable over time. Some Wave 1 characteristics are healthful for residents while others deleterious at Wave 2. Perceptions of programmatic involvement may be helpful for resident mental health

Infusing a Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) into an Allied Health Curriculum

Purpose: Infusion of a course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE) into an existing research design course in an applied science curriculum allowed medical laboratory science students (n=22) to each be a contributing team member in a hand’s-on research experience, where most of the work was completed during the class time on campus. This design allowed for equal access, an equitable experience, and inclusion of all students enrolled in the course. Methods: Students and instructors worked together to develop a research question. The group agreed that the research question would be to determine the number of environmental specimens that were positive for mycobacteria species in residential plumbing specimens from different faucets and showerheads within residences in local areas. Before the actual collection of specimens, students reviewed the literature and completed more traditional modules in research ethics and Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) training. Once that was completed, students designed and assembled the collection kits, collected and processed the specimens, and reported their results. Results: Students completed most tasks during the designated class time, and those tasks that had to be completed outside of class were not overwhelming for the students either in time or effort. The students’ reflections as the human subjects in this CURE indicated that 1) 90% of the students agreed they had a better understanding of the Institutional Review Board (IRB) process, 2) 100% of the students agreed the collection process was easily completed, 3) 100% of the students agreed the specimen testing was easily completed and interpreted, and 4) 100% of the students agreed the required parameters of a CURE were met. Conclusion: A CURE can be infused successfully into an applied science course allowing every student to become a contributing member of the research team

Cerebral Hemodynamic Failure Presenting as Limb-Shaking Transient Ischemic Attacks

Limb-shaking transient ischemic attacks (TIA) may occur in patients with insufficient brain perfusion due to an underlying occlusive disease. We present the case of a 64-year-old patient who suffered from repetitive TIA presenting with shaking movements of the right-sided extremities and accompanying speech arrest. Symptoms are documented in the online supplementary video (www.karger.com/doi/10.1159/000327683). These episodes were frequently triggered in orthostatic situations. The diagnosis of limb-shaking TIA was established. The diagnostic workup revealed pseudo-occlusion of the left internal carotid artery, a poor intracranial collateral status and, as a consequence, an exhausted vasomotor reserve capacity. At ultrasound examination, symptoms were provoked by a change of the patient's position from supine to sitting. During evolvement of symptoms, a dramatic decrease of flow velocities in the left middle cerebral artery was observed. This case thus documents the magnitude and dynamics of perfusion failure in a rare manifestation of cerebral ischemic disease