Two-spin subsystem entanglement in spin 1/2 rings with long range interactions

We consider the two-spin subsystem entanglement for eigenstates of the Hamiltonian $$H= \sum_{1\leq j< k \leq N} (\frac{1}{r_{j,k}})^{\alpha} {\mathbf \sigma}_j\cdot {\mathbf \sigma}_k$$ for a ring of $N$ spins 1/2 with asssociated spin vector operator $(\hbar /2){\bf \sigma}_j$ for the $j$-th spin. Here $r_{j,k}$ is the chord-distance betwen sites $j$ and $k$. The case $\alpha =2$ corresponds to the solvable Haldane-Shastry model whose spectrum has very high degeneracies not present for $\alpha \neq 2$. Two spin subsystem entanglement shows high sensistivity and distinguishes $\alpha =2$ from $\alpha \neq 2$. There is no entanglement beyond nearest neighbors for all eigenstates when $\alpha =2$. Whereas for $\alpha \neq 2$ one has selective entanglement at any distance for eigenstates of sufficiently high energy in a certain interval of $\alpha$ which depends on the energy. The ground state (which is a singlet only for even $N$) does not have entanglement beyond nearest neighbors, and the nearest neighbor entanglement is virtually independent of the range of the interaction controlled by $\alpha$.Comment: 16 figure

Learning from sustainable development: education in the light of public issues

Education for sustainable development (ESD) is increasingly affecting environmental education policy and practice. In this article we show how sustainable development is mainly seen as a problem that can be tackled by applying the proper learning processes and how this perspective translates sustainability issues into learning problems of individuals. We present a different perspective on education in the context of sustainable development based on novel ways of thinking about citizenship education and emphasizing the importance of presenting issues of sustainable development as ‘public issues’, as matters of public concern. From this point of view, the focus is no longer on the competences that citizens must achieve, but on the democratic nature of the spaces and practices in which participation and citizenship can develop

A novel pathway to detect muscle-invasive bladder cancer based on integrated clinical features and VI-RADS score on MRI: results of a prospective multicenter study

Purpose To determine the clinical, pathological, and radiological features, including the Vesical Imaging-Reporting and Data System (VI-RADS) score, independently correlating with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (BCa), in a multicentric national setting. Method and Materials Patients with BCa suspicion were offered magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before trans-urethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT). According to VI-RADS, a cutoff of &gt;= 3 or &gt;= 4 was assumed to define muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). Trans-urethral resection of the tumor (TURBT) and/or cystectomy reports were compared with preoperative VI-RADS scores to assess accuracy of MRI for discriminating between non-muscle-invasive versus MIBC. Performance was assessed by ROC curve analysis. Two univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were implemented including clinical, pathological, radiological data, and VI-RADS categories to determine the variables with an independent effect on MIBC. Results A final cohort of 139 patients was enrolled (median age 70 [IQR: 64, 76.5]). MRI showed sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy for MIBC diagnosis ranging from 83-93%, 80-92%, 67-81%, 93-96%, and 84-89% for the more experienced readers. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.95 (0.91-0.99). In the multivariable logistic regression model, the VI-RADS score, using both a cutoff of 3 and 4 (P &lt; .0001), hematuria (P = .007), tumor size (P = .013), and concomitant hydronephrosis (P = .027) were the variables correlating with a bladder cancer staged as &gt;= T2. The inter-reader agreement was substantial (k = 0.814). Conclusions VI-RADS assessment scoring proved to be an independent predictor of muscle-invasiveness, which might implicate a shift toward a more aggressive selection approach of patients' at high risk of MIBC, according to a novel proposed predictive pathway

Massive hematuria due to ruptured iatrogenic aortic pseudoaneurysm: a case report.

We report an interesting case of massive haematuria secondary to a rupture of a pseudoa- neurysm of the abdominal aorta below the renal vessels. A 65-year-old woman present- ed at our institution with a painful massive haematuria and anaemia. Two months before, she undergone a pelvic surgery complicated by an accidental injury of the right ureter sutured with a end-to-end anastomosis. An abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan with intravenous contrast showed a right-sided hydronephrosis with clots in the lumen of the right pelvis with a massive retroperitoneal hematoma due to a rupture of a iatrogenic pseudoaneurysm of the abdominal aorta below the origin of the renal arteries

(188)Re radiopharmaceuticals for radiosynovectomy: evaluation and comparison of tin colloid, hydroxyapatite and tin-ferric hydroxide macroaggregates

BACKGROUND: Radiosynovectomy is a therapy used to relieve pain and inflammation from rheumatoid arthritis and related diseases. In this study three (188)Re particulate compounds were characterized according to their physico-chemical properties and their biological behavior in rabbits. The results were compared in order to establish which was the radiopharmaceutical that better fits the requirements of this kind of radiotherapy. METHODS: Three radiopharmaceutical formulations, tin colloid, hydroxyapatite particles (HA) and ferric hydroxide macroaggregates coated with tin colloid (FHMA), were physically characterized (number, volume and surface of the particles). For this purpose laser diffraction methodology was used. To evaluate cavity leakage of activity the following studies in New Zealand rabbits were performed: scintigraphic images for 48 hr after intraarticular injection of each radiopharmaceutical, biodistribution at 48 hr and urine samples collection during the first 24 hr post-radiopharmaceutical administration. RESULTS: Labeling procedures for (188)Re-HA and (188)Re-Sn-FHMA were labour intensive while (188)Re-Sn was easily prepared. Furthermore, (188)Re-Sn colloid offered the greatest surface area in the 2–10 microm range and was obtained with a radiochemical purity over 95%, while percentage of bound activity for (188)Re-HA and (188)Re-Sn-FHMA were 55% and 92% respectively. Stability was verified for the three radiopharmaceuticals for 24 hr. Scintigraphic studies and biodistribution in rabbits after intraarticular administration of the radiopharmaceuticals showed relevant activity only in the knee, this being over 90% of the residual activity in the whole body at 48 hr in every case. Renal elimination of (188)Re-Sn colloid and (188)Re-Sn-FHMA was detected by activity measurements in urine samples, during the first 12 hr post-radiopharmaceutical injection. The percentage of activity retained in the knee was 69.1% for (188)Re-Sn colloid, 55.1% for (188)Re-Sn-FHMA and 33.6% for (188)Re-HA. CONCLUSION: The (188)Re-Sn colloid was easy to prepare, minimum facilities were required, was stable for 24 hr and showed minimal leakage from the joint after intraarticular injection into the rabbit's knee. Furthermore, (188)Re-Sn colloid has greater retention in the knee when it is compared with the other radiopharmaceuticals, so it could provide the best therapeutic effect/absorbed dose ratio for the patient

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A card game for the treatment of delusional ideas: A naturalistic pilot trial

BACKGROUND: "Michael's game" is a card game which aims at familiarizing healthcare professionals and patients with cognitive behavioral therapy of psychotic symptoms. This naturalistic study tests the feasibility and the impact of the intervention in various naturalistic settings. METHOD: Fifty five patients were recruited in seven centers. They were assessed in pre and post-test with the Peters Delusion Inventory – 21 items (PDI-21). RESULTS: Forty five patients completed the intervention significantly reducing their conviction and preoccupation scores on the PDI-21. CONCLUSION: This pilot study supports the feasibility and effectiveness of "Michael's game" in naturalistic setting. Additional studies could validate the game in a controlled fashion

La formación de educadores ambientales en México: avances y perspectivas

RESUMEN La formación de educadores ambientales fue planteada como un imperativo del campo desde los primeros años de su implantación en México. Si bien el desarrollo de programas de profesionalización en la forma de diplomados, especializaciones y maestrías ha sido continuo, también ha sido vulnerable a los cambios en las propias universidades de adscripción, así como a los de las políticas ambientales gubernamentales. El presente artículo da cuenta de esta historia. Se conceptualiza el problema, se resume el perfil actual que se observa y se apuntan algunas salidas que se han ido construyendo para fortalecer este campo. En este sentido, destaca especialmente el hecho de que diversas maestrías y doctorados en ciencias o en educación aceptan propuestas de investigación en educación ambiental. Con ello, la esfera de profesionalización se ha expandido más allá del circuito de los educadores ambientales, lo que ha favorecido el diálogo y los intercambios creativos y productivos con otras áreas de conocimiento y alrededor de diversas temáticas, entre ellas lo intercultural, la conservación, las ciencias, el cambio climático, la literatura y la poesía, entre otras, que en su conjunto ofrecen una perspectiva sobre los procesos de profesionalización de los educadores ambientales en México

A dimensão ambiental da educação geográfica

O texto tem por objetivo delinear uma introdução ao desenvolvimento da dimensão ambiental da educação geográfica no ensino básico, em sentido de fundamentação e orientação prática. Para tanto, são relacionadas a Educação Ambiental e a geografia escolar, de um perspectiva sociopolítica ao contexto das decisões curriculares; e, neste âmbito, são postas algumas orientações pedagógico-metodológicas