Data post-processing for the one-way heterodyne protocol under composable finite-size security

The performance of a practical continuous-variable (CV) quantum key distribution (QKD) protocol depends significantly, apart from the loss and noise of the quantum channel, on the post-processing steps which lead to the extraction of the final secret key. A critical step is the reconciliation process, especially when one assumes finite-size effects in a composable framework. Here, we focus on the Gaussian-modulated coherent-state protocol with heterodyne detection in a high signal-to-noise ratio regime. We simulate the quantum communication process and we post-process the output data by applying parameter estimation, error correction (using high-rate, non-binary low-density parity-check codes), and privacy amplification. This allows us to study the performance for practical implementations of the protocol and optimize the parameters connected to the steps above. We also present an associated Python library performing the steps above

Divergent Innate and Epithelial Functions of the RNA-Binding Protein HuR in Intestinal Inflammation

HuR is an abundant RNA-binding protein acting as a post-transcriptional regulator of many RNAs including mRNAs encoding inflammatory mediators, cytokines, death signalers and cell cycle regulators. In the context of intestinal pathologies, elevated HuR is considered to enhance the stability and the translation of pro-tumorigenic mRNAs providing the rationale for its pharmacological targeting. However, HuR also possesses specific regulatory functions for innate immunity and cytokine mRNA control which can oppose intestinal inflammation and tumor promotion. Here, we aim to identify contexts of intestinal inflammation where the innate immune and the epithelial functions of HuR converge or diverge. To address this, we use a disease-oriented phenotypic approach using mice lacking HuR either in intestinal epithelia or myeloid-derived immune compartments. These mice were compared for their responses to (a) Chemically induced Colitis; (b) Colitis- associated Cancer (CAC); (c) T-cell mediated enterotoxicity; (d) Citrobacter rodentium-induced colitis; and (e) TNF-driven inflammatory bowel disease. Convergent functions of epithelial and myeloid HuR included their requirement for suppressing inflammation in chemically induced colitis and their redundancies in chronic TNF-driven IBD and microbiota control. In the other contexts however, their functions diversified. Epithelial HuR was required to protect the epithelial barrier from acute inflammatory or infectious degeneration but also to promote tumor growth. In contrast, myeloid HuR was required to suppress the beneficial inflammation for pathogen clearance and tumor suppression. This cellular dichotomy in HuR's functions was validated further in mice engineered to express ubiquitously higher levels of HuR which displayed diminished pathologic and beneficial inflammatory responses, resistance to epithelial damage yet a heightened susceptibility to CAC. Our study demonstrates that epithelial and myeloid HuR affect different cellular dynamics in the intestine that need to be carefully considered for its pharmacological exploitation and points toward potential windows for harnessing HuR functions in intestinal inflammation

General anaesthetic and airway management practice for obstetric surgery in England: a prospective, multi-centre observational study

There are no current descriptions of general anaesthesia characteristics for obstetric surgery, despite recent changes to patient baseline characteristics and airway management guidelines. This analysis of data from the direct reporting of awareness in maternity patients' (DREAMY) study of accidental awareness during obstetric anaesthesia aimed to describe practice for obstetric general anaesthesia in England and compare with earlier surveys and best-practice recommendations. Consenting patients who received general anaesthesia for obstetric surgery in 72 hospitals from May 2017 to August 2018 were included. Baseline characteristics, airway management, anaesthetic techniques and major complications were collected. Descriptive analysis, binary logistic regression modelling and comparisons with earlier data were conducted. Data were collected from 3117 procedures, including 2554 (81.9%) caesarean deliveries. Thiopental was the induction drug in 1649 (52.9%) patients, compared with propofol in 1419 (45.5%). Suxamethonium was the neuromuscular blocking drug for tracheal intubation in 2631 (86.1%), compared with rocuronium in 367 (11.8%). Difficult tracheal intubation was reported in 1 in 19 (95%CI 1 in 16-22) and failed intubation in 1 in 312 (95%CI 1 in 169-667). Obese patients were over-represented compared with national baselines and associated with difficult, but not failed intubation. There was more evidence of change in practice for induction drugs (increased use of propofol) than neuromuscular blocking drugs (suxamethonium remains the most popular). There was evidence of improvement in practice, with increased monitoring and reversal of neuromuscular blockade (although this remains suboptimal). Despite a high risk of difficult intubation in this population, videolaryngoscopy was rarely used (1.9%)

Interactive White Boards in Preschool and Primary Education

Technologies within the domain of interactive, remote and on line science which are extensively adopted in education’s everyday life are interactive whiteboards and related applications. Interactive whiteboards indicate positive effects on students’ learning and instructors' teaching, promoting whole class teaching. In this review-paper we cope with the studies that explore the integration of IWBs in preschool and primary education in the last decade (2004-2013). Research has shown that interactive whiteboards are able to keep students involved and foster their attention in every aspect of the curriculum, much easier than without it. This technology has proven its value added to students and teachers in different facets of teaching and learning, in literacy, in mathematics, in science, in physics, its impact on English Language Learners, on relations and learning, on the use of IWBs by kindergartners, professional development of teachers, pedagogical orchestration, classroom dialogue and pedagogic practice

Interactive White Boards’ Added Value in Special Education

Interactive whiteboards indicate positive effects on students with special educational needs and promote a multi sensory style of learning. In this review paper we cope with the studies that explore the integration of IWBs in special education, in the last fourteen years (2000-2013). Research showed that interactive whiteboards are able to keep Special Education Needs students engaged in classroom facilities scaffolding their learning through technical and pedagogical interactivity. This technology has proven its value added to students with severe, complex, moderate learning disabilities, Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and on deaf, blind or physically impaired

Serious Games in Preschool and Primary Education: Benefits And Impacts on Curriculum Course Syllabus

Serious Games (SGs) indicate positive effects on Preschool and Primary school students and promote a multi sensory style of learning. This review paper explores the integration of Serious Games in the area of Preschool and Primary Education, in the last decade (2006-2016). The studies were carried out on Preschool and Primary school settings, respectively. Research showed that Serious Games are able to keep all students engaged in classroom facilities, scaffolding their learning through increased motivation, independence, autonomy and resultant self-esteem. Serious Games Based Learning (GBL) has proven its added value in almost every aspect of the curriculum

Interface development for early notification warning system: full windshield head-up display case study

This paper elaborates on the development of a prototype Head-Up Display (HUD) system designed to offer crucial navigation information to the driver under adverse weather conditions. In particular, the paper outlines the considerations involved in the development and implementation of the sharp turn notification and traffic warning cues, which reflect some of the most common risks leading to a collision in a motorway environment under low visibility. Throughout the HUD design process emphasis was placed on the prioritisation and effective presentation of information available through vehicular sensors, so that they would assist the driver in successfully navigating the vehicle under low visibility conditions. In this work, the relevant visual cues are projected in the vehicle’s windscreen and superimposed onto the real scenery. Opting for a simplistic approach of interaction, the interface elements are based on minimalist visual representation of real objects. Overall, the paper examines the tangible benefits and potential issues of the proposed HUD interface and presents the results of a large scale evaluation of the system on a group of forty drivers, who used the driving simulator in evaluation trials