Non-holonomic Quantum Devices

We analyze the possibility and efficiency of non-holonomic control over quantum devices with exponentially large number of Hilbert space dimensions. We show that completely controllable devices of this type can be assembled from elementary units of arbitrary physical nature, and can be employed efficiently for universal quantum computations and simulation of quantum field dynamics.Comment: 8 revtex pages, 4 postscript figure

Engel structures with trivial characteristic foliations

Engel structures on M x S^1 and M x I are studied in this paper, where M is a 3-dimensional manifold. We suppose that these structures have characteristic line fields parallel to the fibres, S^1 or I. It is proved that they are characterized by contact structures on the cross section M, the twisting numbers, and Legendrian foliations on both ends M x dI in the case of M x I.Comment: Published by Algebraic and Geometric Topology at http://www.maths.warwick.ac.uk/agt/AGTVol2/agt-2-11.abs.htm

Non-Holonomic Control IV : Coherence Protection in a Rubidium isotope

In this paper, we present a realistic application of the coherence protection method proposed in the previous article. A qubit of information encoded on the two spin states of a Rubidium isotope is protected from the action of electric and magnetic fields

Non-Holonomic Control I

In this paper, we present a universal control technique, the non-holonomic control, which allows us to impose any arbitrarily prescribed unitary evolution to any quantum system through the alternate application of two well-chosen perturbations

The Development and Preliminary Evaluation of an Internet-Based Self-help Intervention for Social Anxiety Disorder with Videoconferencing Therapist Support

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is one of the most prevalent psychiatric disorders in the United States. Although evidenced-based behavioral treatments are available, less than 20% of those with SAD receive treatment (Grant et al., 2005). The disparity between the number of individuals affected and those obtaining treatment is due to a number of factors, including limited accessibility to therapists practicing evidence-based interventions such as cognitive behavior therapy, geographic factors, and financial cost. Internet-based interventions may be utilized to overcome some of these barriers. Guided Internet-based therapeutic interventions have been demonstrated to be effective for social anxiety (e.g., Andersson et al., 2006). The optimal role (if any) of the therapist in such programs, including the amount of therapist time necessary for effective treatment, remains unclear. The purpose of this pilot study was to develop a novel Internet self-help CBT intervention and to assess the preliminary efficacy and acceptability of the program with minimal therapist support delivered through a common videoconferencing platform, for the treatment of SAD in adults. The intervention program is derived from an acceptance-based CBT program that utilizes traditional behavioral interventions (e.g., exposure) within the context of a model emphasizing mindfulness and psychological acceptance. Thirteen participants received the Internet-based self-help intervention consisting of eight weekly modules, and a brief weekly videoconferencing therapist check-in. Participants were assessed at pre-treatment, mid-treatment, and post-treatment on both outcome and process measures. Participants rated the treatment program as highly acceptable. The results indicate that participants experienced a significant reduction in SAD symptoms and improvements in functioning and quality of life. Implications and future directions are discussed.Ph.D., Clinical Psychology -- Drexel University, 201

A case of bilateral acute depigmentation of the Iris in one of two identical twins

Background Bilateral Acute Depigmentation of the Iris (BADI) is a condition which was first described in a case series from Turkey by Tugal-Tutkin and Urgancioglu in (Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 244:742-6, 2006). The condition is characterized by bilateral acute depigmentation and discoloration of the iris stroma, pigment dispersion, and deposition of pigment in the angle. In our case we report a patient who developed BADI after receiving pitcher plant extract injections for chronic migraine, while her identical twin sister has normal iris architecture and pigmentation and never received any pitcher plant injections. Case presentation Patient is a 41-year-old female with history of pitcher plant extract injections to her face for chronic migraine, who later developed bilateral depigmentation of the iris. She did not have any signs of anterior segment uveitis or iridocyclitis. She has an identical twin sister who maintained normal iris pigmentation during the entire course. Conclusions Bilateral Acute depigmentation of the is a recently discovered condition described in the literature in Turkish patients (Tugal-Tutkun and Urgancioglu, Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 244:742-6, 2006; Tugal-Tutkun et al., Ophthalmology 116(8):1552-7, 2009). This condition affects mainly young females and is characterized by acute bilateral stromal depigmentation, without other pathologic ocular findings. These patients usually maintain normal vision and do not develop significant glaucoma from pigment collecting in the anterior chamber angle. This condition can be mistaken for Fuchs’ heterochromic iridocyclitis, pigment dispersion syndrome, pseudoexfoliation syndrome, and viral iridocyclitis. This is the first reported case in North America and is important for differentiation from the above pathologies. Our patient had a history of pitcher plant extract injections to the face but it is unclear if this is associated with our patient’s development of BADI. As awareness of this condition progresses, a possible etiology may be elucidated

Predicting intestinal and hepatic first-pass metabolism of orally administered testosterone 3 undecanoate 4

The bioavailability of orally administered drugs could be impacted by intestinal and 12 hepatic first-pass metabolism. Testosterone undecanoate (TU), an orally administered ester prodrug 13 of testosterone, is significantly subjected to first-pass metabolism. Yet, the individual contribution 14 of intestinal and hepatic first-pass metabolism is not well determined. Therefore, the aim of the 15 current study was to predict the contribution of each site. The hydrolysis-time profiles of TU 16 incubation in human liver microsomes and Caco-2 cell homogenate were used to predict hepatic 17 and intestinal first-pass metabolism, respectively. The in vitro half-life (t1/2 inv) for the hydrolysis of 18 TU in microsomal mixtures was 28.31 ± 3.51 min. By applying the "well-stirred" model, the fraction 19 of TU that could escape hepatic first-pass metabolism (FH) was predicted as 0.915 ± 0.009. The 20 incubation of TU in Caco-2 cell homogenate yielded t1/2 inv of 109.28 ± 21.42 min which was applied 21 in "Q gut" model to estimate the fraction of TU that would escape intestinal first-pass metabolism 22 (FG) as 0.114 ± 0.02. Accordingly, only 11% of the absorbed fraction of TU could escape intestinal 23 metabolism while 91% of which can pass hepatic metabolism. Hence, compared to the liver, the 24 intestinal wall is the main site where TU is significantly metabolised during first-pass effect. 2