The multi-level and multi-dimensional quantum wavelet packet transforms

© 2018, The Author(s). The classical wavelet packet transform has been widely applied in the information processing field. It implies that the quantum wavelet packet transform (QWPT) can play an important role in quantum information processing. In this paper, we design quantum circuits of a generalized tensor product (GTP) and a perfect shuffle permutation (PSP). Next, we propose multi-level and multi-dimensional (1D, 2D and 3D) QWPTs, including a Haar QWPT (HQWPT), a D4 QWPT (DQWPT) based on the periodization extension and their inverse transforms for the first time, and prove the correctness based on the GTP and PSP. Furthermore, we analyze the quantum costs and the time complexities of our proposed QWPTs and obtain precise results. The time complexities of HQWPTs is at most 6 on 2n elements, which illustrates high-efficiency of the proposed QWPTs. Simulation experiments demonstrate that the proposed QWPTs are correct and effective

Exciton properties in zincblende InGaN-GaN quantum wells under the effects of intense laser fields

ABSTRACT: In this work, we study the exciton states in a zincblende InGaN/GaN quantum well using a variational technique. The system is considered under the action of intense laser fields with the incorporation of a direct current electric field as an additional external probe. The effects of these external influences as well as of the changes in the geometry of the heterostructure on the exciton binding energy are discussed in detail

Compactness Determines the Success of Cube and Octahedron Self-Assembly

Nature utilizes self-assembly to fabricate structures on length scales ranging from the atomic to the macro scale. Self-assembly has emerged as a paradigm in engineering that enables the highly parallel fabrication of complex, and often three-dimensional, structures from basic building blocks. Although there have been several demonstrations of this self-assembly fabrication process, rules that govern a priori design, yield and defect tolerance remain unknown. In this paper, we have designed the first model experimental system for systematically analyzing the influence of geometry on the self-assembly of 200 and 500 µm cubes and octahedra from tethered, multi-component, two-dimensional (2D) nets. We examined the self-assembly of all eleven 2D nets that can fold into cubes and octahedra, and we observed striking correlations between the compactness of the nets and the success of the assembly. Two measures of compactness were used for the nets: the number of vertex or topological connections and the radius of gyration. The success of the self-assembly process was determined by measuring the yield and classifying the defects. Our observation of increased self-assembly success with decreased radius of gyration and increased topological connectivity resembles theoretical models that describe the role of compactness in protein folding. Because of the differences in size and scale between our system and the protein folding system, we postulate that this hypothesis may be more universal to self-assembling systems in general. Apart from being intellectually intriguing, the findings could enable the assembly of more complicated polyhedral structures (e.g. dodecahedra) by allowing a priori selection of a net that might self-assemble with high yields

Depression following traumatic brain injury: A functional connectivity perspective.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the mounting evidence that depression is one of the most common psychiatric sequelae in survivors of traumatic brain injury (TBI), no studies so far have attempted to provide an explanation in terms of functional network integrity. This proof of concept study investigated the association between the severity of depressive symptoms and resting network integrity in a sample of patients with TBI and a group of healthy controls. METHODS: We first examined the association between depression symptomatology and global functional connectivity and then attempted to characterize the extent of differences in functional network integrity. RESULTS: The severity of depressive symptoms in patients with TBI was associated with neuroadaptations within the insula, the thalamus and the subgenual anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). Specifically, patients with TBI displayed increased connectivity between the insula and a region encompassing the rolandic operculum and the superior temporal cortex and reduced connectivity between the thalamus and the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. CONCLUSIONS: These findings show the network level involvement of the insula, the thalamus and the subgenual ACC in the depressive symptomatology of patients with TBI and tentatively propose that TBI-induced depression may result from altered functional connectivity of a set of networks associated with emotional regulation. However, other factors including a number of adjustment issues and challenges may also lead to depression in this population.Cambridge, Queens' College, The study was funded by the Evelyn Trust- grant number 06/20. L.M.L. is funded by a Post-Doctoral Fellowship from the University of Granada. A.M. is supported by CLAHRC-East of England awards. D.K.M. is supported by the Neuroscience Theme of the NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre and NIHR Senior Investigator awards, UK., and by Framework Program 7 funding from the European Commission (TBIcare). E.A.S. is funded by the Stephen Erskine FellowshipThis is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from Taylor & Francis via http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02699052.2016.118683

Solution structure of a repeated unit of the ABA-1 nematode polyprotein allergen of ascaris reveals a novel fold and two discrete lipid-binding sites

Parasitic nematode worms cause serious health problems in humans and other animals. They can induce allergic-type immune responses, which can be harmful but may at the same time protect against the infections. Allergens are proteins that trigger allergic reactions and these parasites produce a type that is confined to nematodes, the nematode polyprotein allergens (NPAs). These are synthesized as large precursor proteins comprising repeating units of similar amino acid sequence that are subsequently cleaved into multiple copies of the allergen protein. NPAs bind small lipids such as fatty acids and retinol (Vitamin A) and probably transport these sensitive and insoluble compounds between the tissues of the worms. Nematodes cannot synthesize these lipids, so NPAs may also be crucial for extracting nutrients from their hosts. They may also be involved in altering immune responses by controlling the lipids by which the immune and inflammatory cells communicate. We describe the molecular structure of one unit of an NPA, the well-known ABA-1 allergen of Ascaris and find its structure to be of a type not previously found for lipid-binding proteins, and we describe the unusual sites where lipids bind within this structur

Capture the fracture: a best practice framework and global campaign to break the fragility fracture cycle

Summary The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) Capture the Fracture Campaign aims to support implementation of Fracture Liaison Services (FLS) throughout the world. Introduction FLS have been shown to close the ubiquitous secondary fracture prevention care gap, ensuring that fragility fracture sufferers receive appropriate assessment and intervention to reduce future fracture risk. Methods Capture the Fracture has developed internationally endorsed standards for best practice, will facilitate change at the national level to drive adoption of FLS and increase awareness of the challenges and opportunities presented by secondary fracture prevention to key stakeholders. The Best Practice Framework (BPF) sets an international benchmark for FLS, which defines essential and aspirational elements of service delivery. Results The BPF has been reviewed by leading experts from many countries and subject to beta-testing to ensure that it is internationally relevant and fit-for-purpose. The BPF will also serve as a measurement tool for IOF to award ‘Capture the Fracture Best Practice Recognition’ to celebrate successful FLS worldwide and drive service development in areas of unmet need. The Capture the Fracture website will provide a suite of resources related to FLS and secondary fracture prevention, which will be updated as new materials become available. A mentoring programme will enable those in the early stages of development of FLS to learn from colleagues elsewhere that have achieved Best Practice Recognition. A grant programme is in development to aid clinical systems which require financial assistance to establish FLS in their localities. Conclusion Nearly half a billion people will reach retirement age during the next 20 years. IOF has developed Capture the Fracture because this is the single most important thing that can be done to directly improve patient care, of both women and men, and reduce the spiralling fracture-related care costs worldwide.</p

VEGF, FGF1, FGF2 and EGF gene polymorphisms and psoriatic arthritis

BACKGROUND: Angiogenesis appears to be a first-order event in psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Among angiogenic factors, the cytokines vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), and fibroblast growth factors 1 and 2 (FGF1 and FGF2) play a central role in the initiation of angiogenesis. Most of these cytokines have been shown to be upregulated in or associated with psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or ankylosing spondylitis (AS). As these diseases share common susceptibility associations with PsA, investigation of these angiogenic factors is warranted. METHODS: Two hundred and fifty-eight patients with PsA and 154 ethnically matched controls were genotyped using a Sequenom chip-based MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry platform. Four SNPs in the VEGF gene, three SNPs in the EGF gene and one SNP each in FGF1 and FGF2 genes were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher's exact test, and the Cochrane-Armitage trend test. Associations with haplotypes were estimated by using weighted logistic models, where the individual haplotype estimates were obtained using Phase v2.1. RESULTS: We have observed an increased frequency in the T allele of VEGF +936 (rs3025039) in control subjects when compared to our PsA patients [Fisher's exact p-value = 0.042; OR 0.653 (95% CI: 0.434, 0.982)]. Haplotyping of markers revealed no significant associations. CONCLUSION: The T allele of VEGF in +936 may act as a protective allele in the development of PsA. Further studies regarding the role of pro-angiogenic markers in PsA are warranted