Deep learning of topological phase transitions from entanglement aspects

The one-dimensional p-wave superconductor proposed by Kitaev has long been a classic example for understanding topological phase transitions through various methods, such as examining the Berry phase, edge states of open chains, and, in particular, aspects from quantum entanglement of ground states. In order to understand the amount of information carried in the entanglement-related quantities, here we study topological phase transitions of the model with emphasis of using the deep learning approach. We feed different quantities, including Majorana correlation matrices (MCMs), entanglement spectra (ES) or entanglement eigenvectors (EE) originating from Block correlation matrices, into the deep neural networks for training, and investigate which one could be the most useful input format in this approach. We find that ES is information that is too compressed compared to MCM or EE. MCM and EE can provide us abundant information to recognize not only the topological phase transitions in the model but also phases of matter with different U(1) gauges, which is not reachable by using ES only

Undetermined states: how to find them and their applications

We investigate the undetermined sets consisting of two-level, multi-partite pure quantum states, whose reduced density matrices give absolutely no information of their original states. Two approached of finding these quantum states are proposed. One is to establish the relation between codewords of the stabilizer quantum error correction codes (SQECCs) and the undetermined states. The other is to study the local complementation rules of the graph states. As an application, the undetermined states can be exploited in the quantum secret sharing scheme. The security is guaranteed by their undetermineness.Comment: 6 pages, no figur

Evaluation of innovative sprayed-concrete-lined tunnelling

The front-shunt tunnel was the first tunnel of the Terminal 5 project at Heathrow to be constructed, and was the first section of sprayed-concrete-lined (SCL) tunnel to be constructed using the method known as LaserShell. This innovation represented a significant deviation from the methods previously used in SCL construction. Therefore it was subjected to a careful examination before and during construction using sophisticated 3D numerical modelling and monitoring during construction. The paper presents typical results from surface settlement levelling, inclinometers and extensometers, pressure cells and tunnel lining displacement measurements, and comments on the performance of the methods and instruments used. The paper then presents the methodology and typical results of the numerical modelling, and shows that the predictions of displacements and stresses compared well with the field measurements. In terms of the control of ground deformations and structural safety the tunnel performed well

The use of graft materials in vaginal pelvic floor surgery

ObjectiveTo review recent literature on graft materials used in vaginal pelvic floor surgery.MethodsA Pubmed‐search (“anterior vaginal wall” or “cystocele”), (“posterior vaginal wall” or “rectocele”) and (“vaginal vault” or “pelvic prolapse”) and (“mesh” or “erosion” or “graft” or “synthetic”) from 1995 to 2005 was performed; recent reviews [Birch C. The use of prosthetics in pelvic reconstructive surgery. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2005;19:979–91 [1]; Maher C, Baessler K. Surgical management of anterior vaginal wall prolapse: an evidence‐based literature review. Int Urogynecol J Pelvic Floor Dysfunct 2005 (May 25) [Electronic Publication] [2]; Maher C, Baessler K. Surgical management of posterior vaginal wall prolapse: an evidence‐based literature review. Int Urogynecol J Pelvic Floor Dysfunct 2006;17:84–8 [3]; Altman D, Mellgren A, Zetterstrom J. Rectocele repair using biomaterial augmentation: current documentation and clinical experience. Obstet Gynecol Surv 2005;60:753–60 [4]] were added.ResultThere are few prospective randomized trials that prove the benefit of implanting grafts in vaginal pelvic floor surgery. Many articles are retrospective case series with small sample sizes or incomplete outcome variables. Serious complications such as erosions are often not mentioned. Inconsistent or unclear criteria for anatomic cure make it difficult to compare outcomes. Quality of life issues such as dyspareunia, urinary or bowel symptoms are often ignored.ConclusionDue to a lack of well‐designed prospective randomized trials, recommendations for using graft materials in vaginal reconstructive surgery cannot be made. At this time, grafts should have limited use in a carefully selected patient population.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/135429/1/ijgo279.pd

Draft Genome Sequence of Mycobacterium elephantis Strain Lipa.

We report the draft genome sequence of Mycobacterium elephantis strain Lipa from a sputum sample of a patient with pulmonary disease. This is the first draft genome sequence of M. elephantis, a rapidly growing mycobacterium

Sequential time to positivity of blood cultures can be a predictor of prognosis of patients with persistent Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia

AbstractA short time to positivity (TTP) correlates with poor clinical outcome in patients with Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia, but the association between sequential TTPs and the outcome of these patients is unclear. Sequential TTPs from patients with S. aureus bacteraemia persisting for >48 h were analysed with respect to clinical parameters and patient outcome at a tertiary hospital. During the 5-year study period, 87 patients (9.2%; mean age of 64 years) had persistent S. aureus bacteraemia, with an average Pittsburgh bacteraemia score of 2.7. Forty-eight patients (55%) had methicillin-resistant S. aureus infection, and 28 (32%) had nosocomial infection. The most common underlying disease was end-stage renal disease (43%). The most common type of infection was catheter-related infection (31%), followed by infective endocarditis (18%). The in-hospital mortality rate was 40%. Higher Pittsburgh scores (p 0.005; OR 1.37; 95% CI 1.1–1.7) and a second TTP/first TTP ratio of <1.5 (p 0.004; OR 0.2; 95% CI 0.07–0.6) were independent risk factors for mortality. Among patients receiving adequate empirical therapy, a second positive blood culture growing within 12 h was more frequent in patients who finally died. Factors associated with a second TTP/first TTP ratio of <1.5 included older age (p 0.02; OR 0.96; 95% CI 0.92–0.99) and inadequate empirical antimicrobial therapy (p 0.01; OR 3.53; 95% CI 1.42–8.78). Among patients with persistent S. aureus bacteraemia, a second TTP/first TTP ratio of <1.5 is a predictor of poor outcome. Physicians should search for interventions guaranteeing that all patients with S. aureus bacteraemia receive adequate empirical therapy