Quantum Storage of Photonic Entanglement in a Crystal

Entanglement is the fundamental characteristic of quantum physics. Large experimental efforts are devoted to harness entanglement between various physical systems. In particular, entanglement between light and material systems is interesting due to their prospective roles as "flying" and stationary qubits in future quantum information technologies, such as quantum repeaters and quantum networks. Here we report the first demonstration of entanglement between a photon at telecommunication wavelength and a single collective atomic excitation stored in a crystal. One photon from an energy-time entangled pair is mapped onto a crystal and then released into a well-defined spatial mode after a predetermined storage time. The other photon is at telecommunication wavelength and is sent directly through a 50 m fiber link to an analyzer. Successful transfer of entanglement to the crystal and back is proven by a violation of the Clauser-Horne-Shimony-Holt (CHSH) inequality by almost three standard deviations (S=2.64+/-0.23). These results represent an important step towards quantum communication technologies based on solid-state devices. In particular, our resources pave the way for building efficient multiplexed quantum repeaters for long-distance quantum networks.Comment: 5 pages, 3 figures + supplementary information; fixed typo in ref. [36

Historical influence on the practice of chiropractic radiology: Part I - a survey of Diplomates of the American Chiropractic College of Radiology

Background It is known that not all chiropractors follow mainstream guidelines on the use of diagnostic ionising radiation. Various reasons have been discussed in the literature, including using radiography to screen for congenital anomalies, to perform postural analysis, to search for contraindications to spinal manipulation, and to document chiropractic subluxations, i.e., tiny anatomical displacements of vertebrae thought to affect nerves and health. The visualisation of subluxations was the reason chiropractic first adopted the x-ray in 1910. There has never been a study of the influence of this historical paradigm of radiography on the practices of chiropractic radiologists (DACBRs or Diplomates of the American Chiropractic College of Radiology). Methods A survey was administered with a modified Dillman method using SurveyMonkey and supplemented by hard copies distributed at a professional conference. The target population was all active DACBRs. There were 34 items, which consisted of multiple choice and open-ended interrogatives on all three areas in which chiropractic radiologists work: education, clinical practice, and radiology practice. Results The response rate was 38% (73 of 190 DACBRs). Respondents reported that the historical paradigm of radiography was found in all areas of practice, but not as a major aspect. The majority of respondents did not condone that historical paradigm, but many tolerated it, particularly from referring chiropractors. Radiographic subluxation analysis was reportedly perpetuated by private clinical practitioners as well as technique instructors and supervising clinicians in the teaching institutions. Conclusions Within the chiropractic profession, there is a continuing belief in radiographically visible subluxations as a cause of suboptimal health. This situation is sustained in part due to the reticence of other chiropractors to report these practices to licensing and registration boards. Investigation into other structures supporting a vitalistic belief system over science in chiropractic is recommended. In addition, it may be useful to explore remunerative systems that move beyond the inherently conflicted fee-for-service model

Closed-system drug-transfer devices in addition to safe handling of hazardous drugs versus safe handling alone for reducing healthcare staff exposure to infusional hazardous drugs

This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (Intervention). The objectives are as follows: To assess the effectiveness of closed-system drug-transfer of infusional hazardous drugs in addition to safe handling versus safe handling alone for reducing the exposure and risk of staff contamination to infusional hazardous drugs

Assistant Director

2. ASHP drug product bar-code problem reporting center. Bethesda (MD)

Réorganisation physique d’une pharmacie satellite d’hémato-oncologie

Résumé Le réaménagement physique d’une pharmacie et la revue des pratiques de gestion constituent des étapes importantes de la démarche menant à la pratique optimale de la pharmacie en établissement de santé. Il existe peu de normes publiées sur les aménagements physiques en pharmacie. La diffusion de ces expériences peut contribuer à développer des barèmes de comparaison. Cet article présente une réorganisation d’une pharmacie satellite d’hémato-oncologie dans un établissement d’enseignement pédiatrique. Abstract Physical reengineering and the review of management practices are important steps to provide optimal hospital pharmacy services. There are limited data published on physical organization of pharmacy department. The publication of theses experiences contributes to establish benchmarking. This article illustrates a physical reorganization of a satellite pharmacy in hematology-oncology in a pediatric teaching institution

Pilot study about hospital pharmacy residents’ perception of pharmacovigilance in Belgium, France, Canada and Switzerland

peer reviewedBackground: Pharmacovigilance is defined as the science and activities relating to the detection, assessment, understanding and prevention of adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Although pharmacovigilance is a responsibility for all healthcare professionals, this activity is an important part of a pharmacist’s practice. Hospital pharmacy residents are expected to have the necessary skills to monitor, manage, report and prevent ADRs as a part of their academic curriculum. Assessing and comparing perceptions of pharmacovigilance of hospital pharmacy residents from four different countries can contribute to a reflection about their education and their role in pharmacovigilance. Objectives: To assess and compare the perception of pharmacovigilance of hospital pharmacy residents from Belgium, France, Quebec and Switzerland. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in March 2014 using an online-questionnaire administrated to 229 hospital pharmacy residents. Nineteen questions were organized into five sections: demographic data, pharmacovigilance education and practice, attitudes toward reporting adverse drug reactions, obstacles to reporting ADRs and measures to improve ADRs reporting rate. Results: Unlike the French residents, most of the other respondents believed that they had received an adequate pharmacovigilance education. The main obstacles to ADR reporting were similar: lack of experience and concern about overwork. The same measures concerning the development of pharmacovigilance were identified. Hospital residents expected local measures for a closer pharmacovigilance. Conclusions: These observations lead us to think that standardizing and changing hospital pharmacy residents’ education and good practices in clinical pharmacovigilance are required to optimize patient care