Statistical Learning in Wasserstein Space

We seek a generalization of regression and principle component analysis (PCA) in a metric space where data points are distributions metrized by the Wasserstein metric. We recast these analyses as multimarginal optimal transport problems. The particular formulation allows efficient computation, ensures existence of optimal solutions, and admits a probabilistic interpretation over the space of paths (line segments). Application of the theory to the interpolation of empirical distributions, images, power spectra, as well as assessing uncertainty in experimental designs, is envisioned

Quantum Discord for Generalized Bloch Sphere States

In this study for particular states of bipartite quantum system in 2n?2m dimensional Hilbert space state, similar to m or n-qubit density matrices represented in Bloch sphere we call them generalized Bloch sphere states(GBSS), we give an efficient optimization procedure so that analytic evaluation of quantum discord can be performed. Using this optimization procedure, we find an exact analytical formula for the optimum positive operator valued measure (POVM) that maximize the measure of the classical correlation for these states. The presented optimization procedure also is used to show that for any concave entropy function the same POVMs are sufficient for quantum discord of mentioned states. Furthermore, We show that such optimization procedure can be used to calculate the geometric measure of quantum discord (GMQD) and then an explicit formula for GMQD is given. Finally, a complete geometric view is presented for quantum discord of GBSS. Keywords: Quantum Discord, Generalized Bloch Sphere States, Dirac matrices, Bipartite Quantum System. PACs Index: 03.67.-a, 03.65.Ta, 03.65.UdComment: 26 pages. arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:1107.5174 by other author

Prevalence and intensity of depression in mothers of children with beta-thalassemia major in Talghani Hospital of Gorgan, Iran

Background: Thalassemia is a chronic disease that it leads to psychological and social problems for parents. Mothers are at markedly increased risk of suffering from psychological distress and depression because they usually take on a considerable part of extra care that their children need.This study was designed to determine prevalence and intensity of depression in mothers with a thalassemic child. Material and Methods: In this cross - sectional study, 65 mothers of children with thalassemia major (case group) and 65 mothers of children without thalassemia major (control group) were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Data were analyzed by using SPSS (v 16.0) for windows. Results: Prevalence of depression was significantly higher in case group than that in control group (84.6%vs. 56.9%, p <0.05). Moderate depression had a highest prevalence in the both groups (33.4% in case group and 30.8% in control group). Prevalence of severe depression in case group was markedly higher than that in control group (29.2% vs. 3.1% p<0.05). There was a significant difference between intensity of depression in mothers of case group that had another child with beta-thalassemia major (p<0.05). Conclusion: Mothers of children with thalassemia major are vulnerable to depression. They need psychosocial support to promote their health. © Journal of Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences University

Ebola virus disease: facts and fears

Ebola virus (EBOV) is an enveloped virus including a negative single strand genome in its virion with cylindrical/tubular morphology. EBOV is the causative agent of Ebola virus disease (EVD), which is also involved in the outbreak observed in Central Africa since 1976. EVD is a complex zoonotic viral disease which is highly virulent in human. The transmission of Ebola infection is not usually high. In addition, the initial human-to-human transmission of EBV occurs via contact with the fluids of infected patients. Since there is no available established treatment or vaccine for Ebola, symptomatic therapy and strict quarantine seems to be adequate for preventing its transmission. This virus is not airborne, foodborne or waterborne. Due to the fear from EVD and the potential outbreak at any given moment, this article discusses the main epidemiological characteristics of the disease