Entanglement quantification through local observable correlations

We present a significantly improved scheme of entanglement detection inspired by local uncertainty relations for a system consisting of two qubits. Developing the underlying idea of local uncertainty relations, namely correlations, we demonstrate that it's possible to define a measure which is invariant under local unitary transformations and which is based only on local measurements. It is quite simple to implement experimentally and it allows entanglement quantification in a certain range for mixed states and exactly for pure states, without first obtaining full knowledge (e.g. through tomography) of the state.Comment: 5 pages, 3 figures, revised version with new proof and replaced figure

On the efficiency of quantum lithography

Quantum lithography promises, in principle, unlimited feature resolution, independent of wavelength. However, in the literature at least two different theoretical descriptions of quantum lithography exist. They differ in to which extent they predict that the photons retain spatial correlation from generation to the absorption, and while both predict the same feature size, they differ vastly in predicting how efficiently a quantum lithographic pattern can be exposed. Until recently, essentially all experiments reported have been performed in such a way that it is difficult to distinguish between the two theoretical explanations. However, last year an experiment was performed which gives different outcomes for the two theories. We comment on the experiment and show that the model that fits the data unfortunately indicates that the trade-off between resolution and efficiency in quantum lithography is very unfavourable.Comment: 19 pages, extended version including a thorough mathematical derivatio

recent techniques and applications using soft X-ray spectroscopy

The aim of a more precise knowledge about molecular structures and the nature of chemical bonds is the driving force behind the development of numerous experimental methods and theories. Recent soft X-ray based techniques provide novel opportunities for tackling the structure and the dynamics of chemical and biochemical systems in solution. In our research group we are developing experimental methods for mapping the electronic structure and dynamics of molecular systems in solution during bond-building and breaking using soft X-ray absorption and emission spectroscopy. The combination of such recent developments with conventional spectroscopy as well as theoretical modeling allows us to address open questions about hydrogen bonds, thermodynamics and active centers of biological systems. Based on the core-hole clock and pump–probe spectroscopy dynamics on the time scale from sub-femtoseconds up to picoseconds can be revealed

Factors affecting acceptability of an email-based intervention to increase fruit and vegetable consumption

Background: Fresh Facts is a 30-day email-delivered intervention designed to increase the fruit and vegetable consumption of Australian young adults. This study investigated the extent to which the program was acceptable to members of the target audience and examined the relationships between participant and intervention characteristics, attrition, effectiveness, and acceptability ratings. Methods: Young adults were randomised to two levels of message frequency: high-frequency (n = 102), low-frequency (n = 173). Individuals in the high-frequency group received daily emails while individuals in the low-frequency group received an email every 3 days.Results: Individuals in the high-frequency group were more likely to indicate that they received too many emails than individuals in the low-frequency group. No other differences in acceptability were observed. Baseline beliefs about fruit and vegetables were an important predictor of intervention acceptability. In turn, acceptability was associated with a number of indicators of intervention success, including change in fruit and vegetable consumption. Conclusions: The findings highlight the importance of considering the relationship between these intervention and participant factors and acceptability in intervention design and evaluation. Results support the ongoing use of email-based interventions to target fruit and vegetable consumption within young adults. However, the relationships between beliefs about fruit and vegetable consumption and acceptability suggest that this intervention may be differentially effective depending on individual’s existing beliefs about fruit and vegetable consumption. As such, there is a pressing need to consider these factors in future research in order to minimize attrition and maximize intervention effectiveness when interventions are implemented outside of a research context

Generation of a fusion protein containing the two functional coiled-coil domain of t- SNARE, SNAP-23 and a transmembrane domain for mast cell

SNAREs (Soluble N-Ethylmaleimide-Sensitive Fusion Protein Attachment Protein Receptor) are a class of membrane proteins that mediate membrane-membrane fusion in eukaryotic cells. SNAP-23 is a t-SNARE which is a component of cellular machinery is required for membrane fusion. SNAP-23 lacks transmembrane domain. Cysteines in the linker region of SNAP-23 are involved in targeting of SNAP-23 to the membrane. In the present work, a portion of MDR3 gene (MDR3 1-145) and CLP24 (CLP134-195) was subcloned into a plasmid encoding EGFP-SNAP-23 Cys- mutant for the generation of a fusion protein containing the two functional coiled-coil domain of t-SNARE, SNAP 23 and a transmembrane domain of MDR3 gene and CLP24 for mast cell. This fusion protein will be important to study the membrane targeting and raft association of the chimeric SNAP23 protein, which plays an important role in mast cell exocytosis in the mammalian system. A novel bioinformatics approach has been applied to identify the specific transmembrane domain. This novel approach can be used to construct other fusion proteins

Ectomycorrhizal influence on the dynamics of sesquiterpene release by Tricholoma vaccinum

Tricholoma vaccinum is an ectomycorrhizal basidiomycete with high host specificity. The slow-growing fungus is able to produce twenty sesquiterpenes, including α-barbatene, sativene, isocaryophyllene, α-cuprenene, β-cedrene, ß-copaene, 4-epi-α-acoradiene, and chamigrene in axenic culture. For the three major compounds, Δ(6)-protoilludene, β-barbatene, and an unidentified oxygenated sesquiterpene (m/z 218.18), changed production during co-cultivation with the ectomycorrhizal partner tree, Picea abies, could be shown with distinct dynamics. During the mycorrhizal growth of T. vaccinum–P. abies, Δ(6)-protoilludene and the oxygenated sesquiterpene appeared at similar times, which warranted further studies of potential biosynthesis genes. In silico analyses identified a putative protoilludene synthesis gene, pie1, as being up-regulated in the mycorrhizal stage, in addition to the previously identified, co-regulated geosmin synthase, ges1. We therefore hypothesize that the sesquiterpene synthase pie1 has an important role during mycorrhization, through Δ(6)-protoilludene and/or its accompanied oxygenated sesquiterpene production