A non self-referential expression of Tsallis' probability distribution function

The canonical probability distribution function (pdf) obtained by optimizing the Tsallis entropy under the linear mean energy constraint (first formalism) or the escort mean energy constraint (third formalism) suffer self-referentiality. In a recent paper [Phys. Lett. A {\bf335} (2005) 351-362] the authors have shown that the pdfs obtained in the two formalisms are equivalent to the pdf in non self-referential form. Based on this result we derive an alternative expression, which is non self-referential, for the Tsallis distributions in both first and third formalisms.Comment: 3 page

Semiclassical gravity beyond coherent states

We show that it is possible to still use semiclassical gravity together with quantum field theory beyond the regimes where the field state is coherent. In particular, we identify families of cat states (superposition of almost-distinguishable coherent states that have very non-classical features) for which the gravitational backreaction can be modeled by semiclassical gravity.Comment: 9 pages, 1 Appendix. RevTeX 4.

Biotechnological challenges: The scope of genome editing

CRISPR/Cas9 can be considered as the biotechnological breakthrough of the century. Genome editing technologies have developed in a vertiginous way. While the genome editing of species, including animals, plants and bacteria has become a commonly used method, the application of CRISPR-Cas9 in human embryos has led to debates and in-terdisciplinary discussions. This brings multiple challenges for both scientists and those who must regulate the use of these techniques.Fil: Lima, Natacha Salomé. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Psicología; ArgentinaFil: Ramos Martínez, Gustavo Antonio. Medicina Reproductiva Fertilis, Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción; Argentin

Energy fluctuations and the ensemble equivalence in Tsallis statistics

We investigate the general property of the energy fluctuation for the canonical ensemble in Tsallis statistics and the ensemble equivalence. By taking the ideal gas and the non-interacting harmonic oscillators as examples, we show that, when the particle number N is large enough, the relative fluctuation of the energy is proportional to 1/N in the new statistics, instead of square root of 1/N in Boltzmann-Gibbs statistics. Thus the equivalence between the microcanonical and the canonical ensemble still holds in Tsallis statistics.Comment: 6 pages, 21 reference

Phase diagram of a 2D Ising model within a nonextensive approach

In this work we report Monte Carlo simulations of a 2D Ising model, in which the statistics of the Metropolis algorithm is replaced by the nonextensive one. We compute the magnetization and show that phase transitions are present for $q\neq 1$. A $q -$ phase diagram (critical temperature vs. the entropic parameter $q$) is built and exhibits some interesting features, such as phases which are governed by the value of the entropic index $q$. It is shown that such phases favors some energy levels of magnetization states. It is also showed that the contribution of the Tsallis cutoff is essential to the existence of phase transitions

Certifying an irreducible 1024-dimensional photonic state using refined dimension witnesses

We report on a new class of dimension witnesses, based on quantum random access codes, which are a function of the recorded statistics and that have different bounds for all possible decompositions of a high-dimensional physical system. Thus, it certifies the dimension of the system and has the new distinct feature of identifying whether the high-dimensional system is decomposable in terms of lower dimensional subsystems. To demonstrate the practicability of this technique we used it to experimentally certify the generation of an irreducible 1024-dimensional photonic quantum state. Therefore, certifying that the state is not multipartite or encoded using non-coupled different degrees of freedom of a single photon. Our protocol should find applications in a broad class of modern quantum information experiments addressing the generation of high-dimensional quantum systems, where quantum tomography may become intractable.Comment: Journal version (except for small editorial modifications), 4+12 pages, 7 figure

Design, implementation and evaluation of a web-based computer-tailored intervention to prevent binge drinking in adolescents: study protocol

Background: Binge-drinking in adolescents is a highly prevalent healthcare problem that associates physical and mental health complications with community implications. This paper describes the design, implementation and evaluation of the first web-based computer tailored intervention aimed at the prevention of binge drinking in Spanish adolescents. Methods: The Alerta Alcohol program is based on the I-Change Model. First, feedback from focus and Delphi groups are used for cultural adaptation and to obtain further information on the items to be included on the program. A pilot study is then conducted to assess feasibility and to identify strengths and weaknesses. Second, a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial is conducted to test the effectiveness of Alerta Alcohol in students aged 16 to 18 years. The study is performed in 16 high schools from Andalusia (southern Spain), which are randomized either to the experimental or the control condition (EC and CC). The EC receives the Alerta Alcohol intervention, which consists of four sessions at school (baseline questionnaire, two sessions in three scenarios: at home, celebrations, and public places, and a final evaluation). The adolescents are provided with answers related to their views of each scenario; this information is used to provide highly specific feedback regarding their knowledge, risk perception, self-esteem, attitude, social influence, and self-efficacy. In addition, two booster sessions are given at home to reinforce the previous messages. The CC just completes the baseline and the final evaluation questionnaires and then they are allowed to receive the intervention as well (as a waiting list). Evaluation takes place after four months. The primary endpoint is binge drinking within 30 days prior to the evaluation and alcohol use in the previous week. It is expected that Alerta Alcohol reduce the prevalence of binge drinking by 10%. Follow up analyses are carried out to determine the differences in effectiveness according to the compliance of the program (quality of the implementation). Discussion: The results are expected to be applicable and may incorporate improvements in the practice of the Healthcare and Education Systems. If the program proves to be effective, regional and eventual national implementation should be considered.Junta de Andalucia PI-0031-201