Nonclassicality in Weak Measurements

We examine weak measurements of arbitrary observables where the object is prepared in a mixed state and on which measurements with imperfect detectors are made. The weak value of an observable can be expressed as a conditional expectation value over an infinite class of different generalized Kirkwood quasi-probability distributions. "Strange" weak values for which the real part exceeds the eigenvalue spectrum of the observable can only be found if the Terletsky-Margenau-Hill distribution is negative, or, equivalently, if the real part of the weak value of the density operator is negative. We find that a classical model of a weak measurement exists whenever the Terletsky-Margenau-Hill representation of the observable equals the classical representation of the observable and the Terletsky-Margenau-Hill distribution is nonnegative. Strange weak values alone are not sufficient to obtain a contradiction with classical models. We propose feasible weak measurements of photon number of the radiation field. Negative weak values of energy contradicts all classical stochastic models, whereas negative weak values of photon number contradict all classical stochastic models where the energy is bounded from below by the zero-point energy. We examine coherent states in particular, and find negative weak values with probabilities of 16% for kinetic energy (or squared field quadrature), 8% for harmonic oscillator energy and 50% for photon number. These experiments are robust against detector inefficiency and thermal noise.Comment: 12 pages, 8 figure

Análise do segmento de cortes de frango: um estudo do varejo do Vale do Taquari com base no composto de marketing

Com o mercado cada vez mais competitivo e dinâmico, as empresas carecem de frequente atualização em relação ao ambiente em que estão inseridas, necessitando compreender de forma efetiva todas as variáveis de seu mercado. Assim, esta monografia apresenta uma análise do composto de marketing, produto, preço, praça e promoção, com o objetivo de analisar o segmento de corte de frango descrito pelo comércio varejista do Vale do Taquari. A fundamentação teórica aproxima conceitos de vários autores, a fim de atingir os objetivos propostos. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa e exploratória, por meio de procedimentos técnicos bibliográficos, análise documental e levantamento de dados através de entrevistas. Tendo em vista as dimensões analisadas, a pesquisa apresentou resultados que revelam a valorização do varejo, principalmente no que diz respeito à qualidade do produto, à disposição frequente de entregas e aos preços diferenciados. O resultado do presente trabalho pode trazer informações importantes para empresas e gestores do ramo, assim como para estudantes da área ou interessados no setor

Modelagem Participativa – Uma Nova Abordagem para Modelar Bancos de Dados Voltados a Grafos.

Com a disseminação do uso dos computadores para quase todas as atividades humanas, cada vez mais dados de diferentes características precisam ser coletados, armazenados e pesquisados. Isso vem trazendo novos desafios para que esses dados gerem informação pois as formas tradicionais de bancos de dados vêm se mostrando ineficientes para atender essa nova demanda e assim novas concepções de armazenamento de dados tem sido apresentadas, dentre elas os bancos de dados voltados a grafos. Entretanto, não basta simplesmente armazenar os dados na forma de grafos pois é necessário saber como modelar esses dados para melhor explorar as características oferecidas ppor estes bancos de dados. Nesse sentido, esta dissertação analisa e compara alguns métodos propostos por diferentes pesquisadores para modelar dados na forma de grafos e, com base nessa análise, apresenta uma nova metodologia para modelar os dados como grafos, que produz um grafo menor com caminhos menores entre os vértices em relação às modelagens analisadas, com a incorporação de vértices por outros vértices ou mesmo arestas, facilitando, assim, a prospecção de dados. Os métodos analisados e proposto foram comparados, através da implantação de uma base de teste comum

Deriving and improving CMA-ES with Information geometric trust regions

CMA-ES is one of the most popular stochastic search algorithms. It performs favourably in many tasks without the need of extensive parameter tuning. The algorithm has many beneficial properties, including automatic step-size adaptation, efficient covariance updates that incorporates the current samples as well as the evolution path and its invariance properties. Its update rules are composed of well established heuristics where the theoretical foundations of some of these rules are also well understood. In this paper we will fully derive all CMA-ES update rules within the framework of expectation-maximisation-based stochastic search algorithms using information-geometric trust regions. We show that the use of the trust region results in similar updates to CMA-ES for the mean and the covariance matrix while it allows for the derivation of an improved update rule for the step-size. Our new algorithm, Trust-Region Covariance Matrix Adaptation Evolution Strategy (TR-CMA-ES) is fully derived from first order optimization principles and performs favourably in compare to standard CMA-ES algorithm

Particle tracking in a salinity gradient: A method for measuring sinking rate of individual phytoplankton in the laboratory

This paper presents a new method to measure the sinking rates of individual phytoplankton “particles” (cells, chains, colonies, and aggregates) in the laboratory. Conventional particle tracking and high resolution video imaging were used to measure particle sinking rates and particle size. The stabilizing force of a very mild linear salinity gradient (1 ppt over 15 cm) prevented the formation of convection currents in the laboratory settling chamber. Whereas bulk settling methods such as SETCOL provide a single value of sinking rate for a population, this method allows the measurement of sinking rate and particle size for a large number of individual particles or phytoplankton within a population. The method has applications where sinking rates vary within a population, or where sinking rate-size relationships are important. Preliminary data from experiments with both laboratory and field samples of marine phytoplankton are presented here to illustrate the use of the technique, its applications, and limitations. Whereas this paper deals only with sinking phytoplankton, the method is equally valid for positively buoyant species, as well as nonbiological particles

Efectividad de un entrenamiento cardiorrespiratorio, muscular y ventilatorio en el rendimiento aeróbico de pacientes hemodializados

Introduction: End stage kidney disease causes fatigue and progressive muscle weakness, which affects not only the muscles of extremities, but also the respiratory. There are several studies of combined training in dialysis patients, but not including respiratory work. Therefore, the present study aims to determine the effectiveness of an aerobic, lower limb resistance and inspiratory muscle resistance combined training in the generation of changes in aerobic performance of patients undergoing hemodialysis. Material and methods: Randomized controlled trial which included 11 hemodialysis patients from Valdivia’s Central Hospital. The sample was divided in two groups, the first one included: an aerobic, lower limbs and inspiratory muscle training (ARM+V) (n=6) and the second one included an aerobic and lower limbs muscle training (ARM) (n=5). The training was performed during 8 weeks and three variables were measured in both groups pre and post intervention, inspiratory muscle strength (Carefore Airlift NIF-gauge ®), aerobic endurance (6MWT) and pulmonary function (Sibelmed Datospir Micro Spirometer 120D ®). Results: ARM+V group obtained significant improvements (p<0.05) in 6MWT performance (p=0.027) and MIP (p=0,001). Likewise performance improved in 6MWT (p=0.022) and MIP (p=0.002) at ARM group, but decreased in spirometry values: FEV1 (p=0.004), FVC (p=0.005) and FEV1/FVC (p=0,038). Conclusion: Both training protocols were effective in the aerobic endurance improvement, however the patients in the ARM+V group presented better changes than the ARM group. Neither of the two training programs improved pulmonary function.Introducción: la enfermedad renal crónica terminal provoca fatiga y debilidad muscular progresiva, que afecta no solo la muscula- tura de extremidades, sino también la respiratoria. Existen diversos estudios de entrenamiento combinado en pacientes dializados, pero sin incluir trabajo respiratorio. Por esto, el presente estudio pretende determinar la efectividad de un entrenamiento combinado aeróbico, de resistencia de miembro inferior y de resistencia muscular inspiratoria, en el rendimiento aeróbico de pacientes hemodializados. Materiales y métodos: ensayo clínico aleatorizado que incluyó 11 pacientes hemodializados del Hospital Base Valdivia. Fueron divididos en dos grupos, uno sometido a un programa de entrenamiento con ejercicio aeróbico, de resistencia muscular de miembros inferiores y de musculatura inspiratoria (ARM+V) (n=6), y el otro, a un programa de entrenamiento con ejercicio aeróbico y de resistencia muscular de miembros inferiores (ARM) (n=5). La intervención fue realizada durante 8 semanas evaluando el rendimiento pre y post intervención de capacidad aeróbica (TM6M), fuerza inspiratoria máxima (Carefore Airlift NIF-gauge®) y función pulmonar (Sibelmed Datospir Micro Spirometer 120D®) en ambos grupos. Resultados: el grupo ARM+V obtuvo mejoras significativas (p<0,05) en el rendimiento del TM6M (p=0,027) y PIM (p=0,001); así mismo el grupo ARM mejoró en el TM6M (p=0,022) y PIM (p=0,002) y en la espirometría se mostró una disminución significativa en VEF1 (p=0,004), CVF (p=0,005) y VEF1/CVF (p=0,038). Conclusión: ambos entrenamientos fueron efectivos en la mejora del rendimiento aeróbico, pero el grupo ARM+V obtuvo mejoras significativamente superiores en este ítem. Ninguno de los dos entrenamientos obtuvo mejoras en los valores espirométricos. Palabras clave: diálisis renal, terapia por ejercicio, músculos respiratorios

SOURCE 3: 1-year outcomes post-transcatheter aortic valve implantation using the latest generation of the balloon-expandable transcatheter heart valve

AIMS: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has developed from a procedure for patients with aortic stenosis inoperable or high risk for surgery, into a treatment option even for intermediate risk elderly patients. This development has been facilitated by the clinical learning curve and constant improvements of transcatheter heart valves used. We present total 1-year results of SOURCE 3, the European post-approval multicentre registry of the latest generation balloon expandable SAPIEN 3TM (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA, USA). METHODS AND RESULTS: Participating centres have submitted their consecutive experience with the SAPIEN 3, dependent on patients consent. Data were prospectively collected and all end point-related outcomes adjudicated according to VARC-2 definitions by an independent committee. Between July 2014 and October 2015, in total 1946 patients (mean age 81.6\u2009\ub1\u20096.7\u2009years, 52% male) were enrolled in 80 centres from 10 European countries. At 1\u2009year, all-cause mortality was 12.6%, cardiovascular mortality 8.0%, stroke 3.1%, disabling stroke 1.4%, and rate of new pacemakers 13.2%. Causes of death were 62.0% cardiovascular and 38.0% non-cardiovascular, with heart failure (13.4%) and pulmonary complications (12.7%) being the main reasons for fatal outcomes. Multivariable analysis identified New York Heart Association Class IV and renal insufficiency as predictors of mortality, while higher BMI's improved survival. Severe (zero) and moderate paravalvular leakage (2.6%) was rare at 1\u2009year. CONCLUSION: In SOURCE 3, we observe a low complication rate and mortality at 1\u2009year. Given the low incidence of higher degree paravalvular leakages, this variable did no longer affect outcome. Clinicaltrial.gov number: NCT02698956

A theory of nonvertical triplet energy transfer in terms of accurate potential energy surfaces: The transfer reaction from π,π∗ triplet donors to 1,3,5,7-cyclooctatetraene

Triplet energy transfer (TET) from aromatic donors to 1,3,5,7-cyclooctatetraene (COT) is an extreme case of “nonvertical” behavior, where the transfer rate for low-energy donors is considerably faster than that predicted for a thermally activated (Arrhenius) process. To explain the anomalous TET of COT and other molecules, a new theoretical model based on transition state theory for nonadiabatic processes is proposed here, which makes use of the adiabatic potential energy surfaces (PES) of reactants and products, as computed from high-level quantum mechanical methods, and a nonadiabatic transfer rate constant. It is shown that the rate of transfer depends on a geometrical distortion parameter γ = (2g2/κ1)1/2 in which g stands for the norm of the energy gradient in the PES of the acceptor triplet state and κ1 is a combination of vibrational force constants of the ground-state acceptor in the gradient direction. The application of the model to existing experimental data for the triplet energy transfer reaction to COT from a series of π,π∗ triplet donors, provides a detailed interpretation of the parameters that determine the transfer rate constant. In addition, the model shows that the observed decrease of the acceptor electronic excitation energy is due to thermal activation of C�C bond stretchings and C–C bond torsions, which collectively change the ground-state COT bent conformation (D2d) toward a planar triplet state (D8h)[email protected]

SOURCE 3 Registry Design and 30-Day Results of the European Postapproval Registry of the Latest Generation of the SAPIEN 3 Transcatheter Heart Valve

BACKGROUND: The SOURCE 3 Registry (SAPIEN Aortic Bioprosthesis European Outcome) is a European multicenter, observational registry of the latest generation of transcatheter heart valve, the SAPIEN 3 (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA). Its purpose is to document outcomes of clinical safety and performance after European approval was given. METHODS: Here, we present the 30-day outcome of the SOURCE 3 Registry. All data are self-reported, and all participating centers have committed to support their consecutive experience with the SAPIEN 3 transcatheter heart valve, dependent on patient consent, before the start of the study. Adverse events are defined with Valve Academic Research Consortium 2 criteria and adjudicated by an independent clinical events committee. RESULTS: A total of 1950 patients from 80 centers in 10 countries were enrolled between July 2014 and October 2015. Of those, 1947 patients underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) with the SAPIEN 3 (mean age, 81.6 +/- 6.6 years; 48.1% female). Main comorbidities included coronary artery disease (51.5%), renal insufficiency (27.4%), diabetes mellitus (29.5%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (16.0%), and a mean logistic EuroSCORE of 18.3 +/- 13.2. Transfemoral access was used in 87.1% (n=1695); nontransfemoral, in 252 patients. Conscious sedation was used in 59.9% of transfemoral procedures, and in 50% of patients, TAVI was performed without aortic balloon valvuloplasty. Implantation success (1 valve in the intended location) was 98.3%. Conversion to conventional surgery (0.6%) and use of cardiopulmonary bypass (0.7%) were rare. Adverse events were low, with site-reported 30-day all-cause mortality of 2.2%, cardiovascular mortality of 1.1%, stroke of 1.4%, major vascular complications of 4.1%, life-threatening bleeding of 5%, and post-TAVI pacemaker implantation of 12%. Moderate or greater paravalvular regurgitation was observed in 3.1% of reporting patients. CONCLUSIONS: Results from the SOURCE 3 Registry demonstrate contemporary European trends and good outcomes of TAVI in daily practice when this third-generation TAVI device is used.Peer reviewe