The one-way CNOT simulation

In this paper we present the complete simulation of the quantum logic CNOT gate in the one-way model, that consists entirely of one-qubit measurements on a particular class of entangled states.Comment: 7 pages, 2 figure

3D electron diffraction in nano-geology: present and perspectives

When working on advanced research topics in geosciences, one must often deal with small yields and cryptocrystalline polyphasic samples. Conventional optical and X-ray crystallographic tools may not be sufficient for the proper characterization of these samples. The development of efficient probes able to investigate the nanoworld becomes therefore crucial for pushing forward our understanding about the geochemical and mineralogical processes that regulate Earth and extraterrestrial environments. In the last ten years, electron diffraction (ED) evolved from a qualitative method restricted to few dedicated TEM users, to a robust protocol for phase identification and abinitio structure determination [1]. Such change has been mostly propelled by the development of routines for 3D data collection. This methodology is in principle equivalent to single-crystal X-ray diffraction, but allows sampling crystals of few tens on nanometers. We will show here some examples of recent applications of ED in geosciences, namely how to achieve an easy and relatively fast characterization of minor and cryptocrystalline phases in natural and experimental samples. We were able identify and characterize modulated phases able to carry hydrogen at upper-mantle conditions, to follow aragonite growth from the first nucleation seeds [2] and to identify mineralogical phases and polytypes in non-equilibrated extraterrestrial samples and in impact rocks [3]

A theoretical-experimental framework for the analysis of the dynamic response of a QEPAS tuning fork device immersed in a fluid medium

Quartz-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy (QEPAS) is a trace gas sensing technique that employs a designed high-quality factor quartz tuning fork (QTF) as acousto-electric transducer. The first in-plane skew-symmetric flexural mode of the QTF is excited when weak resonant sound waves are generated between the QTF prongs. Thus, the performance of a QEPAS sensor strongly depends on the resonance properties of the QTF, namely the determination of flexural eigenfrequencies and air damping loss. In this work, we present a mixed theoretical-experimental framework to study the dynamic response of a QTF while vibrating in a fluid environment. Due to the system linearity, the dynamic response of the resonator immersed in a fluid medium is obtained by employing a Boundary Element formulation based on an ad hoc calculated Green's function. In particular, the QTF is modelled as constituted by a pair of two Euler-Bernoulli cantilevers partially coupled by a distributed linear spring. As for the forces exerted by the fluid on QTF structure, the fluid inertia and viscosity as well as an additional diffusivity term, whose influence is crucial for the correct evaluation of the system response, have been taken into account. By corroborating the theoretical analysis with the experimental outcomes obtained by means of a vibro-acoustic setup, the fluid response coefficients and the dynamics of the QTF immersed in a fluid environment are fully determined

"Hemolysis, or not hemolysis, that is the question". Use of hydroxychloroquine in a patient with COVID-19 infection and G6PD deficiency

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Embryo Culture, In Vitro Propagation, and Molecular Identification for Advanced Olive Breeding Programs

The high biodiversity of the olive tree is an important opportunity to develop sustainable plans to control Xylella fastidiosa (X) through breeding programs. Olive tree breeding activities have been limited due to various features of this species including the long time required for seed germination caused by the inhibition effect of the woody endocarp, the seed integument, and the endosperm. Starting from F1 seeds by cross-breeding, the embryo culture was compared with traditional seed germination, evaluating the effectiveness of in vitro multiplication of the plantlets for large-scale production. The isolated embryos were established on a new medium based on Rugini ‘84 macroelements, Murashige & Skoog ‘62 microelements, with Nitsch J. P. & Nitsch C. ‘69 vitamine and subcultured on Leva MSM modified. The results obtained confirmed that in vitro culture of olive embryos is a valid tool for increasing the percentage and speed of germination, helping to reduce the time of the olive breeding programs, offering the possibility to effectively propagate plantlets for further experiments

First detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 on the surfaces of tourist-recreational facilities in Italy

A Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), caused by a new virus called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), spreads via direct contact through droplets produced by infected individuals. The transmission of this virus can also occur via indirect contact if objects and surfaces are contaminated by secretions from individuals with COVID-19 or asymptomatic carriers. Environmental contamination with SARS-CoV-2 is high in hospital settings; on the contrary, surface contamination in non-healthcare settings is still poorly studied. In this study, the presence of SARS-CoV-2 on the surfaces of 20 tourist-recreational facilities was investigated by performing a total of 100 swabs on surfaces, including refrigerator handles, handrails, counters, tables, and bathroom access doors. Six (6%) swabs from four (20%) tourist-recreational facilities tested positive for SARS-CoV-2; the surfaces that were involved were toilet door handles, refrigerator handles, handrails, and bar counters. This study highlights that SARS-CoV-2 is also present in non-healthcare environments; therefore, in order to limit this worrying pandemic, compliance with behavioral rules and the adoption of preventive and protective measures are of fundamental importance not only in healthcare or work environments but also in life environments

JLB: a flexible and effective device in critical patients. Review of clinical cases

JLB catheter (Deltamed Inc) is an alternative way to manage difficult venous access; it is placed under US-guidance in large bore veins, with an easy-sterile approach. Internal jugular vein (IJV) is the first choice for cannulation, followed by subclavian or deep upper-arm veins. The catheter is available in different lengths and gauges, it allows high flow rates and can be left in place up to 30 days. From June 2015 to March 2017, JLB has been positioned in 409 patients: in 354 as primary access in IJV, brachial or subclavian vein; in 55 cases JLB became an introducing line for the Seldinger guidewire and further CVC positioning. All clinical cases were reviewed selecting those with greater clinical relevance. We report 8 cases in which JLB resulted determinant for the patient treatment: a 16 years old obese girl born with perinatal distress, a 78 years old obese woman with hemorrhagic shock caused by gastrointestinal bleeding, a 40 years old man with severe hypokalemia, a 30 years old man with severe sepsis, a 40 years old man with Becker’s muscular dystrophy and severe sepsis, a 40 years old man with multiple myeloma who had to carry out cycles of chemotherapy, a 76 years old man with CMV pancolitis and myelofibrosis who needed parenteral nutrition, antiviral therapy and frequent blood and platelets transfusion. Moreover, it has been useful in elderly patients who needed to carry out palliative care for seniority or cancer lasting up to 30 days . In our experience the JLB catheter is safe, easy to place, quick and cost –effective. It is a valid solution either in unstable patients requiring an immediate access in emergency and stable patients with difficult venous access, in which invasive devices can be considered an over-treatment

Boom boom pow: Shock-facilitated aqueous alteration and evidence for two shock events in the Martian nakhlite meteorites

Nakhlite meteorites are ~1.4 to 1.3 Ga old igneous rocks, aqueously altered on Mars ~630 Ma ago. We test the theory that water-rock interaction was impact driven. Electron backscatter diffraction demonstrates that the meteorites Miller Range 03346 and Lafayette were heterogeneously deformed, leading to localized regions of brecciation, plastic deformation, and mechanical twinning of augite. Numerical modeling shows that the pattern of deformation is consistent with shock-generated compressive and tensile stresses. Mesostasis within shocked areas was aqueously altered to phyllosilicates, carbonates, and oxides, suggesting a genetic link between the two processes. We propose that an impact ~630 Ma ago simultaneously deformed the nakhlite parent rocks and generated liquid water by melting of permafrost. Ensuing water-rock interaction focused on shocked mesostasis with a high density of reactive sites. The nakhlite source location must have two spatially correlated craters, one ~630 Ma old and another, ejecting the meteorites, ~11 Ma ago