Efficient sharing of a continuous-variable quantum secret

We propose an efficient scheme for sharing a continuous variable quantum secret using passive optical interferometry and squeezers: this efficiency is achieved by showing that a maximum of two squeezers is required to replicate the secret state, and we obtain the cheapest configuration in terms of total squeezing cost. Squeezing is a cost for the dealer of the secret as well as for the receivers, and we quantify limitations to the fidelity of the replicated secret state in terms of the squeezing employed by the dealer.Comment: 7 pages, 3 figure

Limited Term Merit Appointments: A Proposal To Reform Judicial Selection

This article argues that popularly electing judges is incompatible with the three basic elements of the judiciary in a republican form of government, and proposes an alternative - limited term merit appointments - which avoids the problems associated with an electoral system

Plasmodium falciparum:Rosettes do not protect merozoites from invasion-inhibitory antibodies

Rosetting is a parasite adhesion phenotype associated with severe malaria in African children. Why parasites form rosettes is unknown, although enhanced invasion or immune evasion have been suggested as possible functions. Previous work showed that rosetting does not enhance parasite invasion under standard in vitro conditions. We hypothesised that rosetting might promote invasion in the presence of host invasion-inhibitory antibodies, by allowing merozoites direct entry into the erythrocytes in the rosette and so minimising exposure to plasma antibodies. We therefore investigated whether rosetting influences invasion in the presence of invasion-inhibitory antibodies to MSP-1. We found no difference in invasion rates between isogenic rosetting and non-rosetting lines from two parasite strains, R29 and TM284, in the presence of MSP-1 antibodies (P=0.62 and P=0.63, Student's t test, TM284 and R29, respectively). These results do not support the hypothesis that rosettes protect merozoites from inhibitory antibodies during invasion. The biological function of rosetting remains unknown

Actual Versus Predicted VO2max: A Comparison of 4 Different Methods

ABSTRACT Measuring expired gases (EGs) while performing a maximal (max) effort exercise test is considered the most accurate evaluation of VO2 max. This methodology is not applicable for all populations. Submaximal (sub-max) protocols not measuring expired gases are more applicable, however their ability to accurately predict VO2max is not clear. PURPOSE: To compare VO2max results from 1) University of Houston Non-Exercise Test (UHNET), 2) McArdle Step Test (MST), 3) Bruce Protocol measuring EGs to max (Bruce-EGs), and 4) Bruce Protocol using time to max (Bruce-TM). METHODS: Recreationally active men and women {n= 24 (16M/8W); age = 25±7.7 years; body mass = 74.5±10.9kg; BMI = 24.3±2.9} completed 4 tests (on the same day) in the following order: 1) UHNET, 2) MST, 3) Bruce-EGs, and 4) Bruce-TM. For the UHNET, participants rated his/her physical activity (PAR). This was followed with a specified equation to estimate the participants VO2 max based on their PAR, age, BMI, and gender. Upon completion of the UHNET, participants performed the MST. The MST required participants to step on a 16.25inch bench at a specific cadence (different for men and women) for 3 minutes. Five seconds following the MST, radial pulse (RP) was assessed for 15 seconds. The radial pulse was converted to HR (beats/min) using the formula (RP*4). To estimate VO2max from the MST, the HR value was applied to a specific equation (different for men and women). Ten minutes after completing the MST, participants performed the Bruce protocol to max. For the Bruce Protocol, VO2max was calculated via 1) measurement of EGs and 2) the time it took to achieve max (TM). Expired gases were measured using a metabolic cart (Parvo Medics TrueOne 2400). To estimate VO2max using TM, the Bruce Protocol Time Formula (different for men and women) was applied. In addition to EGs and TM, HRmax, and Respiratory Exchange Ratio (RER) were assessed. Significant differences (p2 (Bruce-EGs) and estimated VO2 (UHNET, MST, and Bruce-TM) were determined using a one-way repeated measures ANOVA. Pearson correlations and liner regression were performed to determine the relationship between the estimated and actual VO2, as well as, determine how well the estimated VO2 predicted the actual VO2. RESULTS: For the Bruce protocol, HRmax=192±10.1bpm; RER=1.2±0.1, and TM=11.29±1.5 min. For the MST, the average HR was 144±23.3bpm. The actual VO2 (46.3±9.4 ml•kg-1•min -1) was similar to the estimated VO2 from UHNET (45.7±5.6 ml•kg-1•min-1) (p=.67) and MST (47.7±10.1 ml•kg-1•min-1) (p=.32). However, the VO2 obtained from the Bruce-TM (42.3±6.7 ml•kg-1•min-1) was significantly lower (p2 . Significant correlations (p2 and all predicted VO2 values. Liner regression equations expressed an R2 of .38, .61, and .65 for UHNET, MST, and Bruce-TM, respectively. CONCLUSION: Bruce-TM provided the most accurate estimation of the actual VO2max. The MST was slightly less predictive of VO2max though still a valid predictor. The results of this study suggest that to accurately predict VO2max, individuals will need to achieve max effort but might not need to have EGs analyzed. The MST results suggest that estimating VO2max on individuals who do not achieve max effort is still a valid option though might not be as accurate as when achieving max effort. These results should be taken with caution. This study was limited by 1) a small sample size, 2) evaluated only 2 modes of exercise, 3) a potential bias due to non-randomized trials, and 4) evaluated only healthy, active individuals. Increasing the sample size, comparing more methodologies, and randomizing the trials could strengthen the validity of any future investigations

A Comparison of the Effects of Moderate-Intensity Continuous Cycling and High-Intensity Interval Cycling on Postprandial Lipemia and Glycemia

Both moderate-intensity continuous exercise (MICE) and high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) has been reported to reduce the magnitude of postprandial lipemia and glycemia. It is unclear if performing MICE or HIIE of similar duration and work would have a comparable effect on postprandial lipemia or glycemia. PURPOSE: Examine the postprandial lipemic and glycemic response following the completion of high-intensity interval cycling (HIIC) and moderate-intensity continuous cycling (MICC) that is of equal duration and comparable work output. METHODS: Participants were mildly active males (n = 12; age = 21.9 ± 1.8 yrs; body mass = 90.1 ± 16.8 kg; BF% = 25.9 ± 8.6). Each participant completed a graded exercise test on a cycle ergometer to determine their maximal work rate (WRmax). For the study, each participant completed a bout of 1) REST, 2) MICC, and 3) HIIC in a randomized order. Each bout was performed for 20 minutes on the afternoon of Day 1. Each bout was separated by at least 1 week. Rest involved sitting quietly in the laboratory. MICC required continuous cycling at 60% WRmax. HIIC involved 15-second cycling sprints at 120% WRmax followed with 45 seconds of cycling at 40% WRmax. A mixed meal (50% carbohydrate (CHO), 35% fat, 6.4 ± 1.2 kcal/kgBW) was provided 30 minutes following the completion of each bout. Blood samples were acquired just prior to each bout and at 0, 0.5, 1, and 2 hours following the completion of the meal (post-meal). The next morning (Day 2), following a 10-hour fast, a 2nd mixed meal was provided. Blood samples on Day 2 were acquired at 0, 2, and 4 hours post-meal. Blood samples were analyzed for glucose, insulin, and triglyceride (TG) concentration. The postprandial (PP) response was quantified via the total (AUCT)and incremental area under the curve (AUCI) using the trapezoidal method. Significant differences (pRESULTS: The average heart rate was significantly higher (p=.037, ES = 1.1) during HIIC (163.3 ± 7.3) compared to MICC (154.4 ± 8.5). Average work output (Watts) was similar between MICC (122.5 ± 25.4) and HIIC (110.3 ± 14.7) (p = .091, ES = .51). On Day 1, there was no significant difference in the PP glucose, insulin, or TG response between the 3 bouts. On Day 2, there was no significant difference in the PP glucose or insulin response. On Day 2, MICC did reduce the TG AUCT (442.9 ± 76.4mg·dl-1·4hr-1) when compared to rest (487.4 ± 104.4mg·dl-1·4hr-1) (p = .02, ES = .43). HIIC did not reduce the TG AUCT on Day 2 (454.8 ± 72.3mg·dl-1·4hr-1), (p = .076, ES = .31). There was no difference in the AUCI between the 3 bouts for any of the postprandial measurements on Day 1 or Day 2. CONCLUSION: A brief bout of MICC and HIIC does not influence the PP response when completed just prior to a mixed meal. There may be a delayed response to exercise as MICC reduced the postprandial triglyceride (PPTG) concentration when completed approximately 16 hours prior to a mixed meal. While HIIC did not reduce PPTG on Day 2 there was a trend towards a significant reduction. The delayed reduction in the PPTG concentration may be associated with a delayed increase in lipoprotein lipase activity which may occur 4 – 18 hours following the completion of exercise. The lack of change in the PP glucose and insulin response might be explained by a wide inter-individual variance as half of the participants appeared to have responded to the exercise bouts based on their PP glucose and insulin concentration