Entanglement estimation in non-optimal qubit states

In the last years, a relationship has been established between the quantum Fisher information (QFI) and quantum entanglement. In the case of two-qubit systems, all pure entangled states can be made useful for sub-shot-noise interferometry while their QFI meets a necessary and sufficient condition [1]. In M-qubit systems, the QFI provides just a sufficient condition in the task of detecting the degree of entanglement of a generic state [2]. In our work, we show analytically that, for a large class of one-parameter non-optimal two-qubit states, the maximally entangled states are associated with stationary points of the QFI, as a function of such parameter. We show, via numerical simulations, that this scenario is maintained for the generalisation of this class of states to a generic M-qubit system. Furthermore, we suggest a scheme for an interferometer able to detect the entanglement in a large class of two-spin states.Comment: 7 pages, 7 figure

Same-sex marriage and same-sex adoption: Socio-political context of the rights of gay and lesbian people in Belgium

Belgium is considered as being on the forefront of a number of rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people (LGBT). In the 1990s, the law on legal cohabitation made it possible for same-sex couples to draw up cohabitation contracts. Belgium then became the second country in Europe to authorise marriage between same-sex partners in 2003, as well as opening up access to parenthood to LGBT people, in 2006. In addition, the Government has launched several programmes to fight against homophobia in schools and in society in general. The aim of this paper is to describe the changes that have taken place in Belgian legislation from traditional family law through to the opening up of marriage and parenthood to homosexual couples, analysing the arguments which have been put forward in support and against it, as well as the potential rational behind shared agendas. It will also describe the emergence of the LGBT movement in Belgium, the various non-governmental organisations which are active in the country and the role they play. An overview of current events will be presented (changes in the number of marriages, divorces and adoptions in Belgium). Finally, the paper will discuss the reactions of Belgian society and the challenges which LGBT people living in Belgium still have to face. In this way, we aim to contribute towards an overview of the current socio-political context in Belgium, in order to better understanding the processes at work in a country which wants to be seen as gay-friendly

Entanglement distance for an arbitrary state of M qubits

We propose a measure of entanglement that can be computed for any pure state of an $M$-qubit system. The entanglement measure has the form of a distance that we derive from an adapted application of the Fubini-Study metric. This measure is invariant under local unitary transformations and defined as trace of a suitable metric that we derive, the entanglement metric $\tilde{g}$. Furthermore, the analysis of the eigenvalues of $\tilde{g}$ gives information about the robustness of entanglement.Comment: 6 pages, 5 figure

Genetic traceability of cinta senese pig (Sus scrofa domesticus L.): a study of the meat and processed products by microsatellite markers

Traceability based on DNA analysis is attracting increasing interest due to the crisis of confidence that consumers show towards the products of animal origin. The present work discusses a genetic traceability system of meat and processed products from an historical Tuscan native pig breed, the Cinta Senese. The study is based on a panel of 8 ISAG (International Society for Animal Genetics) DNA microsatellite markers usage done both on pigs and derived products. The SSRs panel allowed us to obtain a unique fingerprint of the individuals to be used as a tracer “downstream” in the processed products. The molecular method used proved that the hams, analyzed just before commercialization, were obtained from Cinta Senese pigs and that the analyzed meat products derived from the Cinta Senese were produced at least with 95% of Cinta Senese meat. In perspective, the molecular testing could be introduced as a voluntarily adopted method for proving intrinsic quality of many regional food products

European Research Agenda for Career Guidance and Counselling

In a changing world, there is a need to reflect about the research basis of career guidance and counselling (CGC) as a professional practice, considering the contributions of various disciplines and research traditions. This paper outlines a possible European research agenda (ERA) to further enhance the knowledge foundation of the CGC practice. The proposed lines of research, which are pronounced in the ERA, are based on a literature review involving 45 researchers concerned with the CGC practice. At three events, approximately 150 researchers from across Europe were engaged in the discussion, what kind of research is needed to enhance the knowledge foundation of the CGC practice. The paper provides a systematic overview of the relevant research fields, and links key research questions to current research endeavours. Due to the necessary involvement of diverse types of practitioners, policy makers, and researchers from different disciplines to share the CGC practice and contribute to the development of its knowledge basis, the paper calls for open, cooperative and integrative research approaches, including the combination of different research paradigms and methods. The development of the European Research Agenda was co-funded by the European Union through the Lifelong Learning Programme

High-throughput Sorting of Mosquito Larvae for Laboratory Studies and for Future Vector Control Interventions

Background: Mosquito transgenesis offers new promises for the genetic control of vector-borne infectious diseases such as malaria and dengue fever. Genetic control strategies require the release of large number of male mosquitoes into field populations, whether they are based on the use of sterile males (sterile insect technique, SIT) or on introducing genetic traits conferring refractoriness to disease transmission (population replacement). However, the current absence of high-throughput techniques for sorting different mosquito populations impairs the application of these control measures. Methods: A method was developed to generate large mosquito populations of the desired sex and genotype. This method combines flow cytometry and the use of Anopheles gambiae transgenic lines that differentially express fluorescent markers in males and females. Results: Fluorescence-assisted sorting allowed single-step isolation of homozygous transgenic mosquitoes from a mixed population. This method was also used to select wild-type males only with high efficiency and accuracy, a highly desirable tool for genetic control strategies where the release of transgenic individuals may be problematic. Importantly, sorted males showed normal mating ability compared to their unsorted brothers. Conclusions: The developed method will greatly facilitate both laboratory studies of mosquito vectorial capacity requiring high-throughput approaches and future field interventions in the fight against infectious disease vectors

Tactical Satellite (TacSat) feasibility study a scenario driven approach

The objective of this project was to examine the feasibility of developing a tactically controlled, operationally responsive satellite system. A specific mission scenario, the Philippine Sea Scenario, was chosen to guide and bound the analysis. Within the bounds of this scenario, this high level space systems engineering exercise provided insights into operations and military utility as well as enough granularity to estimate costs for such a system. The operational approach and high level design concept is based on the Space Mission Analysis and Design (SMAD) process authored by Wiley J. Larson and Kames R. Wertz. The study shows that there are tactical scenarios in which space capabilities provide military utility and cost effectiveness above what is provided by traditional tactical assets such as UAVs. This is particularly true when large operational areas are involved and long periods of service are required.http://archive.org/details/tacticalsatellit109456927N

Outcomes after redo aortobifemoral bypass for aortoiliac occlusive disease

ObjectivePatients presenting with occluded aortobifemoral (ABF) bypass grafts are managed with a variety of techniques. Redo ABF (rABF) bypass procedures are infrequently performed because of concerns about procedural complexity and morbidity. The purpose of this analysis was to compare midterm results of rABF bypass with those of primary ABF (pABF) bypass for aortoiliac occlusive disease to determine if there are significant differences in outcomes.MethodsA retrospective review was performed of all patients undergoing ABF bypass for occlusive disease between January 2002 and March 2012. A total of 19 patients underwent rABF bypass and 194 received pABF bypass during that period. Data for an indication- and comorbidity-matched case-control cohort of 19 elective pABF bypass patients were collected for comparison to the rABF bypass group. Primary end points included rate of major complications as well as 30-day and all-cause mortality. Secondary end points were amputation-free survival and freedom from major adverse limb events.ResultsThe rABF bypass patients more frequently underwent prior extra-anatomic or lower extremity bypass operations compared with pABF bypass patients (P = .02); however, no difference was found in the incidence of prior failed endovascular iliac intervention (P = .4). By design, indications for the rABF and pABF bypass groups were the same (claudication, n = 6/6 [31.6%]; P = 1; critical limb ischemia, n = 13/13 [78.4%]; P = 1). Aortic access was more frequently by retroperitoneal exposure in the rABF bypass group (n = 13 vs n = 1; P < .0001), and a significantly higher proportion of the rABF bypass patients required concomitant infrainguinal bypass or intraprocedural adjuncts such as profundaplasty (n = 14 vs n = 5; P = .01). The rABF bypass patients experienced greater blood loss (1097 ± 983 mL vs 580 ± 457 mL; P = .02), received more intraoperative fluids (3400 ± 1422 mL vs 2279 ± 993 mL; P = .01), and had longer overall procedure times (408 ± 102 minutes vs 270 ± 48 minutes; P < .0001). Length of stay (days ± standard deviation) was similar (pABF bypass, 11.2 ± 10.4; rABF bypass, 9.1 ± 4.5; P = .7), and no 30-day or in-hospital deaths occurred in either group. Similar rates of major complications occurred in the two groups (pABF bypass, n = 6 [31.6%]; rABF bypass, n = 4 [21.1%]; observed difference, 9.5%; 95% confidence interval, −17.6% to 36.7%; P = .7). Two-year freedom from major adverse limb events (±standard error mean) was 82% ± 9% vs 78% ± 10% for pABF and rABF bypass patients (log-rank, P = .6). Two-year amputation-free survival was 90 ± 9% vs 89 ± 8% between pABF and rABF bypass patients (P = .5). Two-year survival was 91% ± 9% and 90% ± 9% for pABF and rABF bypass patients (P = .8).ConclusionsPatients undergoing rABF bypass have higher procedural complexity compared with pABF bypass as evidenced by greater operative time, blood loss, and need for adjunctive procedures. However, similar perioperative morbidity, mortality, and midterm survival occurred in comparison to pABF bypass patients. These results support a role for rABF bypass in selected patients

Pulmonary arterial hypertension and interstitial lung fibrosis in systemic sclerosis: One-stop shop assessment with cardiac and chest ultrasound

Background: Interstitial lung disease (ILD) and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) are common complications of systemic sclerosis (SSc). Echocardiography evaluates PAH, and chest sonography detects even mild ILC as ultrasound lung comets (ULC), i.e. multiple comet-tails fanning out from the lung surface and originating from subpleural interlobular septa thickened by fibrosis. Aim: to assess ILD and PAH by integrated cardiac and chest ultrasound in SSc. Materials and methods: We enrolled 30 consecutive SSc patients (age=54?13 years, 23 females) in the Rheumatology Clinic of Pisa University. In all, we assessed Systolic Pulmonary Arterial Pressure (SPAP), from maximal velocity of tricuspid regurgitation flow, and ULC score with chest sonography (summing the number of ULC from each scanning space of anterior and posterior right and left chest, from second to fifth intercostal space). All patients underwent plasma assay for anti-topoisomerase antibodies (anti-Scl70), associated with development of pulmonary fibrosis. Twenty-eight patients also underwent High Resolution Computed Tomography, HRCT (from 0=no fibrosis to 3=honey combing). Results: ULC number - but not SPAP - was correlated to HRCT fibrosis and presence SSc-70 antibodies (see figure). ULC number was similar in localized or diffuse forms (16?20 vs. 21?19, p=ns) and was unrelated to SPAP (r=0.216, p=ns). Conclusions: Cardiac and chest sonography assessment of SPAP and ULC allow a complete, simple, radiation-free characterization of vascular and interstitial lung involvement in SSc - all in one setting and with the same instrument, same transducer and the same sonographer. In particular, ULC number, but not SPAP, is associated with HRCT evidence of lung fibrosis and presence of Scl-70 antibodies