The Optimal Single Copy Measurement for the Hidden Subgroup Problem

The optimization of measurements for the state distinction problem has recently been applied to the theory of quantum algorithms with considerable successes, including efficient new quantum algorithms for the non-abelian hidden subgroup problem. Previous work has identified the optimal single copy measurement for the hidden subgroup problem over abelian groups as well as for the non-abelian problem in the setting where the subgroups are restricted to be all conjugate to each other. Here we describe the optimal single copy measurement for the hidden subgroup problem when all of the subgroups of the group are given with equal a priori probability. The optimal measurement is seen to be a hybrid of the two previously discovered single copy optimal measurements for the hidden subgroup problem.Comment: 8 pages. Error in main proof fixe

Feasibility of Surgeon-Delivered Audit and Feedback Incorporating Peer Surgical Coaching to Reduce Fistula Incidence following Cleft Palate Repair: A Pilot Trial

Background: Improving surgeons\u27 technical performance may reduce their frequency of postoperative complications. The authors conducted a pilot trial to evaluate the feasibility of a surgeon-delivered audit and feedback intervention incorporating peer surgical coaching on technical performance among surgeons performing cleft palate repair, in advance of a future effectiveness trial. Methods: A nonrandomized, two-arm, unblinded pilot trial enrolled surgeons performing cleft palate repair. Participants completed a baseline audit of fistula incidence. Participants with a fistula incidence above the median were allocated to an intensive feedback intervention that included selecting a peer surgical coach, observing the coach perform palate repair, reviewing operative video of their own surgical technique with the coach, and proposing and implementing changes in their technique. All others were allocated to simple feedback (receiving audit results). Outcomes assessed were proportion of surgeons completing the baseline audit, disclosing their fistula incidence to peers, and completing the feedback intervention. Results: Seven surgeons enrolled in the trial. All seven completed the baseline audit and disclosed their fistula incidence to other participants. The median baseline fistula incidence was 0.4 percent (range, 0 to 10.5 percent). Two surgeons were unable to receive the feedback intervention. Of the five remaining surgeons, two were allocated to intensive feedback and three to simple feedback. All surgeons completed their assigned feedback intervention. Among surgeons receiving intensive feedback, fistula incidence was 5.9 percent at baseline and 0.0 percent following feedback (adjusted OR, 0.98; 95 percent CI, 0.44 to 2.17). Conclusion: Surgeon-delivered audit and feedback incorporating peer coaching on technical performance was feasible for surgeons

Eating disorders in sport : current status and future directions in the study of the psychological factors

Este trabalho procura atingir dois objetivos. Em primeiro lugar, apresenta-se a situação atual da investigação sobre desordens alimentares no desporto. Neste caso, salientam-se as linhas de investigação dedicadas ao estudo da prevalência destes problemas no desporto e analisam-se as diferenças entre atletas e modalidades desportivas. Dadas as dificuldades destas linhas de investigação na compreensão dos comportamentos alimentares de risco nos atletas, são avançadas outras possibilidades de desenvolvimento da investigação. Assim, e enquanto segundo objetivo deste artigo, salientamos a necessidade dos estudos se dirigirem para a compreensão dos fatores psicológicos associados aos comportamentos alimentares de risco e implicados no desenvolvimento das desordens alimentares. Esta abordagem tem como vantagem adicional ajudar a prevenir estes problemas através da promoção das competências mentais dos atletas no sentido de resistirem melhor aos possíveis efeitos nocivos da prática desportiva, onde se inserem os problemas com a alimentação.This paper focuses on two main goals. In first place, we present the current status on the research about eating disorders in sport contexts. In this case, we point out studies dedicated to the analysis of the incidence of eating disorders in sport and studies that observe the differences between athletes and different sports in the tendency for these problems. Second, we proposed new research directions on this subject, namely the need of analysing the psychological factors that are related with the development of eating disorders on athletes. This research approach has the advantage of helping the prevention of eating disorders on athletes through the promotion of psychological skills that protect athletes from the negative effects of sport practicing, where are included maladaptive eating behaviors.(undefined

Sex Differences in Dietary Intake in British Army Recruits undergoing Phase One training

Background: British Army Phase One training exposes men and women to challenging distances of 13.5 km·d⁻¹ vs. 11.8 km·d⁻¹ and energy expenditures of ~4000 kcal·d⁻¹ and ~3000 kcal·d⁻¹, respectively. As such, it is essential that adequate nutrition is provided to support training demands. However, to date, there is a paucity of data on habitual dietary intake of British Army recruits. The aims of this study were to: (i) compare habitual dietary intake in British Army recruits undergoing Phase One training to Military Dietary Reference Values (MDRVs), and (ii) establish if there was a relative sex difference in dietary intake between men and women. Method: Researcher led weighed food records and food diaries were used to assess dietary intake in twenty-eight women (age 21.4 ± 3.0 yrs., height: 163.7 ± 5.0 cm, body mass 65.0 ± 6.7 kg), and seventeen men (age 20.4 ± 2.3 yrs., height: 178.0 ± 7.9 cm, body mass 74.6 ± 8.1 kg) at the Army Training Centre, Pirbright for 8-days in week ten of training. Macro and micronutrient content were estimated using dietary analysis software (Nutritics, Dublin) and assessed via an independent sample t-test to establish if there was a sex difference in daily energy, macro or micronutrient intakes. Results: Estimated daily energy intake was less than the MDRV for both men and women, with men consuming a greater amount of energy compared with women (2846 ± 573 vs. 2207 ± 585 kcal·day⁻¹, p0.030, ES=0.67). There were no differences in dietary fat intake between men and women (1.5 ± 0.2 vs. 1.5 ± 0.5 g·kg⁻¹·day⁻¹, p=0.483, ES=0.00). Conclusions: Daily EI in men and women in Phase One training does not meet MDRVs. Interventions to increase macronutrient intakes should be considered along with research investigating the potential benefits for increasing different macronutrient intakes on training adaptations

Sample processing sequence for a RAM assay.

<p>The figure illustrates the assay process for a single well on a KingFisher 96 well plate. The steps between the vertical dashed lines are performed as an automated sequence. Arrows indicate sequential bead transfer (BT). Beads are removed in the final step prior to RAM.</p

Experimental design for SNP assay.

<p>The figure represents a procedure that was followed on each of three days. (A) Three genotypes of genomic DNA or no-DNA control were combined with (B) each of two C-probes in (C) eight hybridization tubes. After hybridization, ten aliquots from each hybridization reaction were transferred to a Kingfisher plate (D). Following the automated process as described in the text, aliquots from each Kingfisher well were transferred into (E) three RAM reaction plates. Some arrows between steps A and B are in light gray for visual clarity. Each hybridization tube (C) was aliquoted into 10 wells in the KF plate (D); some arrows between (C) and (D) are shown shorter for visual clarity. The plate layouts are illustrated for conceptual clarity and do not correspond to physical plates.</p

Within plate comparison of Rts between C-probe-homozygote and C-probe-heterozygote.

<p>“Are Rts for homozygotes vs. heterozygotes different?” A non-parametric test of the null hypothesis of indistinguishable Rts between homozygote and heterozygote provides a per-plate p-value for each of two C-probes. Graphically, verticals representing Rts from corresponding plates (<a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0065053#pone-0065053-g005" target="_blank">Figure 5</a>, panels A, B and C, D) are being compared.</p

RAM assay data from C-probes ligated on genomic DNA targets.

<p>Panels A and B show the RAM response times (Rt) for DNA samples hybridized to the Wt- and Mt-detecting C-probes, respectively. Columns within panels are labeled with the target DNA genotype or with “NTC” (no-target control). Rt signals from nine RAM plates (“Pl”; see <a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0065053#pone-0065053-g003" target="_blank">Figure 3</a>) that were run on each of three days (Day) are shown vertically in columns. Each NR result is shown in the top panel (NR).</p