Classical reconstruction of interference patterns of position-wavevector-entangled photon pairs by time-reversal method

The quantum interference of entangled photons forms a key phenomenon underlying various quantum-optical technologies. It is known that the quantum interference patterns of entangled photon pairs can be reconstructed classically by the time-reversal method; however, the time-reversal method has been applied only to time-frequency-entangled two-photon systems in previous experiments. Here, for the first time, we apply the time-reversal method to the position-wavevector-entangled two-photon systems: the two-photon Young interferometer and the two-photon beam focusing system. We experimentally demonstrate that the time-reversed systems classically reconstruct the same interference patterns as the position-wavevector-entangled two-photon systems.Comment: 10 pages, 8 figure

Direct measurement of ultrafast temporal wavefunctions

The large capacity and robustness of information encoding in the temporal mode of photons is important in quantum information processing, in which characterizing temporal quantum states with high usability and time resolution is essential. We propose and demonstrate a direct measurement method of temporal complex wavefunctions for weak light at a single-photon level with subpicosecond time resolution. Our direct measurement is realized by ultrafast metrology of the interference between the light under test and self-generated monochromatic reference light; no external reference light or complicated post-processing algorithms are required. Hence, this method is versatile and potentially widely applicable for temporal state characterization.Comment: 10 pages, 7 figure

Cancer Stem Cells and Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 1 in Liver Cancers

The cancer stem cell (CSC) theory posits that a small population of cells with stem cell-like features is responsible for tumor growth, resistance, and recurrence in many malignancies. This theory could be a useful paradigm for designing innovative targeted drug therapies. Liver cancer is the fifth most common cancer worldwide, with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) as the predominant forms. Hepatic stem/progenitor cells are believed to be the origin of HCCs and CCAs; however, this remains a controversial topic. Aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) is the main enzymatic system responsible for the clearance of acetaldehyde from the hepatocytes in the liver tissue. Therefore, ALDH1 has been suggested to be a potential, biological and CSC marker in liver cancers. We here provide an overview of the current state of knowledge of CSCs in liver and the role of ALDH1 in the development and progression of liver cancers and discuss its potential value as a prognostic and diagnostic biomarker

Virtual phase conjugation based optical tomography for single-shot three-dimensional imaging

We propose a virtual phase conjugation (VPC) based optical tomography (VPC-OT) for realizing single-shot optical tomographic imaging systems. Using a computer-based numerical beam propagation, the VPC combines pre-modulation and post-demodulation of the probe beam’s wavefront, which provides an optical sectioning capability for resolving the depth coordinates. In VPC-OT, the physical optical microscope system and VPC are coupled using digital holography. Therefore, in contrast to conventional optical tomographic imaging (OTI) systems, this method does not require additional elements such as low-coherence light sources or confocal pinholes. It is challenging to obtain single-shot three-dimensional (3D) tomographic images using a conventional OTI system; however, this can be achieved using VPC-OT, which employs both digital holography and computer based numerical beam propagation. In addition, taking into account that VPC-OT is based on a complex amplitude detection using digital holography, this method allows us to simultaneously obtain quantitative phase contrast images. Using an objective lens with a numerical aperture (NA) of 0.8, we demonstrate a single-shot 3D imaging of frog blood cells with a depth resolution of 0.94 μm

Cluster Analysis of the Ising Model and Universal Finite-Size Scaling

The recent progress in the study of finite-size scaling (FSS) properties of the Ising model is briefly reviewed. We calculate the universal FSS functions for the Binder parameter $g$ and the magnetization distribution function $p(m)$ for the Ising model on $L_1 \times L_2$ two-dimensional lattices with tilted boundary conditions. We show that the FSS functions are universal for fixed sets of the aspect ratio $L_1/L_2$ and the tilt parameter. We also study the percolating properties of the Ising model, giving attention to the effects of the aspect ratio of finite systems. We elucidate the origin of the complex structure of $p(m)$ for the system with large aspect ratio by the multiple-percolating-cluster argument.Comment: 11 pages including 6 eps figures, elsart.sty, to appear in Physica

Experimental Evaluation of Effects of Intra-Aortic Balloon Pumping (IABP) on Ischemic Heart

The intraaortic balloon pumping (IABP) has been widely empoyed in the management of ventricular power failure. The effects of IABP were studied in a large number of reports. However, the efficacy of IABP has not been certified with reference to the severity of myocardial ischemia. Experimentally augmentation of coronary blood flow were observed on acute ischemic heart by ligation of the anterior descending artery. It has shown from the view of increased coronary blood flow that excess of 50ml/min/kg of coronary blood flow were obtained in functional reserved myocardium with ischemia. However, the efficacy of IABP on acute ischemic heart can not be precipitated by severe damage of the myocardium. The usefulness of IABP was elucidated by functional myocardial level of at least 50mmHg of LVP, 40mmHg of LVEDP and 1000mmHg/sec of max dp/dt respectivelly and it is emphasized that immediate application of IABP for cardiogenic shock allows to improve the further myocardial depression

An Experimental Functional Evaluation of End to Side Anastomosis Related to Operative Procedures of Tracheobronchial Reconstruciotn

End to side anastomosis between the trachea and the bronchus was widely employed as one of bronchial reconstructed method. However, functional evaluation undergone bronchial reconstruction did not completely display its superiority functionally. This study was undertaken to determine whether end to side anastomosis was far superior in regard to reserved pulmonary function by means of observation on changes in size of anastomotic area on xp film delineated during inspiration and exspiration simultaneously and also by intrabronchial pressure tracing. The results were as follows. 1) The creation of window defect on the tracheal wall prior to anastomosis was necessary to maintain an adequate anastomotic area. 2) The end to side anastomosis obliquely results in an excellent ventilation functionally. In contrast, the ill effects were disclosed by moderate angulation as far as exceeded 45 degree against tracheal wall owing to loss of rigidity in bronchial wall. From the present study, we concluded that end to side anastomosis obliquely with moderate degree should be avoided because of bronchial stenosis produced by bronchial collapse due to loss of supporting ability of bronchial cartilage

Finite-size scaling for the Ising model on the Moebius strip and the Klein bottle

We study the finite-size scaling properties of the Ising model on the Moebius strip and the Klein bottle. The results are compared with those of the Ising model under different boundary conditions, that is, the free, cylindrical, and toroidal boundary conditions. The difference in the magnetization distribution function $p(m)$ for various boundary conditions is discussed in terms of the number of the percolating clusters and the cluster size. We also find interesting aspect-ratio dependence of the value of the Binder parameter at $T=T_c$ for various boundary conditions. We discuss the relation to the finite-size correction calculations for the dimer statistics.Comment: 4 pages including 5 eps figures, RevTex, to appear in Phys. Rev. Let