Local Distinguishability of Multipartite Orthogonal Quantum States

We consider one copy of a quantum system prepared in one of two orthogonal pure states, entangled or otherwise, and distributed between any number of parties. We demonstrate that it is possible to identify which of these two states the system is in by means of local operations and classical communication alone. The protocol we outline is both completely reliable and completely general - it will correctly distinguish any two orthogonal states 100% of the time.Comment: 5 pages, revte

Induction of Immunological Tolerance to Tissue Allografts with Antilymphocyte Serum

Our interest in the problem of tolerance induction is directly concerned with clinical organ transplantation. ALS is highly effective in depressing cellular immunities. Since at least initial allograft rejection is predominantly a cellular phenomenon, one would expect ALS to be highly effective clinically. Our initial observations in this regard support this concept. However, non-specific depression of cellular immunity may also lead to an increased number or viral, fungal, and protozoan infections. Experiments, such as these presented, strongly suggest that a specific state of tolerance to organ grafts in man should be attainable with the aid of ALS followed by introduction of appropriate antigen

Counting hidden neural networks

We apply combinatorial tools, including P´olya’s theorem, to enumerate all possible networks for which (1) the network contains distinguishable input and output nodes as well as partially distinguishable intermediate nodes; (2) all connections are directed and for each pair of nodes, there are at most two connections, that is, at most one connection per direction; (3) input nodes send connections but don’t receive any, while output nodes receive connections but don’t send any; (4) every intermediate node receives a path from an input node and sends a path to at least one output node; and (5) input nodes don’t send direct connections to output nodes. We first obtain the generating function for the number of such networks, and then use it to obtain precise estimates for the number of networks. Finally, we develop a computer algorithm that allows us to generate these networks. This work could become useful in the field of neuroscience, in which the problem of deciphering the structure of hidden networks is of the utmost importance, since there are several instances in which the activity of input and output neurons can be directly measured, while no direct access to the intermediate network is possible. Our results can also be used to count the number of finite automata in which each cell plays a relevant role

Assessing the Validity of Statistical Inferences in Public Health Research: An Evidence-Based, ‘Best-Practices’ Approach

Like many fields, public health has embraced the process of evidence-based practice to inform practice decisions and to guide policy development. Evidence-based practice is typically dependent upon generalizations made on the bases of the existing body of knowledge – assimilations of the research literature on a particular topic. The potential utility of scientific evidence for guiding policy and practice decisions is grounded in the validity of the research investigations upon which such decisions are made. However, the validity of inferences made from the extant public health research literature requires more than ascertaining the validity of the statistical methods alone; for each study, the validity of the entire research process must be critically analyzed to the greatest extent possible so that appropriate conclusions can be drawn, and that recommendations for development of sound public health policy and practice can be offered. A critical analysis of the research process should include the following: An a priori commitment to the research question; endpoints that are both appropriate for and consistent with the research question; an experimental design that is appropriate (i.e., that answers the research question[s]); study procedures that are conducted in a quality manner, that eliminate bias and ensure that the data accurately reflect the condition(s) under study; evidence that the integrity of the Type-I error – or false-positive risk – has been preserved; use of appropriate statistical methods (e.g. assumptions checked, dropouts appropriately handled, correct variance term) for the data analyzed; and accurate interpretation of the results of statistical tests conducted in the study (e.g., the robustness of conclusions relative to missing data, multiple endpoints, multiple analyses, conditions of study, generalization of results, etc.). This paper provides a framework for both researcher and practitioner so that each may assess this critical aspect of public health research

Editorial: Review of authorship principles

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Generation of statements for the development of clinical indicators for mental heath nursing in New Zealand : achieving a bicultural focus

Aim : In this paper, the first of 4 stages of a large study aiming to develop culturally and clinically valid clinical indicators to flag the achievement of mental health nursing standards of practice in New Zealand are described.Methods : A bicultural design was employed throughout the research project to ensure that nurses\u27 views of practice and the cultural differences between New Zealand\u27s indigenous Maori and non-Maori peoples could be identified. Accordingly, separate focus groups of Maori- and non-Maori-experienced mental health nurses were asked to develop lists of statementd reflective of the Australian and New Zealand College of Mental Health Nurses\u27 Standards of Practice in New Zealand.Results : The focus group participants produces 473 statements, which were synthesized into 190 clinical indicator statements. In keeping with the bicultural research design, Maori and non-Maori data were analysed separately until the data were merged to provide a single set of indicator statements. Although both Maori and non-Maori groups wrote statements relevant to clinical practice, there was a difference in the way the 2 groups addressed cultural issues. The Maori focus group wrote statements about cultural issues for 4 of the 6 Standards of Practice, whereas the non-Maori focus group participants wrote statements about cultural issues for only the Standard focusing on cultural safety.Conclusion : The research design of this project in mental health nursing was unique in that it sought the perspectives of both indigenous and non-indigenous nurses about quality mental health nursing practice related to the professional standards of practice. The involvement of Maori and non-Maori mental health nurses enhanced the cultural and clinical validity of the study and the obtained from it. The bicultural approach adopted for the study highlights the need for more mental health nursing research involving indigenous partners.<br /

Numerical Simulation (CFD) to Explore Optimal Vortex Generator Array Configurations in Air Cooled Condensers

Heat exchangers such as evaporators and condensers are a major component in applications of air conditioning, refrigeration and power conversion systems. Air-cooled condensers (ACC) used in power stations reject heat to the environment very similar to air conditioning systems. Rejection of heat to the ambient air is not very efficient and a more effectives design is sought in the fin component of the condenser. The current project proposes the use of vortex generator arrays in the plain fin of a flat tube heat exchanger to enhance heat transfer performance and increase system efficiency by achieving a breakthrough design. In the field of heat exchanger design, prior research has shown that vortex generators can be used for improving air side heat transfer. Elsherbini and Jacobi (2002) obtained 31% heat transfer enhancement with a pressure drop penalty of 10% for leading edge delta-wing VGs on a plain-fin-and-tube heat exchanger. Joarder and Jacobi (2005) assessed leading edge delta wings on flat-tube, louvered-fin compact heat exchanger and obtained an average heat transfer augmentation of 20% and a pressure drop of less than 7%. These results were obtained from full scale testing of VGs in prototype heat exchangers. It is anticipated that creating arrays of delta-wings will generate further enhancement of heat transfer while not increasing the pressure drop. In order to explore this further, a numerical simulation of such vortex generators deployed in different array configurations is proposed. Two challenges arise in designing such systems. The wings must be spaced far apart to avoid destructive interference but close enough to enhance as much surface area as possible. Another challenge is to test for various Reynolds numbers based on wing size to generate a vortex that can flow cleanly through the passage. The proposed work is focused on the deployment of such vortex generators in different array configurations in such a way that constructive interference of the vortices occurs. First, flow visualization experiments were performed in a water tunnel to guide the design and placement of delta winglets. Based on the conclusions from these experiments, different array deployments are being simulated numerically on commercial finite volume based CFD software (ANSYS Fluent). Different parameters such as angle of attack, number of delta winglets, their placement relative to each other and to the walls of the fin, etc. will be varied to determine the greatest enhancement effect and the results of heat transfer enhancement versus the pressure drop penalty will be reported in the final manuscript. Recommendations will be made on an optimal vortex generator configuration in order to maximize the heat transfer while not increasing the pressure drop significantly. REFERENCES [1] Elsherbini, A. and A.M. Jacobi, 2002, J. HVAC&R Res., 8:357-370. [2] Joarder, A., and A.M. Jacobi, 2005, Int. J. Heat Mass Trans., 48:1480