Some subsystems of constant-depth Frege with parity

We consider three relatively strong families of subsystems of AC0[2]-Frege proof systems, i.e., propositional proof systems using constant-depth formulas with an additional parity connective, for which exponential lower bounds on proof size are known. In order of increasing strength, the subsystems are (i) constant-depth proof systems with parity axioms and the (ii) treelike and (iii) daglike versions of systems introduced by Krajíček which we call PKcd(⊕). In a PKcd(⊕)-proof, lines are disjunctions (cedents) in which all disjuncts have depth at most d, parities can only appear as the outermost connectives of disjuncts, and all but c disjuncts contain no parity connective at all. We prove that treelike PKO(1)O(1)(⊕) is quasipolynomially but not polynomially equivalent to constant-depth systems with parity axioms. We also verify that the technique for separating parity axioms from parity connectives due to Impagliazzo and Segerlind can be adapted to give a superpolynomial separation between daglike PKO(1)O(1)(⊕) and AC0[2]-Frege; the technique is inherently unable to prove superquasipolynomial separations. We also study proof systems related to the system Res-Lin introduced by Itsykson and Sokolov. We prove that an extension of treelike Res-Lin is polynomially simulated by a system related to daglike PKO(1)O(1)(⊕), and obtain an exponential lower bound for this system.Peer ReviewedPostprint (author's final draft

Laser trapping microchip for biotechnological applications: design and development

This work presents a novel approach towards integrated dual-beam optical trapping achieved using planar lightwave circuit (PLC) technology. Three fabrication technologies sol-gel, photolithography and reactive ion etching were combined to fabricate a Laser Trapping Microchip (LTM) allowing one-dimensional manipulation of transparent micrometer-size spherical objects. Detailed steps of the LTM development are described, beginning with a theoretical approach and numerical simulations through the design and synthesis of a suitable photopatternable sol-gel material, culminating in the fabrication process and experimental confirmation of the trapping properties of the device. The proof of concept of this unique device was achieved by demonstrating its optical trapping abilities using micrometer size polystyrene beads with diameters in the range between 4 pm and 10 pm and the refractive index of 1 59. The LTM device possesses many advantages over currently existing dual-beam laser trapping systems such as small overall dimensions (~15 x 30 x 0 5 mm), low power optical power consumption (<15mW), improved stability of the optical trap due to precise alignment of the optical paths and a relatively easy fabrication process. For these reasons there are many potential applications of the LTM device in biotechnology, microfluidics and other sciences making it an attractive device for commercial use

Talbot effect for periodical objects limited by finite apertures : a new interpretation

ABSTRACT: The paper presents a new interpretation of the Talbot effect for periodical objects limited by finite apertures. According to the proposed approach, a self-image of a real, finite object is a superposition of deformed images of an elementary cell. The singular elementary cell image is equivalent to that formed in a proper optical system. Two possible optical arrangements are discussed. The theoretical description makes possible to define a structure of selfimages. Particularly, the approach enables a determination of apertures’ dimensions, which lead to self-images of a reasonable quality in a desired region of an image plane. The theory is illustrated and verified by numerical simulations

Finite object Talbot effect as a lens produced image

ABSTRACT: In this work we theoretically calculate the self-image field amplitude of a finite periodic object. It is compared with the field of the image of an unitary cell of the same object formed by a lens. The results are verified by simulations of the two processes

Talbot effect for the periodical object limited by a finite aperture

ABSTRACT: The communicate presents a new interpretation of the Talbot effect for periodical objects limited by finite apertures. According to the proposed approach, a self-image of a real, finite object is a superposition of deformed images of an elementary cell. The singular elementary cell image is equivalent to that formed in a proper optical system. The theoretical description makes possible to define a structure of self-images. Particularly, the approach enables a determination of apertures' dimensions which lead to self-images of a reasonable quality in a desired region of an image plane. The theory is illustrated and verified by numerical simulations

Clinical Study Safety and Efficacy of Tree Pollen Specific Immunotherapy on the Ultrarush Administration Schedule Method Using Purethal Trees

Background. Specific immunotherapy (SIT) with an ultrarush administration schedule with Purethal for tree pollen allergens has been evaluated to assess its efficacy and safety. Methods. The study group consisted of 22 patients with symptoms of allergic rhinitis and confirmed allergy to tree pollens. Patients were randomized and given an administration schedule of either ultrarush therapy or conventional preseasonal SIT. Treatment was performed during three consecutive years. Results. After three years of treatment, a similar reduction in nasal symptoms was observed; according to the visual analog scale, there was a decrease from 3.991 ± 0.804 points to 1.634 ± 0.540 in the ultrarush group and from 3.845 ± 0.265 to 1.501 ± 0.418 in the group desensitized using the conventional method ( &gt; 0.05). There was also a comparable reduction in the use of relief drugs during pollen season and an increase in the serum concentration of IgG4 to tree pollens. No significant differences in the safety profile were observed. Conclusion. An administration schedule of ultrarush SIT with Purethal Trees is a safe treatment in preliminary observations. This therapy is comparable with conventional administration of SIT in the field of efficacy and safety

Dynamic complex opto-magnetic holography

Computer-generated holograms with their animated, three-dimensional appearance have long appealed to our imagination as the path towards truly immersive displays with bi-directional natural parallax. Impressive progress in updateable 3-D imagery has been achieved with liquid crystal modulators and high-resolution, but quasi-static holograms are being recorded in photosensitive materials. However, the memory requirements and computational loads of real-time, large-area holography will be hard to tackle for several decades to come with the current paradigm based on a matrix calculations and bit-plane writing. Here, we experimentally demonstrate a conceptually novel, holistic approach to serial computation and repeatable writing of computer-generated dynamic holograms without Fourier transform, using minimal amounts of computer memory. We use the ultrafast opto-magnetic recording of holographic patterns in a ferrimagnetic film with femtosecond laser pulses, driven by on-the-fly hardware computation of a single holographic point. The intensity-threshold nature of the magnetic medium allows sub-diffraction-limited, point-by-point toggling of arbitrarily localized magnetic spots on the sample, according to the proposed circular detour-phase encoding, providing complex modulation and symmetrical suppression of upper diffractive orders and conjugated terms in holographically reconstructed 3-D images

Compensation of presbyopia with the light sword lens

ABSTRACT: We present the first physiological evaluation of the use of the light sword lens (LSL) for presbyopia compensation. The LSL is an axially asymmetric optical element designed for imaging with extended depth of focus. METHODS. A monocular visual simulator setup is implemented to measure visual acuity (VA). Physiological presbyopia is ‘‘mimicked’’ in human subjects by paralysis of the ciliary muscle, using topical application of a muscarinic antagonist. The effect of a contact lens-configured LSL on the mimicked presbyopia visual system is evaluated by measuring VA as a function of target vergence. The ability of the LSL to compensate presbyopia for 2 photopic luminance values was also analyzed. RESULTS. The average VA values for 11 subjects suggest that the LSL can compensate for presbyopia across a wide range of target vergences for which the LSL was designed (-3 to 0D). However, the proposed corrector element causes a loss of distance VA. The mean logMAR VA in that target vergence range was 0.07. The VA curves also show that luminance does not affect the expected behavior of the LSL-corrected presbyopic eye. CONCLUSIONS. These results indicate that the LSL has significant potential as a visual aid for presbyopia

Safety and Efficacy of Tree Pollen Specific Immunotherapy on the Ultrarush Administration Schedule Method Using Purethal Trees

Background. Specific immunotherapy (SIT) with an ultrarush administration schedule with Purethal for tree pollen allergens has been evaluated to assess its efficacy and safety. Methods. The study group consisted of 22 patients with symptoms of allergic rhinitis and confirmed allergy to tree pollens. Patients were randomized and given an administration schedule of either ultrarush therapy or conventional preseasonal SIT. Treatment was performed during three consecutive years. Results. After three years of treatment, a similar reduction in nasal symptoms was observed; according to the visual analog scale, there was a decrease from 3.991 ± 0.804 points to 1.634 ± 0.540 in the ultrarush group and from 3.845 ± 0.265 to 1.501 ± 0.418 in the group desensitized using the conventional method (P>0.05). There was also a comparable reduction in the use of relief drugs during pollen season and an increase in the serum concentration of IgG4 to tree pollens. No significant differences in the safety profile were observed. Conclusion. An administration schedule of ultrarush SIT with Purethal Trees is a safe treatment in preliminary observations. This therapy is comparable with conventional administration of SIT in the field of efficacy and safety