Conditional purity and quantum correlation measures in two qubit mixed states

We analyze and show experimental results of the conditional purity, the quantum discord and other related measures of quantum correlation in mixed two-qubit states constructed from a pair of photons in identical polarization states. The considered states are relevant for the description of spin pair states in interacting spin chains in a transverse magnetic field. We derive clean analytical expressions for the conditional local purity and other correlation measures obtained as a result of a remote local projective measurement, which are fully verified by the experimental results. A simple exact expression for the quantum discord of these states in terms of the maximum conditional purity is also derived.Comment: 16 pages, 5 figures, minor changes, to be published in J. Phys.

Quantum chaos in one dimension?

In this work we investigate the inverse of the celebrated Bohigas-Giannoni-Schmit conjecture. Using two inversion methods we compute a one-dimensional potential whose lowest N eigenvalues obey random matrix statistics. Our numerical results indicate that in the asymptotic limit, N->infinity, the solution is nowhere differentiable and most probably nowhere continuous. Thus such a counterexample does not exist.Comment: 7 pages, 10 figures, minor correction, references extende

Estimating the predictive validity of diabetic animal models in rosiglitazone studies

For therapeutic studies, predictive validity of animal models - arguably the most important feature of animal models in terms of human relevance - can be calculated retrospectively by obtaining data on treatment efficacy from human and animal trials. Using rosiglitazone as a case study, we aim to determine the predictive validity of animal models of diabetes, by analyzing which models perform most similarly to humans during rosiglitazone treatment in terms of changes in standard diabetes diagnosis parameters (glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and fasting glucose levels). A further objective of this article is to explore the impact of four covariates on the predictive capacity: i) diabetes induction method, ii) drug administration route, iii) sex of animals, and iv) diet during the experiments

Comment on ``Critical Behavior in Disordered Quantum Systems Modified by Broken Time--Reversal Symmetry''

In a recent Letter [Phys. Rev. Lett. 80, 1003 (1998)] Hussein and Pato employed the maximum entropy principle (MEP) in order to derive interpolating ensembles between any pair of universality classes in random matrix theory. They apply their formalism also to the transition from random matrix to Poisson statistics of spectra that is observed for the case of the Anderson-type metal-insulator transition. We point out the problems with the latter procedure.Comment: 1 page in PS, to appear in PRL Sept. 2

Sustainable business investment to advance livestock health and productivity in Sub-Saharan Africa: the African Livestock Productivity & Health Advancement (A.L.P.H.A.) initiative

Livestock are an essential asset to rural communities, and the health of livestock is critical for achieving food security in regions where there is exceptionally high incidence of livestock and human disease. Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has amongst the highest human population growth rates in the world, with five-fold growth in Tanzania projected by 2100. Livestock productivity therefore must be improved by overcoming existing constraints to the livestock health sector, including: lack of access to quality veterinary medicines and products, poor rural extension services, limited sustainability of diagnostics services, and low education regarding animal health. Zoetis, the global animal health leader, partnered with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation through a $14.4M business development grant with a key focus on sustainable improvement of livestock  production in SSA. In the focal countries of Nigeria, Uganda, and now Tanzania and Ethiopia, the African Livestock Health and Productivity Advancement (A.L.P.H.A.) initiative centres around three central pillars namely; Veterinary Medicines & Services, Training & Education, and  Veterinary Laboratory networks. Empowerment of the veterinary profession is a key component of our aim to demonstrate the value of animal  health to farmers, particularly through encouraging business acumen and highlighting the importance of correct and responsible use of veterinary medicines. After successful launch activities in Nigeria and Uganda, we seek to continue our approach in Tanzania to focus on partnerships with important distributors, veterinary laboratories, and other key contributors to the supply chain to work towards common goals engineered for future growth and longevity. Keywords: Productivity, Sub-Saharan Africa, livestock, sustainability, diagnostic

Electron-ion dynamics in laser-assisted desorption of hydrogen atoms from H-Si(111) surface

In the framework of real time real space time-dependent density functional theory we have studied the electron-ion dynamics of a hydrogen-terminated silicon surface H-Si(111) subjected to intense laser irradiation. Two surface fragments of different sizes have been used in the simulations. When the intensity and duration of the laser exceed certain levels (which depend on the wavelength) we observe the desorption of the hydrogen atoms, while the underlying silicon layer remains essentially undamaged. Upon further increase of the laser intensity, the chemical bonds between silicon atoms break as well. The results of the simulations suggest that with an appropriate choice of laser parameters it should be possible to remove the hydrogen layer from the H-Si(111) surface in a matter of a few tens of femtoseconds. We have also observed that at high laser field intensities (2–4 V=A ° in this work) the desorption occurs even when the laser frequency is smaller than the optical gap of the silicon surface fragments. Therefore, nonlinear phenomena must play an essential role in such desorption processe

DISTRIBUTION OF THE LICHEN SPECIES CETRARIA ACULEATA IN HUNGARY

Cetraria aculeata became legally protected in Hungary in 2005. Though for several decades it was known from a few localities only, recently it turned out that it is more frequent than previously ascertained. However, its range of distribution is insufficiently known and the species is still regarded to be rare. The present assessment is based on its specimens from Hungary; the currently known data of occurrences are presented on an updated distribution map. The recent records from the Bakony Mts (Királyszentistván, Sóly), Mecsek Mts (Cserkút, Pécs) and the Velence Mts (Pázmánd) are new to Hungary, and the one from the Gödöllő Hills (Erdőkertes) turned to be a recent confirmation of Boros’ old record (1962) at Vácegres locality