Depicting qudit quantum mechanics and mutually unbiased qudit theories

We generalize the ZX calculus to quantum systems of dimension higher than two. The resulting calculus is sound and universal for quantum mechanics. We define the notion of a mutually unbiased qudit theory and study two particular instances of these theories in detail: qudit stabilizer quantum mechanics and Spekkens-Schreiber toy theory for dits. The calculus allows us to analyze the structure of qudit stabilizer quantum mechanics and provides a geometrical picture of qudit stabilizer theory using D-toruses, which generalizes the Bloch sphere picture for qubit stabilizer quantum mechanics. We also use our framework to describe generalizations of Spekkens toy theory to higher dimensional systems. This gives a novel proof that qudit stabilizer quantum mechanics and Spekkens-Schreiber toy theory for dits are operationally equivalent in three dimensions. The qudit pictorial calculus is a useful tool to study quantum foundations, understand the relationship between qubit and qudit quantum mechanics, and provide a novel, high level description of quantum information protocols.Comment: In Proceedings QPL 2014, arXiv:1412.810

Clinical Features of Anti-Factor H Autoantibody–Associated Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome

Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is a rare form of thrombotic microangiopathy that associates, in 70% of cases, with genetic or acquired disorders leading to dysregulation of the alternative pathway of complement. Autoantibody directed against Factor H causes at least 6% to 10% of aHUS cases, but only a few clinical reports are available. Here, we describe the clinical, biologic, genetic features, treatment, and outcome of 45 patients who presented with aHUS associated with anti-FH autoantibody. We found that this form of aHUS primarily affects children between 9 and 13 years old but it also affects adults. It presents with a high frequency of gastrointestinal symptoms and with extrarenal complications and has a relapsing course. Activation of the alternative pathway of complement at the onset of disease portends a poor prognosis. Early specific treatment may lead to favorable outcomes. These data should improve the recognition and diagnosis of this form of aHUS and help identify patients at high risk of a poor outcome

Quatre ans de recherche urbaine 2001-2004. Volume 2

Destinée à promouvoir une recherche fondamentale pluridisciplinaire, l’Action Concertée Incitative Ville (ACIV) créée par le Ministère de la Recherche visait au renouvellement des problématiques, afin de mieux comprendre les enjeux urbains contemporains, les transformations en cours et d’anticiper les évolutions. Cet ouvrage dresse l’inventaire des recherches soutenues lors des quatre années de programmation de l’ACIV. Les deux tomes rassemblent 143 contributions qui manifestent, de la part d’équipes « confirmées », de « jeunes » chercheurs ou de doctorants, le foisonnement et la richesse des thèmes, des problématiques, des méthodes et des terrains. Ces contributions qui rendent compte des recherches financées par l’ACIV et des allocations de thèse soutenues par elle, s’organisent autour de six thématiques : « Formes urbaines, cultures et modes de vie », « Cohésion sociale et citoyenneté », « Modifications d’échelles, recomposition des systèmes territoriaux et gouvernance », « Cultures urbanistiques : des sources de l’histoire urbaine au développement urbain durable », « Milieux physiques, ambiances urbaines et technologies », « Management, gestion et systèmes techniques ». La postface ouvre, quant à elle, une réflexion critique et prospective « à plusieurs voix » sur le devenir de la recherche urbaine