Unconditionally Secure Bit Commitment by Transmitting Measurement Outcomes

We propose a new unconditionally secure bit commitment scheme based on Minkowski causality and the properties of quantum information. The receiving party sends a number of randomly chosen BB84 qubits to the committer at a given point in space-time. The committer carries out measurements in one of the two BB84 bases, depending on the committed bit value, and transmits the outcomes securely at light speed in opposite directions to remote agents. These agents unveil the bit by returning the outcomes to adjacent agents of the receiver. The security proofs rely only on simple properties of quantum information and the impossibility of superluminal signalling.Comment: Discussion expanded pedagogically in response to referee comment

Paschke Dilations

In 1973 Paschke defined a factorization for completely positive maps between C*-algebras. In this paper we show that for normal maps between von Neumann algebras, this factorization has a universal property, and coincides with Stinespring's dilation for normal maps into B(H).Comment: In Proceedings QPL 2016, arXiv:1701.0024

Trial by CCN2: a standardized test for fibroproliferative disease?

A major issue concerning clinical trials is the availability of standardized assays to evaluate drug efficacy. Ideally, such assays should test the effect of a putative drug on the expression of a biomarker in biological fluids. In a recent study by Kuiper et al. (PLOS One, 3(7): e2675). The relative levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and CCN2 (connective tissue growth factor [CTGF]) were examined in proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). This paper is the subject of this commentary

Pseudotumor orbit-bilateral v/s unilateral: a case study of two orbital pseudotumor cases

Orbital pseudotumor is a non-granulomatous inflammation of orbital soft tissue for unknown etiology. In the first case, a 35-year-old female presented with bilateral painless upper eyelid swelling since 3years.No proptosis, no extra ocular movements restriction of both eyes was noted. Best corrected visual acuity both eye: 6/6, N6. USG B-Scan and CECT revealed bilateral lacrimal gland enlargement with bulky muscles and tendons. USG guided FNAC confirmed pseudotumor which showed prompt response to steroids but recurred after 1month of stopping of steroid therapy. In the second Case, a 15year old female presented with unilateral proptosis left eye for 3 months with painful extraocular movements and restricted in all gazes. Best corrected visual acuity in L/E - 6/12, N6, R/E-6/9, N6. USG B-scan and CECT revealed soft tissue lesion encasing Optic nerve. CEMR revealed bulky lacrimal gland, muscles and lesion extending up to orbital apex. Prompt response to steroid with no recurrence till date

Long-term Outcome in 7 Patients With Idiopathic Orbital Myositis

Purpose: Idiopathic orbital myositis, a rare disease of unknown cause, presents a diagnostic puzzle because the diagnosis is based on the exclusion of other diseases. This study aims at elucidating its long-term outcome to answer a clinical question whether idiopathic orbital myositis would be a distinct clinical entity. Methods: Retrospective review was made on 7 consecutive patients (6 men and 1 woman) with the age at the initial visit ranging from 33 to 69 years (mean, 45.8 years) who were diagnosed with idiopathic orbital myositis and followed for 5 years or more (mean, 9.2 years) at a referral-based hospital. Results: Chief complaint at the initial visit was diplopia in 4 patients, blurred vision in 2 patients, and proptosis in 1 patient. On magnetic resonance imaging, 4 patients showed enlargement of a single extraocular muscle on unilateral side while 3 patients showed enlargement of multiple extraocular muscles on unilateral side or bilateral sides. No patient developed systemic diseases or other orbital lesions in the long-term follow-up. All patients at the last visit were free from symptoms, including diplopia, after tapering of prednisolone at the initial dose of 20 to 60 mg daily. Conclusion: Idiopathic orbital myositis had a favorable long-term outcome with corticosteroid administration and appears to be a distinct clinical entity without systemic involvement

Multimodal imaging in macular diagnostics: combined OCT-SLO improves therapeutical monitoring

Background: Digital imaging methods are a centrepiece for diagnosis and management of macular disease. A recently developed imaging device is composed of simultaneous confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO) and optical coherence tomography (OCT). By means of clinical samples the benefit of this technique concerning diagnostic and therapeutic follow-up will be assessed. Methods: The combined OCT-SLO-System (Ophthalmic Technologies Inc., Toronto, Canada) allows for confocal en-face fundus imaging and high resolution OCT scanning at the same time. OCT images are obtained from transversal line scans. One light source and the identical scanning rate yield a pixel-to-pixel correspondence of images. Three-dimensional thickness maps are derived from C-scan stacking. Results: We followed-up patients with cystoid macular edema, pigment epithelium detachment, macular hole, venous branch occlusion, and vitreoretinal tractions during their course of therapy. The new imaging method illustrates the reduction of cystoid volume, e.g. after intravitreal injections of either angiostatic drugs or steroids. C-scans are used for appreciation of lesion diameters, visualisation of pathologies involving the vitreoretinal interface, and quantification of retinal thickness change. Conclusion: The combined OCT-SLO system creates both topographic and tomographic images of the retina. New therapeutic options can be followed-up closely by observing changes in lesion thickness and cyst volumes. For clinical use further studies are neede

A Strategy Framwork For Deciding Between Alliances Or Acquisition Of Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Company (Case Study: Strategy Farmwork of Johnson & Johnson And Cipla Inc in The Production of Anti-Infectious Drugs)

This study analyzes a strategy framwork for deciding between alliances or acquisition of Johnson Johnson Pharmeutical Company. The general objective of this study is to determine the appropriate corporate development strategy of Johnson Johnson to strengthening the position in the area of infectious diseasese to help the mankind to get the best anti infectious drugs with the affordable price. Infectious diseases is a second leading killer worldwide, it is consist of HIV/ AIDS, TB, Hepatitis C, etc. Infectious diseases have caused an unprecedented global health crisis. The Asia division of Johnson Johnson plans to invest in open innovation through more research partnerships and collaborative efforts that connect the medical and academic communities to its RD centers especially in infectious disease. The data used in this research is data result of observation, literature study and interviews with senior executives and consultants who  handle comparable decision of JohnsonJohnson. The data show that alliance is preferrable. High uncertainty within the environment is the most influencing factor to determine this choice. Due to the industry nature, many RD collaborations in developing particular drugs are established. By defining the proper governance structure the collaboration can limit the risk of losing in the learning race and core competencies spillover while obtaining the knowledge access to the counterparty. The Strategic alliance between Johnson Johnson and Cipla Inc can help them toughen the corporate development strategy. Because of their similarities in the production of anti-infectious drugs, they can cooperate to penetrate emerging markets and do several RD collaborations to create a competitive advantage