Determination of the number of shots for Grover’s search algorithm

This paper focuses on Grover’s quantum search algorithm, which is of paramount importance as a masterpiece of Quantum Computing software. Given the inherent probabilistic nature of quantum computers, quantum programs based on Grover’s algorithm need to be run a number of times in order to generate a histogram of candidate values for solutions, which are then checked to identify the valid ones. In this paper, the distribution of the required number of shots to find all or a fraction of all the solutions to the Grover’s search problem is studied. Firstly, considering the similarity of the probability problem with the well-known coupon collector’s problem, two formulae are obtained from asymptotic results on the distribution of the required number of shots, as the number of problem solutions grows. These expressions allow to compute the number of shots required to ensure that, with probability p, all or a fraction of all the solutions are found. Secondly, the probability mass function of the required number of shots is derived, which serves as a benchmark to assess the validity of the asymptotic approximations derived previously. A comparison between the two approaches is presented and, as a result, a rule of thumb to decide under which circumstances employ one or the other is proposed.Mathieu Kessler acknowlegdes the support of Fundación Séneca-Agencia de Ciencia y Tecnología de la Región de Murcia (Grant 20911/PI/18)

An automatic generation of metro-like maps to display flight routes for air traffic controllers: structure and color optimization

International audienceAircraft must follow strict Air Traffic Control (ATC) rules. One of these rules is that aircraft have to fly over pre-defined Flight Routes (FR). Current ATC visualizations do not display FRs because they are numerous and run into each other, and thus spoil the visualization. The schematic views for metro maps are used to maximize the transmission of relevant information (lines, metro stops) of network visualization. In this paper, we will focus on two different issues. First, we show how we transposed mathematical constraints used to produce metro maps into the specific field of ATC. The view produced is a context compatible, 2D picture of a schematic maps view for Air Traffic Control. Second, we propose to investigate the generation and placement of colors to be assigned to lines of the network. The first step is to find as many colors as lines of the network. These colors must be perceptually as distinct as possible, and available in the vocabulary of colors. The second step is to solve the NP-complete problem of the optimal assignment of these colors so that close lines have the most perceptively distant color. Finally, we assess the map produced through experimentation to validate its quality

Benchmarking Joint Lexical and Syntactic Analysis on Multiword-Rich Data

International audienceThis article evaluates the extension of a dependency parser that performs joint syntactic analysis and multiword expression identification. We show that, given sufficient training data, the parser benefits from explicit multiword information and improves overall labeled accuracy score in eight of the ten evaluation cases

Benchmarking Joint Lexical and Syntactic Analysis on Multiword-Rich Data

International audienceThis article evaluates the extension of a dependency parser that performs joint syntactic analysis and multiword expression identification. We show that, given sufficient training data, the parser benefits from explicit multiword information and improves overall labeled accuracy score in eight of the ten evaluation cases

Vertu et pauvreté sur scène au Siècle d’or espagnol (autos, comedias urbaines, bibliques et de saints)

La pauvreté vertueuse, héroïque, exemplaire a  donc sa place dans les comedias dont le but est la prédication (comedia biblique), l’exaltation d’un saint ou la présentation d’un fait extraordinaire (comedia urbaine). Le fond idéologique de ces pièces est celui de la doctrine la plus traditionnelle et conservatrice à propos de l’aumône. Même l’utilisation des réalités sociales, qui provoquaient la controverse, sert à renforcer l’ordre social et les rôles des différents acteurs en tant que donateurs.

Rat pro-inflammatory cytokine and cytokine related mRNA quantification by real-time polymerase chain reaction using SYBR green

BACKGROUND: Cytokine mRNA quantification is widely used to investigate cytokine profiles, particularly in small samples. Real-time polymerase chain reaction is currently the most reliable method of quantifying low-level transcripts such as cytokine and cytokine receptor mRNAs. This accurate technique allows the quantification of a larger pattern of cytokines than quantification at the protein level, which is limited to a smaller number of proteins. RESULTS: Although fluorogenic probes are considered more sensitive than fluorescent dyes, we have developed SYBR Green real-time RT-PCR protocols to assay pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL1a, IL1b and IL6, TNFa), cytokine receptors (IL1-r1, IL1-r2, IL6-r, TNF-r2) and related molecules (IL1-RA, SOCS3) mRNA in rats. This method enables normalisation against several housekeeping genes (beta-actin, GAPDH, CypA, HPRT) dependent on the specific experimental treatments and tissues using either standard curve, or comparative C(T )quantification method. PCR efficiency and sensitivity allow the assessment of; i) basal mRNA levels in many tissues and even decreases in mRNA levels, ii) mRNA levels from very small samples. CONCLUSION: Real-time RT-PCR is currently the best way to investigate cytokine networks. The investigations should be completed by the analysis of genes regulated by cytokines or involved in cytokine signalling, providing indirect information on cytokine protein expression

Darboux Transformations for SUSY Integrable Systems

Several types of Darboux transformations for supersymmetric integrable systems such as the Manin-Radul KdV, Mathieu KdV and SUSY sine-Gordon equations are considered. We also present solutions such as supersolitons and superkinks.Comment: 13 pages. LaTeX209 with LamuPhys and EPSF packages, 3 figures. Contribution to the proceedings of the "Integrable Models and Supersymmetry" meeting held at Chicago on July'9

Technological challenges in the preclinical development of an HIV nanovaccine candidate

Despite a very active research in the field of nanomedicine, only a few nano-based drug delivery systems have reached the market. The “death valley” between research and commercialization has been partially attributed to the limited characterization and reproducibility of the nanoformulations. Our group has previously reported the potential of a peptide-based nanovaccine candidate for the prevention of SIV infection in macaques. This vaccine candidate is composed of chitosan/dextran sulfate nanoparticles containing twelve SIV peptide antigens. The aim of this work was to rigorously characterize one of these nanoformulations containing a specific peptide, following a quality-by-design approach. The evaluation of the different quality attributes was performed by several complementary techniques, such as dynamic light scattering, nanoparticle tracking analysis, and electron microscopy for particle size characterization. The inter-batch reproducibility was validated by three independent laboratories. Finally, the long-term stability and scalability of the manufacturing technique were assessed. Overall, these data, together with the in vivo efficacy results obtained in macaques, underline the promise this new vaccine holds with regard to its translation to clinical trialsThis work was supported by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research program (NanoPilot project – grant agreement number 646142) and by Xunta de Galicia’s Grupos de referencia competitiva (grant number ED431C 2017/09). T.G. Dacoba acknowledges a predoctoral FPU grant from the Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports (grant number FPU14/05866)S

Alpha adrenergic receptor blockade increases capillarisation and O2 extraction and lowers blood flow in contracting human skeletal muscle

Aim: To investigate the effect of increased basal shear stress on angiogenesis, and the role of enhanced skeletal muscle capillarisation on blood flow and oxygen extraction. Methods: Limb haemodynamics and oxygen extraction were measured at rest and during one-leg knee-extensor exercise (12 and 24W) in 10 healthy untrained young men before and after 4 weeks treatment with an α1 receptor-antagonist (Terazosin, 1-2 mg day-1). Biopsies were taken from the m. vastus lateralis. Results: Resting leg blood flow was > 6 hours following Terazosin treatment (P<0.05). Basal capillary-to-fibre ratio was 1.68±0.07 and increased to 1.89±0.08 after treatment (P<0.05). Leg oxygen extraction during knee-extensor exercise was higher (4-5% ; P<0.05), leg blood flow and venous lactate levels lower (6-7%; P<0.05) and leg VO2 similar after Terazosin treatment. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that daily treatment with an α-adrenergic receptor blocker and a consequent increase in resting blood flow induces capillary growth in human skeletal muscle, likely due to increased shear stress. The increase in capillarisation led to enhanced O2 extraction in the exercising leg, concomitant with a lower blood flow and venous lactate levels