Quantum Random Access Codes with Shared Randomness

We consider a communication method, where the sender encodes n classical bits into 1 qubit and sends it to the receiver who performs a certain measurement depending on which of the initial bits must be recovered. This procedure is called (n,1,p) quantum random access code (QRAC) where p > 1/2 is its success probability. It is known that (2,1,0.85) and (3,1,0.79) QRACs (with no classical counterparts) exist and that (4,1,p) QRAC with p > 1/2 is not possible. We extend this model with shared randomness (SR) that is accessible to both parties. Then (n,1,p) QRAC with SR and p > 1/2 exists for any n > 0. We give an upper bound on its success probability (the known (2,1,0.85) and (3,1,0.79) QRACs match this upper bound). We discuss some particular constructions for several small values of n. We also study the classical counterpart of this model where n bits are encoded into 1 bit instead of 1 qubit and SR is used. We give an optimal construction for such codes and find their success probability exactly--it is less than in the quantum case. Interactive 3D quantum random access codes are available on-line at http://home.lanet.lv/~sd20008/racs .Comment: 51 pages, 33 figures. New sections added: 1.2, 3.5, 3.8.2, 5.4 (paper appears to be shorter because of smaller margins). Submitted as M.Math thesis at University of Waterloo by M

Lipid pathway deregulation in advanced prostate cancer

The link between prostate cancer (PC) development and lipid metabolism is well established, with AR intimately involved in a number of lipogenic processes involving SREBP1, PPARG, FASN, ACC, ACLY and SCD1. Recently, there is growing evidence implicating the role of obesity and peri-prostatic adipose tissue (PPAT) in PC aggressiveness and related mortality, suggesting the importance of lipid pathways in both localised and disseminated disease. A number of promising agents are in development to target the lipogenic axis in PC, and the likelihood is that these agents will form part of combination drug strategies, with targeting of multiple metabolic pathways (e.g. FASN and CPT1), or in combination with AR pathway inhibitors (SCD1 and AR)

Anion Distribution, Structural Distortion, and Symmetry-Driven Optical Band Gap Bowing in Mixed Halide Cs2SnX6 Vacancy Ordered Double Perovskites.

Mixed anion compounds in the Fm3̅m vacancy ordered perovskite structure were synthesized and characterized experimentally and computationally with a focus on compounds where A = Cs+. Pure anion Cs2SnX6 compounds were formed with X = Cl, Br, and I using a room temperature solution phase method. Mixed anion compounds were formed as solid solutions of Cs2SnCl6 and Cs2SnBr6 and a second series from Cs2SnBr6 and Cs2SnI6. Single phase structures formed across the entirety of both composition series with no evidence of long-range anion ordering observed by diffraction. A distortion of the cubic A2BX6 structure was identified in which the spacing of the BX6 octahedra changes to accommodate the A site cation without reduction of overall symmetry. Optical band gap values varied with anion composition between 4.89 eV in Cs2SnCl6 to 1.35 eV in Cs2SnI6 but proved highly nonlinear with changes in composition. In mixed halide compounds, it was found that lower energy optical transitions appeared that were not present in the pure halide compounds, and this was attributed to lowering of the local symmetry within the tin halide octahedra. The electronic structure was characterized by photoemission spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy revealed vibrational modes in the mixed halide compounds that could be assigned to particular mixed halide octahedra. This analysis was used to determine the distribution of octahedra types in mixed anion compounds, which was found to be consistent with a near-random distribution of halide anions throughout the structure, although some deviations from random halide distribution were noted in mixed iodide-bromide compounds, where the larger iodide anions preferentially adopted trans configurations

Development of a digital toolkit to improve quality of life of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this manuscript is to detail development and initial usability testing of an e-toolkit designed to provide skills and knowledge around self-management behaviors for individuals living with systemic lupus erythematosus. METHODS: Researchers worked with a steering committee of patients and providers to (1) develop a clickable prototype of an e-toolkit and (2) conduct alpha (individuals not affiliated with an academic clinic as patient or provider) and beta (individual patients with systemic lupus erythematosus as well as members of the clinic healthcare team and individuals who work in patient advocacy organizations) usability testing through semistructured interviews. RESULTS: During the review of the e-toolkit, the feedback provided by participants in both alpha and beta groups centered on two overarching themes: (1) improving user interface and materials and (2) integration of information and supports between toolkit and clinical personnel. CONCLUSION: Digital approaches that are tailored to individual symptom variation and integrated with a clinical system have the opportunity to enhance ongoing clinical care. These findings support movement toward integrated, team-based care models, tailored digital resources, and use of expanded virtual interaction options to ensure on-going engagement between healthcare providers and systemic lupus erythematosus patients

Contribution of hurricane-induced sediment resuspension to coastal oxygen dynamics

© The Author(s), 2018. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License. The definitive version was published in Scientific Reports 8 (2018): 15740, doi:10.1038/s41598-018-33640-3.Hurricanes passing over the ocean can mix the water column down to great depths and resuspend massive volumes of sediments on the continental shelves. Consequently, organic carbon and reduced inorganic compounds associated with these sediments can be resuspended from anaerobic portions of the seabed and re-exposed to dissolved oxygen (DO) in the water column. This process can drive DO consumption as sediments become oxidized. Previous studies have investigated the effect of hurricanes on DO in different coastal regions of the world, highlighting the alleviation of hypoxic conditions by extreme winds, which drive vertical mixing and re-aeration of the water column. However, the effect of hurricane-induced resuspended sediments on DO has been neglected. Here, using a diverse suite of datasets for the northern Gulf of Mexico, we find that in the few days after a hurricane passage, decomposition of resuspended shelf sediments consumes up to a fifth of the DO added to the bottom of the water column during vertical mixing. Despite uncertainty in this value, we highlight the potential significance of this mechanism for DO dynamics. Overall, sediment resuspension likely occurs over all continental shelves affected by tropical cyclones, potentially impacting global cycles of marine DO and carbon.Support for J. Moriarty was provided by the USGS Mendenhall Program