QuNetSim: A Software Framework for Quantum Networks

As quantum internet technologies develop, the need for simulation software and education for quantum internet rises. QuNetSim aims to fill this need. QuNetSim is a Python software framework that can be used to simulate quantum networks up to the network layer. The goal of QuNetSim is to make it easier to investigate and test quantum networking protocols over various quantum network configurations and parameters. The framework incorporates many known quantum network protocols so that users can quickly build simulations and beginners can easily learn to implement their own quantum networking protocols.Comment: 11 pages, 6 figure

An Initial Examination of Girls’ Cognitions of Their Relationally Aggressive Peers as a Function of Their Own Social Standing

The primary aim of the present study was to examine girls’ cognitions of their relationally aggressive peers as a function of their own relationally aggressive and sociometric status. Participants were 151 4th- and 5th-grade girls attending four public elementary schools. Findings suggest that relationally aggressive girls tend to display a relatively cautious and wary social cognitive style in relationally provocative social situations. For example, they view relationally aggressive behaviors as being relatively stable and unchanging, and they exhibit little trust for peers who exhibit a similar behavioral style. Results suggest that rejected girls may exhibit markedly different social processing styles depending upon whether they are also relationally aggressive themselves. For instance, rejected-relational aggressors appear to interpret others’ negative behaviors as being quite intentional. In contrast, rejected-nonrelational aggressors demonstrate relatively high levels of trust for peers who treat them poorly while also interpreting these peers’ behaviors as being relatively unintentional. Implications for designing multilevel interventions to combat relational aggressive problems are discussed

Evaluation of the ICT Test Bed project: final report, June 2007

The report describes three strands of evaluation used in the review of the 2006 outcomes from ICT Test Bed and the findings from each strand. a) Quantitative data: Benchmarking of changes in performance on national tests against matched comparator schools and national averages; b) Qualitative data: Site visits including classroom observations, interviews with local authority managers, head teachers, teachers, administrative staff, technicians and students; and c) Document analysis

Technological Change and the Design of Plant Variety Protection Regimes

In this paper, we examine the potential for plant variety protection ( PVP ) regimes—that is, sui generis, industry-specific intellectual property regimes—to become compromised as a result of technological change. In particular, we analyze the shift in plant breeding from phenotypic selection to genotypic selection, and consider the impact of that shift on existing plant variety protection. We also lay out an alternative structure for plant intellectual property protection based on unfair competition, a model that differs radically in some respects from current PVP schemes. We offer our model as a starting point for debate on adaptations that might improve PVP schemes, whether those adaptations be systemic or (more likely) incremental changes to existing rules and practices

Alterations of immune response of non-small lung cancer with azacytidine

Innovative therapies are needed for advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). We have undertaken a genomics based, hypothesis driving, approach to query an emerging potential that epigenetic therapy may sensitize to immune checkpoint therapy targeting PD-L1/PD-1 interaction. NSCLC cell lines were treated with the DNA hypomethylating agent azacytidine (AZA - Vidaza) and genes and pathways altered were mapped by genome-wide expression and DNA methylation analyses. AZA-induced pathways were analyzed in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) project by mapping the derived gene signatures in hundreds of lung adeno (LUAD) and squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) samples. AZA up-regulates genes and pathways related to both innate and adaptive immunity and genes related to immune evasion in a several NSCLC lines. DNA hypermethylation and low expression of IRF7, an interferon transcription factor, tracks with this signature particularly in LUSC. In concert with these events, AZA up-regulates PD-L1 transcripts and protein, a key ligand-mediator of immune tolerance. Analysis of TCGA samples demonstrates that a significant proportion of primary NSCLC have low expression of AZA-induced immune genes, including PD-L1. We hypothesize that epigenetic therapy combined with blockade of immune checkpoints - in particular the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway - may augment response of NSCLC by shifting the balance between immune activation and immune inhibition, particularly in a subset of NSCLC with low expression of these pathways. Our studies define a biomarker strategy for response in a recently initiated trial to examine the potential of epigenetic therapy to sensitize patients with NSCLC to PD-1 immune checkpoint blockade

Absorption and elimination of formate following oral administration of calcium formate in female human subjects

Final publisher version is available online openly at: http://dmd.aspetjournals.org/content/33/2/282.full.pdf. Author accepted manuscript is available in compliance with NIH requirements at, http://dmd.aspetjournals.org/content/early/2004/11/16/dmd.104.001289. Abstract is posted in fulfillment of the KU faculty's Open Access policy.Published abstract: Calcium formate is a water-soluble salt of an essential mineral nutrient with potential for use as a dietary calcium supplement. Formate ion is a product of endogenous and xenobiotic metabolism, but sustained high plasma formate concentrations (such as occur in cases of methanol poisoning) are toxic to the retina and optic nerve. Humans and primates have reduced capacity for formate oxidation compared with rodents and dogs and are thus more sensitive to methanol (and formate) intoxication. To assess the potential for accumulation of formate ion upon repeated administration of calcium formate as a potential dietary calcium supplement, we measured plasma concentrations of formate in 14 adult human subjects before and after oral administration of a single large dose of calcium formate (3900 mg; ca. 3–6 times the anticipated dose for calcium supplementation). Plasma formate concentrations increased briskly from 0.024 ± 0.008 mM (endogenous formate) to reach Cmax (0.50 ± 0.04 mM) at 60 min postdose and then declined with a half-life of 59 ± 7 min. By 225 min postdose, plasma formate concentration had returned to baseline. With such a short half-life, repeated use of calcium formate as a dietary supplement, even three times daily, should not lead to progressive accumulation of formate. These findings are discussed in light of the production of formate by endogenous and xenobiotic metabolism and the kinetics of formate during methanol poisoning