Universal Quantum Cloning in Cavity QED

We propose an implementation of an universal quantum cloning machine [UQCM, Hillery and Buzek, Phys. Rev. A {\bf 56}, 3446 (1997)] in a Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics (CQED) experiment. This UQCM acts on the electronic states of atoms that interact with the electromagnetic field of a high $Q$ cavity. We discuss here the specific case of the $1 \to 2$ cloning process using either a one- or a two-cavity configuration

Detector decoy quantum key distribution

Photon number resolving detectors can enhance the performance of many practical quantum cryptographic setups. In this paper, we employ a simple method to estimate the statistics provided by such a photon number resolving detector using only a threshold detector together with a variable attenuator. This idea is similar in spirit to that of the decoy state technique, and is specially suited for those scenarios where only a few parameters of the photon number statistics of the incoming signals have to be estimated. As an illustration of the potential applicability of the method in quantum communication protocols, we use it to prove security of an entanglement based quantum key distribution scheme with an untrusted source without the need of a squash model and by solely using this extra idea. In this sense, this detector decoy method can be seen as a different conceptual approach to adapt a single photon security proof to its physical, full optical implementation. We show that in this scenario the legitimate users can now even discard the double click events from the raw key data without compromising the security of the scheme, and we present simulations on the performance of the BB84 and the 6-state quantum key distribution protocols.Comment: 27 pages, 7 figure

Prognostic value of electrocardiographic detection of unrecognized myocardial infarction in persons with stable coronary artery disease: data from the Heart and Soul Study

Unrecognized myocardial infarction (MI) carries a poor prognosis in the general population, but its prognostic value is less clear in high-risk patients. We sought to determine whether Q waves on electrocardiogram (ECG), suggestive of unrecognized MI, predict cardiovascular events in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD), but without a prior history of MI. We studied 462 patients enrolled in the Heart and Soul Study with stable CAD but without a prior history of MI. All patients had baseline ECGs. The baseline prevalence of unrecognized myocardial infarction was 36%. After a mean of 6.3 years of follow-up, there were a total of 141 cardiovascular events. The presence of Q waves in any ECG lead territory predicted cardiovascular events before (unadjusted HR 1.41, 95% CI 1.01-1.97) and after adjustment for demographics, medical history, diastolic function, and ejection fraction (HR 1.55, 95% CI 1.06-2.26). This association was partly attenuated after adjustment for the presence of inducible ischemia at baseline (HR 1.43, 95% CI 0.96-2.12). When specific territories were analyzed separately, Q waves in anterior leads were predictive of cardiovascular events in both unadjusted and adjusted models (adjusted HR 1.85, 95% CI 1.14-3.00), and this association was partly attenuated after adjustment for inducible ischemia. In conclusion, in patients with CAD but no history of prior MI, the presence of any Q waves or anterior Q waves alone is independently predictive of adverse cardiovascular events

Multiplicity distribution and spectra of negatively charged hadrons in Au+Au collisions at sqrt(s_nn) = 130 GeV

The minimum bias multiplicity distribution and the transverse momentum and pseudorapidity distributions for central collisions have been measured for negative hadrons (h-) in Au+Au interactions at sqrt(s_nn) = 130 GeV. The multiplicity density at midrapidity for the 5% most central interactions is dNh-/deta|_{eta = 0} = 280 +- 1(stat)+- 20(syst), an increase per participant of 38% relative to ppbar collisions at the same energy. The mean transverse momentum is 0.508 +- 0.012 GeV/c and is larger than in central Pb+Pb collisions at lower energies. The scaling of the h- yield per participant is a strong function of pt. The pseudorapidity distribution is almost constant within |eta|<1.Comment: 6 pages, 3 figure

S.6.1 β-catenin is a central mediator in SSc

Background. β-catenin is the central integrator of canonical Wnt signalling. Since recent evidence suggests a central role of Wnts in fibrosis, we examined the β-catenin/Wnt pathway in SSc and focused on the role of β-catenin in fibroblast activation. Methods. We performed qPCR for several Wnt ligands and axin-2 to examine Wnt expression in SSc skin. We further studied protein levels of Wnt-1, -4, -10b and β-catenin by IHC. To establish the effects of β-catenin/Wnt signalling on collagen release, we created mice with fibroblast-specific stabilization of β-catenin (dEx3 β-catenin (wt/fl) × Col1a2; Cre-ER) as well as mice carrying fibroblast-specific deletion of β-catenin [Ctnnb1(fl/fl) × Col1a2; Cre-ER]. Summary of the results. We could demonstrate mRNA overexpression of Wnt-1, -2, -9a, -9b, -10a, -10b and -16 in SSc skin. Wnt-1, -4 and -10b consistently showed strong expression in SSc skin when compared with healthy skin. On protein level, however, Wnt-4 was indistinguishable between SSc patients and healthy controls, whereas Wnt-1 and Wnt-10b protein levels were increased in SSc skin. The overexpression of Wnt-1 and Wnt-10b resulted in a prominent nuclear accumulation of β-catenin in fibroblasts. Finally, increased mRNA levels of the target gene axin-2 confirmed the activation of canonical Wnt signalling. In dEx3 β-catenin (wt/ex) mice, we addressed the consequences of enhanced Wnt signalling and increased accumulation of β-catenin in SSc. We selectively targeted β-catenin in fibroblasts. Cre-activated dEx3 β-catenin (wt/fl) × Col1a2; Cre-ER mice showed massive and spontaneous dermal thickening even 2 weeks after Cre activation. Eight weeks after Cre-activation, skin thickening cumulated at 102.6% (P < 0.001). In line with the dermal thickening, hydroxyproline content and myofibroblast counts showed strong increases. To test the therapeutic potential of targeting β-catenin/Wnt signaling, we created Ctnnb1(fl/fl) x Col1a2;Cre-ER mice to specifically delete β-catenin in fibroblasts. After Cre activation and β-catenin deletion in fibroblasts, mice were challenged with bleomycin subcutaneously for 4 weeks. We found that Cre-activated Ctnnb1(fl/fl) × Col1a2; Cre-ER mice were protected from bleomycin-induced dermal with a reduction of skin thickening by 71% (P < 0.05). Conclusions. We demonstrated a prominent activation of canonical Wnt signalling in SSc with nuclear accumulation of β-catenin in fibroblasts and activation of the target gene axin-2. Our results showed that fibroblast-specific stabilization of β-catenin resulted in enhanced collagen release, whereas deletion of β-catenin potently reduced collagen production. Together, our findings highlight a key role of β-catenin in fibroblast activation and fibrosis. Thus, β-catenin may be promising molecular target for anti-fibrotic therapie

Evaluation of grip strength in hook of hamate fractures treated with osteosynthesis. Is this surgical treatment necessary?

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) in hamate hook fractures and review the literature on this surgical procedure. Methods: We report the outcomes of ORIF of hamate hook fractures in 13 consecutive patients (12 men and 1 woman; mean age: 32 years (range, 22-48 years)). In eight patients (61%) the fracture was associated with ulnar nerve neuritis in Guyon's canal. We assessed the following clinical data: age, sex, mechanism of injury, side of the injured hand and associated lesions, fracture classification, average time from injury to correct diagnosis, surgical technique, complications, and length of follow-up. All patients underwent radiological imaging, including standard radiographs in two planes (anteroposterior and lateral projections), and a CT study. Functional outcomes evaluated were pain, range of motion, grip strength, Disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) and Mayo wrist score. Results: The mean follow-up was 36 months (range, 12-144 months). All 13 cases were treated with ORIF of the hook of the hamate. Mean VAS pain score was 5 preoperatively (4-9) and 1 (0-2) postoperatively. All patients returned to pre-injury level and only one patient felt pain on activity. Preoperative modified Mayo wrist score was 51 and the postoperative value was 94. All outcomes scores improved significantly from preoperative values. The patients who participated in sports postoperatively were able to do so at or near pre-injury levels. Postoperative average range of wrist motion was 76° in extension, 71° in flexion, 14° in ulnar deviation, and 21° in radial deviation. Mean grip strength in the hand with the hook fracture was 58 kg compared with 53 Kg in the unaffected hand. All patients returned to their pre-injury level of functioning after 10-12 weeks and there were no complications. Analysis of grip strength revealed values comparable with the unaffected hand. Conclusion: ORIF of hamate hook fractures is a safe and effective technique to restore normal grip strength and return to pre-injury level. In cases of ulnar nerve neuritis, neurolysis of the deep palmar branch is mandatory. Level of evidence: Level IV, Therapeutic study

Desarrollo tecnológico de ovoproductos funcionales con un alto contenido en ácidos grasos n-3

Eggs are good candidates to be employed as functional food and to provide people with bioactive compounds such as n-3 PUFAs. However, in most cases, development of eggs with high content of n-3 PUFAs was carried out by modifying the hens’ feed. In the present work, egg-derived sticks with high content of n-3 PUFAs were technologically developed through addition of three different sources of n-3 PUFAs: linseed oil, fish oil and microalgae oil. The developed products were compared to conventional egg-derived products for their proximate composition, fatty acid profile, colour and consumer acceptability. Additionally, lipid oxidation was investigated after 30 days of frozen storage. Nutritional composition, colour parameters and consumer acceptability revealed that egg-derived product obtained by addition of linseed oil was the most adequate. Egg-derived functional foods developed by technological methods are viable and could be considered as an interesting alternative, especially for catering companiesLos huevos son buenos candidatos para ser empleados como alimentos funcionales y de este modo proporcionar a las personas compuestos bioactivos, tales como los ácidos grasos n-3. Sin embargo, en la mayoría de los casos, el desarrollo de huevos con alto contenido en ácidos grasos n-3 se realizó mediante la modificación de la alimentación aviar. En el presente trabajo, se desarrollaron ovoproductos con alto contenido en ácidos grasos n-3 de modo tecnológico mediante la adición de tres fuentes diferentes de n-3: aceite de linaza, aceite de pescado y aceite de microalgas. Los ovoproductos desarrollados se compararon con ovoproductos convencionales en su composición nutricional, perfil lipídico, color y aceptabilidad por parte del consumidor. Además, se investigó su oxidación lipídica después de 30 días de almacenamiento en congelación. Combinando los resultados obtenidos, el ovoproducto elaborado con aceite de linaza resultó ser el más adecuado. De este modo, los ovoproductos funcionales elaborados mediante métodos tecnológicos son viables y pueden ser considerados una alternativa interesante, especialmente para las empresas de restauración colectivaThe authors wish to thank the Centro para el Desarrollo Técnico Industrial (CDTI) from the Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad for financial supportS

El pan de agua como gastronomía representativa en la ciudad Babahoyo para producción de contenido audiovisual bilingüe

Pan de Agua is a culinary icon in Babahoyo, Ecuador, that symbolizes not only a staple food but also cultural identity. Despite its importance, the lack of formal research and bilingual promotion strategies has limited its historical recognition and tourist appeal. This project aims to explore the historical process of pan de Agua, document its sociocultural relevance, and produce bilingual audiovisual content for its promotion. Through a qualitative approach, including interviews and observations, the study seeks to understand the importance of pan de Agua in local culture and gastronomy. The goal is to preserve this tradition by producing audiovisual materials and promotional strategies that position pan de Agua as a cultural and gastronomic attraction at a national and international level. With this project, we hope to contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage and increase the recognition and tourist appeal of pan de Agua. In this way, pan de Agua will be promoted as a cultural and gastronomic icon, highlighting its importance in the identity and tradition of Babahoyo.El pan de agua es un ícono culinario en Babahoyo, Ecuador, que simboliza no solo un alimento básico sino también la identidad cultural. A pesar de su importancia, la falta de investigación formal y estrategias de promoción bilingües ha limitado su reconocimiento histórico y atractivo turístico. Este proyecto tiene como objetivo explorar el proceso histórico del pan de agua, documentar su relevancia sociocultural y producir contenido audiovisual bilingüe para su promoción. A través de un enfoque cualitativo, que incluye entrevistas y observaciones, el estudio busca comprender la importancia del pan de agua en la cultura y gastronomía local. El objetivo es preservar esta tradición mediante la producción de materiales audiovisuales y estrategias de promoción que posicionen al pan de agua como un atractivo cultural y gastronómico a nivel nacional e internacional. Con este proyecto, se espera contribuir a la preservación del patrimonio cultural y aumentar el reconocimiento y atractivo turístico del pan de agua. De esta manera, se promoverá al pan de agua como un ícono cultural y gastronómico, destacando su importancia en la identidad y tradición de Babahoyo

Increased exosome secretion in neurons aging in vitro by NPC1-mediated endosomal cholesterol buildup

As neurons age, they show a decrease in their ability to degrade proteins and membranes. Because undegraded material is a source of toxic products, defects in degradation are associated with reduced cell function and survival. However, there are very few dead neurons in the aging brain, suggesting the action of compensatory mechanisms. We show in this work that ageing neurons in culture show large multivesicular bodies (MVBs) filled with intralumenal vesicles (ILVs) and secrete more small extracellular vesicles than younger neurons. We also show that the high number of ILVs is the consequence of the accumulation of cholesterol in MVBs, which in turn is due to decreased levels of the cholesterol extruding protein NPC1. NPC1 down-regulation is the consequence of a combination of upregulation of the NPC1 repressor microRNA 33, and increased degradation, due to AktmTOR targeting of NPC1 to the phagosome. Although releasing more exosomes can be beneficial to old neurons, other cells, neighbouring and distant, can be negatively affected by the waste material they contain.Fil: Guix, Francesc X.. Universidad Autónoma de Madrid; España. Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas; EspañaFil: Marrero Capitán, Ana. Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas; España. Universidad Autónoma de Madrid; EspañaFil: Casadomé Perales, Álvaro. Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas; España. Universidad Autónoma de Madrid; EspañaFil: Palomares Pérez, Irene. Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas; España. Universidad Autónoma de Madrid; EspañaFil: Lopez del Castillo, Irene. Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas; España. Universidad Autónoma de Madrid; EspañaFil: Miguel, Verónica. Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas; España. Universidad Autónoma de Madrid; EspañaFil: Goedeke, Leigh. University of Yale; Estados UnidosFil: Martín, Mauricio Gerardo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra; ArgentinaFil: Lamas, Santiago. Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas; España. Universidad Autónoma de Madrid; EspañaFil: Peinado, Héctor. Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas; EspañaFil: Fernández Hernando, Carlos. University of Yale; Estados UnidosFil: Dotti, Carlos. Universidad Autónoma de Madrid; España. Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas; Españ

Antiinflammatory Therapy with Canakinumab for Atherosclerotic Disease

Background: Experimental and clinical data suggest that reducing inflammation without affecting lipid levels may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Yet, the inflammatory hypothesis of atherothrombosis has remained unproved. Methods: We conducted a randomized, double-blind trial of canakinumab, a therapeutic monoclonal antibody targeting interleukin-1β, involving 10,061 patients with previous myocardial infarction and a high-sensitivity C-reactive protein level of 2 mg or more per liter. The trial compared three doses of canakinumab (50 mg, 150 mg, and 300 mg, administered subcutaneously every 3 months) with placebo. The primary efficacy end point was nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, or cardiovascular death. RESULTS: At 48 months, the median reduction from baseline in the high-sensitivity C-reactive protein level was 26 percentage points greater in the group that received the 50-mg dose of canakinumab, 37 percentage points greater in the 150-mg group, and 41 percentage points greater in the 300-mg group than in the placebo group. Canakinumab did not reduce lipid levels from baseline. At a median follow-up of 3.7 years, the incidence rate for the primary end point was 4.50 events per 100 person-years in the placebo group, 4.11 events per 100 person-years in the 50-mg group, 3.86 events per 100 person-years in the 150-mg group, and 3.90 events per 100 person-years in the 300-mg group. The hazard ratios as compared with placebo were as follows: in the 50-mg group, 0.93 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.80 to 1.07; P = 0.30); in the 150-mg group, 0.85 (95% CI, 0.74 to 0.98; P = 0.021); and in the 300-mg group, 0.86 (95% CI, 0.75 to 0.99; P = 0.031). The 150-mg dose, but not the other doses, met the prespecified multiplicity-adjusted threshold for statistical significance for the primary end point and the secondary end point that additionally included hospitalization for unstable angina that led to urgent revascularization (hazard ratio vs. placebo, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.73 to 0.95; P = 0.005). Canakinumab was associated with a higher incidence of fatal infection than was placebo. There was no significant difference in all-cause mortality (hazard ratio for all canakinumab doses vs. placebo, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.83 to 1.06; P = 0.31). Conclusions: Antiinflammatory therapy targeting the interleukin-1β innate immunity pathway with canakinumab at a dose of 150 mg every 3 months led to a significantly lower rate of recurrent cardiovascular events than placebo, independent of lipid-level lowering. (Funded by Novartis; CANTOS ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01327846.