A Generalization of Kochen-Specker Sets Relates Quantum Coloring to Entanglement-Assisted Channel Capacity

We introduce two generalizations of Kochen-Specker (KS) sets: projective KS sets and generalized KS sets. We then use projective KS sets to characterize all graphs for which the chromatic number is strictly larger than the quantum chromatic number. Here, the quantum chromatic number is defined via a nonlocal game based on graph coloring. We further show that from any graph with separation between these two quantities, one can construct a classical channel for which entanglement assistance increases the one-shot zero-error capacity. As an example, we exhibit a new family of classical channels with an exponential increase.Comment: 16 page

Kochen-Specker Sets and the Rank-1 Quantum Chromatic Number

The quantum chromatic number of a graph $G$ is sandwiched between its chromatic number and its clique number, which are well known NP-hard quantities. We restrict our attention to the rank-1 quantum chromatic number $\chi_q^{(1)}(G)$, which upper bounds the quantum chromatic number, but is defined under stronger constraints. We study its relation with the chromatic number $\chi(G)$ and the minimum dimension of orthogonal representations $\xi(G)$. It is known that $\xi(G) \leq \chi_q^{(1)}(G) \leq \chi(G)$. We answer three open questions about these relations: we give a necessary and sufficient condition to have $\xi(G) = \chi_q^{(1)}(G)$, we exhibit a class of graphs such that $\xi(G) < \chi_q^{(1)}(G)$, and we give a necessary and sufficient condition to have $\chi_q^{(1)}(G) < \chi(G)$. Our main tools are Kochen-Specker sets, collections of vectors with a traditionally important role in the study of noncontextuality of physical theories, and more recently in the quantification of quantum zero-error capacities. Finally, as a corollary of our results and a result by Avis, Hasegawa, Kikuchi, and Sasaki on the quantum chromatic number, we give a family of Kochen-Specker sets of growing dimension.Comment: 12 page

Graph-theoretical Bounds on the Entangled Value of Non-local Games

We introduce a novel technique to give bounds to the entangled value of non-local games. The technique is based on a class of graphs used by Cabello, Severini and Winter in 2010. The upper bound uses the famous Lov\'asz theta number and is efficiently computable; the lower one is based on the quantum independence number, which is a quantity used in the study of entanglement-assisted channel capacities and graph homomorphism games.Comment: 10 pages, submission to the 9th Conference on the Theory of Quantum Computation, Communication, and Cryptography (TQC 2014

The kinesin Eg5 inhibitor K858 induces apoptosis but also survivin-related chemoresistance in breast cancer cells

Inhibitors of kinesin spindle protein Eg5 are characterized by pronounced antitumor activity. Our group has recently synthesized and screened a library of 1,3,4-thiadiazoline analogues with the pharmacophoric structure of K858, an Eg5 inhibitor. We herein report the effects of K858 on four different breast cancer cell lines: MCF7 (luminal A), BT474 (luminal B), SKBR3 (HER2 like) and MDA-MB231 (basal like). We demonstrated that K858 displayed anti-proliferative activity on every analyzed breast cancer cell line by inducing apoptosis. However, at the same time, we showed that K858 up-regulated survivin, an anti-apoptotic molecule. We then performed a negative regulation of survivin expression, with the utilization of wortmannin, an AKT inhibitor, and obtained a significant increase of K858-dependent apoptosis. These data demonstrate that K858 is a potent inhibitor of replication and induces apoptosis in breast tumor cells, independently from the tumor phenotype. This anti-proliferative response of tumor cells to K858 can be limited by the contemporaneous over-expression of survivin; consequently, the reduction of survivin levels, obtained with AKT inhibitors, can sensitize tumor cells to K858-induced apoptosis

Accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging to identify pseudocapsule invasion in renal tumors

Purpose: To evaluate accuracy of MRI in detecting renal tumor pseudocapsule (PC) invasion and to propose a classification based on imaging of PC status in patients with renal cell carcinoma. Methods: From January 2017 to June 2018, 58 consecutive patients with localized renal cell carcinoma were prospectively enrolled. MRI was performed preoperatively and PC was classified, according to its features, as follows: MRI-Cap 0 (absence of PC), MRI-Cap 1 (presence of a clearly identifiable PC), MRI-Cap 2 (focally interrupted PC), and MRI-Cap 3 (clearly interrupted and infiltrated PC). A 3D image reconstruction showing MRI-Cap score was provided to both surgeon and pathologist to obtain complete preoperative evaluation and to compare imaging and pathology reports. All patients underwent laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. In surgical specimens, PC was classified according to the renal tumor capsule invasion scoring system (i-Cap). Results: A concordance between MRI-Cap and i-Cap was found in 50/58 (86%) cases. ρ coefficient for each MRI-cap and iCap categories was: MRI-Cap 0: 0.89 (p &lt; 0.0001), MRI-Cap1: 0.75 (p &lt; 0.0001), MRI-Cap 2: 0.76 (p &lt; 0.0001), and MRI-Cap3: 0.87 (p &lt; 0.0001). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and AUC were: MRI-Cap 0: Se 97.87% Spec 83.3%, PPV 95.8%, NPV 90.9%, and AUC 90.9; MRI-Cap 1: Se 77% Spec 95.5%, PPV 83.3%, NPV 93.5%, and AUC 0.86; MRI-Cap 2- iCap 2: Se 88% Spec 90%, PPV 79%, NPV 95%, and AUC 0.89; MRI-Cap 3: Se 94% Spec 95%, PPV 88%, NPV 97%, and AUC 0.94. Conclusions: MRI-Cap classification is accurate in evaluating renal tumor PC features. PC features can provide an imaging-guided landmark to figure out where a minimal margin could be preferable during nephron-sparing surgery

Respiratory and sleep disorders in mucopolysaccharidosis

MPS encompasses a group of rare lysosomal storage disorders that are associated with the accumulation of glycosaminoglycans (GAG) in organs and tissues. This accumulation can lead to the progressive development of a variety of clinical manifestations. Ear, nose, throat (ENT) and respiratory problems are very common in patients with MPS and are often among the first symptoms to appear. Typical features of MPS include upper and lower airway obstruction and restrictive pulmonary disease, which can lead to chronic rhinosinusitis or chronic ear infections, recurrent upper and lower respiratory tract infections, obstructive sleep apnoea, impaired exercise tolerance, and respiratory failure. This review provides a detailed overview of the ENT and respiratory manifestations that can occur in patients with MPS and discusses the issues related to their evaluation and management. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s10545-012-9555-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users

LUCAS Soil 2022

The purpose of this document, prepared by JRC (D3) and Eurostat (E4), is to: • explain the underlying principles behind the LUCAS soil module, • describe its subsequent development driven by the needs of policy, research, and MS, • present a proposal to adapt, adjust and improve the LUCAS Soil methodology for the 2022 Survey, • identify mechanisms for increased involvement with Member States. Following discussion by the Inter-service Steering Group on Land Cover and Land Use (ISSG), and subsequently with representatives of Member States (e.g. EIONET-Soil, EJP Soil and EU Expert Group on Soil Protection), the document presents the following recommendations for the implementation of the 2022 survey: • four sampling scenarios, reflecting different reporting units and thematic scopes • to increase the sampling depth to 30 cm, • to refine the sampling protocol and surveyor training for woodlands, especially for organic-rich soils, • to simplify guidelines for the transport of soil biodiversity samples, • to investigate the collection of soil samples during the spring and autumn, at least in the Mediterranean region, • to maintain a single laboratory for sample analysis but reduce the timeframe for this stage, • to assess the presence of gully erosion in all LUCAS field points, • a timetable for 2018 and 2022 outputs • a strategy for future LUCAS Surveys and possible integration with national soil monitoring initiatives.JRC.D.3 - Land Resource

AUXHEX – a Kirigami inspired zero Poisson's ratio cellular structure

This work describes the development, manufacturing and testing of a zero Poisson’s ratio PEEK cellular structure (AuxHex) made using Kirigami-inspired techniques. The AuxHex hybrid cell pattern is a combination of cells with different shapes that interlock with each other. This principle can lead to graded honeycombs possessing, in different areas, synclastic as well as anticlastic behavior. The AuxHex samples produced have been tested for flatwise compression according to ASTM standards and the results are compared with a unit-cell-based analytical model. Hexagonal-cell shaped honeycombs were also produced with the same technique and used for direct comparison. The mechanical flatwise properties have been benchmarked against the ones of other experimental PEEK-based cores and commercially available honeycombs. AuxHex samples are found to have higher stiffness compared to other experimental PEEK honeycombs, but lower compared with the commercially available honeycombs. The strength thought, while it is still higher compared to the other experimental PEEK cores, it is comparable with other honeycomb configurations

Relação entre obesidade e biomarcadores de risco cardiovascular em adolescentes de escolas públicas do Brasil.

The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of biochemical markers and associate with obesity in Brazilian adolescents enrolled in public schools in a rural area. The sample consisted of 199 adolescents between 10 to 14 years old from Piracicaba, Brazil. The obesity was measured by body mass index (BMI) and according to the World Health Organization curves. We collected blood for biochemical markers analysis (total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein, triacylglycerol, insulin and glycemia). Mann Whitney test was used to compare continuous variables between sexes. Chi-square test was used to compare proportions. To investigate the association between the independent variables and biochemical markers a multiple logistic regression model was performed. Among 199 adolescents, 23.1% was obese and 65.8% were insufficiently active. A high prevalence of dyslipidemia (71.4%) was observed, whereas the low levels of high density lipoprotein (40.7%) were the most prevalent. An association between obesity and undesirable values for high density lipoprotein, triacylglycerol and insulin resistance was found. Obese adolescents were less likely to present a desirable value for high density lipoprotein. It is understood that obesity is detrimental to metabolic profile and should be prevented and treated even in adolescence. O objetivo desse estudo foi descrever a prevalência de marcadores bioquímicos e associar com a obesidade em adolescentes brasileiros de escolas públicas. A amostra consistiu de 199 adolescentes, de 10 a 14 anos de idade, da cidade de Piracicaba, Brasil. A obesidade foi medida pelo índice de massa corporal (IMC) de acordo com as curvas da Organização Mundial da Saúde. Coletamos amostra de sangue para analisar os marcadores bioquímicos (colesterol total, lipoproteína de alta densidade, lipoproteína de baixa densidade, triacilglicerol, insulina e glicemia). O teste Mann Whitney foi utilizado para comparar variáveis contínuas entre meninos e meninas. Para comparar proporções, utilizou-se o teste Qui-quadrado. Para investigar a associação entre as variáveis independentes e os marcadores bioquímicos, foi realizada a regressão logística multivariada. Dos 199 adolescentes, 23,1% eram obesos e 65,8% insuficientemente ativos. Uma alta prevalência de dislipidemia (71,4%) foi observada, enquanto baixos níveis de lipoproteína da alta densidade foram os mais prevalentes (40,7%). Uma Associação entre obesidade e valores indesejáveis de lipoproteína de baixa densidade, triacilglicerol, e glicemia foi encontrada. Adolescentes obesos tiveram menor probabilidade de apresentar valores adequados de lipoproteína de alta densidade. Os efeitos deletérios da obesidade no perfil metabólico são sabidos e devem ser prevenidos e tratados durante a adolescência

LUCAS 2015 Topsoil Survey: Presentation of dataset and results

This report accompanies the release of the LUCAS 2015 soil dataset. It presents an overview of the laboratory analysis data and provides a detailed description of the results for the EU-28 territory. The report describes the spatial variability of soil properties by land cover (LC) class and a comparative analysis of the soil properties by NUTS 2 regions. Regular monitoring provides a unique perspective on pressures affecting soils. In this respect, the soil module of the Land Use/Cover Area frame statistical Survey’ (generally referred to as LUCAS Soil) supports the specific needs of the European Commission by collecting data that characterises soil condition and health in relation to land use practices and other activities (e.g. industrial emissions) that are driven by specific policy instruments. The LUCAS Soil Module is the only mechanism that currently provides a harmonised and regular collection of soil data for the entire territory of the European Union (EU), addressing all major land cover types simultaneously, in a single sampling period (generally April – October). At the same time, the LUCAS Soil module can support further policy needs through a flexibility that permits both the collection of new field data, if required from new sampling sites, together with additional laboratory analysis. This capacity reflects a diverse policy user base and an evolving policy landscape. The drive to collect soil samples under the umbrella of LUCAS was led initially by DG Environment, who provided funding for the 2009 survey. At that time, the main LUCAS survey was planned for 23 EU Member States (MS). Bulgaria, Cyprus, Malta and Romania were excluded, while Croatia was not a MS at the time. The initial premise for the soil module was to collect a baseline dataset on a range of soil characteristics such as organic matter content, nutrient status, fertility, acidification and soil pollution (metals). An approach was developed to collect samples from 10% of the sites where field visits (i.e. verification) were to be carried out as part of the main LUCAS Survey. In 2009, this gave 235,000 possible locations for 23,500 soil samples. At the end of the survey, about 20,000 had been collected from a depth of 20 cm following a common sampling procedure. These samples were analysed according to standard analytical methods in a single laboratory for a range of physical and chemical properties. In addition, visible and near-infrared spectra were acquired for all samples. The same procedure, sampling method and analysis standards were extended in 2012 to Bulgaria and Romania, where samples were collected from about 2,000 locations. In 2015, the survey was carried out for all twenty-eight EU MS. Of the locations sampled in 2009 and 2012, 90% were maintained. The remaining 10% were substituted by new locations, including new points at altitudes above 1,000 m, which were out of scope of the LUCAS 2009 and LUCAS 2012 surveys. In addition, the soil module was extended by the JRC Enlargement and Integration Programme to Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. Switzerland also participated following standard LUCAS protocols. Overall, 27,069 locations were selected for the soil sampling of LUCAS 2015, of which 22,631 were collected in the EU-28, with a further 1,271 samples being collected from other countries. After the removal of samples that could not be identified or mislabelled, the LUCAS 2015 Soil dataset contains 21,859 unique records. As in the previous exercises, a common sampling procedure, single laboratory, standard analytical methods were applied. Additional soil parameters that were collected from all LUCAS field points primarily to support soil erosion modelling (e.g. signs of ploughing, presence of crop residues, percentage of stones) are not presented here but are included in the main LUCAS 2015 microdata, which is made available by EUROSTAT.. The results for Switzerland and Western Balkan Countries will be presented separately. A parallel report presents an assessment of changes in soil properties between 2009 and 2015 A set of descriptive data for the soil sampling sites are also available to download from ESDAC.JRC.D.3-Land Resource