Random Clifford circuits doped with non Clifford gates exhibit transitions to universal entanglement spectrum statistics 1 and quantum chaotic behavior. In 2 we proved that the injection of Ω(n) non ...Clifford gates into a n-qubit Clifford circuit drives the transition towards the universal value of the purity fluctuations. In this paper, we show that doping a Clifford circuit with Ω(n) single qubit non Clifford measurements is both necessary and sufficient to drive the transition to universal fluctuations of the purity.
•Entanglement complexity classes are marked by different scaling of ensemble purity fluctuations.•The Clifford group features a different scaling of purity fluctuations with respect to the universal ones.•The doping of Clifford circuits can drive the transition towards the universal purity fluctuations.•The transition can be driven by local measurements on a non-Clifford basis.•Repeated measurements cannot drive the transition in entanglement complexity, while one shot measurements can.
Quantum information scrambling is a unitary process that destroys local correlations and spreads information throughout the system, effectively hiding it in nonlocal degrees of freedom. In principle, ...unscrambling this information is possible with perfect knowledge of the unitary dynamics B. Yoshida and A. Kitaev, arXiv:1710.03363.. However, this Letter demonstrates that even without previous knowledge of the internal dynamics, information can be efficiently decoded from an unknown scrambler by monitoring the outgoing information of a local subsystem. We show that rapidly mixing but not fully chaotic scramblers can be decoded using Clifford decoders. The essential properties of a scrambling unitary can be efficiently recovered, even if the process is exponentially complex. Specifically, we establish that a unitary operator composed of t non-Clifford gates admits a Clifford decoder up to t≤n.
We show that the most important measures of quantum chaos, such as frame potentials, scrambling, Loschmidt echo and out-of-time-order correlators (OTOCs), can be described by the unified framework of ...the isospectral twirling, namely the Haar average of a k-fold unitary channel. We show that such measures can then always be cast in the form of an expectation value of the isospectral twirling. In literature, quantum chaos is investigated sometimes through the spectrum and some other times through the eigenvectors of the Hamiltonian generating the dynamics. We show that thanks to this technique, we can interpolate smoothly between integrable Hamiltonians and quantum chaotic Hamiltonians. The isospectral twirling of Hamiltonians with eigenvector stabilizer states does not possess chaotic features, unlike those Hamiltonians whose eigenvectors are taken from the Haar measure. As an example, OTOCs obtained with Clifford resources decay to higher values compared with universal resources. By doping Hamiltonians with non-Clifford resources, we show a crossover in the OTOC behavior between a class of integrable models and quantum chaos. Moreover, exploiting random matrix theory, we show that these measures of quantum chaos clearly distinguish the finite time behavior of probes to quantum chaos corresponding to chaotic spectra given by the Gaussian Unitary Ensemble (GUE) from the integrable spectra given by Poisson distribution and the Gaussian Diagonal Ensemble (GDE).
The effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on brain functions and the underlying molecular mechanisms are yet largely unknown. Here we report that mice subjected to 20-min anodal ...tDCS exhibited one-week lasting increases in hippocampal LTP, learning and memory. These effects were associated with enhanced: i) acetylation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) promoter I; ii) expression of Bdnf exons I and IX; iii) Bdnf protein levels. The hippocampi of stimulated mice also exhibited enhanced CREB phosphorylation, pCREB binding to Bdnf promoter I and recruitment of CBP on the same regulatory sequence. Inhibition of acetylation and blockade of TrkB receptors hindered tDCS effects at molecular, electrophysiological and behavioral levels. Collectively, our findings suggest that anodal tDCS increases hippocampal LTP and memory via chromatin remodeling of Bdnf regulatory sequences leading to increased expression of this gene, and support the therapeutic potential of tDCS for brain diseases associated with impaired neuroplasticity.
Microablative fractional CO2 laser has been proven to determine tissue remodeling with neoformation of collagen and elastic fibers on atrophic skin. The aim of our study is to evaluate the effects of ...microablative fractional CO2 laser on postmenopausal women with vulvovaginal atrophy using an ex vivo model.
This is a prospective ex vivo cohort trial. Consecutive postmenopausal women with vulvovaginal atrophy managed with pelvic organ prolapse surgical operation were enrolled. After fascial plication, the redundant vaginal edge on one side was treated with CO2 laser (SmartXide2; DEKA Laser, Florence, Italy). Five different CO2 laser setup protocols were tested. The contralateral part of the vaginal wall was always used as control. Excessive vagina was trimmed and sent for histological evaluation to compare treated and nontreated tissues. Microscopic and ultrastructural aspects of the collagenic and elastic components of the matrix were studied, and a specific image analysis with computerized morphometry was performed. We also considered the fine cytological aspects of connective tissue proper cells, particularly fibroblasts.
During the study period, five women were enrolled, and 10 vaginal specimens were finally retrieved. Four different settings of CO2 laser were compared. Protocols were tested twice each to confirm histological findings. Treatment protocols were compared according to histological findings, particularly in maximal depth and connective changes achieved. All procedures were uneventful for participants.
This study shows that microablative fractional CO2 laser can produce a remodeling of vaginal connective tissue without causing damage to surrounding tissue.
Abstract
Objective To investigate the effects of fractional microablative CO2 laser on sexual function and overall satisfaction with sexual life in postmenopausal women with vulvovaginal atrophy ...(VVA).
Method This prospective study included 77 postmenopausal women (mean age 60.6 ± 6.2 years) treated for VVA symptoms with the fractional microablative CO2 laser system (SmartXide2 V2LR, Monalisa Touch, DEKA, Florence, Italy). Sexual function and quality of life were evaluated with the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the Short Form 12 (SF-12), respectively, both at baseline and at 12-week follow-up. A 10-mm visual analog scale was used to measure the overall satisfaction with sexual life and the intensity of VVA symptoms (vaginal burning, vaginal itching, vaginal dryness, dyspareunia and dysuria) before and after the study period.
Results We observed a significant improvement in the total score and the scores in each specific domain of the FSFI at 12-week follow-up compared to baseline (p < 0.001). After concluding the laser treatment, the overall satisfaction with sexual life significantly improved (p < 0.001). Seventeen (85%) out of 20 (26%) women, not sexually active because of VVA severity at baseline, regained a normal sexual life at the 12-week follow-up. Finally, we also found a significant improvement in each VVA symptom (p < 0.001) and in quality-of-life evaluation, both for the scores in the physical (p = 0.013) and mental (p = 0.002) domains.
Conclusions Fractional microablative CO2 laser treatment is associated with a significant improvement of sexual function and satisfaction with sexual life in postmenopausal women with VVA symptoms.
Abstract
Flow diverter devices have gained wide acceptance for the treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms. Most studies are based on the treatment of large aneurysms harboring on the carotid ...syphon. However, during the last years the “off-label” use of these stents has widely grown up even if not supported by randomized studies. This review examines the relevant literature concerning “off-label” indications for flow diverter devices, such as for distal aneurysms, bifurcation aneurysms, small aneurysms, recurrent aneurysms, and direct carotid cavernous fistulas.
Sentinel node mapping (SLNM) has replaced lymphadenectomy for staging surgery in apparent early-stage endometrial cancer (EC). Here, we evaluate long-term survival of three different approaches of ...nodal assessment in EC.
This is a multi-institutional retrospective study evaluating long-term outcomes (at least 3 years) of EC patients having lymphadenectomy, SLNM followed by lymphadenectomy and SLNM alone. In order to reduce possible confounding factors we applied a propensity-matched algorithm. Survival outcomes were assessed using Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazard models.
Applying a propensity score matching algorithm we selected 180 patients having SLNM (90 SLNM vs. 90 SLNM followed by lymphadenectomy). Additionally, a control group of 180 patients having lymphadenectomy was selected using the same criteria. Overall, 10% of patients were diagnosed with positive nodes. Low volume disease was observed in 16 cases (5 micrometastasis and 11 isolated tumor cells). Patients having SLNM followed by lymphadenectomy had a higher possibility to be diagnosed with a stage IIIC disease in comparison to lymphadenectomy alone (p=0.02); while we did not observe difference in the diagnostic value of SLNM followed by lymphadenectomy and SLNM (p=0.389). Median follow-up time was 69 months (range, 7–206). The survival analysis comparing the three techniques did not show statistical differences in terms of disease-free (p=0.570, log-rank test) and overall survival (p=0.911, log-rank test); Similarly, they did not impact on survival outcomes after stratification by low, intermediate and high risk patients.
Our study highlighted that SLNM provides similar long-term oncologic outcomes than lymphadenectomy. Further evidence is warranted to assess the prognostic value of low-volume disease detected by ultrastaging in patients following SLNM.
•Sentinel node mapping allows a more accurate identification of patients with nodal disease compared to lymphadenectomy.•Patients having sentinel node mapping experience similar outcomes than patients having lymphadenectomy.•Even in high-risk group sentinel node mapping ensures the oncologic safety of lymphadenectomy.
During the last years, the role of sentinel lymph node mapping (SLNM) for endometrial cancer (EC) surgical treatment has increased in popularity. However, several controversies remain about different ...technical steps of SLNM. Thus, a randomised control trial was designed to compare cervical (CI) and hysteroscopic (HI) indocyanine green (ICG) injection for SLNM of newly diagnosed EC undergoing surgical staging. The primary end-point of the study was to compare these two techniques in terms of para-aortic detection rate.
Patients with apparent stage I or II histologically confirmed EC undergoing surgery were included in the study. This randomised trial distinguished patients in two study groups according to two different techniques of ICG SLNM: CI versus HI injection. Patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to CI or HI injection in a 1:1 ratio. The central randomisation system allocated patient randomisation numbers sequentially in the order in which the patients were enrolled. This randomised trial was not blinded for either patients or the surgeons.
From March 2017 until April 2019, a total of 165 patients were randomised in this study: 85 (51.5%) in the CI group and 80 (48.5%) in the HI group. After randomisation, 14 (8.5%) patients were excluded from the study. Finally, 151 patients were included in the analysis: 82 (54.3%) in the CI group and 69 (45.7%) in the HI group. Hysteroscopy injection shows an ability to detect Sentinel nodes (SNLs) in the para-aortic area of about 10% greater compared with CI injection, although this difference did not reach statistical significance. The HI technique was superior in detecting isolated para-aortic SLNs (5.8% Versus 0%). The CI injection was correlated with higher SLN detection rates at the pelvic level compared with HI injection. Pelvic and overall detection was higher in the CI group.
The present study supports the adoption of CI instead of HI injection because the former allows better identification of sentinel nodes (especially in the pelvic area). Detection of SLN in the para-aortic area was slightly higher in patients receiving a HI injection, but the difference with the CI route was not statistically significant.
•Sentinel node mapping allows identification of extrauterine (i.e. lymphatic) disease.•Cervical (CI) and hysteroscopic (HI) injections are to perform sentinel node mapping.•CI and HI injections provide a similar detection rate in the para-aortic area.•In comparison with HI injection, CI injection correlates with a higher pelvic sentinel node detection rate.
The extraordinary potential of hydrogen as a clean and sustainable fuel has sparked the interest of the scientific community to find environmentally friendly methods for its production. Biological ...catalysts are the most attractive solution, as they usually operate under mild conditions and do not produce carbon-containing byproducts. Hydrogenases promote reversible proton reduction to hydrogen in a variety of anoxic bacteria and algae, displaying unparallel catalytic performances. Attempts to use these sophisticated enzymes in scalable hydrogen production have been hampered by limitations associated with their production and stability. Inspired by nature, significant efforts have been made in the development of artificial systems able to promote the hydrogen evolution reaction, via either electrochemical or light-driven catalysis. Starting from small-molecule coordination compounds, peptide- and protein-based architectures have been constructed around the catalytic center with the aim of reproducing hydrogenase function into robust, efficient, and cost-effective catalysts. In this review, we first provide an overview of the structural and functional properties of hydrogenases, along with their integration in devices for hydrogen and energy production. Then, we describe the most recent advances in the development of homogeneous hydrogen evolution catalysts envisioned to mimic hydrogenases.
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