Hexapartite Entanglement in an above-Threshold Optical Parametric Oscillator.

We demonstrate, theoretically and experimentally, the generation of hexapartite modal entanglement by the optical parametric oscillator (OPO) operating above the oscillation threshold. We show that the OPO generates a rich structure of entanglement among sets of six optical sideband modes interacting through the nonlinear crystal. The class of quantum states thus produced can be controlled by a single parameter, the power of the external laser that pumps the system. Our platform allows for the generation of massive entanglement among many optical modes with well defined but vastly different frequencies, potentially bridging nodes of a multicolor quantum network.

Discovery and characterization of new microsatellite loci in Dipteryx alata Vogel (Fabaceae) using next-generation sequencing data.

The use of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies provides a great volume of genome sequence data even for non-model species. The development of microsatellite markers using these data is a relatively quick and easy process. Dipteryx alata Vogel (Fabaceae) is an arboreal species from the Cerrado biome and is considered an important plant genetic resource. Here, we report the development of microsatellite markers for D. alata using NGS data. DNA samples from four individuals were sequenced using the Illumina MiSeq platform and high-quality reads were assembled into contigs of the D. alata genome sequence. Microsatellite regions were identified using the IMEX webserver and primer pairs were designed using the Primer3 software. The amplification settings for each locus were optimized. Fluorescent-labeled primers were developed and used to genotype individuals derived from three natural populations of D. alata. Fifty-four microsatellite regions were identified, from which 27 were elected to primer design. Among the amplified loci, 11 were polymorphic, with the number of alleles ranging from 2 to 10. The expected heterozygosity under Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium (HWE) per locus varied from 0.191 to 0.807. Genotype and allele frequencies for all loci agreed with those expected under HWE and linkage disequilibrium was not significant for all pairs of loci. The probabilities of exclusion of paternity and of combined identity were equal to 0.993 and 5.65 x 10-8, respectively. The markers developed in this study are useful to several types of population genetic studies with D. alata and, eventually, for closely related species.

Zero-Area Single-Photon Pulses.

Broadband single photons are usually considered not to couple efficiently to atomic gases because of the large mismatch in bandwidth. Contrary to this intuitive picture, here we demonstrate that the interaction of ultrashort single photons with a dense resonant atomic sample deeply modifies the temporal shape of their wave packet mode without degrading their nonclassical character, and effectively generates zero-area single-photon pulses. This is a clear signature of strong transient coupling between single broadband (THz-level) light quanta and atoms, with intriguing fundamental implications and possible new applications to the storage of quantum information.

Development of microsatellite markers for Hancornia speciosa Gomes (Apocynaceae).

Herein, we describe 34 microsatellite loci developed using an enrichment genomic library for the tree species Hancornia speciosa Gomes (Apocynaceae). Thirty-five individuals were genotyped using 34 primers to analyze the polymorphisms at each locus. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 4 to 20. The average number of alleles was 8.11, and the expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.62 to 0.94. These microsatellite primers will be useful in population genetics studies for this species.

Beyond spectral homodyne detection: complete quantum measurement of spectral modes of light.

Spectral homodyne detection, a widely used technique for measuring quantum properties of light beams, cannot retrieve all the information needed to reconstruct the quantum state of spectral field modes. We show that full quantum state reconstruction can be achieved with the alternative measurement technique of resonator detection. We experimentally demonstrate this difference by engineering a quantum state with features that go undetected by homodyne detection but are clearly revealed by resonator detection.

Placental and umbilical cord macroscopic changes associated with fetal and maternal events in the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to identify placental and umbilical cord macroscopic changes and correlate them to maternal and fetal clinical events in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors examined 150 placentas, 30 from each HDP group, totaling 120, and 30 from the control group. All placentas and umbilical cords were examined, recorded, and photographed. RESULTS: The mean placental weight in the control group (526.3 +/- 95.6 g) was greater than in the HDP (435.5 +/- 43.1 g). Calciphylaxis was the most common macroscopic change found in the control and HDP groups in 27 (90%) and 118 cases (98.3%), respectively. DISCUSSION: Pregnant women with HDP were relatively younger. In addition, due to low blood flow seen in HDP, the macroscopic changes found included lower placental weight, calciphylaxis in the maternal surface, and fibrin in the fetal surface. Because of all complications associated, most women with HDP had preterm infants who developed respiratory problems and had shorter umbilical cords.

Three-color entanglement.

Entanglement is an essential quantum resource for the acceleration of information processing as well as for sophisticated quantum communication protocols. Quantum information networks are expected to convey information from one place to another by using entangled light beams. We demonstrated the generation of entanglement among three bright beams of light, all of different wavelengths (532.251, 1062.102, and 1066.915 nanometers). We also observed disentanglement for finite channel losses, the continuous variable counterpart to entanglement sudden death.

Development of microsatellite markers in Annona crassiflora Mart., a Brazilian Cerrado fruit tree species.

Annona crassiflora Mart. (Annonaceae) is a native fruit species of the region of Brazilian Cerrado with a high agronomic potential, although without any traces of domestication. A set of 10 microsatellite primer pairs was developed from an enriched genome library (TC13). An average of 19.3 alleles per locus was detected. Observed heterozygosity estimates were consistently lower than those obtained for gene diversity, evidencing a departure from Hardy-Weinberg expected proportions. The reported set of markers showed to be highly informative and constitutes a powerful tool for the development of genetic characterization studies in A. crassiflora.

Is the relationship between population density and body size consistent across independent studies? A meta-analytical approach.

The Energetic Equivalence Rule (EER) is a controversial issue in ecology. This rule states that the amount of energy that each species uses per unit of area is independent of its body size. Here, we perform a meta-analytical procedure to combine and compare the slopes of population density and body size relationships across independent studies of mammals and birds. We then compared a distribution of 50,000 bootstrap combined slopes with the expected slope (b = -0.75) under the EER. The combined slopes obtained for mammals and birds separately were -0.755 and -0.321, respectively. The homogeneity hypothesis (i. e. within studies the slopes differ by no more than would be expected due sampling variation) was rejected in both cases. So, EER cannot be supported since the use of an exponent of -0.75 is, in fact, an oversimplification. Significant heterogeneity of slopes within each group (mammals and birds) is an indicator of inferential problems related with variation in body size, spatial scale, the regression model adopted and phylogenetic relationships among species. So, we consider that questions regarding the estimation and validity of slopes is the next challenge of density-body size relationship studies.

Is the relationship between population density and body size consistent across independent studies? A meta-analytical approach

The Energetic Equivalence Rule (EER) is a controversial issue in ecology. This rule states that the amount of energy that each species uses per unit of area is independent of its body size. Here, we perform a meta-analytical procedure to combine and compare the slopes of population density and body size relationships across independent studies of mammals and birds. We then compared a distribution of 50,000 bootstrap combined slopes with the expected slope (b = -0.75) under the EER. The combined slopes obtained for mammals and birds separately were -0.755 and -0.321, respectively. The homogeneity hypothesis (i. e. within studies the slopes differ by no more than would be expected due sampling variation) was rejected in both cases. So, EER cannot be supported since the use of an exponent of -0.75 is, in fact, an oversimplification. Significant heterogeneity of slopes within each group (mammals and birds) is an indicator of inferential problems related with variation in body size, spatial scale, the regression model adopted and phylogenetic relationships among species. So, we consider that questions regarding the estimation and validity of slopes is the next challenge of density-body size relationship studies