Cavity Quantum Optomechanical Nonlinearities and Position Measurement beyond the Breakdown of the Linearized Approximation

Several optomechanics experiments are now entering the highly sought nonlinear regime where optomechanical interactions are large even for low light levels. Within this regime, new quantum phenomena and improved performance may be achieved; however, a corresponding theoretical formalism of cavity quantum optomechanics that captures the nonlinearities of both the radiation-pressure interaction and the cavity response is needed to unlock these capabilities. Here, we develop such a nonlinear cavity quantum optomechanical framework, which we then utilize to propose how position measurement can be performed beyond the breakdown of the linearized approximation. Our proposal utilizes optical general-dyne detection, ranging from single to dual homodyne, to obtain mechanical position information imprinted onto both the optical amplitude and phase quadratures and enables both pulsed and continuous modes of operation. These cavity optomechanical nonlinearities are now being confronted in a growing number of experiments, and our framework will allow a range of advances to be made in, e.g., quantum metrology, explorations of the standard quantum limit, and quantum measurement and control.

Generation of squeezed light vacuum enabled by coherent population trapping

We demonstrate the possibility to generate squeezed vacuum states of light by four wave mixing (FWM) enabled coherent population trapping in a metastable helium cell at room temperature. Contrary to usual FWM far detuned schemes, we work at resonance with an atomic transition. We investigate the properties of such states and show that the noise variances of the squeezed and anti-squeezed quadratures cannot be explained by the simple presence of losses. A specific model allows us to demonstrate the role played by spontaneous emitted photons, which experience squeezing while propagation inside of the cell. This theoretical model, which takes into account both residual absorption and spontaneous emission, leads to an excellent agreement with the experimental data without any adjusted parameter.

[Surgical management of suburethral sling complications and functional outcomes]

OBJECTIVES

To identify various clinical presentation leading to the diagnosis of mid-urethral sling (MUS) complications and to analyze the functional outcomes after surgical management of these complications.

METHOD

Retrospective observational monocentric study of all patients treated by MUS section or removal, between December 2005 and October 2019, in a pelviperineology centre.

RESULTS

During this study, 96 patients were included. MUS complications surgically managed were vaginal mesh exposure (48 %), urethral mesh exposure (17 %), bladder mesh exposure (10 %); dysuria (30 %), pain (6 %), and infection (3 %). The mean time to diagnosis was 2 years. This diagnosis delay was caused by a non-specific and heterogeneous symptomatology. Surgical management consisted in MUS partial removal (79 %) and MUS simple section (21 %) with low perioperative morbidity. At three months follow-up, 36 patients (53 %) had stress urinary incontinence (SUI), including 13 (19 %) de novo (meaning no SUI before MUS section/removal) and 19 (28 %) had overactive bladder, including 9 (13 %) de novo. Half of the patients with SUI after MUS section/removal were able to be treated by a second MUS with a success rate of 83 % at 3 years.

CONCLUSION

Clinical presentation of MUS complications is heterogeneous. Surgical treatment was associated with low morbidity in our study. Post-operatively, half of the patients had SUI and a second MUS was a relevant treatment option after proper evaluation.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4.

Coherent Population Oscillation-Based Light Storage

We theoretically study the propagation and storage of a classical field in a Λ-type atomic medium using coherent population oscillations (CPOs). We show that the propagation eigenmodes strongly relate to the different CPO modes of the system. Light storage in such modes is discussed by introducing a "populariton" quantity, a mixture of populations and field, by analogy to the dark state polariton used in the context of electromagnetically induced transparency light storage protocol. As experimentally shown, this memory relies on populations and is then-by contrast with usual Raman coherence optical storage protocols-robust to dephasing effects.

Towards an open grapevine information system

Viticulture, like other fields of agriculture, is currently facing important challenges that will be addressed only through sustained, dedicated and coordinated research. Although the methods used in biology have evolved tremendously in recent years and now involve the routine production of large data sets of varied nature, in many domains of study, including grapevine research, there is a need to improve the findability, accessibility, interoperability and reusability (FAIR-ness) of these data. Considering the heterogeneous nature of the data produced, the transnational nature of the scientific community and the experience gained elsewhere, we have formed an open working group, in the framework of the International Grapevine Genome Program (www.vitaceae.org), to construct a coordinated federation of information systems holding grapevine data distributed around the world, providing an integrated set of interfaces supporting advanced data modeling, rich semantic integration and the next generation of data mining tools. To achieve this goal, it will be critical to develop, implement and adopt appropriate standards for data annotation and formatting. The development of this system, the GrapeIS, linking genotypes to phenotypes, and scientific research to agronomical and oeneological data, should provide new insights into grape biology, and allow the development of new varieties to meet the challenges of biotic and abiotic stress, environmental change, and consumer demand.

Phase-sensitive amplification via coherent population oscillations in metastable helium at room temperature

In this Letter, we report our experimental results on phase-sensitive amplification (PSA) in a nondegenerate signal-idler configuration using ultranarrow coherent population oscillations in metastable helium at room temperature. We achieved a high PSA gain of nearly 7 with a bandwidth of 200 kHz by using the system at resonance in a single-pass scheme. Further, the measured minimum gain is close to the ideal value, showing that we have a nearly pure PSA. This is also confirmed from our phase-to-phase transfer curves measurements, illustrating that we have a nearly perfect squeezer, which is interesting for a variety of applications.

An integrated system to remote monitor and control anaerobic wastewater treatment plants through the internet

The TELEMAC project brings new methodologies from the Information and Science Technologies field to the world of water treatment. TELEMAC offers an advanced remote management system which adapts to most of the anaerobic wastewater treatment plants that do not benefit from a local expert in wastewater treatment. The TELEMAC system takes advantage of new sensors to better monitor the process dynamics and to run automatic controllers that stabilise the treatment plant, meet the depollution requirements and provide a biogas quality suitable for cogeneration. If the automatic system detects a failure which cannot be solved automatically or locally by a technician, then an expert from the TELEMAC Control Centre is contacted via the internet and manages the problem.

Modelisation of an unspecialized quadruped walking mammal

Kinematics and structural analyses were used as basic data to elaborate a dynamic quadruped model that may represent an unspecialized mammal. Hedgehogs were filmed on a treadmill with a cinefluorographic system providing trajectories of skeletal elements during locomotion. Body parameters such as limb segments mass and length, and segments centre of mass were checked from cadavers. These biological parameters were compiled in order to build a virtual quadruped robot. The robot locomotor behaviour was compared with the actual hedgehog to improve the model and to disclose the necessary changes. Apart from use in robotics, the resulting model may be useful to simulate the locomotion of extinct mammals.

Somatotopical organization of striatal activation during finger and toe movement: a 3-T functional magnetic resonance imaging study

The present study aimed at determining the distribution and somatotopical organization of striatal activation during performance of simple motor tasks. Ten right-handed healthy volunteers were studied by using a 3-T whole-body magnetic resonance unit and echo planar imaging. The tasks consisted of self-paced flexion/extension of the right fingers or toes. Motor activation was found mainly in the putamen posterior to the anterior commissure (10 of 10 subjects) and the globus pallidus (6 subjects), whereas the caudate nucleus was activated in only 3 subjects, and in a smaller area. Thus, performance of a simple motor task activated the sensorimotor territory of the basal ganglia. Within the putamen, there was a somatotopical organization of the foot and hand areas similar to that observed in nonhuman primates. These data suggest that functional magnetic resonance imaging can be used to study normal function of the basal ganglia and should therefore also allow investigation of patients with movement disorders.

Prolonged increase of corticosterone secretion by chronic social stress does not necessarily impair immune functions

The influence of a chronic social stress upon immunity was investigated in Wistar rats, submitted for four weeks to two different behavioral situations, balanced in a factorial design: housing with three females and membership rotation. The combination of these two factor led to adrenal enlargement (43.3%), thymus involution (39.5%) and increased basal corticosterone levels, all indices of activation of the hypothalamic-hypophysis-adrenal axis. However, neither natural killer cell activity, splenocyte reactivity to mitogen nor the rate of spontaneous development of antibodies against Mycoplasma pulmonis, a common pathogen of the respiratory tract, were changed in the endocrine activated animals. Analysis of the data on kinetics of stress at 1, 7 and 28 days after the initial mixing of the animals gave the same results. These data question the immunosuppressant activity usually conferred to corticosteroids, at least when adrenal hyperactivity is induced by chronic environmental stressors.

Evaluation of the immunomodulatory potential of diethyl dithiocarbamate derivatives

The cytotoxicity, immunotoxicity and immunomodulatory potential of four dithiocarbamate derivatives were assessed and compared with the effects of Immuthiol (diethyl dithiocarbamate, DE-DTC) in mice. Cellular stimulation and cell viability were examined after in vitro exposure of spleen lymphocytes to selected DTC analogues: N-methyl-D-glucamine dithiocarbamate (NMG-DTC), dimethyl dithiocarbamate (DM-DTC), dibuthyl dithiocarbamate (DB-DTC) and diisobuthyl dithiocarbamate (DIB-DTC). Lymphocyte activation by plant and bacterial mitogens: concanavalin A (Con A), phytohaemagglutinin (PHA), lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and allogeneic stimulation of cells in mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) were examined in vitro in the presence of 10(-4)-10(-9) g/ml DE-DTC and other selected DTC derivatives. No direct in vitro lymphoproliferative activity of DTC derivatives was observed, although a relatively stronger cytotoxicity with DE-DTC and DM-DTC was noted. In addition, the in vivo effects of DTC derivatives were examined by cytofluorometric profile of splenic and bone marrow cells as well as in mitogenic and allogenic responses, after i.v. exposures of animals to two subsequent (25 mg/kg b.w.) doses of the chemical. Less cytotoxic DIB-DTC, NMG-DTC and DB-DTC expressed weak in vivo immunostimulatory potential when compared with the effect of DE-DTC, whereas the effects of DM-DTC on alloantigenic and mitogenic lymphocyte stimulation were comparable with the known effects of DE-DTC. Cytofluorometric studies showed that the number of cytotoxic/suppressor T-cells (Ts) and helper T-cells (Th) in the cell was increased by DE-DTC and NMG-DTC only. In addition, DM-DTC appeared to affect the Ts/Th ratio. DE-DTC did not affect the B-cell subpopulation, whereas other derivatives induced marked modifications of the pre-B-cell subpopulations in bone marrow. Our data suggest that in vivo the immunostimulatory effect of DM-DTC could be accompanied with major changes in bone marrow B-cell frequency and alteration of spleen Ts/Th ratio.

[Choice of an anesthetic technic for venous surgery of the lower limbs]

The introduction of new anesthetic drugs and the option of administering anesthesia to outpatients for venous surgery of the lower limbs have modified the anesthesiologist's strategy. In addition, the final decision depends on the number of attending physicians (family doctor, phlebologist, surgeon, anesthesiologist, and of course, on the patient). The essential elements which determine the choice are: the methods preferred by the anesthesiologist, the patient's wishes, the duration, type and painful nature of the procedure. All types of anesthetic protocols may be employed. General anesthesia is often preferable because of its flexible administration and local anesthesia because it is simple to administer. Loco-regional anesthetics can be substituted for local types of anesthesia in bilateral surgical procedures but these are difficult to administer on an outpatient basis. Development of new drugs such as propofol is tending to give general anesthesia in outpatients an important role once again.

[Evaluation of the surgical risk in surgery of aneurysms of the abdominal aorta. Therapeutic deductions. Apropos of a retrospective study of 250 surgically treated aneurysms]

A retrospective study of 250 patients operated upon for infrarenal abdominal aorta aneurysm provided data for evaluation of the surgical risk as a function of three developmental situations: asymptomatic aneurysms, aneurysms evolving by subacute symptomatology and ruptured aneurysms. Mortality varied as a function of group, being 3% for the asymptomatic group, 21% for evolving aneurysms and 69% for ruptured aneurysms. Perioperative mortality was related to age and cardiovascular risk factors. Various clinical and pathologic aspects as well as means of follow up review are discussed, allowing definition of therapy as a function of previous clinical status and evolution of the aneurysm.

[Role of reconstructive surgery in post-traumatic occlusions of the renal artery. Apropos of a case]

Post-traumatic thrombosis of the renal artery was detected in a patient with multiple injuries. Based on findings in this case and those reported in the literature, the difficulties of early diagnosis, the viability of the renal parenchyma and the hypertensive risk of revascularization are discussed and an attempt made to define the place of arterial surgery in post-traumatic thrombosis of renal artery.

[Ruptured aneurysms of the aorta. Analysis of a series of 75 cases]

Rupture of an abdominal aorta aneurysm was treated in 75 patients between 1969 and 1984. Global mortality was 70%, and factors influencing mortality, and its causes, are analyzed in this series. The presence and course of hemorrhagic shock is the essential prognostic factor, as well as the type of rupture. Mortality as a function of the groups varied between 27 and 90%. Causes of early mortality were directly related to collapse and its severity, other types of fatal complication being related to the patients general condition. Prognosis is improved by early diagnosis and rapidity of operative treatment. This series represents, in fact, only 36% of the total aneurysms operated upon during the same period, and a preventive surgical attitude is the only means of improving overall prognosis.

[Iliocaval venous thrombosis. Clinical and paraclinical aspects and therapeutic approach, apropos of 58 cases]

The authors report 58 cases of ilio-femoral and ilio-caval thrombosis and emphasise the considerable contribution of two vascular function tests: Doppler and occlusion rheoplethysmography, which now compensate for clinical deficiencies. Nevertheless, phlebography remains essential in defining management which is based upon age, general condition, and the site and type of thrombosis (floating or adherent clot). An outline therapeutic approach is suggested on the basis of these data.

Intrauterine growth charts for twin fetuses

In addition to centile curves for birth weight and height of single infants, the authors offer similar biometric references for twins derived from a large French data base. The aim of the work is to assist in discovering small-for-date twins. In the actual prenatal environment, the curves show a decrease in the evolution of these growth parameters in comparison with the single pregnancy standards as early as the 30th week of pregnancy.

[Echotomography in nephroblastoma and neuroblastoma of the lumbar fossa in childhood. Comparison with intravenous pyelography and computerized tomography (author's transl)]

The respective values of intravenous pyelography, ultrasound examination and computerized tomography are compared with the findings at surgery and with histological data in 28 children with malignant tumors of the lumbar fossa. Ultrasound proved to be of significant value in assessing the extent of the tumor. At the present time, computerized tomography is only indicated when intravenous pyelography and ultrasound examination fail to provide adequate information.

[Indications and results of dorsal sympathectomy in vascular syndromes of the upper limb (author's transl)]

The authors report 50 cases of dorsal sympathectomy followed up on the cardiovascular surgery unit of the Amiens University Hospital over a period of six years. The authors then formulate a number of reflexions concerning the clinical findings, the therapeutic indications, and the way of assessing the results of this operation in vascular syndromes of the upper limb. This is a plea in favour of this operation as, in most cases, no other treatment is comparable.