Full characterization of Gaussian bipartite entangled states by a single homodyne detector.

We present the full experimental reconstruction of Gaussian entangled states generated by a type-II optical parametric oscillator below threshold. Our scheme provides the entire covariance matrix using a single homodyne detector and allows for the complete characterization of bipartite Gaussian states, including the evaluation of purity, entanglement, and nonclassical photon correlations, without a priori assumptions on the state under investigation. Our results show that single homodyne schemes are convenient and robust setups for the full characterization of optical parametric oscillator signals and represent a tool for quantum technology based on continuous variable entanglement.

Fringe pattern of the field diffracted by axicons.

The far-field intensity pattern of laser beams diffracted by axicons is extensively characterized both theoretically and experimentally. The regular structure of the pattern, consisting of high-contrast fringes, is explained. The experimental results have been interpreted by representing the diffracted field as generated by an extended virtual source shaped as a circle centered on the optical axis of the incident laser beam. The simulations include modifications to the diffraction pattern arising from the laser radiation diffraction limit at the axicon tip, and they reproduce well the measured intensity profile at different distances from the axicon.

[The effect of cardiovascular rehabilitation on the variability of the RR cycle after a first uncomplicated acute myocardial infarct]. / Effetto della riabilitazione cardiovascolare sulla variabilità del ciclo RR dopo un primo infarto miocardico acuto non complicato.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to verify the changes in the autonomic balance by means of heart rate variability assessment in patients with myocardial infarction referred for cardiac rehabilitation. METHODS: We studied 122 patients (79 males, 43 females, mean age 56 +/- 5 years), with a first uncomplicated myocardial infarction (anterior 48, thrombolysis 72), Killip class 1, preserved left ventricular function (ejection fraction 49 +/- 6%). All patients were free of inducible residual ischemia. Four weeks after myocardial infarction, patients were randomized into two groups; Group 1 (n = 58) referred for an 8 week cardiac rehabilitation program (scheduled: 24 sessions); Group 2 (n = 64): normal daily physical activity. During a 24-hour Holter ECG monitoring the following parameters were calculated in pharmacological wash-out at randomization (T0) and at the end of cardiac rehabilitation/control period (T1): mean value of RR intervals (RR), its standard deviation (SDNN), pNN50, rMSSD in the time domain; low frequency (LF) and high frequency (HF) value and the LF/HF ratio in the frequency domain. T1-T0 changes in percent values (delta %) were considered and compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients were excluded from the study either for insufficient adhesion to the cardiac rehabilitation program (< 13 sessions, 22 patients) or recurrent ischemia (3 Group 1 patients and 3 Group 2 patients) and non-assessable 24-hour Holter ECG monitoring (3 patients). Thirty-one Group 1 patients and 60 Group 2 patients completed the study with a first and a second 24-hour Holter ECG monitoring performed at 30 +/- 3 days and 60 +/- 4 days respectively. At the same time an ergospirometric test was performed to evaluate cardiopulmonary function by means of exercise time, maximum oxygen consumption, anaerobic threshold, exercise time at the anaerobic threshold, and maximum oxygen consumption at the anaerobic threshold. Twenty-eight Group 1 patients and 44 Group 2 patients completed the study with a first and a second ergospirometric test. Baseline heart rate variability parameters were comparable in the two groups. During the observation period only in Group 1 patients heart rate variability parameters changed significantly: RR (Group 1 = +18.3 +/- 21.3; Group 2 = +4.2 +/- 5.2, p = 0.000), pNN50 (Group 1 = 45.0 +/- 38.9; Group 2 = +24.2 +/- 34.7, p = 0.011), HF (Group 1 = +81.6 +/- 124; Group 2 = -28.7 +/- 75.4, p = 0.014) and LF/HF ratio (Group 1 = -26.0 +/- 16.1; Group 2 = -4.9 +/- 6.1, p = 0.062). There were no significant differences in SDNN, rMSSD and LF. A linear correlation between delta LF/HF ratio and baseline LF/HF ratio values was found in Group 1 (r = 0.489, p = 0.006), whereas no correlation was found between this parameter and age, ejection fraction, creatine phosphokinase, and infarct localization. Group 1 patients had a significant improvement in exercise tolerance compared to Group 2 patients. CONCLUSIONS: A cardiac rehabilitation program positively modifies the sympatho-vagal balance in patients with uncomplicated myocardial infarction, increasing the parasympathetic tone and exercise tolerance.

[A case of atrial myxoma with connectivitis-like onset]. / Un caso di mixoma atriale ad esordio similconnettivitico.

A case of cardiac myxoma is reported. This tumor, although histologically benign, may be potentially lethal if an early diagnosis and an adequate surgical treatment is not performed. In an early stage, the disease may be asymptomatic or a large array of aspecific symptoms may be present. In this case, an initial diagnosis of polymyositis was made. This paraneoplastic syndrome is frequently associated with tumors, and should trigger a full evaluation for cancer.

[Microprolactinoma and rheumatoid arthritis. A case of rheumatoid-like polyarthritis]. / Microprolattinoma e malattie reumatiche. Descrizione di un caso con poliartrite simil-reumatoide.

A case of the rheumatoid-like polyarthritis-associated microprolactinoma is described. Its main clinical features are underlined, and its possible pathogenic mechanisms are reported.

[The articular sequelae of rheumatic fever: Jaccoud's dislocation arthritis. A case report]. / Sequele articolari della febbre reumatica: il reumatismo dislocante di Jaccoud. Descrizione di un caso.

A case of rheumatic fever with severe heart involvement, in which articular rheumatoid-like features involving both hands appeared many years after clinical onset, is described. After reviewing the articular sequelae of rheumatic fever and describing the clinical features of each form, the authors point out the main differences between rheumatic fever and rheumatoid arthritis, and diagnose Jaccoud's arthritis.

[Possibilities in biological diagnosis and therapy of neoplastic pathology of the oral cavity]. / Possibilità della diagnosi e della terapia biologica nella patologia neoplastica del cavo orale.

After a brief summary of the role played by immunity in preventing the development of malignant neoplasms, the AA. in a speedy sequence treat of tumoral markers and their possibilities in diagnostic use. Then AA. make a precis of trials of different types of immunotherapy and as well of researches object of future therapeutic use.