Quantum Opus (United States)

We present a high-dynamic-range fluorescence imaging method using a superconducting nanowire single-photon detector (SNSPD) integrated with a custom confocal microscope. While SNSPDs offer exceptional quantum efficiency and low dark counts, their limited reset time constrains image dynamic range. To address this, we developed a convolutional neural network to enhance 8-bit SNSPD images. We trained the model on indocyanine green-stained cells images captured with low excitation power (~500 μW) and short point exposure (4 μs). The model successfully recovered shadow and highlight details, enabling HDR reconstruction. This approach significantly improves image contrast, reduces photobleaching, and demonstrates the potential of SNSPDs for rapid, low-light biomedical imaging.

We present a single-flux-quantum (SFQ) based digital correlator to trace independent signals from two superconducting single-photon detectors (SSPDs) triggering its inputs. In our design two SSPDs are magnetically coupled to inputs of a readout system where direct current (DC)-to-SFQ converters are used to convert transient SSPD output pulses, triggered by detection of single-photon events, to SFQ pulses. The coincidence verification of SFQ pulses, generated by the two DC-to-SFQ converters, is performed with a modified SFQ coincidence buffer. The coincidence buffer is designed to generate an SFQ output pulse only when its both inputs are triggered simultaneously, or within a preset margin time. The output of the coincidence buffer is connected via, this time, an SFQ-to-DC converter, to a pulse counter operated at room temperature. We performed extensive simulations of both the SSPD equivalent circuit and correlator redout elements for the proposed coincidence scheme, using a WRSpice and PSCAN2 simulation platforms that are specifically designated to model Josephson junctions and widely used to simulate operation of the SFQ circuitry. In particular, we investigated our coincidence correlator scheme for measurements of the second-order correlation function, used to demonstrate the antibunching effect in the single-photon detection of non-classical light.

Para perpetua memoria. Enviada para instaurar el reino de Cristo en todos los pueblos (cfr. Concilio Vaticano 11, Consto

We present the first evidence of multi-photon detection using a conventional superconducting nanowire single-photon detector, indicating number resolution up to four photons. The observed multi-photon detection statistics are consistent with the predictions of our model.

A 45-year-old man was admitted and evaluated for epigastric pain. Computerized tomography scan revealed acute pancreatitis as well as incidental Situs inversus and polysplenia. The patient did not have any congenital anomalies that are usually associated with polysplenia syndrome. No anatomical anomalies were found in the duodenum, the pancreas, or biliary tree to account for pancreatitis. Based on history of alcohol abuse, this case was treated as alcohol-induced pancreatitis. Complete resolution of pancreatitis was seen. This case is unique in that it describes acute pancreatitis in the setting of heterotaxy (Situs inversus)/polysplenia syndrome. The following core competencies are addressed in this article: Medical knowledge, Patient care. Republished with permission from: Kavuturu S, Roper W, Stawicki SP. Acute pancreatitis in a patient with Situs inversus/polysplenia syndrome: A case report and review of literature. OPUS 12 Scientist 2008;2(4):10-12.

We describe a case of a middle-aged male with end-stage renal disease who presented with dyspnea after a recent mycoplasma infection.The following core competencies are addressed in this article: Medical knowledge, Patient care.Republished with permission from: Wallace LA, Adkins EJ, Bahner DP. Bedside sonography primer: diagnosis of pleural effusion with ultrasound. OPUS 12 Scientist 2012;6(1):12-13.

Modern critical care medicine is based on flow of information. This information requires significant amount of interpretation to become clinically valuable. Despite the wealth of data in the modern Intensive Care Units (ICUs), intensivists often rely on fragmentary information. In an attempt to improve data trending utilization, application of financial analysis (FA) methods to vital sign data samples was examined. Two randomly chosen vital sign datasets of patients who spent at least 30 days in the ICU were retrospectively reviewed. Hourly vital sign data were retrieved and recorded for each patient. Variables tracked included systolic blood pressure for patient #1 and heart rate for patient #2. These variables were then entered into specialized FA software and subjected to computer-based processing. Trends in the recorded data were examined using (1) the stochastic oscillator (SO), (2) the moving average (MAV) convergence-divergence tool, (3) price envelope analysis and (4) MAV analysis. Both blood pressure and heart rate analyses demonstrated that vital sign data could be successfully trended using FA techniques. Not only was the vital sign data easy to read and interpret when formatted in financial-like fashion, but some trends that were not apparent on gross inspection of the numeric data were clearly demonstrated on FA. Much like with financial patterns, trends noted within vital sign data appeared to be more significant when more than one indicator identified them, utilizing the concept of a confirmatory variable. Vital sign data, much like financial data, were subject to trend reversals. Such reversals in vital sign data appeared to follow rules similar to those followed by financial vehicles and markets. This report demonstrates that vital sign data can be subjected to the same manipulations as financial market data. Furthermore, FA tools appear to provide the interpreter of the data with means to define, confirm, and possibly predict trends and trend reversals.The following core competencies are addressed in this article: Medical knowledge, Practice-based learning and improvement, Systems-based practice.Republished with permission from: Stawicki SP. Application of financial analysis techniques to vital sign data – A novel method of trend interpretation in the Intensive Care Unit. OPUS 12 Scientist 2007;1(1):14-16.

Francesco Borromini(1599-1667) projected the Oratorian institute in Rome, and his design of The Second Courtyard is represented in an engraving by Domenicio Barrière(ca. 1610/20-1678), an engraver and Borromini's reliable collaborator. This engraving is one of the illustrations in the book of Roma ricercata...(1658), by fruitful Fioravante Martinelli(1599-1667), also Borromini's collaborator, and close friend. So, by examination of this engraving it is possible to understand Borromini's intention of The Second Courtyard project. First, comparing with the section-perspective of The Second Courtyard in Opus architectonicum, two figures differ widely in that the 3rd story is totally eliminated in Barrière's engraving. But by making CG model, it is confirmed that the 3rd story in the front seems clearly from the view-point, and the roof top is recognizable on the lateral sides. It is considered that the modification in the engraving reflects Borromini's opinion to express his original idea of the giant order distinctively, to remove a pile of horizontal lines, and to emphasize the concentration of the courtyard. In addition, many piers of arcade make the image of the space so profound, but the front facade of the north side isn't accommodated to its interval and it is depicted more highly. Consequently, it seems that the facade of the giant order has much more scale and vigor than the actual one. Secondly, from the viewpoint of the perspective, the vanishing point is assumed not to be on one point, but to be on the vertical line, with a certain extent in the composition. Judging from the engraving of San Giovannni in Laterano, depicted also by Barrière 4 years before The Second Courtyard, it is recognized that the difference of the vanishing point is not the cause of Barriere's immaturity of the skill. He dared to do it, and the purpose is that the height of the central facade appears sufficiently high without the 3rd story, and also the giant order looks high and vigorous. About The Second Courtyard, Martinelli described it as an attractive spot in Rome with his guidance. And also Virgilio Spada(1596-1662), who was a directive Oratorian for the project and the collaborator of Borromini on Opus architectonicum, praised the giant order borrowed from Michelangelo's Palazzo dei Conservatori. In the engraving, Borromini's The Second Courtyard is surrounded by the two-story house with a flat roof, like Michelangelo's Palazzo dei Conservatori in the Piazza Campidoglio. Borromini mentioned the name of Michelangelo to defend his innovative design, and his own creativity as an architect, not as an executor of the ornament. He intended to efface the image of the design of the predecessor Paolo Maruscelli. Moreover, Borromini planned the splendid courtyard as a spacious oasis in the crowded city of Rome, by simple giant order, not by a terrace with some layers. Moreover Barrière executed 3 engravings about another project of Borromini, Sant'Ivo alla Sapienza in the same time with The Second Courtyard. Considering them from the viewpoint of the perspective, it is recognized that in only one case in which the courtyard and the temple are depicted, the vanishing point is also be assumed vertical line, with a certain extent in the composition. As a result, the symbolic temple is represented more highly and definitely, although it is in the end of the profound courtyard. So, the ingenious church designed by Borromini looks magnificent. In this case, Barrière also operated his perspective technique to represent the forceful space and architecture designed by Borromini.