Driven dynamics and rotary echo of a qubit tunably coupled to a harmonic oscillator.

We have investigated the driven dynamics of a superconducting flux qubit that is tunably coupled to a microwave resonator. We find that the qubit experiences an oscillating field mediated by off-resonant driving of the resonator, leading to strong modifications of the qubit Rabi frequency. This opens an additional noise channel, and we find that low-frequency noise in the coupling parameter causes a reduction of the coherence time during driven evolution. The noise can be mitigated with the rotary-echo pulse sequence, which, for driven systems, is analogous to the Hahn-echo sequence.

RAMPVIS: Answering the challenges of building visualisation capabilities for large-scale emergency responses.

The effort for combating the COVID-19 pandemic around the world has resulted in a huge amount of data, e.g., from testing, contact tracing, modelling, treatment, vaccine trials, and more. In addition to numerous challenges in epidemiology, healthcare, biosciences, and social sciences, there has been an urgent need to develop and provide visualisation and visual analytics (VIS) capacities to support emergency responses under difficult operational conditions. In this paper, we report the experience of a group of VIS volunteers who have been working in a large research and development consortium and providing VIS support to various observational, analytical, model-developmental, and disseminative tasks. In particular, we describe our approaches to the challenges that we have encountered in requirements analysis, data acquisition, visual design, software design, system development, team organisation, and resource planning. By reflecting on our experience, we propose a set of recommendations as the first step towards a methodology for developing and providing rapid VIS capacities to support emergency responses.

The gut microbiota composition of Trichoplusia ni is altered by diet and may influence its polyphagous behavior.

Insects are known plant pests, and some of them such as Trichoplusia ni feed on a variety of crops. In this study, Trichoplusia ni was fed distinct diets of leaves of Arabidopsis thaliana or Solanum lycopersicum as well as an artificial diet. After four generations, the microbial composition of the insect gut was evaluated to determine if the diet influenced the structure and function of the microbial communities. The population fed with A. thaliana had higher proportions of Shinella, Terribacillus and Propionibacterium, and these genera are known to have tolerance to glucosinolate activity, which is produced by A. thaliana to deter insects. The population fed with S. lycopersicum expressed increased relative abundances of the Agrobacterium and Rhizobium genera. These microbial members can degrade alkaloids, which are produced by S. lycopersicum. All five of these genera were also present in the respective leaves of either A. thaliana or S. lycopersicum, suggesting that these microbes are acquired by the insects from the diet itself. This study describes a potential mechanism used by generalist insects to become habituated to their available diet based on acquisition of phytochemical degrading gut bacteria.

Bacillus subtilis DE111 intake may improve blood lipids and endothelial function in healthy adults.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the US and worldwide. By 2030 it is anticipated that CVD will claim the lives of more than 24 million people. Throughout the last decade, researchers have investigated the role of the gut microbiota in the development of CVD. Evidence exists for a positive correlation between Bifidobacterium and vascular function, glucose tolerance, and reduced systemic inflammation. Another probiotic species, Bacillus subtilis, has also been found to reduce cholesterol levels in human and animal models. In light of these data, we examined various measures of cardiovascular health after consumption of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis strain BL04, with and without a cocktail of Escherichia coli-targeting bacteriophages (marketed as PreforPro), Bacillus subtilis strain DE111 or a maltodextrin-based placebo in a healthy human population. In a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled 4-week intervention conducted in individuals 18 to 65 years of age with a body mass index of 20 to 34.9, we saw no significant changes in measured CVD parameters among individuals consuming B. lactis with or without bacteriophages. However, B. subtilis supplementation resulted in a significant reduction in total cholesterol relative to baseline measures (-8 mg/dl; P=0.04, confidence interval (CI): -13.40, -0.19), as well as non-high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (-11 mg/dl; P=0.01, CI: -12.43, -2.07). In addition we observed trending improvements in endothelial function (P=0.05, CI: -0.003, 0.370) and in low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (P=0.06, CI:-12.29, 0.2864). Strikingly, these effects were seen in a largely healthy population. These data suggest that B. subtilis supplementation may be beneficial for improving risk factors associated with CVD. Further studies in populations of older adults or those with dyslipidaemia and endothelial dysfunction is warranted.

Clear aligners in orthodontic treatment.

Since the introduction of the Tooth Positioner (TP Orthodontics) in 1944, removable appliances analogous to clear aligners have been employed for mild to moderate orthodontic tooth movements. Clear aligner therapy has been a part of orthodontic practice for decades, but has, particularly since the introduction of Invisalign appliances (Align Technology) in 1998, become an increasingly common addition to the orthodontic armamentarium. An internet search reveals at least 27 different clear aligner products currently on offer for orthodontic treatment. The present paper will highlight the increasing popularity of clear aligner appliances, as well as the clinical scope and the limitations of aligner therapy in general. Further, the paper will outline the differences between the various types of clear aligner products currently available.

The role of visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue fatty acid composition in liver pathophysiology associated with NAFLD.

Visceral adiposity is associated with type-2-diabetes, inflammation, dyslipidemia and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), whereas subcutaneous adiposity is not. We hypothesized that the link between visceral adiposity and liver pathophysiology involves inherent or diet-derived differences between visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue to store and mobilize saturated fatty acids. The goal of the present study was to characterize the fatty acid composition of adipose tissue triglyceride and portal vein fatty acids in relation to indices of liver dysregulation. For 8 weeks rats had free access to control (CON; 12.9% corn/safflower oil; 3.6 Kcal/g), high saturated fat (SAT; 45.2% cocoa butter; 4.5 Kcal/g) or high polyunsaturated fat (PUFA; 45.2% safflower oil; 4.5 Kcal/g) diets. Outcome measures included glucose tolerance, visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue triglyceride, liver phospholipids and plasma (portal and systemic) free fatty acid composition, indices of inflammation and endoplasmic reticulum stress in the liver and adipose tissue depots and circulating adipo/cytokines. Hepatic triglycerides were significantly increased in both high fat diet groups compared to control and were significantly higher in PUFA compared to SAT. Although glucose tolerance was not different among diet groups, SAT increased markers of inflammation and ER stress in the liver and both adipose tissue depots. Fatty acid composition did not differ among adipose depots or portal blood in any dietary group. Overall, these data suggest that diets enriched in saturated fatty acids are associated with liver inflammation, ER stress and injury, but that any link between visceral adipose tissue and these liver indices does not involve selective changes to fatty acid composition in this depot or the portal vein.

Enhancement of growth hormone bioactivity by zinc in the eluted stain assay system.

The effects of ionic zinc (Zn2+) on human (h) GH bioactivity have been examined using a lactogenic bioassay. The potencies of pituitary-derived hGH (IRP 80/505), recombinant 22K hGH (IRP 88/624), pituitary-derived human PRL (IRP 84/500), and a recombinant methionyl 20-kilodalton variant of hGH in the presence of selected concentrations of ZnCl2 were investigated with an eluted stain assay that uses Nb2 rat lymphoma cells. This precise colorimetric bioassay is based upon the reduction of a yellow tetrazolium salt, 3-[4,5-dimethyl-thiazol-2-yl]2,5-di-phenyl-tetrazolium bromide, to its purple formazan by lactogen-activated Nb2 cells. Zinc (6-100 microM) enhanced the bioactivity of low doses (< 0.045 nM) of both pituitary-derived and recombinant 22K hGH, although the magnitude of enhancement was considerably less than might have been anticipated from previous binding studies (13). Higher concentrations of pituitary-derived hGH (> 0.045 nM) were inhibited by Zn2+. The bioactivity of recombinant methionyl 20K hGH was greatly enhanced by zinc (3-100 microM). In contrast to hGH, the bioactivity of hPRL was not potentiated by Zn2+. These discriminatory effects of Zn2+ when stimulating via the lactogenic receptor are in concordance with the results of previous radioligand binding studies (13). The striking enhancement of 20K hGH lactogenic bioactivity was observed at Zn2+ concentrations within the physiological range for normal human serum (5-20 microM).

Cognitive and motor skills in achondroplastic infants: neurologic and respiratory correlates.

Thirteen infants with achondroplasia underwent psychometric testing as part of a comprehensive neurologic assessment. As a group, mental development was average and motor development was delayed, although a wide range of scores was obtained. Foramen magnum measurements were correlated with respiratory dysfunction, abnormal somatosensory evoked potentials, and delayed motor development. Abnormal polysomnogram outcome was associated with reduced mental capacity. In light of the reported increased frequency of respiratory dysfunction in achondroplasia, these findings warrant careful attention and further study.

Alpha 1-antichymotrypsin mutations in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Mutations in the alpha 1-antichymotrypsin gene have been described which result in reduced levels of alpha 1-antichymotrypsin in the serum. Previous studies have suggested that two of these mutations (Pro227-->Ala and Leu55-->Pro) predispose to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We have investigated the prevalence of these mutations in 168 COPD patients and 61 controls without airflow obstruction. The prevalence of the Pro227-->Ala mutation was 0.9% and it was not associated with impaired lung function. None of the subjects had the Leu55-->Pro mutation.

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Evaluation of pretreatment skin biopsy specimens by a panel of pathologists.

BACKGROUND AND DESIGN: Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) frequently presents a difficult diagnostic challenge for the clinician and pathologist. To assess the diagnostic validity of conventional histopathologic findings in CTCL, pretreatment skin biopsy specimens were scored prospectively and independently by a panel of five to seven dermatopathologists and pathologists. Scores were compared with disease outcome. Repeatability of these scores was examined among observers and for the same observer. The study population consisted of 165 subjects, initially referred for suspected mycosis fungoides or Sézary syndrome. Ninety-two patients determined to have CTCL have been followed up for 6.3 +/- 3.5 years (mean +/- SD) and are categorized according to disease outcome: 22 are in complete remission, 35 are in partial remission, three have progressive lymphoma, 15 died of disease, 13 died of other causes, and four were unavailable for follow-up. Seventy-three patients determined not to have CTCL have been followed up for 5.3 +/- 3.2 years without subsequent clinicopathologic evidence of CTCL. These longitudinal data allowed comparisons of the clinical course with the original histologic interpretations. RESULTS: Data showed that the histologic scores rendered by the pathology panel did not correlate with stage of disease and were not an accurate predictor of clinical outcome, because the histologic ratings did not discriminate between patients who eventually had complete remission and those with either progressive lymphoma or who have died of disease. The results also substantiate the low inherent reliability of histopathologic findings in CTCL. Large differences existed among pathologists in scoring the study populations and repeated reading of selected cases by the same panel member resulted in a change of diagnosis 15% of the time. Among the histologic features evaluated, only the presence of mitoses in the infiltrating cells showed a trend toward an unfavorable outcome. CONCLUSION: Pathologic diagnosis in the CTCL disease spectrum should be interpreted with caution and then only in conjunction with the clinical evaluation. As expected, the use of an average value from a panel of readers added a component of stability to the histologic interpretation.

An observational study of isotretinoin recipients treated for acne in a health maintenance organization.

From September 1982 to June 1987, all members (N = 513) of the Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Seattle, Wash, who were prescribed isotretinoin for acne were observed throughout the first 4- to 5-month course of therapy for effectiveness and adverse effects. The highest rates of use were among male subjects aged 15 to 24 years. Excluding 47 subjects whose prescriptions were stopped because of noncompliance or who left the care of Group Health Cooperative physicians, 39 (8.4%) of the remaining 466 discontinued taking the drug because of the following adverse effects: mucous/skin/musculoskeletal effects (17); elevated triglyceride levels (eight); headaches (five); increased liver enzyme levels (three); amenorrhea (two); and other (four). One subject, excluded from the 466 because of noncompliance, became pregnant while using medication from a previous prescription and had a therapeutic abortion; she was not under the care of a physician at the time of pregnancy. Most subjects (97%) developed a mucocutaneous symptom, and 42% developed musculoskeletal symptoms. Moderate elevations in liver enzyme levels developed in six (1.8%) of 341 subjects with normal baseline values. Of 389 subjects with normal baseline triglyceride values (less than 2.25 mmol/L), nine (2.3%) developed moderate elevations (4.5 to 9.0 mmol/L), and one (0.3%) developed a severe elevation (greater than or equal to 9.0 mmol/L). Of 24 subjects with elevated baseline triglyceride levels, three (12.5%) developed moderate elevations. Of an additional 53 subjects whose baseline serum triglyceride levels were not determined, two developed elevations during therapy, one up to 13.4 mmol/L. Subjects who were overweight or had elevated baseline serum triglyceride values had an increased risk of developing elevations in triglyceride levels during therapy (odds ratio, 6.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.6 to 22.0; and odds ratio, 4.35; 95% confidence interval, 0.9 to 20.2, respectively). Acne was improved for at least 94.0% of subjects.

A semiautomated alanine:glyoxylate aminotransferase assay for the tissue diagnosis of primary hyperoxaluria type 1.

We have developed a sensitive assay for the measurement of alanine:glyoxylate aminotransferase (EC 2.6.1.44) activity in human liver. The assay is partly automated, and takes into consideration the sensitivity of the reaction to pH and to glyoxylate concentration. It is less subject to interference from other enzymes utilizing glyoxylate and to chemical interference from glyoxylate itself and can therefore be used without correction for cross-over by glutamate:glyoxylate aminotranferase (EC 2.6.1.4). The assay allows clear discrimination between normal and affected livers and is sufficiently sensitive to measure enzyme activity in fetal liver samples. Enzyme activity ranged from 17.9 to 38.5 mumol/h/mg protein in control livers (n = 9) and 0.8 to 9.5 mumol/h/mg protein in 30 of 39 hyperoxaluric patients studied. Normal alanine:glyoxylate aminotransferase activity (from 22.8 to 45.5 mumol/h/mg protein) allowed exclusion of primary hyperoxaluria type 1 in the other nine hyperoxaluric patients.

Renal stone analysis: why and how?

Upper urinary tract stone disease is widespread in the developed world. On both clinical and economic grounds it is now accepted that evidence-based medical intervention is the only approach likely to make a significant impact on the incidence, and more importantly, the recurrence rates of this disease. Targeted medical prophylaxis requires reliable information on stone type which, when combined with relevant blood and urine analyses, allows identification of treatable risk factors. Data from an external quality assurance scheme indicate that stone analysis is poorly performed in many laboratories, and it is probable that this results in ill-informed patterns of investigation, inappropriate therapy, missed diagnoses of rarer causative disorders and wasteful further investigation of 'non-renal' stone artefacts. Renal stone analysis is a specialist investigation requiring appropriate analytical and interpretative expertise if the information is to be used to enhance patient care. For those laboratories not able to offer this, for whatever reason, referral is the only defensible approach to service provision. The methods currently employed in many departments have no place in modern clinical biochemistry practice.

The use of a soft tissue expander in an alveolar bone ridge augmentation for implant placement.

A narrow mandibular posterior alveolar ridge was modified by the use of a soft tissue expander to generate adequate tissue for graft coverage. The principles of osteoperiosteal flaps were combined with guided bone regeneration techniques for an optimum amount of bone at the site.

Sex differences in adolescent life stress, social support, and well-being.

The present study compared male and female adolescents in terms of experienced life stress, social support recieved from parents and peers, and emotional and physical well-being. Ss were 93 male and 181 female adolescents obtained from three high schools. Data were collected by anonymous questionnaires. The results showed that female adolescents reported significantly greater life stress, and although they received significantly more social support from peers, they also reported significantly poorer emotional and physical well-being than males. An explanation for these findings in terms of difficulties in the socialization of female adolescents is proposed.