A coherent quantum annealer with Rydberg atoms.

There is a significant ongoing effort in realizing quantum annealing with different physical platforms. The challenge is to achieve a fully programmable quantum device featuring coherent adiabatic quantum dynamics. Here we show that combining the well-developed quantum simulation toolbox for Rydberg atoms with the recently proposed Lechner-Hauke-Zoller (LHZ) architecture allows one to build a prototype for a coherent adiabatic quantum computer with all-to-all Ising interactions and, therefore, a platform for quantum annealing. In LHZ an infinite-range spin-glass is mapped onto the low energy subspace of a spin-1/2 lattice gauge model with quasi-local four-body parity constraints. This spin model can be emulated in a natural way with Rubidium and Caesium atoms in a bipartite optical lattice involving laser-dressed Rydberg-Rydberg interactions, which are several orders of magnitude larger than the relevant decoherence rates. This makes the exploration of coherent quantum enhanced optimization protocols accessible with state-of-the-art atomic physics experiments.

Defect-induced supersolidity with soft-core bosons.

More than 40 years ago, Andreev, Lifshitz and Chester suggested the possible existence of a peculiar solid phase of matter, the microscopic constituents of which can flow superfluidly without resistance due to the formation of zero-point defects in the ground state of self-assembled crystals. Yet, a physical system where this mechanism is unambiguously established remains to be found, both experimentally and theoretically. Here we investigate the zero-temperature phase diagram of two-dimensional bosons with finite-range soft-core interactions. For low particle densities, the system is shown to feature a solid phase in which zero-point vacancies emerge spontaneously and give rise to superfluid flow of particles through the crystal. This provides the first example of defect-induced, continuous-space supersolidity consistent with the Andreev-Lifshitz-Chester scenario.

Cavity optomechanics of levitated nanodumbbells: nonequilibrium phases and self-assembly.

Levitated nanospheres in optical cavities open a novel route to study many-body systems out of solution and highly isolated from the environment. We show that properly tuned optical parameters allow for the study of the nonequilibrium dynamics of composite nanoparticles with nonisotropic optical friction. We find optically induced ordering and nematic transitions with nonequilibrium analogs to liquid crystal phases for ensembles of dimers.

How do albino fish hear?

Pigmentation disorders such as albinism are occasionally associated with hearing impairments in mammals. Therefore, we wanted to investigate whether such a phenomenon also exists in non-mammalian vertebrates. We measured the hearing abilities of normally pigmented and albinotic specimens of two catfish species, the European wels Silurus glanis (Siluridae) and the South American bronze catfish Corydoras aeneus (Callichthyidae). The non-invasive auditory evoked potential (AEP) recording technique was utilized to determine hearing thresholds at 10 frequencies from 0.05 to 5 kHz. Neither auditory sensitivity nor shape of AEP waveforms differed between normally pigmented and albinotic specimens at any frequency tested in both species. Silurus glanis and C. aeneus showed the best hearing between 0.3 and 1 kHz; the lowest thresholds were 78.4 dB at 0.5 kHz in S. glanis (pigmented), 75 dB at 1 kHz in S. glanis (albinotic), 77.6 dB at 0.5 kHz in C. aeneus (pigmented) and 76.9 dB at 1 kHz in C. aeneus (albinotic). This study indicates no association between albinism and hearing ability. Perhaps because of the lack of melanin in the fish inner ear, hearing in fishes is less likely to be affected by albinism than in mammals.

Influence of hernioplastic implants on male fertility in rats.

This study explored the vulnerability of the ductus deferens due to mesh induced inflammation and shrinkage after hernia repair in the rodent model. Two commonly used types of hernioplastic implants (Prolene and Vypro II) were surgically wrapped around the ductus deferentes on both sides in 20 juvenile and 20 adult Sprague-Dawley rats. Twenty male rats underwent sham surgeries as controls. After 3 months, each male was mated with 2-3 adult females, which were subsequently sacrificed and oocytes or embryos were flushed and counted. Histochemical investigations of the implants and the ductus recovered surgically 4 weeks after implantation (one side) and after the fertility test (second side) were conducted. All groups exhibited 1-3 males with decreased or restricted fertility but there was no difference between groups. Histochemical analysis of the implants and the ductus recovered 4 weeks and 4 months after implantation revealed some sperm granulomes due to lesions of the spermatic cord caused by the implant in the Prolene group. There was no inflammatory reaction in the mucosa or blockage of the spermatic cord visible. Both types of hernioplastic implants tested in this investigation do not give an indication of a negative influence on male fertility in juvenile or adult rats.

[Effect of the dopamine antagonist metoclopramide on uterine contraction]. / Einfluss des Dopaminantagonisten Metoclopramid auf die uterine Kontraktilität.

BACKGROUND: Because of its activity on the gastro-intestinal tract metoclopramide is used also in pregnancy, though nothing is known about its effect on the pregnant uterus. Therefore it was of interest to look after a change in uterine activity after the application of metoclopramide in a clinical relevant dose. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 24 strips from pregnant uteri were removed during a cesarean section, brought into an organ chamber and changes of spontaneous activity after the application of metoclopramide were measured. RESULTS: A highly significant decrease of uterine activity was observed. CONCLUSIONS: It was demonstrated that metoclopramide, in contrast to stomach and ureter, exerts not a tonifying but a relaxant effect on the uterus.

[Effect of interleukin 6 on uterine contractility in the human in vivo]. / Der Einfluss von Interleukin-6 auf die uterine Kontraktilität beim Menschen in vivo.

The influence on uterine contractility of inflammatory cytokines like interleukin-6 is widely unknown. We were able to demonstrate in 16 human myometrial strips obtained during caesarean section in the organ chamber a highly significant (P < 0.001) increase of the activity of uterine strips after addition of IL-6. This further emphasizes the importance of subclinical infections for the etiology of so called idiopathic preterm labour.

[Induction of uterine contractions by Shigella]. / Induktion uteriner Kontraktionen durch Shigellen.

The uterus-contracting properties of Shigellae in a clinically relevant dose of 10(5) organisms per ml was investigated in 17 uterine strips which where dissected during caesarean section from the lower uterine segment. A highly significant (p < 0.001) increase in uterine activity was observed.

[10 years after Chernobyl--radioactivity of mother's milk-- measurements from Tirol, Tibet and Nepal]. / 10 Jahre nach Tschernobyl--Strahlenbelastung der Muttermilch--Messungen aus Tirol, Tibet und Nepal.

10 years after the Chernobyl disaster gamma radioactivity from Cs-137 was determined in 53 breast milk samples from Tyrol, as well as 9 samples from Tibet and 2 from Nepal by means of a gamma-spectrometer with a germanium detector. In contrast to the values obtained within a few days, and again 1 year after the nuclear plant catastrophe, all samples from Tyrol showed gamma radioactivity levels (median 0.07 nCi/l; range 0.02-0.20 nCi/l) which were now below the limit laid down for baby food in Austria (0.3 nCi/l-11.1 Bq). The samples from Tibet and Nepal registered a slightly higher level of gamma radioactivity (median 0.16 nCi/l; range 0.16-0.41 nCi/l).

[Effect of the calcium antagonist amlodipine on non-vascular smooth muscle exemplified by the uterus]. / Die Wirkung des Kalziumantagonisten Amlodipin an nichtvaskulärer, glatter Muskulatur am Beispiel des Uterus.

The effect of amlodipine, a recently developed calciumantagonist on 21 uterine strips was investigated. Uterine activity, expressed by the area under the curve was depressed from 504 (51 to 1056) mm2 to 0 (0 to 130) 10 min after the application of amlodipine. After 20 and 60 min, the values were 0 (0 to 1310) and 0 (0 to 317) (median, 10th and 90th percentile). The decrease of uterine activity was highly significant (p < 0.0001). In summary, amlodipine exhibits a prompt and excellent relaxation on the spontaneous contractions of uterine strips.

[Effect of dopamine on uterine contraction]. / Wirkung von Dopamin auf die uterine Kontraktilität.

The influence of dopamine on the central nervous system and on the circulation in humans is broadly investigated. As many biogene amines have an effect on the uterus too, this fact was investigated for dopamine. A highly significant (p < 0.001) increase of uterine strips activity could be observed after the application of dopamine 10(-6)M.

Primary cutaneous melanoma. Identification of prognostic groups and estimation of individual prognosis for 5093 patients.

BACKGROUND: Numerous investigations have examined prognostic factors for patients with primary cutaneous melanoma. However, only a few studies have been published on the definition of prognostic groups. The first aim of the present study was to determine the relative importance of different prognostic factors in a large collective study. The second aim was to define prognostic groups of patients based on combinations of prognostic factors and to define a model that allows the estimation of individual survival probability. METHODS: Long term follow-up of 5264 patients with invasive primary cutaneous melanoma was performed from 1970 to 1988 at four German University Departments of Dermatology (Berlin-Steglitz, Münster-Hornheide, Tübingen, and Würzburg). The multivariate Cox model was used to analyze 5093 patients, and 4371 patients with complete information were included in a classification and regression tree analysis (CART). RESULTS: Tumor thickness, sex, anatomic location, and level of invasion were highly significant prognostic factors according to the multivariate analysis (P < 0.0001). However, histologic subtype and age influenced prognosis less significantly (P < 0.05). The CART analysis resulted in 12 groups defined mainly by tumor thickness, sex, and anatomic location, which were combined into five prognostic groups. The prognostic stratification defined by the five groups was superior compared with the standard TNM model. Ten-year survival rates of the five groups ranged from 97% to 14% (P < 0.0001), and an equation was used to calculate individual survival probabilities based on the significant factors of the Cox model. CONCLUSIONS: Consideration of all significant prognostic factors of patients with primary cutaneous melanoma investigated in the present study allows for the definition of prognostic groups with a more reliable estimation of prognosis than by previous staging systems and also enables calculation of individual survival probabilities.

Primary cutaneous melanoma. Prognostic classification of anatomic location.

BACKGROUND: Anatomic location has been identified by several investigators as a significant prognostic factor for patients with primary cutaneous melanoma (CM). However, the best determination of higher and lower risk sites is still controversial, and the biologic significance of tumor site in the course of primary CM is unknown. The aim of the present study was to identify higher and lower risk sites based on multivariate analysis. METHODS: A series of 5093 patients with invasive primary cutaneous melanoma followed from 1970 to 1988 at four university centers in Germany was investigated using the multivariate Cox proportional hazard model to analyze the importance of anatomic location for survival probability. RESULTS: The anatomic location was found to be a highly significant prognostic factor for patients with primary melanoma by multivariate analysis (P < 0.0001). An optimized classification into sites of higher and lower risk with respect to survival was evaluated by multivariate analysis controlling for the possible confounding effects of the other significant prognostic factors. Relative to the lower leg as the prognostically favorable baseline, the following locations were associated with a significantly higher risk of death caused by primary cutaneous melanoma: back and breast (thorax), upper arm, neck, and scalp (TANS regions). The lower trunk, thigh, lower leg, foot, lower arms, hands, and face were identified as lower risk sites. CONCLUSIONS: Anatomic location was confirmed as an independent prognostic factor for patients with primary cutaneous melanoma. The TANS regions were identified as high risk sites, and the lower trunk, thigh, lower leg, foot, lower arms, hands, and face were identified as intermediate sites.

Primary cutaneous melanoma. Optimized cutoff points of tumor thickness and importance of Clark's level for prognostic classification.

BACKGROUND: Maximum tumor thickness and level of invasion are known to be the most important prognostic factors for patients with primary cutaneous melanoma. However, the classification of tumor thickness and the question of whether the combination of tumor thickness and level of invasion provides a better prognostic classification than tumor thickness alone are still matters of debate. The present study examined the relationship between tumor thickness and survival probability to define cutoff points of tumor thickness. Secondly, it investigated the prognostic value of the combination of tumor thickness and level of invasion as proposed in the current TNM classification system. METHODS: A series of 5093 patients with invasive primary cutaneous melanoma followed from 1970 to 1988 at four University centers in Germany (Departments of Dermatology in Tübingen, Würzburg, Berlin-Steglitz, and at the Fachklinik) were analyzed by multivariate Cox models. RESULTS: The relationship between tumor thickness and relative risk of death caused by melanoma was found to be almost linear to a tumor thickness of 6 mm. For tumors greater than 6 mm, no further marked increase in relative risk was observed. The stratification of tumor thickness with endpoints at 1, 2, and 4 mm resulted in the best fit to the authors' data among all classifications with three endpoints, but differences were only slight. By multivariate analysis, the combination of tumor thickness and level of invasion as proposed by the current TNM classification were found to be prognostically less significant than tumor thickness alone. The prognostic influence of level of invasion was proved statistically only for tumor thickness less than or equal to 1 mm. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed stratification of tumor thickness with cutoff points at 1, 2, and 4 mm was supported by multivariate statistical analysis. The analysis of the current TNM staging system indicates the precedence of tumor thickness for the staging of patients with primary cutaneous melanoma in the case of discordance between tumor thickness and level of invasion.

[Inhibition of spontaneous uterine contractions by nitroglycerin]. / Hemmung spontaner Uteruskontraktionen durch Nitroglycerin.

Nitrates are in use now for more than 100 years for the treatment of coronary heart disease. We were able to demonstrate, that nitroglycerin induces an immediate and highly significant (p < 0.0001) reduction of the spontaneous active uterine strip preparation. The mechanism of the molecular-biologic level (stimulation by NO of cGMP) is explained.

[Effect of Listeria on contractibility of human uterine muscle]. / Einfluss von Listerien auf die Kontraktibilität humaner Uterusmuskulatur.

In Austria the prevalence of listeriosis is 2.6 cases per million inhabitants yearly, hence rather rarely the cause of spontaneous abortion or premature birth. On the other hand, Listeria monocytogenes is found in 1% of the asymptomatic population as a component of stool flora. Since the cause of premature labour contractions remains unclear in about half of all cases, we examined 29 listeria strains for their ability to cause myometrial contraction by direct contact using an in-vitro uterine strip-model. Seven of nine L. monocytogenes strains were able to cause contractions; contractions were not inducible by an nonhaemolytic mutane (SLCC 53, avirulent) nor by a rough strain (SLCC 5779, only slightly virulent). Three of six L. ivanovii isolates also exhibited the ability to induce contractions. None of the apathogenic species (L. innocua, L. seeligeri, L. welshimeri, L. grayi and L. murrayi) was capable of activating contractions in our in-vitro model. Only L. monocytogenes and L. ivanovii cause conjunctivitis after being dropped in rabbit's eyes (positive Anton Test). The influence of listeria on uterine activity as found in our in-vitro model thus correlates with the classical pathogenicity test. We consider these in-vitro results as an additional argument to oppose the presence of L. monocytogenes in ready-to-eat foods.

[Increased uterine activity through histamine]. / Steigerung der uterinen Aktivität durch Histamin.

The influence of histamine, a biogenic amine known for many years, on the contractility of uterine specimens, was investigated. A highly significant (p > 0,0001) increase of uterine activity after the application of histamine 10(-6) M was observed, caused by a similar increase of frequency, duration and amplitude of the contractions.