Non-Poissonian quantum jumps of a fluxonium qubit due to quasiparticle excitations.

As the energy relaxation time of superconducting qubits steadily improves, nonequilibrium quasiparticle excitations above the superconducting gap emerge as an increasingly relevant limit for qubit coherence. We measure fluctuations in the number of quasiparticle excitations by continuously monitoring the spontaneous quantum jumps between the states of a fluxonium qubit, in conditions where relaxation is dominated by quasiparticle loss. Resolution on the scale of a single quasiparticle is obtained by performing quantum nondemolition projective measurements within a time interval much shorter than T1, using a quantum-limited amplifier (Josephson parametric converter). The quantum jump statistics switches between the expected Poisson distribution and a non-Poissonian one, indicating large relative fluctuations in the quasiparticle population, on time scales varying from seconds to hours. This dynamics can be modified controllably by injecting quasiparticles or by seeding quasiparticle-trapping vortices by cooling down in a magnetic field.

Materials loss measurements using superconducting microwave resonators.

The performance of superconducting circuits for quantum computing is limited by materials losses. In particular, coherence times are typically bounded by two-level system (TLS) losses at single photon powers and millikelvin temperatures. The identification of low loss fabrication techniques, materials, and thin film dielectrics is critical to achieving scalable architectures for superconducting quantum computing. Superconducting microwave resonators provide a convenient qubit proxy for assessing performance and studying TLS loss and other mechanisms relevant to superconducting circuits such as non-equilibrium quasiparticles and magnetic flux vortices. In this review article, we provide an overview of considerations for designing accurate resonator experiments to characterize loss, including applicable types of losses, cryogenic setup, device design, and methods for extracting material and interface losses, summarizing techniques that have been evolving for over two decades. Results from measurements of a wide variety of materials and processes are also summarized. Finally, we present recommendations for the reporting of loss data from superconducting microwave resonators to facilitate materials comparisons across the field.

Coping strategies and IQ in psychogenic movement disorders and paralysis.

Inadequate coping strategies may cause some patients to develop psychogenic symptoms in periods of stress. This may be more prominent in patients with lower intelligence levels. Twenty-six patients with psychogenic neurological disorders (PND) were tested for coping abilities and intelligence and compared with 18 healthy controls and 26 patients with various nonpsychogenic disorders. Patients with PND have slightly lower IQ levels and active coping skills compared with healthy controls but not to nonpsychogenic patients. Low IQ was not associated with low active coping skills in either of the groups. Low active coping is not the result of low IQ and is not specific for psychogenic symptoms. At least part of the lower coping skills reported in patients with psychogenic symptoms may be the result of having an illness in general.

The Effect of EMDR and CBT on Low Self-esteem in a General Psychiatric Population: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Although low self-esteem has been found to be an important factor in the development and maintenance of psychopathology, surprisingly little is known about its treatment. This study investigated the effectiveness of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), regarding their capacities in enhancing self-esteem in a general psychiatric secondary health care population. A randomized controlled trial with two parallel groups was used. Participants were randomly allocated to either 10 weekly sessions of EMDR (n = 15) or CBT (n = 15). They were assessed pre-treatment, after each session, post treatment and at 3 months follow-up on self-esteem (Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale and Credibility of Core Beliefs), psychological symptoms (Brief Symptom Inventory), social anxiety, and social interaction (Inventory of Interpersonal Situations) (IIS). The data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA for the complete cases (n = 19) and intention-to-treat (n = 30) to examine differences over time and between conditions. Both groups, EMDR as well as CBT, showed significant improvements on self-esteem, increasing two standard deviations on the main parameter (RSES). Furthermore, the results showed significant reductions in general psychiatric symptoms. The effects were maintained at 3 months follow-up. No between-group differences could be detected. Although the small sample requires to exercise caution in the interpretation of the findings, the results suggest that, when offering an adequate number of sessions, both EMDR and CBT have the potential to be effective treatments for patients with low self-esteem and a wide range of comorbid psychiatric conditions. This study was registered at www.trialregister.nl with identifier NTR4611.

[Computer tomography in the diagnosis of aortic aneurysms (author's transl)]. / Das Aortenaneurysma im Computertomogramm.

The paper describes the diagnosis of ten thoracic, 20 abdominal and three peripheral arterial aneurysms by computer tomography. This permits a definite diagnosis by a non-invasive method, it defines the extent of the aneurysm and the amount of thrombus in the aneurysm; it permits recognition of a leak and is painless and without risk and can be performed rapidly. Morever, computer tomography provides an accurate control of growth of the aneurysm. In some cases a dissection can be recognised. The use of adequate quantities of intravenous contrast medium prevents any possibility of an incorrect diagnosis. The extent and density of the aneurysms, their lumina, clot and wall thickness, as determined by computer tomography are described. The values are compared with the aortic diameters of patients with normal vessels. The advantages of the method, compared with other procedures, are discussed and its role in the diagnosis of aortic and peripheral arterial aneurysms is described.

[Changes in the arteries in the hand and fingers due to vinyl chloride exposure (author's transl)]. / Veränderungen der Hand- und Fingerarterien bei der Vinylchloridkrankheit.

The results of angiography of the hand in workers in the vinyl chloride industry are described. Amongst 93 patients, there were 19 on whom angiograms of the hand were performed because of Raynaud-like changes, pain or other pathological findings. All patients examined by angiography showed abnormalities in the vessels in the hands and fingers of varying severity. Vascular occlusions (17 patients), stenoses (9 patients) and thread-like narrowing of the digital arteries (6 patients) with the development of a collateral circulation, were prominent findings. In addition there was elongation and tortuosity of the digital arteries (14 patients) which were regarded as cirsoid aneurysms. The angiographic findings have been correlated with the known histological changes.

Measurement and control of quasiparticle dynamics in a superconducting qubit.

Superconducting circuits have attracted growing interest in recent years as a promising candidate for fault-tolerant quantum information processing. Extensive efforts have always been taken to completely shield these circuits from external magnetic fields to protect the integrity of the superconductivity. Here we show vortices can improve the performance of superconducting qubits by reducing the lifetimes of detrimental single-electron-like excitations known as quasiparticles. Using a contactless injection technique with unprecedented dynamic range, we quantitatively distinguish between recombination and trapping mechanisms in controlling the dynamics of residual quasiparticle, and show quantized changes in quasiparticle trapping rate because of individual vortices. These results highlight the prominent role of quasiparticle trapping in future development of superconducting qubits, and provide a powerful characterization tool along the way.

Quantum back-action of an individual variable-strength measurement.

Measuring a quantum system can randomly perturb its state. The strength and nature of this back-action depend on the quantity that is measured. In a partial measurement performed by an ideal apparatus, quantum physics predicts that the system remains in a pure state whose evolution can be tracked perfectly from the measurement record. We demonstrated this property using a superconducting qubit dispersively coupled to a cavity traversed by a microwave signal. The back-action on the qubit state of a single measurement of both signal quadratures was observed and shown to produce a stochastic operation whose action is determined by the measurement result. This accurate monitoring of a qubit state is an essential prerequisite for measurement-based feedback control of quantum systems.

[The role of the physician in assessing fitness for surgery (author's transl)]. / Möglichkeiten und Grenzen internistischer operabilitätsuntersuchungen.

The decision regarding fitness of a person to undergo surgery and anaesthesia is made by the surgeon and anaesthetist according to agreed criteria. The physician takes part in the decision only in those cases where additional information regarding the type and extent of the disorder is required or when doubtful findings need further clarification. Closer co-operation between anaesthetist and physician regarding the indications for pre-operative tests and investigations is desirable.

Effects of misoprostol on human circulation.

Prostaglandins (PGs) of the E-type are potent vasodilators in most species and in most vascular beds. However, vasoconstrictor effects of PGEs have also been noted at selected sites. This study examined the effects of misoprostol, a PGE1 analog with antiulcer activity, on the human cardiovascular system. Twenty healthy subjects participated in this double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group study. Following a 12 hour fast, heart rate, arterial blood pressure, light reflex plethysmography of the finger, resting blood flow volume in the lower arm and leg and peripheral vascular resistance were measured at 10 min. intervals for 1 hour prior to drug administration, to permit calculating baseline values. Misoprostol (400 mcg) or its matching placebo were administered orally, and the measurements were repeated at 10 min. intervals over the next 2 hours. A decrease in leg blood flow volume and a corresponding increase in leg peripheral vascular resistance were noted in the misoprostol group. A statistically significant decrease in heart rate between the two treatment groups was also noted. These small changes were not considered to be of clinical importance. No adverse experiences were reported. In conclusion, a single dose of misoprostol (400 mcg) has no clinically significant vasoconstrictive or vasodilative properties in man.

Circulation parameters during intravenous and intra-arterial administration of increasing doses of prostaglandin E1 in healthy subjects.

Increasing doses of prostaglandin E1 given intravenously do not influence the hemodynamic parameters up to a dosage of 1500 ng/min. Intra-arterial administration of a mixture of nucleotides and nucleosides in therapeutic doses induces an increase in the blood flow volume at rest of up to 400%. With dosages of 20 ng/min and more, intra-arterial administration of PGE1 induces only a slight increase in the blood flow volume of the extremity under treatment. The therapeutic effects of the substance, therefore, are probably more due to other mechanisms of action than to hemodynamic effects.

[Vascular effects of digitalis in human extremities (author's transl)]. / Digitaliswirkung auf die Extremitätendurchblutung des Menschen.

The effect of lanatosid C on the peripheral vascular system was studied in a randomized double-blind cross-over study. 1 mg lanatosid C in saline or a corresponding volume of saline were applied intravenously for 30 min to healthy subjects. A significant drop of 28% in blood flow and an increase of peripheral vascular resistence at rest of 44% during and after the application of the cardiac glycoside could be seen while the placebo effect was minimal.

Therapeutic effects of intraarterial phentolamine in "Raynaud's syndrome".

Five patients suffering from "Raynaud's syndrome" were studied as regards the effects of increasing doses of intraarterially administered phentolamine on the blood flow to the digital arteries. Upon angiography they had shown multiple occlusions of their digital arteries. Venous occlusive plethysmography of the forearm, volume pulse amplitude of a finger tip of treated and untreated extremity, respectively, intraarterial pressure in the brachial artery and ECG lead II have been monitored continuously. The blockade of the alpha-adrenoceptors by phentolamine resulted in a favourable effect upon the accompanying functional component: The volume pulse amplitude of and the blood flow to the treated extremity increased considerably, without significant changes in the other hemodynamic parameters upon administration of doses up to 0.5 mg of phentolamine. A dose of 0.5 to 1.0 mg of phentolamine seems to be the optimum, higher doses yielding no better results. The effective blockade of the alpha-adrenoceptors could be demonstrated by the influence on the arterial blood pressure during a Valsalva maneuver, on the venous reflex response, and the diminished effectiveness of noradrenaline in the treated extremity.

[Fibrinolytic treatment with urokinase of post acute phlebothromboses (author's transl)]. / Ergebnisse der fibrinolytischen Therapie mit Urokinase bei älteren Phlebothrombosen.

Standardised urokinase-heparin treatment was administered to 32 patients one to six weeks after deep-vein thrombosis. Treatment generally continued over 7-14 days. Complete recanalisation occurred in six, partial in 18 patients. In eight patients there was no evidence of thrombolysis in the phlebogram.