Molecular orbital calculations of two-electron states for P-donor solid-state spin qubits

We theoretically study the Hilbert space structure of two neighboring P-donor electrons in silicon-based quantum computer architectures. To use electron spins as qubits, a crucial condition is the isolation of the electron spins from their environment, including the electronic orbital degrees of freedom. We provide detailed electronic structure calculations of both the single donor electron wave function and the two-electron pair wave function. We adopted a molecular orbital method for the two-electron problem, forming a basis with the calculated single donor electron orbitals. Our two-electron basis contains many singlet and triplet orbital excited states, in addition to the two simple ground state singlet and triplet orbitals usually used in the Heitler-London approximation to describe the two-electron donor pair wave function. We determined the excitation spectrum of the two-donor system, and study its dependence on strain, lattice position, and interdonor separation. This allows us to determine how isolated the ground state singlet and triplet orbitals are from the rest of the excited state Hilbert space. In addition to calculating the energy spectrum, we are also able to evaluate the exchange coupling between the two donor electrons, and the double occupancy probability that both electrons will reside on the same P donor. These two quantities are very important for logical operations in solid-state quantum computing devices, as a large exchange coupling achieves faster gating times, while the magnitude of the double occupancy probability can affect the error rate.

Comparison of Quantitative T-Wave Alternans Profiles of Healthy Subjects and ICD Patients

Background: Current relevance of T-wave alternans is based on its association with electrical disorder and elevated cardiac risk. Quantitative reports would improve understanding on TWA augmentation mechanisms during mental stress or prior to tachyarrhythmias. However, little information is available about quantitative TWA values in clinical populations. This study aims to create and compare TWA profiles of healthy subjects and ICD patients, evaluated on treadmill stress protocols. Methods: Apparently healthy subjects, not in use of any medication were recruited. All eligible ICD patients were capable of performing an attenuated stress test. TWA analysis was performed during a 15-lead treadmill test. The derived comparative profile consisted of TWA amplitude and its associated heart rate, at rest (baseline) and at peak TWA value. Chi-square or Mann-Whitney tests were used with p values <= 0.05. Discriminatory performance was evaluated by a binary logistic regression model. Results: 31 healthy subjects (8F, 23M) and 32 ICD patients (10F, 22M) were different on baseline TWA (1 +/- 2 mu V; 8 +/- 9 mu V; p < 0.001) and peak TWA values (26 +/- 13 mu V; 37 +/- 20 mu V; p = 0,009) as well as on baseline TWA heart rate (79 +/- 10 bpm; 67 +/- 15 bpm; p < 0.001) and peak TWA heart rate (118 +/- 8 bpm; 90 +/- 17 bpm; p < 0.001). The logistic model yielded sensitivity and specificity values of 88.9% and 92.9%, respectively. Conclusions: Healthy subjects and ICD patients have distinct TWA profiles. The new TWA profile representation (in amplitude-heart rate pairs) may help comparison among different research protocols. Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2009;14(2):108-118.

Limb Salvage Using Bypass to the Perigeniculate Arteries

Objective: To describe bypass to perigeniculate vessels for limb salvage. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Material and methods: Between 1995 and 2009, 47 bypass procedures to perigeniculate collateral arteries were performed in 46 patients (15 women, 31 men; median age, 68 years). All patients presented with critical ischaemia (tissue loss in 87.5%, rest pain in 12.5%). Mean ankle brachial index was 0.27 +/- 0.17. The site of distal anastomosis was the descending genicular artery (DGA) in 23 bypasses (1 bilateral) and the medial sural artery (MSA) in 24. Proximal anastomosis was to the external iliac artery in 2 cases, common femoral artery in 23 cases, superficial femoral artery in 8 cases, deep femoral artery in 8 cases, above-knee poplitaeal artery in 2 cases, and previous graft in 4 cases. Results: There were four deaths during the immediate postoperative period. Mean follow-up duration was 27 months. Ten patients required major amputation. Mean ankle brachial index post-operatively was 0.60 +/- 0.21. At 3 years, primary patency was 74.7 +/- 7%, secondary patency was 83.4 +/- 8%, and the limb salvage and survival rates were 73.5 +/- 7% and 77.4 +/- 7%, respectively. Conclusion: Bypass to perigeniculate arteries is a viable treatment option for critical limb ischaemia in selected patients. (C) 2011 European Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Muscle Transplants for Facial Reanimation Rationale and Results of Insertion Technique Using the Palmaris Longus Tendon

Thirty-one patients with unilateral long-standing facial palsy underwent I-stage reanimation with free gracilis muscle transplant innervated by the masseteric branch of the trigeminal nerve. They were divided into 2 nonrandomized groups according to insertion technique: group 1 (9 patients), interrupted suture between the free flap and the orbicularis oris of the upper and lower lip on the paralyzed side; group It (22 patients), palmaris longus tendon graft placed between the gracilis free flap and the orbicularis oris of the upper and lower lip on the nonparalyzed side. Qualitative evaluation of the smile demonstrated better results in patients from group II. Comparing the position Of the Cupid`s bow at rest, pre- and postoperatively in each patient, we observed significant improvement of facial symmetry in both groups. During smile, however, there was a significantly higher rate of centralization of the Cupid`s bow in patients submitted to reanimation with the use of the palmaris longus tendon (group II).

Odorant-induced currents in intact patches from rat olfactory receptor neurons: Theory and experiment

Odorant-induced currents in mammalian olfactory receptor neurons have proved difficult to obtain reliably using conventional whole-cell recording. By using a mathematical model of the electrical circuit of the patch and rest-of-cell, we demonstrate how cell-attached patch measurements can be used to quantitatively analyze responses to odorants or a high (100 mM) K+ solution. High K+ induced an immediate current flux from cell to pipette, which was modeled as a depolarization of similar to 52 mV, close to that expected from the Nernst equation (56 mV), and no change in the patch conductance. By contrast, a cocktail of cAMP-stimulating odorants induced a current flux from pipette into cell following a significant (4-10 s) delay. This was modeled as an average patch conductance increase of 36 pS and a depolarization of 13 mV, Odorant-induced single channels had a conductance of 16 pS. In cells bathed with no Mg2+ and 0.25 mM Ca2+, odorants induced a current flow from cell to pipette, which was modeled as a patch conductance increase of similar to 115 pS and depolarization of similar to 32 mV, All these results are consistent with cAMP-gated cation channels dominating the odorant response, This approach, which provides useful estimates of odorant-induced voltage and conductance changes, is applicable to similar measurements in any small cells.

Prognostic impact of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma subgroups in patients undergoing autologous SCT

A total of 53 patients aged 18-60 years with highintermediate or high-risk diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) were evaluated to analyze the impact of the cell of origin. Of 53 patients, 16 underwent autologous SCT (ASCT) in first remission and the rest received conventional chemotherapy. Immunohistochemistry was evaluated in 47 cases 17 were of germinal center (GC) origin and 30 were of non-GC origin. There was no survival difference between the two groups. Overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) at 3 years were 93 and 83%, respectively, for the 14 patients who underwent ASCT. Their DFS was significantly better than that of patients who achieved CR but did not undergo ASCT. We conclude that ASCT is safe and improves the DFS of high-intermediate and high-risk DLBCL, regardless of the cell of origin. This observation should be confirmed in a larger study.

Effectiveness of medial-wedge insole treatment for valgus knee osteoarthritis

Objective. To assess the efficacy of medial-wedge insoles in valgus knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods. Thirty consecutive women with valgus-deformity knee OA a:8 degrees were randomized into 2 groups: medial insole (insoles with B-mm medial elevation at the rearfoot [n = 161) and neutral insole (similar insole without elevation [n = 14]). Both groups also wore ankle supports. A blinded examiner assessed pain on movement, at rest, and at night with a visual analog scale (VAS), the Lequesne index., and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) Index. Femorotibial, talocalcaneal, and talar tilt angles were evaluated at baseline and after 8 weeks of insole use. Results. Significant reductions in the medial insole group were observed for pain on movement (mean +/- SD VAS pre- and postintervention 8.1 +/- 1.5 versus 1 4.2 +/- 2.4; P = 0.001), at rest (5.1 +/- 2.3 versus 2.7 +/- 2.4; P = 0.002), and at night (6.1 +/- 2.7 versus 3.1 +/- 2.1; P = 0.001). In addition, a decrease in Lequesne (14.7 +/- 3.4 versus 9.6 +/- 3.8; P = 0.001) and WOMAC scores (74.1 +/- 14.2 versus 56.1 +/- 14.9; P = 0.001) was observed for the medial insole group. In the neutral insole group, a significant reduction was observed only for night pain (mean SD VAS pre- and postintervention 5.8 +/- 2.4 versus 4.6 +/- 2.4; P = 0.019). An increase in femorotibial angle (169.0 +/- 3.4 versus 170.8 +/- 2.4; P = 0.019). An increase in femorotibial angle (169.0 +/- 3.4 versus 170.8 +/- 3.7; P = 0.001) occurred only in the medial 3.7; P = 0.001) occurred only in the medial insole group. Moreover, the difference in measured fernorotibial angles pre- and postintervention was 1.84 +/- 1.42 versus -0.18 +/- 0.67 (P < 0.001) for the medial and neutral insole groups. Conclusion. The use of medial-wedge insoles was highly effective in reducing pain at rest and on movement and promoted a functional improvement of valgus knee OA.

The relationship between plasma potassium concentration and muscle torque during recovery following intense exercise

The present study investigated the relationship between plasma potassium ion concentration ([K+]) and skeletal muscle torque during three different 15-min recovery periods after fatigue induced by four 30-s sprints. Four males and one female completed the multiple sprint exercise on three separate days; recovery was passive, i.e. no cycling exercise (PRec), active cycling at 30% peak oxygen consumption (V) over dot(2peak) (30% Rec) and active cycling at 60% (V) over dot(2peak) (60% Rec). Plasma [K+] was measured from blood sampled from an antecubital vein of subjects at rest and at 0, 3, 5, 10 and 15 min into each recovery. Isokinetic leg strength was measured at rest and at 1, 6, 11 and 16 min during each recovery. Following the exhaustive sprints; [K+] increased significantly from an average mean (SEM) resting value of 3.81 (0.07) mmol.l(-1) to 4.48 (0.19) mmol.l(-1) (P < 0.01). In all recovery conditions, plasma [K+] returned to resting levels within 3 min following the fourth sprint. However, in the two active recovery conditions plasma [K+] increased over the remainder of the recovery periods to 4.36 (0.12) mmol.l(-1) in the 30% Rec condition and 4.62 (0.12) mmol.l(-1) in the 60% Rec condition, the latter being significantly higher than the former (P < 0.01). The maximum torque measured following the sprints decreased significantly, on average, to 61.1 (8.36)% of peak levels (P < 0.01). After 15 min of recovery, maximum torque was highest in the 30% Rec condition at 92.13 (3.06)% of peak levels (P < 0.01), compared to 85.23 (3.64)% and 85.71 (0.82)% for the PRec and 60% Rec conditions, respectively. In contrast to the significant differences in plasma [K+] across all three recovery conditions, muscle torque recovery was significantly different in only the 30% Rec condition. In summary, recovery of peak levels of muscle torque following fatiguing exercise does not appear to follow changes in plasma [K+].

Qualitative and Quantitative Real Time Myocardial Contrast Echocardiography for Detecting Hibernating Myocardium

Background: Real time myocardial contrast echocardiography (RTMCE) is an emerging imaging modality for assessing myocardial perfusion that allows for noninvasive quantification of regional myocardial blood flow (MBF). Aim: We sought to assess the value of qualitative analysis of myocardial perfusion and quantitative assessment of myocardial blood flow (MBF) by RTMCE for predicting regional function recovery in patients with ischemic heart disease who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Methods: Twenty-four patients with coronary disease and left ventricular systolic dysfunction (ejection fraction < 45%) underwent RTMCE before and 3 months after CABG. RTMCE was performed using continuous intravenous infusion of commercially available contrast agent with low mechanical index power modulation imaging. Viability was defined by qualitative assessment of myocardial perfusion as homogenous opacification at rest in >= 2 segments of anterior or >= 1 segment of posterior territory. Viability by quantitative assessment of MBF was determined by receiver-operating characteristics curve analysis. Results: Regional function recovery was observed in 74% of territories considered viable by qualitative analysis of myocardial perfusion and 40% of nonviable (P = 0.03). Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of qualitative RTMCE for detecting regional function recovery were 74%, 60%, 77%, and 56%, respectively. Cutoff value of MBF for predicting regional function recovery was 1.76 (AUC = 0.77; 95% CI = 0.62-0.92). MBF obtained by RTMCE had sensitivity of 91%, specificity of 50%, positive predictive value of 75%, and negative predictive value of 78%. Conclusion: Qualitative and quantitative RTMCE provide good accuracy for predicting regional function recovery after CABG. Determination of MBF increases the sensitivity for detecting hibernating myocardium. (Echocardiography 2011;28:342-349).

Lung Diffusing Capacity Relates Better to Short-Term Progression on HRCT Abnormalities Than Spirometry in Mild Asbestosis

Background Pulmonary function tests (PFT), particularly spirometry and lung diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DL(CO)), have been considered useful methods for the detection of the progression of interstitial asbestos abnormalities as indicated by high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT). However, it is currently unknown which of these two tests correlates best with anatomical changes over time. Methods In this study, we contrasted longitudinal changes (3-9 years follow-up) in PFTs at rest and during exercise with interstitial abnormalities evaluated by HRCT in 63 ex-workers with mild-to-moderate asbestosis. Results At baseline, patients presented with low-grade asbestosis (Huuskonen classes I-II), and most PFT results were within the limits of normality. In the follow-up, most subjects had normal spirometry, static lung volumes and arterial blood gases. In contrast, frequency of DL(CO) abnormalities almost doubled (P < 0.05). Twenty-three (36.5%) subjects increased the interstitial marks on HRCT. These had significantly larger declines in DL(CO) compared to patients who remained stable (0.88 vs. 0.31 ml/min/mm Hg/year and 3.5 vs. 1.2%/year, respectively; P < 0.05). In contrast, no between-group differences were found for the other functional tests, including spirometry (P > 0.05). Conclusions These data demonstrate that the functional consequences of progression of HRCT abnormalities in mild-to-moderate asbestosis are better reflected by decrements in DL(CO) than by spirometric changes. These results might have important practical implications for medico-legal evaluation of this patient population. Am. J. Ind. Med. 54:185-193, 2011. (c) 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Hemodynamic response in one session of strength exercise with and without electrostimulation in heart failure patients: A randomized controlled trial

Background: Studies have investigated the influence of neuromuscular electrostimulation on the exercise/muscle capacity of patients with heart failure (HF), but the hemodynamic overload has never been investigated. The aim of our study was to evaluate the heart rate (HR), systolic and diastolic blood pressures in one session of strength exercises with and without neuromuscular electrostimulation (quadriceps) in HF patients and in healthy subjects. Methods: Ten (50% male) HF patients and healthy subjects performed three sets of eight repetitions with and without neuromuscular electrostimulation randomly, with one week between sessions. Throughout, electromyography was performed to guarantee the electrostimulation was effective. The hemodynamic variables were measured at rest, again immediately after the end of each set of exercises, and during the recovery period. Results: Systolic and diastolic blood pressures did not change during each set of exercises among either the HF patients or the controls. Without electrostimulation: among the controls, the HR corresponding to the first (85 +/- 13 bpm, p = 0.002), second (84 +/- 10 bpm, p < 0.001), third (89 +/- 17, p < 0.001) sets and recuperation (83 +/- 16 bpm, p = 0.012) were different compared to the resting HR (77 bpm). Moreover, the recuperation was different to the third set (0.018). Among HF patients, the HR corresponding to the first (84 +/- 9 bpm, p = 0.041) and third (84 +/- 10 bpm, p = 0.036) sets were different compared to the resting HR (80 +/- 7 bpm), but this increase of 4 bpm is clinically irrelevant to HF. With electrostimulation: among the controls, the HR corresponding to the third set (84 +/- 9 bpm) was different compared to the resting HR (80 +/- 7 bmp, p = 0.016). Among HF patients, there were no statistical differences between the sets. The procedure was well tolerated and no subjects reported muscle pain after 24 hours. Conclusions: One session of strength exercises with and without neuromuscular electrostimulation does not promote a hemodynamic overload in HF patients. (Cardiol J 2011; 18,1: 39-46)

Muscle sympathetic nerve activity in patients with Chagas` disease

Background: The progression of heart failure in Chagas` disease has been explained by remodeling, leading to neurohumoral activation, or by the direct parasite damage to parasympathetic neurons during acute phase, leading to early sympathetic activation and progressive heart failure. To help distinguish between these hypotheses we studied muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) at rest and during handgrip exercise (30% of maximal voluntary contraction) in patients with Chagas` disease and normal ejection fraction vs. patients with heart failure. Methods: A consecutive study of 72 eligible out-patients/subjects was conducted between July 1998 and November 2004. The participants were classified in three advanced heart failure groups (New York Heart Association Functional Classes II-III): Chagas` disease (n-15), ischemic (n=15) and idiopathic cardiomyopathy (n-15). Twelve Chagas` disease patients without heart failure and normal ejection fraction, and 15 normal controls were also studied. MSNA was recorded directly from the peroneal nerve by microneurography technique. Results: MSNA was greater in heart failure patients when compared with Chagas` disease patients without heart failure (51 +/- 3 vs. 20 +/- 2 bursts/min P=0.0001). MSNA in Chagas` patients with normal ejection fraction and normal controls was not different. During exercise, MSNA was similar in all 3 heart failure groups. And, was lower in the Chagas` patients with normal ejection fraction than in patients with Chagas` disease and heart failure (28 +/- 1 vs. 63 +/- 5 bursts/min, respectively). Conclusion: MSNA is not elevated in patients with Chagas` disease with normal ejection fraction. These findings support the concept of remodeling and neurohumoral activation as a common pathway following significant cardiac injury. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Correlation between CD34(+) and exercise capacity, functional class, quality of life and norepinephrine in heart failure patients

Background: A previous study associated CD34(+) levels with NYHA functional class in heart failure patients. The aim of this study was to correlate CD34(+) levels to exercise capacity, functional class, quality of life and norepinephrine in heart failure patients. Methods: Twenty three sedentary patients (52 +/- 7 years, 78% male) answered the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire and rested for 20 minutes before an investigator collect a blood sample. After this, patients performed a cardiopulmonary exercise test to determine the heart rate at anaerobic and ventilatory threshold and oxygen consumption at peak effort, at anaerobic and ventilatory threshold. One other blood sample was collected during the peak effort to investigate the norepinephrine and CD34(+) levels. Results: Rest percentage of CD34(+) did not show correlation with: left ventricle ejection fraction (r = 0.03, p = 0.888), peakVO(2) (r = 0.32, p = 0.13), VO(2) at anaerobic threshold (VO(2)AT) (r = 0.03, p = 0.86), VO(2) at ventilatory threshold (VO(2)VT) (r = 0.36, p = 0.08), NYHA functional class (r = -0.2, p = 0.35), quality of life (Minnesota) (r = -0.17, p = 0.42). CD34(+) did not show correlation, either, with: peak VO(2) (r = 0.38, p = 0.06), VO(2)AT (r = 0.09, p = 0.65), VO(2)VT (r = 0.43, p = 0.4), NYHA functional class (r = -0.13, p = 0.54), quality of life (r = 0.00, p = 0.99). Conclusions: CD34(+) levels did not correlate with exercise capacity, functional class, quality of life and norepinephrine. Percentage of CD34(+) levels did not increase during the cardiopulmonary exercise test in heart failure patients. (Cardiol J 2009; 16, 5: 426-431)

Heart transplantation experiences: a phenomenological approach

Aim. The aim of this study was to understand the heart transplantation experience based on patients` descriptions. Background. To patients with heart failure, heart transplantation represents a possibility to survive and improve their quality of life. Studies have shown that more quality of life is related to patients` increasing awareness and participation in the work of the healthcare team in the post-transplantation period. Deficient relationships between patients and healthcare providers result in lower compliance with the postoperative regimen. Method. A phenomenological approach was used to interview 26 patients who were heart transplant recipients. Patients were interviewed individually and asked this single question: What does the experience of being heart transplanted mean? Participants` descriptions were analysed using phenomenological reduction, analysis and interpretation. Results. Three categories emerged from data analysis: (i) the time lived by the heart recipient; (ii) donors, family and caregivers and (iii) reflections on the experience lived. Living after heart transplant means living in a complex situation: recipients are confronted with lifelong immunosuppressive therapy associated with many side-effects. Some felt healthy whereas others reported persistence of complications as well as the onset of other pathologies. However, all participants celebrated an improvement in quality of life. Health caregivers, their social and family support had been essential for their struggle. Participants realised that life after heart transplantation was a continuing process demanding support and structured follow-up for the rest of their lives. Conclusion. The findings suggest that each individual has unique experiences of the heart transplantation process. To go on living participants had to accept changes and adapt: to the organ change, to complications resulting from rejection of the organ, to lots of pills and food restrictions. Relevance to clinical practice. Stimulating a heart transplant patients spontaneous expression about what they are experiencing and granting them the actual status of the main character in their own story is important to their care.

An epidemic of violence?: Changing patterns in reported rapes in Victoria

Victoria Police statistics show that, since the late 1980s, there has been a significant increase in reported rapes in that State. One interpretation of this trend is that there has been an increase in the underlying incidence of sexual violence in the community. An alternative explanation is that rape victims have become more willing to report to the police, in response to factors such as improved provision of support services to sexual assault victims, reforms to substantive and procedural law, and changes in police attitudes and procedures. In order to rest these competing interpretations data were collected and analysed on the characteristics of rapes reported to the Victoria Police in the late 1980s/early 1990s. This analysis showed that: (I) most of the additional offences reported in the early 1990s were allegations of rapes committed by family members, spouses and other intimates; and (2) an increasing number of reports related to offences which had been committed at feast one year prior to a report being made to the police. It is argued that these changing patterns are consistent with a significant increase in the reporting rate for rape. More generally, the research reported in this paper highlights the limitations of reported crime statistics as measures of the level of social violence, and points to the need for crime researchers to develop alternative methodologies for measuring and interpreting trends.