Deubiquitinating enzyme A20 negatively regulates NF-κB signaling in skeletal muscle in mdx mice

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is caused by the lack of a functional dystrophin protein that results in muscle fiber membrane disruption and, ultimately, degeneration. Regeneration of muscle fibers fails progressively, and muscle tissue is replaced with connective tissue. As a result, DMD causes progressive limb muscle weakness and cardiac and respiratory failure. The absence of dystrophin from muscle fibers triggers the chronic activation of the nuclear factor of kappa B (NF-κB). Chronic activation of NF-κB in muscle leads to infiltration of macrophages, up-regulation of the ubiquitin-proteosome system, and down-regulation of the helix-loop-helix muscle regulatory factor, MyoD. These processes, triggered by NF-κB activation, promote muscle degeneration and failure of muscle regeneration. A20 (TNFAIP3) is a critical negative regulator of NF-κB. In this study, we characterize the role of A20 in regulating NF-κB activation in skeletal muscle, identifying a novel role in muscle regeneration. A20 is highly expressed in regenerating muscle fibers, and knockdown of A20 impairs muscle differentiation in vitro, which suggests that A20 expression is critically important for regeneration of dystrophic muscle tissue. Furthermore, down-regulation of the classic pathway of NF-κB activation is associated with up-regulation of the alternate pathway in regenerating muscle fibers, suggesting a mechanism by which A20 promotes muscle regeneration. These results demonstrate the important role of A20 in muscle fiber repair and suggest the potential of A20 as a therapeutic target to ameliorate the pathology and clinical symptoms of DMD.

Single-spin magnetometry with multipulse sensing sequences

We experimentally demonstrate single-spin magnetometry with multipulse sensing sequences. The use of multipulse sequences can greatly increase the sensing time per measurement shot, resulting in enhanced ac magnetic field sensitivity. We theoretically derive and experimentally verify the optimal number of sensing cycles, for which the effects of decoherence and increased sensing time are balanced. We perform these experiments for oscillating magnetic fields with fixed phase as well as for fields with random phase. Finally, by varying the phase and frequency of the ac magnetic field, we measure the full frequency-filtering characteristics of different multipulse schemes and discuss their use in magnetometry applications.

Infrared controlled waxes for liquid handling and storage on a CD-microfluidic platform

A novel active valving technique, whereby paraffin wax plugs in microchannels on a centrifugal microfluidic platform are actuated using focused infrared (IR) radiation is demonstrated in this report. Microchannels were simultaneously or sequentially opened using a stationary IR source by forming wax plugs with similar or differing melting points. The presented wax plugs offer key advantages over current active valving techniques, including a less involved fabrication procedure, a simpler actuation process, and the ability to multiplex experiment with active valves. In addition, a new technique for automated liquid reagent storage and release on the microfluidic disc platform, based on the formation and removal of a wax layer, is demonstrated. Overall, the techniques presented in this report offer novel methods for liquid handling, separation, and storage on the centrifugal microfluidic disc platform.

Bootstrap tomography of the pulses for quantum control

Long-time dynamical decoupling and quantum control of qubits require high-precision control pulses. Full characterization (quantum tomography) of imperfect pulses presents a bootstrap problem: tomography requires initial states of a qubit which cannot be prepared without perfect pulses. We present a protocol for pulse error analysis, specifically tailored for a wide range of the single solid-state electron spins. Using a single electron spin of a nitrogen-vacancy center in diamond, we experimentally verify the correctness of the protocol, and demonstrate its usefulness for quantum control tasks.

Decay of Rabi oscillations by dipolar-coupled dynamical spin environments

We study the Rabi oscillations decay of a spin decohered by a spin bath whose internal dynamics is caused by dipolar coupling between the bath spins. The form and rate of decay as a function of the intrabath coupling is obtained analytically, and confirmed numerically. The complex form of decay smoothly varies from power law to exponential, and the rate changes nonmonotonically with the intrabath coupling, decreasing for both slow and fast baths. The form and rate of Rabi oscillations decay can be used to experimentally determine the intrabath coupling strength for a broad class of solid-state systems.

Excited-state spectroscopy using single spin manipulation in diamond

We use single-spin resonant spectroscopy to study the spin structure in the orbital excited state of a diamond nitrogen-vacancy (N-V) center at room temperature. The data show that the excited-state spin levels have a zero-field splitting that is approximately half of the value of the ground state levels, a g factor similar to the ground state value, and a hyperfine splitting approximately 20x larger than in the ground state. In addition, the width of the resonances reflects the electronic lifetime in the excited state. We also show that the spin level splitting can significantly differ between N-V centers, likely due to the effects of local strain, which provides a pathway to control over the spin Hamiltonian and may be useful for quantum-information processing.

Still a long way to go for the Lower Mississippi Delta

It is difficult to separate the demographic, social, and economic changes that have occurred in the Delta. The complex fabric that forms the Delta cannot be broken into parts for simple analysis. Healthcare issues cannot be separated from economic issues, and neither of these issues can be separated from social, political, and other factors of race and power that form the fabric of the Delta. While this analysis disaggregates the data into separate and distinct sections, the reader should be aware of the complex interactions of the performance measures. The clear interaction of health and economic data cannot be overstated and neither can the relationships between education, productivity, employment, income, and social progress. Health is one aspect of investing in human capital and, like education, has its support in the basic mix of public and private goods. Social goods require social investments, and public safety, education, and health are frequent exceptions to the rules of the marketplace. In many areas of the Delta, the allocation of scarce federal and state financial resources to address the problems of the Delta has served to relieve some of the region's distress. The commitment to long-term intervention has, however, varied widely over time.

The effect of some selected pesticides on the growth and reproduction of fresh water Oreochromis niloticus, Chrysicthys nigrodigitatus and Clarias gariepinus

Studies were carried out to determine the toxicity of some selected pesticides on fresh water fish in a tropical environment. The uptake of the pesticides lindane, pentachlorophenol (PCP), and propoxur, which are frequently used on farms, and in industries as well as by loggers and timber men on wood were studied in concrete ponds at the University of Cape Coast, in Ghana. The fish used for the study were Oreochromis niloticus, Clarias gariepinus, and Chrysicthys nigrodigitatus. They were obtained from cultured ponds in the Cape Coast and Mankessim districts in the Central Region and Weija Dam, in the Greater Accra region of Ghana. Single high lethal concentration (SD) or acute treatment and cumulative/chronic (or multiple minor) lethal concentration (CD) treatment were employed in administering the pesticides to the fish via water. Gas chromatograph electron capture detector analysis was done on the dead fish to see the extent of ingestion. The LC(50 )values obtained for lindane on the three fish samples were as follows: Chrysicthys - 0.38 mg L(-1); Oreochromis - 0.42 mg L(-1), and Clarias - 1.2 mg L(-1). Mortalities occurred in fish within 3-5 days of application. For the PCP on Chrysicthys, Oreochromis, and Clarias species the LC(50) values were 0.42, 0.32 and 0.64 mg L(-1), respectively, for over a 2- to 3-day period. For a three-time influx period of propoxur the LC(50) for Chrysicthys, Oreochromis, and Clarias, were 22.0, 30.40, and 45.04 (all in mg L(-1)), respectively. The results obtained indicated that the pesticides had adverse effects on the general growth and reproduction of fish as shown by gonadosomatic indices.

The role of endothelial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of impaired diabetic wound healing: a novel therapeutic target?

The global burden of diabetes is attributed to its multiple associated complications including impaired wound healing which can ultimately result in amputation. Peripheral vascular disease, infection, neuropathy and abnormal local cellular and cytokine activity are some of the traditionally cited pathological instigators of defective diabetic wound repair. Despite intensive research and subsequent advances in diabetic wound care technology a single treatment with measurable clinical impact has yet to be determined. The phenomenon of endothelial dysfunction as seen in atherosclerosis and recently identified as a characteristic of diabetic vasculature may contribute to impaired cutaneous healing in this group. Indicators of endothelial dysfunction have been demonstrated in diabetic wounds by a number of investigators. Successful results are being obtained with modifiers of endothelial function in the management of cardiovascular disease. We hypothesise that endothelial dysfunction plays a substantial contributory role in the pathogenesis of wound healing impairment of diabetes and holds potential as a target for therapeutic intervention.

Experimental signature of phonon-mediated spin relaxation in a two-electron quantum dot

We observe an experimental signature of the role of phonons in spin relaxation between triplet and singlet states in a two-electron quantum dot. Using both the external magnetic field and the electrostatic confinement potential, we change the singlet-triplet energy splitting from 1.3 meV to zero and observe that the spin relaxation time depends nonmonotonously on the energy splitting. A simple theoretical model is derived to capture the underlying physical mechanism. The present experiment confirms that spin-flip energy is dissipated in the phonon bath.

Polarization and readout of coupled single spins in diamond

We study the coupling of a single nitrogen-vacancy center in diamond to a nearby single nitrogen defect at room temperature. The magnetic dipolar coupling leads to a splitting in the electron spin resonance frequency of the nitrogen-vacancy center, allowing readout of the state of a single nitrogen electron spin. At magnetic fields where the spin splitting of the two centers is the same, we observe a strong polarization of the nitrogen electron spin. The amount of polarization can be controlled by the optical excitation power. We combine the polarization and the readout in time-resolved pump-probe measurements to determine the spin relaxation time of a single nitrogen electron spin. Finally, we discuss indications for hyperfine-induced polarization of the nitrogen nuclear spin.

Control and Detection of Singlet-Triplet Mixing in a Random Nuclear Field

We observed mixing between two-electron singlet and triplet states in a double quantum dot, caused by interactions with nuclear spins in the host semiconductor. This mixing was suppressed when we applied a small magnetic field or increased the interdot tunnel coupling and thereby the singlet-triplet splitting. Electron transport involving transitions between triplets and singlets in turn polarized the nuclei, resulting in marked bistabilities. We extract from the fluctuating nuclear field a limitation on the time-averaged spin coherence time T2* of 25 nanoseconds. Control of the electron-nuclear interaction will therefore be crucial for the coherent manipulation of individual electron spins.

Single-shot readout of electron spin states in a quantum dot using spin-dependent tunnel rates

We present a method for reading out the spin state of electrons in a quantum dot that is robust against charge noise and can be used even when the electron temperature exceeds the energy splitting between the states. The spin states are first correlated to different charge states using a spin dependence of the tunnel rates. A subsequent fast measurement of the charge on the dot then reveals the original spin state. We experimentally demonstrate the method by performing readout of the two-electron spin states, achieving a single-shot visibility of more than 80%. We find very long triplet-to-singlet relaxation times (up to several milliseconds), with a strong dependence on the in-plane magnetic field.

Measurement efficiency and n-shot readout of spin qubits

We consider electron spin qubits in quantum dots and define a measurement efficiency e to characterize reliable measurements via n-shot readouts. We propose various implementations based on a double dot and a quantum point contact (QPC) and show that the associated efficiencies e vary between 50% and 100%, allowing single-shot readout in the latter case. We model the readout microscopically and derive its time dynamics in terms of a generalized master equation, calculate the QPC current, and show that it allows spin readout under realistic conditions.

Single-shot read-out of an individual electron spin in a quantum dot

Spin is a fundamental property of all elementary particles. Classically it can be viewed as a tiny magnetic moment, but a measurement of an electron spin along the direction of an external magnetic field can have only two outcomes: parallel or anti-parallel to the field. This discreteness reflects the quantum mechanical nature of spin. Ensembles of many spins have found diverse applications ranging from magnetic resonance imaging to magneto-electronic devices, while individual spins are considered as carriers for quantum information. Read-out of single spin states has been achieved using optical techniques, and is within reach of magnetic resonance force microscopy. However, electrical read-out of single spins has so far remained elusive. Here we demonstrate electrical single-shot measurement of the state of an individual electron spin in a semiconductor quantum dot. We use spin-to-charge conversion of a single electron confined in the dot, and detect the single-electron charge using a quantum point contact; the spin measurement visibility is approximately 65%. Furthermore, we observe very long single-spin energy relaxation times (up to approximately 0.85 ms at a magnetic field of 8 T), which are encouraging for the use of electron spins as carriers of quantum information.

Zeeman energy and spin relaxation in a one-electron quantum dot

We have measured the relaxation time, T1, of the spin of a single electron confined in a semiconductor quantum dot (a proposed quantum bit). In a magnetic field, applied parallel to the two-dimensional electron gas in which the quantum dot is defined, Zeeman splitting of the orbital states is directly observed by measurements of electron transport through the dot. By applying short voltage pulses, we can populate the excited spin state with one electron and monitor relaxation of the spin. We find a lower bound on T1 of 50 micros at 7.5 T, only limited by our signal-to-noise ratio. A continuous measurement of the charge on the dot has no observable effect on the spin relaxation.

Out-of-equilibrium Kondo effect in a mesoscopic device

We study the nonequilibrium regime of the Kondo effect in a quantum dot laterally coupled to a narrow wire. We observe a split Kondo resonance when a finite bias voltage is imposed across the wire. The splitting is attributed to the creation of a double-step Fermi distribution function in the wire. Kondo correlations are strongly suppressed when the voltage across the wire exceeds the Kondo temperature. A perpendicular magnetic field enables us to selectively control the coupling between the dot and the two Fermi seas in the wire. Already at fields of order 0.1 T only the Kondo resonance associated with the strongly coupled reservoir survives.

Chest radiograph abnormalities associated with tuberculosis: reproducibility and yield of active cases

SETTING

Tertiary care referral centre specialising in respiratory diseases.

OBJECTIVES

Chest radiography is a major screening and diagnostic tool for tuberculosis (TB). We evaluated the reproducibility of a radiographic classification system for screening for active TB of immigration applicants to Canada. We also evaluated the validity of this classification system for detection of prevalent active TB among the screened applicants, as well as tuberculin-positive close contacts and symptomatic patients.

METHODS

Reproducibility was assessed by re-reading a randomly selected 10% sample of screening chest films. Validity was estimated from the final clinical and microbiologic diagnosis of patients undergoing detailed clinical evaluation.

RESULTS

Inter-reader agreement using five broad categories was moderate (kappas of 0.44-0.56), while intra-reader agreement was substantial (kappas of 0.59-0.72). After adjustment for age and patient group, the adjusted odds of active tuberculosis, relative to normal or minor findings or granulomas, for fibronodular changes was 10.2 (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.2-33), for mass or pleural effusion it was 11.6 (95%CI 3.6-37), and for parenchymal infiltrate it was 46.1 (95%CI 18-117). Among tuberculin-positive close contacts, the probability of active tuberculosis was more than 50% if the radiographs showed any mass, pleural disease, or parenchymal infiltrates.

CONCLUSION

A simple classification of TB-related chest radiographic abnormalities into five broad categories had moderate to substantial reproducibility of readings, with reasonable validity.

Ethical relationships in paediatric emergency medicine: moving beyond the dyad

Most areas of health-services research concentrate on a dyadic relationship between doctor and patient. In paediatric emergency medicine it may be necessary to focus on a more complicated relationship because the parents of the child play an important role in the delivery of medical services. This paper discusses the ethical principles in paediatric emergency medicine from the perspective of five disciplines: health economics, paediatrics, medical ethics, law and mental health. The general consensus is that the traditional dyadic model is inadequate and that a more complicated relationship is needed for the paediatric emergency setting, such as triadic, multiple-dyadic or polyadic. Such models allow the inclusion of the parents and possibly other family members, medical providers and community members. If the paediatric setting is considered in such a framework, it may be possible to deliver a more socially beneficial medical service.

The Trauma Symptom Checklist for Young Children (TSCYC): reliability and association with abuse exposure in a multi-site study

OBJECTIVE

The Trauma Symptom Checklist for Young Children (TSCYC) is a 90-item caretaker-report measure of children's trauma- and abuse-related symptomatology. It contains two reporter validity scales and eight clinical scales [Post-traumatic Stress-Intrusion (PTS-I), Post-traumatic Stress-Avoidance (PTS-AV), Post-traumatic Stress-Arousal (PTS-AR), Post-traumatic Stress-Total (PTS-TOT), Sexual Concerns (SC), Dissociation (DIS), Anxiety (ANX), Depression (DEP), and Anger/Aggression (ANG)], as well as an item assessing hours per week of caretaker contact with the child. This paper introduces the TSCYC and describes its psychometric properties in a multisite validity study.

METHOD

A total of 219 TSCYCs administered by six clinician/researchers across the United States were analyzed for scale reliability and association with several types of childhood maltreatment.

RESULTS

The TSCYC clinical scales have good reliability and are associated with exposure to childhood sexual abuse, physical abuse, and witnessing domestic violence. The PTS-I, PTS-AV, PTS-AR, and PTS-TOT scales were most predictive, followed by SC in the case of sexual abuse and DIS in the case of physical abuse. There were a small number of age, sex, and race effects on TSCYC scores.

CONCLUSIONS

The TSCYC appears to have reasonable psychometric characteristics, and correlates as expected with various types of trauma exposure. Subject to continued validation and the development of general population norms, its use as a clinical measure is supported.