Frequency-comb spectroscopy on pure quantum states of a single molecular ion

Spectroscopy is a powerful tool for studying molecules and is commonly performed on large thermal molecular ensembles that are perturbed by motional shifts and interactions with the environment and one another, resulting in convoluted spectra and limited resolution. Here, we use quantum-logic techniques to prepare a trapped molecular ion in a single quantum state, drive terahertz rotational transitions with an optical frequency comb, and read out the final state nondestructively, leaving the molecule ready for further manipulation. We can resolve rotational transitions to 11 significant digits and derive the rotational constant of 40CaH+ to be B R = 142 501 777.9(1.7) kilohertz. Our approach is suited for a wide range of molecular ions, including polyatomics and species relevant for tests of fundamental physics, chemistry, and astrophysics.

Low dose ciclosporin from the early postoperative period yields potent immunosuppression after renal transplantation

This study sought to determine if low doses of ciclosporin (CS) designed to give fasting serum levels of 50-100 ng/ml achieve effective immunosuppression when used from the early postoperative period after renal transplantation. Ninety-four primary renal transplant recipients were studied. Group 1 patients were treated with CS 100 ng/ml and prednisone (0.15 mg/kg/day). Group 2 patients received CS 50 ng/ml, prednisone (0.15 mg/kg/day) and azathioprine (1 mg/kg/day). These patients were compared to a control group of 26 patients (group 3) maintained on only prednisone and azathioprine. CS-treated patients suffered significantly fewer rejection episodes than control subjects (rejection episodes per patient in first year: group 1: 0.3 +/- SD 0.6; group 2: 0.7 +/- SD 0.7; group 3: 1.3 +/- SD 1.1, p less than 0.005). In addition, a greater number of CS-treated patients were completely free of rejection episodes during the first year posttransplant (group 1: 63%; group 2: 64%; group 3: 19%, p less than 0.005). Patient and graft survival were similar in all groups after 1 year (group 1: 92 and 92% respectively; group 2: 95 and 87% respectively; group 3: 96 and 85% respectively). These data suggest that the dose of CS required for effective immunosuppression in vivo is lower than has been previously thought.

Management of end-stage autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease with hemodialysis and transplantation

This is an analysis of the outcome of 35 patients with end-stage autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) at Toronto Western Hospital (TWH) during a 10-year period. The primary treatment in each case was hemodialysis. In the 15 patients managed exclusively with hemodialysis the one- and five-year actuarial survival was 93% and 77% respectively. Twenty patients ultimately received a total of 26 cadaveric renal allografts. Graft survival at one year was 76%. One- and five-year patient survival was 92% and 73% respectively. Beyond 5 years a trend towards increased survival in the transplant group was seen, compared with the exclusively hemodialyzed group. Bilateral nephrectomy prior to transplantation was associated with high morbidity and mortality, and did not change either graft or patient survival. In view of the similar survival and because it is accepted that transplantation offers the highest quality of life amongst the modalities of treatment for end-stage renal failure, transplantation should be considered the treatment of choice for end-stage ADPKD. There is no justification for routine bilateral nephrectomy before renal transplantation.