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Abstract Nanomechanical oscillators offer numerous advantages for quantum technologies. Their integration with superconducting qubits shows promise for hardware-efficient quantum error-correction protocols involving superpositions of mechanical coherent states. Limitations of this approach include mechanical decoherence processes, particularly two-level system (TLS) defects, which have been widely studied using classical fields and detectors. In this manuscript, we use a superconducting qubit as a quantum sensor to perform phonon number-resolved measurements on a piezoelectrically coupled phononic crystal cavity. This enables a high-resolution study of mechanical dissipation and dephasing in coherent states of variable size ( $$\bar{n}\simeq 1-10$$ n ¯ ≃ 1 − 10 phonons). We observe nonexponential relaxation and state size-dependent reduction of the dephasing rate, which we attribute to TLS. Using a numerical model, we reproduce the dissipation signatures (and to a lesser extent, the dephasing signatures) via emission into a small ensemble (N = 5) of rapidly dephasing TLS. Our findings comprise a detailed examination of TLS-induced phonon decoherence in the quantum regime.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Due to the relationship between small bowel parasites and dyspepsia, investigation on the prevalence of such parasites among dyspeptic patients seems to be important. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of small bowel parasites within a group of dyspeptic patients who have been referred to endoscopy ward of selected hospitals in Tehran, Iran. METHODS: This analytical study was performed on 130 patients who had undergone upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in endoscopy ward of Baghiatollah, Valiasr and Imam Khomeini hospitals of Tehran during 2004-2006. Duodenal aspiration, duodenal biopsy, and stool exam (S/E) were hired to find any infection with such parasites. Moreover, rapid urease test was used in order to find infection with Helicobacter pylori. These patients had no history of malignancy, genetic and/or metabolic diseases, and any history of treatment with antibiotics at least for 3 consecutive days within past month. FINDINGS: Stool exam was obtained from 105 patients, however all 130 patients had undergone duodenal aspiration and duodenal biopsy giardia was isolated from 4 patients (3.9%). Duodenal aspiration and biopsy were positive for giardia among 2(1.5%) and 1(0.8%) patients respectively. No infection with cryptosporidium, isospora, and cyclospora was detected. According to rapid urease test 61 patients (46.9%) were infected with Helicobacter pylori. Those with giardiasis were simultaneously infected with helicobacter pylori. CONCLUSION: It seems that giardiasis and infection with other small bowel parasites are not so important among dyspeptic patients, while Helicobacter pylori play an important role among such patients. In addition, larger number of stool exam infected with giardia can be diagnosed with formalin ether concentration method.

Abstract Delay lines that store quantum information are crucial for advancing quantum repeaters and hardware efficient quantum computers. Traditionally, they are realized as extended systems that support wave propagation but provide limited control over the propagating fields. Here, we introduce a parametrically addressed delay line for microwave photons that provides a high level of control over the stored pulses. By parametrically driving a three-wave mixing circuit element that is weakly hybridized with an ensemble of resonators, we engineer a spectral response that simulates that of a physical delay line, while providing fast control over the delay line’s properties. We demonstrate this novel degree of control by choosing which photon echo to emit, translating pulses in time, and even swapping two pulses, all with pulse energies on the order of a single photon. We also measure the noise added from our parametric interactions and find it is much less than one photon.

Seasonal Variations of Arrhythmias and Their Impact on Mortality in Cancer Patients with Health Disparities: A Propensity Score Adjusted Machine Learning Analysis of over 100 Million Hospitalizations Across 3 Years

Abstract Lithium niobate is a promising material for developing quantum acoustic technologies due to its strong piezoelectric effect and availability in the form of crystalline thin films of high quality. However, at radio frequencies and cryogenic temperatures, these resonators are limited by the presence of decoherence and dephasing due to two-level systems. To mitigate these losses and increase device performance, a more detailed picture of the microscopic nature of these loss channels is needed. In this study, we fabricate several lithium niobate acoustic wave resonators and apply different processing steps that modify their surfaces. These treatments include argon ion sputtering, annealing, and acid cleans. We characterize the effects of these treatments using three surface-sensitive measurements: cryogenic microwave spectroscopy measuring density and coupling of TLS to mechanics, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. We learn from these studies that, surprisingly, increases of TLS density may accompany apparent improvements in the surface quality as probed by the latter two approaches. Our work outlines the importance that surfaces and fabrication techniques play in altering acoustic resonator coherence, and suggests gaps in our understanding as well as approaches to address them.

Abstract This work provides the first experimental proof of an increased neutron capture photon signal following the introduction of boron to a PMMA phantom during helium and carbon ion therapies in Neutron Capture Enhanced Particle Therapy (NCEPT). NCEPT leverages $$^{10}$$ 10 B neutron capture, leading to the emission of detectable 478 keV photons. Experiments were performed at the Heavy Ion Medical Accelerator in Chiba, Japan, with two Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) targets, one bearing a boron insert. The BeNEdiCTE gamma-ray detector measured an increase in the 478 keV signal of 45 ± 7% and 26 ± 2% for carbon and helium ion irradiation, respectively. Our Geant4 Monte Carlo simulation model, developed to investigate photon origins, found less than 30% of detected photons originated from the insert, while boron in the detector’s circuit boards contributed over 65%. Further, the model investigated detector sensitivity, establishing its capability to record a 10% increase in 478 keV photon detection at a target $$^{10}$$ 10 B concentration of 500 ppm using spectral windowing alone, and 25% when combined with temporal windowing. The linear response extended to concentrations up to 20,000 ppm. The increase in the signal in all evaluated cases confirm the potential of the proposed detector design for neutron capture quantification in NCEPT.

Abstract In this study, we present a validated Geant4 Monte Carlo simulation model of the Dingo thermal neutron imaging beamline at the Australian Centre for Neutron Scattering. The model, constructed using CAD drawings of the entire beam transport path and shielding structures, is designed to precisely predict the in-beam neutron field at the position at the sample irradiation stage. The model’s performance was assessed by comparing simulation results to various experimental measurements, including planar thermal neutron distribution obtained in-beam using gold foil activation and $$^{10}$$ 10 B $$_{4}$$ 4 C-coated microdosimeters and the out-of-beam neutron spectra measured with Bonner spheres. The simulation results demonstrated that the predicted neutron fluence at the field’s centre is within 8.1% and 2.1% of the gold foil and $$^{10}$$ 10 B $$_{4}$$ 4 C-coated microdosimeter measurements, respectively. The logarithms of the ratios of average simulated to experimental fluences in the thermal (E $$_{th}$$ fast > 11.7 keV) spectral regions were approximately − 0.03 to + 0.1, − 0.2 to + 0.15, and − 0.4 to + 0.2, respectively. Furthermore, the predicted thermal, epithermal and fast neutron components in-beam at the sample stage position constituted approximately 18%, 64% and 18% of the total neutron fluence.

Abstract The quantum noise of light, attributed to the random arrival time of photons from a coherent light source, fundamentally limits optical phase sensors. An engineered source of squeezed states suppresses this noise and allows phase detection sensitivity beyond the quantum noise limit (QNL). We need ways to use quantum light within deployable quantum sensors. Here we present a photonic integrated circuit in thin-film lithium niobate that meets these requirements. We use the second-order nonlinearity to produce a squeezed state at the same frequency as the pump light and realize circuit control and sensing with electro-optics. Using 26.2 milliwatts of optical power, we measure (2.7 ± 0.2)% squeezing and apply it to increase the signal-to-noise ratio of phase measurement. We anticipate that photonic systems like this, which operate with low power and integrate all of the needed functionality on a single die, will open new opportunities for quantum optical sensing.

We demonstrate strong dispersive coupling between a fluxonium superconducting qubit and a 690 megahertz mechanical oscillator, extending the reach of circuit quantum acousto-dynamics (cQAD) experiments into a new range of frequencies. We have engineered a qubit-phonon coupling rate of g≈2π×14MHz, and achieved a dispersive interaction that exceeds the decoherence rates of both systems while the qubit and mechanics are highly nonresonant (Δ/g≳10). Leveraging this strong coupling, we perform phonon-number-resolved measurements of the mechanical resonator and investigate its dissipation and dephasing properties. Our results demonstrate the potential for fluxonium-based hybrid quantum systems, and a path for developing new quantum sensing and information processing schemes with phonons at frequencies below 700 MHz to significantly expand the toolbox of cQAD.

This study aimed to compare acute phase proteins in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy (OHE) by median celiotomy or left flank laparotomy approach. Nineteen native intact queens were used. Cats were randomly divided into four groups for midline (Test, n=5 and control, n=5) and left flank (Test, n=5 and control, n=4) ovariohysterectomy. Blood samples were taken immediately before surgery, 24, 48, 72 hours, and 7 days after surgery for assessment of Alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), total protein, and albumin values. According to the results, standard and left flank OHE approaches increased AGP levels, but no significant difference was observed compared to the control group (p > 0.05). No significant difference was observed on serum total protein and albumin levels using standard and left flank OHE approaches compared to the control group (p > 0.05). The results suggested two surgical procedures had the same effect on acute-phase proteins in ovariohysterectomized cats.

Abstract Neutron Capture Enhanced Particle Therapy (NCEPT) boosts the effectiveness of particle therapy by capturing thermal neutrons produced by beam-target nuclear interactions in and around the treatment site, using tumour-specific $$^{10}$$ 10 B or $$^{157}$$ 157 Gd-based neutron capture agents. Neutron captures release high-LET secondary particles together with gamma photons with energies of 478 keV or one of several energies up to 7.94 MeV, for $$^{10}$$ 10 B and $$^{157}$$ 157 Gd, respectively. A key requirement for NCEPT’s translation is the development of in vivo dosimetry techniques which can measure both the direct ion dose and the dose due to neutron capture. In this work, we report signatures which can be used to discriminate between photons resulting from neutron capture and those originating from other processes. A Geant4 Monte Carlo simulation study into timing and energy thresholds for discrimination of prompt gamma photons resulting from thermal neutron capture during NCEPT was conducted. Three simulated $$300\times 300\times 300$$ 300 × 300 × 300 mm $$^3$$ 3 cubic PMMA targets were irradiated by $$^4$$ 4 He or $$^{12}$$ 12 C ion beams with a spread out Bragg peak (SOBP) depth range of 60 mm; one target is homogeneous while the others include $$10\times 10\times 10$$ 10 × 10 × 10 mm $$^3$$ 3 neutron capture inserts (NCIs) of pure $$^{10}$$ 10 B or $$^{157}$$ 157 Gd located at the distal edge of the SOBP. The arrival times of photons and neutrons entering a simulated $$50\times 50\times 50$$ 50 × 50 × 50 mm $$^3$$ 3 ideal detector were recorded. A temporal mask of 50–60 ns was found to be optimal for maximising the discrimination of the photons resulting from the neutron capture by boron and gadolinium. A range of candidate detector and thermal neutron shielding materials were simulated, and detections meeting the proposed acceptance criteria (i.e. falling within the target energy window and arriving 60 ns post beam-off) were classified as true or false positives, depending on their origin. The ratio of true/false positives ( $$R_{TF}$$ R TF ) was calculated; for targets with $$^{10}$$ 10 B and $$^{157}$$ 157 Gd NCIs, the detector materials which resulted in the highest $$R_{TF}$$ R TF were cadmium-shielded CdTe and boron-shielded LSO, respectively. The optimal irradiation period for both carbon and helium ions was 1 µs for the $$^{10}$$ 10 B NCI and 1 ms for the $$^{157}$$ 157 Gd NCI.

Optical intensity modulators are an important component in optics. Here, the authors demonstrate a type of resonant intensity modulator operating in the megahertz frequency regime with record high efficiency and use it for time-of-flight imaging.

Superconducting quantum circuits are a promising hardware platform for realizing a fault-tolerant quantum computer. Accelerating progress in this field of research demands general approaches and computational tools to analyze and design more complex superconducting circuits. We develop a framework to systematically construct a superconducting quantum circuit's quantized Hamiltonian from its physical description. As is often the case with quantum descriptions of multicoordinate systems, the complexity rises rapidly with the number of variables. Therefore, we introduce a set of coordinate transformations with which we can find bases to diagonalize the Hamiltonian efficiently. Furthermore, we broaden our framework's scope to calculate the circuit's key properties required for optimizing and discovering novel qubits. We implement the methods described in this work in an open-source Python package $\tt{SQcircuit}$. In this manuscript, we introduce the reader to the $\tt{SQcircuit}$ environment and functionality. We show through a series of examples how to analyze a number of interesting quantum circuits and obtain features such as the spectrum, coherence times, transition matrix elements, coupling operators, and the phase coordinate representation of eigenfunctions.

Background COVID‐19 was temporally associated with an increase in out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrests, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. We sought to determine if patients with implantable defibrillators residing in areas with high COVID‐19 activity experienced an increase in defibrillator shocks during the COVID‐19 outbreak. Methods and Results Using the Medtronic (Mounds View, MN) Carelink database from 2019 and 2020, we retrospectively determined the incidence of implantable defibrillator shock episodes among patients residing in New York City, New Orleans, LA, and Boston, MA. A total of 14 665 patients with a Medtronic implantable defibrillator (age, 66±13 years; and 72% men) were included in the analysis. Comparing analysis time periods coinciding with the COVID‐19 outbreak in 2020 with the same periods in 2019, we observed a larger mean rate of defibrillator shock episodes per 1000 patients in New York City (17.8 versus 11.7, respectively), New Orleans (26.4 versus 13.5, respectively), and Boston (30.9 versus 20.6, respectively) during the COVID‐19 surge. Age‐ and sex‐adjusted hurdle model showed that the Poisson distribution rate of defibrillator shocks for patients with ≥1 shock was 3.11 times larger (95% CI, 1.08–8.99; P=0.036) in New York City, 3.74 times larger (95% CI, 0.88–15.89; P=0.074) in New Orleans, and 1.97 times larger (95% CI, 0.69–5.61; P=0.202) in Boston in 2020 versus 2019. However, the binomial odds of any given patient having a shock episode was not different in 2020 versus 2019. Conclusions Defibrillator shock episodes increased during the higher COVID‐19 activity in New York City, New Orleans, and Boston. These observations may provide insights into COVID‐19–related increase in cardiac arrests.

We can encode a qubit in the energy levels of a quantum system. Relaxation and other dissipation processes lead to decay of the fidelity of this stored information. Is it possible to preserve the quantum information for a longer time by introducing additional drives and dissipation? The existence of autonomous quantum error correcting codes answers this question in the positive. Nonetheless, discovering these codes for a real physical system, i.e., finding the encoding and the associated driving fields and bath couplings, remains a challenge that has required intuition and inspiration to overcome. In this work, we develop and demonstrate a computational approach based on adjoint optimization for discovering autonomous quantum error correcting codes given a Hamiltonian description of a physical system. We implement an optimizer that searches for a logical subspace and control parameters to better preserve quantum information. We demonstrate our method on a system of a harmonic oscillator coupled to a lossy qubit, and find that varying the Hamiltonian distance in Fock space—a proxy for the control hardware complexity—leads to discovery of different and new error correcting schemes. We discover what we call the sqrt[3] code, realizable with a Hamiltonian distance d=2, and propose a hardware-efficient implementation based on superconducting circuits.

We demonstrate the first acousto-optic modulators in lithium niobate films on sapphire, detailing the dependence of the piezoelectric and optomechanical coupling coefficients on the crystal orientation. This platform supports highly confined, strongly piezoelectric mechanical waves without suspensions, making it a promising candidate for broadband and efficient integrated acousto-optic devices, circuits, and systems.

Introduction: Bleeding during functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is an important issue for both anesthesiologists and surgeons as it can affect the safety and efficiency of the procedure. We compared the efficacy of tranexamic acid (TXA) and clonidine in reducing blood loss and improving surgical field visualization during FESS. Materials and Methods: In a double-blind, randomized, clinical trial, 52 patients, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status 1–2, aged 13–75 years, suffering from rhinosinusitis with or without polyposis, and who were candidates for FESS, were enrolled. The first group received intravenous TXA 15 mg/kg diluted in 100 ml normal saline, administered during 10-min infusion after induction. In the second group, 0.2 mg oral clonidine was given 1 to 1.5 hours before surgery. Duration of surgery, hemoglobin level, heart rate, blood pressure, and quality of surgical field based on Boezzart's scale and surgeon satisfaction based on Likert's scale were recorded in both groups. Results: In total, 52 patients, 27 (51.9%) males and 25 (48.07%) females were studied. Twenty-two (42.3%) and 30 (57.7%) were in the TXA and clonidine groups, respectively. The mean pre- and post-surgical hemoglobin level showed no meaningful difference between the two groups. The same result was obtained for blood pressure and heart rate at different time points (P>0.05). Mean anesthesia time (P=0.859), mean surgical time (P=0.880), surgeon's satisfaction of the surgical field (P=0.757) and surgical field quality at different time points revealed no significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion: Premedication with oral clonidine and intravenous TXA has the same effect on bleeding during FESS, surgical field visualization, and surgeon satisfaction.

Introduction:Although several treatment approaches have been proposed for tinnitus, there are currently no Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved agents available to treat this condition. In this study, we evaluated the effect of gabapentin on the sensation of subjective tinnitus in patients with acoustic trauma referring to the ear, nose and throat (ENT) clinic of Taleghani Hospital during 2014. Materials and Methods:In this double-blind, randomized clinical trial, 103 patients with tinnitus due to acoustic trauma who were referred to the ENT clinic of Taleghani Hospital during 2014 were randomized to the gabapentin (300 mg bid, n=55) or control (n=48) groups. The two groups were then compared before and after 6 weeks of treatment using a visual analog scale (VAS). At least a 30% reduction in VAS was considered a response to treatment. Results:Differences between the two groups regarding sex, age, duration of disease, and audiometry results was not significant (P>0.05). After 6 weeks’ treatment, the VAS significantly decreased in both groups (P

Introduction: Sinonasal Sarcoidosis (SNS) is the most common involvement of upper respiratory tract sarcoidosis disease. Not much data is available on the detailed diagnostic aspects of Iranian sinonasal sarcoidosis patients. Aim: The current study is the first report from Iran that evaluates the prevalence and describes the clinical features of patients with sinonasal sarcoidosis in Iran. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was performed on the eighty eight newly diagnosed and biopsy proven sarcoidosis patients who were suspected to have head and neck disorders. Sinonasal involvement of sarcoidosis was examined via Computed Tomography of Para-nasal Sinuses (CT PNS) imaging as well as rhinoscopy, and histopathologic examinations on the nasal or sinusitis mucosa biopsy sample. Data were analysed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and differences between two groups were obtained using the χ2 test, the Mann-Whitney test and independent t-test with consideration of a statistically significant p-value of

Reducing energy dissipation is a central goal of classical and quantum technologies. Optics achieved great success in bringing down power consumption of long-distance communication links. With the rise of mobile, quantum, and cloud technologies, it is essential to extend this success to shorter links. Electro-optic modulators are a crucial contributor of dissipation in such links. Numerous variations on important mechanisms such as free-carrier modulation and the Pockels effect are currently pursued, but there are few investigations of mechanical motion as an electro-optic mechanism in silicon. In this work, we demonstrate electrical driving and optical read-out of a 7.2 GHz mechanical mode of a silicon photonic waveguide. The electrical driving is capacitive and can be implemented in any material system. The measurements show that the mechanically mediated optical phase modulation is two orders of magnitude more efficient than the background phase modulation in our system. Our demonstration is an important step toward efficient opto-electro-mechanical devices in a scalable photonic platform.

We numerically study silicon waveguides on silica showing that it is possible to simultaneously guide optical and acoustic waves in the technologically important silicon on insulator (SOI) material system. Thin waveguides, or fins, exhibit geometrically softened mechanical modes at gigahertz frequencies with phase velocities below the Rayleigh velocity in glass, eliminating acoustic radiation losses. We propose slot waveguides on glass with telecom optical frequencies and strong radiation pressure forces resulting in Brillouin gains on the order of 500 and 50 000 W−1m−1 for backward and forward Brillouin scattering, respectively.

Background: According to the literature, there are a number of chronic and acute myeloid leukemias with unique, complex chromosome translocations. This study aims to conduct a brief review of the incidence of complex chromosome translocations in myeloid leukemia and reports a case of myeloid leukemia with complex chromosome translocations.Methods: We conducted a web-based search for all peer review articles published on the subject of complex chromosome tranlsocations in chronic and acute myeloid leukemia in MEDLINE, PubMed and Mitelman (http://cgapanci.nih.gov/chromosomes/Mitelman) databases in addition to other pertinent web references. In addition, we performed conventional cytogenetic studies of 24- to 72-h cultures on bonemarrow/peripheral blood cells obtained from the current case. Cells were finally treated by the giemsa-trypsin-giemsa banding technique.Results: The result of this case revealed an abnormal karyotype that had a novel complex translocation which involved chromosomes 2, 5, 9, and 22. We performed karyotyping after the initiation of chemotherapy. Karyotyping results showed a complex karyotype 46,XX,t(9;22;2;5).Conclusion: This study discusses a case of chronic myeloid leukemia with complex chromosome translocations and may provide novel information regarding these translocations in leukemias.

The prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) is 1-2 % in the general population, and the risk of embolic stroke in AF patients is 4-5 times higher than that in the general population. AF-related strokes are often severe, and the rate of permanent disability is much higher among individuals who have AF-related strokes than in those who have strokes unrelated to AF. In patients with AF, more than 90 % of thrombi originate from the left atrial appendage (LAA). The purpose of this paper is to review the efficacy and safety of performing the LAA closure with the LARIAT Suture Delivery Device to prevent AF-related stroke in patients with contraindications to oral anticoagulant therapy.