Sub-matrix updates for the Continuous-Time Auxiliary Field algorithm

We present a sub-matrix update algorithm for the continuous-time auxiliary field method that allows the simulation of large lattice and impurity problems. The algorithm takes optimal advantage of modern CPU architectures by consistently using matrix instead of vector operations, resulting in a speedup of a factor of $\approx 8$ and thereby allowing access to larger systems and lower temperature. We illustrate the power of our algorithm at the example of a cluster dynamical mean field simulation of the N\'{e}el transition in the three-dimensional Hubbard model, where we show momentum dependent self-energies for clusters with up to 100 sites

Gold Nanoparticle Aggregation for Quantification of Oligonucleotides: Optimization and Increased Dynamic Range

A variety of assays have been proposed to detect small quantities of nucleic acids at the point-of-care. One approach relies on target-induced aggregation of gold nanoparticles functionalized with oligonucleotide sequences complementary to adjacent regions on the targeted sequence. In the presence of the target sequence, the gold nanoparticles aggregate, producing an easily detectable shift in the optical scattering properties of the solution. The major limitations of this assay are that it requires heating, and that long incubation times are required to produce a result. This study aims to optimize the assay conditions and optical readout, with the goals of eliminating the need for heating and reducing the time to result without sacrificing sensitivity or dynamic range. By optimizing assay conditions and measuring the spectrum of scattered light at the endpoint of incubation, we find that the assay is capable of producing quantifiable results at room temperature in 30 minutes with a linear dynamic range spanning from 150 amoles to 15 fmoles of target. If changes in light scattering are measured dynamically during the incubation process, the linear range can be expanded 2-fold, spanning 50 amoles to 500 fmoles, while decreasing the time to result down to 10 minutes

Selective vitamin D receptor activation with paricalcitol for reduction of albuminuria in patients with type 2 diabetes (VITAL study):a randomised controlled trial

Background Despite treatment with renin angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors, patients with diabetes have increased risk of progressive renal failure that correlates with albuminuria. We aimed to assess whether paricalcitol could be used to reduce albuminuria in patients with diabetic nephropathy. Methods In this multinational, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial, we enrolled patients with type 2 diabetes and albuminuria who were receiving angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers. Patients were assigned (1:1:1) by computer-generated randomisation sequence to receive 24 weeks' treatment with placebo, 1 mu g/day paricalcitol, or 2 mu g/day paricalcitol. The primary endpoint was the percentage change in geometric mean urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) from baseline to last measurement during treatment for the combined paricalcitol groups versus the placebo group. Analysis was by intention to treat. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00421733. Findings Between February, 2007, and October, 2008, 281 patients were enrolled and assigned to receive placebo (n=93), 1 mu g paricalcitol (n=93), or 2 mu g paricalcitol (n=95); 88 patients on placebo, 92 on 1 mu g paricalcitol, and 92 on 2 mu g paricalcitol received at least one dose of study drug, and had UACR data at baseline and at least one timepoint during treatment, and so were included in the primary analysis. Change in UACR was: -3% (from 61 to 60 mg/mmol; 95% Cl -16 to 13) in the placebo group; -16% (from 62 to 51 mg/mmol; -24 to -9) in the combined paricalcitol groups, with a between-group difference versus placebo of -15% (95% CI -28 to 1; p=0.071); -14% (from 63 to 54 mg/mmol; -24 to -1) in the 1 mu g paricalcitol group, with a between-group difference versus placebo of -11% (95% CI -27 to 8; p=0.23); and -20% (from 61 to 49 mg/mmol; -30 to -8) in the 2 mu g paricalcitol group, with a between-group difference versus placebo of -18% (95% CI -32 to 0; p=0.053). Patients on 2 mu g paricalcitol showed an early, sustained reduction in UACR, ranging from -18% to -28% (p=0.014 vs placebo). Incidence of hypercalcaemia, adverse events, and serious adverse events was similar between groups receiving paricalcitol versus placebo. Interpretation Addition of 2 mu g/day paricalcitol to RAAS inhibition safely lowers residual albuminuria in patients with diabetic nephropathy, and could be a novel approach to lower residual renal risk in diabetes