215 research outputs found

    One-second coherence for a single electron spin coupled to a multi-qubit nuclear-spin environment

    Full text link
    Single electron spins coupled to multiple nuclear spins provide promising multi-qubit registers for quantum sensing and quantum networks. The obtainable level of control is determined by how well the electron spin can be selectively coupled to, and decoupled from, the surrounding nuclear spins. Here we realize a coherence time exceeding a second for a single electron spin through decoupling sequences tailored to its microscopic nuclear-spin environment. We first use the electron spin to probe the environment, which is accurately described by seven individual and six pairs of coupled carbon-13 spins. We develop initialization, control and readout of the carbon-13 pairs in order to directly reveal their atomic structure. We then exploit this knowledge to store quantum states for over a second by carefully avoiding unwanted interactions. These results provide a proof-of-principle for quantum sensing of complex multi-spin systems and an opportunity for multi-qubit quantum registers with long coherence times

    Vegetation characteristics of a brackish marsh on Gotland and foraging choices of migrating and brood rearing geese

    Get PDF
    Arctic breeding barnacle geese use brackish marshes along the coastline of the Baltic Sea intensively in spring, during short stopovers on their migration to breeding sites in northern Russia. We mapped the vegetation of one important spring staging and brood rearing site on the Swedish island of Gotland and investigated the habitat use of barnacle geese. The geese mainly use plant communities with a high cover of edible species and a low canopy height. These vegetation characteristics are best maintained through livestock grazing and the maintenance of current grazing practices will be responsible for future site use by small herbivores

    Commencement of flash glucose monitoring is associated with a decreased rate of depressive disorders among persons with diabetes (FLARE-NL7)

    Get PDF
    INTRODUCTION: Depressive disorders are more common among persons with diabetes, as compared with persons without diabetes. The burden of glucose management is known to associate with depressive symptoms. This study aims to assess the effects of commencement of FreeStyle Libre flash glucose monitoring (FSL-FGM) on the mental health status of persons with diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Post-hoc analysis of data from a 1-year prospective nationwide FSL-FGM registry. Participants who used FSL-FGM for 12 months and completed the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey version 2 (SF-12v2) questionnaires at baseline, 6 and 12 months were included. An SF-12v2 Mental Component Score (MCS) of ≤45 was used as a cut-off to discriminate between persons with and without a depressive disorder. RESULTS: A total of 674 patients were included with a mean age of 48.2 (±15.8) years, 51.2% men, 78.2% type 1 diabetes and baseline HbA1c 62.8 (±13.4) mmol/mol (7.9±1.2%). At baseline, 235 (34.9%) persons had an SF-12 MCS ≤45 while after 6 and 12 months these numbers decreased: 202 (30.0%, p<0.01) and 173 (25.7%, p<0.01). Overall, MCS improved from 48.5 at baseline to 50.7 after 6 months and 51.3 after 12 months. In multivariable regression analysis, age and MCS at baseline were associated with improvement of MCS after 12 months of FSL-FGM use. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis suggests that use of FSL-FGM is associated with a decreased rate of depressive disorders among persons with diabetes. Future studies are needed to corroborate these findings

    Real-life 24-week changes in glycemic parameters among European users of flash glucose monitoring with type 1 and 2 diabetes and different levels of glycemic control

    Get PDF
    AIM: To evaluate real-life changes of glycemic parameters among flash glucose monitoring (FLASH) users who do not meet glycemic targets.METHODS: De-identified data were obtained between 2014 and 2021 from patients using FLASH uninterrupted for a 24-week period. Glycemic parameters during first and last sensor use were examined in four identifiable groups: type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) on basal-bolus insulin, T2DM on basal insulin, and T2DM without insulin treatment. Within each group, subgroup analyses were performed in persons with initial suboptimal glycemic regulation (time in range (TIR; 3.9-10 mmol/L) &lt; 70%, time above range (TAR; &gt;10 mmol/L) &gt; 25%, or time below range (TBR; &lt;3.9 mmol/L) &gt; 4%).RESULTS: Data were obtained from 1,909 persons with T1DM and 1,813 persons with T2DM (1,499 basal-bolus insulin, 189 basal insulin, and 125 non-insulin users). In most of the performed analyses, both overall and in the various subgroups, significant improvements were observed in virtually all predefined primary (TIR) and secondary endpoints (eHbA1c, TAR, TBR and glucose variability).CONCLUSIONS: 24-weeks FLASH use in real life by persons with T1DM and T2DM with suboptimal glycemic regulation is associated with improvement of glycemic parameters, irrespective of pre-use regulation or treatment modality.</p

    The changing landscape of conservation science funding in the United States

    Get PDF
    To understand the changing role of funding sources in shaping conservation science in the United States, we analyzed acknowledgments from published studies, trends in research funding, and survey responses from conservation scientists. Although the U.S. federal government was the most frequently acknowledged source of support overall, U.S. foundations and NGOs were the predominant sources for tropical and socioeconomic research. Acknowledgments of foundation support for conservation research increased over the last two decades, while recognition of federal funds declined. Concordant trends in funding and acknowledgments indicated a changing landscape for conservation science, in which federal support has not kept pace with the growth in conservation research efforts or needs. Survey responses from conservation scientists about their funding sources were consistent with acknowledgment data, and most (64%) indicated that shifts in funding sources and amounts affected the type of research they conduct. Ongoing changes in the funding landscape shape the direction of conservation research and may make conservation science more vulnerable to economic recessions

    Intestinal Ralstonia pickettii augments glucose intolerance in obesity

    Get PDF
    An altered intestinal microbiota composition has been implicated in the pathogenesis of metabolic disease including obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Low grade inflammation, potentially initiated by the intestinal microbiota, has been suggested to be a driving force in the development of insulin resistance in obesity. Here, we report that bacterial DNA is present in mesenteric adipose tissue of obese but otherwise healthy human subjects. Pyrosequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA genes revealed that DNA from the Gram-negative species Ralstonia was most prevalent. Interestingly, fecal abundance of Ralstonia pickettii was increased in obese subjects with pre-diabetes and T2DM. To assess if R. pickettii was causally involved in development of obesity and T2DM, we performed a proof-of-concept study in diet-induced obese (DIO) mice. Compared to vehicle-treated control mice, R. pickettii-treated DIO mice had reduced glucose tolerance. In addition, circulating levels of endotoxin were increased in R. pickettii-treated mice. In conclusion, this study suggests that intestinal Ralstonia is increased in obese human subjects with T2DM and reciprocally worsens glucose tolerance in DIO mice.Peer reviewe
    corecore