Autofeedback scheme for preservation of macroscopic coherence in microwave cavities

We present a scheme for controlling the decoherence of a linear superposition of two coherent states with opposite phases in a high-Q microwave cavity, based on the injection of appropriately prepared ``probe'' and ``feedback'' Rydberg atoms, improving the one presented in [D. Vitali et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 79, 2442 (1997)]. In the present scheme, the information transmission from the probe to the feedback atom is directly mediated by a second auxiliary cavity. The detection efficiency for the probe atom is no longer a critical parameter, and the decoherence time of the superposition state can be significantly increased using presently available technology.Comment: revtex, 15 pages, 4 eps figure

Quantum State Protection in Cavities

We show how an initially prepared quantum state of a radiation mode in a cavity can be preserved for a long time using a feedback scheme based on the injection of appropriately prepared atoms. We present a feedback scheme both for optical cavities, which can be continuously monitored by a photodetector, and for microwave cavities, which can be monitored only indirectly via the detection of atoms that have interacted with the cavity field. We also discuss the possibility of applying these methods for decoherence control in quantum information processing.Comment: RevTex, 9 figures, submitted to Phys. Rev.

Omecamtiv mecarbil in chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, GALACTIC‐HF: baseline characteristics and comparison with contemporary clinical trials

Aims: The safety and efficacy of the novel selective cardiac myosin activator, omecamtiv mecarbil, in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is tested in the Global Approach to Lowering Adverse Cardiac outcomes Through Improving Contractility in Heart Failure (GALACTIC‐HF) trial. Here we describe the baseline characteristics of participants in GALACTIC‐HF and how these compare with other contemporary trials. Methods and Results: Adults with established HFrEF, New York Heart Association functional class (NYHA) ≥ II, EF ≤35%, elevated natriuretic peptides and either current hospitalization for HF or history of hospitalization/ emergency department visit for HF within a year were randomized to either placebo or omecamtiv mecarbil (pharmacokinetic‐guided dosing: 25, 37.5 or 50 mg bid). 8256 patients [male (79%), non‐white (22%), mean age 65 years] were enrolled with a mean EF 27%, ischemic etiology in 54%, NYHA II 53% and III/IV 47%, and median NT‐proBNP 1971 pg/mL. HF therapies at baseline were among the most effectively employed in contemporary HF trials. GALACTIC‐HF randomized patients representative of recent HF registries and trials with substantial numbers of patients also having characteristics understudied in previous trials including more from North America (n = 1386), enrolled as inpatients (n = 2084), systolic blood pressure < 100 mmHg (n = 1127), estimated glomerular filtration rate < 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 (n = 528), and treated with sacubitril‐valsartan at baseline (n = 1594). Conclusions: GALACTIC‐HF enrolled a well‐treated, high‐risk population from both inpatient and outpatient settings, which will provide a definitive evaluation of the efficacy and safety of this novel therapy, as well as informing its potential future implementation

Influence of application parameters of ultrasonic-assisted bone instruments on the tear force of a substitute material for spinal dura mater

An ultrasonic-assisted bone instrument can be used for the dissection of bone in spinal surgery. During surgery, the tip of such a bone instrument can touch spinal dura mater. Especially during critical re-operations, high forces can be unintentionally applied on spinal dura mater. To prevent dural tears, the influence of application parameters on the tear force shall be analyzed. Collagen foil is used as a substitute material for spinal dura mater because of its similar mechanical properties and structure. Sponge cloth is placed below collagen foil to imitate cerebrospinal fluid and nerve tissue. A 3-axis CNC-machine is used to automate the movement of the bone instrument. In a full factorial experiment the influence of amplitude, shape of movement and velocity of movement on the tear force is analyzed. Amplitude has the strongest effect because of the increase in input energy. Velocity also has a significant influence, probably because of the strain rate increasing with velocity. Thus, a surgeon should mainly reduce the amplitude and furthermore the velocity of movement to generate higher safety in critical areas. © 2018 Marie C. Foelkel et al

Influence of application parameters of ultrasonic-assisted bone instruments on the tear force of a substitute material for spinal dura mater

An ultrasonic-assisted bone instrument can be used for the dissection of bone in spinal surgery. During surgery, the tip of such a bone instrument can touch spinal dura mater. Especially during critical re-operations, high forces can be unintentionally applied on spinal dura mater. To prevent dural tears, the influence of application parameters on the tear force shall be analyzed. Collagen foil is used as a substitute material for spinal dura mater because of its similar mechanical properties and structure. Sponge cloth is placed below collagen foil to imitate cerebrospinal fluid and nerve tissue. A 3-axis CNC-machine is used to automate the movement of the bone instrument. In a full factorial experiment the influence of amplitude, shape of movement and velocity of movement on the tear force is analyzed. Amplitude has the strongest effect because of the increase in input energy. Velocity also has a significant influence, probably because of the strain rate increasing with velocity. Thus, a surgeon should mainly reduce the amplitude and furthermore the velocity of movement to generate higher safety in critical areas