Modeling Three and Four Coupled Phase Qubits

The Josephson junction phase qubit has been shown to be a viable candidate for quantum computation. In recent years, the two coupled phase system has been extensively studied theoretically and experimentally. We have analyzed the quantum behavior of three and four capacitively-coupled phase qubits with different possible configurations, using a two-level system model. Energy levels and eigenstates have been calculated as a function of bias current and detuning. The properties of these simple networks are discussed

Isopropylphenidate: An Ester Homolog of Methylphenidate with Sustained and Selective Dopaminergic Activity and Reduced Drug Interaction Liability

Objective: The most widely utilized pharmacological treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the psychostimulant methylphenidate (MPH). Most MPH formulations consist of the racemic mixture of d-threo-(R, R)-MPH and l-threo-(S, S)-MPH isomers. MPH is characterized by its low bioavailability and short half-life (2?3 hours). Additionally, significant inter-individual variability in MPH pharmacokinetics has been consistently documented. Accordingly, efforts have been directed at developing alternatives to MPH as therapeutic agents. A wide range of MPH analogues (dl-α-[2-piperidyl]-phenylacetic acid esters) have been synthesized with the dopamine transporter (DAT) and norepinephrine transporter (NET) as principle neuropharmacological targets. The present study investigated the metabolic profiles and pharmacological activity of the isopropyl ester derivative of MPH, dl-isopropylphenidate (IPH), both in vitro and in vivo. Methods: The synthesis, monoaminergic transporter binding, cellular uptake profiles, and assessment of metabolic hydrolysis and transesterification in the presence of ethanol are described using MPH as a comparator. Additionally, an in vivo assessment of IPH stimulant effects (vs. saline) in rats was performed with locomotor activity as a pharmacodynamic outcome. Results: IPH displayed unique pharmacological characteristics including greater DAT than NET binding and cellular uptake activity, and greater resistance to hydrolysis and transesterification via carboxylesterase 1 relative to MPH. Further, sustained psychostimulant properties offer the prospect of an enhanced duration of action. Conclusions: Our findings are consistent with IPH exhibiting attributes distinguishing it from MPH and warranting further study and development of IPH as a novel psychotherapeutic agent.Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/140321/1/cap.2013.0074.pd

Illusory Decoherence

If a quantum experiment includes random processes, then the results of repeated measurements can appear consistent with irreversible decoherence even if the system's evolution prior to measurement was reversible and unitary. Two thought experiments are constructed as examples.Comment: 10 pages, 3 figure

Long-Term Consequences of Methamphetamine Exposure in Young Adults Are Exacerbated in Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Heterozygous Mice

Methamphetamine abuse in young adults has long-term deleterious effects on brain function that are associated with damage to monoaminergic neurons. Administration of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) protects dopamine neurons from the toxic effects of methamphetamine in animal models. Therefore, we hypothesized that a partial GDNF gene deletion would increase the susceptibility of mice to methamphetamine neurotoxicity during young adulthood and possibly increase age-related deterioration of behavior and dopamine function. Two weeks after a methamphetamine binge (4 x 10 mg/kg, i.p., at 2 h intervals), GDNF +/- mice had a significantly greater reduction of tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity in the medial striatum, a proportionally greater depletion of dopamine and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) levels in the striatum, and a greater increase in activated microglia in the substantia nigra than wild-type mice. At 12 months of age, methamphetamine-treated GDNF +/- mice exhibited less motor activity and lower levels oftyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactivity, dopamine, DOPAC, and serotoninthanwild-typemice. Greater striatal dopaminetransporter activity in GDNF +/- mice may underlie their differential response to methamphetamine. These data suggest the possibility that methamphetamine use in young adults, when combined with lower levels of GDNF throughout life, may precipitate the appearance of parkinsonian-like behaviors during aging

TEAM-UP for quality: a cluster randomized controlled trial protocol focused on preventing pressure ulcers through repositioning frequency and precipitating factors

Background: Pressure ulcers/injuries (PrUs), a critical concern for nursing homes (NH), are responsible for chronic wounds, amputations, septic infections, and premature deaths. PrUs occur most commonly in older adults and NH residence is a risk factor for their development, with at least one of every nine U.S. NH residents experiencing a PrU and many NHs having high incidence and prevalence rates, in some instances well over 20%. PrU direct treatment costs are greater than prevention costs, making prevention-focused protocols critical. Current PrU prevention protocols recommend repositioning residents at moderate, high, and severe risk every 2 h. The advent of visco- elastic (VE) high-density foam support-surfaces over the past decade may now make it possible to extend the repositioning interval to every 3 or 4 h without increasing PrU development. The TEAM-UP (Turn Everyone And Move for Ulcer Prevention) study aims to determine: 1) whether repositioning interval can be extended for NH residents without compromising PrU incidence and 2) how changes in medical severity interact with changes in risk level and repositioning schedule to predict PrU development. Methods: In this proposed cluster randomized study, 9 NHs will be randomly assigned to one of three repositioning intervals (2, 3, or 4 h) for a 4-week period. Each enrolled site will use a single NH-wide repositioning interval as the standard of care for residents at low, moderate, and high risk of PrU development (N = 951) meeting the following criteria: minimum 3-day stay, without PrUs, no adhesive allergy, and using VE support surfaces (mattresses). An FDA-cleared patient monitoring system that records position/movement of these residents via individual wireless sensors will be used to visually cue staff when residents need repositioning and document compliance with repositioning protocols. Discussion: This study will advance knowledge about repositioning frequency and clinically assessed PrU risk level in relation to PrU incidence and medical severity. Outcomes of this research will contribute to future guidelines for more precise preventive nursing practices and refinement of PrU prevention guidelines. Trial registration: Clinical Trial Registration: NCT02996331

Models of classroom assessment for course-based research experiences

Course-based research pedagogy involves positioning students as contributors to authentic research projects as part of an engaging educational experience that promotes their learning and persistence in science. To develop a model for assessing and grading students engaged in this type of learning experience, the assessment aims and practices of a community of experienced course-based research instructors were collected and analyzed. This approach defines four aims of course-based research assessment—(1) Assessing Laboratory Work and Scientific Thinking; (2) Evaluating Mastery of Concepts, Quantitative Thinking and Skills; (3) Appraising Forms of Scientific Communication; and (4) Metacognition of Learning—along with a set of practices for each aim. These aims and practices of assessment were then integrated with previously developed models of course-based research instruction to reveal an assessment program in which instructors provide extensive feedback to support productive student engagement in research while grading those aspects of research that are necessary for the student to succeed. Assessment conducted in this way delicately balances the need to facilitate students’ ongoing research with the requirement of a final grade without undercutting the important aims of a CRE education