Rodeo Algorithm for Quantum Computing.

We present a stochastic quantum computing algorithm that can prepare any eigenvector of a quantum Hamiltonian within a selected energy interval [E-ε,E+ε]. In order to reduce the spectral weight of all other eigenvectors by a suppression factor δ, the required computational effort scales as O[|logδ|/(pε)], where p is the squared overlap of the initial state with the target eigenvector. The method, which we call the rodeo algorithm, uses auxiliary qubits to control the time evolution of the Hamiltonian minus some tunable parameter E.

Optimization of microorganism preservation conditions for the development of an acute toxicity bioassay for biocides.

Biocides, also referred to as 'microbicides' or 'inhibitors', are widely used in industrial processes (e.g. utility water in cooling towers) to control and/or eliminate the growth of microorganisms.

3D shape evolution of microparticles and 3D enabled applications using non-uniform UV flow lithography (NUFL).

The generation of microparticles with non-spherical morphologies has generated extensive interest because of their enhanced physical properties that can increase their performance in a wide variety of clinical and industrial applications. A flow lithographic technique based on stop flow lithography (SFL) recently showed the ability to fabricate particles with 3D shapes via manipulation of the UV intensity profile in a simple 2D microfluidic channel. Here, we further explore this flow lithographic method, called non-uniform flow lithography (NUFL), to investigate the 3D-shape tuning ability for the generation of 3D magnetic microparticles and their potential applications.

Pathway to dry skin prevention and treatment.

Background: This article presents an evidence-supported clinical pathway for dry skin prevention and treatment.

Objective: The development of the pathway involved the following: a literature review was conducted and demonstrated that literature on dry skin is scarce. To compensate for the gap in the available literature, a modified Delphi method was used to collect information on prevention and treatment practice through a panel, which included 10 selected dermatologists who currently provide medical care for dermatology patients in Ontario.

Intraoperative frozen section analysis of urethral margin biopsies during radical prostatectomy.

Objectives: To evaluate the accuracy and potential clinical value of intraoperative frozen section analysis (FSA) on urethral margin (UM) tissue during radical prostatectomy. Positive surgical margins increase the risk of post-operative cancer recurrence. Positive surgical margins are frequently found at the apex.

Acidic residues in the purine binding site govern the 6-oxopurine specificity of the Leishmania donovani xanthine phosphoribosyltransferase.

Leishmania possess distinct xanthine phosphoribosyltransferase and hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase enzymes that mediate purine salvage, an obligatory nutritional function for these pathogenic parasites. The xanthine phosphoribosyltransferase preferentially uses xanthine as a substrate, while the hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase phosphoribosylates only hypoxanthine and guanine. These related phosphoribosyltransferases were used as model system to investigate the molecular determinants regulating the 6-oxopurine specificity of these enzymes.

Impact of surgeon selection on access placement and survival following preoperative mapping in the "Fistula First" era.

According to the "Fistula First Initiative" surgeon selection should be based on best outcomes, willingness, and ability to provide access services. This analysis presents arteriovenous access placement and outcomes in 75 patients when surgery was performed by one of two dedicated high-volume vascular access surgeons (community [surgeon I] and academic medical center [surgeon II]). Preoperative vascular mapping was performed in all the patients.

Accuracy of physical examination in the detection of arteriovenous graft stenosis.

Physical examination has recently been demonstrated to detect vascular access stenosis in patients with arteriovenous fistulae. However, its accuracy in the identification of stenoses when compared with the gold standard (angiography) in patients with arteriovenous grafts has not been studied in a systematic fashion. We conducted a prospective study to examine the accuracy of physical examination in the detection of stenotic lesions when compared with angiography.

Accuracy of physical examination in the detection of arteriovenous fistula stenosis.

Background And Objectives: Physical examination has been highlighted to detect vascular access stenosis; however, its accuracy in the identification of stenoses when compared with the gold standard (angiography) has not been validated in a systematic manner.

Design, Setting, Participants, & Measurements: A prospective study was conducted of 142 consecutive patients who were referred for an arteriovenous fistula dysfunction to examine the accuracy of physical examination in the detection of stenotic lesions when compared with angiography. The findings of a preprocedure physical examination and diagnosis were recorded and secured in a sealed envelope.

Hypertension treatment guidelines: practical implications.

The focus of blood pressure (BP) lowering is to prevent or reduce the risk for cardiovascular and renal events. This rationale forms the basis for the recent guideline statements issued by the Seventh Joint National Committee, the American Diabetes Association, the European Society of Hypertension, and the Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative. The goal BP in the majority of hypertensive patients should be less than 140/90 mm Hg, with a lower goal of less than 130/80 mm Hg in patients with diabetes or kidney disease.

Antihypertensive, antiproteinuric therapy and myocardial infarction and stroke prevention.

Proteinuria is a graded marker for kidney damage, as well as the risk for future cardiovascular events. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs) reduce urinary protein excretion and slow progression of renal impairment, independent of blood pressure lowering. Both the Irbesartan Diabetic Nephropathy Trial (IDNT) and the Reduction in Endpoints in NIDDM with the Angiotensin Antagonist Losartan (RENAAL) study were large, randomized, prospective studies in type 2 diabetic patients with proteinuria.