P3750Efficiency of electrocardiographic algorithms in management of idiopathic outflow tract ventricular arrhythmias in children

Introduction

Ablation of idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias (IVA) originating in left ventricle outflow tract (LVOT) are more challenging as compared to right ventricle outflow tract (RVOT). In recent years, several ECG algorithms predicting the site of origin (SOO) of arrhythmia for adult population have been published. There is a sparse information on their diagnostic performance in children.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to validate two algorithms: 1) Novel TZ index, 2) V2S/V3R and their combined application in children for predicting the appropriate SOO of IVA.

Methods

Two groups of children without structural heart disease, thorax anomalies and normal QRS complexes during sinus rhythm were included in the study: 1) patients with IVA with inferior axis who underwent successful RFCA using the 3D-electroanatomical system, 2) patients with paced or mechanically-induced QRS complexes from LVOT or RVOT during other procedures. ECGs were analyzed in a specially developed software for analyzing the amplitude of the QRS complex waves. Semi-automated measurements of amplitudes of QRS complexes and calculations were carried out for 2 published algorithms: 1) Novel TZ index, 2) V2S/V3R. The results of their separate and combined use were compared with SOO of acute successful RFCA and mapping or spot of pacing.

Results

108 PVC morphologies (68 from the RVOT and 40 from LVOT) from 74 pediatric patients (age: 14.0±2.9, 39 female) were included into the study. The algorithm V2S/V3R predicted left-sided SOO with a sensitivity and specificity of 94%. Novel TZ-index showed sensitivity of 89% and specificity of 84%. Combined use of Novel TZ-index+V2S/V3R showed high sensitivity (92%) and very height specificity (97%) of the LVOT SOO prediction

Conclusion

Both algorithms allowed accurate, simple and precise identification of SOO of RVOT/LVOT IVA in children. The combined use of those algorithms may facilitate additional pharmacologic treatment, omitting RVOT mapping with direct mapping LVOT, performance of the procedure by experienced operator.

Positive selection in dNTPase SAMHD1 throughout mammalian evolution

The vertebrate protein SAMHD1 is highly unusual in having roles in cellular metabolic regulation, antiviral restriction, and regulation of innate immunity. Its deoxynucleoside triphosphohydrolase activity regulates cellular dNTP concentration, reducing levels below those required by lentiviruses and other viruses to replicate. To counter this threat, some primate lentiviruses encode accessory proteins that bind SAMHD1 and induce its degradation; in turn, positive diversifying selection has been observed in regions bound by these lentiviral proteins, suggesting that primate SAMHD1 has coevolved to evade these countermeasures. Moreover, deleterious polymorphisms in human SAMHD1 are associated with autoimmune disease linked to uncontrolled DNA synthesis of endogenous retroelements. Little is known about how evolutionary pressures affect these different SAMHD1 functions. Here, we examine the deeper history of these interactions by testing whether evolutionary signatures in SAMHD1 extend to other mammalian groups and exploring the molecular basis of this coevolution. Using codon-based likelihood models, we find positive selection in SAMHD1 within each mammal lineage for which sequence data are available. We observe positive selection at sites clustered around T592, a residue that is phosphorylated to regulate SAMHD1 activity. We verify experimentally that mutations within this cluster affect catalytic rate and lentiviral restriction, suggesting that virus-host coevolution has required adaptations of enzymatic function. Thus, persistent positive selection may have involved the adaptation of SAMHD1 regulation to balance antiviral, metabolic, and innate immunity functions.

Extraction of the Rashba spin-orbit coupling constant from scanning gate microscopy conductance maps for quantum point contacts

We study the possibility for the extraction of the Rashba spin-orbit coupling constant for a two-dimensional electron gas with the conductance microscopy technique. Due to the interplay between the effective magnetic field due to the Rashba spin-orbit coupling and the external magnetic field applied within the plane of confinement, the electron backscattering induced by a charged tip of an atomic force microscope located above the sample leads to the spin precession and spin mixing of the incident and reflected electron waves between the QPC and the tip-induced 2DEG depletion region. This mixing leads to a characteristic angle-dependent beating pattern visible in the conductance maps. We show that the structure of the Fermi level, bearing signatures of the spin-orbit coupling, can be extracted from the Fourier transform of the interference fringes in the conductance maps as a function of the magnetic field direction. We propose a simple analytical model which can be used to fit the experimental data in order to obtain the spin-orbit coupling constant.

Spin-valley dynamics of electrically driven ambipolar carbon-nanotube quantum dots

An ambipolar n-p double quantum dot defined by potential variation along a semiconducting carbon-nanotube is considered. We focus on the (1e,1h) charge configuration with a single excess electron of the conduction band confined in the n-type dot and a single missing electron in the valence band state of the p-type dot for which lifting of the Pauli blockade of the current was observed in the electric-dipole spin resonance (Laird et al 2013 Nat. Nanotechnol. 8 565). The dynamics of the system driven by periodic electric field is studied with the Floquet theory and the time-dependent configuration interaction method with the single-electron spin-valley-orbitals determined for atomistic tight-binding Hamiltonian. We find that the transitions lifting the Pauli blockade are strongly influenced by coupling to a vacuum state with an empty n dot and a fully filled p dot. The coupling shifts the transition energies and strongly modifies the effective g factors for axial magnetic field. The coupling is modulated by the bias between the dots but it appears effective for surprisingly large energy splitting between the (1e,1h) ground state and the vacuum (0e, 0h) state. Multiphoton transitions and high harmonic generation effects are also discussed.

Spin-orbit interaction in bent carbon nanotubes: resonant spin transitions

We develop an effective tight-binding Hamiltonian for spin-orbit (SO) interaction in bent carbon nanotubes (CNT) for the electrons forming the π bonds between the nearest neighbor atoms. We account for the bend of the CNT and the intrinsic spin-orbit interaction which introduce mixing of π and σ bonds between the p(z) orbitals along the CNT. The effect contributes to the main origin of the SO coupling-the folding of the graphene plane into the nanotube. We discuss the bend-related contribution of the SO coupling for resonant single-electron spin and charge transitions in a double quantum dot. We report that although the effect of the bend-related SO coupling is weak for the energy spectra, it produces a pronounced increase of the spin transition rates driven by an external electric field. We find that spin-flipping transitions driven by alternate electric fields have usually larger rates when accompanied by charge shift from one dot to the other. Spin-flipping transition rates are non-monotonic functions of the driving amplitude since they are masked by stronger spin-conserving charge transitions. We demonstrate that the fractional resonances-counterparts of multiphoton transitions for atoms in strong laser fields-occurring in electrically controlled nanodevices already at moderate ac amplitudes-can be used to maintain the spin-flip transitions.

Charge density mapping of strongly-correlated few-electron two-dimensional quantum dots by the scanning probe technique

We perform a numerical simulation of the mapping of charge confined in quantum dots by the scanning probe technique. We solve the few-electron Schrödinger equation with the exact diagonalization approach and evaluate the energy maps as a function of the probe position. Next, from the energy maps we try to reproduce the charge density distribution using an integral equation given by the perturbation theory. The reproduced density maps are compared with the original ones. This study covers two-dimensional quantum dots of various geometries and profiles with the one-dimensional (1D) quantum dot as a limiting case. We concentrate on large quantum dots for which strong electron-electron correlations appear. For circular dots the correlations lead to the formation of Wigner molecules that in the presence of a tip appear in the laboratory frame. The unperturbed rotationally-symmetric charge density is surprisingly well reproduced by the mapping. We find in general that the size of the confined droplet as well as the spatial extent of the charge density maxima is underestimated for a repulsive tip potential and overestimated for an attractive tip. In lower symmetry quantum dots Wigner molecules with single-electron islands nucleate for some electron numbers even in the absence of a tip. These charge densities are well resolved by the mapping. These single-electron islands appear in the laboratory frame provided that the classical point charge density distribution is unique, in the 1D limit of confinement in particular. We demonstrate that for electron systems which possess a few equivalent classical configurations the repulsive probe switches between the configurations. In consequence the charge density evades mapping by the repulsive probe.

Fractional conductance oscillations in quantum rings: wave packet picture of transport in a few-electron system

We study electron transfer across a two-terminal quantum ring using a time-dependent description of the scattering process. For the considered scattering event the quantum ring is initially charged with one or two electrons, with another electron incident to the ring from the input channel. We study the electron transfer probability (T) as a function of the external magnetic field. We determine the periodicity of T for a varied number of electrons confined within the ring. For that purpose we develop a method to describe the wave packet dynamics for a few electrons participating in the scattering process, taking into full account the electron-electron correlations. We find that electron transfer across the quantum ring initially charged by a single electron acquires a distinct periodicity of half of the magnetic flux quantum (Φ0/2), corresponding to the formation of a transient two-electron state inside the ring. In the case of a three-electron scattering problem with two electrons initially occupying the ring, a period of Φ0/3 for T is formed in the limit of thin channels. The effect of disorder present in the confinement potential of the ring is also discussed.

Multisubband transport and magnetic deflection of Fermi electron trajectories in three terminal junctions and rings

We study the electron transport in three terminal junctions and quantum rings looking for the classical deflection of electron trajectories in the presence of intersubband scattering. We indicate that although the Aharonov-Bohm oscillations and the Lorentz force effects co-exist in the low subband transport, for higher Fermi energies a simultaneous observation of both effects is difficult and calls for carefully formed structures. In particular, in quantum rings with channels wider than the input lead the Lorentz force is well resolved but the Aharonov-Bohm periodicity is lost in chaotic scattering events. In quantum rings with equal lengths of the channels and T-shaped junctions the Aharonov-Bohm oscillations are distinctly periodic but the Lorentz force effects are not well pronounced. We find that systems with wedge-shaped junctions allow for observation of both the periodic Aharonov-Bohm oscillations and the magnetic deflection.

Electronic properties of a defected ring-shaped quantum dot array

In this paper we present a theoretical study of an array of circularly arranged quantum dots with a rectangular Kronig-Penney potential in the presence of a perpendicular magnetic field. For a perfect array of dots, an analytical formula for energy dispersion is derived. We also study the effects of disorder on the energy spectrum and persistent tunneling current. The effects of electron-electron interaction are then investigated for both perfect and defected arrays. We show that the period of Aharonov-Bohm oscillations is fractional for interacting electrons confined in a perfect array. In contrast, for a defected array, we find a critical value of electron-electron interaction strength at which a transition occurs from an integer to a fractional period of Aharonov-Bohm oscillations. Moreover, it is shown that the persistent current of weakly interacting electrons confined in a defected array is greater than the current of non- or strongly interacting electrons.

Magnetic forces and localized resonances in electron transfer through quantum rings

We study the current flow through semiconductor quantum rings. In high magnetic fields the current is usually injected into the arm of the ring preferred by classical magnetic forces. However, for narrow magnetic field intervals that appear periodically on the magnetic field scale the current is injected into the other arm of the ring. We indicate that the appearance of the anomalous-non-classical-current circulation results from Fano interference involving localized resonant states. The identification of the Fano interference is based on the comparison of the solution of the scattering problem with the results of the stabilization method. The latter employs the bound-state type calculations and allows us to extract both the energy of metastable states localized within the ring and the width of resonances by analysis of the energy spectrum of a finite size system as a function of its length. The Fano resonances involving states of anomalous current circulation become extremely narrow on both the magnetic field and energy scales. This is consistent with the orientation of the Lorentz force that tends to keep the electron within the ring and thus increases the lifetime of the electron localization within the ring. Absence of periodic Fano resonances in electron transfer probability through a quantum ring containing an elastic scatterer is also explained.

Magnetic forces and stationary electron flow in a three-terminal semiconductor quantum ring

We study stationary electron flow through a three-terminal quantum ring and describe effects due to deflection of electron trajectories by classical magnetic forces. We demonstrate that generally at high magnetic field (B) the current is guided by magnetic forces to follow a classical path, which for B > 0 leads via the left arm of the ring to the left output terminal. The transport to the left output terminal is blocked for narrow windows of magnetic field for which the interference within the ring leads to formation of wavefunctions that are only weakly coupled to the output channel wavefunctions. These interference conditions are accompanied by injection of the current to the right arm of the ring and by appearance of sharp peaks of the transfer probability to the right output terminal. We find that these peaks at high magnetic field are attenuated by thermal widening of the transport window. We also demonstrate that the interference conditions that lead to their appearance vanish when elastic scattering within the ring is present. The clear effect of magnetic forces on the transfer probabilities disappears along with Aharonov-Bohm oscillations in a chaotic transport regime that is found for rings whose width is larger than the width of the channels.

Magnetic-field asymmetry of electron wave packet transmission in bent channels capacitively coupled to a metal gate

We study the electron wave packet moving through a bent channel. We demonstrate that the packet transmission probability becomes an asymmetric function of the magnetic field when the electron packet is capacitively coupled to a metal plate. The coupling occurs through a nonlinear potential which translates a different kinetics of the transport for opposite magnetic-field orientations into a different potential felt by the scattered electron.

Gated combo nanodevice for sequential operations on single electron spin

We present an idea for a nanodevice in which an arbitrary sequence of three basic quantum single qubit gates-negation, Hadamard, and phase shift-can be performed on a single electron spin. The spin state is manipulated using the Dresselhaus spin-orbit coupling intrinsically present in zinc blende materials. The electron trajectory within the device is controlled by voltages applied to a multiple gate system which is deposited on top of a planar semiconductor heterostructure. We present the results of simulations based on iterative solutions of the time dependent Schrödinger equation with the electric field within the entire nanodevice calculated in each time step. We estimate the gate operation times and provide spatial dimensions of the gates allowing for the spin transformations.

Spin rotations induced by an electron running in closed trajectories in gated semiconductor nanodevices

A design for a quantum gate performing transformations of a single electron spin is presented. The spin rotations are performed by the electron going around the closed loops in a gated semiconductor device. We demonstrate the operation of NOT, phase-flip, and Hadamard quantum gates, i.e., the single-qubit gates which are most commonly used in the algorithms. The proposed devices employ the self-focusing effect for the electron wave packet interacting with the electron gas on the electrodes and the Rashba spin-orbit coupling. Because of the self-focusing effect, the electron moves in a compact wave packet. The spin-orbit coupling translates the spatial motion of the electron into the rotations of the spin. The device does not require microwave radiation and operates using low constant voltages. It is therefore suitable for selective single-spin rotations in larger registers.

Induced quantum dots and wires: electron storage and delivery

We show that quantum dots and quantum wires are formed underneath metal electrodes deposited on a planar semiconductor heterostructure containing a quantum well. The confinement is due to the self-focusing mechanism of an electron wave packet interacting with the charge induced on the metal surface. Induced quantum wires guide the transfer of electrons along metal paths and induced quantum dots store the electrons in specific locations of the nanostructure. Induced dots and wires can be useful for devices operating on the electron spin. An application for a spin readout device is proposed.

[Treatment of corneal complications after cataract surgery with soft contact lenses]

PURPOSE

To evaluate results of therapeutic soft contact lenses in treatment of corneal complication after cataract surgery. MATERIAL NAD METHODS: We examined 25 patients (25 eyes) with cataract operated on in the years 1990-1994, who developed corneal complications. All patients were treated with use of soft contact lenses and the effect on healing a cornea was evaluated. We used Bausch & Lomb and Cooper Vision lenses. We qualified for treatment such cases as: bullous keratopathy, marginal infiltration erosion, central ulceration, complicated with perforation and protracted ulceration with no result after pharmacological therapy. Contact lenses were applied for period from 10 days to 6 months. During follow up examinations we evaluated time of healing a cornea, its anatomical condition and function.

RESULTS

The best therapeutic result was achieved in 12 cases such as erosions, central ulceration, marginal infiltration, in 7 cases temporary improvement appeared, in 6 no result was observed. Two last groups applied patients with bullous keratopathy.

CONCLUSION

Soft contact lenses are valuable methods of treating some corneal disorders, in other cases they may be used during a preparation period before corneal transplantation. The main function of lenses is to protect diseased tissue and help it return to its anatomical and physiological functional state. At the same time they are meant to be the best therapeutic repository for medications.