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As a valid tool for solving ground state problems, imaginary time evolution (ITE) is widely used in physical and chemical simulations. Different ITE-based algorithms in their quantum counterpart have recently been proposed and applied to some real systems. We experimentally realize the variational-based quantum imaginary time evolution (QITE) algorithm to simulate the ground state energy of hydrogen (H2) and lithium hydride (LiH) molecules in a superconducting qubit system. The H2 molecule is directly simulated using the 3-qubit circuit with unitary-coupled clusters (UCC) ansatz. We also combine QITE with the cluster mean-field (CMF) method to obtain an effective Hamiltonian. The LiH molecule is correspondingly simulated using the 3-qubit circuit with hardware-efficient ansatz. For comparison, the LiH molecule is also directly simulated using the 4-qubit circuit with UCC ansatz at the equilibrium point. All the experimental results show a convergence within 4 iterations, with high-fidelity ground state energy obtained. For a more complex system in the future, the CMF may allow further grouping of interactions to obtain an effective Hamiltonian, then the hybrid QITE algorithm can possibly simulate a relatively large-scale system with fewer qubits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reconstruction of defects of nasal ala and dorsum after surgical excision presents a substantial challenge to dermatologic surgeons. Second intention healing is a simple and extremely useful method to optimize cosmesis after skin cancer removal. This study reported the cosmetic outcomes after second intention healing of nasal ala and dorsum defects in Asians, and estimated the time to epithelialization and complete healing. Fifteen defects (<1 cm in diameter) of the nasal ala and dorsum in 10 patients were allowed to heal by secondary intention. Cosmetic results were evaluated and the time to epithelialization and complete healing were recorded. Cosmetic outcomes were good to excellent in 80% of the defects; defects of the dorsum showed poorer cosmetic results than defects of the ala. The wounds needed 5–17 days (mean 11.3; SD ± 4.18) to complete epithelialization and 10–24 days (mean 17.7; SD ± 4.85) to heal completely. Second intention healing of small nasal ala and dorsum defects (<1 cm in diameter) in Asians produces satisfactory cosmetic results with a low complication rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Fractional lasers have become increasingly popular for treating atrophic scars, but their effectiveness is limited for deeper scars. We developed a novel technique (manual fractional thermal contraction technology, MFTCT) using an ultra‐pulse CO2 laser and evaluated its efficacy and safety for treating atrophic facial scars. Methods: A total of 44 patients with atrophic facial scars were treated with MFTCT every 8 weeks for 1‐4 times. Overall scar improvement was assessed by photographs taken at baseline and 3 months after the last treatment according to the 4‐point global assessment scale (GAS) and ECCA grading scale. Improvements in color, distortion, and texture were assessed by the modified Manchester Scar Scale and scored individually from 1 to 4. Pain degrees and adverse reactions during and after treatment were recorded. Results: A total of 44 patients completed the treatment and follow‐ups; of them, 89% reported at least 50% overall improvement after the last treatment. The mean ECCA scores fell from 67.50 ± 23.98 to 45.68 ± 18.57 (a 32% improvement), and the change was significant (P =.000). The average score for overall improvement was 3.48. The average scores for color, distortion, and texture were 3.07 ± 0.62, 3.27 ± 0.50, and 3.52 ± 0.51, respectively. Mean pain degree score was 4.27 ± 1.04, and mean erythema duration was 28.43 ± 6.58 days. Some patients developed pigmentation for a few months that resolved with topical treatment. Conclusion: Manual fractional thermal contraction technology has definite clinical efficacy in the treatment of atrophic facial scars with fewer adverse reactions and is worth using in the clinical setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]