Hamiltonian Engineering with Multicolor Drives for Fast Entangling Gates and Quantum Crosstalk Cancellation.

Quantum computers built with superconducting artificial atoms already stretch the limits of their classical counterparts. While the lowest energy states of these artificial atoms serve as the qubit basis, the higher levels are responsible for both a host of attractive gate schemes as well as generating undesired interactions. In particular, when coupling these atoms to generate entanglement, the higher levels cause shifts in the computational levels that lead to unwanted ZZ quantum crosstalk. Here, we present a novel technique to manipulate the energy levels and mitigate this crosstalk with simultaneous off-resonant drives on coupled qubits. This breaks a fundamental deadlock between qubit-qubit coupling and crosstalk. In a fixed-frequency transmon architecture with strong coupling and crosstalk cancellation, additional cross-resonance drives enable a 90 ns CNOT with a gate error of (0.19±0.02)%, while a second set of off-resonant drives enables a novel CZ gate. Furthermore, we show a definitive improvement in circuit performance with crosstalk cancellation over seven qubits, demonstrating the scalability of the technique. This Letter paves the way for superconducting hardware with faster gates and greatly improved multiqubit circuit fidelities.

Expression analysis of melatonin receptor subtypes in the ovary of domestic chicken.

Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine), an indole hormone, regulates various biological functions through three different receptor subtypes (Mel-1a, Mel-1b, and Mel-1c). However, the distribution of different melatonin receptor subtypes in chicken reproductive tissues was not known. In the present investigation, the partial sequences of ovarian melatonin receptor subtypes (Mel-1a, Mel-1b, and Mel-1c) were characterized. Further, the expression profile of melatonin receptor subtypes in the granulosa and theca layers of different preovulatory and postovulatory follicles (POF) were studied by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. The expression of all three subtypes of melatonin receptors were observed in the ovary of domestic chicken. Analysis of partial sequences of ovarian melatonin receptors revealed that the melatonin subtypes were identical to the brain receptors. In small white ovary follicles, we observed only the expression of mel-1b receptors, but not mel-1a or mel-1c receptors. In yellow follicles, all the three subtypes of receptors expression were noticed. Interestingly, we observed the expression of mel-1a receptor only in thecal layer, but not in granulosa layer. In contrast, mel-1b and -1c receptors were expressed in both granulosa and thecal layer. During the regression of POF, we observed significant upregulation of melatonin receptors (mel-1a and 1c) expression, that downregulated in the later stages of regression. We assume that the expression of melatonin receptors might have been influenced by the atresia or apoptosis of different follicular layers in POF. Our findings suggest that the differential distribution of melatonin receptor subtypes might have distinct downstream cellular functions in the ovarian tissues.

Cytokines and chemokines in postovulatory follicle regression of domestic chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus).

The mechanism of postovulatory follicle (POF) regression in birds is still poorly understood. In the current study, expression of IL-1beta, IL-6, GM-CSF, IFN-gamma, IL-2, IL-4, IL-13, chCXCLi2, chCCLi2, chCCLi4, chCCLi7, IL-10 and TGF-beta2 mRNAs was estimated in regressing POF by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. In addition, the changes in immune cell population, histological and apoptotic changes were also studied in regressing POF. The expression of cytokines (IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-10 and TGF-beta2) and chemokines (chCXCLi2, chCCLi2, chCCLi4 and chCCLi7) was upregulated in POFs, suggesting a role for these molecules in tissue regression. The histological findings suggested a significant infiltration of immune cells, especially heterophils, lymphocytes and macrophages, into the regressing POF. The flow cytometry analysis of lymphocyte subpopulations revealed that CD3(+), CD4(+), CD8(+) and Bu-1(+) lymphocytes were significantly increased during this regression. The significant up-regulation of chemokines might have attracted the immune cells during POF regression. The percentage of apoptotic cells was significantly increased during the regression of POF. The up-regulation of IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-10 and TGF-beta2 and down-regulation of GM-CSF might have induced apoptosis during the POF regression. However, expression of IFN-gamma, IL-2, IL-4 and IL-13 was not significantly altered during POF regression. In conclusion, cytokines appear to play an important role in the regression of POF in chicken. Furthermore, the regression of chicken POF seems to be an inflammatory event similar to luteolysis of the mammalian corpus luteum.

Reproductive tissue regression: involvement of caspases, inducible nitric oxide synthase and nitric oxide during moulting in White Leghorn hens.

Moulting is a natural physiological process where the reproductive system of birds undergoes complete remodeling in preparation for the next laying cycle. In domestic chickens, moulting is artificially induced by feed withdrawal to recycle the old laying flock for best profit margins. This has received severe criticism from animal welfare organizations, forcing several countries to stop this practice. Several alternative methods to feed withdrawal methods were developed but were found to produce inconsistent results. Understanding the actual mechanism of moulting would help in designing a new animal welfare friendly method. The present investigation attempted to study the molecular mechanism of moulting in White Leghorn hens. Eighty-four layers (75 weeks) were divided into two groups. The birds in the first group were subjected to moulting by feed withdrawal (FW) while the other group received high dietary Zn (ZnF) treatment for 10 days. Six birds from each group were sacrificed on 0, 1-4, 6 and 10 days of moulting and mRNA expression of caspases-1, -2 and iNOS, along with the apoptotic ladder pattern and nitric oxide (NO) in the ovary and oviduct, was investigated. The mRNA expression of iNOS was upregulated with a corresponding increase in NO levels. Caspases-1 and -2 were differentially upregulated in the ovary and oviduct of moulted birds. A constant decline in serum estradiol and progesterone levels was also observed. It can be concluded that the pattern of reproductive regression during moulting by the two methods is different, as the expression of genes studied in the present investigation is different.

Expression profile of myostatin mRNA during the embryonic organogenesis of domestic chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus).

Myostatin is a potent growth and differentiation factor involved in skeletal muscle tissue formation in vertebrates. However, recent studies in chicken embryo suggested that the myostatin was expressed even before the establishment of myogenic lineage. No studies have thus far been reported in birds to define the role of myostatin during the embryonic organogenesis. The present experiment was designed for studying the expression profiles of myostatin mRNA in the chicken liver, heart, brain, and intestine during their morphogenesis, using real-time PCR. The myostatin mRNA expression was significantly upregulated in liver during E15-E18. Similar results were observed during the development of chicken heart. In brain, the expression of myostatin was upregulated from E4 onwards. In intestine, the expression of myostatin was significantly increased many folds on E9-E18. Therefore, the increase in myostatin expression might be related to the growth of liver and heart on days E12-E18; morphogenesis and growth of brain during E15-E18; and morphogenesis and differentiation of intestine during E9-E18. In the present study, the tissue-specific expression of myostatin gene in chicken is similar to fishes, but different from that in mammals. Further, the inspection of chicken genome also suggested that there is no differentiation of GDF-8 and -11. A recent finding suggests that the chicken myostatin gene is closely related to mammals than fishes. Therefore, we propose that the chicken myostatin gene might have diverged in its function between teleosts and mammals. Indeed it is possible that its function might have only become fully differentiated to serve as a control of muscle mass in mammals.

Immune responses induced by DNA vaccines encoding Newcastle virus haemagglutinin and/or fusion proteins in maternal antibody-positive commercial broiler chicken.

1. The immune responses induced by recombinant plasmids containing Newcastle disease virus (NDV) F (pVAX.nd.f) or HN (pcDNA.nd.hn) genes separately or in combination in bi-cistronic (pIRES.nd.hn.f) constructs were evaluated in maternal antibody-positive commercial chicks. 2. Immunofluorescence and immunoperoxidase tests demonstrated the expression of both F and HN proteins in Vero cells. Real-time PCR analysis revealed the expression of HN and/or F genes in muscle, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), spleen and liver after immunisation. 3. Chicks inoculated intramuscularly thrice (two booster doses) with pVAX.nd.f and pcDNA.nd.hn did not develop detectable haemagglutination inhibiting (HI) antibodies. In contrast, an increase in a NDV-specific cell-mediated immune response was demonstrated. 4. After challenge with virulent NDV, chicks immunised with the recombinant plasmids as well as those in control groups succumbed to Newcastle disease. 5. Based on these results, it is concluded that DNA vaccines containing HN and/or F genes fail to protect commercial chicks, possibly due to interference from maternal antibodies.

Performance evaluation of various aerobic biological systems for the treatment of domestic wastewater at low temperatures.

Studies were undertaken on the performance evaluation of three different types of aerobic reactors, namely, activated sludge process, fluidized bed reactor and submerged bed reactor. Initially synthetic wastewater was used for stabilizing the system and later domestic wastewater of IIT Madras was used as the feed for the biological systems. The hydraulic retention time was maintained as 24 h. The seed sludge was collected from IIT Madras sewage treatment plant. The inlet COD to the reactors with synthetic wastewater was 1,000 +/- 20 mg/L and with real wastewater, it was 150 to 350 mg/L. The performance of the reactors was evaluated based on the soluble COD and nitrogen removal efficiency. The pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO) and mixed liquid suspended solid (MLSS) concentration were measured periodically. The reactors were acclimatized at 35 degrees C in batch mode and changed to continuous mode at 30 degrees C. After the systems attained its steady state at a particular temperature, the temperature was reduced from 35 degrees C to 5 degrees C stepwise, with each step of 5 degrees C. The start-up time for submerged bed reactor was slightly more than fluidized and conventional activated sludge process.The COD removal efficiency of the three reactors was higher with synthetic wastewaters as compared to actual domestic wastewater. Submerged bed reactor was more robust and efficient as compared to activated sludge and fluidized bed reactors. The COD removal efficiency of the reactors was relatively good until the operating temperature was maintained at 15 degrees C or above. At 10 degrees C, submerged bed reactor was able to achieve 40% COD removal efficiency whereas; the fluidized bed and conventional ASP reactors were showing only 20% COD removal efficiency. At 5 degrees C, almost all the systems failed. Submerged bed reactor showed around 20% COD removal efficiency. However, this reactor was able to regain its 90% of original efficiency, once the temperature was raised to 10 degrees C. At higher temperatures, the nitrification efficiency of the reactors was above 80-90%. As the temperature reduced the nitrification efficiency has reduced drastically. In summary, submerged bed reactors seems to be a better option for treating domestic wastewaters at low temperature regions.

Spatial expression of chemokines and cytokines mRNA in the largest preovulatory follicle of chicken.

In the present experiment, we studied the spatial expression profiles of chemokines and cytokines mRNA in the granulosa (F1Gr) and theca (F1Th) layers of the largest preovulatory follicle in chicken using semi-quantitative PCR. The mRNAs of IL-1beta, IL-6, GM-CSF, chCXCLi2, chCCLi2, chCCLi4, chCCLi7, IFN-gamma, IL-4, IL-13, IL-10 and TGF-beta2 were expressed in the granulosa (F1Gr) and theca (F1Th) layers of the largest preovulatory follicle. However, the transcripts of IL-2 were not detected in any of the samples tested. Significantly higher levels of IL-6 and GM-CSF mRNA expression were noticed in F1Gr when compared to F1Th layer. Expression of chCXCLi2, a CXC chemokine, was almost similar in F1Gr and F1Th layers. However, the expression of CCL chemokines i.e. chCCLi2, chCCLi4, chCCLi7 mRNAs were almost 2 folds higher in F1Th layer in comparison to F1Gr layer. The expression of Th2 cytokines (IL-4 and IL-13) mRNA was noticed in F1Gr and F1Th layers with higher levels in the former. Expression of IFN-gamma mRNA was noticed in F1Gr and F1Th layers. Significantly higher level of TGF-beta2 expression was observed in F1Th in comparison to F1Gr layer. It was concluded from the present study that the mRNA expression of cytokines and chemokines are differentially regulated in the granulosa and theca layers of the largest preovulatory follicle in chicken.

Caspase-mediated apoptosis in chicken postovulatory follicle regression.

Chicken postovulatory follicle (POF) regression occurs via the process of apoptosis. However, the signals and initiator pathways responsible for regression of the POF are unknown. In the current study, we examined gene expression patterns of various caspases (caspase-1, -2 and -3) involved in apoptosis by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. The percentage of apoptotic cells during POF regression was also quantified by flow cytometry. Expression of caspase-3 mRNA was noted in the largest preovulatory follicle (F1). However, the initiator caspases (caspase-1 and -2) were not expressed in F1. During the regression of the POF, caspase-3 was activated during initial stages, whereas the initiator caspases were upregulated at the later stages (POF4 and POF5). The percentage of apoptotic cells was significantly higher during the regression of the POF. It might be possible that levels of caspase-3 mRNA do not necessarily reflect the cell's potential for facilitating apoptosis, as activation of the caspase-3 by initiator caspases is required for its function. We presume that both caspase-1 and caspase-2 were key initiators in the regression of chicken POF and that the apoptosis-mediated regression of POFs might be similar to mammalian corpus luteum involution.

Cytokines in reproductive remodeling of molting White Leghorn hens.

The role of cytokines in regression of the ovary and oviduct during induced molting in chickens was investigated by evaluating the expressions of IL-1beta, IL-6, IFN-gamma, IL-2, TGF-beta2, MIP-1beta and IL-8 in the regressing ovary and oviduct by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. In addition, serum hormonal profiles (estrogen, progesterone and corticosterone), along with the gross regression and histological changes of the ovary and oviduct, were investigated. The correlation between expression of cytokines and hormonal changes during the induced molting was also studied. The expression of IL-6, IL-8, MIP-1beta and IFN-gamma mRNAs in the ovary, and IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-8, MIP-1beta, IFN-gamma and TGF-beta2 mRNAs in the oviduct, were up-regulated significantly during induced molting, suggesting their role in tissue regression. However, histological findings suggested no significant increase in immune cells in the regressing oviduct and ovary. Significant up-regulation of TGF-beta2 in the regressing oviduct might have suppressed leukocyte recruitment thereby preventing the inflammatory response and tissue damage. The down-regulation of estrogen and progesterone and up-regulation of corticosterone is well correlated with increased expression of cytokines. It appears that cytokines released during the process of induced molting may have a role in decreasing ovarian steroids and increasing the corticosterone levels in chicken. From this study, it may be concluded that cytokines play a major role in regression of the ovary and oviduct during induced molting in chickens.

Differential expression of lipopolysaccharide-induced TNF-alpha factor (LITAF) in reproductive tissues during induced molting of white leghorn hens.

The reproductive remodeling during molting appears to be a complex physiological mechanism regulated by multiple host factors. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced TNF-alpha factor (LITAF) is one of the transcription factors controlling the expression of TNF-alpha and other cytokines. In the present investigation, we studied the involvement of LITAF in the regression of reproductive tissues of molting birds. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis revealed that LITAF mRNA was generally expressed in both ovary and oviduct. In the molting birds, i.e. those subjected to feed withdrawal (FW) or fed high levels of zinc (ZnF) birds, the LITAF expression was upregulated significantly in the ovary after 4 days of molting (DOM). However, LITAF mRNA levels were three-fold higher in ZnF birds, which might be responsible for a greater degree of follicular atresia. In the oviduct of FW birds, peak LITAF expression was noticed on 4DOM and the levels remained significantly higher until the end of the experiment. In ZnF birds, LITAF expression reached its peak on 1DOM and subsequently downregulated to basal levels on 2DOM. This indicated that constantly higher LITAF expression might be required for complete regression of the oviduct during molting. In conclusion, LITAF might be one of the major transcription factors controlling reproductive regression in chicken, as the expression levels were associated with the regression pattern.

Nitric oxide: a possible mediator of ovulation and postovulatory follicle regression in chicken.

Nitric oxide (NO) has recently emerged as a regulator of functional and structural regression in mammalian reproductive tissues. However, the role of NO in ovulation and postovulatory follicles (POF) that undergo regression in laying birds is unclear. In the present investigation, the expression profiles of iNOS mRNA, tissue NO levels and the percentage of apoptotic cells were studied in the regressing chicken postovulatory follicle (POF). The postovulatory follicles gradually lost weight during its regression and reached the lowest weight on POF5. The number of apoptotic cells was increased significantly during the regression of POF. The mRNA expression of iNOS was noticed in the second largest preovulatory follicle (F2) that subsequently increased in the largest preovulatory follicle (F1). However, the level of iNOS mRNA was declined immediately after ovulation and thereafter upregulated again to reach a peak in POF3 with a subsequent reduction in POF5 to below the basal level. The tissue NO levels followed a similar pattern except with a peak production in POF4. The gross regression and apoptosis in POFs were well associated with iNOS expression and NO production. In conclusion, NO appears to play a role in ovulation and regression of postovulatory follicle in chicken.

Temporal expression of transforming growth factor-beta2 and myostatin mRNA during embryonic myogenesis in Indian broilers.

TGF-beta2 and myostatin, the members of TGF family, act through both autocrine and paracrine mechanisms to regulate the growth and differentiation at various developmental stages in chicken. The kinetics and expression profile of these two growth factors were investigated by semi-quantitative RT-PCR, during the myogenesis of Indian broiler chickens. Total RNA was isolated from whole embryos on each of embryonic days (E) 0-6 (n=3 per day) and from the biceps femoris muscle at E7-E18 (n=3 per day). The expression of TGF-beta2 was noticed on E2 that remained at the same level until E6. In biceps femoris muscle, higher level of TGF-beta2 expression was observed during E7-E12, which decreased gradually thereafter. These findings suggested that TGF-beta2 might be a regulatory factor participating in the myogenesis of chicken embryos. Initial myostatin expression was noticed on E1, even before the myogenic lineage is established in embryo. This finding suggested an additional role of myostatin in early chicken embryo development, other than myogenesis. Furthermore, myostatin expression was significantly higher on E3 as compared to earlier studies, where initial higher level was observed at E2, suggesting the differential expression of myostatin among breeds. Higher and almost static myostatin expression was noticed in biceps femoris muscle during the entire period of myogenesis (E7-E18). In the present study, the ontogeny of myostatin expression coincided with myogenesis of chicken. Therefore, it may be hypothesized that myostatin is not only a major determinant of muscle mass, but also involved in early embryogenesis in chickens.

The combined neurosurgical-thoracic management of superior sulcus tumors.

Thirty patients with superior sulcus carcinoma were prospectively evaluated over an 18-month period. All patients underwent complete neuroradiological evaluation by computed tomography (CT) and myelography. Prior to operation, brachial plexopathy was noted in 20 patients (67%), and invasion of the spine in eight (27%). Using a team approach, gross total resection of tumor was achieved in 17 of 26 patients (65%) undergoing thoracotomy. There was no operative mortality. The use of a team approach allows extended surgical resection, especially when the spine is involved. In patients presenting with brachial plexopathy or cord compression, de novo surgery before radiation may provide better long-term palliation and pain relief.

Reoperation for brain metastases.

We report the results of reoperation for brain metastases in 21 patients with recurrent tumors following initial successful resection. The tumor recurrences were local (original site) in 14 patients, and occurred at other sites in the brain in the remaining seven. Time to CNS recurrence ranged from 3 to 30 months. At time of repeat craniotomy, disease was limited to the CNS in 12 (57%) of the patients. Median survival following second craniotomy was 9 months, and the actuarial 2-year survival was 25%. Neurological improvement was seen in two thirds of the patients; the median duration of neurological improvement was 6 months. There was no mortality, and only one patient developed increased deficit following surgery. We conclude that repeat resection of brain metastases is an important therapeutic option in selected patients, and should be considered in symptomatic patients with accessible mass lesions before the use of other experimental treatment.

Spondylectomy for malignant tumors of the spine.

Spondylectomy is the complete surgical removal of all parts of one or more vertebrae above the sacrum. We report our initial experience with spondylectomy in eight patients with malignant tumors of the spine operated on over a 7-year period (1980 to 1986). Four patients had primary neoplasms of the spine, and four others had solitary metastases to the vertebrae. Following surgery, five patients underwent radiation therapy (RT) and chemotherapy depending on histology of the tumor. Radiographic confirmation of tumor resection was obtained on all patients. Pain relief was noted in all patients, and six patients with preoperative neurological deficits improved. There was no surgical mortality, and one patient developed wound dehiscence following surgery. Six of the eight patients are alive with a median follow-up of 36 months, and local control was achieved in six of the eight patients. These preliminary data suggest that malignant tumors of the spine can be completely resected using a staged approach. In potentially responsive tumors, systemic chemotherapy is recommended between the two operations to reduce the risk of systemic dissemination.

Surgical treatment of spinal cord compression in kidney cancer.

Forty-three patients with renal-cell carcinoma underwent treatment for spinal cord compression over a 7-year period. Of these, 32 patients underwent surgery, while 11 patients underwent radiation alone. Before operation, 25 patients had relapsed following prior radiation, while seven others received postoperative radiation. A more aggressive surgical approach, tailored to the site of compression within the spinal canal, was used with the majority undergoing gross total tumor resection by an anterior approach. Immediate stability of the spine was achieved with methyl-methacrylate reconstruction of the resected segments. Preoperative spinal angiography with embolization of hypervascular tumors was carried out in eight patients. Patient parameters in the surgical and irradiated groups were comparable, except that a greater proportion of the radiation alone group had more than one organ system involved (64% v 44%). The median survival of the surgically treated patients was 13 months, compared with 3 months for those treated by radiation alone. In addition, a greater proportion of the surgically treated patients were benefitted neurologically (70%) compared with those treated by radiation (45%). With the development of effective surgical treatment for spinal metastases, early consideration for surgical treatment (before radiation) should be considered in selected patients. Preoperative spinal angiography and embolization are recommended whenever feasible to minimize intraoperative blood loss.