Hamiltonian of a flux qubit-LC oscillator circuit in the deep-strong-coupling regime.

We derive the Hamiltonian of a superconducting circuit that comprises a single-Josephson-junction flux qubit inductively coupled to an LC oscillator, and we compare the derived circuit Hamiltonian with the quantum Rabi Hamiltonian, which describes a two-level system coupled to a harmonic oscillator. We show that there is a simple, intuitive correspondence between the circuit Hamiltonian and the quantum Rabi Hamiltonian. While there is an overall shift of the entire spectrum, the energy level structure of the circuit Hamiltonian up to the seventh excited states can still be fitted well by the quantum Rabi Hamiltonian even in the case where the coupling strength is larger than the frequencies of the qubit and the oscillator, i.e., when the qubit-oscillator circuit is in the deep-strong-coupling regime. We also show that although the circuit Hamiltonian can be transformed via a unitary transformation to a Hamiltonian containing a capacitive coupling term, the resulting circuit Hamiltonian cannot be approximated by the variant of the quantum Rabi Hamiltonian that is obtained using an analogous procedure for mapping the circuit variables onto Pauli and harmonic oscillator operators, even for relatively weak coupling. This difference between the flux and charge gauges follows from the properties of the qubit Hamiltonian eigenstates.

Intratumoural heterogeneity of intestinal expression reflects environmental induction and progression-related loss of induction in undifferentiated-type gastric carcinomas.

AIMS: Gene expression in tumours is regulated by environmental as well as genetic/epigenetic factors. This study assessed the environmental factors in intestinal expression of gastric cancers. METHODS AND RESULTS: We immunohistochemically examined intratumoural heterogeneity in the expression of Cdx2, MUC2, MUC5AC and MUC6 in 39 intramucosal and 49 extramucosally invasive undifferentiated-type gastric carcinomas (UGCs), consisting of signet ring cell carcinomas showing a layered structure (LS) in the mucosa and dedifferentiated tubular adenocarcinomas without LS and with minor tubular components (TC). The LS retains mucosal vertical polarity with superficial MUC5AC expression. Loss of this polarity was independent of intestinal expression and associated with extramucosal invasion. In LS(+) UGCs, intestinal expression was enhanced as the size of mucosal spread increased and was significantly reduced with deeper extramucosal invasion, whereas, in LS(-)/TC(+) UGCs, intestinal expression was frequent and predominant in the mucosa and was insignificantly reduced with deeper extramucosal invasion. CONCLUSIONS: In LS(+) UGCs, intestinal expression showed dynamic alteration probably by environmental induction and progression-related loss of induction, whereas it was relatively stable in LS(-)/TC(+) UGCs. Thus, intestinal expression in UGCs is not useful as a marker of tumour progression because it is also affected by environmental factors and genetic lineage.

[Prevalence of rhino-pharyngeal disease in the presence of malocclusion in school children in the village of Abidjan]. / Prévalence des affections rhino-pharyngées en présence d'anomalie orthodontique chez les enfants scolarisés de la ville d'Abidjan.

An epidemiological survey of randomly selected school children led to Abidjan in three public schools made it possible to determine the prevalence of the rhinopharyngeal diseases in presence of malocclusions. It is an exploratory study jointly undertaken by two teams of specialists in ORL and Orthodontics within a sample of African schoolchildren old of 5 to 21 years. The results showed the presence of malocclusions in 73.30% of the cases (N = 220). The rhinopharyngeal diseases account for 38.3% (N = 115). At the subjects carrying a malocclusion the rhinopharyngeal diseases are 48.30% and they are dominated by the allergic chronic rhinitis (40%) followed obstructive hypertrophic tonsillitis (16.5%). However, these states which cause certainly a nasal obstruction involving an oral breathing do not cause inevitably malocclusion. We cannot thus affirm unambiguous a bond between malocclusions and rhinopharyngeal diseases (p > 0.05). They are nevertheless as many indications to question the patient on other symptoms and to refer to an ORL specialist. Our investigation being limited to the occlusal study, it seems essential to us to continue these analyses to detect the possible predisposition of certain patients to develop dento-skeletal anomalies in the presence of rhinopharyngic diseases.

'Pyloric gland-type adenoma' arising in heterotopic gastric mucosa of the duodenum, with dysplastic progression of the gastric type.

'Pyloric gland-type adenoma' is a recently described and very rare entity. We report a case of a pedunculated polyp of the duodenal bulb showing the features of pyloric gland-type adenoma. Heterotopic gastric mucosa was found adjacent to the tumour. Immunohistochemically, the tumour cells at the surface of the polyp showed foveolar-type mucin (M1) while most other tumour cells showed deep gastric mucin (M2), displaying a pattern of differentiation similar to the normal gastric mucosa. The polyp also showed villous or papillary structures with disorganization of gastric differentiation and marked increase of proliferating in foci cells. This is the first case of pyloric gland-type adenoma found to arise in heterotopic gastric mucosa of the duodenum, showing dysplastic progression of the gastric type.

Time-dependent expression of intestinal phenotype in signet ring cell carcinomas of the human stomach.

Signet ring cell carcinomas of the stomach are thought to arise from the proper gastric mucosa without intestinal metaplasia. It was recently reported that intestinal phenotypes appear along with tumor progression. In this study, we performed several experiments to reconsider the significance of this intestinalization in the growth of signet ring cell carcinoma. We applied mucin histochemistry with monoclonal antibodies MUC2 (Ccp58) and M1 (45M1), and paradoxical concanavalin A staining for class III mucin [PCS(III)] reaction to 29 intramucosal and 25 deeply invasive carcinomas of this type and correlated the phenotypic expression with the size of the mucosal spread and the depth of tumor invasion. It was found that the larger the size of the mucosal lesion, the more frequently the intestinal phenotypes were demonstrated. There was no significant increase in the expression of the intestinal phenotype as the tumor invaded the deeper part of the mucosa or as the intestinal metaplasia increased in the background mucosa. The intestinal expression appeared to be suppressed in the earlier phase of deep invasion. In the mucosal part of the tumor, the intestinal phenotype was often expressed regionally and incompletely, coexisting with gastric phenotypes at the cellular and the tissue levels. These findings indicate that the expression of the intestinal phenotype is a time-dependent and unstable phenomenon probably based on the accumulation of genetic changes and plays a neutral role in progression of signet ring cell carcinomas.

Sequential numerical changes of chromosomes 7 and 18 in diffuse-type stomach cancer cell lines: combined comparative genomic hybridization, fluorescence in situ hybridization, and ploidy analyses.

Sequential changes of chromosomal copy number were analyzed retrospectively in five diffuse-type gastric cancer cell lines by comparative genomic hybridization (CGH), DNA cytometry, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with centromeric and painting probes. By CGH, we found loss of 18q21 in all of the cell lines and gains of 7p11-q31, 20q, and 22 in four of the five cell lines. Actual copy numbers of chromosomes 7 and 18 were determined by FISH: disomy 18 with (partial) loss of 18q in the two DNA-diploid cell lines (AGS and MKN-45), trisomy 7 in MKN-45, disomy 18 and tetrasomy 7 with one-copy loss of 7p and one-copy gain of 7q tip in DNA-triploid HSC-39/40A, and trisomy 18 and hexasomy 7 with one-copy loss of 7q in DNA-tetraploid KATO-III. Because the DNA aneuploidy is thought to result through tetraploidization, and the duplicated chromosomal changes in DNA aneuploid tumors seem to precede tetraploidization, the duplicated gain of chromosome 7 and one-copy loss of 7q in KATO-III were inferred to have occurred before and after tetraploidization, respectively. Similarly, HSC-39/40A were inferred to be preceded by the DNA-diploid stage with disomy 7 and monosomy 18. As the loss of 18q21 and the gain of 7p11-q31 were inferred to have occurred already in the DNA diploid stage in at least four and two of the cell lines, respectively, the 18q21 loss may be more important than the 7q gain as an earlier event in the genesis of diffuse-type stomach cancer. The combined CGH, FISH, and ploidy analyses thus give us a clue to extract important earlier events from the chromosomal changes that were screened by CGH alone.

Aggressive jejunal gamma deltaT-cell lymphoma derived from intraepithelial lymphocytes: an autopsy case report.

A 69-year-old man with massive ascites was referred to our hospital. Paracentesis revealed exudative ascites with many abnormal lymphocytes, which expressed T-natural killer (T-NK) cell surface markers and gamma deltaT-cell receptor (TCR). Although the ascites resolved for a short time with chemotherapy, gastrointestinal bleeding occurred and acute retention of ascites was observed. The patient died of panperitonitis. At autopsy, part of the jejunum revealed ulceration and marked mucosal thickening, and was perforated at the site of the severe ulceration. Histological examination showed massive infiltration of abnormal lymphocytes that were positive for CD45RO. Therefore, the cells responsible for the jejunal lymphoma and ascites were thought to be derived from gamma deltaIEL.

Primary gastric Burkitt's lymphoma presenting with c-myc gene rearrangement.

A 54-year-old man with primary gastric Burkitt's lymphoma is described. He was evaluated for appetite loss and intermittent midepigastric pain. Upper gastroduodenal endoscopy detected an ulcer in the lesser curvature of the body, and biopsy specimens revealed infiltration of medium-sized lymphoblasts with "starry sky" macrophages. The infiltrated cells were positive for a B-cell marker. Abdominal computed tomography scan demonstrated marked enlargement of the gastric wall, but no enlargement of lymph nodes. These findings led us to diagnose primary gastric Burkitt's lymphoma. The patient responded dramatically to CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) chemotherapy, but 6 months after his initial admission, the disease recurred in the stomach and bone marrow. Lymphoblastic cells were positive for B-cell markers (CD 10, 19, 20, and human leukocyte antigen [HLA]-DR) and showed an abnormal karyotype, 47, XY, t(8;14)(q24;q32), +12. In these cells, the Epstein-Barr virus genome was detected by polymerase chain reaction. Southern blot analysis revealed rearrangement of Ig heavy and light chain genes. In addition, c-myc gene rearrangement was detected. Eight months after the beginning of chemotherapy, the patient died of central nervous system involvement. To our knowledge, this is the first description of a genetic analysis of primary gastric Burkitt's lymphoma.

[Sudden deafness in sickle cell anemia: a case report]. / La surdité brutale chez le drépanocytaire: à propos d'un cas.

The non-expected deafness is quite obvious or easily diagnosed cause. The sickle cell disease is one of the aetiologies of this one. We present one case observed on a 30 years old patient. There is a close connection between the vascular factor of the non-expect deafness and the erythrocytic falciformation of sickle cell anaemia causing the obliteration of the terminal auditory internal artery and generating the ischaemia of the cochlea anoxia. The high sensitivity of the cochlea to anoxia and its great fragility require an early therapy in order to recover auditory capacity. Patients suffering from sickle cell disease should be encouraged to have a regular assessment of audition.

[Seroprevalence of rubella in Kinshasa (Zaire)]. / Séroprévalence de la rubéole a Kinshasa (Zaïre).

A serosurvey of rubella was carried out by haemagglutination inhibition and IgM assay among 106 newborn infants (91% positive); 101 suckling infants aged 9-18 months (32.7% positive); 100 children aged 2-4 (58% positive); and 100 young girls 9-11 (68% positive), while 93% of mothers showed the presence of protective antibodies. These figures indicated that large numbers of women old enough to bear children are susceptible to infection with rubella, at least early in life. A vaccination programme is therefore recommended for one year-old children of both sexes and again for young girls prior to puberty.

[Combined operation: cataract and glaucoma with implantation. Results of a series of 28 cases]. / L'opération combinée: cataracte et glaucome avec implantation. Résultats d'une série de 28 cas.

28 eyes underwent a combined procedure: trabeculectomy, extra-capsular cataract extraction and implantation of a posterior chamber intraocular lens. With a minimum of 9 months follow-up, 23 eyes had intraocular pressure controlled of all antiglaucoma medications, and 4 additional eyes achieved control with only the use of timolol maleate drops. (1 eye was lost to follow-up.) Preoperative near visual acuity was less than Parinaud 5 (Jaeger 7) in all eyes. Post-operative near visual acuity was Parinaud 2 (Jaeger 1) in 17 eyes. Senile macular degeneration was responsible for less than Parinaud 2 visual acuity in 4 additional eyes. An extracapsular extraction has advantages over the intracapsular method, both in terms of less post-operative vitreoretinal complications for the cataract extraction itself, and for the creation of a functional trabeculectomy by keeping the vitreous away from the filtration site. Use of a posterior chamber intraocular lens implant as part of the combined procedure appears to be highly acceptable. Complications and limits of the combined procedure are discussed.

[A case of Henoch-Schoenlein purpura with extremely low OKT4 positive T lymphocytes].

We present a patient with Henoch-Schoenlein purpura who had extremely low number of OKT4 positive T lymphocytes. However his lymphocytes responded normally to Leu3a and Coulter T4, which are also monoclonal antibodies that react with CD4 epitope. In vitro lymphocyte function tests revealed that helper-inducer T cell functions were normal. From these findings, we concluded that this patient had an abnormality in the epitope of CD4 positive cells. Since expression of OKT4 antigens in his mother was also low, we considered the possibility of hereditary factors although no relationship with HLA was found.

[Acute lymphoblastic leukemia with extensive demyelinated lesion of the brain stem during complete remission].

A case of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) which showed extensive demyelinated lesion of the brain stem during complete remission is presented. A 13 year-old girl who was diagnosed as ALL in February, 1987 was treated according to the TCCSG L84-11 protocol, which induced complete remission in June, 1987. Her condition had been stable until April, 1988 when she abruptly complained of gait disturbance, vertigo and anorexia. She was subsequently admitted to our hospital. At the time of admission, she had ataxic gait, horizontal nystagmus towards right at dextroversion, bilateral exaggerated patellar tendon reflex, emotional incontinence, urinary incontinence and left 6th and 7th nerve palsy. In the middle of May, right spastic hemipalesia and hypesthesia became apparent. Left caudal pontine-basal lesion was suspected and was confirmed by MRI. Her synptoms progressed. Five months after admission, suffered repeated central apnea and died. Autopsy disclosed extensive cervical spinal cord. Cerebrum and cerebellum were intact. No evident findings suggesting the etiology were obtained. Whole skull radiation, intrathecal methotrexate, cytosine arabinoside and hydrocortisone might have contributed to the development of the demyelinated lesion.

[Mycoses in otorhinolaryngology. Apropos of 167 cases]. / Les mycoses en O.R.L. A propos de 167 cas.

The authors observed 167 cases of E.N.T. mycoses over a 14-year period (1974-1988) in the E.N.T. Departments of the Abidjan University Hospitals in the Ivory Coast, and in two private health institutions in the city. The majority of cases involve candidiasis (91 cases, or 54.5%), followed by aspergillosis (72 cases, 43.1%) and rhinoentomophtorosis (4 cases, 2.4%). Men are more affected than women (125 as against 42). Men suffering from rhinoentomophtorosis are, for the most part, farmers. Among the contributory factors, we found respectively the abuse of antibiotics, either alone or in association with corticoids for general or local use (ear drops), bathing in lagoons, and diabetes. Bacterial infection is often associated with these mycoses--mainly streptococci and staphylococci aurei. Clinical signs are dominated by pruritus, dull pains, a feeling of fullness in the ear, or of burning in the pharynx. An association of systemic Miconazole and Amphotericin B (local use) has given the best results for candidiasis and aspergillosis. For rhinoentomophtorosis, treatment was long, and even disappointing, until the use of Ketoconazole which may without doubt be considered as the medicament of choice.

[Oto-rhino-laryngology and geriatrics in the Ivory Coast]. / L'oto-rhino-laryngologie et la gériatrie en milieu ivoirien.

Geriatrics medicine develops more and more as a specialized branch of medicine. We report a prospective study of 69 cases of geriatric patients hospitalized in the ENT department of Treichville's teaching hospital from 1996 till 2001. The frequency of hospitalization was estimated at 6.5%. The cohort consisted of 48 males (69.5%) and 21 females (30.5%) with an overall average age of 66.5 years. The majority of the patients lived in the city of Abidjan (61%) with a low socio-economic level (54%). 50.7% were married and 75.4% lived in a house-bold of several persons. The main lesions were at the level of the larynx (36.2%) and nose and sinuses (21.7%) cancers (52%) were more frequent. The patients were little dependent (84%), however 11.6% presented with psychological troubles. Associated pathologies were identified in 18.8% of case. The age, dependence and pathology determined the average duration of stay and the mode of exit. Mortality, of tumoral cause (cancer of the larynx), was estimated at 11.6%. An improved service requires a mutli-disciplinary approach an ORL-based presentative programme and prospective multicentre studies.

[Necrotizing external otitis in children in Abidjan (Ivory Coast)]. / L'otite nécrosante chez l'enfant à Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire).

Necrotizing external otitis (NEO) is a fulminant Pseudomonas infection of the external auditory canal affecting mainly elderly diabetic patients. Since the early descriptions, many authors have related cases of NEO in non diabetic patients. We report eight cases of NEO in young children. They are less than two years old, they are undernourished and non diabetics. We get a good evolution in spite of our modest therapeutic ways. Emphasis is placed on efficiency of local remedy with colistine.

Polariton-generated intensity squeezing in semiconductor micropillars.

The generation of squeezed and entangled light fields is a crucial ingredient for the implementation of quantum information protocols. In this context, semiconductor materials offer a strong potential for the implementation of on-chip devices operating at the quantum level. Here we demonstrate a novel source of continuous variable squeezed light in pillar-shaped semiconductor microcavities in the strong coupling regime. Degenerate polariton four-wave mixing is obtained by exciting the pillar at normal incidence. We observe a bistable behaviour and we demonstrate the generation of squeezing near the turning point of the bistability curve. The confined pillar geometry allows for a larger amount of squeezing than planar microcavities due to the discrete energy levels protected from excess noise. By analysing the noise of the emitted light, we obtain a measured intensity squeezing of 20.3%, inferred to be 35.8% after corrections.