Remote Entanglement via Adiabatic Passage Using a Tunably Dissipative Quantum Communication System.

Effective quantum communication between remote quantum nodes requires high fidelity quantum state transfer and remote entanglement generation. Recent experiments have demonstrated that microwave photons, as well as phonons, can be used to couple superconducting qubits, with a fidelity limited primarily by loss in the communication channel [P. Kurpiers et al., Nature (London) 558, 264 (2018)NATUAS0028-083610.1038/s41586-018-0195-y; C. J. Axline et al., Nat. Phys. 14, 705 (2018)NPAHAX1745-247310.1038/s41567-018-0115-y; P. Campagne-Ibarcq et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 120, 200501 (2018)PRLTAO0031-900710.1103/PhysRevLett.120.200501; N. Leung et al., npj Quantum Inf. 5, 18 (2019)2056-638710.1038/s41534-019-0128-0; Y. P. Zhong et al., Nat. Phys. 15, 741 (2019)NPAHAX1745-247310.1038/s41567-019-0507-7; A. Bienfait et al., Science 364, 368 (2019)SCIEAS0036-807510.1126/science.aaw8415]. Adiabatic protocols can overcome channel loss by transferring quantum states without populating the lossy communication channel. Here, we present a unique superconducting quantum communication system, comprising two superconducting qubits connected by a 0.73 m-long communication channel. Significantly, we can introduce large tunable loss to the channel, allowing exploration of different entanglement protocols in the presence of dissipation. When set for minimum loss in the channel, we demonstrate an adiabatic quantum state transfer protocol that achieves 99% transfer efficiency as well as the deterministic generation of entangled Bell states with a fidelity of 96%, all without populating the intervening communication channel, and competitive with a qubit-resonant mode-qubit relay method. We also explore the performance of the adiabatic protocol in the presence of significant channel loss, and show that the adiabatic protocol protects against loss in the channel, achieving higher state transfer and entanglement fidelities than the relay method.

Splitting phonons: Building a platform for linear mechanical quantum computing.

Linear optical quantum computing provides a desirable approach to quantum computing, with only a short list of required computational elements. The similarity between photons and phonons points to the interesting potential for linear mechanical quantum computing using phonons in place of photons. Although single-phonon sources and detectors have been demonstrated, a phononic beam splitter element remains an outstanding requirement. Here we demonstrate such an element, using two superconducting qubits to fully characterize a beam splitter with single phonons. We further use the beam splitter to demonstrate two-phonon interference, a requirement for two-qubit gates in linear computing. This advances a new solid-state system for implementing linear quantum computing, further providing straightforward conversion between itinerant phonons and superconducting qubits.

The Effectiveness of Frailty Intervention for Older Patients with Frailty during Hospitalization.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to assess the effectiveness of a multidomain intervention program on the change in functional status of hospitalized older adults. DESIGN: This single-arm, prospective, non-randomized interventional study investigates the efficacy of a multidomain interventional program including cognitive stimulation activity, simple exercises, frailty education, and nutrition counseling. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: At a tertiary hospital in southern Taiwan, 352 eligible patients were sequentially enrolled. Included patients were aged ≥65 years (mean age, 79.6 ± 9.0 years; 62% male), scored 3-7 on the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS), and were hospitalized in the geriatric acute ward. INTERVENTION: Those receiving standard care (physical rehabilitation and nutrition counseling) during January-July 2019 composed the historical control group. Those receiving the multidomain intervention during August-December 2019 composed the intervention group. MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome was the change in activities of daily life (ADL) and frailty status, as assessed by Katz Index and Clinical Frailty Scale, with using the generalized estimating equation model. The length of hospital stay, medical costs, and re-admission rates were secondary outcomes. RESULTS: Participants undergoing intervention (n = 101; 27.9%) showed greater improvements in the ADL and CFS during hospitalization (ADL adjusted estimate, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.11-1.11; p = 0.02; CFS adjusted estimate, -1.11; 95% CI, -1.42- -0.80; p < 0.01), shorter length of hospital stay (adjusted estimate, -5.00; 95% CI, -7.99- -2.47; p < 0.01), lower medical costs (adjusted estimate, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.49-0.69; p < 0.01), and lower 30- and 90-day readmission rates (30-day adjusted OR [aOR], 0.12; 95% CI, 0.27-0.50; p < 0.01; 60-day aOR, 0.04; 95% CI, 0.01-0.33; p < 0.01) than did controls. CONCLUSIONS: Participation in the multidomain intervention program during hospitalization improved the functional status and decreased the hospital stay length, medical costs, and readmission rates of frail older people.

Phonon-mediated quantum state transfer and remote qubit entanglement.

Phonons, and in particular surface acoustic wave phonons, have been proposed as a means to coherently couple distant solid-state quantum systems. Individual phonons in a resonant structure can be controlled and detected by superconducting qubits, enabling the coherent generation and measurement of complex stationary phonon states. We report the deterministic emission and capture of itinerant surface acoustic wave phonons, enabling the quantum entanglement of two superconducting qubits. Using a 2-millimeter-long acoustic quantum communication channel, equivalent to a 500-nanosecond delay line, we demonstrate the emission and recapture of a phonon by one superconducting qubit, quantum state transfer between two superconducting qubits with a 67% efficiency, and, by partial transfer of a phonon, generation of an entangled Bell pair with a fidelity of 84%.

Effect of cyclosporine, a P-glycoprotein inhibitor, on the pharmacokinetics of cefepime in rat blood and brain: a microdialysis study.

In clinical application, cefepime and cyclosporine are regularly combined in the treatment of organ transplant patients, so the interaction of these two drugs can be hypothesized. Therefore, the pharmacokinetics of cefepime alone and in combination with cyclosporine in rat using microdialysis coupled with HPLC-UV on-line system was evaluated in the study. Cefepime at three doses (20, 50, and 100 mg/kg) showed linear kinetics. After addition of cyclosporine, the mean residence time was increased from 34.9 min to 48.6 min (p<0.05, n=6), and the area under the concentration versus time curve (AUC) increased from 4775 min microg/ml to 6960 min microg/ml (p<0.01, n=6). While in the brain, AUC increased from 64.3 min microg/ml to 110.2 min microg/ml. In summary, cyclosporine (20 mg/kg) could significantly alter the simultaneously administered cefepime (50 mg/kg) unbound drug pharmacokinetic parameters in both blood and brain.

Determination and pharmacokinetic study of meropenem in rat bile using on-line microdialysis and liquid chromatography.

Meropenem is a carbapenem antibiotic with a wide spectrum of activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Because of its clinical efficacy, meropenem is an excellent choice for the treatment of serious infections in both adults and children. The knowledge of tissue concentrations of antibiotic in an infection site is valuable for the prediction of treatment outcome. To investigate the biliary disposition of meropenem, we utilized a minimally invasive sampling technique with a shunt linear microdialysis probe for continuous sampling in the biliary excretion studies. Analysis of meropenem in the dialysates was achieved using a LiChrosorb RP-18 column (Merck, 250 x 4.6 mm I.D.; particle size 5 microm) maintained at ambient temperature. The mobile phase was 50 mM monosodium phosphoric acid-methanol (80:20, v/v, pH 3.0). The UV detector wavelength was set at 298 nm. The area under the concentration-time curve and elimination half-lives of meropenem were about 6144 +/- 1494 min microg/ml and 61 +/- 17 min, respectively. This study represents a successful application of the microdialysis technique, which is an effective method for pharmacokinetic and biliary drug excretion studies.

Determination and pharmacokinetic study of unbound cefepime in rat bile by liquid chromatography with on-line microdialysis.

Biliary excretion and intestinal reabsorption in enterohepatic circulation play major dispositional roles for some drugs. To investigate biliary excretion of drug, we inserted a microdialysis probe into the bile common duct of rat between the liver and the duodenum. In order to avoid the obstruction of bile fluid or bile salt waste, a shunt linear microdialysis probe was used for simultaneous and continuous sampling following intravenous administration of cefepime (50 mg/kg, i.v.). Separation and quantitation of cefepime in the dialysates were achieved using a LiChrosorb RP-18 column (Merck; 250x4.6 mm I.D., particle size 5 microm) maintained at ambient temperature. Samples were eluted with a mobile phase containing 100 mM monosodium phosphoric acid (pH 3.0)-methanol (87:13, v/v). The UV detector wavelength was set at 270 nm. The result indicates that the elimination half-life of cefepime in bile was 64.01+/-9.32 min. This study also served as an example for the microdialysis application in the biliary excretion study of drug.

Involvement of oxidative stress in motorcycle exhaust particle-induced DNA damage and inhibition of intercellular communication.

In this study, we investigated the involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the motorcycle exhaust particle (MEP)-induced genotoxic and non-genotoxic activity in mammalian cell systems. Initially, the capability of MEP to induce ROS was evaluated by using 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCFH-DA) to detect hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). A five-fold increase in H2O2 was observed in Chinese hamster lung V79 and human lung carcinoma Calu-1 cells treated with 100 microg/ml MEP for 2 h. Under the same experimental conditions, only a two-fold elevation in H2O2 was detected in hepatic cell systems such as BNL.Cl.2, HepG2, and Hep3B. Treatment of the V79 cells with varying concentrations of MEP caused a dose-dependent increase in sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs), which are effectively inhibited by addition of antioxidants, N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) and ascorbic acid. Furthermore, we determined the oxidized bases in the V79 cells after exposure to MEP. The result showed that 500 microg/ml MEP induced a 3.7-fold increase in thymine glycol (TG) and a seven-fold increase in 8-hydroxy-guanosine (8-OHGua) as compared to untreated cells. We subsequently examined whether MEP would affect gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC), a tumor promotion process, in V79 cells. We found that MEP inhibited GJIC in a dose-response fashion. Maximal inhibition occurred at 500 microg/ml. The concentration that inhibited at 0.5 of the fraction of the control was 200 microg/ml. Interestingly, when cells were pretreated with NAC or ascorbic acid, they could abolish the MEP-mediated inhibition of GJIC. In addition, a moderate decrease of glutathione was observed in the V79 cells during exposure to MEP. Taken together, our findings suggest that MEP can induce oxidative stress in a broad range of cell lines, especially in lung cell systems. The MEP-induced oxidative stress was critically involved in both genotoxic and non-genotoxic activity.

Simultaneous determination of unbound cefoperazone in rat blood and brain using microdialysis.

A sensitive microbore HPLC method was developed for the simultaneous determination of unbound cefoperazone in rat blood and brain using microdialysis. Two microdialysis probes were inserted into the jugular vein/right atrium and brain striatum of Sprague-Dawley rats. Cefoperazone (50 mgkg(-1), i.v.) was then administered via the femoral vein. Blood and brain dialysates were collected and eluted with a mobile phase containing methanol-100 mM monosodium phosphoric acid (30:70, v/v, pH 5.5). The wavelength of the UV detector was set at 254 nm. The detection limit of cefoperazone was 20 ng mL(-1). Isocratic separation of cefoperazone was achieved within 10 min. The intra- and inter-assay accuracy and precision of the analyses were < or =10% in the range of 0.05-10 microg mL(-1). The ratio of the area under the concentration curve of cefoperazone in rat brain and blood was estimated to be about 7-8%. It is concluded that cefoperazone is capable of penetrating the blood-brain barrier.

Urine specific gravity as a predictor of early neurological deterioration in acute ischemic stroke.

We previously found that a blood urea nitrogen/creatinine (BUN/Cr) ratio>15 is an independent predictor of early neurological deterioration after acute ischemic stroke, which suggests that dehydration may be a cause of early deterioration. The aim of this study was to determine whether urine specific gravity, which is another indicator of hydration status and one that is more easily obtained, is also an independent predictor of early deterioration or stroke-in-evolution (SIE). Demographic and clinical data were recorded at admission from patients with acute ischemic stroke who were prospectively enrolled from October 2007 to June 2010. We compared patients with and without stroke-in-evolution (based on an increase of 3 points or more points on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale within 3 days). Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were carried out. A total of 317 patients (43 SIE and 274 non-SIE) were enrolled; the first 196 patients comprised the cohort of our previous study. The only two independent predictors of early deterioration or SIE were BUN/Cr>15 and urine specific gravity>1.010. After adjusting for age and gender, patients with a urine specific gravity>1.010 were 2.78 times more likely to develop SIE (95% CI=1.11-6.96; P=0.030). Urine specific gravity may be useful as an early predictor of early deterioration in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Patients with urine specific gravity ≤ 1.010 therefore may have a reduced likelihood of early neurological deterioration.

Haemoglobin in normal and neoplastic canine mammary glands.

Four types of globins for oxygen transport are known in vertebrates, and the haemoglobin is responsible for carrying oxygen in blood. In this study, we found that haemoglobin was also expressed in canine mammary glands. Samples were taken from 26 malignant mammary tumors, 16 normal mammary glands and 10 other normal tissues. Sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), immunoblotting and mass spectrometry were used to investigate haemoglobin in mammary tissues. The results indicated that normal canine mammary glands expressed high levels of haemoglobin protein as shown by Coomassie blue staining. The identity of haemoglobin was confirmed by immunoblotting and mass spectrometry, and the mass spectrometry data revealed that both alpha-haemoglobin and beta-haemoglobin were expressed. Relative to normal mammary glands, the levels of haemoglobin expression in mammary tumors were lower. Our results also indicated that the haemoglobin was endogenously produced in mammary gland tissues and was not derived from the erythroid cells.

Reversible cholestasis and cholangitis induced by biliary drainage and infusion in the rat.

To develop a rat model of ascending cholangitis, we constructed a controllable and accessible biliary drainage and infusion system. We first modified a reversible cholestasis model of the rat and then induced ascending cholangitis by administration of Escherichia coli into the proximal choledochostomy tube. After biliary infusion of E. coli, the liver, choledochostomy tube and bile were all positive for E. coli, but no bacteria grew in rats receiving biliary infusion of normal saline. Retrograde cholangiography of the initial choledochostomy ensured that the tube end was in the right position in the proximal common bile duct. The patency of the tube-tube choledochocholedochostomy was confirmed by a cholangiogram on day 90. Thirty days after the tube-tube choledochocholedochostomy, the livers of the experimental animals did not differ from the control livers. The tube-tube choledochocholedochostomy model not only provides reproducible, reliable, reversible cholestasis, but creates a sustainable and accessible biliary infusion system. This can be used for long-term investigations of repeated cholangitis and recurrent cholestasis.

Adiabatically tapered periodic segmentation of channel waveguides for mode-size transformation and fundamental mode excitation.

We report modeling, fabrication, and characterization of tapered waveguides, using periodically segmented annealed proton exchange in LiNbO(3). For a taper transforming the 1/e full width (intensity) mode size from 6.0 microm x 4.4 microm to 2.0 microm x 1.3 microm, 0.4-dB excess loss was observed. The large, slightly elliptical mode can ease coupling to single-mode fibers and circular free-space beams. The same taper structure was used to excite a highly multimoded (13 modes) waveguide with more than 95% of the power stably launched into the lowest-order mode. This function is useful for nonlinear waveguide devices, such as difference-frequency generators, in which modes at highly disparate wavelengths interact.

Multiple-channel wavelength conversion by use of engineered quasi-phase-matching structures in LiNbO(3) waveguides.

We report difference frequency generation-based wavelength converters with multiple phase-matching wavelengths that use engineered quasi-phase-matching structures in LiNbO(3) waveguides. Multiple-channel wavelength conversion is demonstrated within the 1.5-mum band and between the 1.3- and 1.5-mum bands. With simultaneous use of M pump wavelengths, these devices can also be used to perform wavelength broadcasting, in which each of N input signals is converted into M output wavelengths.

1.5-microm-band wavelength conversion based on difference-frequency generation in LiNbO3 waveguides with integrated coupling structures.

We report wavelength conversion within the 1.5-mum telecommunications band based on difference-frequency generation in periodically poled lithium niobate waveguides with integrated coupling structures. A conversion efficiency of -7 dB and a normalized efficiency of 260%/W are demonstrated. Static tests show that the conversion bandwidth is 72 nm and the conversion efficiency is constant over the 20-dB range of input powers tested.

Chirped-pulse-amplification circuits for fiber amplifiers, based on chirped-period quasi-phase-matching gratings.

A new type of compact chirped-pulse-amplification circuit for high-power amplification of femtosecond pulses in an optical fiber is demonstrated. This circuit is based on a novel pulse compressor, chirped-period quasi-phase-matching gratings in electric-field-poled lithium niobate. The main advantages of this circuit are simplicity, the small number of components, compactness, and wavelength conversion of Er-doped fiber output to the technologically important 780-nm wavelength region.

Effects of Paeoniae Radix, a traditional Chinese medicine, on the pharmacokinetics of phenytoin.

BACKGROUND: Phenytoin (PHT), one of the most widely prescribed antiepileptic drugs, has been reported to be associated with numerous drug-drug interactions. However, there are far fewer reports about the pharmacokinetic interactions between PHT and traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs). Paeoniae Radix (PR), one of the well-known TCMs, is used as an adjunct in some epileptic patients. OBJECTIVE: In the present work, we studied the influences of PR on the pharmacokinetics of PHT in rats to identify the possible interactions between PR and PHT. METHOD: A single dose of PHT (100 mg/kg) alone or in combination with PR extract (300 mg/kg) was administered by gavage to male SD rats. Serial blood samples of PHT were obtained for up to 24 h post-administration and measured by high-performance liquid-chromatography. The free (unbound) plasma concentrations of PHT were determined by fluorescence polarization immunoassay. The plasma concentrations were used to construct pharmacokinetic profiles by plotting drug concentration-time curves. All data were subsequently processed by the computer program WINNONLIN. Statistical comparisons of pharmacokinetic parameters were performed with the unpaired Student t-test. RESULTS: The mean maximum plasma concentration of PHT was attained 2 h after oral administration of PHT alone and 4-6 h after oral administration of PHT in combination with PR. The plasma level of PHT declined with a half-life of 5.38 h after PHT alone and 4.03 h after PHT and PR given together. No statistically significant differences were obtained in most of the pharmacokinetic parameters (Cmax, AUC, t1/2, MRT and CL/F) and protein binding rates of PHT between the two treatments. However, significant differences in Tmax and Vd/F between groups were noted. CONCLUSION: The significant increase in Tmax indicated that simultaneous oral administration of PR delayed the absorption of PHT. The delayed absorption of PHT might lead to its slow onset of clinical effect. There were no significant differences in Cmax, AUC, t1/2, MRT and CL/F of PHT between the two groups, showing that PR could not significantly affect the extent of absorption, metabolism and elimination of PHT. No significant difference in protein binding rate was found, indicating that PR might not significantly alter the protein binding of PHT. While a significant decrease in Vd/F was noted, the mechanism underlying the apparently decreased Vd/F of PHT influenced by PR needs further study.

Long-term treatment with warfarin in Chinese population.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the incidence of and risks for bleeding and thromboembolic events after warfarin anticoagulation. We also explored the dosage and international normalized ratio (INR) among Chinese patients during long-term warfarin therapy. METHODS: The population in this retrospective study consisted of inpatients of the only medical center for northern Taipei City, whose initial course of warfarin therapy continued for more than four weeks. Enrollment began in June 1995 and ended in February 1996. Follow-up was completed in March 1998. Relevant data were collected by chart review. The rate of events was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and risk factors were identified by the Cox proportional hazard model. RESULTS: During the study period, 226 patients were identified. The total follow-up time was 248.7 patient-years. Sixty-one patients (27.0%) received anticoagulation for mechanical prosthetic valve, but their duration of therapy accounted for 48.6% of the total patient-years of follow-up. The starting dosage (mean +/- SD) was 3.4+/-1.4 mg/d (range 1.3-10); the maintenance dosage was 3.1+/-1.2 mg/d (range 1.2-7.7). There were 1060 dosing adjustments and 3398 INR measurements collected for these patients. The independent determinants of maintenance dosage were age, body weight, and indication of mechanical prosthetic valve. The INR was 1.9+/-0.5 (range 1.0-3.7). The cumulative probabilities for hemorrhage at 12, 24, and 34 months were 24.5%, 32.3%, and 38.4%, respectively. The corresponding figures for thromboembolism were 8.5%, 10.7%, and 10.7%, respectively. Three hemorrhages were fatal. After adjusting for other patient characteristics, increasing age was the only independent risk factor identified for bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: Antithrombotic efficacy seemed to be maintained, although the mean INR was 1.9. Even so, the substantial incidence of bleeding, especially fatal bleeding, remains a concern. Low-intensity anticoagulation might be needed for Chinese patients during long-term warfarin therapy.