ABSTRACT
We introduce and characterize two different measures which quantify the level of synchronization of coupled continuous variable quantum systems. The two measures allow us to extend to the quantum domain the notions of complete and phase synchronization. The Heisenberg principle sets a universal bound to complete synchronization. The measure of phase synchronization is, in principle, unbounded; however, in the absence of quantum resources (e.g., squeezing) the synchronization level is bounded below a certain threshold. We elucidate some interesting connections between entanglement and synchronization and, finally, discuss an application based on quantum optomechanical systems.
ABSTRACT
Cerebral toxoplasmosis is the most common cause of focal CNS disease complicating AIDS and may afflict 10% to 33% of such patients. We present the clinical, neuroradiological and immunological findings in 5 cases with cerebral toxoplasmosis complicating the acquired immune deficiency syndrome. All patients had focal neurological signs and symptoms; CT scan findings included single or multiple lesions with ring contrast enhancement, mass effect and oedema. CSF analysis showed increased protein levels, decreased glucose levels and pleocytosis; CSF IgG antitoxoplasma antibodies were positive in 4 patients; serum IgG antitoxoplasma antibodies were positive in all patients, while IgM resulted always negative in serum and in CSF. After therapy, in 2 cases CT scans showed small areas of encephalomalacia replacing the abscesses. We think that non-invasive techniques (CT scans, CSF and serum immunochemical tests) together with the finding of a favourable response to therapy may be useful for the diagnosis of cerebral toxoplasmosis, allowing to avoid invasive technique such as cerebral biopsy.
Subject(s)
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/complications , Brain Diseases/etiology , Toxoplasmosis/etiology , Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/cerebrospinal fluid , Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/diagnostic imaging , Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/immunology , Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/parasitology , Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/pathology , Adult , Animals , Antibodies, Protozoan/cerebrospinal fluid , Brain Diseases/cerebrospinal fluid , Brain Diseases/diagnostic imaging , Brain Diseases/immunology , Brain Diseases/parasitology , Female , Humans , Immunoglobulin G/analysis , Immunoglobulin G/cerebrospinal fluid , Immunoglobulin M/analysis , Immunoglobulin M/cerebrospinal fluid , Male , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Toxoplasma/immunology , Toxoplasmosis/cerebrospinal fluid , Toxoplasmosis/diagnostic imaging , Toxoplasmosis/immunology , Toxoplasmosis/pathologyABSTRACT
Central nervous system diseases occur frequently in patients with AIDS. From 20 to 40% of all these patients develop neurological symptoms and in about 10% of AIDS patients the onset of the disease is characterized by neurological symptoms. These may be related to primary HIV infection or to any of a large number of opportunistic viral and non-viral infections. Moreover, the observation of multiple central nervous system infections is frequent, making the diagnosis difficult. AIDS-related opportunistic infections of the central nervous system are discussed, presenting both a review of the literature and several case reports.
