Visualizing and witnessing first-order coherence,Bell nonlocality and purity by using a quantum steering ellipsoid in the non-inertial frame

A quantum steering ellipsoid(QSE)is a visual characterization for bipartite qubit systems,and it is also a novel avenue for describing and detecting quantum correlations.Herein,by using a QSE,we visualize and witness the first-order coherence(FOC),Bell nonlocality(BN)and purity under non-inertial frames.Also,the collective influences of the depolarizing channel and the non-coherence-generating channel(NCGC)on the FOC,BN and purity are investigated in the QSE formalism.The results reveal that the distance from the center of the QSE to the center of the Bloch sphere visualizes the FOC of a bipartite system,the lengths of the QSE semiaxis visualize the BN,and the QSE's shape and position dominate the purity of the system.One can capture the FOC,BN and purity via the shape and position of the QSE in the non-inertial frame.The depolarizing channel(the NCGC)gives rise to the shrinking and degradation(the periodical oscillation)of the QSE.One can use these traits to visually characterize and detect the FOC,BN and purity under the influence of external noise.Of particular note is that the condition for the QSE to achieve the center of the Bloch sphere cannot be influenced by the depolarizing channel and the NCGC.The characterization shows that the conditions for the disappearance of the FOC are invariant under the additional influences of the depolarizing channel and NCGC.

Imaging and clinical properties of inflammatory demyelinating pseudotumor in the spinal cord

Inflammatory demyelinating pseudotumor usually occurs in the brain and rarely occurs in the spinal cord. On imaging, inflammatory demyelinating pseudotumor appears very similar to intramedullary tumors such as gliomas. It is often misdiagnosed as intramedullary tumor and surgically resected. In view of this, the clinical and magnetic resonance imaging manifestations and the pathological fea- tures of 36 cases of inflammatory demyelinating pseudotumer in the spinal cord were retrospec- tively analyzed and summarized. Most of these cases suffered from acute or subacute onset and exhibited a sensofimotor disorder. Among them, six cases were misdiagnosed as having intrame- dullary gliomas, and inflammatory demyelinating pseudotumor was only identified and pathologically confirmed after surgical resection. Lesions in the cervical and thoracic spinal cord were common. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed edema and space-occupying lesions to varying degrees at the cervical-thoracic junction, with a predominant feature of non-closed rosette-like reinforcement （open-loop sign）. Pathological examination showed perivascular cuffing of predominantly dense lymphocytes, and demyelination was observed in six of the misdiagnosed cases. These re- sults suggest that tumor-like inflammatory demyelinating disease in the spinal cord is a kind of special demyelinating disease that can be categorized as inflammatory pseudotumor. These solitary lesions are easily confused with intramedullary neoplasms. Patchy or non-closed reinforcement （open-ring sign） on magnetic resonance imaging is the predominant property of inflammatory de- myelinating pseudotumor, and inflammatory cell infiltration and demyelination are additional patho- logical properties.

Comparison of optical quality after implantable collamer lens implantation and wavefront-guided laser in situ keratomileusis

AIM： To compare the optical quality after implantation of implantable collamer lens（ICL） and wavefront-guided laser in situ keratomileusis（WG-LASIK）.METHODS： The study included 40 eyes of 22 patients with myopia who accepted ICL implantation and 40 eyes of 20 patients with myopia who received WG-LASIK. Before surgery and three months after surgery, the objective scattering index（OSI）, the values of modulation transfer function（MTF） cutoff frequency, Strehl ratio, and the Optical Quality Analysis System（OQAS） values（OVs） were accessed. The higher order aberrations（HOAs） data including coma, trefoil, spherical, 2^（nd） astigmatism and tetrafoil were also obtained. For patients with pupil size 〈6 mm, HOAs data were analyzed for 4 mm-pupil diameter. For patients with pupil size ≥6 mm, HOAs data were calculated for 6 mm-pupil diameter. Visual acuity, refraction, pupil size and intraocular pressures were also recorded.RESULTS： In both ICL and WG-LASIK group, significant improvements in visual acuities were found postoperatively, with a significant reduction in spherical equivalent（P〈 0.001）. After the ICL implantation, the OSI decreasedslightly from 2.34±1.92 to 2.24±1.18 with no statistical significance（P=0.62）. While in WG-LASIK group, the OSI significantly increased from 0.68±0.43 preoperatively to 0.91±0.53 postoperatively（Wilcoxon signed ranks test, P=0.000）. None of the mean MTF cutoff frequency, Strehl ratio, OVs showed statistically significant changes in both ICL and WG-LASIK groups. In the ICL group, there were no statistical differences in the total HOAs for either 4 mmpupil or 6 mm-pupil. In the WG-LASIK group, the HOA parameters increased significantly at 4 mm-pupil. The total ocular HOAs, coma, spherical and 2^（nd） astigmatism were 0.12±0.06, 0.06±0.03, 0.00±0.03, 0.02±0.01, respectively. After the operation, these values were increased into 0.16±0.07, 0.08±0.05,-0.04±0.04, 0.03±0.01 respectively（Wilcoxon signed ranks test, all P〈0.05）. At 6 mm-pupil, the induction of total HOAs was not statistically significant in the WG-LASIK group. CONCLUSION： ICL implantation has a less disturbance to optical quality than WG-LASIK. The OQAS is a valuable complementary measurement to the wavefront aberrometers in evaluating the optical quality.

Regulation of adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium channels suppresses the toxic effects of amyloid-beta peptide(25-35)

In this study, we treated PC12 cells with 0-20 μM amyloid-β peptide （25-35） for 24 hours to induce cytotoxicity, and found that 5-20 μM amyloid-β peptide （25-35） decreased PC12 cell viability, but adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium channel activator diazoxide suppressed the decrease in PC12 cell viability induced by amyloid-β peptide （25-35）. Diazoxide protected PC12 cells against amyloid-β peptide （25-35）-induced increases in mitochondrial membrane potential and intracellular reactive oxygen species levels. These protective effects were reversed by the selective mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium channel blocker 5-hydroxydecanoate. An inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, Nw-nitro-L-arginine, also protected PC12 cells from amyloid-β peptide （25-35）-induced increases in both mitochondrial membrane potential and intracellular reactive oxygen species levels. However, the H202-degrading enzyme catalase could not reverse the amyloid-β peptide （25-35）-induced increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species. A 24-hour exposure to amyloid-13 peptide （25-35） did not result in apoptosis or necrosis, suggesting that the increases in both mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species levels preceded cell death. The data suggest that amyloid-β peptide （25-35） cytotoxicity is associated with adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium channels and nitric oxide. Regulation of adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium channels suppresses PC12 cell cytotoxicity induced by amyloid-β peptide （25-35）.

千瓦级铝空电池用含Ti阳极材料的研究

随着科学技术的发展,现代工业与社会发展对电力能源的依赖程度越来越高,先进高效的能源转换技术是发展的关键,新型大功率燃料电池(如铝空气电池)因其具有能量密度高(理论能量密度8100 Wh/kg)、储量丰富、生产成本低、环保无毒等优点而受到众多学者的青睐。本工作通过对千瓦级铝空电池用含Ti阳极材料的系统研究,探明了不同Ti含量(0.03wt%,0.05wt%,0.08wt%和0.10wt%)对千瓦级铝空电池用Al-Mg-In阳极材料微观组织、腐蚀行为、电化学行为和放电行为的影响规律。结果表明,随Ti含量增加,Al-Mg-In阳极中纤维状晶粒逐渐细化,晶粒组织逐渐均匀,晶界数目增多,可以为铝空电池提供更多的反应面积。阳极材料的放电反应通道较多,放电活性也随之升高,有助于铝阳极工作电压提升。当Ti添加量超过0.05wt%时会导致Al-Mg-In阳极板材中第二相颗粒数目增多,第二相与基体之间形成“原电池”,加速合金腐蚀,晶界局部溶解从而造成合金耐蚀性能下降,放电性能降低。因此,添加0.05wt%Ti的Al-Mg-In合金具有最佳的耐蚀性和电池放电性能,说明适量的Ti可以优化铝空气电池的性能。

Effects of pantothenic acid on growth performance,slaughter performance, lipid metabolism, and antioxidant function of Wulong geese aged one to four weeks

This experiment was conducted to study the effects of pantothenic acid on the growth performance,slaughter performance, lipid metabolism, and antioxidant function of one-to four-week-old Wulong geese and determine the appropriate supplemental level of pantothenic acid. A total of 360 one-day-old Wulong geese were randomly divided into 6 groups with 6 replicates per group and 10 geese(5 males and 5 females) per replicate. The geese in group Ⅰ(control group) were fed a basal diet, and the geese in groups Ⅱ to Ⅵ(experimental groups) were given the basal diet supplemented with 8, 15, 30, 60, and120 mg/kg pantothenic acid, respectively. The experiment lasted for 4 weeks. Based on the results of unrelated comparative analysis, the body weight was the highest when the dietary pantothenic acid level was 27.57 mg/kg. When the dietary pantothenic acid level was 26.17 mg/kg, the average daily gain peaked. When the dietary pantothenic acid level was 15.50 mg/kg, the feed:gain ratio was the lowest.The percentage of abdominal fat in groups Ⅲ and Ⅳ was significantly lower than that in group Ⅰ(P < 0.05). The content of total cholesterol in serum in groups III to Ⅴ was significantly lower than that in group Ⅰ(P < 0.05). The triglyceride content in groups Ⅲ and Ⅳ was significantly lower than that in group Ⅰ(P < 0.01). The high-density lipoprotein—cholesterol content in group Ⅳ was significantly higher than that in group Ⅰ(P < 0.05). The total antioxidant capacity of serum and liver in group Ⅳ was significantly higher than that in group Ⅰ(P < 0.05). The malondialdehyde content in the liver in groups Ⅲ and Ⅳ was significantly lower than that in group Ⅰ(P < 0.05), Glutathione peroxidase activity in the serum in group Ⅳ was significantly higher than that in group Ⅰ(P < 0.05). Glutathione peroxidase activity in the liver in groups Ⅳ and Ⅴ was significantly higher than that in group Ⅰ(P < 0.01). The addition of pantothenic acid in the diet of one-to four-week-old Wulong geese significantly affected the growth performance,slaughter performance, lipid metabolism, and antioxidant function of the geese. In terms of economic benefits, the optimal supplemental level of pantothenic acid in one-to four-week-old geese was15.50 mg/kg.

Amyloid and tau positive mild cognitive impairment:clinical and biomarker characteristics of dementia progression

Background:According to the amyloid,tau,neurodegeneration research framework classification,amyloid and tau positive(A+T+)mild cognitive impairment(MCI)individuals are defined as prodromal Alzheimer disease.This study was designed to compare the clinical and biomarker features between A+T+MCI individuals who progressed to progressive MCI(pMCI)and those who remained stable MCI(sMCI),and to identify relevant baseline clinical biomarker and features that could be used to predict progression to dementia within 2 years.Methods:We stratified 197 A+T+MCI individuals into pMCI(n=64)and sMCI(n=133)over 2 years.Demographics and cognitive assessment scores,cerebrospinal fluid(CSF),and neuroimaging biomarkers(18F-florbetapir positron emission tomography mean standardized uptake value ratios[SUVR]and structural magnetic resonance imaging[MRI])were compared between pMCI and sMCI at baseline,12-and 24-month follow-up.Logistic regression models then were used to evaluate clinical baseline and biomarker features that predicted dementia progression in A+T+MCI.Results:pMCI individuals had higher mean 18F-florbetapir SUVR,CSF total-tau(t-tau),and p-tau181P than those in sMCI individuals.pMCI individuals performed poorer in cognitive assessments,both global and domain specific(memory,executive,language,attention,and visuospatial skills)than sMCI.At baseline,there were significant differences in regions of interest of structural MRI between the two groups,including bilateral amygdala,hippocampus and entorhinal,bilateral inferior lateral ventricle,left superior and middle temporal,left posterior and caudal anterior cingulate(P<0.05).Baseline CSF t-tau levels and cognitive scores of Montreal cognitive assessment,functional assessment questionnaire,and everyday cognition by the patient’s study partner language domain could predict progression to dementia in A+T+MCI within 2 years.Conclusions:In future clinical trials,specific CSF and cognitive measures that predict dementia progression in A+T+MCI might be useful risk factors for assessing the risk of dementia progression.

Is ApoE ɛ 4 a good biomarker for amyloid pathology in late onset Alzheimer’s disease?

Amyloid plaques are pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer’s Disease(AD)and biomarkers such as cerebrospinal fluid(CSF)β-amyloid 1–42(Aβ1-42)and amyloid positron emission tomographic(PET)imaging are important in diagnosing amyloid pathology in vivo.ɛ4 allele of the Apolipoprotein E gene(ApoEɛ4),which is a major genetic risk factor for late onset AD,is an important genetic biomarker for AD pathophysiology.It has been shown that ApoEɛ4 is involved in Aβdeposition and formation of amyloid plaques.Studies have suggested the utility of peripheral blood ApoEɛ4 in AD diagnosis and risk assessment.However it is still a matter of debate whether ApoEɛ4 status would improve prediction of amyloid pathology and represent a cost-effective alternative to amyloid PET or CSF Aβin resource-limited settings in late onset AD.Recent research suggest that the mean prevalence of PET amyloid-positivity is 95%in ApoEɛ4-positive AD patients.This short review aims to provide an updated information on the relationship between ApoEɛ4 and amyloid biomarkers.

CSF Aβ1-42 level is associated with cognitive decline in early Parkinson’s disease with rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder

Background:Rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder(RBD)is associated with cognitive decline in early Parkinson’s disease(PD).However,the underlyling basis for this association remains unclear.Methods:Parkinson’s Progression Marker’s Initiative(PPMI)subjects underwent baseline RBD testing with RBD sleep questionnaire(RBDSQ).Serial assessments included measures of motor symptoms,non-motor symptoms(NMS),neuropsychological assessment,blood and cerebrospinal fluid(CSF)biomarkers.Up to three years follow-up data were included.We stratified early PD subjects into PD with RBD(RBDSQ score>5)and PD without RBD groups.Then,we evaluated baseline biomarkers in each group as a predictor of cognitive decline using Montreal Cognitive Assessment(MoCA)score changes over three years in regression models.Results:Four hundred twenty-three PD subjects were enrolled at baseline,and a total of 350 PD subjects had completed 3 years of study follow-up with completely serial assessments.We found that at baseline,only CSF β-amyloid 1–42(Aβ1–42)was significantly lower in PD subjects with RBD.On three years follow-up analysis,PD subjects with RBD were more likely to develop incident mild cognitive impairment(MCI)and presented greater cognitive decline in MoCA score.Lower baseline CSF Aβ1–42 predicted cognitive decline over 3 years only in PD subjects with RBD(β=−0.03,P=0.003).A significant interaction between Aβ1–42 and the 2 groups confirmed that this effect was indeed higher in PD with RBD than the other individual(β=−2.85,P=0.014).Conclusion:These findings indicate that CSF Aβ1–42 level is associated with global cognitive decline in early PD with RBD.The addition of CSF Aβ1–42 to RBD testing increase the likelihood of identifying those at high risk for cognitive decline in early PD.