Exact quantum dynamics of XXZ central spin problems

We obtain analytically close forms of benchmark quantum dynamics of the collapse and revival (CR), reduced density matrix, Von Neumann entropy, and fidelity for the XXZ central spin problem. These quantities characterize the quantum decoherence and entanglement of the system with few to many bath spins, and for a short to infinitely long time evolution. For the homogeneous central spin problem, the effective magnetic field $B$, coupling constant $A$ and longitudinal interaction $\Delta$ significantly influence the time scales of the quantum dynamics of the central spin and the bath, providing a tunable resource for quantum metrology. Under the resonance condition $B=\Delta=A$, the location of the $m$-th revival peak in time reaches a simple relation $t_{r} \simeq\frac{\pi N}{A} m$ for a large $N$. For $\Delta =0$, $N\to \infty$ and a small polarization in the initial spin coherent state, our analytical result for the CR recovers the known expression found in the Jaynes-Cummings model, thus building up an exact dynamical connection between the central spin problems and the light-matter interacting systems in quantum nonlinear optics. In addition, the CR dynamics is robust to a moderate inhomogeneity of the coupling amplitudes, while disappearing at strong inhomogeneity.Comment: added new result on inhomogeneous central spin problem and added new references and supplementary material, 6 pages + 15 pages; 4 figures + 14 figure

4-Tosyl-1-oxa-4-aza­spiro­[4.5]deca-6,9-dien-8-one

In the mol­ecule of the title compound, C15H15NO4S, the two six-membered rings are almost parallel to each other [dihedral angle = 1.87 (9)°] and perpendicular to the mean plane through the five-membered ring [dihedral angles of 89.98 (10) and 89.04 (10)°]. The crystal structure is stabilized by inter­molecular C—H⋯O hydrogen-bonding inter­actions

Anti-influenza virus effect of aqueous extracts from dandelion

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Human influenza is a seasonal disease associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Anti-flu Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has played a significant role in fighting the virus pandemic. In TCM, dandelion is a commonly used ingredient in many therapeutic remedies, either alone or in conjunction with other natural substances. Evidence suggests that dandelion is associated with a variety of pharmacological activities. In this study, we evaluated anti-influenza virus activity of an aqueous extract from dandelion, which was tested for in vitro antiviral activity against influenza virus type A, human A/PR/8/34 and WSN (H1N1).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Results obstained using antiviral assays, minigenome assay and real-time reverse transcription-PCR analysis showed that 0.625-5 mg/ml of dandelion extracts inhibited infections in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells or Human lung adenocarcinoma cell line (A549) of PR8 or WSN viruses, as well as inhibited polymerase activity and reduced virus nucleoprotein (NP) RNA level. The plant extract did not exhibit any apparent negative effects on cell viability, metabolism or proliferation at the effective dose. This result is consistent with the added advantage of lacking any reported complications of the plant's utility in traditional medicine over several centuries.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The antiviral activity of dandelion extracts indicates that a component or components of these extracts possess anti-influenza virus properties. Mechanisms of reduction of viral growth in MDCK or A549 cells by dandelion involve inhibition on virus replication.</p

Inhibitory effect of aqueous dandelion extract on HIV-1 replication and reverse transcriptase activity

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), which is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), is an immunosuppressive disease that results in life-threatening opportunistic infections. The general problems in current therapy include the constant emergence of drug-resistant HIV strains, adverse side effects and the unavailability of treatments in developing countries. Natural products from herbs with the abilities to inhibit HIV-1 life cycle at different stages, have served as excellent sources of new anti-HIV-1 drugs. In this study, we aimed to investigate the anti-HIV-1 activity of aqueous dandelion extract.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The pseudotyped HIV-1 virus has been utilized to explore the anti-HIV-1 activity of dandelion, the level of HIV-1 replication was assessed by the percentage of GFP-positive cells. The inhibitory effect of the dandelion extract on reverse transcriptase activity was assessed by the reverse transcriptase assay kit.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Compared to control values obtained from cells infected without treatment, the level of HIV-1 replication and reverse transcriptase activity were decreased in a dose-dependent manner. The data suggest that dandelion extract has a potent inhibitory activity against HIV-1 replication and reverse transcriptase activity. The identification of HIV-1 antiviral compounds from <it>Taraxacum officinale </it>should be pursued.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The dandelion extract showed strong activity against HIV-1 RT and inhibited both the HIV-1 vector and the hybrid-MoMuLV/MoMuSV retrovirus replication. These findings provide additional support for the potential therapeutic efficacy of <it>Taraxacum officinale</it>. Extracts from this plant may be regarded as another starting point for the development of an antiretroviral therapy with fewer side effects.</p

Ambra1 is an essential regulator of autophagy and apoptosis in SW620 cells: Pro-survival role of Ambra1

Recent research has revealed a role for Ambra1, an autophagy-related gene-related (ATG) protein, in the autophagic pro-survival response, and Ambra1 has been shown to regulate Beclin1 and Beclin1-dependent autophagy in embryonic stem cells. However, whether Ambra1 plays an important role in the autophagy pathway in colorectal cancer cells is unknown. In this study, we hypothesized that Ambra1 is an important regulator of autophagy and apoptosis in CRC cell lines. To test this hypothesis, we confirmed autophagic activity in serum-starved SW620 CRC cells by assessing endogenous microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) localization, the presence of autophagosomes (transmission electron microscopy) and LC3 protein levels (Western blotting). Ambra1 expression was detected by Western blot in SW620 cells treated with staurosporine or etoposide. Calpain and caspase inhibitors were employed to verify whether calpains and caspases were responsible for Ambra1 cleavage. To examine the role of Ambra1 in apoptosis, Ambra1 knockdown cells were treated with staurosporine and etoposide. Cell apoptosis and viability were measured by annexin-V and PI staining and MTT assays. We determined that serum deprivation-induced autophagy was associated with Ambra1 upregulation in colorectal cancer cell lines. Ambra1 expression decreased during staurosporine- or etoposide-induced apoptosis. Calpains and caspases may be responsible for Ambra1 degradation. When Ambra1 expression was reduced by siRNA, SW620 cells were more sensitive to staurosporine- or etoposide-induced apoptosis. In addition, starvation-induced autophagy decreased. Finally, Co-immunoprecipitation of Ambra1 and Beclin1 demonstrated that Ambra1 and Beclin1 interact in serum-starved or rapamycin-treated SW620 cells, suggesting that Ambra1 regulates autophagy in CRC cells by interacting with Beclin1. In conclusion, Ambra1 is a crucial regulator of autophagy and apoptosis in CRC cells that maintains the balance between autophagy and apoptosis