Proposal for realizing quantum spin models with Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction using Rydberg atoms

We propose a method to realize tunable quantum spin models with Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction (DMI) in Rydberg atom quantum simulators. Our scheme uses a two-photon Raman transition and transformation to the spin-rotating frame. We investigate the quantum dynamics of the model including only the DMI and Zeeman energy, which can be experimentally realized in our scheme. Unlike its classical counterpart, the magnetization curve in this model is continuous under the open boundary condition. We also show that the model accommodates quantum many-body scars exhibiting nonergodic dynamics.Comment: 7 pages and 4 figures (main) and 13 pages, 8 figures, and 1 table (supple

Occurrence of the freshwater heteronemertean Apatronemertes albimaculosa (Nemertea: Pilidiophora) in Taiwan

We report the freshwater heteronemertean Apatronemertes albimaculosa Wilfert & Gibson, 1974 for the first time from Taiwan based on specimens collected under stones and rocks on gravelly bottom near the shore of a brook in Nantun District, Taichung City. Species identification was corroborated by mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene sequences. The species had been reported from aquaria with tropical freshwater plants in Germany, Austria, USA, Spain, and Japan, before it was discovered from wild environment in Panama. Our report represents the second instance of field-caught A. albimaculosa in the world

Association between plasma concentration of tolvaptan and urine volume in acute decompensated heart failure patients with fluid overload

Background: Tolvaptan (TLV) is a useful diuretic for acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) with fluid overload, but its clinical response varies between patients. The aim of this study is to investigate whether plasma TLV concentrations correlate with the urine volume. Methods: ADHF inpatients with evidence of fluid overload and total urine volume < 1,500 mL 24 h after initial intravenous administration of 40 mg furosemide were included in the study. On days 1–7, 7.5 mg oral TLV was added. The plasma TLV concentration, plasma renin activity (PRA), and plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) were measured on days 1, 3 and 7. Results: In the 52 patients who completed the protocol, the TLV concentration increased significantly from 67.6 ± 30.1 ng/mL on day 1 to 98.3 ± 39.6 ng/mL on day 3 to 144.8 ± 44.2 ng/mL on day 7, and the TLV concentration correlated with total urine volume on days 3 and 7 (r = 0.392, p < 0.01; r = 0.639, p < 0.001, respectively) but not on day 1. The urine volume correlated inversely with PRA and PAC (r = −0.618, p < 0.05; r = −0.547, p < 0.05, respectively). Conclusions: Plasma TLV concentrations correlated with the urine volume in late phase of treatment but not in early phase, which suggests that the effect of TLV may possibly be inhibited by renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system activity.

Glucose-lowering efficacy of Xultophy with low doses by FreeStyle Libre as continuous glucose monitoring (CGM)

The daily profile of blood glucose can be detected by continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) using FreeStyle Libre. The case was a 51-year-old female with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) for uncontrolled glucose variability as HbA1c 10.3%. During CGM measurement, diabetic treatment was changed from multiple daily insulin injections (MDI) to Xultophy (insulin degludec and liraglutide). Xultophy starting from 10 to 18 doses has brought the improvement of glucose variability, such as decreased pre-prandial glucose from 268 mg/dL to 101 mg/dL. Consequently, detailed data of glucose variability on Xultophy using CGM would be beneficial and become some reference for further clinical diabetic research

Importance of the ammonia assimilation by Penicillium purpurogenum in amino derivative Monascus pigment, PP-V, production

A fungal strain, Penicillium purpurogenum IAM 15392, produced the azaphilone Monascus pigment homolog when cultured in a medium composed of soluble starch, ammonium nitrate, yeast extract, and citrate buffer, pH 5.0. One of the typical features of violet pigment PP-V [(10Z)-12- carboxyl-monascorubramine] is that pyranoid oxygen is replaced with nitrogen. In this study, we found that glutamine synthetase (glnB) and glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh1) genes were expressed in the culture conditions conducive to PP-V production. Gln and Glu both support PP-V biosynthesis, but PP-V biosynthesis was much more efficient with Gln. We determined that synthesis of Gln by glutamine synthetase from ammonium is important for PP-V production

Anti-Malassezia-Specific IgE Antibodies Production in Japanese Patients with Head and Neck Atopic Dermatitis: Relationship between the Level of Specific IgE Antibody and the Colonization Frequency of Cutaneous Malassezia Species and Clinical Severity

Atopic dermatitis of the head and neck (HNAD) is recognized as a separate condition. Malassezia, the predominant skin microbiota fungus, is considered to exacerbate atopic dermatitis (AD), especially HNAD. In the present study, we investigated the relationships between the levels of specific IgE antibodies, colonization frequency of eight predominant Malassezia species, and clinical severity in 61 patients with HNAD (26 mild, 24 moderate, and 11 severe cases). As clinical severity increased, the levels of specific IgE antibodies against eight Malassezia species also increased. Species diversity of the Malassezia microbiota in scale samples from patients was analyzed by nested PCR using species-specific primers. The clinical severity of HNAD was correlated with the total level of specific IgE antibodies against Malassezia species and the number of Malassezia species detected

The Development of a New Setup for Video-assisted Thoracic Surgery

In order to accomplish video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) in a much easier and safer way, especially for assistant operators, we have developed a new display system for VATS. The original thoracoscope has been designed for this new system. The monitor is fixed at approximately 10 cm away from the surface of the chest wall just above the operative field. In using this procedure, the operator and assistants can see the patient and the monitor at the same time. According to this new idea, the previous problem in the area of hand–eye coordination and the three-dimensional understanding of this procedure can be improved compared to the image of the conventional thoracoscopy, because it is not necessary for the operator and assistants to look up at the monitors. When the thoracoscopy was placed in an adequate position to resect the target pathology, this new system led to good and easy handling of instruments, as it was with the standard thoracotomy

Clearer Image of Computed Tomography by Reconstruction Analysis Method

Computed tomography (CT) has been widely used for long. In recently years, the useful application of CT would be the method of the reconstruction images. Historically speaking, reconstruction images were conducted so far by algebraic reconstruction technique (ART), filtered back projection (FBP), iterative reconstruction (IR) algorithms and so on. There are various effects of reconstruction image of CT in clinical practice. Two cases with such beneficial experiences were reported. Case 1 is 74-year-man with hypertension. He was diagnosed to have abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). By reconstruction images, the general shape and details were clearly observed including regulating background data. Case 2 is 48-year-female without history of low back pain. When she received abdominal CT, she was pointed out to have lumbar disc herniation between L4 and L5. The diagnosis was done from the lateral tomography of lumbar vertebrae. By reconstruction images with colored modification, the detail status of herniation was clearly observed. Consequently, reconstruction image method of CT would be useful and effective. Further evolution of CT apparatus and development of computer analysis would be expected for better clinical practice and research in the future