New Formulation of Statistical Mechanics using Thermal Pure Quantum States

We formulate statistical mechanics based on a pure quantum state, which we call a ``thermal pure quantum (TPQ) state''. A single TPQ state gives not only equilibrium values of mechanical variables, such as magnetization and correlation functions, but also those of genuine thermodynamic variables and thermodynamic functions, such as entropy and free energy. Among many possible TPQ states, we discuss the canonical TPQ state, the TPQ state whose temperature is specified. % We also propose there are other TPQ states. In the TPQ formulation of statistical mechanics, thermal fluctuations are completely included in quantum-mechanical fluctuations. As a consequence, TPQ states have much larger quantum entanglement than the equilibrium density operators of the ensemble formulation. We also show that the TPQ formulation is very useful in practical computations, by applying the formulation to a frustrated two-dimensional quantum spin system.Comment: Proceedings of Kinki University Series on Quantum Computin

Thermal Pure Quantum States at Finite Temperature

An equilibrium state can be represented by a pure quantum state, which we call a thermal pure quantum (TPQ) state. We propose a new TPQ state and a simple method of obtaining it. A single realization of the TPQ state suffices for calculating all statistical-mechanical properties, including correlation functions and genuine thermodynamic variables, of a quantum system at finite temperature.Comment: 5 pages, 3 figures, A shortened version will appear in Phys. Rev. Let

Current Topics of Microwave EMI Antennas and Measurements

This paper reviews recent developments in small-sized broadband antennas for EMI measurements, especially in the microwave frequency region. Transient EMI measurements are also discussed by introducing complex antenna factors and conversion of frequency-domain data into time-domain data. This paper also focuses on considerable improvements achieved in calibration techniques for conventional EMI antennas in VHF/UHF bands

Improvement of Airflow Limitation by Fluticasone Propionate/Salmeterol in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: What is the Specific Marker?

Backgrounds: Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS)/inhaled long-acting beta2-agonists (LABA) combination drugs are widely used for the long-term management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, COPD is a heterogeneous condition and treatment with ICS is associated with a higher risk of pneumonia. The identification of a specific marker for predicting the efficacy of ICS/LABA on pulmonary function would be useful in the treatment of COPD. Methods: Fourteen COPD patients receiving tiotropium therapy participated consecutively. The relationship between the baseline exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) levels as well as serum markers and changes in pulmonary function by fluticasone propionate (FP)/salmeterol (SAL) were analyzed. Results: FP/SAL therapy significantly improved forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), and the third phase slope of the single nitrogen washout curve (ΔN2) as well as the FENO level. The baseline FENO levels and positive specific IgE (atopy+) were significantly associated with airway obstructive changes assessed by FEV1 and ΔN2. A baseline FENO level >35 ppb yielded 80.0% sensitivity and 66.7% specificity for identifying the subjects with significant improvement in FEV1 (greater than 200 mL). An atopy+ yielded 60.0% sensitivity and 88.9% specificity for an improvement in FEV1. When combined with FENO > 35 ppb and atopy+, it showed 40% sensitivity and 100.0% specificity for FEV1 improvement. Alternatively, COPD subjects with FENO ≤ 35 ppb and atopy− did not show significant improvement in FEV1. Conclusion: Combining FENO and specific IgE may be a useful marker for predicting the response to ICS/LABA on airflow limitation in COPD

Involvement of influx and efflux transport systems in gastrointestinal absorption of celiprolol

金沢大学医薬保健研究域薬学系Gastrointestinal absorption of several β-blockers is inhibited by citrus juices, although molecular mechanism(s) lying on their small intestinal absorption has not yet been identified. Here, we attempted to demonstrate involvement of both influx and efflux transporters in vivo in gastrointestinal absorption of celiprolol in mice. Plasma concentration of celiprolol (3 mg/kg) after oral administration was mostly under the limit of quantification in wild mice, whereas that in mdr1a/b knockout (mdr1a/b(-/-)) mice was much more obvious, indicating P-glycoprotein-mediated efflux. Then, the oral absorption of celiprolol in mdr1a/b(-/-) mice was further examined to investigate influx transport mechanism with avoiding effect of P-glycoprotein. Coadministration of bromosulfophthalein (BSP), an inhibitor of various influx transporters including organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP) reduced plasma celiprolol concentration. Inhibition by BSP of celiprolol uptake from apical membranes was confirmed in Ussing-type chamber of small intestinal tissues. Uptake of celiprolol by human small intestinal transporter OATP-A/1A2 was also confirmed in Xenopus Laevis oocytes. Interestingly, OATP-A/1A2 accepts various b-blockers including acebutolol, atenolol and sotalol, oral absorption of which is inhibited by coadministration of citrus juice or telithromycin in human. Taken together, these findings have suggested fundamental role of influx transport system(s) in oral absorption of celiprolol. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association