Coherent single electron spin control in a slanting Zeeman field

We consider a single electron in a 1D quantum dot with a static slanting Zeeman field. By combining the spin and orbital degrees of freedom of the electron, an effective quantum two-level (qubit) system is defined. This pseudo-spin can be coherently manipulated by the voltage applied to the gate electrodes, without the need for an external time-dependent magnetic field or spin-orbit coupling. Single qubit rotations and the C-NOT operation can be realized. We estimated relaxation ($T_1$) and coherence ($T_{2}$) times, and the (tunable) quality factor. This scheme implies important experimental advantages for single electron spin control.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figure

Rationale and design of a multicenter randomized controlled study to evaluate the preventive effect of ipragliflozin on carotid atherosclerosis : the PROTECT study

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is associated strongly with an increased risk of micro- and macro-vascular complications, leading to impaired quality of life and shortened life expectancy. In addition to appropriate glycemic control, multi-factorial intervention for a wide range of risk factors, such as hypertension and dyslipidemia, is crucial for management of diabetes. A recent cardiovascular outcome trial in diabetes patients with higher cardiovascular risk demonstrated that a SGLT2 inhibitor markedly reduced mortality, but not macro-vascular events. However, to date there is no clinical evidence regarding the therapeutic effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on arteriosclerosis. The ongoing PROTECT trial was designed to assess whether the SGLT2 inhibitors, ipragliflozin, prevented progression of carotid intima-media thickness in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: A total of 480 participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus with a HbA1c between 6 and 10 % despite receiving diet/exercise therapy and/or standard anti-diabetic agents for at least 3 months, will be randomized systematically (1:1) into either ipragliflozin or control (continuation of conventional therapy) groups. After randomization, ipragliflozin (50–100 mg once daily) will be added on to the background therapy in participants assigned to the ipragliflozin group. The primary endpoint of the study is the change in mean intima-media thickness of the common carotid artery from baseline to 24 months. Images of carotid intima-media thickness will be analyzed at a central core laboratory in a blinded manner. The key secondary endpoints include the change from baseline in other parameters of carotid intima-media thickness, various metabolic parameters, and renal function. Other cardiovascular functional tests are also planned for several sub-studies. Discussion: The PROTECT study is the first to assess the preventive effect of ipragliflozin on progression of carotid atherosclerosis using carotid intima-media thickness as a surrogate marker. The study has potential to clarify the protective effects of ipragliflozin on atherosclerosis

Chemical and Biological Properties of S-1-Propenyl-ʟ-Cysteine in Aged Garlic Extract

S-1-Propenyl-ʟ-cysteine (S1PC) is a stereoisomer of S-1-Propenyl-ʟ-cysteine (SAC), an important sulfur-containing amino acid that plays a role for the beneficial pharmacological effects of aged garlic extract (AGE). The existence of S1PC in garlic preparations has been known since the 1960’s. However, there was no report regarding the biological and/or pharmacological activity of S1PC until 2016. Recently, we performed a series of studies to examine the chemical, biological, pharmacological and pharmacokinetic properties of S1PC, and obtained some interesting results. S1PC existed only in trace amounts in raw garlic, but its concentration increased almost up to the level similar of SAC through aging process of AGE. S1PC showed immunomodulatory effects in vitro and in vivo, and reduced blood pressure in a hypertensive animal model. A pharmacokinetic study revealed that S1PC was readily absorbed after oral administration in rats and dogs with bioavailability of 88–100%. Additionally, S1PC had little inhibitory influence on human cytochrome P450 activities, even at a concentration of 1 mM. Based on these findings, S1PC was suggested to be another important, pharmacologically active and safe component of AGE similar to SAC. In this review, we highlight some results from recent studies on S1PC and discuss the potential medicinal value of S1PC

Bevacizumab, irinotecan, and temozolomide with re-irradiation in adult recurrent medulloblastoma: A first case report

Medulloblastoma in adults is very rare, and there is no effective therapy for its initial appearance or recurrence. We present a case of a 40-year-old male with recurrent medulloblastoma despite initial radiochemotherapy. He received re-irradiation and 6 courses of bevacizumab, irinotecan, and temozolomide after which he remained stable for 6 months. This regimen may be promising for recurrent medulloblastoma in adults

Successful treatment of fibrosarcoma in the occipital bone. A case report

Background: Adult type fibrosarcoma is a rare and highly aggressive type of soft tissue tumor. Surgical resection with wide margins is the most effective, but difficult for the skull lesion as to the critical organ nearby. Case description: A 27-year-old Japanese woman presented a occipital tumor progressively enlarging for 2 months. CT scan showed an ovoid mass with osteolysis, extending to intracranially and subcutaneous tissue. MRI revealed the tumor involved transverse and sigmoid sinus. The gross total resection was achieved with mastoidectomy. The skull was reconstructed by titanium plate and bone cement. The proton beam irradiated after surgery. Chemotherapeutic agents were not administrated. Single lung metastasis was evident after 1 year later and removed. The patient is good in health at 8 years after initial diagnosis and got a baby. Conclusion: Skull high grade fibrosarcoma was successfully treated by entire surgical removal with proton beam therapy