We demonstrate the detection of single hole tunneling through physically defined silicon quantum dots (QDs) by charge sensing. We estimate capacitive couplings between the QDs and tuning gates by simulation based on the Monte Carlo method. In addition, an investigation of spin-related transport is presented. Pauli spin blockade is observed in double QDs, where hole transport is blocked by forbidden transitions between triplet and singlet states. The magnetic field dependence of the leakage current in Pauli spin blockade shows a dip characteristic at zero field, which is explained by spin relaxation due to spin–orbit coupling with phonons. We extract the dip width BC ∼ 65 mT and a spin relaxation rate Γrel ∼ 55 MHz. The small dip width and high spin relaxation rate reflect a strong spin–orbit coupling.

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Using UV adhesive mixed with glass spacer beads, vertical surface connection of optical fibers to silicon photonic chips via elephant couplers was realized with wavelength and polarization insensitiveness at temperatures from -18.5°C to 90°C.

Rationale:Although systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can be complicated by various gastrointestinal tract diseases, it is rarely associated with lupus enteritis and protein-losing enteropathy (PLE). We report here the successful surgical treatment of lupus enteritis and therapy-resistant and refractory PLE in a patient with SLE. We also provide a review of relevant literature.Patient concerns:A 16-year-old girl presenting with polyarthritis, malar rash, and palmar erythema was indicated for steroid therapy on the basis of positive results for antinuclear, anti-Smith, and antiphospholipid antibodies, which confirmed the diagnosis of SLE. During the course of steroid therapy, the patient developed acute abdomen and hypoalbuminemia.Diagnoses:Computed tomography and 99mTc-labeled human serum albumin scintigraphy revealed abnormal findings, and a diagnosis of lupus enteritis and PLE was made. Steroid treatment was continued but no significant improvement was observed, and the patient was referred and admitted to our hospital. Double-balloon enteroscopy revealed multiple ischemic stenoses and mucosal necroses in the small intestine, suggesting that PLE was associated with ischemic enteritis due to antiphospholipid syndrome. The patient received steroids, immunosuppressive drugs, and antithrombotic therapy, with no improvement in symptoms. Thus, the disease was judged to be refractory and resistant to medical therapy, and the patient was indicated for surgical treatment.Interventions:Partial small intestinal resection was performed by removing the segment of the small intestine presenting PLE lesions, and a double-end ileostomy was created.Outcomes:Multiple stenotic lesions were confirmed in the resected segment. Histopathology evaluation revealed marked inflammatory cell infiltration in the intestinal tract wall and recanalization of the vessels, suggesting a circulatory disorder caused by vasculitis and antiphospholipid syndrome. Postoperatively, the clinical course was good. Serum albumin levels and body weight increased as nutritional status improved significantly. Secondary enteroenterostomy with ileostomy closure could be performed at 2 months after the initial surgery.Lessons:Timely surgical treatment can be successful in managing therapy-resistant and refractory PLE in patients with SLE.

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