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We compare the fluorescence enhancement from a conducting polymer film placed on top of a sinusoidal and biharmonic metallic grating. On the biharmonic grating, which possesses a surface plasmon polariton band-gap, the enhancement factor was larger than that on a sinusoidal grating, even though the coupling efficiency of the surface plasmon polariton was lower for the biharmonic grating. We investigate the mechanism of fluorescence enhancement numerically by finite difference time domain analyses and attribute the larger fluorescence enhancement to the electric field of the short wavelength band-edge mode extending longer into the dielectric region where the fluorophore is placed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To date, a number of studies have been conducted to examine the relationship between seismic ground motion and coseismic landslides. However, the impacts of seismic ground motion on coseismic landslide occurrence are not fully understood owing to the poor spatial resolution of seismic ground motion data. Recently, seismic observation research has expanded with the use of satellite technology, as crustal deformation can be observed using pairs of SAR (synthetic aperture radar) satellite data. With this technique, obtaining information regarding the ground surface displacement induced by earthquakes is possible at a high spatial resolution, without the need for interpolation or extrapolation. In this study, we focus specifically on the interrelated impacts of seismic ground motion and topography on coseismic landslide occurrence, which has previously been difficult to detect. Using high-resolution ground surface displacement from SAR data, we examine these interrelated impacts in detail and assess coseismic landslide occurrence based on seismic ground motion and topography. Results show that the developed formula accurately reproduces coseismic landslide occurrence and that the impact behaviors of the two factors on landslide occurrence are different. Finally, based on the new formula, we suggest two different trends for the attenuation of seismic ground motion and topography related to coseismic landslide occurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Current assays based on the 0-hour/1-hour (0-/1-h) algorithm using high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) are limited to only Abbott Architect hs-cTnI, Siemens Vista hs-cTnI, and Roche Elecsys hs-cTnT. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate this new hs-cTnI assay, LumipulsePresto hs Troponin I, for diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) on admission and on 0-/1-h algorithm to stratify AMI patients precisely. Methods: This prospective cohort study included 442 patients with suspected non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction in three hospitals in Japan and Taiwan from June 2016 to January 2019. We enrolled patients presenting to the emergency department with symptoms suggestive of AMI and collected blood samples on admission and 1 hour later. Two independent cardiologists centrally adjudicated final diagnoses; all clinical information was reviewed twice: first, using serial hs-cTnT (Roche-Elecsys, primary analysis) and Lumipulse Presto Lumipulse Presto, second, using the Lumipulse Presto hs-cTnI measurements. At first, we compared diagnostic accuracy quantified using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for AMI. Then, we evaluated major adverse cardiovascular events (cardiac death, AMI) in the rule-out group according to a 0-hour/1-hour algorithm at the 30-day follow-up. Results: Diagnostic accuracy at presentation by the ROC curve for AMI was very high and similar for the LumipulsePresto hs-cTnI and hs-cTnT,(area under the curve [AUC]: LumipulsePresto hs-cTnI, 0.89, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.86–0.93; hs-cTnT, 0.89, 95% CI 0.85–0.93; p = 0.82). In early presenters, the LumipulsePresto hs-cTnI appeared to maintain the diagnostic performance of hs-cTn for patients with <3 h (AUC: LumipulsePresto hs-cTnI, 0.87, 95% CI 0.81–0.92; hs-cTnT, 0.86, 95% CI 0.80–0.92; p = 0.81). The algorithm using the LumipulsePresto hs-cTnI ruled out AMI in 200 patients with negative predictive value and sensitivity of 100% (95% CI 97.3%–100%) and 100% (95% CI 92.7%–100%), respectively, in the rule-out group. Conclusion: Diagnostic accuracy and clinical utility of the novel LumipulsePresto hs-cTnI assay are high and comparable with the established hs-cTn assays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) recommends a 0-h/1-h (0/1-h) algorithm to classify patients with suspected non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). However, reliable evidence about patients who present early after the onset of symptoms is limited, likely because high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) values cannot increase sufficiently within that time. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes in real-world situations that utilized the 0/1-h algorithm. In a prospective, international, multicenter cohort study that enrolled 1638 patients presenting with acute chest pain to the emergency department, we assessed the performance of the 0/1-h algorithm using hs-cTnT and the associated 30-day rates of major adverse cardiac events: death and acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Among 1074 patients, the prevalence of AMI was 16.0%. An approximately 60.1% (n = 645) of patients visited the hospital within 3 h after onset of chest pain (less than 1 h; 18.2% n = 196], less than 2 h; 27.5% n = 295], and less than 3 h; 14.3% n = 154]). Moreover, the prevalence rates of AMI were similar at all times (1 h, 16.8%; 1–2 h, 20.7%; 2–3 h, 18.2%; p =.5). According to the ESC 0/1-h algorithm, the distribution patterns of rule-out, observe, and rule-in groups were similar; however, none of the patients was diagnosed with AMI or cardiac death in the rule-out group. This study revealed the applicability of the 0/1-h algorithm for the management of early presenters. • None of the 30-day major advanced cardiac events was associated with the 0/1-h algorithm for the management of very early presenters. • A distribution patterns of rule-out, observe, and rule-in groups were similar at 1 h, 1–2 h, and 2–3 h after chest pain onset. • Strategies that incorporate a HEART score with the algorithm can be used for clinical implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background A rapid rule-out or rule-in protocol based on the 0-hour/1-hour algorithm using high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T is recommended by the European Society of Cardiology. However, Asian data are not available. Methods This prospective cohort study included 413 patients with suspected non-ST elevation myocardial infarction in 3 hospitals in Japan and Taiwan from November 2014 to April 2017. Patients were divided into 3groups—rule-out, observe, and rule-in—according to the algorithm. Major adverse cardiovascular events were evaluated at the 30-dayfollow-up. Results The algorithm ruled out acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in 171 patients with a negative predictive value and sensitivity of 100% (95% confidential interval [CI], 96.8%–100%) and 100% (95% CI, 88.0%–100%), respectively, in the rule-out group. None of the patients were diagnosed with AMI. Among the 127 patients classified into the rule-in group, 47 were diagnosed as having AMI. The positive predictive value and specificity were 33.1% (95% CI, 25.1%–41.9%) and 66.3% (95% CI, 60.2%–72.0%), respectively. Elective catheter intervention was required in 13 patients (5 in the rule-out group, 8 in the observe group) by the 30-dayfollow-up. The Framingham Risk Score (FRS) identified moderate risk in 5 patients and high risk in 8, while the Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) 2.0 risk score identified low risk in 6 patients and moderate risk in 7. Conclusion The ESC0-hour/1-hour algorithm could be sufficient in Asian patients. The combination with FRS may be more precise than that with the GRACE 2.0 risk score. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Risk scores and cardiac biomarker tests allow clinicians to accurately diagnose acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and perform early risk stratification. However, few investigations have evaluated the use of these risk scores and biomarkers for predicting risk of cardiovascular events in drug-eluting stent (DES) era. Methods This prospective cohort study included 861 patients with ACS. Three risk scores—Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACEs), Platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa in Unstable angina: Receptor Suppression Using Integrilin, and Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction—and levels of four biomarkers—N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT pro-BNP), high-sensitivity troponin T, heart-fatty acid binding protein, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein—were recorded on admission. Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) (death, cardiovascular events) were evaluated at 30-day and 1-year follow-up. Results At 30-day follow-up, there were 23 (3.1%) deaths from cardiovascular events and 4 (0.5%) cerebral accidents. NT pro-BNP levels and GRACE score were strong MACE predictors, with adjusted odds ratios (ORs) (95% CI) of 2.90 (1.63–5.20) and 1.01 (1.00–1.02), respectively, in logistic model. The C-statistic of NT pro-BNP (0.77; 95% CI, 0.67–0.86) was similar to that of GRACE score (0.76; 95% CI, 0.66–0.87); however, the combined C-statistic was higher (0.81), yielding a net reclassification improvement of 13% (p < 0.01). At 1-year follow-up, there were 51 (6.8%) deaths and 10 (1.3%) cerebral accidents. Conclusion In the DES era, GRACE score and biomarkers can still predict major cardiac events in patients with ACS for both acute and long-term prognoses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 57-year-old man with acute myocarditis was transferred to our hospital from a local clinic. The patient experienced unexpected sudden cardiac arrest 16 h after admission. Mechanical cardiopulmonary support was started using percutaneous cardiopulmonary support, intra-aortic balloon pumping (IABP), continuous hemodialysis filtration, and temporary cardiac pacing with percutaneous cannulation of the femoral vessels. Hematoma developed at the IABP insertion site on the 5th day after admission. The IABP was removed, and another IABP system was inserted via the left brachial artery. The patient's condition improved, and the IABP was removed on the 9th day after admission. The remainder of the patient's in-hospital treatment was uneventful, and he showed near-normal left ventricular systolic function 1 year after discharge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report electric field tuning of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) by controlling the polarization state of incident light using vertical alignment liquid crystal (VA-LC) layer. Excitation of SPR depends on the polarization state of incident light and incident angle. We fabricated a metallic grating structure in order to excite SPR, and then we investigated the applied voltage dependence of reflection spectrum. Continuous tuning of SPR is achieved as a result of the polarization change of incident light by controlling the birefringence of the LC layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the result of an experimental study on the photoluminescence of a thin layer of oxazine molecules doped into the poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) matrix which is coated on top of sinusoidal silver grating. The surface plasmon polaritons that occur on the metallic grating surface were excited by a He-Ne laser of 633 nm wavelength. The effect of the grating was investigated by angle-resolved reflection and emission spectroscopy performed on the thin film samples with and without the grating. Incident light of both s- and p-polarizations were considered in this experiment and the measurement was performed in the reflection and the photoluminescence modes as well. The results exhibit remarkable resonant effect of photoluminescence enhancement over those observed from the sample with planar silver coating for both incident light polarizations. The much larger enhancement factor of ~50.0 found for the case of p-polarized light can be attributed to the combined contributions of surface plasmon polariton enhanced absorption of excitation light and the resonant coupling between the SPP and the fluorophore, while only the latter was operating in the case of s-polarized incident light which showed a smaller enhancement factor of 6.0. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]