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Computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) is an imaging study for which there is substantial evidence for its overuse in the evaluation of acute pulmonary embolism (PE). Prior literature has reported low positive PE rates, but the variability in positive rates among the ordering physicians has not been as well studied. The purpose of this study was to evaluate variation in ordering and positive rates among physicians in an emergency department (ED) within an integrated health care system. This study was based in a single ED that is part of a geographically isolated integrated health care system. We reviewed the patient records for all patients who underwent a CTPA for the evaluation for acute PE in the ED between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2019. For each CTPA examination, we recorded the ordering ED physician, serum d-dimer value (mcg/mL), if any, and the results of the CTPA. Review of CTPAs over the 2-year period revealed 1380 CTPAs ordered by 23 ED physicians with a range of 25–141 studies per physician (mean of 60 + 31 CTPAs). The overall positive rate for PE was 6.9%. Individual ED physician positivity rates showed wide variability ranging from 0% to 18.4% (mean positive rate 7.6 + 4.4%). The results of this study confirm the need for greater adherence to existing guidelines using clinical decision rules and d-dimer testing when appropriate among all ED physicians but especially those who order a greater number of studies and have low rates for positive PE.

The first-order ferrimagnet ErCo2 attracts interest not only because of metamagnetism and magnetocaloric effect just above TC ≈ 32–34 K but also because it is closely related with the itinerant metamagnetism of YCo2 and LuCo2. We study the electronic structure of single crystals with hard X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (HAXPES). Magnetization measurements reconfirm the first-order magnetic transition, metamagnetism, and strong magnetic anisotropy. Calculated ErCo2 band structures of the ferrimagnetic and paramagnetic phases are presented in detail. In the ferrimagnetic state, the density of states just below EF is smaller than in the paramagnetic phase. Valence band spectra in the paramagnetic state show strong polarization dependence. Furthermore, the change across the first-order ferrimagnetic transition in the valence band electronic structures is observed. These experimental data are well described by the band structure calculation incorporated with the polarization dependent cross-sections of orbitals. We further discuss possible effects of electron correlation and spin fluctuation

In this study, we investigate the bulk electronic structure of Pb-substituted LaO$_{0.5}$F$_{0.5}$BiS$_2$ single crystals, using two types of hard-x-ray spectroscopy. High-energy-resolution fluorescence-detected x-ray absorption spectroscopy revealed a spectral change at low temperatures. Using density functional theory (DFT) simulations, we find that the temperature-induced change originates from a structural phase transition, similar to the pressure-induced transition in LaO$_{0.5}$F$_{0.5}$BiS$_2$. This finding suggests that the mechanism of bulk superconductivity induced by Pb substitution is the same as that under high pressure. Furthermore, a novel low-valence state with a mixture of divalent and trivalent Bi ions is discovered using hard x-ray photoemission spectroscopy with the aid of DFT calculations., Comment: 12 pages, 7 figures, 4 tables

Superior vena cava isolation (SVCI) is widely performed adjunctively to atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. Right phrenic nerve injury (PNI) is a complication of this procedure. The purpose of the study is to determine the optimal PNI prevention method in SVCI.A total of 1656 patients who underwent SVCI between 2009 and 2022 were retrospectively examined. PNI was diagnosed based on the diaphragm position and movement in the upright position on chest radiographs before and after SVCI.With the introduction of various PN monitoring systems over the years, the incidence of SVCI-associated PNI has decreased. However, complete PNI avoidance has not been achieved. PNI incidence according to fluoroscopy-guided PN monitoring, high-output pace-guided, compound motor action potential-guided, and 3-dimensional electro-anatomical mapping (EAM) systems was 8.1% (38/467), 2.7% (13/476), 2.4% (4/130), and 2.8% (11/389), respectively. However, a high-power, short-duration (50 W/7 s) radiofrequency (RF) energy application only on PNI risk points tagged by a 3-dimensional EAM system completely avoids PNI (0%; 0 /160 since April 2021). PNI showed no symptoms and recovered within an average of 188 days post-SVCI, except for a few patients who required 1 year.Although PNI incidence decreased annually with the introduction of various monitoring systems, these monitoring systems did not prevent PNI completely. Most notably, the delivery of a high-power, short-duration RF energy only on risk points tagged by EAM prevented PNI completely. PNI recovered in all patients. The application of higher-power, shorter-duration RF energy on risk points tagged by EAM appears to be an optimal PNI prevention maneuver.

Ficus carica produces, in addition to the cysteine protease ficin, a serine protease. Earlier study on a serine protease from F. carica cultivar Brown Turkey showed that it specifically degraded collagen. In this study, we characterized the collagenolytic activity of a serine protease in the latex of F. carica cultivar Masui Dauphine. The serine protease degraded denatured, but not undenatured, acid-solubilized type I collagen. It also degraded bovine serum albumin, while the collagenase from Clostridium histolyticum did not. These results indicated that the serine protease in Masui Dauphine is not collagen-specific. The protease was purified to homogeneity by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, and its partial amino acid sequence was determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. BLAST searches against the Viridiplantae (green plants) genome database revealed that the serine protease was a subtilisin-like protease. Our results contrast with the results of the earlier study stating that the serine protease from F. carica is collagen-specific.

Background The cardiopulmonary function is hypothesized to be associated with atrial fibrillation/atrial tachyarrhythmia (AF/AT) recurrence after AF ablation. Purpose To clarify the relationship between the cardiopulmonary function after successful ablation and AF/AT recurrence. Methods We examined 31 patients with paroxysmal AF who underwent AF ablation. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) was performed at 1month after the ablation. A continuously increasing loading method on a bicycle ergometer was employed for the CPET. Results No adverse events, including AF/AT recurrence, occurred during the CPET. Among 31 patients, AT/AF recurrence was observed in seven (23%). The ventilatory anaerobic threshold (VAT) and peak oxygen consumption (VO2) were significantly higher in patients without AF/AT recurrence than in those with AT/AF recurrences (peak VO2 23.6 ± 5.7 vs 17.2 ± 4.1 mL/kg/min; VAT, 16.7 ± 2.8 vs 13.8 ± 2.7 mL/min/kg). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the peak VO2 and VAT were 0.786 (P

Lithium metal batteries are considered to be a leading candidate for next generation batteries due to their higher energy density and potential for safer operation when combined with solid-state electrolyte materials. However, they are still facing different challenges. A key challenge of lithium metal batteries is the volume expansion over cycling due to the non-uniform deposition of lithium on the anode leading to lithium dendrite formation compromising the battery safety, and poor lifetime. Herein, we report the use of porous Lithium Lanthanum Zirconium Oxide (LLZO) anode structures, in which lithium from the cathode is deposited into the pores during initial charging. The goal of this study is to study postmortem the lithium deposition in the porous host after different cycling conditions to measure the 7Li and 6Li isotopes depth profile by nuclear reaction analysis (NRA), namely, Proton Induced γ-Ray Emission (PIGE) and by Deuteron Induced Particle Emission (DIPE), respectively. The advantages of using NRA are that it gives an absolute measurement of Lithium without sample reliant calibration, it is a nondestructive technique, highly selective for specific light nuclides such as Lithium, and it is not affected by coordination effect. We demonstrate two different fabrication methods of porous LLZO structures, namely, electrospinning and electrospraying. Then, the fabricated LLZO structures are tested electrochemically using a half cell configuration to examine plating/stripping behavior as a function of current density and to track the overpotential evolution over cycling. Finally, the cycled anodes are investigated using NRA in particular Li concentration inside porous anode, at separator/anode interface and anode/current collector interface. Characterizing the concentration gradient of Li species within the porous and at the various interfaces can help define the current density limitations of solid-state Li metal batteries and identify Li loss failure modes so that cell lifetime can be improved.

Purpose Based on the high rate of coexisting atrial fibrillation (AF) and atrial flutter (AFL), prophylactic cavotricuspid isthmus ablation (CTIA) adjunctive to AF ablation has recently been attempted in patients with AF and without AFL. The present study aimed to determine the rates of AFL occurrence and CTI reconduction after performing CTI ablation adjunctive to AF ablation. Methods We analyzed the data of 3833 consecutive patients with AF, who underwent prophylactic CTIA with AF ablation between 2009 and 2020. Results In all patients, CTIA and AF ablations were successful. Clinical AFL occurred in seven patients (0.18%, 7/3,833), and the observed rate was lower than those reported for cases of AF ablation without CTIA and for those of CTIA for pure AFL. A second ablation was needed in 745 patients at a median of 253 days (25 and 75 percentiles, 116 and 775 days) after the first ablation. In 12.1% (90/745) of the patients, CTI reconduction was observed. The reconduction rate was lower than that previously reported for CTIA for pure AFL. Conclusions The present retrospective study found acceptably low rates of clinical AFL occurrence and CTI reconduction following prophylactic CTIA performed with AF ablation, which was supported by the findings obtained after performing a comparison of the rates with those of other ablations (AF ablation only and CTIA for pure AFL). Considering the high correlation between AF and AFL, the present study provided information regarding the efficacy of adjunctive CTIA.

Non-destructive Li nuclear reaction analysis techniques were used to profile the Li distribution at the surface of graphitic Li-ion battery anodes. These techniques show that Li concentrations are elevated within 300 nm of the anode surface, even in fully delithiated states. The surface region, which includes the solid electrolyte interphase, contains at least 60% of the total Li irreversibly lost during formation and cycling.

To cryopreserve cells, it is essential to avoid intracellular ice formation during cooling and warming. One way to achieve this is to convert the water inside the cells into a non-crystalline glass. It is currently believed that to accomplish this vitrification, the cells must be suspended in a very high concentration (20–40%) of a glass-inducing solute, and subsequently cooled very rapidly. Herein, we report that this belief is erroneous with respect to the vitrification of one-cell rat embryos. In the present study, one-cell rat embryos were vitrified with 5 µL of EFS10 (a mixture of 10% ethylene glycol (EG), 27% Ficoll, and 0.45 M sucrose) in cryotubes at a moderate cooling rate, and warmed at various rates. Survival was assessed according to the ability of the cells to develop into blastocysts and to develop to term. When embryos were vitrified at a 2613 °C/min cooling rate and thawed by adding 1 mL of sucrose solution (0.3 M, 50 °C) at a warming rate of 18 467 °C/min, 58.1 ± 3.5% of the EFS10-vitrified embryos developed into blastocysts, and 50.0 ± 4.7% developed to term. These rates were similar to those of non-treated intact embryos. Using a conventional cryotube, we achieved developmental capabilities in one-cell rat embryos by rapid warming that were comparable to those of intact embryos, even using low concentrations (10%) of cell-permeating cryoprotectant and at low cooling rates.Summary sentenceRapid warming (18 467 °C/min) of vitrified one-cell rat embryos results in high rates of development to blastocysts (58.1%) and pups (50.0%), even with cryotubes.Graphical Abstract

Background: Electrical remodeling precedes structural remodeling. In adjunctive left atrial (LA) low-voltage area (LVA) ablation to pulmonary vein isolation of atrial fibrillation (AF), LA areas without LVA have not been targeted for ablation. We studied the effect of adjunctive LA posterior wall isolation (PWI) on persistent AF without LA-LVA according to electrophysiological testing (EP test). Methods: We examined consecutive patients with persistent AF with (n=33) and without (n=111) LA-LVA. Patients without LA-LVA were randomly assigned to EP test–guided (n=57) and control (n=54) groups. In the EP test–guided group, an adjunctive PWI was performed in those with positive results (PWI subgroup; n=24), but not in those with negative results (n=33). The criteria for positive EP tests were an effective refractory period ≤180 ms, effective refractory period>20 ms shorter than the other sites, and/or induction of AF/atrial tachycardia (AT) during measurements. LVA ablation was performed in the patients with LA-LVA. Results: During the follow-up period (62±33 weeks), the EP test–guided group had significantly lower recurrence rates (19%,11/57 versus 41%, 22/54, P =0.012) and higher Kaplan-Meier AF/AT–free survival curve rates than the control group ( P =0.01). No significant differences in the recurrence and AF/AT–free survival curve rates between the PWI (positive EP test) and non-PWI (negative EP test) subgroups were observed. Therefore, PWI for positive EP tests reduced the AF/AT recurrence in the EP test–guided group. A stepwise Cox proportional hazard analyses identified EP test–guided ablation as a factor reducing the recurrence rate. The recurrence rates in the LA-LVA ablation group and EP test–guided group were similar. Conclusions: This pilot study proposed that an EP test–guided adjunctive PWI of persistent AF without LA-LVA potentially reduced AF/AT recurrences. The results suggest that there is an AF substrate in the LA with altered electrophysiological function even when there is no LA-LVA. Graphic Abstract: A graphic abstract is available for this article.

Using the unique characteristics of the free-electron-laser (FEL), we successfully performed high-sensitivity spectral imaging of different materials in the terahertz (THz) and far-infrared (FIR) domain. THz imaging at various wavelengths was achieved using in situ spectroscopy by means of this wavelength tunable and monochromatic source. In particular, owing to its large intensity and directionality, we could collect high-sensitivity transmission imaging of extremely low-transparency materials and three-dimensional objects in the 3&ndash, 6 THz range. By accurately identifying the intrinsic absorption wavelength of organic and inorganic materials, we succeeded in the mapping of spatial distribution of individual components. This simple imaging technique using a focusing optics and a raster scan modality has made it possible to set up and carry out fast spectral imaging experiments on different materials in this radiation facility.

We study the new details of electronic and thermoelectric properties of polycrystalline layered oxychalcogenide systems of (BiO)CuCh (Ch = Se, Te) prepared by using a solid-state reaction. The systems were characterized by using photoemission (PE) spectroscopy and four-probe temperature-dependent electrical resistivity ρ(T). PE spectra are explained by calculating the electronic properties using the generalized-gradient approximation method. PE spectra and ρ(T) show that (BiO)CuSe system is a semiconductor, while (BiO)CuTe system exhibits the metallic behavior that induces the high thermoelectric performance. The calculation of electronic properties of (BiO)CuCh (Ch = S, Se, Te) confirms that the metallic behavior of (BiO)CuTe system is mainly induced by Te 5p states at Fermi energy level, while the indirect bandgaps of 0.68 and 0.40 eV are obtained for (BiO)CuS and (BiO)CuSe systems, respectively. It is also shown that the local symmetry distortion at Cu site strongly stimulates Cu 3d-t2g to be partially...

Lithium loss resulting from positive electrode deterioration and lithium accumulation within the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) at the negative electrode leads to charge capacity loss in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). We present a novel method to quantify origins of capacity loss resulting from positive electrode degradation and lithium immobilization within the SEI by comparative lithium depth profiles using Lithium Nuclear Reaction Analysis (Li-NRA). Li(Ni 0.4 Mn 0.4 Co 0.2 )O 2 /artificial graphite (NMC442/AG) pouch cells were cycled with electrolytes containing 1 M LiPF 6 in either 1:1 ethylene carbonate (EC)/dimethyl carbonate (DMC) or DMC with 3% vinylene carbonate (VC) SEI former. Lithium accumulated rapidly within the SEI in cells containing EC as compared to cells containing VC. Lithium loss from the positive electrode occurred at a linear rate, after formation, which was independent of electrolyte composition tested. The technique and methods provide quantitative insight into the impact of materials on capacity loss.

We have revealed that anisotropic 4f charge distributions caused by the crystalline electric field are responsible for linear dichroism (LD) in 3d core-level photoemission spectra of rare earth compounds. Indeed, we have successfully observed the intrinsic LD for cubic YbB 12 and tetragonal SmCu 2 Si 2 . We have also performed polarization-dependent 4f photoemission in a valence-band region. The observed LDs in the experimental 4f spectra are reduced from those predicted from the theoretical simulations for the localized ions.

Accurate knowledge of lithium content within the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer and anode would significantly enhance the current understanding of the lithium ion battery (LIB) degradation mechanisms, enabling knowledge-based improvements in the technology. For the first time, we have demonstrated the capabilities of highly selective Lithium Nuclear Reaction Analysis (Li-NRA) as a non-destructive depth profiling technique for quantifying Li within the SEI and anode without accurate knowledge of the composition, which is unavailable with other depth profiling techniques. The Li-NRA technique detects the gamma radiation resulting from a nuclear reaction at characteristic resonance energy between an incident high-energy proton and Li. The intensity of γ-ray is directly proportional to the Li content, and the energy of the incident proton is increased stepwise to depth profile the sample. We performed Li-NRA on the carbonaceous negative electrodes of commercial LIB coin cells at varying states of charge (SOC) and states of health (SOH) conditions. We used three simple models for the composition of SEI and anode material to show concurrence between theoretical and experimental value for Li content at varying SOC conditions, estimated the average SEI layer thickness, and correlated the residual Li content within the SOH samples with electrochemical data.

Background Some patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) received underdoses of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) in the real world. Underdosing is defined as administration of a dose lower than the manufacturer recommended dose. Objectives To identify the efficacy and safety of underdosing NOACs as perioperative anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation ablation. Methods We retrospectively analyzed patients who received rivaroxaban or dabigatran etexilate according to dosage: adjusted low dosage (reduced by disturbed renal function; n = 30), underdosage (n = 307), or standard dosage (n = 683). Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants and dosing decisions were at the discretion of treating cardiologists. Results Patients who received underdosed NOACs were older, more often female, and had lower body weight and lower renal function than those who received standard dosages. Activated clotting time at baseline in patients who received adjusted low dosage or underdosages was slightly longer than that in patients receiving standard dosages (156 ± 23, 151 ± 224, and 147 ± 24 seconds, respectively). Meaningful differences were not observed in other coagulation parameters. Adjusted low-, under-, and standard-dosing regimens did not differ in perioperative thromboembolic complications (0/30, 0.0%; 1/307, 0.3%; and 0/683, 0%, respectively) or major (0/30, 0.0%; 2/307, 0.6%; 3/683, 0.4%) and minor (1/30, 3.3%; 13/307, 4.2%; 25/683, 3.6%) bleeding episodes. When comparisons were performed for each NOAC, similar results were observed. Conclusions With consideration of patient condition, age, sex, body weight, body mass index, and renal function, underdosing NOACs was effective and safe as a perioperative anticoagulation therapy for atrial fibrillation ablation. The therapeutic range of NOACs is potentially wider than manufacturer recommendations.

In this study, we characterized protease activities of 23 Ficus carica cultivars. Extracts of fruit, branch, and leaf of Masui Dauphine, one of the most representative F. carica cultivars in Japan, exhibited gelatin-hydrolyzing activity, both in the absence and presence of a cysteine protease-specific inhibitor, E-64, suggesting that not only ficin (classified as cysteine protease) but also collagenase (classified as serine protease) were involved in the digestion of gelatin. In the hydrolysis of (7-methoxycoumarin-4-yl)acetyl-l-Lys-l-Pro-l-Leu-Gly-l-Leu-[N3 -(2,4-dinitrophenyl)-l-2,3-diaminopropionyl]-l-Ala-l-Arg-NH2 , all branch extracts of 23 F. carica cultivars exhibited the activity both in the absence and presence of cysteine protease-specific inhibitor E-64, indicating that they contain ficin and collagenase. During digestion of acid-solubilized type I collagen by the branch extract of Masui Dauphine at 40-55 °C, collagen was completely digested in the absence of E-64, while it was partially digested in the presence of the inhibitor, indicating that the manner of digestion differed between ficin and collagenase contained in the extract. These results suggest that F. carica is attractive for industrial use to digest collagen. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The industrial use of F. carica might be enhanced by efficiently utilizing these proteases and/or selecting the appropriate F. carica cultivar. Collagen is one of the targets to which our results might be applied. It is widely accepted today that collagen and its digestion products could be useful as functional food. F. carica is a potential candidate for use in not only complete but also partial digestion of collagen.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of anticoagulants on ultra-aged patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF). We retrospectively studied 320 consecutive patients with AF (median age, 91 years; range 90-100.1 years). Patients were categorized as follows: patients taking direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC group, n = 93), those taking warfarin (warfarin group, n = 147), and those not taking oral anticoagulants (non-OAC group, n = 80). During the follow-up periods (median 3.00 years; first and fourth quantiles, 1.13 and 4.56 years, respectively), in thromboembolic events, the DOAC, warfarin, and non-OAC groups showed the lowest (0%, 0/93; 0%/year), intermediate (4.7%, 7/149; 1.43%/year), and highest (5%, 4/80; 2.65%/year) incidence rates, respectively. In major bleeding events, the DOAC, warfarin, and non-OAC groups showed the highest (9.67%, 9/96; 5.00%/year), intermediate (8.1%, 12/149; 2.46%/year), and lowest (0%, 0/80; 0%/year) incidence rates, respectively. These differences in the relationships of the 3 groups were statistically significant. Confounding factors did not affect these results. Bruises associated with impairment of motor function with aging caused major bleeding in approximately 60% of major bleeding cases. The Cox proportional hazards model revealed that warfarin decreased mortality, whereas antiplatelet drugs increased mortality. In conclusion, DOACs had considerably high incidence of major bleeding events, whereas absence of OAC treatment was associated with substantially high thromboembolic events. Warfarin showed acceptable incidence ratios of both events. At present, warfarin is thus believed to be adequate for ultra-aged (≥90 years) patients with nonvalvular AF. Avoidance of bruises was important to prevent major bleeding events. Antiplatelet drugs were suggested not to be adequate for these patients.

Background Activated clotting time (ACT)-guided heparinization is used during atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. Differences in sensitivity to ACT assays have been identified among different direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). Objective We aimed to examine ACT just before ablation (pre-ACT) for different ablation start times (9:00, 11:00, 13:00, or 15:00) and ablation safety outcomes in minimally interrupted (min-Int) and uninterrupted (Unint) DOAC regimens and examine differences in pre-ACT values among four DOACs. Methods Consecutive patients were randomized into the min-Int (n = 307) or Unint (n = 277) groups. DOACs examined were apixaban, dabigatran, edoxaban, and rivaroxaban. Results No sequential changes in pre-ACT values were observed for each DOAC used and for all four DOACs combined in the min-Int and Unint groups. There was no meaningful difference in pre-ACT at each ablation start time between the groups. Clinically significant differences in overall pre-ACT were not obtained between the groups (138 ± 24 vs 142 ± 23 seconds). The pre-ACT (baseline) value for dabigatran was on average 29 seconds higher than that for the other three DOACs. The min-Int and Unint groups showed similar thromboembolic (0% vs 0%) and bleeding event rates (major, 1% vs 0%; all, 3.5% vs 2.5%). Conclusion The pre-ACT did not show a sequential change in the min-Int and Unint groups. No notable differences in the time-dependent change in pre-ACT between the groups were observed. Variations in baseline ACT suggest the need for moderate adjustment of ACT for adequate modification of heparin dose for the other three DOACs. Both regimens provided similar acceptable AF ablation safety outcomes.

We have probed the crystalline electric-field ground states of pure $|J=7/2,{J}_{z}=\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}5/2⟩$ as well as the anisotropic $c\text{\ensuremath{-}}f$ hybridization in both valence fluctuating systems $\ensuremath{\alpha}$- and $\ensuremath{\beta}$-${\mathrm{YbAlB}}_{4}$ by linear polarization dependence of angle-resolved core level photoemission spectroscopy. Interestingly, the small but distinct difference between $\ensuremath{\alpha}$- and $\ensuremath{\beta}$-${\mathrm{YbAlB}}_{4}$ was found in the polar angle dependence of linear dichroism, indicating the difference in the anisotropy of $c\text{\ensuremath{-}}f$ hybridization, which may be a key to understanding a heavy Fermi liquid state in $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-${\mathrm{YbAlB}}_{4}$ and a quantum critical state in $\ensuremath{\beta}$-${\mathrm{YbAlB}}_{4}$.

The present study was conducted to reveal characteristic features of albino large rabbit (JW-AKT) which we formerly established a specific pathogen-free (SPF) colony. Body weights of JW-AKT rabbit at 52 weeks old was 5.7 ± 0.4 kg in males and 6.4 ± 0.4 kg in females. Weight of body, heart, lung and kidney in JW-AKT rabbit was significantly higher than in Japanese white and New Zealand white rabbits in both sexes. Though the body weight (BW) was rather lower in males, body length and brain weights tended to be higher in males than in females. Since body fat was significantly higher in females, what affects difference in BW is body fat, rather than the physical constitution of female JW-AKT rabbit. No critical sex difference was found in hematological parameters in JW-AKT rabbit. The results indicated that JW-AKT were about 1.5 times larger than the general laboratory rabbits with common properties in hematology. Thus, JW-AKT rabbit could be used as a novel SPF experimental animal model with some advantages in surgical experiments or collection of large amount of biological specimen.

INTRODUCTION: We implemented a new thyroid nodule classification system in which a biopsy was recommended for thyroid lesions ≥ 1 cm with at least 2 or more suspicious features. METHODS: Three consecutive years of thyroid biopsies using the new classification system were reviewed for patient demographics, biopsy recommendation based on nodule size and imaging characteristics, and pathology results. The primary outcome was malignancy rates for thyroid biopsies. These results were compared to a 3-year historical data set. RESULTS: Review of thyroid biopsies from 2010 to 2012, prior to the implementation of current recommendations, revealed 996 thyroid biopsies with a malignancy rate of 12.8%. Subsequent to the new classification system in 2017, 483 thyroid biopsies were performed over the next 3 years with a malignancy rate of 21.9%. DISCUSSION: Implementation of the new classification system with a higher threshold for biopsy reduced our yearly biopsy volume by approximately 50% while also increasing our malignancy rate from 12.8% to 21.9%, which is more in line with published rates of malignancy. CONCLUSION: In a community setting performing less than 200 biopsies per year, the use of more stringent requirements for thyroid biopsy are necessary to achieve malignancy rates comparable to the published literature.

Background and Objective During atrial fibrillation ablation, heparin is required and is guided by the activated clotting time (ACT). Differences in the ACT before ablation and adequate initial heparin dosing in patients receiving non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) were examined. Methods Patients who received warfarin (control, N = 90), dabigatran etexilate (N = 90), rivaroxaban (N = 90) and apixaban (N = 90) were studied. A 100 U/kg dose of heparin was administered as a reliable control dose for warfarin, and the remaining patients were randomly administered 110, 120 or 130 U/kg of heparin in each NOAC group, followed by a continuous heparin infusion. Results Periprocedural thromboembolic and major bleeding were not observed. Minor bleeding occurred rarely without significant differences among the groups examined. Baseline ACTs were longer in the warfarin (152 ± 16 s) and dabigatran (153 ± 13 s) groups than in the rivaroxaban (134 ± 13 s) and apixaban (133 ± 20 s) groups. The initial bolus heparin dosages required to produce an ACT 15 min after the initial bolus that was identical to the control (333 ± 32 s) were 120 U/kg (318 ± 29 s) and 130 U/kg (339 ± 43 s) for dabigatran, 130 U/kg (314 ± 31 s) for rivaroxaban and 130 U/kg (317 ± 39 s) for apixaban. The NOAC groups required significantly larger doses of total heparin than the warfarin group. Conclusion The baseline ACTs differed among the three NOAC groups. The results of the comparison with warfarin (the control) indicated that dosages of 120 or 130 U/kg for dabigatran, and 130 U/kg for rivaroxaban and apixaban, were adequate initial heparin dosages.

A linearly polarized hard X-ray photoemission system has been developed for studying the ground-state symmetry of strongly correlated materials., An angle-resolved linearly polarized hard X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (HAXPES) system has been developed to study the ground-state symmetry of strongly correlated materials. The linear polarization of the incoming X-ray beam is switched by a transmission-type phase retarder composed of two diamond (100) crystals. The best value of the degree of linear polarization was found to be −0.96, containing a vertical polarization component of 98%. A newly developed low-temperature two-axis manipulator enables easy polar and azimuthal rotations to select the detection direction of photoelectrons. The lowest temperature achieved was 9 K, offering the chance to access the ground state even for strongly correlated electron systems in cubic symmetry. A co-axial sample monitoring system with long-working-distance microscope enables the same region on the sample surface to be measured before and after rotation. Combining this sample monitoring system with a micro-focused X-ray beam by means of an ellipsoidal Kirkpatrick–Baez mirror (25 µm × 25 µm FWHM), polarized valence-band HAXPES has been performed on NiO for voltage application as resistive random access memory to demonstrate the micro-positioning technique and polarization switching.

Layered oxypnictide LaOMnAs shows an antiferromagnetic insulator-to-ferromagnetic metal transition at room temperature with increasing the defect of LaO layer which induces hole doping into the MnAs layers. In order to reveal the details of the transition, we have performed hard-X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy for the insulating LaOMnAs and metallic (LaO) 0.7 MnAs. The spectral changes in the valence band, mainly composed of Mn 3 d states, Mn 2 p core levels, and La 3 d core-levels have been observed across the transition. Our results indicated that Mn 3 d state was significantly influenced by the defect of LaO layer.

Engineering the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) at the surface of graphite anodes in Li-ion batteries is crucial to optimizing the rate capability, cycle life, and calendar life of commercial cells. It has been reported that fast-forming SEIs on composite graphite electrodes in a high-potential region (~0.24 V vs. Li/Li+) has a positive influence on rate capability in half cell formats [1]. Potentiostatic EIS modulation applied during formation has shown similar results to the fast formation method. In this work, we evaluated the efficacy of various SEI formation methods on the rate and cycle life of full cell Li-ion batteries, and then analyzed electrode surfaces ex situ to locate and quantify immobile lithium. Lithium nuclear reaction analysis (Li-NRA) provided an effective non-destructive method to correlate irreversible electrochemistry with physical surface phenomena [2]. It is well established that high current charging can induce Li plating on the graphite anode, leading to accelerated capacity fade. Several methods have been used to quantify this phenomena including titration and secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS). Here, we employ Li-NRA and a suite of complementary techniques (i.e. XPS and SIMS) to show how the amount of immobile Li and its depth profile varies with charge rate (up to 5C) and cycle number. [1] B. K. Antonopoulos, C. Stock, F. Maglia, H. E. Hoster, Electrochim. Acta, 269 (2018), 331-339. [2] A. Schulz, D. DeRosa, S. Higashiya, M. Rane-Fondacaro, H. Bakhru, P. Haldar, J. Energy Storage 14 (2017), 106-111. A. Schulz, D. DeRosa, S. Higashiya, M. Rane-Fondacaro, H. Bakhru, P. Haldar, J. Power Sources 360 (2017), 129-135.

Using the unique characteristics of the free-electron-laser (FEL), we successfully performed high-sensitivity spectral-imaging of different materials in the terahertz (THz) and far-infrared (FIR) domain. THz imaging at various wavelengths was achieved using in-situ spectroscopy by means of this wavelength tunable and monochromatic source. In particular, owing to its large intensity and directionality we could collect high-sensitivity transmission imaging of extremely low-transparency materials and three-dimensional objects in the 3-6 THz range. By accurately identifying the intrinsic absorption wavelength of organic and inorganic materials, we succeeded in the mapping of spatial distribution of individual components. This simple imaging technique using a focusing optics and a raster scan modality has made it possible to set up and carry out fast spectral-imaging experiments on different materials in this radiation facility.

In this paper, we show the linearly polarized hard X-ray core-level photoemission spectroscopy of valence fluctuating system β-YbAlB4. Interestingly, we observed subtle but distinct linear dichroisms in Yb2+ 3d5/2 core-level spectra at several angles of β-YbAlB4. Basically linear dichroism in Yb2+ 3d5/2 core-level spectrum is not expected in the ionic picture because Yb2+ 4f orbital is fully occupied. These contradiction indicates the breakdown of ionic picture in β-YbAlB4.

We report the core-level photoemission study of cubic PrBe13, PrIr2Zn20 and PrB6 using linearly polarized hard X-ray. We have successfully observed linear dichroism (LD) in Pr3+ 3d core-level photoemission spectra reflecting the 4f ground-state symmetry for all the compounds. The observed LDs and polarization-dependent spectra are reproduced by ionic-model calculations including the full multiplet theory and the local crystalline electric field (CEF) splitting. We have confirmed that LDs in Pr3+ 3d core-level photoemission spectra are able to determine unambiguously the Pr3+ 4f ground-state symmetry.

We have probed the crystalline electric-field ground states of pure |J=7/2,J_{z}=±5/2⟩ as well as the anisotropic c-f hybridization in both valence fluctuating systems α- and β-YbAlB_{4} by linear polarization dependence of angle-resolved core level photoemission spectroscopy. Interestingly, the small but distinct difference between α- and β-YbAlB_{4} was found in the polar angle dependence of linear dichroism, indicating the difference in the anisotropy of c-f hybridization, which may be a key to understanding a heavy Fermi liquid state in α-YbAlB_{4} and a quantum critical state in β-YbAlB_{4}.

The rapid adoption of Li-ion batteries with liquid organic electrolytes created many safety issues, due to gas production and leakage of the flammable liquid organic electrolytes when operating at high voltages of ~6V and/or elevated temperatures of ~150°C. A possible solution to this problem is to use solid state electrolytes instead of liquid electrolytes. It has been demonstrated that some solid electrolytes can perform as well as their liquid electrolyte counterparts during battery operation. One such promising solid-state electrolyte is Lithium Aluminum Titanium Phosphate (LATP). Thick LATP films (several micrometers) have shown ionic conductivity of ~3×10−3 S cm−1, which is similar to that of a typical liquid electrolyte’s conductivity. It has excellent long-term stability in contact with the lithium anode and has been evaluated as a solid electrolyte for Li-ion batteries, as well as for electrochromics and deep neural networks. This study is therefore aimed at in-depth exploration of the LATP electrolyte for both the lithium ion battery and neuromorphic devices applications. Our work is focused on studying the influence of sputtering deposition parameters on the composition and the ionic conductivity of LATP that is not well understood. A systematic study to optimize sputtering target power, substrate heating, sputtering vacuum pressure, annealing temperature, atmospheric composition during annealing, and sputtering atmospheric composition was performed. Compositional uniformity of LATP films were analyzed via dynamic secondary ion mass spectroscopy (D-SIMS), nuclear reaction analysis (NRA), and Rutherford backscattered electron spectroscopy (RBS). Results from the aforementioned techniques have shown that deposition of compositionally uniform LATP films can be achieved by co-sputtering of Ti, Al and Li 3 PO 4 on a Si or Si/SiO 2 substrate. However, annealing of these films at > 400°C is required to enhance their performance. Microscale batteries (~ 100 μm × 100 μm) created with the annealed LATP films show promising electrolyte behavior. Charging of the batteries with a constant current of 200pA to 4.2V displayed charging and discharging characteristics of a typical battery with no measurable leakage.

We present a detailed study on the $4f$ ground-state symmetry of the pressure-induced superconductor ${\mathrm{CeCu}}_{2}{\mathrm{Ge}}_{2}$ probed by soft x-ray absorption and hard x-ray photoemission spectroscopy. The revised Ce $4f$ ground states are determined as $|{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Gamma}}}_{7}\ensuremath{\rangle}=\sqrt{0.45}|{J}_{z}=\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}\frac{5}{2}\ensuremath{\rangle}\ensuremath{-}\sqrt{0.55}|\ensuremath{\mp}\frac{3}{2}\ensuremath{\rangle}$ with $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Sigma}}$-type in-plane rotational symmetry. This gives an in-plane magnetic moment consistent with the antiferromagnetic moment as reported in neutron measurements. Since the in-plane symmetry is the same as that for the superconductor ${\mathrm{CeCu}}_{2}{\mathrm{Si}}_{2}$, we propose that the charge distribution along the $c$ axis plays an essential role in driving the system into a superconducting phase.

The fluorescence intensity of a C-terminal acceptor chromophore, N-(7-dimethylamino-4-methyl coumarin (DACM), increased proportionally with 280 nm irradiation of an increasing number of donor tryptophan residues located on a β-sheet forming polypeptide. The fluorescence intensity of the acceptor chromophore increased even as the length of the β-sheet edge approached 256 A, well beyond the Forster radius for the tryptophan-acceptor chromophore pair. The folding of the peptides under investigation was verified by circular dichroism (CD) and deep UV resonance Raman experiments. Control experiments showed that the enhancement of DACM fluorescence occurred concomitantly with peptide folding. In other control experiments, the DACM fluorescence intensity of the solutions of tryptophan and DACM did not show any enhancement of DACM fluorescence with increasing tryptophan concentrations. Formation of fibrillar aggregates of the substrate peptides prepared for the fluorescence studies was undetectable by thioflavin T (ThT) fluorescence.

In order to investigate the mechanism of the formation of laser induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS), in situ observation of LIPSS formation on Si wafers under the irradiation of intense THz pulses with a center wavelength of $\sim 72 \pmb{\mu m}$ emitted from a free electron laser (THz-FEL) was performed. When the number N of the irradiated THz pulse is less than $\pmb{50\sim 70}$ , fine LIPSS with a period of $\pmb{3\sim 4\mu \mathrm{m}}$ almost parallel to the polarization of the THz pulses were observed. For $\mathrm{N} > 250$ , coarse structures with a period of $30\sim 40\mu \mathrm{m}$ emerged.

We evaluated the effects of adjunctive left anterior line (LAL) ablation on LA dyssynchrony and function using real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) in connection with thromboembolic complications and tachyarrhythmia recurrence in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). We randomly and prospectively assigned consecutive persistent AF patients to the LAL (n = 52, 65 ± 7 years) and control groups (n = 50, 64 ± 10 years). In the LAL group, extensive encircling pulmonary vein isolation (EEPVI), roof line ablation, and LAL ablation regardless of the extent of the low-voltage area (LVA) were performed. The control group underwent EEPVI and roof line ablation. After ablation, 3DE demonstrated LA dyssynchrony in 23 (46%) and 4 patients (8%, P

BACKGROUND Different target activated clotting times (ACTs) during atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation have been proposed. Moreover, relationships between initial bolus dose of heparin at the start of AF ablation in patients receiving edoxaban anticoagulation therapy and ACT are unclear. METHODS Patients who received anticoagulation with uninterrupted warfarin (control; n = 120) or interrupted edoxaban (n = 120) on the morning of day of ablation were studied. An initial dose of 100 U/kg heparin was administered as a reliable control for warfarin. Initial heparin doses of 120, 130, 140, or 150 U/kg were randomly administered to the edoxaban group. RESULTS Edoxaban group showed shorter baseline ACT before the procedure (130 ± 16 seconds) than the warfarin group (152 ± 26 seconds, P

We have probed the crystalline electric-field ground states of pure $|J = 7/2, J_z = \pm 5/2\rangle$ as well as the anisotropic $c$-$f$ hybridization in both valence fluctuating systems $\alpha$- and $\beta$-YbAlB$_4$ by linear polarization dependence of angle-resolved core level photoemission spectroscopy. Interestingly, the small but distinct difference between \abyb was found in the polar angle dependence of linear dichroism, indicating the difference in the anisotropy of $c$-$f$ hybridization which may be essential to a heavy Fermi liquid state in $\alpha$-YbAlB$_4$ and a quantum critical state in $\beta$-YbAlB$_4$.

The design of biomimetic materials through molecular self-assembly is a growing area of modern nanotechnology. With problems of protein folding, self-assembly, and sequence–structure relationships as essential in nanotechnology as in biology, the effect of the nucleation of β-hairpin formation by proline on the folding process has been investigated in model studies. Previously such studies were limited to investigations of the influence of proline on the formation of turns in short peptide sequences. The effect of proline-based triads on the folding of an 11-kDa amyloidogenic peptide GH6[(GA)3GY(GA)3GE]8GAH6 (YE8) was investigated by selective substitution of the proline-substituted triads at the γ-turn sites. The folding and fibrillation of the singly proline-substituted polypeptides, e.g., GH6[(GA)3GY(GA)3GE]7(GA)3GY(GA)3PDGAH6 (8PD), and doubly proline-substituted polypeptides, e.g., GH6[(GA)3GY(GA)3GE]3(GA)3GY(GA)3PD[(GA)3GY(GA)3GE]3(GA)3GY(GA)3PDGAH6 (4,8PD), were directly monitored by circular dichroism and deep UV resonance Raman and fluorescence spectroscopies. These findings were used to identify the essential folding domains, i.e., the minimum number of β-strands necessary for stable folding. These experimental findings may be especially useful in the design and construction of peptidic materials for a wide range of applications as well as in understanding the mechanisms of folding critical to fibril formation. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 103: 339–350, 2015.

We have investigated an insulating origin of the layered Mn oxypnictide (LaO)MnPn with half-filled Mn 3 d bands by choosing pnictogen atoms from P to Sb and introduction of hole carriers. Metallic states are found in (LaO)MnAs and (LaO)MnSb at higher hole doping.

We found the irradiation of focused linearly polarized terahertz (THz)-waves emitted from THz free-electron laser (THz-FEL) engraved fine periodic stripe structures on the surfaces of single-crystal Si wafers. The experiments were performed at several wavelengths ranging from 50 to 82 μm with a macro-pulse fluence up to 32 J/cm2. The engraved structures are considered equivalent to the laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) produced by the irradiation of a femtosecond (fs)-pulsed laser in the near-infrared (NIR) region. However, the minimum period of ∼1/25 of the wavelength in the present case of THz-FEL is surely much smaller than those reported so far by use of fs-lasers and no more explicable by the so far proposed mechanisms. The finer LIPSS confirmed by longer-wavelength laser excitation by means of THz-FEL motivates investigation into the universal mechanism of LIPSS formation, which has been under a hot debate for decades.