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The structural and superconducting properties of alkali-Bi-based compounds, KBi2 and RbBi2, were investigated over a wide pressure range for the first time.

We investigated the pressure dependence of electric transport in a superconducting sample, Ba0.77Na0.23Ti2Sb2O, to complete the phase diagram of superconducting transition temperature (Tc) against pressure (p). This superconducting sample exhibits a Tc value of 5.8 K at ambient pressure. Here, the superconductivity of the recently reported sample was investigated over a wide pressure range. The Tc value monotonously decreased with pressure below 8 GPa. Interestingly, the Tc value rapidly increased above 8 GPa and slowly declined with pressure above 11 GPa. Thus, a new superconducting phase was discovered above ∼9 GPa. The crystal structure of Ba0.77Na0.23Ti2Sb2O was also elucidated at 0-22.0 GPa with synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction. Consequently, an evident relation between the crystal structure and the superconductivity was revealed, namely, a clear structural phase transition was observed at 8-11 GPa, where the Tc value rapidly increased against pressure. This study provides detailed information on the superconductivity of Ba0.77Na0.23Ti2Sb2O under pressure, which will lead to a comprehensive understanding of pressure-driven superconductivity.

Herein, we report the preparation and characterization of BaBi3 clarified by DC magnetic susceptibility, powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), and electrical transport. The superconducting properties of BaBi3 were elucidated through the magnetic and electrical transport properties in a wide pressure range. The superconducting transition temperature, Tc, showed a slight decrease (or almost constant Tc) against pressure up to 17.2 GPa. The values of the upper critical field, Hc2, at 0 K, were determined to be 1.27 T at 0 GPa and 3.11 T at 2.30 GPa, using the formula, because p-wave pairing appeared to occur for this material at both pressures, indicating the unconventionality of superconductivity. This result appears to be consistent with the topological non-trivial nature of superconductivity predicted theoretically. The pressure-dependent XRD patterns measured at 0–20.1 GPa indicated no structural phase transitions up to 20.1 GPa, i.e., the structural phase transitions from the α phase to the β or γ phase which are induced by an application of pressure were not observed, contrary to the previous report, demonstrating that the α phase is maintained over the entire pressure range. Admittedly, the lattice constants and the volume of the unit cell, V, steadily decrease with increasing pressure up to 20.1 GPa. In this study, the plots of Tcversus p and V versus p of BaBi3 are depicted over a wide pressure range for the first time.

Detonation combustors are considered promising alternatives to conventional combustors because they offer high thermal efficiency and fast combustion. However, especially for the rotating detonation combustor, the theoretical propulsive performance has not been confirmed in experimental studies because the highly unsteady flow field hinders the measurements process. To understand the involved phenomena in more detail, a reflective shuttling detonation combustor (RSDC) with a rectangular combustion chamber was developed. The interior of the chamber can easily be visualized owing to its two-dimensional quality. Utilizing the RSDC, several combustion tests with gaseous ethylene and oxygen were conducted for different values of mass flow rates and equivalence ratios. Combustion modes from the tests were classified into four types based on the fast Fourier transform (FFT) analysis of the luminous intensity of the CH* self-luminescence images captured by a high-speed camera and a band pass filter. Simultaneously, the theoretical total pressure of a conventional isobaric combustor was compared to the static pressure measured at the bottom of the RSDC chamber. For the detonation modes, the ratio between experimentally measured static pressure and the theoretical pressure varied depending on the location in the chamber owing to the distribution of the time-averaged static pressure. Furthermore, the pressure ratio of the detonation modes was up to 18% lower than that of the deflagration mode potentially owing to the flow velocity induced by the detonation waves.

Laying-down gold nanorods (GNRs) of a monolayer immobilized on a solid substrate was realized with a hybrid method, a combination of three elemental technologies: surface modification, electrophoresis, and solvent evaporation. The self-assembly of CTAB-protected GNRs in the solution was induced by 0.05 mM of EDTA. The assembled GNRs were deposited in a laying-down form on the solid surface during the hybrid method. The final coverage was over 71% on the substrate with an area larger than 0.6 cm2. The spacing between the sides of the GNRs was fixed to be 4.6 ± 0.9 nm by the thermal annealing-promoted crystalline packing of the bilayer of CTAB salt-bridged with EDTA. The obtained laying-down GNRs of a monolayer on the gold substrate show a small shift of the transverse LSPR around 550-570 nm (with a width of around 100 nm) and a large red shift of the longitudinal LSPR to be 900-1050 nm (with a width of 500 nm), because of the strong electromagnetic coupling between the GNRs and gold substrate. Therefore it can be used in a wide range of wavelengths for surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) applications. The film has a high enhancement factor with 105 for R6G.

After the development of chirped pulse amplification by G. Mouro, laser ion acceleration has attracted a lot of interest for various fields of research, such as high energy density physics, nuclear physics, and fast ignition scheme in inertial confinement fusion. Recent theoretical and numerical investigations predict generation of sub-GeV to GeV energy ions. However, it is difficult to discriminate GeV-scale ions into different mass and energies using conventional diagnostic instruments (e.g. Thomson parabola spectrometer, solid state nuclear track detector). We have developed a novel diagnostic system based on particle counting analysis (PCA), which is generally used in nuclear physics experiments. The diagnosis provides a mass-dependent ion spectrum based on time-of-flight and pulse-height analysis of single particle events. With a novel arrangement of multiple scintillators with different ion stopping powers, PCA offers potential advantages over commonly used diagnostics in terms of coverage solid angle, detection efficiency, and real-time analysis for GeV-scale ions. The basic detector setup was tested using the Heavy Ion Medical Accelerator in Chiba (HIMAC) in Japan. Our system shows its ability to resolve protons, B^5+, C^6+, and O^8+ ion beams with energy range of 60-430 MeV/u. We also discuss an advanced detector design using multi-layered scintillator pixel array coupled with avalanche photodiodes, which allows angularly-resolved analysis and makes PCA more practical diagnostic technique in laser-driven particle acceleration experiments., High Temperature Plasma Diagnostics Conference 2022

A superconducting KBi2 sample was successfully prepared using a liquid ammonia (NH3) technique. The temperature dependence of the magnetic susceptibility (M/H) showed a superconducting transition temperature (Tc) as high as 3.6 K. In addition, the shielding fraction at 2.0 K was evaluated to be 87%, i.e., a bulk superconductor was realized using the above method. The Tc value was the same as that reported for the KBi2 sample prepared using a high-temperature annealing method. An X-ray diffraction pattern measured based on the synchrotron X-ray radiation was analyzed using the Rietveld method, with a lattice constant, a, of 9.5010(1) A under the space group of Fd[3 with combining macron]m (face-centered cubic, no. 227). The lattice constant and space group found for the KBi2 sample using a liquid NH3 technique were the same as those reported for KBi2 through a high-temperature annealing method. Thus, the superconducting behavior and crystal structure of the KBi2 sample obtained in this study are almost the same as those for the KBi2 sample reported previously. Strictly speaking, the magnetic behavior of the superconductivity was different from that of a KBi2 sample reported previously, i.e., the KBi2 sample prepared using a liquid NH3 technique was a type-II like superconductor, contrary to that prepared using a high-temperature annealing method, the reason for which is fully discussed. These results indicate that the liquid NH3 technique is effective and simple for the preparation of a superconducting KBi2. In addition, the topological nature of the superconductivity for KBi2 was not confirmed.

A new superconducting sample, BaTi2Bi2O, was synthesized and characterized over a wide pressure range. The superconducting transition temperature, Tc, of BaTi2Bi2O was 4.33 K at ambient pressure. The crystal structure was tetragonal (space group of P4/mmm (No. 123)), according to the X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern at ambient pressure. The XRD pattern was analyzed using the Le Bail method. The magnetic-field dependence of the magnetization at different temperatures was precisely investigated to elucidate the characteristics of the superconductivity. The pressure-dependent XRD patterns showed absence of structural phase transitions up to 19.8 GPa. The superconducting properties of BaTi2Bi2O were investigated under pressure. Tc monotonously increased with the pressure (p) up to 4.0 GPa and saturated above 4.0 GPa. The variations in the Tc-p plot were thoroughly analyzed. The Cooper pair symmetry (or superconducting pairing mechanism) was analyzed based on the magnetic field dependence of the superconductivity at ambient and high pressures, which indicated a sign of p-wave pairing for the superconductivity of BaTi2Bi2O, i.e., topologically nontrivial sign was suggested for BaTi2Bi2O.

Herein, we report the preparation and characterization of BaBi

The crystal structures of Sb

We investigated the pressure dependence of electric transport in a superconducting sample, Ba

Electronic devices relying on the combination of different conjugated organic materials are considerably appealing for their potential use in many applications such as photovoltaics, light emission, and digital/analog circuitry. In this study, the electrical response of field-effect transistors achieved through the evaporation of picene and PDIF-CN

The topological insulator PdBi

A new superconducting sample, BaTi2Bi2O, was synthesized and characterized over a wide pressure range. The superconducting transition temperature, Tc, of BaTi2Bi2O was 4.33 K at ambient pressure. The crystal structure was tetragonal (space group of P4/mmm (No. 123)), according to the X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern at ambient pressure. The XRD pattern was analyzed using the Le Bail method. The magnetic-field dependence of the magnetization at different temperatures was precisely investigated to elucidate the characteristics of the superconductivity. The pressure-dependent XRD patterns showed absence of structural phase transitions up to 19.8 GPa. The superconducting properties of BaTi2Bi2O were investigated under pressure. Tc monotonously increased with the pressure (p) up to 4.0 GPa and saturated above 4.0 GPa. The variations in the Tc-p plot were thoroughly analyzed. The Cooper pair symmetry (or superconducting pairing mechanism) was analyzed based on the magnetic field dependence of the superconductivity at ambient and high pressures, which indicated a sign of p-wave pairing for the superconductivity of BaTi2Bi2O, i.e., topologically nontrivial sign was suggested for BaTi2Bi2O.

The crystal structure of BiSbTeSe

We synthesized the alkaline-earth metal-doped FeSe compounds (NH

A superconducting KBi

A reflective shuttling detention combustor (RSDC) is a two-dimensional combustor with two reflection walls. Unlike a rotating detonation combustor (RDC), an RSDC can visualize the entire area of the combustor via an optical technique. In addition, the RSDC can reproduce the counter-rotating detonation mode in RDC. In present study, CH* luminescence and schlieren image were observed to investigate the dynamics of the RSDC. The reflective wall distance was set to 45 mm (Type L) and 25 mm (Type S). As the results, the wave speed of 1226 ± 64 m / s in the single wave mode in Type S was 76% of that in Type L. It was found that the detonation propagation speed decreased with a reduction in the reflection wall distance. Superimposing the luminescence images on the schlieren images revealed that the mixture was mainly burned by deflagration behind shock wave. In addition, the experimental mixture fill height was in good agreement with model in which the mixture filling process was temporarily stopped by detonation and refilled at a constant speed. Using the maximum fill height obtained by the model, it was found that the detonation mode was in the region of 3 ± 0.6 of the dimensionless quantity (the reflection wall distance divided by the wave number and maximum value of the mixture fill height).

This study investigates the effect of high dissolved oxygen concentrations (DO) on sterlet Acipenser ruthenus maturation. Two groups, each comprising 246 individuals of 8-month-old juvenile sterlets, were reared for 37 months under high DO (group H, mean DO of 11.2 mg/L) or normal DO (group C, mean DO of 7.3 mg/L). Significant differences in body weight were observed between group H (638.7 ± 191.9 g) and group C (572.2 ± 151.9 g) in 12 months (P 0.05) in 24 months. Significant differences in follicle diameter in mature females were also observed. Group H included 68 mature females, with an average follicle diameter of 2318.0 ± 175.3 µm, whereas group C included 56 mature females, with a smaller average follicle diameter of 2152.3 ± 287.0 µm (P

The crystal structures of Sb2Te3-ySey(y = 0.6 and y = 1.2) at 0 - 24 GPa were investigated by synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD). The stoichiometry of Sb2Te3-ySeyused in this study was determined to be Sb2Te2.19(9)Se0.7(2)for y = 0.6 and Sb2Te1.7(1)Se1.3(3)for y = 1.2, on the basis of energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The sample of Sb2Te2.19(9)Se0.7(2)showed a structural phase transition from a rhombohedral structure (space group No. 166,R3I…m) (phase I) to a monoclinic structure (space group No. 12,C2/m) (phase II), with increasing pressure up to ~9 GPa. A new structural phase (phase II') emerged at 17.7 GPa, a monoclinic structure with the space groupC2/c (No.15). Finally, a 9/10-fold monoclinic structure (space group No. 12,C2/m) (phase III) was observed at 21.8 GPa. In contrast, the sample of Sb2Te1.7(1)Se1.3(3) provided only phase I (space group No. 166,R3I…m) and phase II (space group No. 12,C2/m), showing one structural phase transition from 0 - 19.5 GPa. These samples were not superconductors at ambient pressure, but superconductivity suddenly appeared with increasing pressure. Superconductivity with superconducting transition temperatures (Tc's) of 2 and 4 K was observed above 6 GPa in phase I of Sb2Te2.19(9)Se0.7(2). In this sample, theTcvalues of 6 and 9 K were observed in phase II and phase II' or III of Sb2Te2.19(9)Se0.7(2), respectively. Superconductivity withTc's of 4 and 5 K suddenly emerged in Sb2Te1.7(1)Se1.3(3)at 13.6 GPa, which corresponds to phase II, and it evolved to 6.0 K under further increased pressure. ATcvalue of 9 K was finally found above 15 GPa. The magnetic field dependence ofTcin phase II of Sb2Te2.19(9)Se0.7(2)and Sb2Te1.7(1)Se1.3(3)followed ap-wave polar model, suggesting topologically nontrivial superconductivity.

Titania (TiO 2 ) films in which silica (SiO 2 ) nanoparticles are embedded (SiO 2 /TiO 2 films) are prepared by a combination of a novel aerosolization technique and plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). Using titanium tetraisopropoxide (TTIP) in a microwave plasma field, anatase films are prepared on silicon and quartz-glass substrates. By utilizing Coulomb explosion of charged droplets in the plasma field, an aerosol with well-dispersed SiO 2 nanoparticles is obtained from the breakup of sprayed droplets of a nanoparticle suspension. Simultaneous feeding of the TTIP vapor as a gaseous raw material and the SiO 2 nanoparticle aerosol as a solid raw material enables preparation of the SiO 2 /TiO 2 films with many protrusions. The number and size of the protrusions increase with increasing concentration of the nanoparticle suspension and increasing size of the nanoparticles, respectively. The size of the nanoparticles is related to the surface roughness of the SiO 2 /TiO 2 films. Quantitative evaluation of the protrusions suggests that the mechanism of the protrusion evolution on SiO 2 nanoparticles varies with the size of the nanoparticles. Embedding SiO 2 nanoparticles into the TiO 2 films enhances the photocatalytic activities compared to that of a TiO 2 -only film probably because the protrusions increase the surface area of the films.

Herein, we investigated the pressure dependence of electric transport in a new type of superconducting metal iridate compound, SrIr

We systematically investigated the pressure dependence of electrical transport and the crystal structure of topological insulator, $\mathrm{B}{\mathrm{i}}_{2\ensuremath{-}x}\mathrm{S}{\mathrm{b}}_{x}\mathrm{T}{\mathrm{e}}_{3\ensuremath{-}y}\mathrm{S}{\mathrm{e}}_{y}$, which showed no superconductivity down to 2.0 K at ambient pressure. The $\mathrm{B}{\mathrm{i}}_{2\ensuremath{-}x}\mathrm{S}{\mathrm{b}}_{x}\mathrm{T}{\mathrm{e}}_{3\ensuremath{-}y}\mathrm{S}{\mathrm{e}}_{y}$ crystal showed two structural phase transitions under pressure, from rhombohedral structure (space group No. 166, $R\overline{3}m$, termed phase I) to monoclinic structure (space group No. 12, $C2/m$, termed phase II), and from phase II to another monoclinic structure (space group No. 12, $C2/m$, termed phase III). Superconductivity appeared when applying pressure; actually the superconductivity of all $\mathrm{B}{\mathrm{i}}_{2\ensuremath{-}x}\mathrm{S}{\mathrm{b}}_{x}\mathrm{T}{\mathrm{e}}_{3\ensuremath{-}y}\mathrm{S}{\mathrm{e}}_{y}$ samples emerged in phase I. The superconducting transition temperature, ${T}_{\mathrm{c}}$, increased against pressure in a pressure range of 0--15 GPa for all $\mathrm{B}{\mathrm{i}}_{2\ensuremath{-}x}\mathrm{S}{\mathrm{b}}_{x}\mathrm{T}{\mathrm{e}}_{3\ensuremath{-}y}\mathrm{S}{\mathrm{e}}_{y}$ samples, and the maximum ${T}_{\mathrm{c}}$ was 5.45 K, recorded at 13.5 GPa in $\mathrm{B}{\mathrm{i}}_{2\ensuremath{-}x}\mathrm{S}{\mathrm{b}}_{x}\mathrm{T}{\mathrm{e}}_{3\ensuremath{-}y}\mathrm{S}{\mathrm{e}}_{y}$ at $x=0$ and $y=1.0$. The magnetic field (H) dependence of the R--T plot for $\mathrm{B}{\mathrm{i}}_{2\ensuremath{-}x}\mathrm{S}{\mathrm{b}}_{x}\mathrm{T}{\mathrm{e}}_{3\ensuremath{-}y}\mathrm{S}{\mathrm{e}}_{y}$ was measured to characterize the superconducting pairing mechanism of pressure-induced superconducting phase.

The crystal structure of BiSbTeSe2 (Bi2-x Sb x Te3-y Se y (x = 1.0 and y = 2.0)) at 0-29 GPa is investigated through synchrotron x-ray diffraction (XRD) and two structural phase transitions are discovered. The stoichiometry of BiSbTeSe2 employed in this study is Bi1.19(4)Sb0.81(4)Te0.83(4)Se2.17(4), as determined from energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. The sample demonstrated structural transitions, from a rhombohedral structure (space group no 166, R [Formula: see text] m) (phase I) to a monoclinic structure (space group no 12, C2/m) (phase II), and from phase II to a 9/10-fold monoclinic structure (space group no 12, C2/m) (phase III). The temperature dependence of resistance (R-T plot) exhibited a semiconducting behavior in a low pressure range and changed from semiconducting to metallic behavior with increasing pressure. Pressure-driven superconductivity is observed above 9.1 GPa in Bi1.19(4)Sb0.81(4)Te0.83(4)Se2.17(4). The pressure phase corresponds to phase II. The superconducting transition temperature, T c, increased with pressure. The maximum T c value is 8.3 K at 19.1 GPa. The magnetic field dependence of T c in phase II of Bi1.19(4)Sb0.81(4)Te0.83(4)Se2.17(4) is proceeded by a p-wave polar model, indicating topologically nontrivial superconductivity. In addition, the emergence of superconductivity and the change in superconducting behavior are closely associated with the structural transitions.

The self-assembled monolayer (SAM)-modified metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) often exhibit improved chemoselectivity in various catalytic reactions by controlling the reactants&rsquo, orientations adsorbed in the SAM, however, there have been a few examples showing that the reaction rate, i.e., catalytic activity, is enhanced by the SAM-modification of MNP catalysts. The critical parameters that affect the catalytic activity, such as the supports, nanoparticle size, and molecular structures of the SAM components, remain uninvestigated in these sporadic literature precedents. Here, we report the mechanistic investigation on the effects of those parameters on the catalytic activity of alkanethiolate SAM-functionalized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) toward silane alcoholysis reactions. The evaluation of the catalytic reaction over two-dimensionally arrayed dodecanethiolate SAM-functionalized AuNPs with different supports revealed the electronic interactions between AuNPs and the supports contributing to the rate enhancement. Additionally, an unprecedented size effect appeared&mdash, the AuNP with a 20 nm radius showed higher catalytic activity than those at 10 and 40 nm. Infrared reflection&ndash, absorption spectroscopy revealed that the conformational change of alkyl chains of the SAM affects the entrapment of reactants and products inside the SAM, and therefore brings about the acceleration effect. These findings provide a guideline for further applying the SAM-functionalization technique to stereoselective organic transformations with designer MNP catalysts.

We synthesized the alkaline-earth metal-doped FeSe compounds (NH3) y AE x FeSe (AE: Ca, Sr and Ba), using the liquid NH3 technique, to determine their superconducting properties and crystal structures. Multiple superconducting phases were obtained in each sample of (NH3) y Ca x FeSe and (NH3) y Ba x FeSe, which showed two superconducting transition temperatures (T c's) as high as 37-39 K and 47-48 K at ambient pressure, hereinafter referred to as the 'low-T c phase' and 'high-T c phase', respectively. The high-T c phases in (NH3) y Ca x FeSe and (NH3) y Ba x FeSe were metastable, and rapidly converted to their low-T c phases. However, T c values of 38.4 K and 35.6 K were recorded for (NH3) y Sr x FeSe, which displayed different behavior than (NH3) y Ca x FeSe and (NH3) y Ba x FeSe. The Le Bail fitting of x-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns provided lattice constants of c = 16.899(1) A and c = 16.8630(8) A for the low-T c phases of (NH3) y Ca x FeSe and (NH3) y Ba x FeSe, respectively. The lattice constants of their high-T c phases could not be determined due to the disappearance of the high T c phase within a few days. The XRD pattern for (NH3) y Sr x FeSe indicated the coexistence of two phases with c = 16.899(3) A and c = 15.895(4) A. The former value of c in (NH3) y Sr x FeSe is almost the same as those of the low-T c phases in (NH3) y Ca x FeSe and (NH3) y Ba x FeSe. Therefore, the phase with c = 16.899(3) A in (NH3) y Sr x FeSe must correspond to the superconducting phase with the T c of 38.4 K, while the superconducting phase with T c = 35.6 K is assigned to the crystal phase with c = 15.895(4) A. For (NH3) y Sr x FeSe, a high-T c phase with T c = 47-48 K has not yet been obtained, but a new phase showing the T c value of 35.6 K was clearly obtained. This is the first systematic study of the preparation, crystal structure, and superconductivity of alkaline-earth metal-doped FeSe, (NH3) y AE x FeSe.

We prepared two superconducting phases of (NH3) y Li x FeSe0.5Te0.5, which show superconducting transition temperatures (T c’s) as high as 20.2 and 29.5 K at ambient pressure, here called the ‘low-T c phase’ and ‘high-T c phase’. The temperature dependence of electrical resistance (R) was measured for the low-T c phase of (NH3) y Li x FeSe0.5Te0.5 over a pressure (p) range of 0–14 GPa, and for the high-T c phase of (NH3) y Li x FeSe0.5Te0.5 over 0–19 GPa, yielding double-dome superconducting T c–p phase diagrams, i.e. two superconducting phases (SC-I and SC-II) were found for both the low-T c and high-T c phases under pressure. For the low-T c phase, the maximum T c was 20.2 K at 0 GPa for SC-I, and 19.9 K at 8.98 GPa for SC-II. For the high-T c phase, the maximum T c was 33.0 K at 1.00 GPa for SC-I, and 24.0 K at 11.5–13.2 GPa for SC-II. These results imply that the maximum T c value of the high pressure phase (SC-II) does not exceed the maximum value of the SC-I, unlike what was shown in the T c–p phase diagrams of (NH3) y Li x FeSe and (NH3) y Cs x FeSe investigated previously. Nevertheless, the double-dome T c–p phase diagram was found in metal-doped FeSe0.5Te0.5, indicating that this feature is universal in metal-doped FeSe1−z Te z . Moreover, no structural phase transitions were observed for either the low-T c or high-T c phases of (NH3) y Li x FeSe0.5Te0.5 over the wide pressure range of 0–15.3 GPa, and the T c-lattice constant (c) plots for both phases were recorded to determine the critical point separating SC-I and SC-II.

Herein, we investigated the pressure dependence of electric transport in a new type of superconducting metal iridate compound, SrIr2, that exhibits a superconducting transition temperature, T c, as high as 6.6 K at ambient pressure, in order to complete the T c-pressure (p ) phase diagram. Very recently, this sample's superconductivity was discovered by our group, but the superconducting behavior has not yet been clarified under pressure. In this study, we fully investigated this sample's superconductivity in a wide pressure range. The T c value decreased with an increase in pressure, but the onset superconducting transition temperature, [Formula: see text], increased above a pressure of 8 GPa, indicating an unconventional superconductivity different from a BCS-type superconductor. The magnetic field dependence of electric resistance (R) against temperature (R - T plot) recorded at 7.94 and 11.3 GPa suggested an unconventional superconductivity, followed by a p -wave polar model, supporting the deviation from a simple s-wave pairing. Moreover, we fully investigated the pressure dependence of crystal structure in SrIr2 and discussed the correlation between superconductivity and crystal structure. This is the first systematic study on superconducting behavior of a new type of metal iridate compound, MIr2 (M: alkali-earth metal atom), under pressure.

We produced a new superconducting binary elements intercalated graphite, CaxCs1−xCy, by the intercalation of Ca and Cs in highly-oriented pyrolytic graphite using the metal-alloy method. The superconducting CaxCs1−xCy sample was synthesized with the nominal x value of 0.8, i.e., Ca0.8Cs0.2Cy; its superconducting transition temperature, T c, was 7.4 K. Energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) spectroscopy provided the stoichiometry of Ca0.8(1)Cs0.2(1)Cy. The x-ray powder diffraction (XRD) pattern showed that Ca0.8(1)Cs0.2(1)Cy took on a CsC8-type hexagonal structure rather than a CaC6-type rhombohedral structure, suggesting that the chemical formula is 'Ca0.8(1)Cs0.2(1)C8'. The pressure dependence of T c for Ca0.8(1)Cs0.2(1)C8 was determined from the temperature dependence of its resistance under pressure, which exhibited a positive pressure dependence of T c below 9.3 GPa, and a rapid decrease above 9.3 GPa. We studied the pressure dependence of the crystal structure of Ca0.8(1)Cs0.2(1)C8, and the correlation between the T c and structure is fully discussed below.

We have reported a one-step method that can enable the growth and parallel patterning of DNA nanofibers on a substrate. This method is based on the processes of solvent vapor-induced buildup and controlled drying front movement and forms parallelly aligned DNA nanofibers exceeding several hundred micrometers in length and 40 nm in diameter on a PDMS sheet. DNA nanofibers initially present on the PDMS sheet were transferred onto another surface using transfer-printing (TP). It was also possible to realize crossed two-dimensional patterns of DNA nanofibers by repeating TP. Polarized fluorescent microscope observations revealed that intercalated dyes are highly ordered in molecular alignment and that DNA strands in the fiber are aligned parallel to the growing direction of fibers.

In this research, we report the development, characterization and application of various plasmonic substrates (with localized surface plasmon resonance wavelength tunable by gold nanoparticle size) for two-photon absorption (TPA)-induced photodimerization of an anthracene derivative, anthracene carboxylic acid, in both surface and solution phase under incoherent visible light irradiation. Despite the efficient photoreaction property of anthracene derivatives and the huge number of publications about them, there has never been a report of a multiphoton photoreaction involving an anthracene derivative with the exception of a reverse photoconversion of anthracene photodimer to monomer with three-photon absorption. We examined the progress of the TPA-induced photoreaction by means of surface-enhanced Raman scattering, taking advantage of the ability of our plasmonic substrate to enhance and localize both incident light for photoreaction and Raman scattering signal for analysis of photoreaction products. The TPA-induced photoreaction in the case of anthracene carboxylic acid coated 2D array of gold nanoparticles gave different results according to the properties of the plasmonic substrate, such as the size of the gold nanoparticle and also its resultant optical properties. In particular, a stringent requirement to achieve TPA-induced photodimerization was found to be the matching between irradiation wavelength, localized surface plasmon resonance of the 2D array, and twice the wavelength of the molecular excitation of the target material (in this case, anthracene carboxylic acid). These results will be useful for the future development of efficient plasmonic substrates for TPA-induced photoreactions with various materials.

A 67-year-old Japanese male, suffering from liver cirrhosis with hepatoma, was admitted to the Yokohama National Hospital because of ascites retention. On physical examination, his abdomen was massively distended with ascites and his lower extremities were edematous. Laboratory findings on admission revealed hypoalbuminemia, moderate icterus, pancytopenia and hepatitis C virus antibody positivity. After admission, abdominal distention and edema were improved with the use of diuretics. On the 15th day of hospitalization, the patient noted diarrhea and bowel movements that occurred 10 times a day. On the following day, his body temperature rose to over 39 degrees C. On the morning of the 17th day, he complained of severe pain in the right lower extremity. Swelling and erythema over his right lower leg were evident. The skin lesion spread rapidly over the knee and became necrotic. His right leg became increasingly swollen with the development of edema and hemorrhagic bullae. About 4 hrs after the emergence of the skin lesion, his blood pressure fell to less than 60 mmHg. Laboratory findings suggested disseminated intravascular coagulation and multiple organ failure due to serious bacterial infection. In spite of vigorous treatment including administration of antibiotics, dopamine, gabexate mesilate and plasma, he did not recover from the state of shock and died about 14 hrs after the appearance of leg pain. Bacterial culture of the blood and contents of the bullae grew a gram negative rod identified as Edwardsiella tarda (E. tarda). Histological findings showed necrotizing fasciitis. E. tarda has recently become recognized as a pathogenic bacteria, particularly in patients with an underlying illness. This is the first reported case of E. tarda septicemia with necrotizing fasciitis.

An unprecedented substrate-selective catalytic enhancement effect of an alkanethiol-self-assembled monolayer (SAM) on Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) is reported. In the supported 2D-array of AuNPs, the alkanethiol-SAM acts as a protein-like soft reaction space in which the substrate molecules are encapsulated through non-covalent intermolecular hydrophobic interactions, and thus catalytic reactions are accelerated at AuNP surfaces.

Two autopsy cases of aortitis syndrome (Takayasu's aortitis) in the elderly are presented. Case 1 was an 81-year-old woman in whom hypertension was observed at age 37, and difference of right and left arm blood pressure was pointed out at age 65. She was referred to the authors' hospital at age 72. Chest X-ray and computed tomography of the thorax indicated atypical coarctation and diffuse calcification of the aorta. Case 2 was a 69-year-old woman in whom hypertension was pointed out at age 49, and blood pressure in the arms was found to differ from that in the legs at age 63. Chest X-ray and computed tomography showed diffuse calcification and marked narrowing of the descending aorta. Pathological examination revealed marked calcification in the thickened adventitia of the aorta with mild atherosclerotic change. Irregular fibrotic changes of the adventitia and degeneration of elastic fibers of the media of the aorta were noted in both cases, and were consistent with Takayasu's aortitis. This disorder is common in young women and only a small number of elderly cases are reported although its incidence is increasing. Diffuse calcification of the aorta with an absence of inflammatory signs, which is frequent in older patients, were observed in both case. Systemic hypertension is the most important risk factor with coarctation of the aorta in Takayasu's aortitis. Bypass surgery is recommended in young patients, however in elderly patients, it is generally avoided, in favor of medical control of hypertension.

This communication describes the growth and parallel patterning of 1D DNA nanofibers, exceeding several hundred micrometers in length and 40 nm in diameter, induced by solvent evaporation.

Two-dimensional arrays of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as localized surface plasmon-resonant (LSPR) optics on a transparent conductive layer of indium–tin-oxide (ITO) were successfully fabricated. The typical surface coverage of the 10 nm sized AuNPs is over 87% for on ITO film roughness of ±0.2 nm. The LSPR wavelength is tunable in the range of 622–905 nm. By adjusting the LSPR wavelength to 905 nm at peak, two-photon photochromic reaction of diarylethene derivative in solution phase was demonstrated with irradiation by an incoherent near-infrared light in the range of 0.017–0.033 W/cm2 instead of a laser, thanks to the AuNP two-dimensional array.

Near-field light sources made it possible to go beyond the diffraction limit. Innovative nanophotonics offers potential throughout the field of photonics, including industrial applications such as high-efficiency solar cells. These applications require a novel technique for generating not a nanometer-scale point but a large-area (mm2-m2) near-field light source. Here, we report the first large-area near-field light source that is densely constructed of uniform-size gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) two-dimensionally arrayed with regular interparticle gaps, which eventually has tunable localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) bands (600-1100 nm). The light source is attached by means of chemical coating on 1×1-cm2 substrates, but there is no limitation on the size.

Innovative nanophotonic applications require a technique for generating not a nanometer-scale point but a large-area (mm2−m2) near-field light source. We succeeded in developing a large-area near-field light source that is densely constructed of uniform-size gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) two-dimensionally arrayed with regular interparticle gaps, which has tunable localized surface plasmon resonance bands (600–1100 nm). The near-field excitation properties based on the optical tunability of the AuNP two-dimensional arrays demonstrate that our chemical coating of large-area near-field light sources is widely applicable such as for high-sensitivity optical sensors and high-efficiency solar cells.

The specific antiserum against a type of ferritin that is especially common to leukemia cells and the placenta was used to test, by countercurrent immunoelectrophoresis, sera from humans with various diseases. The best results were obtained with leukemia; patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia in blastic phase, acute myelogenous leukemia, lymphogenous leukemia, and unclassifiable juvenile leukemia frequently showed a positive reaction, but patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia in static phase did not. The average incidence of positive reaction among all leukemia patients was 54.0%. Patients with other malignant tumors (i.e., multiple myeloma, malignant lymphoma and carcinomas of the stomach, rectum, and liver) also often showed a positive reaction. The average incidence of positive reaction among all the patients with malignant diseases of the hematopoietic system, except for leukemia, was 34.3%, and that among patients with nonhematologic malignant neoplasms was 36.8%. However, the incidence of a positive reaction in patients with benign diseases and healthy individuals was less than 3%.

Among 4,030 autopsies, 67 cases of fulminant hepatic failure were selected and studied from a pathological viewpoint. No sex difference in incidence was seen and the patients' age ranged very widely from 3 months to 78 years, showing comparatively high risk in the 20 s and 30 s in both sexes. Hepatitis virus was the most common cause, followed by toxic chemicals, shock, etc. Histopathological study revealed severe and extensive hepatic cell necrosis as the most conspicuous and common change of the liver, which was pathomorphologically quite similar to that experimentally produced by focal intravascular coagulation in rabbit. This evidence, as well as pathological findings of the other organs obtained at autopsy and the patients' reported clinical course, including laboratory data, were consistent with our proposal of a pathological disease entity, fulminant liver disease, which corresponds to the clinical symptom-complex known as fulminant hepatic failure. It is suggested that the characteristic feature of acute, severe and extensive hepatic cell necrosis which is seen in such cases is probably a result of an anoxic state caused in most instances by intrahepatic circulatory disturbances. Besides, we consider that fulminant liver disease can be regarded as a group of systemic diseases with the main focus of illness in the liver, rather than a specific disease of a single organ, the liver. ACTA PATHOL. JPN. 34: 727∼742, 1984.