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We have investigated the electronic structure of silver chalcogenides Ag2X (X = S, Se, Te) and their solid solutions using hard x-ray photoemission spectroscopy in combination with density functional theory calculations using generalized gradient approximation (GGA). By including the corrections for on-site Coulomb interactions (GGA + U), we successfully reproduced the valence band photoemission spectra, which consist mainly of the Ag 4d band, by calculation. The estimated values for U = 4–6 eV are slightly high for Ag 4d electrons but are consistent with those used in previously reported structural studies. On the other hand, the magnitude of the energy gap is virtually independent of U. These results suggest the strong correlation between Ag 4d electrons in Ag2X compounds to have surprisingly little impact on their electron transport properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energetic C60 ion impacts in the sub-MeV to MeV energy range, which can provide secondary ions (SIs) necessary for the identification of organic materials in high emission yields, are excellent ionization methods for highly sensitive SI mass spectrometry. Energetic C60 ion-impact-induced SI emission is an ultrafast phenomenon that occurs at the nanoscale around the impact point through complex processes triggered by energy deposition by impact; it is therefore difficult to observe in situ. Here, we experimentally characterized this phenomenon using information about the emission yields of various negative-SI (N-SI) species over a wide range of C60 impact energies. We found that the N-SI emission phenomena are influenced by variations in the volume and geometry of the regions, where SI and/or precursor particles are preferentially produced depending on the deposited energy density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rising movements from bed comprise an important aspect of recovery from the bedridden state; however, they have not been sufficiently investigated using motion analysis studies. In particular, the effect of using the upper limb of the non-rising side before waist flexion on rising movements remains to be analyzed; this study aimed to clarify this effect. Accordingly, motion analyses were performed on rising movements under two constraint conditions, namely raising the upper limb of the non-rising side (upper limb use-condition) and keeping it in contact with the pelvis (upper limb non-use-condition); subsequently, the kinematics and kinematics parameters were compared. In comparison with the upper limb use-condition, in the upper limb non-use-condition, the distance traveled by the center of mass of the body (CoM trajectory, p < 0.01) increased while switching from the half-side-lying to on-hand postures, horizontal body movement (movement speed (Normalized time/total time), p < 0.01 and weight of center of body mass (CoM momentum in horizontal plane), p < 0.05) during the same period increased, and the half-side-lying time approached the peak value of the waist flexion angular velocity (Time lag between from half-side-lying to waist angler peak velocity, p < 0.05). The compensatory movement that occurred due to the upper limb non-use-condition denoted an increase in body momentum in the horizontal direction, rather than in the sagittal plane. Therefore, the upper limb on the non-rising side contributed to the smooth movement of the body in the horizontal direction. Moreover, this study demonstrated that asymmetrical rising movement in the diagonal direction is a characteristic movement wherein the horizontal movement of the body constitutes the main movement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To clarify whether there are any muscle synergy changes in individuals with knee osteoarthritis, and to determine whether muscle synergy analysis could be applied to other musculoskeletal diseases. Methods: Subjects in this study included 11 young controls (YC), 10 elderly controls (EC), and 10 knee osteoarthritis patients (KOA). Gait was assessed on a split-belt treadmill at 3 km/h. A non-negative matrix factorization (NNMF) was applied to the electromyogram data matrix to extract muscle synergies. To assess the similarity of each module, we performed the NNMF analysis assuming four modules for all of the participants. Further, we calculated joint angles to compare the kinematic data between the module groups. Results: The number of muscle modules was significantly lower in the EC (2–3) and KOA (2–3) groups than in the YC group (3–4), which reflects the merging of late swing and early stance modules. The EC and KOA groups also showed greater knee flexion angles in the early stance phase. Contrarily, by focusing on the module structure, we found that the merging of early and late stance modules is characteristic in KOA. Conclusion: The lower number of modules in the EC and KOA groups was due to the muscle co-contraction with increased knee flexion angle. Contrarily, the merging of early and late stance modules are modular structures specific to KOA and may be biomarkers for detecting KOA. Significance: Describing the changes in multiple muscle control associated with musculoskeletal degeneration can serve as a fundamental biomarker in joint disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to propose a new three-degree-of-freedom linear-rotational resonant actuator and its controller. To realize all of the resonant motion, four-phase coils and three sets of the permanent magnet are arranged symmetrically. In addition, in order to control the proposed actuator, inverter topology with six-switches is presented. Parameter characteristics obtained through finite-element analysis support the validity of the proposed actuator. Finally, dynamic simulation is performed to verify the effectiveness of the proposed actuator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hydrocephalus or papilledema has rarely been reported in patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP). Methods: We report a 65‐year‐old woman with a 12‐year history of CIDP presenting with progressive dementia, hallucination and deterioration of gait. Results: Neurological examination revealed cognitive impairment, symmetric proximal and distal weakness with areflexia and muscle atrophy in the distal four limbs. The cerebrospinal fluid examination showed marked elevation of protein concentration. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed hydrocephalus and marked enlarged cervical and lumbar roots and plexus. The cervical cord and cauda equina were compressed by the swollen roots. A ventriculoperitoneal shunt resulted in reduction of the ventricles size along with improvement of her cognitive impairment. Conclusion: In our patient with CIDP, hydrocephalus was likely caused by hypertrophic nerve roots. Our findings suggest that CIDP patients with pronounced hypertrophic nerve roots require careful observation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intravascular optical coherence tomography is a high-resolution intracoronary imaging modality, providing a microscopic image of intravascular features. However, it has lower penetration depth than intravascular ultrasound. Recently, a second-generation optical frequency-domain imaging (OFDI) technique has been developed to provide greater penetration depth and faster pullback speed. However, there is little evidence supporting the efficacy of OFDI in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) undergoing endovascular treatment (EVT). We aimed to evaluate the ability of OFDI to visualize vessel walls from the superficial femoral artery (SFA) to the below-knee (BK) arteries, as well as the coronary arteries. This clinical trial is a single-center, single-arm, open-label study to be conducted in Japan. A total of 20 patients will be enrolled in this study. The primary endpoint is to obtain a clear image of the intravascular features of the SFA and BK arteries, specifically the visualization of ≥ 270° of the vessel lumen in ≥ 16 out of 21 cross sections. Obtaining clear images in ≥ 85% of cases will be regarded as confirmation of the ability of OFDI to visualize vessel walls from the SFA to the BK arteries. This is the first clinical trial to be conducted accordance with good clinical practice to expand the indications of OFDI for PAD patients undergoing EVT in Japan. The result of this study will help provide another imaging option during EVT in daily practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We measured the Doppler broadening of positron 2γ annihilation and the probability of positron 3 γ annihilation (I[sub 3γ]) for paramagnetic defects (E' and P[sub b]) containing SiO[sub x](1.5

Defects in SiO[sub 2] (48 nm)/Si induced by 30 keV Er ion implantation were studied by positron annihilation. Depth-selective information on defects for samples implanted with doses of 3.0x10[sup 14] and 1.5x10[sup 15] Er/cm[sup 2] was obtained by a variable-energy positron beam by measuring Doppler broadening of positron annihilation γ rays as a function of incident positron energy. Comparison of the results by Doppler broadening with those by electron spin resonance after annealing indicates that the types of defects (which predominantly exist in the SiO[sub 2] layer) depend on implantation dose. The annealing temperature dependence of positron data is compared with that of the cathodoluminescence intensity at 1.54 μm, and the possible effect of defects on luminescence intensity is discussed. © 2001 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Several studies have reported that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the gene encoding NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) contribute to airflow limitations in smokers without COPD. Although small airway lesions and emphysema contribute cooperatively to airflow limitation, the relationship between Nrf2 SNPs and the development of emphysema in smokers without COPD is not well understood. Methods: Healthy subjects who underwent an annual health checkup with computed tomography (CT) of the chest at Osaka City University Hospital were prospectively recruited. The percentage of low-attenuation area (%LAA) on chest CT was quantified, and correlations between %LAA, Nrf2 SNP [rs6726395 (G/A)] genotypes, and clinical characteristics were examined. Results: A total of 245 subjects without COPD [non-/light-smoker: 153 (62.4%) and smoker: 92 (37.6%)] were enrolled. The %LAA in the upper lung field was higher than that in the lower lung field (p < 0.001). The %LAA in smokers was significantly higher than that in non-/light-smokers (p = 0.021). The %LAA showed significant but weak correlation with age in all subjects (r = 0.141, p = 0.028). Divided by genotype, the %LAA of the upper lung field was significantly correlated with age in smokers with genotype GG (wild type) (r = 0.333, p = 0.022), but was not significantly correlated with age in smokers with genotype AG/AA. These correlations were not observed in non-/light smokers. Conclusion: A polymorphism rs6726395 in Nrf2 can contribute to the development of emphysema-associated aging in smokers. The Nrf2 SNP may be a predictive factor for smoking-induced emphysema, and genotyping of Nrf2 SNP may serve as biomarker for emphysema prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on a study which examined the establishment of ultrathin yttrium barrium copper oxide epitaxial films in situ on strontium titanium oxide and magnesium oxide substrates by means of ozone-incorporating activated reactive evaporation. Methodology of the study; Results and discussion; Conclusions.

Presents a study that estimated the population inversion density on the titanium (Ti) transition in an optically pumped Ti vapor laser. Description of the experimental procedure used; Limits of the output fluctuations of the yttrium-aluminum garnet (YAG) laser; Temperature of the vapor generated by the YAG laser.

Presents a study that investigated the characteristics of an optically pumped titanium vapor laser. Background on direct laser vaporization; Measurement of the laser output energy; Results and implications.

Focuses on a study which measured the output characteristics of an optically pumped titanium vapor laser on various buffer gas species and pressures. Role of buffer gas on the laser output; Elements used as buffer gases; Description of the optimum condition for the maximum output energy.

A direct observation of the in-plane domain structure of the writer pole of a perpendicular recording head was performed by electron holography in order to investigate the cause of pole erasure due to the instability of the domain wall behavior. The instability of domain structure of the writer pole generated a stray field on the air bearing surface of the writer pole. The domain wall trapping at the pole tip was found quite effective to form a stable domain structure in the remanent state, and it reflected domain wall energy change and initial domain structure of the writer pole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: No prospective study has evaluated the impact of restless legs syndrome (RLS) on clinical factors in patients with migraine. We planned a prospective study to assess the impact of RLS comorbid status on clinical factors in patients with migraine. Methods: A total of 101 patients with migraine who were evaluated for RLS twice at 7‐year intervals in a university hospital setting were included in this study. The RLS group was defined as positive for RLS at either baseline or follow‐up and the non‐RLS group was defined as negative for RLS at both baseline and follow‐up. The Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory‐II (BDI‐II), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale were administered to all patients. Results: The RLS prevalence was 16.8% at baseline and 20.8% at follow‐up. Compared with the non‐RLS group (n = 27), the RLS group (n = 74) showed a significantly higher rate of smoking and higher MIDAS and BDI‐II scores at 7‐year follow‐up. A significant reduction in MIDAS and BDI‐II scores at 7‐year follow‐up compared with those at baseline was observed in the non‐RLS group, but not in the RLS group. The non‐RLS group showed a significantly lower MIDAS score at 7‐year follow‐up than the RLS group after adjusting for confounding variables such as age, gender, smoking status, Epworth Sleepiness Scale and PSQI scores using analysis of covariance. The persistent RLS group (n = 11) (positive for RLS at both baseline and follow‐up) showed a significantly higher rate of smoking and increased MIDAS, BDI‐II and PSQI scores compared with the non‐RLS group (n = 74) at 7‐year follow‐up. Conclusion: Our prospective study showed that RLS had a significant impact on headache‐related disability in patients with migraine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the flow of the Josephson vortices (JVs) has been studied for the highly anisotropic Bi2Sr2Ca2Cu3Oy (Bi2223) single crystals. A giant flow of JVs or giant positive magnetoresistance (MR) of over 500%–2000% was obtained in fields of 0.1–5 T and remained almost constant over a wide temperature range from 110 down to 4 K, in contrast to superconducting vortices (SVs), which only produced MR in the vicinity of Tc. The flow of the JVs is expected to be much faster than that of SVs. It is proposed that the Josephson vortices could be used to manipulate the spin and charge in magnetic semiconductors in the same way as SVs [M. Berciu, T. G. Rappoport, and B. Jankó, Nature (London) 435, 71 (2005)]. Hybrid systems consisting of layered superconductors with Josephson junctions and magnetic semiconductors will be discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hydrogen diffusion behavior in BCC, FCC, and HCP iron has been investigated by means of first-principles calculations. Diffusion coefficients were estimated quantitatively from the migration energy derived by the Nudged elastic band method, and phonon calculations including the vibrations of all atoms at every stable and metastable site. Our calculations on the BCC structure show good agreement with those in the previous report. In the FCC structure as well, the calculated diffusion coefficients are in good agreement with experimental data. Our results suggest that the consideration of the antiferromagnetic state in FCC is important for the reproduction of experimental results. For the HCP structure, although there was a lack of systematic experimental results, our calculations predict that the diffusion coefficient is smaller than that in the case of the FCC sample. In the HCP lattice, there are two diffusion paths: one parallel to the c-axis and the other in the c-plane. The direction and the diffusion coefficient can be controlled by the tuning of c/a, which is the ratio of the lattice constants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Involvement of the hypothalamus is rare in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In this study, we measured cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) orexin-A levels in SLE patients with hypothalamic lesions to investigate whether the orexin system plays a role in SLE patients with hypothalamic lesions who present with excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). Methods Orexin-A levels were measured in CSF from four patients with SLE who presented with hypothalamic lesions detected by MRI. Three patients underwent repeated CSF testing. All patients met the updated American College of Rheumatology revised criteria for SLE. Results Tests for serum anti-aquaporin-4 antibodies, CSF myelin basic protein and CSF oligoclonal bands were negative in all patients. All patients presented with EDS. Low to intermediate CSF orexin-A levels (92–180 pg/ml) were observed in three patients in the acute stage, two of whom (patients 1 and 2) underwent repeated testing and showed increased CSF orexin-A levels, reduced abnormal hypothalamic lesion intensities detected by MRI and EDS dissipation at follow-up. In contrast, CSF orexin-A levels were normal in one patient (patient 4) while in the acute stage and at follow-up, despite improvements in EDS and MRI findings. Patient 4 showed markedly increased CSF interleukin-6 levels (1130 pg/ml) and a slightly involved hypothalamus than the other patients. Conclusions Our findings suggest that the orexinergic system has a role in EDS in SLE patients with hypothalamic lesions. Furthermore, cytokine-mediated tissue damage might cause EDS without orexinergic involvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: The magneto rheological elastomer (MRE) is composed of silicone elastomers and ferromagnetic powders that are responsible for its ferromagnetic and viscoelastic properties. The shape and the stiffness of the MRE change depending on the magnetic field. Therefore, it is expected to be used for artificial muscle or damping material. We developed a coupled analysis method by combining the moving particle semi‐implicit/simulation (MPS) method with the finite element method (FEM) for the design of the MRE actuator. However, this method does not take into account a rigid body. Therefore, when analyzing the coil embedded in the MRE, it was difficult to calculate parameters such as the coil rotation and position. Therefore, this paper presents a numerical method for MRE actuator analysis by coupling MPS method with FEM to arrive at a calculation method for a rigid body. The numerical algorithm is described and the calculated results are shown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Passive muscle stiffness is considered to be a major factor affecting joint flexibility and is thought to relate to the occurrence of muscle strain injury. In skinned muscle fiber experiments, the R577X polymorphism of the α‐actinin‐3 gene (ACTN3) has been associated with passive muscle stiffness. Our primary purpose was to clarify whether the ACTN3 R577X polymorphism influences passive stiffness of human muscle in vivo. We also examined whether the ACTN3 R577X polymorphism is associated with the occurrence of hamstring strain injury. Seventy‐six healthy young male subjects were genotyped for the ACTN3 R577X (rs1815739) polymorphism. Shear modulus (an index of stiffness) of each hamstring muscle (biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus) was assessed using ultrasound shear wave elastography, and history of hamstring strain injury was collected via a questionnaire. The muscle shear moduli of the semitendinosus and semimembranosus were significantly higher in R‐allele (RR + RX genotype) carriers than in XX genotype carriers, whereas the shear modulus of the biceps femoris did not differ among the ACTN3 R577X genotypes. Frequency of past hamstring strain injury also did not differ between the 3 genotypes nor between the R‐allele and XX genotype carriers. This study indicates that RR and RX genotypes of the ACTN3 R577X polymorphism (corresponding to the presence of α‐actinin‐3 in type II muscle fibers) are associated with increased passive muscle stiffness of the human hamstring in vivo. However, this altered mechanical property might not affect the risk of hamstring muscle strain injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetoresisitivity and critical current density Jc as a function of temperature and field are studied for Bi2Sr2Ca2Cu3O10 single crystals grown using the traveling solvent floating zone technique. Below a characteristic field B*, Jc as a function of field exhibits a field-independent plateau associated with thermally activated pinning of individual vortices. Analysis of resistive transition broadening revealed that thermally activated flux flow is found to be responsible for the resistivity contribution in the vicinity of Tc. The activation energy U0 is 800 K in low field, scales as B-1/6 for B<2 T and drops to 200 K with B-1/2 for B>2 T. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Positronium annihilation was applied to characterize the nanoporous structure of thin silicon oxide films sputter-deposited at different argon pressures ranging from 0.1 to 2.0 Pa. At higher argon pressures, the 3γ decay probability of ortho-positronium (o-Ps) was substantially enhanced. A comparison of this result with that obtained for capped samples indicated that: (a) 3γ annihilation is due to the intrinsic decay of o-Ps diffusing out from the film into vacuum and (b) films deposited at high argon pressures contain highly connected, open pores. Positron lifetime spectroscopy measurements on the capped films showed that the characteristic size of the pores can be as large as 2.6 nm, depending on the argon pressure. © 2002 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses a study on the production of visible laser action in nitrogen[sub2]-laser-pumped titanium vapor. Details of producing titanium vapor along the cavity axis; Wavelengths of the absorption and laser lines of the titanium atom; Dependence of the titanium laser output as a function of the delay time.

Presents information on a study which observed the action of YAG-laser-vaporized metal-vapor laser. Description of the YAG laser; Methodology of the study; Results.

Brunner's glands surrounding the tumor were also positive for mucin 6. gl Duodenal neoplasms with gastric phenotypes commonly occur in the proximal duodenum and show increased malignant potential compared with intestinal phenotypes. In addition, for duodenal neoplasms, lesion size larger than 10 mm are predictors of duodenal adenocarcinoma. (a, b) HE staining revealed a moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma invading the muscle layer and lymphatic vessels: (a) surface of the tumor and (b) invasive area. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Some patients with Fisher syndrome (FS) developed subsequent descending tetraparesis (Fisher/Guillain-Barré overlapping syndrome: FS/GBS). The assumption is that such descending progression may frequently lead to respiratory failure.Objective: To investigate whether patients with FS/GBS more often require artificial ventilation than those with typical GBS and which clinical and serological findings are useful predictors.Methods: Medical records were reviewed of patients who had acute ophthalmoplegia, ataxia and areflexia, as well as subsequent tetraparesis with monophasic course. Forty-five patients fulfilled the FS/GBS criteria. Clinical and serological features were analysed, and clinical predictors of mechanical ventilation were investigated.Results: FS/GBS patients more frequently required mechanical ventilation than did GBS patients (24% vs 10%, p = 0.04). The former also needed artificial ventilation earlier than the latter (p = 0.03), but none of the FS patients required it. As the initial symptom, ventilated FS/GBS patients more frequently showed titubation than non-ventilated patients (55% vs 18%, p = 0.04). During the course of the illness, descending tetraparesis was more common in 11 ventilated FS/GBS patients than in the other 34 non-ventilated patients (64% vs 21%, p = 0.02). The need for artificial ventilation was not associated with anti-GQ1b IgG antibodies, monospecific anti-GT1a IgG antibodies or IgG antibodies to various ganglioside complexes.Conclusions: FS/GBS patients significantly needed mechanical ventilation more often. Such patients showing titubation and descending tetraparesis need to be carefully monitored as the illness progresses because those clinical features are helpful predictors of respiratory failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to examine whether the effects of hamstring stretching on the passive stiffness of each of the long head of the biceps femoris ( BFl), semitendinosus ( ST), and semimembranosus ( SM) vary between passive knee extension and hip flexion stretching maneuvers. In 12 male subjects, before and after five sets of 90 s static stretching, passive lengthening measurements where knee or hip joint was passively rotated to the maximal range of motion ( ROM) were performed. During the passive lengthening, shear modulus of each muscle was measured by ultrasound shear wave elastography. Both stretching maneuvers significantly increased maximal ROM and decreased passive torque at a given joint angle. Passive knee extension stretching maneuver significantly reduced shear modulus at a given knee joint angle in all of BFl, ST, and SM. In contrast, the stretching effect by passive hip flexion maneuver was significant only in ST and SM. The present findings indicate that the effects of hamstring stretching on individual passive muscles' stiffness vary between passive knee extension and hip flexion stretching maneuvers. In terms of reducing the muscle stiffness of BFl, stretching of the hamstring should be performed by passive knee extension rather than hip flexion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What is known and objective Midazolam ( MDZ) is commonly used for sedating critically ill patients. The daily dose required for adequate sedation increases in increments over 100 h after administration. The objectives of this study were to characterize the MDZ pharmacokinetics in critically ill patients and to describe the phenomenon of increasing daily dose by means of population pharmacokinetic analysis. Methods Data were obtained from 30 patients treated in an intensive care unit. The patients received MDZ intravenously as a combination of bolus and continuous infusion. Serum MDZ concentration was assayed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Population pharmacokinetic analysis was performed using the NONMEM software package. The alteration of clearance unexplained by demographic factors and clinical laboratory data was described as an autoinduction of MDZ clearance using a semi-mechanistic pharmacokinetic-enzyme turnover model. Results and discussion The final population pharmacokinetic model was a one-compartment model estimated by incorporating a semi-mechanistic pharmacokinetic-enzyme turnover model for clearance, taking autoinduction into account. A significant covariate for MDZ clearance was total bilirubin. An increase in total bilirubin indicated a reduction in MDZ clearance. From simulation using the population pharmacokinetic parameters obtained in this study, MDZ clearance increased 2·3 times compared with pre-induced clearance 100 h after the start of 12·5 mg/h continuous infusion. What is new and conclusion Autoinduction and total bilirubin were significant predictors of the clearance of MDZ in this population. Step-by-step dosage adjustment using this population pharmacokinetic model may be useful for establishing a MDZ dosage regimen in critically ill patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Li2MoO4 flux enabled size-tunable idiomorphic Li(Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3)O2 (NCM) crystal growth. The crystal size was controlled from 0.26 to 4.4 μm simply by changing the experimental conditions (i.e., solute concentration and reaction temperature). The obtained crystals individually dispersed in both water and N-methylpyrrolidone without unexpected agglomeration; however, Li deficiency and a thin amorphous-like layer formed on the NCM crystal surface during flux removal with water. We found that post-heat-treatment with LiOH significantly improved the discharge capacity of NCM. Recovery of the surface quality of the NCM crystals was primarily responsible for the capacity improvement. The electrodes achieved a high capacity of 81 mA h g−1 under a high current density of 2000 mA g−1, while the electrodes prepared from commercially available NCM showed a maximum of 65 mA h g−1. The rate and cycle performance of the flux-grown NCM crystals was highly dependent on the crystal size. Smaller crystals showed excellent discharge capacities at high C rates, whereas larger crystals showed better cycle performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the diagnosis of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) through 18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computer tomography (FDG PET-CT). Topics discussed include the effect of doses on the proliferative of metabolic activity, GLUT-1 staining of tumour cells, and immunohistopathological studies of the patients.

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Background The Parkinson's Disease Sleep Scale (PDSS)-2 is a recently developed tool for evaluating disease-related nocturnal disturbances in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). However, its cutoff score has not been clinically assessed. We determined the optimal cutoff score of the Japanese version of the PDSS-2. Methods Patients with PD ( n = 146) and controls ( n = 100) completed the PDSS-2 and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Poor sleepers were defined as having global PSQI scores >5. Optimal cutoff scores for determining poor sleepers were assessed using the receiver operating characteristic curve. Results A PDSS-2 total score ≥14 exhibited 82.0% sensitivity and 70.6% specificity, whereas a PDSS-2 total score ≥15 provided 72.1% sensitivity and 72.9% specificity in distinguishing poor sleepers (PSQI score >5) from good sleepers (PSQI ≤5). Nocturnal disturbances were more frequently observed in patients with PD than in controls (PDSS-2 total score ≥14 or ≥15; 51.4% vs 20%; 45.9% vs 19%). Nocturnal disturbances were associated with higher Hoehn and Yahr stages and Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale motor scores, impaired quality of life, daytime sleepiness, and depressive symptoms. Conclusion We suggest that PDSS-2 total scores ≥15 are useful for detecting poor sleepers among patients with PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]