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Brain monoamines - such as noradrenaline (NA), dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT) - regulate several important physiological functions, including the circadian rhythm. The purpose of this study was to examine changes in NA, DA and 5-HT levels in various brain regions and their effect on core body temperature (Tc), heart rate (HR) and locomotor activity (Act) in rats following exposure to an artificial light/dark (LD) cycle. For this, male Wistar rats were housed at an ambient temperature (Ta) of 23 °C and 50% relative humidity with free access to food and water. Rats were exposed to either natural (12 h:12 h) or artificial (6 h:6 h) LD cycles for 1 month, after which each brain region was immediately extracted and homogenized to quantify the amounts of NA, DA and 5-HT by high-performance liquid chromatography. Behavioural changes were also monitored by the ambulatory activity test (AAT). Notably, we found that artificial LD cycles disrupted the physiological circadian rhythms of Tc, HR and Act. Although the 5-HT levels of rats with a disrupted circadian rhythm decreased in cell bodies (dorsal and median raphe nuclei) and projection areas (frontal cortex, caudate putamen, preoptic area and suprachiasmatic nucleus) relative to the control group, NA levels increased both in the cell body (locus coeruleus) and projection area (paraventricular hypothalamus). No significant changes were found with respect to DA. Moreover, circadian rhythm-disrupted rats also showed anxious behaviours in AAT. Collectively, the results of this study suggest that the serotonergic and noradrenergic systems, but not the dopaminergic system, are affected by artificial LD cycles in brain regions that control several neural and physiological functions, including the regulation of physiological circadian rhythms, stress responses and behaviour.

In a flanker task, behavioral performance is modulated by previous trial compatibility (i.e., conflict adaptation); a longer response time (RT) is found for a compatible stimulus preceded by an incompatible stimulus than by a compatible stimulus, whereas a shorter RT is found for an incompatible stimulus preceded by an incompatible stimulus than by a compatible stimulus. We examined the temporal characteristics of cognitive control across conflict adaptation using prestimulus electroencephalogram oscillatory activity and an event-related potential component, N1. Prestimulus frontal (Fz) and posterior (O1 and O2) alpha1 (7-9 Hz) and alpha2 (10-13 Hz) activities were enhanced in trials preceded by incompatible stimuli more than those preceded by compatible stimuli. Furthermore, there were significant differences of alpha2 current densities between previous trial compatibilities in the superior/medial frontal cortex. We suggested that the modulation of alpha activity by previous trial compatibility was associated with proactive attentional control. N1 amplitude was decreased in trials preceded by incompatible stimuli more than in those preceded by compatible stimuli. N1 current densities in the right inferior frontal cortex were smaller for an incompatible stimulus preceded by an incompatible stimulus than those preceded by a compatible stimulus, suggesting that demands of transient cognitive control induced by an incompatible stimulus were decreased by the proactive control. Moreover, correlational analysis showed that participants with a larger increase in alpha2 activity tended to have a larger decrease in N1 in trials preceded by incompatible stimulus. These findings revealed that the manner of cognitive control for the incompatible stimulus was transited from reactive control to proactive control across conflict adaptation.

Objective— Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is characterized by fibrofatty changes of the right ventricle, ventricular arrhythmias, and sudden death. Though ARVC is currently regarded as a disease of the desmosome, desmosomal gene mutations have been identified only in half of ARVC patients, suggesting the involvement of other associated mechanisms. Rho-kinase signaling is involved in the regulation of intracellular transport and organizes cytoskeletal filaments, which supports desmosomal protein complex at the myocardial cell–cell junctions. Here, we explored whether inhibition of Rho-kinase signaling is involved in the pathogenesis of ARVC. Approach and Results— Using 2 novel mouse models with SM22α- or αMHC-restricted overexpression of dominant-negative Rho-kinase, we show that mice with Rho-kinase inhibition in the developing heart (SM22α-restricted) spontaneously develop cardiac dilatation and dysfunction, myocardial fibrofatty changes, and ventricular arrhythmias, resulting in premature sudden death, phenotypes fulfilling the criteria of ARVC in humans. Rho-kinase inhibition in the developing heart results in the development of ARVC phenotypes in dominant-negative Rho-kinase mice through 3 mechanisms: (1) reduction of cardiac cell proliferation and ventricular wall thickness, (2) stimulation of the expression of the proadipogenic noncanonical Wnt ligand, Wnt5b, and the major adipogenic transcription factor, PPARγ (peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-γ), and inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, and (3) development of desmosomal abnormalities. These mechanisms lead to the development of cardiac dilatation and dysfunction, myocardial fibrofatty changes, and ventricular arrhythmias, ultimately resulting in sudden premature death in this ARVC mouse model. Conclusions— This study demonstrates a novel crucial role of Rho-kinase inhibition during cardiac development in the pathogenesis of ARVC in mice.

A phase diagram is constructed for the quasi-binary Li4GeS4–Li3PS4 system containing the lithium superionic conductor Li10GeP2S12 (LGPS), having an LGPS-type structure, and the β-Li3PS4-type phase, having a thio-LISICON structure. The LGPS and thio-LISICON intermediate compounds are found to exhibit solid solution ranges and show incongruent melting at 650°C and 560°C, respectively. The end-member Li4GeS4 has a compositional range of 0

The antiphospholipid syndrome is an autoimmune disorder characterized by vascular thrombosis. Left ventricular thrombus with antiphospholipid syndrome is rare, and there are few reports regarding surgical resection of such cases. We report the case of a 45-year-old woman who had been diagnosed as having primary antiphospholipid syndrome and was admitted to our hospital for treatment of left ventricular thrombus detected by an echocardiography. The thrombus was completely removed using video-assisted thoracoscopy through a right minithoracotomy. Left ventricular thrombectomy through a right minithoracotomy in a patient with antiphospholipid syndrome has not been previously reported. This approach is less invasive and more effective in such coagulation system disorders.

Playing a dance video game (DVG) requires fine temporal control of foot positions based on simultaneous visuoauditory integration. Despite the highly-demanding nature of its cognitive processes, DVG could offer promising exercise opportunities for elderly people to maintain their cognitive abilities due to its strong adherence. Using functional near-infrared spectroscopy, we have previously shown that DVG play with the foot activates prefrontal and temporoparietal cortices. However, it is still in debate whether this brain-stimulatory effect of DVG could also be maintained in case that DVG is played with the hand by people who have difficulty to play DVG in a standing position. We therefore investigated the regional brain activity of 12 healthy, right-handed young-adults when they played DVG with their dominant hand and foot. We found that the DVG-related hemodynamic activity was comparable in the prefrontal area regardless of the appendages while that was significantly smaller in case of playing with the hand related to the foot in the left superior/middle temporal gyrus (S/MTG). A similar trend was also observed in the right S/MTG. These results suggest that the motor preparatory function mediated by the prefrontal cortices is equally employed regardless of appendages while more cognitive load is required in the temporal cortices with foot-played DVG, possibly to integrate visual, auditory, and proprioceptive information. Hand-played DVG may partially substitute foot-played DVG in the sense of cognitive training in the elderly.

We report the preparation of thick electrode all-solid-state lithium-ion cells in which a large geometric capacity of 15.7 mAh cm–2 was achieved at room temperature using a 600 μm-thick cathode layer. The effect of ionic conductivity on the discharge performance was then examined using two different materials for the solid electrolyte. Furthermore, important morphological information regarding the tortuosity factor was electrochemically extracted from the capacity-current data. The effect of tortuosity on cell performance was also quantitatively discussed.

Two classes of new materials possessing ion conductivity have been developed: a lithium ion conductor and a hydride ion conductor. Conventional perovskite and ordered rock-salt structures were adopted as frameworks for lithium migration, and electrochemically stable elements such as Al, Ga, Ta, and Sc were used in the materials to facilitate their use as low-potential negative electrodes. New compositions of (Li0.25Sr0.625V(Li,Sr)0.125)(Ga0.25Ta0.75)O3, and Li0.9Sc0.9Zr0.1O2 were found to be novel oxide-based lithium ion conductors. Oxyhydrides with K2NiF4-type structures were synthesized via a high-pressure synthesis method and their use in pure hydride ion conduction was demonstrated. The La2–x–y Sr x+y LiH1–x+y O3–y oxyhydrides showed wide composition ranges of solid solution formation and the conductivity increased with anion vacancies or the introduction of interstitial hydride ions. The performance of an all-solid-state TiH2/o-La2LiHO3 (x = y = 0, o: orthorhombic)/Ti cell provided conclusive evidence of pure H– conduction.

Local crystalline structures of LiCoO

Neurofeedback (NF) training aims the enhancement of self-regulation over brain activities. While it is largely recognized as an effective treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the existence of non-learners has also been reported. The present study explored pre-training assessment indices that could predict learners prior to NF training.Twenty-two children with ADHD participated in slow cortical potential (SCP) NF training and completed pre- and post-training assessments. Participants were classified into learners or non-learners based on their progress in the SCP regulation, and pre-training indices that differentiate the two groups were examined by decision tree analysis.The learner rate in NF training was 45.5%. Learners were predicted by pre-training cognitive and neurophysiological measures regarding Stroop tasks, which suggested relatively intact executive function as their characteristics. Given that NF training is not universally effective for children with ADHD, further studies are necessary to establish application criteria.

Activity in the alpha band of the electroencephalogram (EEG) reflects functional inhibition of the cerebral cortex. The superior frontal cortex (SFC) is known to control alpha activity. Based on this relationship between SFC and alpha, we hypothesized that SFC controlled alpha mediates proactive control over interference. In this study, we examined the relationship between SFC and alpha in the flanker task by simultaneously recording EEG and near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Forty participants performed a flanker task with occasional (compatible 75%, incompatible 25%) and successive (incompatible 100%) conditions. In the occasional condition, larger SFC activity was related to pre-stimulus alpha enhancement under occipital electrodes. This is consistent with a model in which SFC enhances pre-stimulus alpha activity, leading to proactive control over interference. However, we could not detect a correlation between SFC activity and alpha activity in the successive condition. Active inhibition may have been reduced by a need to continuously inhibit brain regions associated with the irrelevant information. This may have reduced the role of the SFC in controlling alpha activity. Based on these findings, we postulate that there are two cerebral mechanisms of proactive control over interference.

Background: Statins reduce the incidence and development of thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) and rupture. We have previously identified that small GTP-binding protein GDP dissociation stimulator (SmgGDS) is a crucial mediator of the pleiotropic effects of statins. Methods and Results: To examine the role of SmgGDS in TAA formation, Apoe -/- and Apoe -/- SmgGDS +/- (DKO) mice were infused with angiotensin II (AngII, 1,000 ng/min/kg) for 4 weeks. There was no significant difference in blood pressure between the 2 genotypes in response to the AngII treatment. However, during the follow-up, 36% of DKO mice died suddenly due to TAA rupture, whereas there was no TAA rupture in Apoe -/- mice ( P n =14 each). Histological analysis of DKO mice showed dissections of major thoracic aorta in the early phase of AngII infusion (day 3~5). We performed ultrasound imaging every week to follow the serial changes in aortic diameters. Diameter of the ascending aorta was progressively and significantly increased in DKO mice compared with Apoe -/- mice (1.64±0.06 vs. 1.43±0.05 mm at 4 weeks, P n =14 each), whereas that of the abdominal aorta was comparable between the 2 genotypes. Indeed, there was no significant difference in the incidence of AngII-induced abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) formation between the 2 genotypes (both 75%). Western blotting demonstrated that AngII-induced activations of JNK and ERK were significantly higher in the thoracic aorta of DKO mice compared with Apoe -/- mice ( P n =6 each). For mechanistic analyses, we primary cultured aortic smooth muscle cells (AoSMCs) from the 2 genotypes. After AngII (100 nM) treatment for 24 hours, DKO AoSMCs showed significantly increased JNK activity, cyclophilin A secretion, and oxidative stress levels compared with Apoe -/- AoSMCs ( P n =6 each). Interestingly, AngII-induced upregulation of Nrf2, a master regulator of cellular responses against environmental stresses, was significantly less in DKO AoSMCs compared with Apoe -/- AoSMCs ( P n =6). Finally, expressions of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 were significantly increased in DKO AoSMCs compared with Apoe -/- AoSMCs. Conclusions: These results suggest that SmgGDS is a novel therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of TAA.

The effect of Li3PO4 coating was investigated for LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 epitaxial thin film electrodes synthesized on SrTiO3 substrates by pulsed laser deposition (PLD). Amorphous Li3PO4 with a thickness of 1–4 nm was coated at room temperature onto 30 nm thick epitaxial LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 thin films with (111), (110) and (100) lattice orientations. Electrodes with the surface coating exhibit high charge–discharge capacities and small capacity degradation during cycling experiments in the high voltage region. X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) and hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES) analyses indicate a higher manganese valence for the electrode surface of the Li3PO4 stacked LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 film than that for the surface of a pristine LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 film. Thus, surface coating affects the manganese valence near the electrode surface and improves the cycling characteristics.

A solid solution of the lithium superionic conductor Li10+δGe1+δP2−δS12 (0 ≤ δ ≤ 0.35) was synthesized and its structure and ionic conductivity were examined. The highest ionic conductivity value of 1.42 × 10−2 S cm−1 was obtained at 300 K with a sintered pellet of the sample having the highest solid solution lithium content of δ = 0.35. The Arrhenius conductivity curves obtained for this material exhibited a gradual change in slope over the temperature range of 193–373 K and the activation energy for ionic conduction decreased from 26 kJ mol−1 below 373 K to 7 kJ mol−1 above 573 K, which is typical of highly ionic conducting solids. The crystal structures of the solid solutions were determined using neutron diffraction, and conduction pathways were visualized through analysis by applying the maximum entropy method. The lithium distribution was found to disperse significantly throughout a one-dimensional conduction pathway as the temperature was increased from 4.8 K to 750 K. In addition, two-dimensional distribution of lithium along the ab plane became apparent at high temperatures, suggesting that the conduction mechanism changes from one-dimensional to three-dimensional with increasing temperature.

The surface structure of a lithium-rich layered material and its relation to intercalation properties were investigated by synchrotron X-ray surface structural analyses using Li2RuO3 epitaxial-film model electrodes with different lattice planes of (010) and (001). Electrochemical charge–discharge measurements confirmed reversible lithium intercalation activity through both planes, corresponding to three-dimensional lithium diffusion within the Li2RuO3. The (001) plane exhibited higher discharge capacities compared to the (010) plane under high rate operation (over 5 C). Direct observations of surface structural changes by in situ surface X-ray diffraction (XRD) and surface X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) established that an irreversible phase change occurs at the (010) surface during the first (de)intercalation process, whereas reversible structural changes take place at the (001) surface. These experimental findings suggest that the surface reconstructed phase limits lithium intercalation between the electrode and the electrolyte, leading to the poor rate capability of the (010) film. Surface structural changes at the initial cycling therefore have a pronounced effect on the power characteristics and stability of lithium-rich layered materials during battery operation.

A series of Li2MO3-x (M = Mn3/8Co1/4Ni3/8; 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.75) in the Li2MO3-Li2MO2 system was synthesized under high pressure, and their structures and electrochemical properties were investigated. X-ray diffraction measurements clarified the layered rock-salt-type structures in the composition range of x = 0–0.50. The cell parameters continuously increased with x, which indicates the change in the oxygen content of the products. During the first charge process, Li2Mn3/8Co1/4Ni3/8O3 showed an irreversible plateau region at 4.4 V, corresponding to electrochemical activation process. In contrast, the plateau region capacities drastically decreased with decreasing oxygen content. The oxygen-deficient phases are intrinsically electrochemically active without undergoing the activation process. The first discharge capacities increased with decreasing oxygen content from Li2Mn3/8Co1/4Ni3/8O3 (100 mAh g- 1) to Li2Mn3/8Co1/4Ni3/8O2.57 (200 mAh g- 1). The oxygen deficiency significantly affects the initial electrochemical reactions and the charge/discharge capacities at the subsequent cycles for the lithium-rich layered cathodes.

Lithium ion conductors attract much attention since they can potentially be used as a solid electrolyte in all-solid-state batteries. Especially Li9.54Si1.74P1.44S11.7Cl0.3 (LSiPSCl) with a Li10GeP2S12-type structure shows the highest Li-ion bulk-conductivity of 25 mS/cm at room temperature, while synthesis of LSiPSCl requires a strict composition control, making it difficult to obtain as a pure phase [1,2]. Indeed, impurity phases were observed for the synthesized product in the initial and following reports [1,3]. Assuming that phase purity of LSiPSCl correlates to high bulk-conductivity, we targeted to obtain single phase of LSiPSCl via doping oxygen into the crystal structure, and thereby investigated the effects of oxygen towards synthesis conditions, structure and electrochemical properties of final products. Li9.54Si1.74P1.44S11.7–zCl0.3Oz (LSiPSClOz; 0 ≤ z ≤ 2) were synthesized by mechanical-milling followed by heating at 400–475°C. X-ray diffraction patterns of samples indicated that LSiPSClO0.6 provided LGPS-type single phase while the non-oxygen-doped counterpart included Argyrodite phase as a secondary phase [4]. The total conductivity combining contributions from the bulk and grain-boundary was measured by AC impedance method for compressed powder samples with ca. 80% of theoretical density. LSiPSClO0.6 that was synthesized at 475 °C showed conductivity of 8.2 mS cm−1, which was slightly higher than that of 7.8 mS cm−1 observed for non-oxygen-doped counterpart, which contained an Argyrodite impurity phase. The difference in conductivity and phase purity became more significant when synthesized at 400 °C; LSiPSClOz showed 1.5 times higher conductivity as well as much better phase-purity. The correlation observed between conductivity and purity of LGPS-type phase indicated that the larger proportion of LGPS-type phase in the sample contributed to higher conductivity, suggesting control of oxygen-dope can be useful for obtaining LGPS-type material with high conductivity. This presentation will focus on the effect of oxygen-doping towards electrochemical stability, which was investigated by cyclic voltammetry and charge-discharge cycle tests of solid-state-cells using LSiPSCl or LSiPSClO0.6. References Kamaya, N.; Homma, K.; Yamakawa, Y.; Hirayama, M.; Kanno, R.; Yonemura, M.; Kamiyama, T.; Kato, Y.; Hama, S.; Kawamoto, K.; Mitsui, A., A lithium superionic conductor. Nat. Mater. 2011, 10, 682-686. Kato, Y.; Hori, S.; Saito, T.; Suzuki, K.; Hirayama, M.; Mitsui, A.; Yonemura, M.; Iba, H.; Kanno, R., High-power all-solid-stae batteries using sulfide superionic conductors. Nature Energy 2016, 1, 16030. Xu, R.; Wu, Z.; Zhang, S.; Wang, X.; Xia, Y.; Xia, X.; Huang, X.; Tu, J., Construction of All-Solid-State Batteries based on a Sulfur-Graphene Composite and Li9.54Si1.74P1.44S11.7Cl0.3 Solid Electrolyte. Chemistry 2017, 23, 13950-13956. Deiseroth, H.-J.; Kong, S.-T.; Eckert, H.; Vannahme, J.; Reiner, C.; Zaiß, T.; Schlosser, M., Li6PS5 X: A Class of Crystalline Li-Rich Solids With an Unusually High Li+ Mobility. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2008, 47, 755-758.

The reaction mechanism of lithium excess manganese oxide, Li2MnO3, with layered rock-salt structure was examined using model thin film electrodes with liquid or solid electrolytes. The epitaxial or polycrystalline films with 30 nm-thick with various compositions and morphologies were fabricated using pulsed laser deposition and sputtering methods. These electrodes showed charge-discharge capacity ranging from 150 to 300 mAh g-1with different degradation characteristics depending on the compositions and morphologies. The reaction mechanisms were studied by in-situ and operando methods using surface X-ray diffraction and HAXPES analyses. The Li2MnO3shows a transformation to a high-capacity phase after the activation process by the first charge and the degradation during the subsequent cycling depends on the sample stoichiometry and morphology. The transition to the high capacity phase is related the phase change from the O3 to O2 type, together with the interlayer cation disordering on the Li/Mn layer. The activation process is related to the oxidation of oxygen and a formation new oxygen species together with the reduction of the manganese from tetra-valent state. The activation process and the reversible reactions of the lithium-rich layered rock-salt materials are elucidated.

Solid-state Li-ion battery promises potentially high-power characteristics, although increase in energy density remains as an issue to be solved.1,2 Therefore solid electrolytes that possess electrochemical stability to Li metal electrode as well as high ionic conductivity are urgently demanded. This study synthesized solid electrolytes using Li10GeP2S12(LGPS),3 a supersonic conductor showing Li ion conductivity over 10−2 S cm−1, as a structural template; we performed material search for LGPS-derivatives in the Li–M–P–S–O–X (M = Ge, Si, Sn; X = F, Cl, Br, I) system in order to elucidate effects of doped- anion/cation towards the stability to Li metal electrode. We discovered various LGPS-type electrolytes through optimization of synthesis condition for each chemical composition. For the Li–M–P–S–X system, heating at 400–550°C is required, for Li–P–S–O–X at 200–280°C, and for Li–Si–P–S–O at 950–1000°C, respectively. The synthesized solid electrolytes were characterized by structure analysis based on diffraction data and AC impedance method. Electrochemical stability for electrolytes was evaluated by charge–discharge cycling tests of solid-state cell, in which the synthesized electrolyte, Li metal, and the mixture of LiNbO3-coated-LiCoO2 and LGPS was used as a separator, anode, and cathode, respectively. The retention rate of discharge capacity was used as an indicator for evaluating stability towards Li metal. The effects of oxygen doping were clarified in the Li–M–P–S–O and Li–P–S–O systems. The cell using Li9.42Si1.02P2.1S9.96O2.04 or Li3.2PS3.7O0.3 respectively showed retention rate of more than 98% whereas Li–M–P–S cells showed less than 20% after 5th cycle.4 However, these oxygen-doped electrolytes suffer from lower conductivity on the order of 10−4 S cm−1. These results indicate oxygen doping improves electrochemical stability but at the cost of decrease in conductivity. On the other hand, the Li–P–S–X system showed 99% capacity retention after 5th cycle as well as a high conductivity of 4×10−3 S cm, suggesting doping halogen elements is a promising technique for achieving a better balance between stability and conductivity for LGPS-type electrolytes. References Kato, Y.; Hori, S.; Saito, T.; Suzuki, K.; Hirayama, M.; Mitsui, A.; Yonemura, M.; Iba, H.; Kanno, R., High-power all-solid-stae batteries using sulfide superionic conductors. Nature Energy 2016, 1, (16030). Janek, J.; Zeier, W. G., A solid future for battery development. Nature Energy 2016, 1 (9). Kamaya, N.; Homma, K.; Yamakawa, Y.; Hirayama, M.; Kanno, R.; Yonemura, M.; Kamiyama, T.; Kato, Y.; Hama, S.; Kawamoto, K.; Mitsui, A., A lithium superionic conductor. Nat. Mater. 2011, 10, 682-686. Hori, S.; Suzuki, K.; Hirayama, M.; Kato, Y.; Kanno, R., Lithium Superionic Conductor Li9.42Si1.02P2.1S9.96O2.04 with Li10GeP2S12-Type Structure in the Li2S–P2S5–SiO2 Pseudoternary System: Synthesis, Electrochemical Properties, and Structure–Composition Relationships. Frontiers in Energy Research 2016, 4 (38).

Sulfide based ionic conductors are attractive solid electrolytes for all solid-state batteries owing to their high ionic conductivity and high reliability. One of remaining issues is to stabilize the lithium (de)intercalation reaction at the cathode/sulfide electrolyte interface in high potential regions for the development of all solid state batteries with high energy density. Here we investigated the interfacial reactions between LiMO2 (M= Ni, Mn, Co) and amorphous Li3PS4 using a model film battery. LiMO2 cathode/LiNbO3 buffer layer/Li3PS4 films were fabricated by pulsed laser deposition, and Li metal anode was deposited by vapor deposition. The thin-film battery had a well defined interface suitable for elucidating electrochemical reactions. The relationship between electrochemical properties and crystal structural changes were discussed based on crystal structures determined by in situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements conducted under high voltage operation.

The all-solid-state batteries offer an attractive option owing to their potential in improving the safety and achieving both high power and high energy densities. The solid electrolyte is a key issue for the development of all-solid-state batteries. Although high ionic conductivity has been achieved for the sulfide electrolyte system, metal anodes are necessary for the electrode selection to improve the energy density of the batteries. Stability of the electrolytes to low voltage region vs. lithium is an important factor for the use of this purpose. Among the sulphide electrolytes proposed, the LGPS (Li10GeP2S12) family exhibits high bulk conductivity of over 10- 2 S cm-1 at room temperature and has a wide variety of compositions, which provide various conductivity and stability characteristics. The present study reviews the materials of the LGPS-type solid electrolytes and the reactions with metal anode systems.

To discuss the relationship between the periodicity noise and the aerodynamic noise source of a wind turbine, the characteristics of the actual wind turbine were measured by a wind tunnel; moreover, the flow around the impeller immersed in the uniform flow was solved by numerical simulation. In the observed wind turbine, when the mainstream velocity was 7.4 m/s or more, the power coefficient reached maximum at tip speed ratio 8. When the mainstream velocity increased in the driving condition of the maximum power point, the aerodynamic noise increased due to the periodicity noise in the vicinity of 1000 Hz and the broadband noise in the high-frequency domain. The noise sources were concentrated at the leading edge and trailing edge on the suction surface side. We experimentally indicated that the pressure fluctuation of the leading edge was the source of the periodicity noise.

Cathodic reaction of protonic ceramic fuel cells (PCFCs) using SrZrO3 based proton conducting electrolyte with perovskite oxide cathode is studied. A dense La0.6Sr0.4CoO3 (LSC) film is fabricated on 10mol% Y-doped SrZrO3 (SZY) electrolyte using pulsed laser deposition (PLD) method as a cathode. Cathodic performance of the dense LSC electrode is evaluated using AC impedance measurement and Secondary Ion Mass Spectroscopy (SIMS) analysis. Impedance spectra suggest that LSC dense film play a role as proton blocking electrode. SIMS analysis reveals that proton concentration in LSC dense film is higher than bulk of LSC, and there is no concentration gradient in LSC and SZY. Therefore, it is suggested that proton surface exchange rate of LSC is very low.

In order to clarify the influence of a diffuser on the characteristics of a forward curved fan, the influence of the bare ratio and the outlet angle on the characteristics of the fan were measured through an experiment performed with an actual fan as well as through a numerical simulation, respectively. The mechanism of the discrete frequency noise generated by the separated flow of the diffuser was analyzed. The optimized bare ratio was approximately 17%. The flow separated inside of the diffuser generated discrete frequency noise owing to the interaction between the reversed flow from the diffuser and the impeller rotating at the blade passing frequency. The diffuser outlet angle influenced the pressure ratio more than that by the bare ratio. Furthermore, it was confirmed that restraining the separation in the diffuser effectively decreases the fan noise., Journal of Thermal Science, 22(5), pp.433-438; 2013

Multi-layer thin films of LiMn 2 O 4 /SrRuO 3 have been epitaxially grown on SrTiO 3 (111) substrates using a pulsed laser deposition method. The multi-layer electrodes show excellent electrochemical properties due to introduction of an electronic conducting buffer layer between the lithium cathode film and semiconducting substrate. Moreover, the electrochemical characteristics of the lithium cathode materials are strongly dependent on the electronic contact. Thus, the epitaxially grown electrodes can be used as ideal crystalline models to obtain information about the lattice plane, surface roughness, and thickness of electrodes. This information can be used to elucidate the reaction mechanisms of lithium batteries.

Spatial working memory (SWM) involves both simultaneous and sequential encoding, but the differences in their neural correlates are unclear. We investigated the differences in prefrontal cortex activity related to these SWM encoding types. We also examined the patterns of brain activity influencing individual visuospatial abilities (VSA). We conducted SWM tasks with two different conditions, sequential and simultaneous encoding, and examined hemodynamic activity in 39 healthy adults using near-infrared spectroscopy. The bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex was activated more strongly in the sequential condition compared with the simultaneous condition. This suggests that prefrontal cortex activity underlying SWM is modulated by the type of encoding. We also found that individuals with high VSA showed weaker activation in the right-dorsolateral prefrontal cortex compared with those with lower VSA during the simultaneous condition. This hypoactivation is thought to reflect neural efficiency in the individuals with high ability. These findings are expected to lead to a better understanding of neural substrates for SWM.

Rationale: Pulmonary hypertension is a fatal disease; however, its pathogenesis still remains to be elucidated. Thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) is synthesized by the liver and inhibits fibrinolysis. Plasma TAFI levels are significantly increased in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) patients. Objective: To determine the role of activated TAFI (TAFIa) in the development of CTEPH. Methods and Results: Immunostaining showed that TAFI and its binding partner thrombomodulin (TM) were highly expressed in the pulmonary arteries (PAs) and thrombus in patients with CTEPH. Moreover, plasma levels of TAFIa were increased 10-fold in CTEPH patients compared with controls. In mice, chronic hypoxia caused a 25-fold increase in plasma levels of TAFIa with increased plasma levels of thrombin and TM, which led to thrombus formation in PA, vascular remodeling, and pulmonary hypertension. Consistently, plasma clot lysis time was positively correlated with plasma TAFIa levels in mice. Additionally, overexpression of TAFIa caused organized thrombus with multiple obstruction of PA flow and reduced survival rate under hypoxia in mice. Bone marrow transplantation showed that circulating plasma TAFI from the liver, not in the bone marrow, was activated locally in PA endothelial cells through interactions with thrombin and TM. Mechanistic experiments demonstrated that TAFIa increased PA endothelial permeability, smooth muscle cell proliferation, and monocyte/macrophage activation. Importantly, TAFIa inhibitor and peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor-α agonists significantly reduced TAFIa and ameliorated animal models of pulmonary hypertension in mice and rats. Conclusions: These results indicate that TAFIa could be a novel biomarker and realistic therapeutic target of CTEPH.

Action monitoring, the process for evaluating the appropriateness of one's own actions, is reported to be atypical in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).We examined the characteristics of action monitoring in 11 children with ASD and 12 children with typical development (TD), analyzing stimulus-locked and response-locked event-related potential components (i.e., N2; error-related negativity, ERN; and error positivity, Pe) related to execution of a flanker task.We found a smaller N2 amplitude in children with ASD than in those with TD. Children with ASD also had a larger amplitude of ERN for partial error responses (electromyographic activity corresponding to the inappropriate hand side before response execution) than did children with TD. Additionally, the ERN amplitude for the partial error response was correlated with the Autistic Mannerisms of the Social Responsiveness Scale. There were no significant differences in Pe amplitudes between children with ASD and those with TD.The results suggest that action monitoring in children with ASD is significantly different both before and after response execution. We hypothesized that the detail-focused processing style of ASD reduces the demands of action monitoring before response execution; however, autistic mannerisms evoke excessive concern regarding trivial mistakes after response execution.

Since higher energy and power density than those of lithium ion batteries are required for next generation battery system, lithium-sulfur battery attracts attention because of its large theoretical capacity of sulfur: 1672 mAh g–1. All-solid-state battery system incorporating solid electrolyte can solve serious issue of dissolution of lithium polysulfide during battery reaction and contribute higher power and energy density [1]. However, ionic/electronic-insulating properties of sulfur prevents practical use of sulfur as electrode. Therefore, composite electrodes incorporating sulfur, conductive carbons and solid electrolytes are fabricated for use in solid-state battery system. In this study, sulfur, acetylene black and Li2S-GeS2-P2S5based solid electrolyte were mixed to obtain the composite electrode using a planetary ball milling apparatus, which has temperature control system. Structures and electrochemical properties of the composites and their milling-temperature dependences were investigated. Solid electrolyte of Li4–x Ge1–x P x S4 (x = 0.75) was prepared by a solid-state reaction method [2]. Ionic conductivity of the solid electrolyte was evaluated by ac-impedance method at room temperature. Sulfur, acetylene black and solid electrolyte were milled with a weight ratio of 25:25:50 (wt.%). Various mixing time (10–600 min) and temperature during mixing (298–443 K) were examined; their structure and electrochemical properties in all-solid-state battery were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), XRD measurement, Raman spectroscopy and galvanostatic charge-discharge test. All-solid-state batteries were constructed in an Ar-filled glove box for charge-discharge measurements [3]. Electrochemical properties of the cells were evaluated by galvanostatic charge-discharge measurements using multi-channel galvanostat. A constant current of 83.75 mA g–1(1/20 C) was applied for charging and discharging at room temperature. Since the composite electrode prepared by 300 min-milling at room temperature showed highest initial discharge capacity about 1200 mAh g-1, milling time was determined at 300 min for high temperature milling process. Composite electrodes were prepared by high temperature milling at 403, 423 and 443 K; in this temperature region, the sulfur exists as liquid phase. Increase in milling temperature contributed to larger capacity and better capacity retention during charge-discharge reactions for 20 cycles. Raman spectroscopy indicated that novel structure unit including Ge-S-Ge bonding was generated in the composite via milling process. The novel unit could be due to the reaction between sulfur and solid electrolyte. Differential capacity plots of the charge-discharge curves and ex situRaman spectroscopy revealed that the novel structure units might contribute to the charge-discharge reaction and phase transition reaction during charge-discharge process occurred reversibly for the composite electrode with high temperature milling. On the other hand, the composited prepared at room temperature showed capacity fading during cycling due to irreversible phase transition of the electrode. Liquid phase sulfur during milling process could contribute to construct the electronic and ionic conduction pathways in the composite matrix because the liquid phase is suitable for nano/atomic scale distribution and better contact to the each component. One-step high-temperature milling process can be a promising candidate for sulfur composite electrode fabrication. Acknowledgements This work was supported by a Grant-in-Aid from the Advanced Low Carbon Technology Research and Development Program, Specially Promoted Research for Innovative Next Generation Batteries (ALCA- SPRING) of the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST). References [1] Y. Kato, S. Hori, T. Saito, K. Suzuki, M. Hirayama, A. Mitsui, M. Yonemura, H. Iba, R. Kanno, Nature Energy, (2016) 16030. [2] R. Kanno, M. Murayama, J. Electrochem. Soc., 148 (2001) A742-A746. [3] M. Nagao, Y. Imade, H. Narisawa, T. Kobayashi, R. Watanabe, T. Yokoi, T. Tatsumi, R. Kanno, J. Power Sources, 222 (2013) 237-242.

For the lithium super-ionic conductor Li 10 GeP 2 S 12 , the partial substitution of sulfur by oxygen is achieved via a solid-state reaction. The solid-solution range of oxygen is found to be 0 ≤ x 10 GeP 2 S 12− x O x . Structure refinements using synchrotron X-ray diffraction data confirm the preference for oxygen substitution in the PS 4 tetrahedra. The local structural change in the P(S/O) 4 tetrahedra upon substitution is also indicated by Raman spectroscopy. Ionic conduction properties are maintained even after the oxygen substitution in Li 10 GeP 2 S 12 ; the ionic conductivity of Li 10 GeP 2 S 12− x O x (0.3 ≤ x ≤ 0.6) ranges from 1.03 × 10 −2 to 8.43 × 10 −3 S cm −1 at 298 K. No redox current is observed by cyclic voltammetry from nearly 0 to 10 V versus Li/Li + except for that due to the lithium deposition/dissolution reactions. All-solid-state batteries using Li 10 GeP 2 S 12− x O x ( x = 0.3 and 0.6) as solid electrolytes with Li metal anodes show discharge capacities exceeding 100 mAh g −1 and better cycling performance compared to batteries using the original Li 10 GeP 2 S 12 . The partial substitution of oxygen for sulfur in Li 10 GeP 2 S 12 affords a novel solid electrolyte, Li 10 GeP 2 S 12− x O x , with high conductive properties and electrochemical stability.

Among the energy storage devices for applications in electric vehicles and stationary uses, lithium batteries typically deliver high performance. However, there is still a missing link between the engineering developments for large-scale batteries and the fundamental science of each battery component. Elucidating reaction mechanisms under practical operation is crucial for future battery technology. Here, we report an operando diffraction technique that uses high-intensity neutrons to detect reactions in non-equilibrium states driven by high-current operation in commercial 18650 cells. The experimental system comprising a time-of-flight diffractometer with automated Rietveld analysis was developed to collect and analyse diffraction data produced by sequential charge and discharge processes. Furthermore, observations under high current drain revealed inhomogeneous reactions, a structural relaxation after discharge, and a shift in the lithium concentration ranges with cycling in the electrode matrix. The technique provides valuable information required for the development of advanced batteries., 充放電しているリチウム電池の内部挙動の解析に成功―中性子線を用い非破壊かつリアルタイム観測により実現―. 京都大学プレスリリース. 2016-07-06.

Background: Excessive proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) is the main characteristics in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH); however, its mechanism still remains unclear. Methods & Results: To explore a novel therapeutic target in PAH, we performed a gene expression microarray screening using PASMCs from patients with PAH (PAH-PASMCs) and those from controls and found up-regulation of selenoprotein P (SeP) in PAH-PASMCs (>5-fold, P2 10%) increased SeP expression in the lung. In PAH-PASMCs, hypoxia (O 2 2%, 24 hours) increased SeP expression compared with normoxic controls (O 2 21%) (1.6-fold, P SeP -/- ) were exposed to hypoxia (O 2 10%) for 4 weeks, which resulted in suppression of right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP), RV hypertrophy and PA remodeling compared with controls (all P SeP -/- PASMCs compared with SeP +/+ PASMCs (P SeP -/- PASMCs showed ERK1/2 inactivation, AMPK activation, and reduced secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. SMC-targeted deletion of SeP suppressed the development of hypoxia-induced PH compared with controls (all P0.05, n=8-9). In the clinical study, serum SeP levels were significantly elevated in PAH patients (n=203) compared with controls (n=20) (P Conclusions: These results indicate that SeP, especially in PASMCs, promotes PA remodeling, suggesting that it is a novel therapeutic target for PAH.

Compared with lithium-ion batteries with liquid electrolytes, all-solid-state batteries offer an attractive option owing to their potential in improving the safety and achieving both high power and high energy densities. Despite extensive research efforts, the development of all-solid-state batteries still falls short of expectation largely because of the lack of suitable candidate materials for the electrolyte required for practical applications. Here we report lithium superionic conductors with an exceptionally high conductivity (25 mS cm−1 for Li9.54Si1.74P1.44S11.7Cl0.3), as well as high stability ( ∼0 V versus Li metal for Li9.6P3S12). A fabricated all-solid-state cell based on this lithium conductor is found to have very small internal resistance, especially at 100 ∘C. The cell possesses high specific power that is superior to that of conventional cells with liquid electrolytes. Stable cycling with a high current density of 18 C (charging/discharging in just three minutes; where C is the C-rate) is also demonstrated. The development of all-solid-state batteries requires fast lithium conductors. Here, the authors report a lithium compound, Li9.54Si1.74P1.44S11.7Cl0.3, with an exceptionally high conductivity and demonstrate that all-solid-state batteries based on the compound have high power densities.

Effects of modifying the surface of lithium excess layered rock-salt type electrodes by Li3PO4 is investigated using epitaxial Li2RuO3 model electrodes. A 3.6-nm-thick amorphous Li3PO4 layer is deposited on a 25.5-nm-thick Li2RuO3 film by pulsed laser deposition. X-ray absorption near edge structure reveals that the modified Li2RuO3 surface had different electronic states of Ru from the unmodified Li2RuO3 surface, indicating that Li3PO4 deposition changes the structure of the Li2RuO3 surface. Li3PO4-modified Li2RuO3 has a much higher first discharge capacity (296 mAh g −1

Lithium intercalation in a lithium excess layered material Li 2 RuO 3 was investigated using two-dimensional model electrodes with a restricted reaction plane of (002). Li 2 RuO 3 films were synthesized on Al 2 O 3 (0001) substrate by a pulsed laser deposition, and X-ray diffraction measurements confirmed epitaxial growth of Li 2 RuO 3 (002). Electrochemical characterization using cyclic voltammetry and charge/discharge measurements indicated electrochemical reactions with a discharge capacity of 200 mAh g − 1 for the film deposited at 400 °C followed by post-annealing at 550 °C. The electrochemical activity on the (002) plane indicated three-dimensional lithium diffusion in the two-dimensional layered rocksalt structure through the lithium sites in the transition metal layer.

Lithium-rich layered rock-salt type Li2MnO3 is one of the most attractive cathode materials for lithium batteries because it achieved the high discharge capacities of 250−300 mAh g-1 after activation during the first cycling [1]. However, the structural deterioration in the following cycles at the cathode/liquid electrolyte interface leads to severe capacity fading. We reported that the Li2MnO3 films on solid system exhibit a high capacity of 250 mAh g–1 and better cycle stability, although liquid system showed severe capacity degradation [2]. To elucidate the activation process and high capacity phase contributing to high cycle stability, crystal structure changes at activation process were analyzed using the different initial structure of Li2MnO3. The initial structure was controlled by stacking solid electrolyte using two types of synthesis methods. The Li2MnO3 electrode films were synthesized on SrRuO3/SrTiO3(111) substrates by pulsed laser deposition (PLD). Amorphous Li3PO4 as the solid electrolyte was synthesized by PLD and magnetron sputtering. Lithium metal was used as the negative electrode, respectively. The crystal structure changes at activation process were analyzed by in situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements. The Li2MnO3 structure had layered rock-salt type structure after stacking Li3PO4 by using PLD. On the other hand, in case of stacking by using magnetron sputtering, the Li2MnO3 changed disordered structure with the transition metal (TM) layer disordering of lithium and manganese ions in the honeycomb lattice. For the Li2MnO3 with layered rock-salt type structure, the discharge capacity increased continuously in the following cycles with persisting plateau region for several cycles. On the other hand, the Li2MnO3 with disordered structure showed about 300 mAh g–1 at the first cycle. The XRD intensity ratio of I 020/I 001 was zero after activation at both of initial structures [3]. Since the 020 peak arises from a superlattice structure by a honeycomb-type ordered arrangement of Li and Mn atoms in the TM layer, atomic arrangements in the TM layer transformed to a disordered state. This high capacity phase could contribute to its high capacity and cycle stability. Acknowledgment: This work was supported by the Research and Development Initiative for Scientific Innovation of New Generation Batteries 2 (RISING2) of the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO). References: [1] M. Sathiya et al., Nat. Mater., 2013, 12, 827-835.[2] K. Hikima et al., The 57th battery symposium in Japan, 2016, 2G22. [3] K. Hikima et al., The 58th battery symposium in Japan, 2017, 2C22.