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Background The short-term effects of teduglutide (TED) for short bowel syndrome with chronic intestinal failure (SBS–IF) in patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) remain unknown and real-world data have not been scarce. This study aimed to investigate the short-term efficacy and safety of TED in CD patients on parenteral support (PS) for SBS–IF. Methods We retrospectively investigated the medical records of CD patients with SBS–IF who initiated TED between January 2020 and October 2022 in Hyogo Medical University hospital. The primary outcomes were the change in PS volume and proportion of patients with a reduction of PS volume by ≥20% at week 4. Secondary outcomes were the changes in body mass index (BMI), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), albumin, hematocrit (Ht), PS calorie requirements, withdrawal from PS, and adverse events during the observation period. Results Of 605 CD patients, 23 who underwent home PS for SBS–IF were included in this study. Twenty patients continued TED throughout the observation period. The median PS duration was 11.6 (range 1.0-20.0) years and the observation period after starting TED was 48.0 (7.0-60.0) weeks. TED significantly reduced the PS volume from 17989(570-49000) mL/week to 14257(0-42000) mL/week at week 4 (p = 0.0013), and the PS volume decreased by ≥20% in 8 patients (40.0%) at week 4 and in 16 patients (80.0%) during the observation period after TED administration. The BMI significantly increased from 17.9 (12.9–23.9) kg/m2 before TED administration and 18.9 (14.6–25.4) kg/m2 after TED administration (p = 0.014). Although there were no significant differences in albumin (p = 0.53), eGFR (p = 0.66), and Ht (p = 0.089), the PS calorie /week was significantly decreased from 6581 (244–14000) kcal to 3747(0– 8820) kcal after TED administration (p = 0.0001). Ten patients (50.0%) experienced gastrointestinal stoma complications, including stoma swelling and/or prolapse during the observation period. Abdominal pain occurred in 7 cases (35.0%), catheter-related infection in five patients (25.0%), oedema in 4 patients (20.0%), nausea in 2 patients (10.0%), abdominal distension in 3 patients (15.0%), and upper respiratory tract infection in 1 patient (5.0%). All the symptoms were transient and tolerable. Although 3 patients discontinued TED due to nausea and abdominal pain and were excluded from this analysis, these symptoms improved after the discontinuation. Conclusion TED reduced PS volume at week 4 in CD patients with SBS–IF, and the BMI and the PS calorie requirement were improved during the observational period without serious adverse events.

This paper presents a fast and accurate classification method for underwater objects using underwater mapping data obtained by a small Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) and autonomous surface vehicle (ASV). For the mapping data, in addition to underwater acoustic reflection intensity images, water depth data, point cloud data and backscattering reflection intensity data are employed. We propose the automatic classification and semantic segmentation method on deep learning using a convolutional neural network (CNN) and PointNet++. In order to verify the effectiveness of the present method, we applied it to the measured several underwater mapping data.

Background Neointimal maturation after bioresorbable-polymer (BP) drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation will not be complete in the absorption phase of the polymer. We have previously reported local persistent hypercoagulation after sirolimus-eluting stent (SES) implantation by measuring local plasma prothrombin fragment 1+2 (F1+2) levels. The aim of this study is to examine time-dependent local coagulative response after BP-DES implantation. Methods Sixty-four patients who were treated about ten months earlier with coronary angioplasty, with no evidence of restenosis, were studied [durable-polymer (DP)-DES {SES; Cypher®: 26pts and everolimus-eluting stent (EES); Xience®: 16pts} and BP-DES (BP-EES; Synergy®: 10pts and BP-SES; Ultimaster®: 12pts)]. We measured plasma levels of F1+2 sampled in coronary sinus (CS) and sinus of Valsalva (V) at the early (2±1 months) and chronic (10±2 months) phases. The transcardiac gradient (Δ) was defined as CS level minus V level. Results No significant differences were observed in the percent diameter stenosis between the DP- and BP- DES groups (11.5±15.5 vs 14.1±11.9%). The ΔF1+2 was significantly lower in the BP-DES group than in the DP-DES group at the chronic phase (7.5±16.1 vs 16.4±17.1pmol/l, p Conclusion Lower local coagulative response was observed at the chronic phase after BP-DES implantation compared to DP-DES implantation, and local hypercoagulation after BP-DES implantation was not observed at the early phase compared to the chronic phase. These findings might lead to the possibility of shorter dual antiplatelet therapy after BP-DES implantation. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Background There are several recommendations for the use of echocardiography in acute hospitalized HF. Echocardiography requires a high degree of skill on the part of the examiner, and the skill may be more improved in larger volume centers. Purpose In this study, we investigated whether the use and volume of echocardiography is associated with in-hospital mortality from the real world registry database of heart failure (HF) hospitalizations. Methods This study was based on the Diagnosis Procedure Combination database in the Japanese Registry of All Cardiac and Vascular Datasets (JROAD-DPC). We categorized the 739 hospitals into 3 groups according to the number of echocardiographic studies performed annually (first tertile: 4500 cases) and compared the groups of patients who were first admitted to the categorized hospitals with heart failure between April 2015 and March 2016. We estimated the odds ratios and their 95% confidence interval for in-hospital mortality using multivariable models. The variables of multivariable analysis were selected by stepwise method. Results A total of 80,496 HF patients were hospitalized, and 73.2% were examined for echocardiography. We found that the use and volume of echocardiography exams were associated with significantly lower odds of all-cause hospital mortality in heart failure (adjusted OR: 0.48 for use of echocardiography and 0.78 for the third tertile; both P Conclusions The use of echocardiography was associated with decreased odds of hospital mortality in HF. The volumes of echocardiographic examinations were also associated with hospital mortality; thus, this study suggests that the skill of echocardiography may be improved in the large volume center and provide good outcomes in HF. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Flowchart of this studyOdds ratio of in-hospital mortality

RI-RICH, a ring-imaging Cherenkov counter for radioactive ions, has been developed to measure the velocity of the ions at intermediate energies. Our RI-RICH system consists of six multi-anode photomultiplier tubes covered with 360-nm bandpass filters and a radiator made of quartz or BK7. For the primary 132Xe beam with a velocity of β = 0 . 712 , a velocity resolution of Δ β ∕ β = 4 . 9 × 1 0 − 4 (one standard deviation σ ) and a detection efficiency of more than 99.99% were achieved. For the secondary beams with Z = 44 – 55 and β ≃ 0 . 70 , we successfully performed particle identification using the B ρ - Δ E - β method. The velocity resolutions of RI-RICH for these nuclides were equivalent to a more than 6 σ separation for the mass number.

We report here the results of a study of the $\beta$ decay of the proton-rich Ge isotopes, $^{60}$Ge and $^{62}$Ge, produced in an experiment at the RIKEN Nishina Center. We have improved our knowledge of the half-lives of $^{62}$Ge (73.5(1) ms), $^{60}$Ge (25.0(3) ms) and its daughter nucleus, $^{60}$Ga (69.4(2) ms). We measured individual $\beta$-delayed proton and $\gamma$ emissions and their related branching ratios. Decay schemes and absolute Fermi and Gamow-Teller transition strengths have been determined. The mass excesses of the nuclei under study have been deduced. A total $\beta$-delayed proton-emission branching ratio of 67(3)% has been obtained for $^{60}$Ge. New information has been obtained on the energy levels populated in $^{60}$Ga and on the 1/2$^-$ excited state in the $\beta p$ daughter $^{59}$Zn. We extracted a ground state to ground state feeding of 85.3(3)% for the decay of $^{62}$Ge. Eight new $\gamma$ lines have been added to the de-excitation of levels populated in the $^{62}$Ga daughter.

Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common type of arrhythmia seen in clinical practice. Recent studies suggest that inflammation contributes to the pathogenesis of AF. On the other hand, several evidence suggests that toll-like receptor (TLR) 9 recognizes bacterial DNA, activating innate immunity, whereas it also provokes inflammation in response to fragmented DNA released from mammalian cells. Recently, we have reported that TLR 9 plays a pivotal role in the development of vascular inflammation and atherogenesis through proinflammatory activation of macrophages. Purpose This study aimed to assess whether TLR9 contributes to the AF arrhythmogenesis. Methods TLR9 deficient (TLR9−/−) and wild-type mice were infused with angiotensin II (Ang II) or vehicle via an osmotic minipump for 4 weeks. Blood pressure and body weight were measured serially. Then, we examined AF inducibility by intracardiac electrophysiological study and the inflammation-induced atrial remodeling by biochemical analysis after 4 weeks of Ang II infusion. Results There was no significant difference in blood pressure and pulse rate between TLR9−/− and wild-type mice both before and after Ang II infusion. Ang II-treated TLR9−/− mice showed lower incidence of AF compared with wild-type mice treated with Ang II. Genetic deletion of TLR9 significantly reduced the interstitial fibrosis in atrium of Ang II-treated mice. TLR9−/− mice also showed less mRNA expressions of inflammatory and fibrosis-related biomarkers (TNF-α, interleukin-6, TGF-β, collagen-1, collagen-3) in atrium compared with wild-type mice. Conclusions TLR9 might contribute to the AF arrhythmogenesis associated with atrial inflammation. TLR9 might serve as a potential therapeutic target for AF. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Charge changing cross sections (\(\sigma _{\text{CC}}\)) for ^40–48K and ^42–51Ca have been measured using BigRIPS at RIBF, RIKEN. The \(\sigma _{\text{CC}}\) obtained along the long isotopic chain of K and Ca revealed the fact that \(\sigma _{\text{CC}}\) have strong proton separation energy () dependence. The data are compared with the calculation based on the Glauber model and also with the proton evaporation model. It is found that the \(\sigma _{\text{CC}}\) data are well reproduced when the proton evaporation effect is taken into account.

Interaction cross sections for ^{42-51}Ca on a carbon target at 280 MeV/nucleon have been measured for the first time. The neutron number dependence of derived root-mean-square matter radii shows a significant increase beyond the neutron magic number N=28. Furthermore, this enhancement of matter radii is much larger than that of the previously measured charge radii, indicating a novel growth in neutron skin thickness. A simple examination based on the Fermi-type distribution, and mean field calculations point out that this anomalous enhancement of the nuclear size beyond N=28 results from an enlargement of the core by a sudden increase in the surface diffuseness of the neutron density distribution, which implies the swelling of the bare ^{48}Ca core in Ca isotopes beyond N=28.

Acta physica Polonica / B 51(3), 587 (2020). doi:10.5506/APhysPolB.51.587, Published by Inst. of Physics, Jagellonian Univ., Cracow

Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia in clinical practice, increasing the incidence of ischemic stroke. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a predictor of stroke and thromboembolism, and it was reported to be an independent risk factor for AF. A recent study has shown that, in obese mice with diabetes, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor prevents myocardial fibrosis, active oxygen stress, weight loss and improves myocardial hypertrophy. However, the effects of DPP-4 inhibitors on atrial remodeling associated with diabetes and atrial fibrillation have not yet been clarified. Purpose This study was performed to assess whether a DPP-4 inhibitor (vildagliptin) ameliorates atrial remodeling in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. Methods Rats were divided into 3 groups: SHR without DM, SHR with DM treated with vehicle and SHR-DM treated with vildagliptin (3mg/kg/day; intragastric gavage). For each group, blood pressure, blood glucose level and body weight were measured serially. Cardiac function was also evaluated by echocardiography. Then, we examined AF inducibility by intracardiac electrophysiological study and the inflammation-induced atrial remodeling by biochemical analysis after 4 weeks of treatment. Results There was no significant difference in blood pressure and blood gucose level between vehicle and vildagliptin groups. Administration of vildagliptin significantly reduced AF inducibility compared with rats with vehicle. In DM rats treated with vehicle, rapid atrial pacing promoted the gene expression of inflammatory and fibrosis-related biomarkers (TNF-α, MCP-1, collagen-1) in atrium. Vildagliptin reduced these gene expression levels. In addition, administration of vildagliptin significantly reduced the interstitial fibrosis in atrium. Conclusions DPP-4 inhibitor, vildagliptin. could prevent atrial inflammation and reduce the AF inducibility in SHR complicated with DM.

Background Canagliflozin is a SGLT-2 inhibitor, a novel type of drug for type 2 diabetes mellitus treatment. Recent studies have shown that SGLT-2 inhibitors reduce cardiovascular events, although the mechanism is still unknown. Purpose The aim of our study was to examine the effect of canagliflozin on vascular endothelial cell. Method Eight-week-old apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE−/−) mice were treated with streptozotocin (STZ, 75 mg/kg/day) in three consecutive days by intraperitoneal injection to induce diabetes. Diabetic ApoE−/− mice were treated with canagliflozin (30 mg/kg/day) by gavage for 12 weeks or 8 weeks to examine its effect on atherosclerosis or endothelial function, respectively. Results Canagliflozin significantly decreased blood glucose level (P Conclusion Glucose lowering effect by canagliflozin attenuates the development of endothelial dysfunction and atherogenesis in diabetic ApoE−/− mice. Anti-inflammatory effect due to the reduction of glucose toxicity on endothelial cells might be one of the mechanisms.

Background Ageing is a significant risk factor for atherosclerotic diseases. Vascular senescence has been considered to play an important role in the progression of atherosclerosis; however, it remains unclear whether endothelial cell (EC) senescence is causally involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Purpose The purpose of this study is to elucidate a causative role of senescent EC in the progression of atherosclerosis. Methods Telomeric repeat-binding factor 2 (TRF2) plays a central role in telomere maintenance and protection against end-to-end fusion of chromosome. We previously reported that overexpression of TRF2-dominant negative mutant (TRF2DN) induced premature senescence in EC. We recently generated EC-specific progeroid mice by overexpressing TRF2DN specifically in EC (TRF2DN-Tg), and then generated ApoE-KO/TRF2DN-Tg mice to analyze a role of EC senescence in atherosclerosis. These mice were fed with a high cholesterol-diet, and atherosclerosis was assessed by en face analysis of whole aorta and histological analysis of aortic sinus. In vitro studies to analyze the underlying mechanisms were performed using replicative senescent HUVECs. Results En face analysis of aorta revealed that atherosclerotic lesions were significantly increased in ApoE-KO/TRF2DN-Tg mice comparing with that in ApoE-KO mice at as early as 2 weeks after high-cholesterol diet. Histological analysis of aortic sinus also exhibited accelerated atherosclerosis in ApoE-KO/TRF2DN-Tg mice in association with increased macrophage infiltration. Mechanistically, we found that the induction of adhesion molecules such as VCAM-1, ICAM-1, and E-selectin in response to low-grade inflammatory stimuli was substantially augmented in senescent ECs comparing with that in young ECs. As a result, monocyte adhesion was significantly enhanced in senescent ECs. Of note, eNOS inhibition did not affect the hyper-reactivity of senescent EC to inflammation, while antagonizing NF-kB abolished it. Nuclear translocation of NF-kB in response to inflammation was not different between young and senescent ECs, suggesting that NF-kB transcriptional activity might be enhanced in senescent ECs. Conclusion We revealed a causative role of EC senescence in the progression of atherosclerosis in vivo using unique EC-specific progeroid mice. Our findings revealed that EC senescence is a bona fide risk for atherosclerosis, and thus senescent ECs are attracting pharmacotherapeutic targets for the prevention and/or treatment of atherosclerotic disease in elderly population.

Background Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) locates anatomically and functionally contiguous to the myocardium and coronary arteries. It has been suggested that EAT accumulation is associated with cardiac remodeling and impaired cardiac performance. However, its role in left ventricular (LV) wall strain remains unclear. Purpose In this study, we aimed to clarify: whether EAT accumulation is related to global longitudinal (GLS), circumferential (CS) and radial strain (RS); and if so, in which extent or by which amount of EAT are required to deteriorate these strain. Methods Total 180 patients who had no obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) on multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) coronary angiography and normal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) on conventional echocardiography were recruited. Cardiac CT was used to quantify EAT volume (EATV) and echocardiographic speckle tracking was used to measure the GLS, CS and RS. EATV index (EATV/Body surface area) was determined as: EAT volume, the sum of the EAT area from the base to the apex of the heart (cm3)/body surface area (m2). Adipose tissue was determined as the density range between −190 and −30 Hounsfield unit. According to the median value (68 cm3/m2), patients were divided into lower and higher EATV index two groups. Results In higher EATV index group (95±19 cm3/m2), mean age, body mass index (BMI), prevalence of hyperlipidemia and prevalence of CAD were larger than in lower EATV index group (48±14 cm3/m2). Male gender, hypertension, diabetes, smoking and LV mass index were comparable between two groups. Patients in higher EATV index had lower GLS than those in lower EATV index (−19.4±1.2% vs. −18.8±1.3%, p=0.002). However, there were no significant difference between two groups regarding to the CS and RS. Linear regression analysis showed that there was strong correlation between EATV index and GLS (R=0.216, p=0.004); whereas, both RS and CS were strongly associated with the interventricular septum thickness (RS: R=0.248, p=0.003; CS: R= −0.192, p=0.023) and relative wall thickness (RS: R=0.178, p=0.036; CS: R= −0.184, p=0.030) but not with EATV; on multiple regression analysis, EATV was a predictor of GLS independent of age, male gender, BMI, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension and CAD (Adjusted R2=0.238, p Conclusion EATV is independently associated with GLS despite the preserved LVEF and lacking of obstructive CAD, and may play a significant role in estimating impaired longitudinal LV performance.

Background We have previously reported local persistent hypercoagulation after sirolimus-eluting stent (SES) implantation by measuring local plasma prothrombin fragment 1+2 (F1+2) levels. The aim of this study is to examine chronic local coagulative response after each generation- drug eluting stent (DES) implantation. Methods Ninety-five patients who were treated about eight months earlier with coronary angioplasty, with no evidence of restenosis, were studied [1stgeneration durable polymer (DP)-DES {SES; Cypher®: 26pts, paclitaxel-eluting stent (PES); Taxus®:16pts}, 2ndgeneration DP-DES {everolimus-eluting stent (EES); Xience®:15pts, zotarolimus-eluting stent (ZES); Endeavor®:15pts}, and 3rdgeneration biodegradable polymer (BP)-DES {BP-biolimus-eluting stent (BES); Nobori®: 11pts and BP-SES; Ultimaster®: 12pts}]. We measured plasma levels of F1+2 sampled in coronary sinus (CS) and sinus of Valsalva (V). The transcardiac gradient (Δ) was defined as CS level minus V level. Results No significant differences were observed in the percent diameter stenosis among 1st, 2nd, and 3rd DES groups (12.5±15.5 vs 16.1±12.9 vs 13.1±11.9%). The ΔF1+2 was significantly lower in the 2nd and 3rd DES groups than in the 1st DES group (9.0±15.4 and 10.0±17.4 vs 27.3±23.8pmol/l, p Conclusions The improvement of chronic local coagulative response was observed according to the progress of DES. These findings might be associated with lower strut thickness and faster polymer resorption in the newer-generation DES.

Background Inflammation and oxidative stress associated with hyperglycemia are major causes of vascular dysfunction and cardiovascular complications in diabetes. Recent studies reported that cardioprotective effects of sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, however underlying mechanisms are still obscure. Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate whether empagliflozin attenuates atherogenesis and endothelial dysfunction in diabetic apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE−/−) mice and investigated underlying mechanisms. Methods ApoE−/− mice were injected with streptozotocin (75 mg/kg) for 3 consecutive days. One week after last injection, a western type diet and administration of empagliflozin (20 mg/kg/day) or vehicle via oral gavage were started. Atherosclerotic plaque area was examined by en face Sudan IV staining. Lipid deposition and inflammatory features of atherosclerotic plaques was examined on lesions in the aortic root by immunohistochemical analysis. Vascular function was assessed by isometric tension recording. mRNA or protein expression level was examined by quantitative RT-PCR (qPCR) or western blot analysis, respectively. In in vitro experiments, murine macrophage cell line, RAW264.7, was used. Results Treatment with empagliflozin for 12 weeks significantly decreased atherosclerotic plaque size in the aortic arch compared with untreated group (p Conclusions Empagliflozin attenuated endothelial dysfunction and atherogenesis in diabetic ApoE−/− mice. Reduction of inflammation in the vasculature and peri-vascular adipose tissues may have a role as underlying mechanisms at least partially.

Background Growing evidence suggests that visceral adipose tissue has systemic and local impact for the development of cardiovascular disease. Previously, we reported that epicardial adipose tissue, as one of visceral fat, was a risk factor for the development of coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the association between another visceral adiposity kidney fat and CAD remains unclear. Purpose In this study we aimed to clarify whether there exists link between adipose tissue surrounding the kidney and CAD among patients. Method The study population consisted of 201 consecutive patients who underwent 320-slice multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) coronary angiography. Study subjects were divided into the CAD (≥1 coronary artery stenosis of ≥50%) and non-CAD groups. Adipose tissue surrounding the kidney were quantified by the computed tomography and peri-renal fat volumetric measurements were performed on axial views by manually placing the Region of Interest (ROI) on the renal fascia. The peri-renal fat area of each slice was summed and multiplied by the slice thickness and number of slices to determine the total peri-renal fat volume. Adipose tissue was determined as the density range was −190 to −30 Hounsfield unit. Peri-renal fat volume were indexed by body surface area (BSA). Results The mean age was higher in CAD group than those in non-CAD (66±11 vs. 71±10 years, p=0.005). The diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidemia were significantly prevalent in CAD comparing to non-CAD group. BSA adjusted Peri-renal fat volume was significantly larger in CAD than those in non-CAD (43±27 vs. 60±39 ml/m2). Linear regression analysis showed that BSA adjusted peri-renal fat volume was significantly correlated with visceral fat area (VFA) (R=0.729, p Conclusion Peri-renal fat volume might be a predictor of CAD. Kidney fat at least partially may contributes to the development of CAD by impaired kidney function.

The β-ray detected nuclear magnetic resonance (β-NMR) of a short lived-nucleus 17N (I = 1/2, T1/2 = 4.173 s) in liquid H2O and CH3NO2 has been performed. A π-pulse method was applied to obtain sharp NMR lines, from which the ratio of the Larmor frequencies of 17N in CH3NO2 and 1H was determined to be ν[17N in CH3NO2]/ν[1H2O] = 0.1265751 ± 0.0000019. Two resonance lines were observed for 17N in H2O with the relative frequency shifts of –(2.33 ± 0.37) × 10−4 and (2.91 ± 0.27) × 10−4 referenced to 17N in CH3NO2.

International audience; We report on the observation of 67Kr that has been produced in an experiment performed at the RIKEN/BigRIPS facility. The two-proton decay of 67Kr has been evidenced and this nucleus is thus the fourth observed long lived ground-state two-proton emitter, after 45Fe, 48Ni and 54Zn. In addition, the decay of several isotopes in the mass region has been investigated. While for previous cases of two-proton radioactivity, the theoretical models could reproduce the measured data, this is not the case anymore for 67Kr. Two interpretations have been proposed to explain this discrepancy: a transition between real two-proton and sequential decay or the influence of deformation. These hypotheses will be tested in future experiments by measuring the angular and energy correlations of the emitted protons.

International audience; The two-proton radioactivity is a unique tool to study the nuclear structure beyond the proton drip-line. Since its discovery in 2002, the known emitters have been 19Mg, 45Fe, 48Ni, 54Zn and 67Kr. 67Kr was observed for the first time at the RIKEN Nishina Center in 2015. Its decay energy was measured at 1690(17) keV with a branching ratio of 37(14)%. The half-life, 7.4(30) ms, was found in contradiction with theoretical calculations, pointing out effects of decay dynamics and nuclear deformation.

We will review three recent advances. Defects which cause leakage under a high-voltage reverse-biased condition were identified in GaN pin diodes grown on free-standing GaN substrates. The performances of GaN-based horizontal-heterostructure superjunction high-electron-mobility transistor and a GaN-nanorod-based vertical pn-superjunction diode were simulated. A vertical pn-superjunction was fabricated using GaN nanorod growth technology.

The $\beta$ decay of the odd-odd nucleus $^{70}$Br has been investigated with the BigRIPS and EURICA setups at the Radioactive Ion Beam Factory (RIBF) of the RIKEN Nishina Center. The $T=0$ ($J^{\pi}=9^+$) and $T=1$ ($J^{\pi}=0^+$) isomers have both been produced in in-flight fragmentation of $^{78}$Kr with ratios of 41.6(8)\% and 58.4(8)\%, respectively. A half-life of $t_{1/2}=2157^{+53}_{-49}$ ms has been measured for the $J^{\pi}=9^+$ isomer from $\gamma$-ray time decay analysis. Based on this result, we provide a new value of the half-life for the $J^{\pi}=0^+$ ground state of $^{70}$Br, $t_{1/2}=78.42\pm0.51$ ms, which is slightly more precise, and in excellent agreement, with the best measurement reported hitherto in the literature. For this decay, we provide the first estimate of the total branching fraction decaying through the $2^+_1$ state in the daughter nucleus $^{70}$Se, $R(2^+_1)=1.3\pm1.1\%$. We also report four new low-intensity $\gamma$-ray transitions at 661, 1103, 1561, and 1749 keV following the $\beta$ decay of the $J^{\pi}=9^+$ isomer. Based on their coincidence relationships, we tentatively propose two new excited states at 3945 and 4752 keV in $^{70}$Se with most probable spins and parities of $J^{\pi}=(6^+)$ and $(8^+)$, respectively. The observed structure is interpreted with the help of shell-model calculations, which predict a complex interplay between oblate and prolate configurations at low excitation energies.

Up to this day, RICHes have been mainly used for high energy experiments to identify leptons and mesons. On the other hand, the number of Cherenkov photons is proportional to square of the atomic number, so that application of a RICH for heavy ions is expected. Then we are developing a ring-imaging Cherenkov counter for heavy ions (HI-RICH). The experiment was performed at NIRS-HIMAC. As for the primary beam ($^{132}$Xe with an energy of 420 MeV/u), a velocity resolution $\Delta\beta/\beta=0.050\%$ (standard deviation $\sigma$) and a detection efficiency $\varepsilon=99.9\%$ were achieved. Regarding to the secondary beam, a particle identification was successfully performed with HI-RICH and an ion chamber.

In an experiment with the BigRIPS separator at the RIKEN Nishina Center, we observed two-proton (2p) emission from 67Kr. At the same time, no evidence for 2p emission of 59Ge and 63Se, two other potential candidates for this exotic radioactivity, could be observed. This observation is in line with Q value predictions which pointed to 67Kr as being the best new candidate among the three for two-proton radioactivity. 67Kr is only the fourth 2p ground-state emitter to be observed with a half-life of the order of a few milliseconds. The decay energy was determined to be 1690(17) keV, the 2p emission branching ratio is 37(14)%, and the half-life of 67Kr is 7.4(30) ms.

In an experiment with the BigRIPS separator at the RIKEN Nishina Center, we observed two-proton (2p) emission from ^{67}Kr. At the same time, no evidence for 2p emission of ^{59}Ge and ^{63}Se, two other potential candidates for this exotic radioactivity, could be observed. This observation is in line with Q value predictions which pointed to ^{67}Kr as being the best new candidate among the three for two-proton radioactivity. ^{67}Kr is only the fourth 2p ground-state emitter to be observed with a half-life of the order of a few milliseconds. The decay energy was determined to be 1690(17) keV, the 2p emission branching ratio is 37(14)%, and the half-life of ^{67}Kr is 7.4(30) ms.

International audience

In an experiment with the BigRIPS separator at the RIKEN Nishina Center, the fragmentation of a $^{78}$Kr beam allowed the observation of new neutron-deficient isotopes at the proton drip-line. Clean identification spectra could be produced and $^{63}$Se, $^{67}$Kr, and $^{68}$Kr were identified for the first time. In addition, $^{59}$Ge was also observed. Three of these isotopes, $^{59}$Ge, $^{63}$Se, and $^{67}$Kr, are potential candidates for ground-state two-proton radioactivity. In addition, the isotopes $^{58}$Ge, $^{62}$Se, and $^{66}$Kr were also sought but without success. The present experiment also allowed the determination of production cross sections for some of the most exotic isotopes. These measurements confirm the trend already observed that the empirical parameterization of fragmentation cross sections, EPAX, significantly overestimates experimental cross sections in this mass region., accepted as Rapid Communication in PRC

A crossed photon-atom beam apparatus has been constructed for absolute measurement of total photoionization cross sections of isolated and neutral metallic atoms. The main purpose is to establish the technique which can be used as widely as possible for the metallic elements. Using this apparatus, measurements on Ba and Eu atoms have been made at selected energies in their 4d giant resonance regions 110–140 eV and 140–180 eV, respectively. A monochromatized synchrotron radiation was used as a light source. The target-atom density in the interaction section was determined with accuracy of 9% using the accumulation rate of metallic atoms on a quartz crystal sensor and the average velocity of the atoms obtained by a time-of-flight method combined with a pulsed electron gun. The number of photons was determined with use of a double-ion chamber preferably. The entire systematic errors have been estimated to be 20% for Ba and 27% for Eu. The comparison of the measured cross-section values with previous experimental and theoretical results is reasonable, indicating that the crossed photon–atom beam method is fairly promising technique.

To develop basic technologies for the maritime transport of hydrogen energy, a liquid hydrogen experiment facility (LHEF) with system enabling observation under horizontal vibration has been designed and constructed. The LHEF consists of a liquid hydrogen optical cryostat, a gas‐handling system, vacuum pumps, and apparatus for generating horizontal vibrations. The liquid hydrogen optical cryostat, which is 1200 mm in height and 300 mm in diameter, includes a vacuum jacket, a liquid nitrogen space (10.0 liters), a liquid hydrogen space (13.6 liters), a sample space (3.8 liters), optical windows, and a needle valve. The results of performance tests show that the heat leak in the liquid hydrogen space is sufficiently small. Using the LHEF under horizontal vibration, the damped oscillation of the liquid hydrogen surface is successfully observed and analyzed on the basis of a simple model.

For the purpose of a nationwide surveillance of the antimicrobial susceptibility of bacterial respiratory pathogens in patients in Japan, the Japanese Society of Chemotherapy conducted their second year survey, during the period from January to August, 2007. A total of 1178 strains were collected from clinical specimens obtained from adult patients with well-diagnosed respiratory tract infections. Susceptibility testing was evaluable for 1108 strains (226 Staphylococcus aureus, 257 Streptococcus pneumoniae, 6 Streptococcus pyogenes, 206 Haemophilus influenzae, 120 Moraxella catarrhalis, 122 Klebsiella pneumoniae, and 171 Pseudomonas aeruginosa). A total of 44 antibacterial agents, including 26 beta-lactams (four penicillins, three penicillins in combination with beta-lactamase inhibitors, four oral cephems, eight parenteral cephems, one monobactam, five carbapenems, and one penem), three aminoglycosides, four macrolides (including ketolide), one lincosamide, one tetracycline, two glycopeptides, six fluoroquinolones, and one oxazolidinone were used for the study. Analysis was conducted at the central reference laboratory according to the method recommended by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). The incidence of methicillinresistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was high, at 59.7%, and the incidences of penicillin-intermediateresistant and -resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae (PISP and PRSP) were 30.4% and 5.1%, respectively. Among Haemophilus influenzae strains, 19.9% of them were found to be beta-lactamase-non-producing ampicillin (ABPC)-intermediately-resistant (BLNAI), 29.1% to be beta-lactamasenon-producing ABPC-resistant (BLNAR), and 6.7% to be beta-lactamase-producing ABPC-resistant (BLPAR) strains. Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae was not isolated. Two isolates (1.2%) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were found to be metallo-beta-lactamase-producing strains, including one (0.6%) suspected multidrug-resistant strain showing resistance to imipenem, amikacin, and ciprofloxacin. These data will be a useful reference for future periodic surveillance studies and for investigations to control resistant infections as well. Continued surveillance is required to prevent the further spread of these antimicrobial resistances.

The electronic structures of Heusler-type Fe2VAl-based alloys, n-type thermoelectric alloys Fe2VAl1-zXz(X = Si, Ge) and p-type one Fe2(V1-yTiy)Al, have been investigated by photoelectron spectroscopy with use of synchrotron radiation as an excitation photon source. Observed valence-band spectra of Fe2VAl agree quite well with the predicted density of states with a sharp pseudogap across the Fermi energy EF. Small substitution in Fe2VAl1-zXz and Fe2(V1-yTiy)Al reveals a rigid-band-like energy shift of the valence band, although the observed shift is smaller than expected in the rigid band model. Further substitution causes the modification of the electronic structure near EF and the appearance of mid-pseudogap states. However, the dependence of the thermoelectric properties of these alloys on substitution can be qualitatively explained by the observed change in the electronic structure near EF.

The electronic structure and atomic arrangement of a decagonal Al–Co–Ni quasicrystal have been investigated in terms of a model unit cluster by using a discrete variational X α (DV-Xα) cluster calculation. The partial electronic density of states (DOS) and overlap population analysis for local clusters around the constituent transition-metals (TM´s) show the energy reduction of both the Co and Ni 3d states but the increase in the anti-bonding character for their TM-Al bonds at the second inner ring TM site of the model cluster in comparison to the most inner ring TM site. Comparing the calculated DOS with the observed valence-band photoelectron and TM Lα X-ray emission spectra, we discuss the occupation at the transition metal sites by Co and Ni.

Tyrosine phosphorylation of the insulin receptor is the initial event following receptor binding to insulin, and it induces further tyrosine phosphorylation of various intracellular molecules. This signaling is countered by protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPases), which reportedly are associated with insulin resistance that can be reduced by regulation of PTPases. Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) and leukocyte antigen-related PTPase (LAR) are the PTPases implicated most frequently in insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus. Here, we show that PTP1B and LAR are expressed in human fibroblasts, and we examine the regulation of PTPase activity in fibroblasts from patients with an insulin receptor gene mutation as an in vitro model of insulin resistance. Total PTPase activity was significantly lower in the cytosolic and membrane fractions of fibroblasts with mutations compared with controls (p

Selective permeation of vanadium(V) and chromium(VI) using three types of membrane systems was studied. The first was an anion exchange membrane, the second and third were supported liquid membranes containing either a tertiary amine or a quaternary ammonium salt. The membrane was sandwiched between two glass cells. One cell was filled with a solution of identical concentrations of vanadium(V) and chromium(VI), and the other cell contained sodium hydroxide solution. The permeation rates of vanadium(V) and chromium(VI) were measured from the concentration change in the solution on the recovery side of the membrane. The selectivity of vanadium(V) over chromium(VI) was defined as the ratio of their rates. The selectivity of vanadium(V) over chromium(VI) was as high as 10 for pH of feed phase between 8 and 10 when using the quaternary ammonium salt and much better than these for the other membranes with an alkaline feed phase, which was used to simulate of the effluent from leaching of the heavy oil combustion ash and other wastes containing vanadium.

We have applied simultaneous horizontal and vertical bias to a single molecule (2 nm(2)) in an ordered and disordered matrix to virtually isolate and tune its property without taking it out physically from its environment. Using a dedicated electrode system, we have locally tuned nanoscale properties vertically by STM, while stabilizing its environment by applying a global electric field horizontally. Using this technique, we report tuning of molecular conformations in room temperature, whose evolution of states has been statistically investigated. We have also shown control on switching of a few selected conformations by applying dual bias simultaneously. As we avoid any direct injection of charge into the system via electrode contact, this technique could be used as a generalized method to tune phenomena evolved in an environment of weak interaction from a large distance without destroying the property.

The standard entropy of formation at 298 K, Δ f S ° 298 , of Mo 2 B 5 was determined from measuring the heat capacities ( C p ) from near absolute zero (2 K) to 300 K by the relaxation method. The determined Δ f S ° 298 of Mo 2 B 5 was −3.543 J K −1 mol −1 . Its Debye temperature, Θ D , was found to be high (540 K), indicating that the crystal lattice is hard and the entropy of vibration is decreased.

Creamy white powders were obtained by the chemical vapor reaction of carbon tetrachloride and ammonia at 1000 °C, followed by washing with boiling water. The composition of the material was C 3 N 5.5 O 0.5 H 5.4 , having a nitrogen content greater than that of the hypothetical hard material C 3 N 4 . The powders were harder than quartz whose Mohs hardness is 7, but were not as hard as sapphire (Mohs hardness: 9). The hardness could be explained by the C–N single bond observed in the ESCA C1s spectrum. The material washed with boiling water showed photoluminescence, which was mostly bright and white-blue in color to the naked eye.