Visualization of alternating triangular domains of charge density waves in 2H-NbSe2_2 by scanning tunneling microscopy

The charge density wave (CDW) state of 2H-NbSe$_2$ features commensurate domains separated by domain boundaries accompanied by phase slips known as discommensurations. We have unambiguously visualized the structure of CDW domains using a displacement-field measurement algorithm on a scanning tunneling microscopy image. Each CDW domain is delimited by three vertices and three edges of discommensurations and is designated by a triplet of integers whose sum identifies the types of commensurate structure. The observed structure is consistent with the alternating triangular tiling pattern predicted by a phenomenological Landau theory. The domain shape is affected by crystal defects and also by topological defects in the CDW phase factor. Our results provide a foundation for a complete understanding of the CDW state and its relation to the superconducting state.Comment: main text (6 pages, 4 figures) + supplemental material (8 pages, 11 figures

Local density of states and superconducting gap in the iron chalcogenide superconductor Fe1+δ_{1+\delta}Se1−x_{1-x}Tex_{x} observed by scanning tunneling spectroscopy

We report on the first investigation of the quasiparticle local density of states and superconducting gap in the iron chalcogenide superconductor Fe$_{1+\delta}$Se$_{1-x}$Te$_{x}$ ($T_{\mathrm{c}} \sim 14$ K). The surface of a cleaved crystal revealed an atomic square lattice, superimposed on the inhomogeneous background, with a lattice constant of $\sim 3.8$ \AA without any reconstruction. Tunneling spectra measured at 4.2 K exhibit the superconducting gap, which completely disappears at 18 K, with a magnitude of $\sim 2.3$ meV, corresponding to $2\Delta / k_{\mathrm{B}}T_{\mathrm{c}}=3.8$.In stark contrast to the cuprate superconductors, the value of the observed superconducting gap is relatively homogeneous, following a sharp distribution with a small standard deviation of 0.23 meV. Conversely, the normal-state local density of states observed above $T_{\mathrm{c}}$ shows spatial variation over a wide energy range of more than 1 eV, probably due to the excess iron present in the crystal.Comment: 4 pages, 5 figure

Local Measurement of Microwave Response with Local Tunneling Spectra Using Near Field Microwave Microscopy

We have designed and built a near-field scanning microwave microscope, which has been used to measure the local microwave response and the local density-of-states (LDOS) in the area including the boundary between the gold deposited and the non-deposited region on highly-orientated pyrolytic graphite at a frequency of about 7.3 GHz. We have succeeded in measuring the spatial variation of both the LDOS and the surface resistance. It can be observed that the surface resistance in gold deposited region with the metallic tunneling spectra is smaller than that in the non-deposited region with the U-shaped tunneling spectra.Comment: 3 pages, 3 figures

Comparative Study of 5-Day and 10-Day Cefditoren Pivoxil Treatments for Recurrent Group A β-Hemolytic Streptococcus pharyngitis in Children

Efficacy of short-course therapy with cephalosporins for treatment of group A β-hemolytic streptococcus (GABHS) pharyngitis is still controversial. Subjects were 226 children with a history of at least one episode of GABHS pharyngitis. Recurrence within the follow-up period (3 weeks after initiation of therapy) occurred in 7 of the 77 children in the 5-day treatment group and in 1 of the 149 children in the 10-day treatment group; the incidence of recurrence being significantly higher in the 5-day treatment group. Bacteriologic treatment failure (GABHS isolation without overt pharyngitis) at follow-up culture was observed in 7 of the 77 children in the 5-day treatment group and 17 of the 149 children in the 10-day treatment group. There was no statistical difference between the two groups. A 5-day course of oral cephalosporins is not always recommended for treatment of GABHS pharyngitis in children who have repeated episodes of pharyngitis

HOW TREATMENT CHANGES SLEEP APNEA SYNDROME IN PATIENTS WITH PULMONARY ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION

Digitalitzat per Artypla

Energy Efficiency Road Mapping in Three Future Scenarios for Lao PDR

Climate change, pollution, and energy insecurity are among the greatest problems of our time. These problems are no longer issues in particular countries but international issues. Several framework conventions on these issues are now in place throughout the world, and developing countries are no exception. Energy efficiency is one of the important issues for developing countries. Lao PDR is one such country. This paper proposes a technology roadmap and policy recommendations for Lao PDR with consideration given to a wide range of economic and social impacts of prospective technologies. For the implementation of technology assessment in the formulation of an energy efficiency roadmap, we first elaborate the social and economic conditions of Lao PDR through preliminary research and field research, and then design three scenarios for a future Lao PDR. These three scenarios are as follows: 1. The "Poverty Reduction” scenario is for electrification rate improvement; 2. The “Industrial Creation” scenario is for stable domestic energy supply; and 3. The “GMS Integration” scenario is for the acquisition of foreign exchange by energy export

市川市における高齢者の自宅に対する意識 : ─ 住生活上の問題点および改善希望 ─

　本研究では、市川市の高齢者が現在の居住している住宅に対してどのような意識を持っているのか、高齢者が感じる住生活上の問題点および住宅改善の希望内容を整理することで、全体的な傾向を明らかにすることを目的とした。分析対象は、市川市で実施したアンケート調査で「現在お住まいの住宅で、年齢を重ねるにつれ、使いづらくなった点や困っている点、改善したい点を、ぜひ教えて下さい」と自由記述により回答を求め、この質問に関係する回答が記入されていた134票とした。　調査の結果、市川市の高齢者は自宅に対して①「住宅、設備による問題点と改修希望」と、②「その他の住環境に関連した問題点と改善希望」を有していることが明らかとなった。「住宅、設備による問題点と改善希望」では、「階段」、「浴室」、「居室・廊下」で問題点と改善希望が多くあげられた。問題点と改善希望の主な内容は、「階段昇降の負担」、「段差解消」、「手すり取付け」であった。「その他の住環境に関連した問題点と改善希望」については、「日照」、「防災・防犯」、「改修困難」、「生活継続不安」の４点があげられた。　以上のことから、市川市の高齢者が住み慣れた自宅で可能な限り安全かつ安心な生活を継続するためには、第１に普遍的な住宅のバリアフリー化を進めるとともに、個々人の身体状況や住宅状況に適した住宅改修の推進を行うこと。第２に介護保険などのバリアフリー化を進める住宅改修制度で対応することが出来ない問題点については、ニーズに合致した制度の充実、情報提供、利用促進が必要とされる