Advancements in the Epsilon Launch Vehicle\u27s Rideshare Capability and Future Missions

Fifth Epsilon launch vehicle (Epsilon-5) with Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration-2 was successfully launched from JAXA Uchinoura Space Center in Kagoshima, Japan on November 9, 2021. Successful injection of nine satellites with high accuracy demonstrated the capability of Epsilon launch vehicle for rideshare missions of various satellite sizes. The new Epsilon Satellite Mount Structure-II (ESMS-II) and an adapter was developed to launch more satellites. In the paper, we first introduce Epsilon launch vehicle and its multi-launch capability. Then, we describe the mission design of Epsilon-5 and rideshare specific configuration. Finally, we mention the rideshare opportunity provided by Epsilon launch vehicle in the future

Health consciousness and cervical cancer screening rates in HPV-unvaccinated girls: comparison from HPV-recommended and HPV-recommendation-suspended program periods

In Japan, the vast majority of females between 13 and 24 are now unvaccinated for HPV and thus unprotected from HPV-caused cervical cancer. We analyzed the differences among these unvaccinated females regarding their understanding of the HPV vaccine, its role in cervical cancer prevention, and their need for cervical cancer screening–based on whether they refused vaccination when their government’s recommendation for HPV vaccination was still in effect (vaccination-recommended group)–or during the last 7 years, while the government suspension was in effect (recommendation-suspended group). The vaccination-recommended group understood more about the HPV vaccine and the best timing for HPV vaccination than the recommendation-suspended group (p < .0001 and p = .002, respectively). We found that girls in the vaccination-recommended group had more chances to talk with the family about cervical cancer and they were more afraid of acquiring the disease (p < .0001 and p < .0001, respectively). The girls in the recommendation-suspended group tended to feel more inhibited from talking about cervical cancer with friends and acquaintances (p = .0262). The cervical cancer screening rate of the vaccination-recommended group was significantly higher (p = .014)

Fabrication of a 64-Pixel TES Microcalorimeter Array with Iron Absorbers Uniquely Designed for 14.4-keV Solar Axion Search

If a hypothetical elementary particle called an axion exists, to solve the strong CP problem, a 57Fe nucleus in the solar core could emit a 14.4-keV monochromatic axion through the M1 transition. If such axions are once more transformed into photons by a 57Fe absorber, a transition edge sensor (TES) X-ray microcalorimeter should be able to detect them efficiently. We have designed and fabricated a dedicated 64-pixel TES array with iron absorbers for the solar axion search. In order to decrease the effect of iron magnetization on spectroscopic performance, the iron absorber is placed next to the TES while maintaining a certain distance. A gold thermal transfer strap connects them. We have accomplished the electroplating of gold straps with high thermal conductivity. The residual resistivity ratio (RRR) was over 23, more than eight times higher than a previous evaporated strap. In addition, we successfully electroplated pure-iron films of more than a few micrometers in thickness for absorbers and a fabricated 64-pixel TES calorimeter structure.Comment: 5 pages, 5 figures, published in IEEE Transactions on Applied Superconductivity on 8 March 202

Human papillomavirus vaccine to prevent cervical intraepithelial neoplasia in Japan: A nationwide case-control study

Ikeda, S, Ueda, Y, Hara, M, et al. Human papillomavirus vaccine to prevent cervical intraepithelial neoplasia in Japan: A nationwide case‐control study. Cancer Sci. 2020; 00: 1– 8. https://doi.org/10.1111/cas.14682

Epidemiologic profile of type-specific human papillomavirus infection after initiation of HPV vaccination

Funding Information: This work was supported by the Health and Labor Sciences Research Grant [26272001] and the Japanese Agency for Medical Research and Development [JP15ck0106103]. Acknowledgments: We would like to thank Yuka Watanabe, Sachiko Ono, Anna Ishida, Yoko Motoki and the administrator of Niigata city for their support in conducting the surveyPeer reviewedPublisher PD

Decision-making using preload stress echocardiography

Aims Abnormal left ventricular diastolic response to preload stress can be an early marker of heart failure (HF). The aim of this study was to assess clinical course in patients with HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) who underwent preload stress echocardiography. In the subgroup analysis, we assessed the prognosis of patients with unstable signs during preload stress classified by treatment strategies. Methods and results We prospectively conducted preload stress echocardiographic studies between January 2006 and December 2013 in 211 patients with HFpEF. Fifty-eight patients had abnormal diastolic reserve during preload stress (unstable impaired relaxation: unstable IR). Of 58 patients with unstable IR, 19 patients were assigned to additional therapy by increased or additional therapy and 39 patients were assigned to standard therapy. Composite outcomes were prespecified as the primary endpoint of death and hospitalization for deteriorating HF. During a median period of 6.9 years, 19 patients (33%) reached the composite outcome. Unstable group with standard therapy had significantly shorter event-free survival than stable group. Patients with uptitration of therapy had longer event-free survival than those with standard therapy group after adjustment of laboratory data (hazard ratio, 0.20, 95% confidence interval, 0.05–0.90; P = 0.036); the 10 year event-free survival in patients with and without uptitration of therapy was 93% and 51%, respectively (P = 0.023). Conclusions Patients with unstable sign had significantly shorter event-free survival than patients with stable sign. After additional therapy, the prognosis of patients with unstable signs improved. This technique may impact decision-making for improving their prognosis

3Dマッピングシステムを用いた両心房Stimulus-V mapによる順行性速伝導路入口部の解剖学的位置並び特徴の検討

Purpose Previous studies examined the right atrial (RA) input site of the antegrade fast pathway (AFp) (AFpI). However, the left atrial (LA) input to the atrioventricular (AV) node has not been extensively evaluated. In this study, we created three-dimensional (3-D) bi-atrial stimulus-ventricle (St-V) maps and analyzed the input site and characteristics of the AFp in both the RA and LA. Methods Forty-four patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation or WPW syndrome were included in this study. Three-dimensional bi-atrial St-V mapping was performed using an electroanatomical mapping system. Sites exhibiting the minimal St-V interval (MinSt-V) were defined as AFpIs and were classified into seven segments, four in the RA (F, S, M, and I) and three in the LA (M1, M2, and M3). By combining the MinSt-V in the RA and LA, the AFpIs were classified into three types: RA, LA, and bi-atrial (BA) types. The clinical and electrophysiological characteristics were compared. Results AFpIs were most frequently observed at site S in the RA (34%) and M2 in the LA (50%), and the BA type was the most common (57%). AFpIs in the LA were recognized in 75% of the patients. There were no clinical or electrophysiological indicators for predicting AFpI sites. Conclusions Three-dimensional bi-atrial St-V maps could classify AFpIs in both the RA and LA. AFpIs in the LA were frequently recognized. There were no significant clinical or electrophysiological indicators for predicting AFpI sites, and 3-D bi-atrial St-V mapping was the only method to reveal the precise AFp input site

Japan's Ongoing Crisis on HPV Vaccination.

Funding: This work was supported by the Health and Labor Sciences Research Grant [26272001] and the Japanese Agency for Medical Research and Development [JP15ck0106103]. Acknowledgments: We would like to thank Yuka Watanabe, Sachiko Ono, Anna Ishida, Yoko Motoki, Tomomi Egawa-Takata, Akiko Morimoto, Yusuke Tanaka and the administrator of Niigata city for their support in conducting the surveyPeer reviewedPublisher PD

Internet Survey of Awareness and Behavior Related to HPV Vaccination in Japan

Funding Information: Funding: This work was supported by the Health and Labor Sciences Research Grant No. 26272001 and the Japanese Agency for Medical Research and Development (JP15ck0106103).Peer reviewedPublisher PD