Renormalization Group Approach to Einstein Equation in Cosmology

The renormalization group method has been adapted to the analysis of the long-time behavior of non-linear partial differential equation and has demonstrated its power in the study of critical phenomena of gravitational collapse. In the present work we apply the renormalization group to the Einstein equation in cosmology and carry out detailed analysis of renormalization group flow in the vicinity of the scale invariant fixed point in the spherically symmetric and inhomogeneous dust filled universe model.Comment: 16 pages including 2 eps figures, RevTe

An unexplored role of the CrOx shell in an elaborated Rh/CrOx core–shell cocatalyst for photocatalytic water splitting: a selective electron transport pathway from semiconductors to core metals, boosting charge separation and H₂ evolution

A core–shell structured Rh/CrOx cocatalyst has endowed various semiconductors with high efficiency in water-splitting photocatalysis, where thin CrOx layers on Rh have been assumed to be physical blockers of O₂ to the metal surface to suppress unfavorable reverse reactions (e.g., catalytic H₂O formation from H₂ and O₂). Herein, we propose another unexplored but favorable function of CrOx layers: a selective electron transport pathway from photocatalysts to the Rh core boosting charge separation and H₂ production. The subsequent loading of CrOx layers onto Rh increased the rate of visible light H₂ evolution of a Bi₄NbO₈Cl photocatalyst, even in a half reaction with a hole scavenger where O₂ does not evolve. Transient absorption spectroscopy revealed that the CrOx layer increases the electron path from Bi₄NbO₈Cl to Rh. Importantly, the highest H₂-evolution activity was obtained by simultaneous photodeposition using CrIII and RhIII precursors, which had not yet been examined. In this sample, Rh nanoparticles were enclosed by an amorphous CrOx shell, where Rh particles were less directly attached to the semiconductor. Therein, CrOx inserted between Bi₄NbO₈Cl and Rh effectively suppresses undesirable hole transfer from Bi₄NbO₈Cl to Rh, while such hole transfer partially occurs when they are in direct contact. These results indicated that CrOx functions as a selective electron transport pathway and improves the H₂ evolution activity. Although the development strategy of cocatalysts has so far focused on surface redox reactions, this study offers a new approach for the design of highly efficient cocatalysts based on the carrier transfer process, especially at semiconductor–cocatalyst interfaces

Surface Modification with Metal Hexacyanoferrates for Expanding the Choice of H₂-Evolving Photocatalysts for Both Fe³⁺/Fe²⁺ Redox-Mediated and Interparticle Z-Scheme Water-Splitting Systems

The construction of Z-scheme water splitting systems is an effective approach toward harvesting a wide portion of the solar light spectrum; however, the success has often depended on the property of photocatalyst surfaces. This drawback is typified by the limited choice of efficient H₂ evolution photocatalysts (HEPs) (e.g., Rh-doped SrTiO₃) for Z-scheme water splitting using Fe³⁺/Fe²⁺ redox couple. The majority of visible light-responsive materials shows low activity for H2 production with Fe²⁺ electron donors despite having suitable band levels, probably due to the absence of an effective surface site for oxidizing Fe²⁺. The choice of HEPs for interparticle Z-scheme systems has also been limited. Herein, an effective strategy for overcoming these limitations is reported: activation of originally inactive materials via surface modification with metal hexacyanoferrate nanoparticles. Photocatalytic H2 evolution over TaON in aqueous Fe²⁺ solution is drastically enhanced by comodification with indium hexacyanoferrate (InHCF) and Rh–Cr mixed oxide. InHCF promotes Fe²⁺ oxidation to Fe³⁺ utilizing the holes photogenerated in TaON via FeIII/FeII redox cycles, enabling Z-scheme water splitting with the Fe³⁺/Fe²⁺ redox mediator coupled with an O2 evolution photocatalyst under visible light. It is also disclosed that InHCF nanoparticles function as effective solid electron mediators for achieving interparticle Z-scheme water splitting

Microwave Spectroscopy of a Single Permalloy Chiral Metamolecule on a Coplanar Waveguide

We investigate the microwave spectroscopies of a micrometer-sized single permalloy (Py) chiral structure on coplanar waveguides (CPWs). Under an external dc magnetic field applied in a direction perpendicular to the microwave propagation, the Py chiral structure loaded on the center of the CPW signal line shows Kittel-mode ferromagnetic resonance. Contrastingly, the structure on the signal-line edge highlights two additional resonances: spin-wave resonance at a higher frequency, and unique resonance at a lower frequency of approximately 7.8 GHz. The resonance signal at 7.8 GHz originates from magnetically induced, geometry-driven resonance, although the resonance frequency does not depend on the external magnetic field. Moreover, the displacement of the Py structures on the signal line results in nonreciprocal microwave transmission, which is traced back to the edge-guide mode

Changes in Knowledge Levels through Lectures on Radiotherapy to Nursing Students in Japan

Background:Recently, the number of patients choosing radiotherapy is increasing in Japan. It is necessary for even nurses to have knowledge of radiotherapy. We measured the degree of awareness with a lecture on how a nursing student can obtain knowledge of radiotherapy.Materials and methods: Forty nursing students who were in their third year and preparing for their national nursing certification in two months were recruited. The 90-min lecture covered a range of topics from general theories to specific concepts. The students were not informed that they would be required to fill a survey at the end of the lecture. This was to avoid bias that could occur from knowing in advance that a survey would be conducted.Results: The following items below were particularly remarkable. The distinction between the radiologist and the radiation oncologist. The radiotherapy is a local therapy. The pain from bone metastasis could be relieved.Conclusion: Students had very little knowledge on radiotherapy before the lecture. the results of this study indicated the need to increase the number of lectures on radiotherapy for nursing as well medical students. As the number of radiotherapy patients increases

Inhomogeneity of Spatial Curvature for Inflation

We study how the initial inhomogeneities of the spatial curvature affect the onset of inflation in the closed universe. We consider a cosmological model which contains a radiation and a cosmological constant. In order to treat the inhomogeneities in the closed universe, we improve the long wavelength approximation such that the non-small spatial curvature is tractable in the lowest order. Using the improved scheme, we show how large inhomogeneities of the spatial curvature prevent the occurrence of inflation.Comment: 17 pages, revtex, 6 figures included using eps

A Sillén Oxyhalide SrBi₃O₄Cl₃ as a Promising Photocatalyst for Water Splitting: Impact of the Asymmetric Structure on Light Absorption and Charge Carrier Dynamics

Bismuth-based oxyhalides with layered Sillén(–Aurivillius) structures have attracted significant attention as photocatalysts. Recent studies have unveiled a part of the structure–property relationship of the materials; however, it has not been fully understood. In the present study, we investigated a Sillén-type oxyhalide SrBi₃O₄Cl₃ with single and double halogen layers. Interestingly, SrBi₃O₄Cl₃ showed a visible light response up to ∼460 nm, whereas SrBiO₂Cl and BiOCl with single and double halogen layers, respectively, did not. Rietveld refinement and STEM-EDX mapping determined the asymmetric Bi occupation in the fluorite [Sr₀.₅Bi₁.₅O₂] layer of SrBi₃O₄Cl₃, which was derived from the coexistence of the halogen layers. DFT calculations and Madelung potential calculations showed that the asymmetric Bi occupation affords both the Bi–Bi interaction across the single halogen layer and the electrostatic destabilization of Cl in the double halogen layer, probably leading to the narrow bandgap of SrBi₃O₄Cl₃. Another merit of possessing the two different halogen layers was revealed by time-resolved microwave conductivity measurements as well as DFT calculations; the spatial separation of the conduction band minimum and valence band maximum based on the coexistence of the halogen layers would promote charge carrier separation. Visible-light-driven Z-scheme water splitting was accomplished using a RuO₂-loaded SrBi₃O₄Cl₃ sample as an O₂-evolving photocatalyst. This study provides another option for engineering band structures and promoting the charge carrier separation of layered oxyhalides for efficient water splitting under visible light

An Autopsy Case of Disseminated Cytomegalovirus Infection in a Classic Hemophiliac A with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

This is a case report of disseminated cytomegalovirus infection which occured in 23-year-old male hemophiliac with AIDS. He has been receiving Factor VIII concentrate. Postmortem examination revealed generalized CMV infection in the lungs, the adrenal glands and the large intestine resulting in multiple organ system failure. These observations suggest that when Factor VIII concentrate used, careful evaluation of the pathogens such as ATL and HIV is essential

Onset of inflation in inhomogeneous cosmology

We study how the initial inhomogeneities of the universe affect the onset of inflation in the closed universe. We consider the model of a chaotic inflation which is driven by a massive scalar field. In order to construct an inhomogeneous universe model, we use the long wavelength approximation ( the gradient expansion method ). We show the condition of the inhomogeneities for the universe to enter the inflationary phase.Comment: 22 pages including 12 eps figures, RevTe