Elastic Response in the Dilute non-Kramers System Y1−x_{1-x}Prx_xIr2_2Zn20_{20}

Ultrasonic investigations of the single-site quadrupolar Kondo effect in diluted Pr system Y$_{0.966}$Pr$_{0.034}$Ir$_2$Zn$_{20}$ are reported. The elastic constant $(C_{11}-C_{12})/2$ is measured down to ~40 mK using ultrasound for the dilute system Y$_{0.966}$Pr$_{0.034}$Ir$_2$Zn$_{20}$ and the pure compound YIr$_2$Zn$_{20}$. We found that the elastic constant $(C_{11}-C_{12})/2$ of the Pr-dilute system exhibits a logarithmic temperature dependence below $T_0$ ~0.3 K, where non-Fermi-liquid (NFL) behavior in the specific heat and electrical resistivity is observed. This logarithmic temperature variation manifested in the $\Gamma_3$-symmetry quadrupolar susceptibility is consistent with the theoretical prediction of the quadrupolar Kondo effect by D. L. Cox. On the other hand, the pure compound YIr$_2$Zn$_{20}$ without $4f$-electron contributions shows nearly no change in its elastic constants evidencing negligible phonon contributions. In addition, clear acoustic de Haas-van Alphen (dHvA) oscillations in the elastic constant were detected for both compounds on applying magnetic field. This is mainly interpreted as contribution from the Fermi surface of YIr$_2$Zn$_{20}$.Comment: 9 pages, 4 figures, Proceedings of J-Physics 2019 International Conferenc

R-Ferrite-type barium cobalt stannate, BaCo2Sn4O11

BaCo2Sn4O11 is isotypic with R-ferrite, BaTi2Fe4O11. The Co atoms fully occupy trigonal–bipyramidal sites () and are disordered with Sn atoms in octa­hedral sites (.2/m symmetry), as represented in the formula BaCoSn2(Co0.34Sn0.66)4O11. Ba atoms are situated in a 12-fold coordinated site ( symmetry)

The yin and yang of hepatitis C: synthesis and decay of hepatitis C virus RNA

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an unusual RNA virus that possesses a striking capacity to persist for life in the majority of infected individuals. In order to persist, HCV must balance viral RNA synthesis and decay in infected cells. In this Review, we focus on interactions between the positive-sense RNA genome of HCV and host RNA-binding proteins and microRNAs (miRNAs) that influence the competing processes of viral RNA synthesis and decay to achieve stable, long-term persistence of the viral genome. We discuss how these processes impact HCV pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies against the virus

Feasibility of lung transplantation from donors mechanically ventilated for prolonged periods

PURPOSE: When patients are mechanically ventilated for more than 5 days, they are usually declined as donors for lung transplantation (LTx); thus, the long-term outcomes of LTx from such donors remain unclear. We investigated the feasibility of LTx from donors that had been mechanically ventilated for prolonged periods. METHODS: The subjects of this retrospective comparative investigation were 31 recipients of LTx from donors who had been mechanically ventilated for RESULTS: The median duration of donor mechanical ventilation was 3 days in the short-term group and 8.5 days in the long-term group. However, other than the difference in the duration of donor ventilation, there were no significant differences in the clinical characteristics of the donors or recipients between the groups. The overall survival rate after LTx was comparable between the long-term group and short-term group (5-year survival rate, 66.6% vs. 75.2%). CONCLUSION: The potential inclusion of donors who have been on mechanical ventilation for more than 5 days could be a feasible strategy to alleviate donor organ shortage