Origin of Unexpected Ir3+ in a Superconducting Candidate Sr2IrO4 System Analyzed by Photoelectron Holography.

The reason for the absence of superconductivity in Sr2IrO4 was estimated by photoelectron spectra and photoelectron holograms. The analysis of the La photoelectron hologram concluded that La atoms are substituted to Sr sites. Two O 1s peaks were observed and were identified as the oxygens in the IrO2 and SrO planes by photoelectron holography and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. In the Ir 4f spectrum of Sr2IrO4, an unexpected Ir3+ peak was observed as much as 50% of all of the Ir. The photoelectron hologram of Ir3+ showed a displacement of about 0.15 Å. This displacement is thought to be due to the oxygen vacancies in the IrO2 plane. These oxygen vacancies and the associated local displacement of the atoms might inhibit superconductivity in spite of sufficient electron doping.

Atomic Imaging of Interface Defects in an Insulating Film on Diamond.

The insulator/semiconductor interface structure is the key to electric device performance, and much interest has been focused on understanding the origin of interfacial defects. However, with conventional techniques, it is difficult to analyze the interfacial atomic structure buried in the insulating film. Here, we reveal the atomic structure at the interface between an amorphous aluminum oxide and diamond using a developed electron energy analyzer for photoelectron holography. We find that the three-dimensional atomic structure of a C-O-Al-O-C bridge between two dimer rows of the hydrogen-terminated diamond surface. Our results demonstrate that photoelectron holography can be used to reveal the three-dimensional atomic structure of the interface between a crystal and an amorphous film. We also find that the photoelectron intensity originating from the C-O bonds is strongly related to the interfacial defect density. We anticipate significant progress in the study of amorphous/crystalline interfaces based on their three-dimensional atomic structures analysis.

Right anterolateral thoracotomy with partial sternotomy for chronic type B aortic dissection with right aortic arch and Kommerell's diverticulum.

Chronic type B aortic dissection with the right aortic arch was rare. We present the case of a 59-year-old man with a right aortic arch and chronic type B aortic dissection, with a maximum size of 80 mm. Graft replacement was successfully performed through right anterolateral thoracotomy with partial sternotomy through the fourth intercostal space. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful. He had no paralysis and was extubated on postoperative day 2 and discharged from the hospital on postoperative day 15. Anterolateral thoracotomy with partial sternotomy could be a suitable approach for right-sided aortic aneurysms.

Reimplantation approach for an anomalous aortic origin of the right coronary artery with an aberrant right subclavian artery.

Anomalous aortic origin of the right coronary artery is a rare disease. Although there are various reports on its treatment, the method of the surgical approach is still controversial. Here, we present a rare case of a 17 year-old man who had an anomalous aortic origin of the right coronary artery with an aberrant right subclavian artery. As a treatment, he underwent reimplantation of the right coronary artery. The surgical approach for the anomalous aortic origin of the right coronary artery should be selected by considering the age of the patient and size of the right coronary artery.

Hybrid single staged treatment of coronary arteries and aorto-iliac obstruction disease: a case report.

BACKGROUND: If the internal thoracic artery is a collateral circulation to the lower extremities, careful consideration should be given to its use when coronary artery bypass grafting is required. We report a case of CABG with bilateral common iliac artery lesions and collateral circulation from the bilateral ITAs on the peripheral side. CASE PRESENTATION: A 58-year-old man was admitted to our department with claudication and dyspnea upon exertion. He was diagnosed with right common iliac artery obstruction and 90% stenosis of the left common iliac artery. Coronary angiography revealed three-vessel disease with 50% stenosis of the left main trunk. The bilateral ITA showed a rich collateral flow to the lower extremities. Hybrid single staged repair with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for the left iliac lesion was performed, followed by off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and femoro-femoral crossover bypass. Postoperative angiography revealed that all grafts were patent. The postoperative course was uneventful, except that the patient's creatinine kinase level increased to 7177 U/L on postoperative day 1. CONCLUSION: To treat coronary artery disease with peripheral artery disease, especially those with iliac artery occlusion lesions with collateral circulation from the ITA, not only graft selection but also the treatment strategies for peripheral lesions are considered extremely important. Hybrid single staged coronary and lower limb artery revascularization could be safely achieved by multidisciplinary team strategies.

[Four Cases of Appendiceal Mucinous Neoplasm Treated with Laparoscopic Surgery].

Appendiceal mucinous neoplasm has a risk for pseudomyxoma peritonei caused by appendiceal perforation.It has been reported that laparoscopic surgery is more risky than open surgery.We investigated 4 patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery for appendiceal mucinous neoplasm.The median age was 69.5(49-85).There were 3 males and 1 female.Three cases of partial laparoscopic resection of the cecum and 1 case of ileocecal resection with lymph node dissection were performed. The pathology was low-grade mucinous neoplasm in all cases.The median hospital stay was 6 days, and there were no postoperative complications(CD Grade 3 or higher)or hospital death.As for long-term results, peritoneal pseudomyxoma developed in 1 case, which had already ruptured at the time of surgery.There were no recurrences in other cases.This result suggests that laparoscopic surgery for appendiceal mucinous neoplasm is safe with optimal selection of the procedure and a protective technique.

Efficacy of Glutaraldehyde-Treated Leaflets for Mitral Valve Repair to Treat Active Infective Endocarditis: A Case Report.

We report the use of glutaraldehyde (GA) in a case of valve repair for mitral valve prolapse associated with active infective endocarditis. GA scrubbed at the site of infection decontaminates and reinforces infected fragile tissue, avoids excessive debridement, and strengthens the edges of valve leaflets to facilitate suturing.