ThF thin films for solid-state nuclear clocks.

After nearly 50 years of searching, the vacuum ultraviolet Th nuclear isomeric transition has recently been directly laser excited and measured with high spectroscopic precision. Nuclear clocks based on this transition are expected to be more robust than and may outperform current optical atomic clocks. These clocks also promise sensitive tests for new physics beyond the standard model.

Rethinking Shared Decision-Making: Delivery of Care Options in a Telehealth World.

Telehealth modalities have given patients options for delivery of care, and in some cases increased access to care. However, great effort needs to be made by providers and clinic staff to ensure patients are given choice in their delivery of care methods and technological support to work toward equity in care. We propose applying the BEACH model for shared decision-making to help providers support patients in choosing the best care delivery method, while also encouraging providers to seek further education on telehealth competencies.

Cost Effectiveness of Definitive Treatment Strategies for Autonomously Functioning Thyroid Nodules.

Objective: Autonomously functioning thyroid nodules (AFTN) can be treated with antithyroid drugs, radioactive iodine (RAI), thyroid lobectomy or radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Although surgery is most definitive, some patients require lifelong hormone supplementation. RFA avoids this sequela, but its efficacy depends on nodule size.

Laser Excitation of the ^{229}Th Nuclear Isomeric Transition in a Solid-State Host.

LiSrAlF_{6} crystals doped with ^{229}Th are used in a laser-based search for the nuclear isomeric transition. Two spectroscopic features near the nuclear transition energy are observed. The first is a broad excitation feature that produces redshifted fluorescence that decays with a timescale of a few seconds.