Japan considers nuclear-free future

Nuclear accident in Tokai, Japan.

Japan Tests the Nuclear Taboo

This article examines whether recent changes in the security environment, including North Korea’s nuclear test of October 2006, are driving Japan to consider the acquisition of its own nuclear deterrent. It argues that a combination of three factors have thus far sustained Japan’s nuclear restraint: (1) national identity as a non-nuclear weapon state, (2) commitment to global nuclear nonprolife...

Evaluating options for the future energy mix of Japan after the Fukushima nuclear crisis

The Fukushima nuclear accident in March 2011 has increased social and political reluctance to embrace nuclear power in Japan (and elsewhere). The Japanese government has thus been considering four possible future energy mixes, including a nuclear-free pathway, and three others with 10%–35% nuclear supply coupled with a larger proportion of renewable energy and fossil fuels to replace nuclear. H...

CMS considers expanding reimbursement for carotid stenting.

On January 25, 2012, Medicare (CMS) held a meeting to consider issues related to the current management of carotid arterial disease. One of the most important of these issues is whether or not Medicare should expand reimbursement for carotid artery stenting (CAS) to include patients with asymptomatic and low or standard surgical risk symptomatic carotid stenosis. Opinions vary widely regarding ...

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