Measurement of the Spectral Shape of the ß-Decay of

We report on a comparison between the theoretically predicted and experimentally measured spectra of the first-forbidden nonunique ß-decay transition ^{137}Xe(7/2^{-})→^{137}Cs(7/2^{+}). The experimental data were acquired by the EXO-200 experiment during a deployment of an AmBe neutron source. The ultralow background environment of EXO-200, together with dedicated source deployment and analysis procedures, allowed for collection of a pure sample of the decays, with an estimated signal to background ratio of more than 99 to 1 in the energy range from 1075 to 4175 keV. In addition to providing a rare and accurate measurement of the first-forbidden nonunique ß-decay shape, this work constitutes a novel test of the calculated electron spectral shapes in the context of the reactor antineutrino anomaly and spectral bump.

Search for Neutrinoless Double-ß Decay with the Complete EXO-200 Dataset.

A search for neutrinoless double-ß decay (0νßß) in ^{136}Xe is performed with the full EXO-200 dataset using a deep neural network to discriminate between 0νßß and background events. Relative to previous analyses, the signal detection efficiency has been raised from 80.8% to 96.4±3.0%, and the energy resolution of the detector at the Q value of ^{136}Xe 0νßß has been improved from σ/E=1.23% to 1.15±0.02% with the upgraded detector. Accounting for the new data, the median 90% confidence level 0νßß half-life sensitivity for this analysis is 5.0×10^{25} yr with a total ^{136}Xe exposure of 234.1 kg yr. No statistically significant evidence for 0νßß is observed, leading to a lower limit on the 0νßß half-life of 3.5×10^{25} yr at the 90% confidence level.

FTIR spectroscopic study of the interaction between NH4+ and DMSO in Nafion.

Nafion-NH4+ membranes plasticized with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO and DMSO-d6) have been investigated at room temperature using the vacuum ATR-FTIR and FTIR absorption spectroscopic technique in the range 50-4000 cm-1. The amount of the plasticizer corresponds to the molecular ratio n = DMSO/NH4+ = 2.7-13.8. The mutual association of free DMSO molecules in Nafion leads to appearance of weak band at 86 cm-1 assigned to dipole-dipole interactions. Also the Raman spectra of dry Nafion-NH4+ membranes were investigated.

[The use of the visuo-motor reaction training device for the improvement of the coordination in the eye-hand system of the children and adolescents following the completion of the antineoplastic treatment of brain tumours]. / Primenenie trenazhera zritel'no-motornoi korrektsii dlia uluchsheniia koordinatsii v sisteme glaz-ruka u detei i podrostkov posle zaversheniia protivoopukholevoi terapii novoobrazovanii golovnogo mozga.

The survivors among the children and adolescents with a brain tumour are likely to show evidence of the impairment of the most important cognitive functions, such as attention, visual-motor integration, and working memory, following the completion of the antineoplastic treatment. The basic characteristics of these functions compromised in the patients presenting with the most serious cognitive deficiency are the information processing rate and the time needed for carrying out any cognitive activity in the patients experiencing deficit of white matter in the brain. AIM: The objective of the present study was to demonstrate the possibility and the effectiveness of the application of the new method for the stimulation of the information processing activity of the brain, the enhancement of its effectiveness, and the improvement of the quality of the visual-motor coordination in the children and adolescents following the completion of the antineoplastic treatment of brain tumours. This paper reports the first experience of the application of the Dynavision d2 visuo-motor reaction training device which has been used for the visual-motor integration and the increase of the information processing speed. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The sample included in the study was comprised of a total of 46 children at the mean age of 10.6±3.34 years that had undergone the treatment of the brain neoplasm. Each patient participated in 5 to 8 sessions of exercises with the use of the the Dynavision d2 visuo-motor reaction training device during 21 days. RESULTS: All the treated patients exhibited the stable reduction of the mean time of the reaction from the first session to the last one. The comparison of the outcomes of the treatment between the children of different sexes has demonstrated better results (in absolute terms and in dynamics) in the girls in comparison with the boys. The exercises with the use of the Dynavision d2 visuo-motor reaction training device were not accompanied by any negative subjective sensations in the treated patients, nor did they induce the adverse somatic side effects. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study give evidence of both the applicability and the effectiveness of the application of the Dynavision d2 visuo-motor reaction training device for the diagnostics of the disturbances in the motor and visual coordination and the associated cognitive functions and for their correction in the children following the treatment of the neoplasm of the posterior cranial fossa.

Search for Neutrinoless Double-Beta Decay with the Upgraded EXO-200 Detector.

Results from a search for neutrinoless double-beta decay (0νßß) of ^{136}Xe are presented using the first year of data taken with the upgraded EXO-200 detector. Relative to previous searches by EXO-200, the energy resolution of the detector has been improved to σ/E=1.23%, the electric field in the drift region has been raised by 50%, and a system to suppress radon in the volume between the cryostat and lead shielding has been implemented. In addition, analysis techniques that improve topological discrimination between 0νßß and background events have been developed. Incorporating these hardware and analysis improvements, the median 90% confidence level 0νßß half-life sensitivity after combining with the full data set acquired before the upgrade has increased twofold to 3.7×10^{25} yr. No statistically significant evidence for 0νßß is observed, leading to a lower limit on the 0νßß half-life of 1.8×10^{25} yr at the 90% confidence level.

FTIR spectroscopic study of the complex formation between H+ and DMSO in Nafion.

Nafion membranes plasticized with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) have been examined at room temperature using the vacuum ATR - FTIR spectroscopic technique in the range 50-4000cm-1. The amount of the plasticizer corresponds to the molecular ratio n=DMSO/H+=1.2, 2.3, 4.8, 7.0, 9.7 and 13.3. The medium intensity band with two maxima at 780 and 853cm-1 have been assigned to the ν(SO) stretching vibrations of the H+(DMSO)2 complex. The possible reason of ν(SO) splitting is symmetry decrease of hydrogen bond under the influence of the anion group SO3- electric field. Whereas the mutual association of free DMSO molecules in Nafion leads to appearance of weak band at 86cm-1 assigned to the dipole-dipole interactions.

[The dynamics of mortality because of diseases of blood circulation system in the regions of the Republic of Bashkortostan].

The article presents analysis of level, dynamics and structure of mortality of diseases of blood circulation system in the regions of the Republic of Bashkortostan according to data of the Territorial board of Federal service of state statistics in the Republic of Bashkortostan in 2002-2012 (table C-51). The differences are established in the levels of mortality as compared with the Republic ofBashkortostan and the Russian Federation. Despite of outlined tendency of decreasing of levels of mortality because of the given cause, it continues to be sufficiently high and requires further investigation of all its aspects.

Time Dependence of the Electron and Positron Components of the Cosmic Radiation Measured by the PAMELA Experiment between July 2006 and December 2015.

Cosmic-ray electrons and positrons are a unique probe of the propagation of cosmic rays as well as of the nature and distribution of particle sources in our Galaxy. Recent measurements of these particles are challenging our basic understanding of the mechanisms of production, acceleration, and propagation of cosmic rays. Particularly striking are the differences between the low energy results collected by the space-borne PAMELA and AMS-02 experiments and older measurements pointing to sign-charge dependence of the solar modulation of cosmic-ray spectra. The PAMELA experiment has been measuring the time variation of the positron and electron intensity at Earth from July 2006 to December 2015 covering the period for the minimum of solar cycle 23 (2006-2009) until the middle of the maximum of solar cycle 24, through the polarity reversal of the heliospheric magnetic field which took place between 2013 and 2014. The positron to electron ratio measured in this time period clearly shows a sign-charge dependence of the solar modulation introduced by particle drifts. These results provide the first clear and continuous observation of how drift effects on solar modulation have unfolded with time from solar minimum to solar maximum and their dependence on the particle rigidity and the cyclic polarity of the solar magnetic field.

[Methodical problems of monitoring of fine particulate matters in atmospheric air of residential areas].

Inhalation of fine particulate matters (PM and PM ) poses a threat for the health of population. Purpose of the study the analysis of the monitoring of fine particulate matters in the atmospheric air of Saint-Petersburg and identification of the main problems of the monitoring. Research methods methods of scientific hypothetical deductive cognition, sanitary-statistical methods, general logical methods and approaches of researches: analysis, synthesis, abstracting, generalization, induction. Results. The article represents the analysis of the monitoring of fine particulate matters in the atmospheric air of Saint- Petersburg. Only 11 in automatic monitoring stations out of 22 there is carried out the control of fine particulate matters: in 7 - PM and PM, and in 4 - PM The average year concentrations were below MAC in all the stations. The maximum concentrations achieved 3 MAC, but the repeatance of cases of exceedence of concentrations more than MAC was very rare. On the average of the city concentrations of PM were decreased from 0,8 MAC in 2006 and 1,1 MAC in 2007 to 0,5 MAC in 2013-14. The executed analysis revealed main problems of the monitoring of fine particulate matters in the Russian Federation. They include the absence of the usage 1of the officially approved methods of controlling of PM and PM in the atmospheric air until March 1, 2016, lack of the modern equipment for measurement of fine particulate matters. Conclusions. Therefore, the state of the monitoring of fine particulate matters in the atmospheric air in the Russian Federation fails to be satisfactory. It is necessary to improve system of the monitoring, create modern Russian appliances, methods and means for measurement of fine particulate matters concentrations in the atmospheric air.

[Hygienic assessment of student's nutrition through vending machines (fast food)].

The article presents the results of a research work on studying the nutrition of students through vending machines (fast food), taking into account consumer priorities of students of medical University, the features and possible consequences of their use by students. The object of study was assortment of products sold through vending machines on the territory of the First Saint-Petersburg Medical University. Net calories, content of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, glycemic index, glycemic load were determined for each product. Information about the use of vending machines was obtained by questionnaires of students 2 and 4 courses of medical and dental faculties by standardized interview method. As was found, most sold through vending machines products has a high energy value, mainly due to refined carbohydrates, and was characterized by medium and high glycemic load. They have got low protein content. Most of the students (87.3%) take some products from the vending machines, mainly because of lack of time for canteen and buffets visiting. Only 4.2% students like assortment of vending machines. More than 50% students have got gastrointestinal complaints. Statistically significant relationship between time of study at the University and morbidity of gastrointestinal tract, as well as the number of students needing medical diet nutrition was found. The students who need the medical diet use fast food significantly more often (46.6% who need the medical diet and 37.7% who don't need it).

New upper limit on strange quark matter abundance in cosmic rays with the PAMELA space experiment.

In this work we present results of a direct search for strange quark matter (SQM) in cosmic rays with the PAMELA space spectrometer. If this state of matter exists it may be present in cosmic rays as particles, called strangelets, having a high density and an anomalously high mass-to-charge (A/Z) ratio. A direct search in space is complementary to those from ground-based spectrometers. Furthermore, it has the advantage of being potentially capable of directly identifying these particles, without any assumption on their interaction model with Earth's atmosphere and the long-term stability in terrestrial and lunar rocks. In the rigidity range from 1.0 to ∼1.0×10^{3} GV, no such particles were found in the data collected by PAMELA between 2006 and 2009. An upper limit on the strangelet flux in cosmic rays was therefore set for particles with charge 1≤Z≤8 and mass 4≤A≤1.2×10^{5}. This limit as a function of mass and as a function of magnetic rigidity allows us to constrain models of SQM production and propagation in the Galaxy.

[EVALUATION OF THE AIR POLLUTION HEALTH RISK FOR THE POPULATION OF THE CITY OF UFA].

There are presented results of the calculation of carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks due to the impact of chemical air pollutants for the human health of a large industrial city. Maximal levels of carcinogenic hazards under inhalation route of substances from the air were established to be noted on gasoline, manganese, sulfur dioxide, copper oxide, formaldehyde. In the formation of carcinogenic risk the greatest contribution is made by chromium, gasoline, formaldehyde, benzol. The risk of non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic effects for the population of the city continues to remain to be high, that requires the development and implementation of planned recreational measures.

An apparatus to manipulate and identify individual Ba ions from bulk liquid Xe.

We describe a system to transport and identify barium ions produced in liquid xenon, as part of R&D towards the second phase of a double beta decay experiment, nEXO. The goal is to identify the Ba ion resulting from an extremely rare nuclear decay of the isotope (136)Xe, hence providing a confirmation of the occurrence of the decay. This is achieved through Resonance Ionization Spectroscopy (RIS). In the test setup described here, Ba ions can be produced in liquid xenon or vacuum and collected on a clean substrate. This substrate is then removed to an analysis chamber under vacuum, where laser-induced thermal desorption and RIS are used with time-of-flight mass spectroscopy for positive identification of the barium decay product.

[The dynamics of mortality of population of able-bodied age in the Republic of Bashkortostan].

The article analyzes data of state statistics concerning mortality of able-bodied population (table C51) in the regions of the Republic of Bashkortostan in 2002-201. The structure of main causes of death is analyzed. The comparative analysis of received data and analogous indicators in the Republic of Bashkortostan and Russia was carried out. The differences in levels of mortality per regions with different degree of economic development and ecological pollution were demonstrated. The article emphasizes high indicators of mortality of population of able-bodied age in particular regions as compared with corresponding republican and national indicators of mortality. The interregional heterogeneity of indicators of mortality of population of able-bodied age demonstrates a genuine necessity of further intensification of research in identification and qualitative evaluation of health risk factors with following implementation of target preventive programs.

Cosmic-ray positron energy spectrum measured by PAMELA.

Precision measurements of the positron component in the cosmic radiation provide important information about the propagation of cosmic rays and the nature of particle sources in our Galaxy. The satellite-borne experiment PAMELA has been used to make a new measurement of the cosmic-ray positron flux and fraction that extends previously published measurements up to 300 GeV in kinetic energy. The combined measurements of the cosmic-ray positron energy spectrum and fraction provide a unique tool to constrain interpretation models. During the recent solar minimum activity period from July 2006 to December 2009, approximately 24,500 positrons were observed. The results cannot be easily reconciled with purely secondary production, and additional sources of either astrophysical or exotic origin may be required.

Effect of branched α-oligomannoside structures on induction of anti-Candida humoral immune response.

Several studies have established the potential efficacy of humoral immunity, primarily mannan-specific antibodies, in host protection against major fungal pathogen Candida albicans. In this study, we analysed humoral immune response induced by immunization with BSA-based conjugates bearing synthetic α-1,6-branched oligomannosides (pentamannosides (M5) or hexamannosides (M6)) mimicking antigenic sequences of Candida cell wall mannan. We analysed the ability of antibodies prepared by immunization to recognize relevant antigenic determinants in mannan polysaccharide structure and in C. albicans yeast and hyphal morphoforms. M6-BSA conjugate induced markedly higher levels of mannan-specific IgG compared with M5-BSA conjugate. In contrast to M5-BSA conjugate, M6-BSA conjugate induced immunoglobulin isotype class switch from IgM to IgG, as revealed also from ELISPOT analysis. Immunization-induced antibodies showed higher reactivity with hyphal form of C. albicans cells. The reduced immunogenicity of M5-BSA conjugate seems to be related to branching point location at terminal non-reducing end in comparison with M6-BSA oligomannoside with branching point at non-terminal location. Candidacidal activity assay revealed different capacity of sera prepared by immunization with M5-BSA and M6-BSA conjugates to improve candidacidal activity of polymorphonuclear leucocytes. Limited capacity of α-1,6-branched oligomannoside--BSA conjugates to induce antibodies significantly enhancing candidacidal activity of polymorphonuclear leucocytes--was presumably related to absence of antibodies with strong reactivity to corresponding antigenic determinants in natural cell wall mannan and with reduced ability to activate complement. The study documented markedly structure-dependent immunogenicity and limited capacity of branched α-mannooligosides conjugates to induce production of potentially protective antibodies.

[Peculiarities of regulation of legal relations in the field of environmental and hygiene safety of the population in The Russian Federation at the present stage].

The results of the comparative legal analysis of the legislation of the Russian Federation in the field of environmental security have been presented, theoretical and legal basis for the subsequent development of recommendations for the development and harmonization of legislation in the field of providing environmental security and environmental protection has been defined. The formation of ecological civil law and conceptual questions of territory development guaranteeing ecological safety have been considered. Objects of the study were international treaties, Constitution of Russian Federation, Law on Environmental Protection, Land Code and other laws containing positions concerning ecological safety and environmental protection. Identified as a result of the present study the contradictions in the area of law allow to develop and submit proposals for the improvement of legal regulation in the field of environmental and hygienic safety.

Search for neutrinoless double-beta decay in 136Xe with EXO-200.

We report on a search for neutrinoless double-beta decay of 136Xe with EXO-200. No signal is observed for an exposure of 32.5 kg yr, with a background of ∼1.5×10(-3) kg(-1) yr(-1) keV(-1) in the ±1σ region of interest. This sets a lower limit on the half-life of the neutrinoless double-beta decay T(1/2)(0νßß)(136Xe)>1.6×10(25) yr (90% C.L.), corresponding to effective Majorana masses of less than 140-380 meV, depending on the matrix element calculation.

[Analysis of the spectrum of bacterial pathogens isolated from patients with complicated skin and soft tissue infections presumably due to grampositive or mixed flora in the countries of the Central and East Europe].

The data on the microbiological investigation of clinical materials from patients with complicated skin and soft tissue infections in 6 European countries were analysed. The analysis of the bacterial pathogens spectrum provided the microbial view and efficient use of novel antimicrobials in clinical trials.

A magnetically driven piston pump for ultra-clean applications.

A magnetically driven piston pump for xenon gas recirculation is presented. The pump is designed to satisfy extreme purity and containment requirements, as is appropriate for the recirculation of isotopically enriched xenon through the purification system and large liquid xenon time projection chamber of EXO-200. The pump, using sprung polymer gaskets, is capable of pumping more than 16 standard liters per minute of xenon gas with 750 Torr differential pressure.