Measurement of the ν_{e}-Nucleus Charged-Current Double-Differential Cross Section at ⟨E_{ν}⟩=2.4 GeV Using NOvA.

The inclusive electron neutrino charged-current cross section is measured in the NOvA near detector using 8.02×10^{20} protons-on-target in the NuMI beam. The sample of GeV electron neutrino interactions is the largest analyzed to date and is limited by ≃17% systematic rather than the ≃7.4% statistical uncertainties. The double-differential cross section in final-state electron energy and angle is presented for the first time, together with the single-differential dependence on Q^{2} (squared four-momentum transfer) and energy, in the range 1 GeV≤E_{ν}<6 GeV. Detailed comparisons are made to the predictions of the GENIE, GiBUU, NEUT, and NuWro neutrino event generators. The data do not strongly favor a model over the others consistently across all three cross sections measured, though some models have especially good or poor agreement in the single differential cross section vs Q^{2}.

Search for Active-Sterile Antineutrino Mixing Using Neutral-Current Interactions with the NOvA Experiment.

This Letter reports results from the first long-baseline search for sterile antineutrinos mixing in an accelerator-based antineutrino-dominated beam. The rate of neutral-current interactions in the two NOvA detectors, at distances of 1 and 810 km from the beam source, is analyzed using an exposure of 12.51×10^{20} protons-on-target from the NuMI beam at Fermilab running in antineutrino mode. A total of 121 of neutral-current candidates are observed at the far detector, compared to a prediction of 122±11(stat.)±15(syst.) assuming mixing only between three active flavors. No evidence for ν[over ¯]_{µ}→ν[over ¯]_{s} oscillation is observed. Interpreting this result within a 3+1 model, constraints are placed on the mixing angles θ_{24}<25° and θ_{34}<32° at the 90% C.L. for 0.05 eV^{2}≤Δm_{41}^{2}≤0.5 eV^{2}, the range of mass splittings that produces no significant oscillations at the near detector. These are the first 3+1 confidence limits set using long-baseline accelerator antineutrinos.

First measurement of neutrino oscillation parameters using neutrinos and antineutrinos by NOvA.

The NOvA experiment has seen a 4.4σ signal of ν[over ¯]_{e} appearance in a 2 GeV ν[over ¯]_{µ} beam at a distance of 810 km. Using 12.33×10^{20} protons on target delivered to the Fermilab NuMI neutrino beamline, the experiment recorded 27 ν[over ¯]_{µ}→ν[over ¯]_{e} candidates with a background of 10.3 and 102 ν[over ¯]_{µ}→ν[over ¯]_{µ} candidates. This new antineutrino data are combined with neutrino data to measure the parameters |Δm_{32}^{2}|=2.48_{-0.06}^{+0.11}×10^{-3} eV^{2}/c^{4} and sin^{2}θ_{23} in the ranges from (0.53-0.60) and (0.45-0.48) in the normal neutrino mass hierarchy. The data exclude most values near δ_{CP}=π/2 for the inverted mass hierarchy by more than 3σ and favor the normal neutrino mass hierarchy by 1.9σ and θ_{23} values in the upper octant by 1.6σ.

Measurement of the Neutrino Mixing Angle θ_{23} in NOvA.

This Letter reports new results on muon neutrino disappearance from NOvA, using a 14 kton detector equivalent exposure of 6.05×10^{20} protons on target from the NuMI beam at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. The measurement probes the muon-tau symmetry hypothesis that requires maximal θ_{23} mixing (θ_{23}=π/4). Assuming the normal mass hierarchy, we find Δm_{32}^{2}=(2.67±0.11)×10^{-3} eV^{2} and sin^{2}θ_{23} at the two statistically degenerate values 0.404_{-0.022}^{+0.030} and 0.624_{-0.030}^{+0.022}, both at the 68% confidence level. Our data disfavor the maximal mixing scenario with 2.6σ significance.

Constraints on Oscillation Parameters from ν_{e} Appearance and ν_{µ} Disappearance in NOvA.

Results are reported from an improved measurement of ν_{µ}→ν_{e} transitions by the NOvA experiment. Using an exposure equivalent to 6.05×10^{20} protons on target, 33 ν_{e} candidates are observed with a background of 8.2±0.8 (syst.). Combined with the latest NOvA ν_{µ} disappearance data and external constraints from reactor experiments on sin^{2}2θ_{13}, the hypothesis of inverted mass hierarchy with θ_{23} in the lower octant is disfavored at greater than 93% C.L. for all values of δ_{CP}.

First Measurement of Electron Neutrino Appearance in NOvA.

We report results from the first search for ν_{µ}→ν_{e} transitions by the NOvA experiment. In an exposure equivalent to 2.74×10^{20} protons on target in the upgraded NuMI beam at Fermilab, we observe 6 events in the Far Detector, compared to a background expectation of 0.99±0.11(syst) events based on the Near Detector measurement. A secondary analysis observes 11 events with a background of 1.07±0.14(syst). The 3.3σ excess of events observed in the primary analysis disfavors 0.1π<δ_{CP}<0.5π in the inverted mass hierarchy at the 90% C.L.

Measurement of ratios of νµ charged-current cross sections on C, Fe, and Pb to CH at neutrino energies 2-20 GeV.

We present measurements of ν(µ) charged-current cross section ratios on carbon, iron, and lead relative to a scintillator (CH) using the fine-grained MINERvA detector exposed to the NuMI neutrino beam at Fermilab. The measurements utilize events of energies 2

Measurement of coherent production of π(±) in neutrino and antineutrino beams on carbon from Eν of 1.5 to 20 GeV.

Neutrino-induced coherent charged pion production on nuclei νµA→µ(±)π(∓)A is a rare, inelastic interaction in which a small squared four-momentum |t| is transferred to the recoil nucleus, leaving it intact in the reaction. In the scintillator tracker of MINERvA, we remove events with evidence of particles from nuclear breakup and reconstruct |t| from the final-state pion and muon. We select low |t| events to isolate a sample rich in coherent candidates. By selecting low |t| events, we produce a model-independent measurement of the differential cross section for coherent scattering of neutrinos and antineutrinos on carbon. We find poor agreement with the predicted kinematics in neutrino generators used by current oscillation experiments.

Measurement of muon antineutrino quasielastic scattering on a hydrocarbon target at Eν ~ 3.5 GeV.

We have isolated ν(µ) charged-current quasielastic (QE) interactions occurring in the segmented scintillator tracking region of the MINERvA detector running in the NuMI neutrino beam at Fermilab. We measure the flux-averaged differential cross section, dσ/dQ², and compare to several theoretical models of QE scattering. Good agreement is obtained with a model where the nucleon axial mass, M(A), is set to 0.99 GeV/c² but the nucleon vector form factors are modified to account for the observed enhancement, relative to the free nucleon case, of the cross section for the exchange of transversely polarized photons in electron-nucleus scattering. Our data at higher Q² favor this interpretation over an alternative in which the axial mass is increased.

Measurement of muon neutrino quasielastic scattering on a hydrocarbon target at Eν ~ 3.5 GeV.

We report a study of ν(µ) charged-current quasielastic events in the segmented scintillator inner tracker of the MINERvA experiment running in the NuMI neutrino beam at Fermilab. The events were selected by requiring a µ- and low calorimetric recoil energy separated from the interaction vertex. We measure the flux-averaged differential cross section, dσ/dQ², and study the low energy particle content of the final state. Deviations are found between the measured dσ/dQ² and the expectations of a model of independent nucleons in a relativistic Fermi gas. We also observe an excess of energy near the vertex consistent with multiple protons in the final state.

[Simultaneous operations in patients with infrarenal aortic aneurism].

During the period between 1982 and 2007 years, 125 patients had been simultaneously operated on the infrarenal atherosclerotic aortic aneurism (aorto-femoral by-pass) and other organs. 86 of them overcame simultaneous surgery considering vascular interventions, the rest 39 had been operated on general surgical and oncologic diseases of abdomen. The acquired results were satisfactory and proved the reasonability of simultaneous operations by aortic aneurism.

[Concomitant and combined operations in patients with infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms].

The authors have retrospectively studied the outcomes of surgical management of 421 patients diagnosed with infrarenal atherosclerotic variants of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) operated on over the period from 1982 to 2007. Of these, there were a total of 389 (92.4%) patients operated on electively, with the remaining 32 (7.6%) patients operated on expeditiously. 264 (67.9%) patients had only been subjected to resection of the aneurysm with linear or bifurcation prosthetic repair of the aorta, 86 (22.1%) endured resection of the aneurysm in a combination with correction of blood flow in other arterial basins, and 39 (10%) patients parallel to AAA resection sustained operations for other surgical and oncological diseases. The authors analysed the effect of comorbidities, the patients' age, AAA size, duration of surgery and the volume of blood loss on the outcomes of surgical treatment. Also studied were the immediate outcomes of surgical treatment, with the remote results followed up in 427 patients having endured AAA resection. The obtained findings confirm a promising nature of combined and concomitant operations in AAA.

[Duodenal pancreatic-preserving resections with common bile and pancreatic ducts replantation by cystic form of duodenal dystrophy].

Two patients with cystic dystrophy of duodenum and chronic inflammation of duodenally ectopic pancreatic tissue were successfully operated on. Both cases clinically demonstrated abdominal pain and duodenal obstruction. Absence of substantial tissue changes in "main" pancreas allowed execution of pancreas-preserving operation. Thus, subtotal duodenectomy was performed in the first patient. The second patient had resection of vertical branch of the duodenum with intestinal fragment replacement. Extensive periorganic fibrosis in both cases substantially complicated verification of anatomic structures and dissection.

[Differential diagnostics of acute inflammatory diseases and tumors of the neck].

The purpose of the investigation was to assess the clinical significance of ultrasonography for differential diagnostics between acute inflammatory and tumorous lesions of the neck. One hundred and eighty-six patients with soft-tissue lesions of the neck aged 18 to 74 (mean age 31.45 +/- 8.39 years), 95 (51%) males and 91 (49%) females were examined. Basing on clinical and ultrasonographic examination, the patients were divided into two groups: 149 or 80% patients with acute inflammatory lesions (Group 1), and 37 or 20% patients with tumorous lesions (Group 2). Thirty-four of the 149 Group 1 patients (22.82%) had lymphadenitis, 30 (20.13%) had soft tissue infiltrates, 13 (8.72%) had abscesses, 19 (12.72%) had phlegmons, 32 (21.48%) had acute inflammatory changes in the major salivary glands, 3 (2.01%) had teratomas with signs of inflammation, and 17 (11.41%) patients had inflammatory changes in the tumors. Of 37 patients with tumorous lesions, 16 (43.2%) had salivary gland tumors, 12 (32.4%) had metastases in the lymphatic nodes, and 9 (24.3%) had neurofibromatosis. Soft tissue ultrasonography was performed using Sonos-5500 and Image-Point ultrasound scanners with 7.5 MHz sensors (Hewlett-Packard, USA), Logio-pro, Uoluson-730 Expert (General Electric, USA), and Premium Edition (ACUSON Antares, Siemens, Germany) with 5 to 13 MHz wide-frequency sensors. Visualization was performed in B-modes using tissue harmonics, color duplex scanning, Sie Scape panoramic visualization, contrast visualization and Sight 4D and 3D-Scape modes. The results of ultrasonography were analyzed taking into account additional methods such as computed and magnetic resonance tomography, intraoperative findings, the results of puncture biopsy, histological, morphological, and bacteriological studies. The study demonstrates that ultrasonography is the method of choice, which is in some cases enough to establish a diagnosis of an acute inflammatory disease or a tumorous formation of various localizations in the neck.

[Gas chromatography for diagnosis and prognosis of destructive pancreatitis].

One of modern and highly effective methods of diagnostics and differential diagnostics of infected pancreonecrosis is chromatographic technique, which allows for identification of anaerobic non-clostridial infection in the foci of pancreatic destruction by the presence of volatile fatty acids, the specific end products of anaerobic bacterial metabolism. Gas chromatography (GC) - mass spectrometry (MS) also make it possible to detect in peripheral blood of patients with pancreatitis certain metabolites (di-, polyamines, and aromatic amines) that are markers of tissue (protein structure) disintegration and the degree of pancreonecrosis, which is a valuable indicator of the degree of pancreonecrosis. The presence, according to GC - MS analysis, of natural inhibitors of transamidinase (compounds of thiourea and its metabolites, the group of mercaptopurines and mercapto-derivates of imidazole) in peripheral blood at the maximum level--0.71 to 0.78 mmol/l on days 7 to 10 upon the onset of the disease--is a prognostically favorable criterion. At the same time, the presence of the maximum level of anaerobic non-clostridial infection metabolite in peripheral blood 1.12 to 1.31 mmol/l on days 7 to 10 upon the onset of the disease--is prognostically infavorable. These chromatographic criteria in combination with clinical manifestations can be considered indications to surgical treatment of infected pancreonecrosis, and the prognosis of the disease can be based on them.

Hormone replacement therapy and 24-hour blood pressure profile of postmenopausal women.

Menopause is associated with an increase in blood pressure (BP) and a decrease in physiologic nocturnal BP fall. These factors may play a role in the increased risk of cardiovascular events after menopause. Some studies indicate that transdermal estrogen replacement therapy may help restore the 24-h BP profile, but data on the effect of oral conjugated estrogens are lacking. We compared 24-h ambulatory BP profiles of 42 postmenopausal women not receiving hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and 20 women receiving HRT. HRT was associated with a significant increase in the proportion of dippers (50% in women not receiving HRT and 80% in women receiving HRT, P = .048). Increase in nocturnal dipping may account, in part, for the beneficial cardiovascular effects of HRT.

Dipping is superior to cusums analysis in assessment of the risk of stroke in a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Blunted nocturnal decline in blood pressure (BP) is associated with increased risk of stroke. Mean day-night BP difference (dipping) and cusums-derived circadian alteration magnitude (CDCAM) of BP are the common measures of diurnal BP variation. Although a significant number of clinical trials have demonstrated that dipping is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular events, the clinical value of CDCAM of BP is unknown. We evaluated the association between dipping and CDCAM of BP and the risk of stroke. METHODS: We analyzed 24-h ambulatory BP recordings of 110 control subjects and 91 stroke survivors enrolled in a case-control stroke study. Nondipping was defined as nocturnal drop of < 10 mm Hg in systolic BP. The associations between nondipping, CDCAM of BP, and risk of stroke were calculated in the same sample. RESULTS: There were significantly fewer nondippers in the control group as compared with those among the stroke survivors. The odds ratio for stroke of nondippers was 2.3. By contrast, there was no significant difference in CDCAM of systolic BP between the control and stroke survivor groups. This finding could not be explained by the presence of reverse dippers in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: In this case-control study, classification of subjects into dippers and nondippers was found to be more clinically useful than cusums analysis of BP profile. Analysis of prospective data is needed to determine the clinical value of the cusums analysis of BP profile.

Voltage dependent switch in the activity mode of the K+ channel in presynaptic nerve terminals.

The bursting K+ channel is the most common channel in fused Torpedo presynaptic nerve terminals. It possesses the property of 'statistical memory', demonstrated by non-random probability of channel opening. We examined the voltage dependence of the statistical memory and report that removal of channel inactivation by hyperpolarization abolishes it. Addition of the potassium channel blocker 4-aminopyridine to the bath solution led to disappearance of statistical memory, while raising extracellular potassium concentration had the opposite effect. Another common channel at Torpedo nerve terminals which is a non-selective channel did not exhibit statistical memory. We conclude that statistical memory is a channel-specific phenomenon and speculate regarding its possible role in cellular and network properties of the nervous system.

The effects of various definitions of dipping and daytime and night-time on the characterization of 24 h profiles of blood pressure.

BACKGROUND: Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring allows characterization of the patient's average blood pressure load as well as various profiles of blood pressure. Results from clinical studies suggest that dippers (patients whose blood pressures decrease during night-time) have a lower risk of cardiovascular events than do nondippers with similar daytime blood pressures. However, the definitions of dipping as well as of daytime and night-time vary among clinical studies. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether various definitions lead to markedly different classifications of dipper status. DESIGN AND METHODS: We analyzed 894 24 h ambulatory blood pressure recordings that had been performed at our institution according to three previously published definitions of daytime and night-time and five definitions of dipping. RESULTS: There were small but statistically significant differences among the mean daytime and night-time blood pressures determined using the various definitions. Likewise, the proportions of dippers varied significantly with definitions of dipping and of daytime and night-time. CONCLUSIONS: Differences among definitions of dipping as well as of daytime and night-time lead to significant variations in the characterization of patients' 24 h blood blood pressure profiles. The results of this analysis can be used when comparing the results of clinical studies as well as in their design.