Evidence for the First Excited State of

The ^{7}H system was populated in the ^{2}H(^{8}He,^{3}He)^{7}H reaction with a 26 AMeV ^{8}He beam. The ^{7}H missing mass energy spectrum, the ^{3}H energy and angular distributions in the ^{7}H decay frame were reconstructed. The ^{7}H missing mass spectrum shows a peak, which can be interpreted either as unresolved 5/2^{+} and 3/2^{+} doublet or one of these states at 6.5(5) MeV. The data also provide indications of the 1/2^{+} ground state of ^{7}H located at 1.8(5) MeV with quite a low population cross section of ∼25 µb/sr within angular range θ_{c.m.}≃(17°-27°).

Towards the Limits of Existence of Nuclear Structure: Observation and First Spectroscopy of the Isotope

The most remote isotope from the proton dripline (by 4 atomic mass units) has been observed: ^{31}K. It is unbound with respect to three-proton (3p) emission, and its decays have been detected in flight by measuring the trajectories of all decay products using microstrip detectors. The 3p emission processes have been studied by the means of angular correlations of ^{28}S+3p and the respective decay vertices. The energies of the previously unknown ground and excited states of ^{31}K have been determined. This provides its 3p separation energy value S_{3p} of -4.6(2) MeV. Upper half-life limits of 10 ps of the observed ^{31}K states have been derived from distributions of the measured decay vertices.

Observation and Spectroscopy of New Proton-Unbound Isotopes ³°Ar and ²9Cl: An Interplay of Prompt Two-Proton and Sequential Decay.

Previously unknown isotopes (30)Ar and (29)Cl have been identified by measurement of the trajectories of their in-flight decay products (28)S+p+p and (28)S+p, respectively. The analysis of angular correlations of the fragments provided information on decay energies and the structure of the parent states. The ground states of (30)Ar and (29)Cl were found at 2.25(-0.10)(+0.15) and 1.8±0.1 MeV above the two- and one-proton thresholds, respectively. The lowest states in (30)Ar and (29)Cl point to a violation of isobaric symmetry in the structure of these unbound nuclei. The two-proton decay has been identified in a transition region between simultaneous two-proton and sequential proton emissions from the (30)Ar ground state, which is characterized by an interplay of three-body and two-body decay mechanisms. The first hint of a fine structure of the two-proton decay of (30)Ar*(2(+)) has been obtained by detecting two decay branches into the ground and first-excited states of the (28)S fragment.

Structure of 10He low-lying states uncovered by correlations.

The 0+ ground state of the 10He nucleus produced in the 3H(8He,p)10He reaction was found at about 2.1±0.2 MeV (Γ∼2 MeV) above the three-body ^{8}He+n+n breakup threshold. Angular correlations observed for ^{10}He decay products show prominent interference patterns allowing us to draw conclusions about the structure of low-energy excited states. We interpret the observed correlations as a coherent superposition of a broad 1- state having a maximum at energy 4-6 MeV and a 2+ state above 6 MeV, setting both on top of the 0+ state "tail." This anomalous level ordering indicates that the breakdown of the N=8 shell known in 12Be thus extends also to the ^{10}He system.

mhFLIM: resolution of heterogeneous fluorescence decays in widefield lifetime microscopy.

Frequency-domain fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FD-FLIM) is a fast and accurate way of measuring fluorescence lifetimes in widefield microscopy. However, the resolution of multiple exponential fluorescence decays has remained beyond the reach of most practical FD-FLIM systems. In this paper we describe the implementation of FD-FLIM using a 40 MHz pulse train derived from a supercontinuum source for excitation. The technique, which we term multi-harmonic FLIM (mhFLIM), makes it possible to accurately resolve biexponential decays of fluorophores without any a priori information. The system's performance is demonstrated using a mixture of spectrally similar dyes of known composition and also on a multiply-labeled biological sample. The results are compared to those obtained from time correlated single photon counting (TCSPC) microscopy and a good level of agreement is achieved. We also demonstrate the first practical application of an algorithm derived by G. Weber [1] for analysing mhFLIM data. Because it does not require nonlinear minimisation, it offers potential for realtime analysis during acquisition.

Does candidate for plate fixation selection improve the functional outcome after midshaft clavicle fracture? A systematic review of 1348 patients.

INTRODUCTION: The hypothesis of this study was that patient selection for midshaft clavicle fracture (open reduction internal fixation with plate versus conservative) would give better functional outcome than random treatment allocation. METHODS: We performed a systematic literature search for primary studies providing functional score and non-union rate after conservative or surgical management of midshaft clavicle fractures. Six randomized controlled trial and 19 non-randomized controlled trial studies encompassing a total of 1348 patients were included. RESULTS: Patients treated with surgical management were found to have statistically superior Constant scores in non-randomized controlled trials than in randomized controlled trials (94.76 ± 6.4 versus 92.49 ± 6.2; p < 0.0001). For conservative treatment, randomized controlled trials were found to have significantly better functional outcome. The prevalence of non-union (6.1%) did not show significant statistical difference between non-randomized controlled trial and randomized controlled trial studies. The functional outcome after surgical management was significantly higher than after conservative management in both randomized controlled trial and non-randomized controlled trial groups. The non-union rate after surgery (1.1% for both non-randomized controlled trial and randomized controlled trial) was significantly lower than following conservative treatment (9.9% non-randomized controlled trial versus 15.1% randomized controlled trial). DISCUSSION: This review shows that patient selection for surgery may influence functional outcome after midshaft clavicle fracture. Our results also confirm that plate fixation provides better functional outcome and lower non-union rate.

Comparison between African-American and white women in their beliefs about breast cancer and their health locus of control.

The purpose of this study was to examine the health beliefs of African-American and white women about breast cancer and locus of control, using the health belief model and the health locus of control construct. The Health Screening Questionnaire, developed by Sugarek, Deyo, and Holmes, was used to collect self-report data about health beliefs related to breast cancer and health locus of control. Participants included 197 white and 152 African-American women, between the ages of 19 and 93, recruited from various settings in central Florida. Significant differences were found between the two groups on all of the health beliefs about cancer items. The African-American women were significantly more likely to believe in chance, or to depend on powerful others for their health. Perceived susceptibility to cancer, doubts about the value of early diagnosis, and beliefs about the seriousness of breast cancer all were significantly associated with powerful other scores among African-American women. There was no relation between health beliefs and years of education for African-American women, but for white women, those with the least education were more likely to believe that death was inevitable with a cancer diagnosis. These results add to the information needed for the development of effective programs aimed at increasing breast cancer screening among African-American women.

Mother-to-child transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Ireland: a prospective study.

Symptomatic HIV infection was first diagnosed in an Irish child in 1985. A prospective study was initiated to determine the vertical transmission rate (VTR) of HIV and the average age of infant seroreversion and to monitor clinical, immunologic and virologic evidence for HIV infection in seroreverters. Ninety three HIV positive infants have been prospectively identified since 1985. The predominant underlying maternal risk factor for HIV infection is intravenous drug use (IVDU) (96 per cent). Of 93 infants, median gestational age was 40 weeks and median birth weight 3125 grams. Ninety-four per cent of infants were bottle fed. Currently 72 (77 per cent) infants are uninfected, 12 (13 per cent) are infected, 4 (4.5 per cent) are indeterminate and 5 (5.5 per cent) have been lost to follow up. The intermediate estimate of vertical transmission rate (VTR) is 14.3 per cent. The median age at documented seroreversion was 12 months. There are no significant differences between infected and non-infected children in male/female ratio, gestational age, mode of delivery or birth weight. Strategies to reduce the transmission of HIV among drug users in combination with routine antenatal screening and antiretroviral prophylaxis of vertical transmission are all measures which can reduce HIV infection in our children.

Removal and fate of Cryptosporidium in dissolved air drinking water treatment plants.

In the first part of the paper, data from pilot plant studies are used to evaluate Cryptosporidium removal by dissolved air flotation (DAF) clarification and dual media filters under challenge conditions. Oocyst removals were investigated for design detention times and hydraulic loadings for winter and spring seasons. Coagulation was optimized for turbidity and removal of natural organic matter. DAF performance was better for spring water temperatures achieving 2.5 +/- 0.3 log removal of oocysts compared to 1.7 +/- 0.3 log removal in the winter. Cumulative log removal across DAF and filtration exceeded 5.4, and was not affected by water temperature. Low turbidities and particle counts are indicators of good treatment and good removals of Cryptosporidium. The second part of the paper uses a mathematical model to predict the fate of Cryptosporidium through a DAF plant and the impact of filter backwash recycle on oocyst build-up in the plant influent. Model predictions show that the fate of Cryptosporidium and the build-up of oocysts in the plant influent depend on: DAF performance, the percent of filtered water production used for backwashing, and the percent of filter backwash recycle flow. A DAF plant with 2.5% filtered water production for backwashing and that achieves 1.6 log removal or greater of oocysts by DAF clarification will not have a build-up of oocysts in the plant influent regardless of the recycle rate. This is because the oocysts are concentrated in the DAF floated sludge and not within granular filters.

Prevalence of autoantibodies in patients with hepatitis C virus infection in Oman.

BACKGROUND: HCV genotype patterns and HLA types in the Omani population may be unique. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Tests for 12 different autoantibodies were carried out on 50 HCV-infected patients and on 27 HCV-seronegative controls. An immunoassay for the detection of anti-HCV antibodies was performed on patient and control sera. HCV PCR was carried out on those sera which were positive for HCV antibodies. RESULTS: All patients sera were positive for HCV antibodies and all control sera were negative. Sixty-six percent of patients were positive for at least one autoantibody. In contrast, only 33% of the controls showed positivity for one or more autoantibodies. CONCLUSION: This study found a significant difference in the prevalence of autoantibodies between patients and controls, and between organ- and non-organ specific autoantibodies among the patients. A comparison with autoantibody patterns reported for HCV-infected patients in other parts of the world suggest that patterns in HCV-infected individuals in the Omani population are unique.

[Perindopril in monotherapy of primary hypertension--6 month observation]. / Peryndopryl w monoterapii nadcisnienia tetniczego samoistengo--obserwacja 6-miesieczna.

UNLABELLED: We evaluated effects of perindopril (Prestarium-SERVIER) in the treatment of the primary hypertension in 41 patients (mean age 41.6) in the I or II degrees WHO using 24 ambulatory blood pressure measurement and echocardiography. Investigation were performed before and after 3 and 6 months of the treatment. Initially 4 mg of perindopril was given and individually was increased after 3 months to 8 mg according to 24 ambulatory blood pressure measurement results. We obtained significant decrease of blood pressure in 3 (134.6/86.6 mm Hg) and in 6 (135/88, 9 mm Hg) months of treatment in comparison to baseline values (141.8/91.1 mm Hg), decrease of left ventricular mass to 244.4 g in 3 and 248.8 g after 6 months (baseline 258.5 g), as well as index of left ventricular mass, wall thickness and left ventricular end diastolic volume. There was no significant differences in: ejection, heart rate, left ventricular inflow on the successive investigations. Good effect of perindopril we observed in 31 patients (75.6%) after 6 months of treatment. We did not observe any serious side effects of perindopril. CONCLUSION: Perindopril in treatment hypertension effectively reduces the level of blood pressure (systolic, diastolic and mean) without any effect on heart rate. Prestarium reduces left ventricular mass, intraseptal wall thickness and left ventricular end diastolic volume. There is no influence on inflow to the left ventricle as well as on ejection fraction.

[Norms of arterial blood pressure for 24 hours based on biological activity]. / Normy cisnienia tetniczego krwi dla 24 ABPM oparte na podstawowej aktywnosci biologicznej.

So far there is no unambiguous universally accepted standards for 24 ABPM. Aim of this study was to establish standard values of systolic and diastolic blood pressures, taking into account minimal night values, corresponding with basic biological activity. 1204 patients were tested. In 707 of them, (mean age 42.5 +/- 14.7 years), arterial hypertension was recognized. Basic on our results we determined borderline values (112/69 mmHg) which are diagnostic for arterial hypertension. Those norms eliminate influence of environmental factors on values of blood pressure. They correspond with homeostasis in hypertensive patients.

Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction is associated with impaired baroreflex at rest and during orthostatic stress in hypertensive patients with left ventricular hypertrophy.

The study aimed to determine the relationship between left ventricular (LV) diastolic function and the heart's spontaneous baroreflex at rest and in response to orthostatic stress during a prospective follow-up of hypertensive patients with LV hypertrophy (LVH+). LV structure and function and baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) during tilt testing were evaluated in 24 LVH+ patients and compared with 25 age-matched healthy controls and 25 hypertensive patients without LVH (LVH-). Clinical status, diastolic function and BRS were then assessed in LVH+ patients during treatment with telmisartan (monotherapy or combined with hydrochlorothiazide and/or amlodipine) at 6- and 18-month follow-ups. LVH+ patients had significantly altered diastolic function indices and decreased BRS as compared with healthy controls and LVH- patients. During the 18-month follow-up, favorable changes in diastolic function were associated with improvement in BRS at rest and during tilting. In multivariate regression models, an index reflecting rate of LV myocardial relaxation (E'sept) where E'sept denotes peak early diastolic velocity at the septal mitral annulus and a surrogate for LV filling pressure (E/E'sept), independently from other clinical and echocardiographic variables related to the low-frequency component of BRS during tilting. In conclusion, the LV diastolic function indices have independent associations with BRS parameters obtained at rest and during orthostatic stress in LVH+ patients receiving long-term pharmacological intervention.

The routine use of modified Borelli's lactritmel agar (MBLA).

The original formula of Borelli's lactritmel agar (BLA)(3) which contains wheat flour, milk and honey, has been modified by replacing the wheat flour with dehydrated Bacto Corn Meal Agar (Difco) and by slightly altering the concentrations of the milk and honey. The modified medium (MBLA) is less turbid, less particulate, and easier to prepare than BLA. Although Trichophyton rubrum usually produces a wine-red pigment with BLA, most strains initially produce a yellow pigment, with the red pigment developing later. The corn meal in MBLA reduces this tendency and stimulates the early formation of deep wine red pigment, MBLA enhances sporulation of dermatophytes and various fungi which fail to sporulate on other media, and maintains characteristic growth without developing pleomorphic degeneration. It has been used routinely since 1972 as a reliable aid to the differentiation of T. rubrum and T. mentagrophytes. Since 1975 selective MBLA has been used as a routine primary isolation medium for dermatophytes, and has proved to be most useful.

Microsporum nanum infection in South Australia.

Two cases of human ringworm caused by the dermatophyte Microsporum nanum are reported from South Australia. M. nanum is the commonest cause of ringworm in pigs and is known to cause porcine infections in Australia. This report shows the value of mycological investigations in determining the possible source of such infections.

A case of coccidioidomycosis in Australia.

We report what we believe to be the first case of coccidioidomycosis to be diagnosed within Australia, and emphasize the dangers of handling Coccidioides immitis in the laboratory.

Human infection with Dermatophilus congolensis.

Dermatophilosis is a skin disease in animals and humans caused by the actinomycete Dermatophilus congolensis. This microorganism causes the skin disease in sheep commonly referred to in Australia as "lumpy wool" or mycotic dermatitis. One proven case of human dermatophilosis and two cases with features which are clinically highly suggestive of the disease from South Australia are described. There has been only one previous report of human infection caused by D. congolensis, which was from the United States in 1961. A brief account of the history, characteristics and life cycle of D. congolensis is given. Human infection in Australia may be not uncommon. A diagnosis can be made by direct microscopy of scab material from the lesions. For this purpose, dry scabs should be sent to the laboratory.