AEgIS at ELENA: outlook for physics with a pulsed cold antihydrogen beam.

The efficient production of cold antihydrogen atoms in particle traps at CERN's Antiproton Decelerator has opened up the possibility of performing direct measurements of the Earth's gravitational acceleration on purely antimatter bodies. The goal of the AEgIS collaboration is to measure the value of g for antimatter using a pulsed source of cold antihydrogen and a Moiré deflectometer/Talbot-Lau interferometer. The same antihydrogen beam is also very well suited to measuring precisely the ground-state hyperfine splitting of the anti-atom. The antihydrogen formation mechanism chosen by AEgIS is resonant charge exchange between cold antiprotons and Rydberg positronium. A series of technical developments regarding positrons and positronium (Ps formation in a dedicated room-temperature target, spectroscopy of the n=1-3 and n=3-15 transitions in Ps, Ps formation in a target at 10 K inside the 1 T magnetic field of the experiment) as well as antiprotons (high-efficiency trapping of [Formula: see text], radial compression to sub-millimetre radii of mixed [Formula: see text] plasmas in 1 T field, high-efficiency transfer of [Formula: see text] to the antihydrogen production trap using an in-flight launch and recapture procedure) were successfully implemented. Two further critical steps that are germane mainly to charge exchange formation of antihydrogen-cooling of antiprotons and formation of a beam of antihydrogen-are being addressed in parallel. The coming of ELENA will allow, in the very near future, the number of trappable antiprotons to be increased by more than a factor of 50. For the antihydrogen production scheme chosen by AEgIS, this will be reflected in a corresponding increase of produced antihydrogen atoms, leading to a significant reduction of measurement times and providing a path towards high-precision measurements.This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue 'Antiproton physics in the ELENA era'.

Mapping of a quantitative trait locus controlling susceptibility to Coxsackievirus B3-induced viral hepatitis.

The pathogenesis of coxsackieviral infection is a multifactorial process involving host genetics, viral genetics and the environment in which they interact. We have used a mouse model of Coxsackievirus B3 infection to characterize the contribution of host genetics to infection survival and to viral hepatitis. Twenty-five AcB/BcA recombinant congenic mouse strains were screened. One, BcA86, was found to be particularly susceptible to early mortality; 100% of BcA86 mice died by day 6 compared with 0% of B6 mice (P=0.0012). This increased mortality was accompanied by an increased hepatic necrosis as measured by serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels (19547±10556 vs 769±109, P=0.0055). This occurred despite a predominantly resistant (C57BL/6) genetic background. Linkage analysis in a cohort (n=210) of (BcA86x C56Bl/10)F2 animals revealed a new locus on chromosome 13 (peak linkage 101.2 Mbp, lod 4.50 and P=0.003). This locus controlled serum ALT levels as early as 48 h following the infection, and led to an elevated expression of type I interferon. Another locus on chromosome 17 (peak linkage 57.2 Mbp) was significantly linked to heart viral titer (lod 3.4 and P=0.046). These results provide new evidence for the presence of genetic loci contributing to the susceptibility of mice to viral hepatitis.

Preliminary study of kaonic deuterium X-rays by the SIDDHARTA experiment at DAΦNE.

The study of the [Formula: see text] system at very low energies plays a key role for the understanding of the strong interaction between hadrons in the strangeness sector. At the DAΦNE electron-positron collider of Laboratori Nazionali di Frascati we studied kaonic atoms with [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], taking advantage of the low-energy charged kaons from Φ-mesons decaying nearly at rest. The SIDDHARTA experiment used X-ray spectroscopy of the kaonic atoms to determine the transition yields and the strong interaction induced shift and width of the lowest experimentally accessible level (1s for H and D and 2p for He). Shift and width are connected to the real and imaginary part of the scattering length. To disentangle the isospin dependent scattering lengths of the antikaon-nucleon interaction, measurements of [Formula: see text] and of [Formula: see text] are needed. We report here on an exploratory deuterium measurement, from which a limit for the yield of the K-series transitions was derived: [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] (CL 90%). Also, the upcoming SIDDHARTA-2 kaonic deuterium experiment is introduced.

Strong-interaction shifts and widths of kaonic helium isotopes.

The kaonic 3He and 4He [Formula: see text] transitions in gaseous targets were observed by the SIDDHARTA experiment. The X-ray energies of these transitions were measured with large-area silicon-drift detectors using the timing information of the [Formula: see text] pairs produced by the DAΦNE [Formula: see text] collider. The strong-interaction shifts and widths both of the kaonic 3He and 4He 2p states were determined, which are much smaller than the results obtained by the previous experiments. The "kaonic helium puzzle" (a discrepancy between theory and experiment) was now resolved.

Measurements of the strong-interaction widths of the kaonic (3)He and (4)He 2p levels.

The kaonic (3)He and (4)He X-rays emitted in the [Formula: see text] transitions were measured in the SIDDHARTA experiment. The widths of the kaonic (3)He and (4)He 2p states were determined to be [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text], respectively. Both results are consistent with the theoretical predictions. The width of kaonic (4)He is much smaller than the value of [Formula: see text] determined by the experiments performed in the 70's and 80's, while the width of kaonic (3)He was determined for the first time.

First measurement of kaonic helium-3 X-rays.

The first observation of the kaonic (3)He 3d→2p transition was made, using slow K- mesons stopped in a gaseous (3)He target. The kaonic atom X-rays were detected with large-area silicon drift detectors using the timing information of the K+K- pairs of ϕ-meson decays produced by the DAΦNE e+e- collider. The strong interaction shift of the kaonic (3)He 2p state was determined to be -2±2(stat)±4(syst) eV.

Smoking, smoking cessation and smoking relapse patterns: a web-based survey of current and former smokers in the US.

AIM: The aim of this study was to characterise the natural course of smoking cessation behaviour in a web-based survey of current and former cigarette smokers (CS and FS) in the United States. METHODS: A web-based survey of CS and FS was conducted in April 2009; demographic and socioeconomic characteristics and smoking history (including the number of lifetime and length of latest quit attempts, aids used and time to relapse) were collated. The surveyed cohort was selected from prescreened CS and FS panellists and matched for age, race and education, to be representative of the US population. Descriptive statistics and time-to-event analyses using Kaplan-Meier curves were applied in the analysis of this report. RESULTS: The final cohort comprised 512 CS and 566 FS (n = 1078). A larger proportion of FS than CS reported a longest smoke-free period of > 1 year (78.8% vs. 22.4%, respectively). As a greater variety of smoking cessation products became available over time, the proportion of unassisted quit attempts decreased from 76.1% prior to 1983 to 43.9% after 2006 for CS and from 79.3% to 50.3% for FS. The cumulative proportion of subjects relapsing was 31.3% by 1 week and 79.3% by 6 months. The estimated median time to next quit attempt was approximately 360 days. CONCLUSIONS: These data confirm that relapse is common and that as the variety of cessation modalities increase, the proportion of unassisted quit attempts decreases. Self-help or cold-turkey methods still provide significant alternatives even when pharmacotherapy is available. This study provides data related to the smoking history and smoking cessation patterns of a large, nationally representative sample of CS and FS.

Mould-specific immunoglobulin antibodies quantified by flow cytometry reflect mould exposure in Norwegian children.

BACKGROUND: Studies from many countries have shown an association between dampness in buildings and airway symptoms. Little is known about the role of mould-specific IgG antibodies in this context. Objective To examine the IgG antibody response to mould applying a new flow cytometric assay, compare the results with the standardized ImmunoCap method, and evaluate the association of IgG to IgE antibodies, dampness in buildings, and airway symptoms like wheeze and asthma. METHODS: A population of 3713 children 9-11 years of age living in Northern Norway was investigated for airway symptoms and dampness at homes by a parental questionnaire, using protocols of the International study of Asthma and Allergy in Childhood (ISAAC). Among these, a case-control study of 100 wheezers and 100 non-wheezers was established that included home inspection, a parental structured interview, and serum samples analysed for mould-specific IgG and IgE antibodies, total IgE, and specific IgE to an allergen panel (Phadiatop). RESULTS: Self-reported visible signs of mould or moisture at home during the child's first year of life were a significant risk factor for both wheeze and asthma. The levels of mould-specific IgG antibodies were associated with mould and moisture findings, but only when IgG antibodies were measured by flow cytometry. CONCLUSIONS: The results support that dampness at home can increase the risk of airway symptoms. IgG antibodies determined by flow cytometry reflect mould exposure better than antibodies measured by the conventional method. IgG antibodies measured by flow cytometry may be used as an indicator of mould exposure.

Experimental search for the violation of Pauli exclusion principle: VIP-2 Collaboration.

The VIolation of Pauli exclusion principle -2 experiment, or VIP-2 experiment, at the Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso searches for X-rays from copper atomic transitions that are prohibited by the Pauli exclusion principle. Candidate direct violation events come from the transition of a 2p electron to the ground state that is already occupied by two electrons. From the first data taking campaign in 2016 of VIP-2 experiment, we determined a best upper limit of [Formula: see text] for the probability that such a violation exists. Significant improvement in the control of the experimental systematics was also achieved, although not explicitly reflected in the improved upper limit. By introducing a simultaneous spectral fit of the signal and background data in the analysis, we succeeded in taking into account systematic errors that could not be evaluated previously in this type of measurements.

Evaluation of a radioimmunoassay for plasma adrenocorticotrophin.

A radioimmunoassay for plasma ACTH has been described and evaluated. Rabbit antiserum produced by immunization with [Asp25, Ala26, Gly27,]-alphah-corticotrophin-(1--28)-octacosa-peptide (a sequence analogue of alphah1--28-ACTH) bovine gamma globulin conjugate was used. The antiserum is specific for the NH2-terminal portion of the ACTH molecule and cross-reactivity of human, porcine and rat ACTH in the system has been demonstrated. Reasonable agreement was found between estimates obtained by bioassay and radio-immunoassay of the ACTH content of rat pituitary gland incubation media, indicating a close relationship between the sequence of ACTH recognized by the antibodies and the sequence possessing the steroidogenic activity. Measurement of the amount of ACTH in the plasma required the preliminary extraction and concentration of the hormone. Over a range of concentrations between 3.5 and 3600 pg/ml, extraction recovery was independent of the initial concentration of ACTH in the plasma. Extraction gave rise to no changes in the immunological properties of standard ACTH. The concentration of immunoreactive ACTH in rat plasma was 48 +/- 3.6 (S.E.M.) pg/ml in the morning and 106 +/- 9.9 pg/ml in the afternoon. Exposure to either for 5 min and subsequent laparotomy gave rise to a significant increase in the concentration of immunoreactive ACTH in the plasma. The resting level of ACTH and the ACTH response to stress were both significantly higher 1 and 7 days after adrenalectomy. Intravenous injection of a hypothalamic extract elicited a considerable rise in the concentration of immunoreactive ACTH in the plasma, but no response was seen after oral administration of this partially purified extract. The sensitivity, precision and specificity of this ACTH radioimmunoassay make it a useful tool for studying pituitary--adrenal physiology.

The effects of cholera toxin on the adrenal weight in hypophysectomized rats.

The effects of cholera on adrenal weight in hypophysectomized rats were investigated, in an attempt to demonstrate an ACTH-like, adrenal trophic effect of the toxin. The results suggested that the toxin probably exerts is ACTH-like action on the adrenal via adenylate cyclase. Cholera toxin was also shown to have a thermolytic action, similar to that of ACTH, probably due to stimulation of adrenal glucocorticoid secretion.

Preparation and assessment of antisera to ACTH.

Antisera to ACTH were produced in rabbits injected repeatedly at multiple intradermal sites with synthetic [Asp25, Ala26, Gly27]alphah-corticotropin-(1-28)-octacosapeptide-bovine gamma globulin conjugate (octacosapeptide is a sequence analogue of alphah1-28-ACTH). Antibodies to extracted human or porcine ACTH were detected in all of the sera 1 month after immunization. A considerable proportion of the antisera obtained from a single final bleeding 5 months after the primary immunization were suitable for sensitive radioimmunoassay. The antisera were shown to neutralize the steroidogenic activity of ACTH in an isolated rat adrenal cell bioassay system. Titres estimated from antiserum dilution curves and relative avidities from the standard curves were compared. It was possible to detect picogram amounts of ACTH in plasma-free medium with the best antisera. The method described is an effective means of producing anti-sera to the weakly immunogenic N-terminal fragment of the ACTH molecule.

Central nervous system sites of action of an enkephalin analogue, (d-met, pro)-enkephalinamide, and naloxone on the secretion of five anterior pituitary hormones of male rats.

Abstract Central nervous system sites of action of opioid peptides on pituitary hormone secretion were investigated. One nmol of an enkephalin analogue, (D-Met(2), Pro(5))-enkephalinamide, and 10 nmol of the opiate antagonist naloxone were injected into ten different regions of the brain of conscious male rats and their effect on the release of five anterior pituitary hormones tested. The injections were made through a special injection cannula which was inserted into the brain through a guide cannula fixed on the skull and implanted into the brain 5 to 7 days earlier. Both compounds injected into the medial septum, medial preoptic area and hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus affected prolactin, growth hormone and luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion. The enkephalin analogue stimulated prolactin and growth hormone and inhibited LH release. Naloxone induced the opposite effect. Drugs given into the hypothalamic ventromedial nucleus caused changes in plasma prolactin and growth hormone levels. Enkephalinamide increased and naloxone decreased plasma concentrations of both hormones. Administration of the compounds into the dorsal raphe area resulted in alterations of prolactin and LH release, the analogue caused elevation of prolactin and inhibition of LH release, whereas the opiate antagonist resulted in opposite changes. Only an LH response was obtained from the hypothalamic dorsomedial nucleus and a growth hormone response from the central amygdala. Also in these cases the enkephalin analogue decreased LH and elevated growth hormone plasma levels, and naloxone brought about a rise in LH and a diminution of growth hormone concentration. None of the regions were effective in inducing a clear-cut adrenocorticotrophin or follicle-stimulating hormone response. The parietal cortex, medial amygdala and the dentate gyrus were entirely ineffective sites. The findings suggest that in the brain there are multiple sites of action of opioids on pituitary trophic hormone secretion and the effective sites are not identical in terms of pituitary hormone response.

Experimental acute pancreatitis results in increased blood-brain barrier permeability in the rat: a potential role for tumor necrosis factor and interleukin 6.

Pancreatic encephalopathy is a severe complication of acute pancreatitis. Proinflammatory cytokines may play a role in the development of multi-organ failure during pancreatitis. In the present study, we measured the changes in the blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability concomitantly with the determination of serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in rats before, as well as 6, 24 and 48 h after the beginning of intraductal taurocholic acid-induced acute pancreatitis. Cytokine concentrations were measured in bioassays with specific cell lines (WEHI-164 for TNF and B-9 for IL-6), while the BBB permeability was determined for a small (sodium fluorescein, molecular weight (MW) 376 Da), and a large (Evans' blue-albumin, MW 67000 Da) tracer by spectrophotometry in the parietal cortex, hippocampus, striatum, cerebellum and medulla of rats. The serum TNF level was significantly (P < 0.05) increased 6 and 24 h after the induction of pancreatitis, while the IL-6 level increased after 24 and 48 h. A significant (P < 0.05) increase in BBB permeability for both tracers developed at 6 and 24 h in different brain regions of animals with acute pancreatitis. We conclude that cytokines, such as TNF and IL-6, may contribute to the vasogenic brain edema formation during acute pancreatitis.

[Journal impact factors in the evaluation of scientific performance]. / Külföldi folyóiratcikkek a tudományos tevékenység értékelésében.

The most known and used index of the relative citedness of scientific journals is the impact factor. It has gained a broad and growing application in the evaluation of scientific performance in the medical sciences. There are several difficulties however to be overcome in order to establish a correct and reliable method, which will be able to dispel the presently existing distrust in medical, mainly clinical circles. The authors propose a method to solve most of the contradictions. Moreover, it is aimed at complementing the bibliometric evaluation method of the Hungarian domestic publications proposed by the Medical Sciences Faculty of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences in 1994.

[While science grows and the number of libraries decreases, what will happen to information? (Decrease of medical journals in Hungary)]. / A tudomány árad, a könyvtárak apadnak, mi lesz a tudással? (A vezetö orvostudományi folyóiratok fogyatkozása Magyarországon).

The differences between the 1982 and 1994 subscriptions of the leading medical journals were investigated. Sample journals were taken from the impact factor rank lists of the Science Citation Index. The 1994 level was 45% lower than that of 1982. The information supply of the medical universities has weakened too, especially because they have too many small institutional library units. They are not able to supply the literature necessary to their readers and to the Hungarian medical audience.

[Management of septic complications od acute necrotizing pancreatitis]. / Az akut nekrotizáló pancreatitis szeptikus szövödményének kezeléséröl.

The authors present the case of a 47 year old male patient with acute necrotizing pancreatitis complicated with widespread mesenteric necrosis and abscess. The critically ill patient (APACHE score: 28.5) underwent on seven operations and required 50 days of intensive care. The authors analyse the conditions of successful treatment and emphasize the importance of new available therapeutic approaches and instruments.

[Results of extended resection of tumors of the colon and rectum]. / Vastag- és végbél tumor miatt végzett kiterjesztett mütéteink eredményei.

The postoperative lethality and 5 year survival of elective extended colon resections in 59 locally advanced colorectal tumour cases has been evaluated. The operation has been extended for one adjacent organ in 47 (Groups I.) and for two or more organs in 12 cases (Groups. II.). The postoperative lethality was 47/1 and 12/2 respectively (P less than 0.01). However the 5 year survival proved to be similar--42% and 40% respectively in both patients group. The 5 year survival of patients group I. and II. was not significantly different comparing to the "simple" elective colorectal resections on the patients in Dukes C stadium operated on in the same period of time. Significantly better 5 year survival has been observed in the patients groups. I. and II. comparing to the outcome of the elective palliative (anus prae and ileo- or colo-colostomies) colorectal operations. The results certify the value of the radical surgical procedures in the locally advanced tumor cases.

[A case of inflammatory fibroid polyp of unusual localization]. / Ritka lokalizációjú gyulladásos fibroid polypus esete.

The case of an inflammatory fibroid polyp of infrequent localization is presented. Altogether 100 cases are reported by summarizing publications in the literature and only a small part of them showed duodenal localization. The patient whose case is presented was subjected to internal examination and later to operation because of acute spastic abdominal pain and loss of weight. Following the description of the case the authors analyse the etiology of this rare disease and the problems of terminology. Radical, curative operation is considered expedient in these cases. The presented case can be regarded as a special one both from the viewpoint of diagnostics and of its duodenal localization.

[Scientific publications from 10 Central European countries in the leading foreign periodicals]. / A tudományos középmezöny tíz országának publikációs aktivitása az élettudományok vezetö külföldi folyóirataiban.

The life science publication output of ten mid-size European countries was investigated in the outstanding foreign journals of 37 disciplines. The activities corrected with the populations show differences of order magnitude. The publication activities of the late communist countries in the leading foreign scientific journals are far below the average, especially in the field of clinical medicine.