Search

Self-conjugate nuclei in the A ≈ 70 – 80 region have attracted a great deal of attention due to phenomena such as shape coexistence and increasing collectivity along the N = Z line. We investigate the structure of nuclei in this region through lifetime measurements using the GRETINA array. The first implementation of the Differential Recoil Distance Doppler Shift technique with fast radioactive beams is demonstrated and verified through a measurement of the well-known B ( E 2 ; 2 1 + → 0 1 + ) transition strength in 74Kr. The method is then applied to determine the B ( E 2 ; 2 1 + → 0 1 + ) transition strength in 74Rb, the heaviest odd–odd N = Z nucleus for which this quantity has been determined. This result and extended systematics along N = Z suggest the dominance of the isoscalar part of the quadrupole transition strengths in self-conjugate nuclei, as well as the possible presence of shape coexistence in 74Rb.

Sn ejecta particle-size distributions from the break-up of a microsheet in a vacuum will be presented. The micro-sheet was created from a high explosive driven shock wave passing through a precision groove machined into a Sn sample. The particle-size measurements were carried out using an ultraviolet in-line Fraunhofer holography diagnostic. The diagnostic will be presented along with particle-size distributions over most of the ejecta velocities throughout the microsheet.

Previous experiments observed a 4^{+} state in the N=28 nucleus ^{44}S and suggested that this state may exhibit a hindered E2-decay rate, inconsistent with being a member of the collective ground state band. We populate this state via two-proton knockout from a beam of exotic ^{46}Ar projectiles and measure its lifetime using the recoil distance method with the GRETINA γ-ray spectrometer. The result, 76(14)_{stat}(20)_{syst} ps, implies a hindered transition of B(E2;4^{+}→2_{1}^{+})=0.61(19) single-particle or Weisskopf units strength and supports the interpretation of the 4^{+} state as a K=4 isomer, the first example of a high-K isomer in a nucleus of such low mass.

An ultraviolet (UV) in-line Fraunhofer holography diagnostic has been developed for making high-resolution spatial measurements of ejecta particles traveling at many mm/μs. The diagnostic will be described and results from high-explosive shock-driven tin ejecta experiments will be presented.

Brucellosis is a common zoonotic disease worldwide; however, few cases are reported in the US. Brucella melitensis infections are primarily acquired via consumption of high-risk foods or travel to endemic areas. We describe a case of B. melitensis infection in a Tennessee soldier following deployment in Iraq. Initial symptoms included knee and back pain. Culture of an aspirate of the left sacroiliac joint yielded B. melitensis. Genetic analysis indicated that this isolate came from the Middle East. Investigation of laboratory workers identified risky exposures and positive serology prompting post-exposure prophylaxis. Military personnel and other travellers should be advised to reduce risk regarding food consumption and animal contact in endemic areas. Additionally, medical providers should remain vigilant for non-endemic zoonoses among recent travellers.

To investigate ophthalmology residency program leadership expectations regarding resident competency in retinal procedures by graduation and to investigate resident experience performing retinal procedures.A survey was emailed to the program director at each accredited US ophthalmology training program.Completed surveys were received from 37/117 (32%) programs. Most respondents identified panretinal photocoagulation (100%), laser for retinal tear (100%), laser for diabetic macular edema (94%), laser for macular edema associated with branch retinal vein occlusion (92%), intravitreal injection (83%), and vitreous tap/intravitreal injection (78%) as procedures residency graduates should be competent to perform; 89%, 3%, 64%, 17%, 14%, and 3% reported residents perform20 such cases, respectively, as primary surgeon, and 0%, 56%, 6%, 37%, 46%, and 63% reported residents perform one to five such cases, respectively. Competency in scleral buckling and pars plana vitrectomy was expected by 17% and 19%, respectively.Most respondents expect residency graduates to be competent in retinal laser and injection procedures. Competency in incisional retinal procedures is generally not expected. For some laser and injection procedures, a substantial proportion of residents perform one to five cases as primary surgeon.

Introduction Some patients with gastroparesis (GP) require sustained central intravenous (IV) access for hydration, medication, and/or nutrition, leaving them at risk for venous thrombosis. Patients We studied a group of 53 patients with GP for identifiable risk factors of clinically significant thrombosis. Patients requiring prolonged central IV access fell into two groups: those who had clinical incidence of IV catheter-related thrombosis (CLOT, n = 14) and those who did not form IV catheter thrombosis (NOCLOT, n = 39). Methods We analyzed and compared clinical symptoms, serum coagulation studies, and autoimmune antibodies in the CLOT and NOCLOT groups. Results Patients in the CLOT group had statistically more Scl 70 antibodies than did the NOCLOT group, and another autoantibody, Ku 66, was found in higher titers in the NOCLOT group than in the CLOT group. Other autoimmune and coagulation factors were not statistically different between the two groups, although a subgroup of CLOT patients had lower plasma protein S levels. Conclusion We conclude that the presence of Scl 70 autoantibodies is associated with increased clotting risk in this group of GP patients and the Ku 66 antibody may be associated with decreased risk of thrombosis in patients with GP. These findings, coupled with lower protein S levels in some CLOT patients, suggests that autoimmune factors may be associated with GP patients who thrombose IV access versus patients who do not.