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E2/M1 mixing ratios have been measured for transitions from states in the γ vibrational bands (Iγ+) to states in the ground state bands (I+ or [ I- 1 ] +) of the neutron rich, even-even, deformed isotopes, 102, 104, 106, 108Mo, 108, 110, 112Ru, and 112, 114, 116Pd, including from states as high as 9γ+. These measurements were done using the GAMMASPHERE detector array, which, at the time of the experiment, had 101 working HPGe detectors, arranged at 64 different angles. A 62 μCi source of 252Cf was placed inside GAMMASPHERE yielding 5. 7 × 10 11γ-γ-γ and higher coincidence events. The angular correlations between the transitions from the γ-bands to the ground bands, and the pure E2 transitions within the ground band were then measured. These angular correlations yielded the mixing ratios, demonstrating that these transitions are pure or nearly pure E2, in agreement with theory. In order to correct for possible attenuation due to the lifetime of the intermediate state in these correlations, the g-factors of the intermediate states needed to be known. Therefore, the g-factors of the 2+ states in the ground state band have been measured.

The commissioning of the new fragment separator ACCULINNA-2 at FLNR JINR is accomplished. The separator is destined to expand the possibilities in studies of dripline nuclei performed with the exotic secondary radioactive ion beams (RIBs) at energies of (5 - 50) AMeV. The projected high transmission and purification level were confirmed experimentally for a number of RIBs in the last two years. The ACCULINNA-2 setup will become a backbone facility at FLNR for the research in the field of light exotic nuclei. This report shows the current status of the separator, describes the obtained RIBs parameters and first experiments as well, provides the overview of the developing detection, monitoring and control subsystems.

Abstract Trigeminal (TG), dorsal root (DRG), and nodose/jugular (NG/JG) ganglia each possess specialized and distinct functions. We used RNA sequencing of two-cycle sorted Pirt-positive neurons to identify genes exclusively expressing in L3–L5 DRG, T10-L1 DRG, NG/JG, and TG mouse ganglion neurons. Transcription factor Phox2b and Efcab6 are specifically expressed in NG/JG while Hoxa7 is exclusively present in both T10-L1 and L3–L5 DRG neurons. Cyp2f2, Krt18, and Ptgds, along with pituitary hormone prolactin (Prl), growth hormone (Gh), and proopiomelanocortin (Pomc) encoding genes are almost exclusively in TG neurons. Immunohistochemistry confirmed selective expression of these hormones in TG neurons and dural nerves; and showed GH expression in subsets of TRPV1+ and CGRP+ TG neurons. We next examined GH roles in hypersensitivity in the spinal versus trigeminal systems. Exogenous GH produced mechanical hypersensitivity when injected intrathecally, but not intraplantarly. GH-induced thermal hypersensitivity was not detected in the spinal system. GH dose-dependently generated orofacial and headache-like periorbital mechanical hypersensitivity after administration into masseter muscle and dura, respectively. Periorbital mechanical hypersensitivity was reversed by a GH receptor antagonist, pegvisomant. Overall, pituitary hormone genes are selective for TG versus other ganglia somatotypes; and GH has distinctive functional significance in the trigeminal versus spinal systems.

Abstract Background To identify candidate tear fluid biomarkers in patients with unilateral acute anterior uveitis (AAU) that can aid in the differentiation between these patients and patients with bacterial keratitis or healthy controls. Methods Thirteen patients (40.1 ± 16.2 years of age) with unilateral AAU, seven patients with unilateral bacterial keratitis (40.2 ± 15.3 years of age), and 14 healthy subjects (41.1 ± 11.6 years of age) were included. The tear proteome of affected eyes was compared with that of the unaffected eye or healthy controls. Proteins were identified by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results Relative protein ratios were detected and calculated for 272 unique proteins. Compared with healthy controls and the unaffected eye, the top upregulated proteins in AAU eyes were submaxillary gland androgen regulated protein 3B (SMR3B) and SMR3A. Similarly, the top upregulated proteins in bacterial keratitis were S100 calcium-binding protein A9 and orosomucoid 2. The acute phase response protein Serpin Family A Member 3 (SERPINA3) was increased in the healthy eye of AAU patients (P = 0.019) compared with healthy controls. Laser flare measurements in affected eyes of AAU patients showed positive logarithmic correlation with SERPINA3 in tear samples of the unaffected eye (P = 0.022). The use of SERPINA3 as a tear biomarker yielded a sensitivity of 85% and a specificity of 71% in detecting patients with AAU in the study population. Conclusions The acute phase response protein SERPINA3 was increased in tear samples of unaffected eyes of patients with unilateral AAU compared with healthy controls. This study highlights SERPINA3 as a potential biomarker for AAU. Future research should explore the dynamic properties of SERPINA3 in the tear fluid of active and quiescent uveitis eyes.

Anomalies in dismantling the machinery of DNA replication can compromise genome integrity and contribute to tumorigenesis and aging. In this issue of Genes & Development, Dewar and colleagues (pp. 275-290) identified an E3 ubiquitin ligase, CUL2LRR2, that modifies a subunit of the replicative CMG (Cdc45, minichromosome maintenance [MCM] subunits 2-7, and the GINS complex) helicase and triggers disassembly of the replication machinery. Their study offers critical insight into the mechanism of DNA replication termination while at the same time raising important questions for future research.

In the medieval West, the human body, as a vessel of many believes, represents an “external mode of expression (foris) for the internal and invisible movements (intus) of the soul, the psychic states, the emotions and the mind itself”. It will thus play a prominent role in the criminal proceedings, as reflected by the ordeal of the coffin or cruentatio. From the thirteenth century, it is indeed pretty common to question the body of the victim in order to find out the murderer. According to a popular belief, the soul calling for vengeance could make bleed out the corpse in the presence of its perpetrator. Between this world and the Hereafter, the corpse acquires a social and a juridical dimension. Despite a movement of rationalism and the progressive decline of ordeals, the cruentation has continued to be used until at least the eighteenth century. This corpse call has progressively lost its providential dimension and has become a piece of evidence in the judicial proceedings. Through this ritual, blurring the boundary between mystery and science, this paper will focus on the evolving function of the corpse in the trial: discovering the truth both revealed and reasoned.

Throughout human history, cataracts have been one of the leading causes of blindness. For this disease, we studied the market of drugs of domestic and foreign production. The object of our study was the subgroup S10X Other ophthalmic drugs. Employees of the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry of Zaporizhzhia State Medical University (ZSMU) together with specialists of the NGO “Pharmatron” was synthesized a new compound, which was named Angiolin. A rational dosage form in the form of eye drops was proposed for the new drug. Since the drops continue to be the most common and widely used in practice dosage form. We have previously selected the optimal content of the active substance in eye drops. As is known from the technological parameters, eye drops must be isotonic, ie in their composition should be added excipients. The aim of our work is to select the concentration of excipients for the manufacture of eye drops Angiolin. Materials and methods. During the work at the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry of ZSMU, three solutions of eye drops Angiolin with different composition were prepared, and later the theoretical osmolarity was calculated. Results. Accurate theoretical calculation of the osmolarity of solutions containing substances with high molecular weight, complex total extracts, and highly concentrated solutions is impossible. Since the excipient was used methylcellulose, it was better to perform such a calculation experimentally, through the determination of osmolality. On the basis of the conducted researches, for correction of osmolarity, we were chosen – sodium chloride. Sodium chloride was selected at a concentration of 7.0 g/l, which creates an osmolality of the drug equal to 234.3 mosmol/kg. The estimated value at the same concentration of sodium chloride was 239.56 mosmol/l. The value of osmolarity of eye drops was calculated from it makes 302,18 mosmol/l that was confirmed the correctness of the chosen concentration of sodium chloride as a part of eye drops. Conclusions. Based on the above, we selected the concentration of excipients for the manufacture of eye drops Angiolin.

BackgroundCigarette smoking and alcohol use are well known to be concomitant behaviors, but there is a lack of studies related to recruitment of smokers for mobile cessation services at places where alcohol is consumed, such as bars and clubs. Adapting recruitment strategies to expand the reach of cessation programs to where tobacco users are located may help decrease the health-equity gap in tobacco control by improving reach and enrollment of underserved smokers residing in low-income and rural areas who are not reached by traditional cessation services. ObjectiveThe purpose of this exploratory study was to assess the feasibility of direct outreach in bars, clubs, and restaurants to recruit smokers to Quitxt, our mobile smoking cessation service. Quitxt is delivered through SMS text messaging or Facebook Messenger. MethodsWe collaborated with an advertising agency to conduct in-person recruitment of young adult smokers aged 18-29 years, focusing on urban and rural Spanish-speaking Latino participants, as well as English-speaking rural White and African American participants. Street team members were recruited and trained in a 4-hour session, including a brief introduction to the public health impacts of cigarette smoking and the aims of the project. The street teams made direct, face-to-face contact with smokers in and near smoking areas at 25 bars, clubs, and other venues frequented by young smokers in urban San Antonio and nearby rural areas. ResultsThe 3923 interactions by the street teams produced 335 (8.5%) program enrollments. Most participants were English speakers with a mean age of 29.2 (SD 10.6) years and smoked a mean of 8.5 (SD 6.2) cigarettes per day. Among users who responded to questions on gender and ethnicity, 66% (70/106) were women and 56% (60/107) were Hispanic/Latino. Among users ready to make a quit attempt, 22% (17/77) reported 1 tobacco-free day and 16% (10/62) reported maintaining cessation to achieve 1 week without smoking. The response rate to later follow-up questions was low. ConclusionsDirect outreach in bars and clubs is a useful method for connecting young adult cigarette smokers with mobile cessation services. However, further research is needed to learn more about how mobile services can influence long-term smoking cessation among those recruited through direct outreach, as well as to test the use of incentives in obtaining more useful response rates.

In mouse models of Huntington's disease (HD), striatal neuron properties are significantly altered. These alterations predict changes in striatal output regions. However, little is known about alterations in those regions. The present study examines changes in passive and active membrane properties of neurons in the external globus pallidus (GPe), the first relay station of the indirect pathway, in the R6/2 mouse model of juvenile HD at presymptomatic (1 month) and symptomatic (2 month) stages. In GPe, two principal types of neurons can be distinguished based on firing properties and the presence (type A) or absence (type B) of Ih currents. In symptomatic animals (2 month), cell membrane capacitance and input resistance of type A neurons were increased compared with controls. In addition, action potential afterhyperpolarization amplitude was reduced. Although the spontaneous firing rate of GPe neurons was not different between control and R6/2 mice, the number of spikes evoked by depolarizing current pulses was significantly reduced in symptomatic R6/2 animals. In addition, these changes were accompanied by altered firing patterns evidenced by increased interspike interval variation and increased number of bursts. Blockade of GABAA receptors facilitated bursting activity in R6/2 mice but not in control littermates. Thus, alterations in firing patterns could be caused by changes in intrinsic membrane conductances and modulated by synaptic inputs. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The eyes are one of the most vulnerable human organs. An important place among all traumatic injuries belongs to burns, which are characterized by a large number of adverse consequences. Today, the pharmaceutical market of Ukraine is mainly occupied by drugs of foreign origin, therefore, the urgent task of modern pharmacy is to create and expand the range of the domestic pharmaceutical market and the relative cheapness of the drug in comparison with other drugs, in a future. The employees of the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry of Zaporizhzhia State Medical University (ZSMU), together with specialists from NPO Pharmatron, synthesized a new compound called “Angiolin” ((S)-2,6-diaminohexanoic acid 3-methyl-1,2,4-triazolyl -5-thioacetate). The obtained compound has anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, reparative effect .A rational dosage form in the form of eye drops was proposed and created for the new drug. The aim of the work is to develop a technique for standardizing the active substance in “Angiolin” eye drops ((S)-2,6-diaminohexanoic acid 3-methyl-1,2,4-triazolyl-5-thioacetate) by spectrophotometry. Materials and methods: A certified substance of аngiolin was used in the research (manufacturer: State Enterprise “Plant of Chemical Reagents” of the Scientific and Technological Complex “Institute of Single Crystals” of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, series 2451117). The spectrophotometric method for the analysis of the аngiolin substance was taken as a basis. The studies were carried out using an Optizen POP spectrophotometer, measurements were carried out at a wavelength in the range of 200–300 nm, a cuvette thickness of 10 mm. Results. Studies were performed on six series of 1% eye drops “Angiolin”, which was quantified by spectrophotometric method. It was found that the content of аngiolin in eye drops was in the range of 0.00981–0.01011 g/ml. Thus, in terms of the content of the active substance, the studied series of eye drops meets the requirements of the State Pharmacopoeia. Subsequently, another five series of «Angiolin» eye drops were analyzed, which also met the pharmacopoeial requirements for the content of the active substance (0.00980–0.01015 g/ml). We believe that the developed method for standardizing eye drops is reproducible. Conclusion: In the research, we have developed a method for standardizing the active substance in “Angiolin” eye drops by spectrophotometry. The developed technique is reproducible, accurate, and in the future, after its validation, it can be used in the standardization of the active substance in various dosage forms.

The frequence of mutations in the rifampicin resistant (RIFr) clones of microorganisms after adaption to ofloxacin and metronidazole was investigated to estimate the biological cost of H.pylori rifampicin (RIF) resistance. Mutations in rpoB gene responsible for RIF resistance of H.pylori were shown to have biological cost and be compensated by additional mutations in the microorganism genome. Comparison of the mutation frequency in the presence of metroniazole demonstrated that the acquired resistance to RIF resulted in changing of the adaptative capacity of the RIFr clones of H.pylori to metronidazole. Thus, a significant increase of the mutation frequency (> 700 times) in one of the RIFr clones and a broad spectrum of the mutations responsible for resistance to metronidazole vs. the H.pylori initial strain 26695 were observed. The findings could be evident of the fact that the adaptation to RIF changed the properties of the cell on one hand in such a way that its mutation capacity increased and that the target selection on the other hand revealed hypermutable cells, likely usual for the bacterial population.

It has been shown that the bioactive component of pyrazinamide, pyrazinoic acid (POA), blocks coenzyme A biosynthesis in M. tuberculosis by binding to the aspartate decarboxylase PanD. Here the authors show that pyrazinamide triggers degradation of PanD by stimulating its degradation by the caseinolytic protease Clp.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the main pathogens of genital tract infections, which can lead to malignant transformation of cells of the cervix, vagina, vulva and anus. Approximately 90% of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia cases and 99% of cervical cancer cases occur in HPV-positive patients. However, the presence of HPV in the patients body can not be considered as a marker of progression or regression of the pathological process. The need to determine further tactics of examination and management of women with HPV-associated diseases of the cervix States the search for molecular genetic markers of neoplastic transformation in order to predict the risk of cervical neoplasia and cervical cancer. Diagnostic systems based on determination of biomarkers in cervicovaginal fluid (CVJ) can become convenient for application in clinical practice. The panel of CVJ proteins allows to make the exact characteristic of a condition of bodies of female reproductive system, including at neoplastic processes of a cervix of a uterus. The biomarkers identified in the CVJ can be used as informative tests to improve the accuracy of diagnosis of pathological changes in the cervix and to determine the risk criteria for the development of malignancy.

Functional post-wall waveguides and waveguide based compact passive circuits - namely bandpass filters - that are formed by introducing additional metallic or dielectric posts inside the post-wall waveguide are analyzed. Scattering parameters (S-parameters) of the waveguide-based bandpass filters are calculated using the method of images combined with the lattice sums technique. The developed formulation is numerically very fast, hence it can be considered as one of the best-suited approaches for the analysis of multiple scattering in post-wall waveguides and for numerical structural optimization. A breeder genetic algorithm is employed as a global search heuristic in order to track down the optimal geometrical parameters for the introduced posts yielding a bandpass filter characteristic in the desired frequency bands. Comparison with other references validates the correctness and utility of our formalism. Different configurations for the specifications of post-wall waveguide-based bandpass filters are discussed.

In the recent work [Nikolskii et al., Phys. Rev. C 105, 064605 (2022)] the 2H(8He,4He)6H reaction was used for the study of the extreme neutron-rich 6H isotope. A broad bump was observed in the measured 6H spectrum interpreted as the broad overlapping ground and some low-lying states of this nuclide. There could be certain doubts in the interpretation of this work: in conditions of the limited phase space it is not impossible that the structure in the missing mass spectrum of 6H is actually induced by the resonant states populated by some other channels opened in the 8He+2H interaction. This work provides a body of the evidence for the correct channel identification and for the absence of the 6H resonances at energy ET = 0 − 3.5 MeV above the 3H+3n decay threshold. In addition the first strong experimental evidence is given that the 6H → 5H*+n → 3H+3n sequential decay is the dominating 6H decay channel.