Search

Background There is little data on the long–term outcome of patients with cardiogenic shock (CS) treated with primary angioplasty (PPCI) in the setting of acute ST–segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The aim of this study was to assess long–term mortality among hospital STEMI survivors who received a PPCI procedure, based on the presence of acute–phase CS. Methods We analyzed long–term follow–up data in a series of consecutive patients admitted to our institution for STEMI from 2009 to 2019 who were treated with PPCI. Results Of the 1288 patients who presented with STEMI, 1137 received a PPCI procedure. CS occurred in 111 (9.8%) of these patients. The in–hospital mortality rate was 5.6%; 2.9% in patients without and 30.6% in those with shock (P Conclusions CS carries an increased risk of death during the hospital phase and at long–term follow–up: complete revascularization at the index procedure does not appear to offer any additional benefit on outcome

The Italian Goat Consortium (IGC), joined the effort of many Universities and Research Institutes, in a comprehensive study of the Italian goat population genetic makeup using a medium density (54K) SNPs chip. Currently IGC has genotyped more than 1,000 animals from more than 30 goat breeds and populations from all Italian geographical and agroecological areas of goat rearing. The aim of this work is to obtain a clear picture of the Italian caprine biodiversity, to reconstruct the ancestry, to disentangle the genetic background and to assess the relationships among and within the investigated breeds. To date, the IGC dataset includes about 50 million genotypes. The data were quality checked by excluding markers and individuals on the basis of missing genotypes, minor allele frequency and close individual relatedness. Genetic relationships among and within breeds was investigated by Multi-Dimensional Scaling and Principal Component Analysis. Population structure, ancestry models and admixture were estimated by ADMIXTURE and fastSTRUCTURE software. Finally, phylogenic trees were reconstructed with PHYLIP software suite starting from shared-allele identity by state, and Reynolds distance matrices, while past migration events were modeled with TreeMix software. The results confirmed high levels of genetic polymorphism and confirmed the North-South geographical pattern of diversity, previously reported on a smaller sample of Italian goat breeds. The analysis also revealed a pivotal role of Central Italy in connecting the genetic resources of the northern and southern areas of the country, and confirms the genetic isolation of insular breeds. Moreover, some breeds show clearly distinctive and homogeneous gene pools, whereas other breeds present complex and, in some cases, dishomogeneous genetic background.

Aims The aim of this consensus paper is to review the available evidence on the association between moderate alcohol use, health and disease and to provide a working document to the scientific and health professional communities. Data synthesis In healthy adults and in the elderly, spontaneous consumption of alcoholic beverages within 30 g ethanol/d for men and 15 g/d for women is to be considered acceptable and do not deserve intervention by the primary care physician or the health professional in charge. Patients with increased risk for specific diseases, for example, women with familiar history of breast cancer, or subjects with familiar history of early cardiovascular disease, or cardiovascular patients should discuss with their physician their drinking habits. No abstainer should be advised to drink for health reasons. Alcohol use must be discouraged in specific physiological or personal situations or in selected age classes (children and adolescents, pregnant and lactating women and recovering alcoholics). Moreover, the possible interactions between alcohol and acute or chronic drug use must be discussed with the primary care physician. Conclusions The choice to consume alcohol should be based on individual considerations, taking into account the influence on health and diet, the risk of alcoholism and abuse, the effect on behaviour and other factors that may vary with age and lifestyle. Moderation in drinking and development of an associated lifestyle culture should be fostered.

Methylation at the carbon 5 position of cytosine residues is among the best studied epigenetic modification, and a funda- mental layer of cellular differentiation through the control of transcriptional potential. DNA methylation patterns can be inherited and influenced by environment, diet and aging, and disrupted in diseases. Complete DNA methylomes for several organisms are now available, helping to clarify the evolutionary story of this epigenetic mark and its distribution in key genomic elements. At the present, methylome of the domestic goat, Capra hircus is unexplored, and hence to contribute information on epigenetic modification in the species, we analyzed the methy- lome of two tissues, ovary and hypothalamus, from 3 adult Saanen goats. DNA methylation patterns are increasingly stud- ied using high throughput sequencing methods. In order to eval- uate differentially methylated region, we used Methylated DNA binding domain sequencing (MBD-seq), with enrichment of methylated DNA fragments and next generation sequencing (NGS - Hiseq 2000 Illumina). We produced least 23 million reads per sample, which were aligned to the goat reference genome with a minimum success rate of 97.5%. Further analyses were performed to identify peaks corresponding to hyper-methylated regions. Matching the methylation pattern of hypothalamus ver- sus ovaries of the three goats under study we found 4687 methylated fragments showing significant differences (P

MicroRNAs (miRNA) are small, noncoding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression by targeting messenger RNAs for post- transcriptional cleavage or translational inhibition. There is still limited knowledge about miRNAs expression profiles in farm animals, especially in small ruminant species. The identification of miRNAs expressed in different brain regions of the domestic goat, Capra hircus, will contribute to a better understanding of miRNA function and the control of the physiologic pathways in this species. We sequenced miRNAs expressed in hypothalamus and pituitary gland, from 3 adult Saanen goats using Illumina high-throughput sequencing (Miseq). Reads were mapped on the Capra hircus reference genome and both known and novel pre-miRNA, mature miRNAs, and miRNA target sites were iden- tified using existing information collected in miRBase and using specific bioinformatic tools. This analysis found 313 and 304 miRNAs in the hypothalamus and pituitary respectively, 131 of which were differentially expressed between the two tissues. Mapping these small RNAs on Capra hircus genome revealed that 61 miRNA genes from hypothalamus and 54 from hypophysis were located on goat chromosome 21, and belonged to the largest conserved mammalian miRNA gene cluster. A large miRNA gene population was also identified on chromosome X, encompassing 38 miRNAs in the hypothalamus and 36 in the pituitary. We also discovered 46 and 48 putative novel miRNAs in hypothalamus and pituitary respectively, based on structural prediction and homology with known miRNA genes from goat and other rumi- nants. This study produced a comprehensive miRNA profile relat- ed to the biology of two brain areas in goat. The characterization of these miRNAs contributes to a better understanding of the molecular and epigenetic mechanisms of physiology and devel- opment in this species.

One of the key determinants in the control of gene expression in mammals, and the most common covalent modification of DNA in eukaryotes, is methylation at the carbon 5 of cytosine residues. DNA methylation patterns can be inherited and influenced by environment, diet and aging, and disrupted in diseases. Although methylomes from several issues were investigated in some species, goats are still unexplored. We analysed the methylome of hypothalamus and ovary from 3 adult Saanen goats, trying to take the first steps on the potential epigenetic involvement in goat biology. In order to evaluate differentially methylated regions, we used Methylated DNA binding domain sequencing (MBD-seq), with enrichment of methylated DNA fragments and next generation sequencing (NGS - Hiseq 2000 Illumina). We produced at least 20 million reads per sample, covering an average of about 30% of the goat genome. Further analyses were performed to identify peaks corresponding to hyper-methylated regions. Chromosomes 12 and 20 showed the lowest density of methylated fragments on both issues, while chromosomes 18 and 19 the highest. We also investigated methylation distribution in the different genomic regions: promoter, intron, exon, downstream of gene, distal and intergenic. Introns showed the highest methylation frequency on both hypothalamus (34.6% on the total of the region detected) and ovary (39.1%). Matching the methylation pattern of hypothalamus versus ovaries of the three goats under study we looked for the biological and molecular pathways involving genes with issue-specific methylation peaks. Pathways with the highest p-values (P < 0.001) affect RNA binding in ovary, and regulation of the immune system processes in hypothalamus. This is the first work dealing with a global methylation pattern in Capra hircus: our pioneering results could be helpful for a deeper comprehension of the complex epigenetic machinery in this species.

Reproduction is an event that requires the coordination of peripheral organs with the central nervous system, each event is accompanied by positive and negative hormonal regulation along the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal (HPG) axis. ? MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a class of small non-coding RNA molecules, play important roles in gene expressions by targeting messenger RNAs for post-transcriptional cleavage or translational inhibition, affecting physiology in mammals. ? In order to better understand molecular pathways involved in HPG axis regulation, we evaluate the transcriptomic and miRNA profile changes in hypothalamus, pituitary and ovary from 3 Saanen goats using Illumina high-throughput technology. ? Reads were mapped on the Capra hircus reference genome and expression levels of both coding and non coding RNAs were assessed. We found 818 miRNAs belonging to known (436) and novel (382) classes, 67 of which are differen6ally expressed in the three 6ssues. Transcriptomic profiling revealed 2223, genes that were differentially expressed between hypothalamus and pituitary, 2117 between pituitary and ovary and 3823 between hypothalamus and ovary. ? This study reveals for the first time a complete large and small RNA profile of the HPG axis in goat. The characterization of these RNAs could contribute to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of reproductive physiology and development in this species.

In this study we describe a panel of 200 SNPs for parentage test- ing in goat, optimized on 15 Italian breeds. Data on 350 goats genotyped with the Illumina 50K SNP array were provided by the Italian Goat Consortium (IGC). Animals belong to 15 breeds/pop- ulations farmed in North (Saanen, Alpine, Valdostana, Orobica, Bionda dell'Adamello and Valpassiria), Center (Teramana and Grigia Ciociara), South Italy and Islands (Aspromontana, Nicastrese, Girgentana, Argentata dell'Etna, Maltese, Maltese Sarda e Sarda). Quality editing excluded 2,211 SNPs with minor allele frequency =0.4. A total of 34 PO were identi- fied out of 61,075 pairwise comparisons. We developed a novel method based on multivariate discriminant analysis and step- wise regression for choosing the best SNPs for parentage test- ing. Following ISAG standards for parentage testing in cattle, we identified a 200 SNP subset suitable to parentage testing in goat based on pairwise ME calculation. We considered PO all pairs of animals sharing 3 ME. The sensibility, specificity and accuracy (false negative, false positive and true assignment ratio, respectively) of the panel were assessed. In addition, we estimated the probability of single parental exclusion (Pe) and the probability of a random coincidental match inclusion (Pi) for each breed. The parentage panel showed good assessment power, with high specificity (0.9705882), sensibility (1.0) and accuracy (0.9999836). Pe values ranged from a minimum of 0.9999995 for Teramana to a maximum of 1.0 for Alpine. Pi val- ues ranged from 8.49x10-78 for Alpine to 1.21x10-61 for Teramana. Pe for single SNP ranged from 0.0677±0.0592 to 0.1085±0.0506 (mean±SD) for Teramana and Alpine, respectively. This is the first SNP panel available for parentage testing in goat. Our results suggest that genomic research can help solve practical problems in breeding, such as pedigree registration errors. In this context, cost-effective parentage testing would help goat breeders in the management of consanguinity.

Spectra of the yrast and excited superdeformed bands, forming the E2 quasi-continuum, are measured with the EUROBALL array for the nucleus 143 Eu, in coincidence with high-energy γ-rays (Eγ>3 MeV). It is found that the intensity population of the superdeformed states is enhanced by a factor of ≈1.6 when a coincidence with a γ-ray with energy >6 MeV is required, in reasonable agreement with the increase of the line shape of the Giant Dipole Resonance built on a superdeformed configuration. This result shows that when an high energy E1 γ-ray is involved in the decay it is more likely connected with a SD rather than a ND nucleus. In addition, the analysis of the rotational quasi-continuum suggests the presence of a superdeformed component. The data are also compared and found consistent with simulation calculations of the relative intensities of the SD states, including the E1 decay of superdeformed nature.

High-spin properties of the nucleus 169Hf have been studied through the fusion evaporation reaction 96Zr(76Ge,3n)169Hf at a beam energy of 310 MeV. The known rotational bands have been extended considerably and 6 new bands have been established, four of which form coupled bands with pronounced M1 connections. Quasiparticle assignments are suggested for the new band structures, and it appears that coupling to vibrational degrees of freedom plays a role. Both coupled bands involve the excitation of quasiprotons. In the region of highest spin, a large alignment gain is interpreted in terms of a mixed crossing where an h 9/2 and an h 11/2 quasiproton provide the two signatures of the aligning configuration.

Three superdeformed (SD) bands have been found in 168Hf. Lifetime measurements revealed a large quadrupole moment, Q t ∼11.4 e b , for the strongest band (TSD1). Theoretical calculations using the Ultimate Cranker code predict high-spin SD minima (ϵ2∼0.43) with stable triaxial deformations of γ∼+20° and γ∼−15°. The measured Qt value suggests that band TSD1 corresponds, most likely, to a deformation with a positive γ value. This constitutes the first evidence for triaxial superdeformation in an even proton system.

The properties of the thermally excited rotational motion up to the region of rotational damping are studied experimentally in the superdeformed nucleus 143 Eu. The effective lifetime of the excited discrete rotational bands forming ridge structures in ‐ matrices is measured at the EUROBALL array using the DSAM technique, giving a quadrupole momentQt 10 e b, consistent with the deformation of the superdeformed yrast band. In addition, the effective number of excited superdeformed bands is extracted by a statistical analysis of the ridge structure, for transition energies down to the region where the effect of the decay-out into the normal deformed well shows up. The experimental data are compared with microscopic cranked shell model calculations including a residual interaction of surface delta type. Satisfactory agreement between data and theory is obtained when the quantum tunneling of the excited superdeformed states is included in the model. © 2001 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.

Two types of particles, A and B with their corresponding antiparticles, are defined in a one dimensional cyclic lattice with an odd number of sites. In each step of time evolution, each particle acts as a source for the polarization field of the other type of particle with nonlocal action but with an effect decreasing with the distance: A -->...\bar{B} B \bar{B} B \bar{B} ... ; B --> A \bar{A} A \bar{A} A ... . It is shown that the combined distribution of these particles obeys the time evolution of a free particle as given by quantum mechanics.

Unresolved γ transitions of 114 Te and of 112 Sn sorted into one-dimensional and two-dimensional spectra have been studied. The reaction 64 Ni + 54 Cr at bombarding energies 230, 240, 250, 260, 270 MeV was used and the γ -rays were detected with the EUROBALL array. In the case of the nucleus 114 Te the values of the multiplicity as a function of bombarding energy and of the moment of inertia were obtained. The effective moment of inertia was found to be almost constant in the interval I=20 – 40 ℏ , in contrast to the decreasing behaviour of the dynamic moment of inertia for the terminating yrast band. The ridge valley structures in E γ 1 ×E γ 2 spectra of 114 Te and of 112 Sn were analysed with the fluctuation analysis technique. The analysis of the two nuclei are compared to simulations based on microscopic cranking calculations with residual interactions included. A rather good agreement is found between data and predictions.

The γ-cascades feeding specific intrinsic configurations of 164Yb are studied making use of a statistical analysis of counts fluctuations in γ–γ coincident spectra. In particular, variance and covariance spectra are obtained starting from the measured (0,+), (0,−) and (1,−) gate-selected matrices. The analysis of the first ridge of the spectra yields about 25 excited bands carrying rotational energy correlations for the total spectrum, and about 10 in coincidence with each of the (α,π) configurations. The covariance of count fluctuations between the different (α,π) gates is expressed by an experimental correlation coefficient, r, which measures the degree of sharing of decay paths through the excited bands, and thereby the extent to which selection rules are obeyed by the decay. The correlation coefficient is around r≈0.3 for the ridge, and also in general rather small for valley fluctuations. Only at the highest valley energies, a tendency to larger correlation coefficients is seen, indicating some weakening of the selection rules over longer decay cascades. The results of the experimental analysis are compared to rotational damping model predictions based on cranked shell model plus residual interactions, and rather good agreement is found.

Unresolved $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ rays of ${}^{114}\mathrm{Te}$ sorted into one- and two-dimensional spectra were studied. The reaction ${}^{64}\mathrm{Ni}({E}_{\mathrm{beam}}\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}230--270\mathrm{MeV}){+}^{54}\mathrm{Cr}$ was used and the $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ rays were detected with the EUROBALL array. The effective moment of inertia for the quasicontinuum was found to be almost constant for $I\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}(20--40)\ensuremath{\Elzxh}$, in contrast with the decreasing behavior of the terminating yrast band. A comparative analysis with the nucleus ${}^{164}\mathrm{Yb}$ is presented and the results from a fluctuation analysis were compared with cranked shell model calculations. The comparison shows consistency in the scaling of the rotational damping width with mass number.

In a search for exotic structures in odd-odd 164 Lu, performed as one of the first Euroball experiments eight new, presumably triaxial, superdeformed bands were found. For the first time, evidence is presented for superdeformation in an odd-odd Lu isotope for which theory predicts large triaxiality. The data are compared to expectations from calculations with the code “Ultimate Cranker”. Two of the bands are connected to normal-deformed structures and the E1 strength of the decay-out appears to be enhanced over single particle expectations, possibly due to octupole correlations.

The lifetime of the unresolved transitions forming the rotational quasi-continuum spectra has been measured in 164 Yb using the Doppler shift attenuation method. The valley structure in E γ 1 × E γ 2 spectra was analysed using a new technique, based on fluctuation patterns, which provided for the first time experimental lifetimes for rotational damped transitions. The present results show, as predicted by the rotational damping model, that the collectivity persists for highly excited bands. In particular, agreement is found between the experimental results, for discrete and damped transitions, and the predictions corresponding to Q t = 5.5 eb, for the entire interval of γ-ray energies studied.

The γ-decay of excited rotating nuclei in the high level density region a few MeV above the yrast line has been studied through a statistical analysis of the fluctuation of counts in γ-γ coincident spectra. In particular, making use of the covariance technique between spectra gated by different intrinsic configurations, one can measure how the cascades feeding into different selected bands are similar. The aim is to learn about the transition between order to chaos in the nuclear many-body system, in terms of the validity of selection rules associated with the quantum numbers of the intrinsic structure. Experimental results on the nucleus 164Yb are presented and compared to model predictions based on cranked shell model calculations including a two-body residual interaction.

The lifetime of the unresolved gamma transitions forming the rotational quasicontinuum spectrum has been measured for Yb-164 using the Doppler shift attenuation technique. The fractional Doppler shifts of transitions along the diagonal valley of E-gamma 1 x E-gamma 2 spectra are extracted for the first time using a new technique based on the fluctuation patterns of counts. The rotational collectivity was found to persist with full strength also when the rotational bands are strongly mixed. For the high spin (I > 20 (h) over bar) and energy (0 < E-ex < 2 MeV) regions there is agreement between the discrete and the damped transitions and with Q(t) approximate to 5.5 eb. [S0031-9007(98)07073-2].

A new region of superdeformed shapes with a pronounced triaxiality coexisting with normal deformation exists for nuclei withN ~ 94 andZ ~ 71. Calculations with the Ultimate Cranker have revealed that triaxial SD minima with γ ~ ±20° are expected for all symmetry groups (π, α). In an odd-odd nucleus, the possibility exists to exploit the various combinations of proton and neutron orbitals which are expected to sample the triaxial minima differently. A search for such structures was performed as one of the first Euroball experiments using the reaction139La(29Si,4n) with thin self-supporting targets at a beam energy of 145 MeV, provided by the Legnaro XTU tandem accelerator. The preliminary analysis has provided a major extension of the known (normal deformed) level scheme in164Lu, in addition to ~7 new, presumably triaxial, SD bands in164Lu. These bands have dynamical moments of inertia similar to those found in163,165Lu. The new data are compared to expectations from calculations with the code “Ultimate Cranker”.

The lifetime of the unresolved transitions forming the rotational quasi-continuum spectra has been measured in 163 Tm using the Doppler shift attenuation technique. Spectra associated to different values of the coincidence folds, angular anisotropies and the dynamical moment of inertia were also obtained from the present experiment. The Doppler shift has been measured for discrete transitions, for the ridge structures in E γ 1 × E γ 2 spectra and for the rotational E2 bump in one dimensional spectra. The data were compared to the theory using a simulation model which makes use of microscopically calculated levels and transition probabilities. Above 1300 keV the results indicate collectivity with lifetime faster than 10 −14 s, while at lower E γ the results are well described by predictions with B (E2) = 400 WU.

Using the (18O,5n) 163Er reaction a multitude of rotational bands have been established with firm spin and parity assignments in 163Er. In 17 out of 24 band crossings E2 cross-band transitions have been observed. The interaction strength varies between ∼ 1 and ∼ 50 keV with many of the values in the range 10–15 keV. These interactions sample a variety of the lowest (multi) -quasiparticle configurations. For some bands, in particular those with high K-values, the configurations can be established rather well. Quite complicated changes in the wavefunctions must occur at these crossings, and to explain the observed interaction strengths coupling to various vibrational degrees of freedom, in addition to possible residual neutron-proton interactions, may be needed.

We present shell model calculations for warm rotating nuclei, combining the cranked Nilsson mean field and a residual surface-delta two-body interaction. The model is used to describe the transition from the region of well-defined rotational bands into the region dominated by rotational damping, and the results are in overall agreement with the experimental findings.

The {gamma} decay of the excited rotating {sup 168}Yb nucleus has been simulated considering the competition between {ital E}1 and {ital E}2 transitions, using microscopically calculated rotational bands. The simulations were made for two different cases: (i) pure rotating mean field bands and (ii) rotational bands mixed by a residual interaction. Simulated {gamma}{minus}{gamma} spectra were analyzed in the typical rotational ridge-valley region. The fluctuation analysis method, sensitive to the effective number of {gamma}-decay paths, was also applied. An overall agreement between experimental and simulated data is found for the case of mixed rotational bands. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}

AlphaS1-casein, coded by CSN1S1 gene, is one of the most important goat milk protein, although, in this species, it represents on average only the 5.6% of the total casein content. On the basis of the milk content of alphaS1-casein, the CSN1S1 variants can be grouped into 4 classes: strong alleles (A, B1, B2, B3, B4, C, H, L, and M), producing almost 3.5 g/L of alphaS1-casein each; intermediate alleles (E and I; 1.1 g/L); weak alleles (F and G; 0.45 g/L); and null alleles (01, 02, and N) apparently producing no alphaS1-casein. Previous studies have reported that the CSN1S1 can affects casein, protein and fat levels, total solids, milk rheology, as well as cheese yield and quality. The aim of the study was to evaluate how the frequencies of the major CSN1S1 allelic variant have changed during the last 10 years in the two main dairy goat breeds raised in the North of Italy: Italian Alpine and Saanen. Two hundred and twenty three Alpine and 129 Saanen were sampled from 8 farms spread all over Lombardy. AS-PCR and RFLP-PCR were performed to genotype the major allelic variants at the alphaS1-casein locus. Only the Saanen breed proved to be in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium at this locus. The allele frequencies observed in the present work showed statistically significant differences (c2 test, P

The study of damping of rotational motion applying te rotational plane mapping (RPM) method is presented and discussed. The aim of this technique is to extract the distribution of the rotational transition strength from an analysis of the shape of the “central valley” of two- and three-dimensional γ-ray spectra. The method is applied to a triple γ-coincidence data set of 162,163Tm nuclei formed in 37Cl+130Te reactions. The rotational transition strength is obtained as a function of rotational frequency for selected regions of entry states, and the width is found to be rather constant and approximately equal to 80 keV. This value is significantly smaller than the value predicted theoretically for the rotational damping width Γrot. Also the ratio between the observed depth and width of both the 2D and 3D valleys does not agree with the simple model adopted in the RPM method. These discrepancies point to the presence of both a wide and a narrow component in the distribution of rotational strength as extracted by the RPM method. The analysis of simulated spectra obtained on the basis of realistic band-mixing calculations, including residual interactions, confirms this behaviour.

Two new rotational bands of distinct character have been identified in 164 Hf. They are suggested to correspond to the long-anticipated triaxial strongly deformed (TSD) bands predicted by theoretical studies. The bands have been linked to known states, and the level spins and energies could be determined. The bands are also substantially stronger in intensity and are located at lower spins than the previously observed TSD bands in 168 Hf, hereby making 164 Hf the best even-even system so far for the study of TSD structures in the A ∼ 160 mass region. Cranking calculations based on the modified-oscillator model suggest that the bands are associated with four-quasiparticle configurations that involve high-j intruder (i13/2) 2 proton orbitals.

In a search for exotic structures in odd-odd 164Lu, eight new, presumably triaxial, superdeformed bands were found. Two of the bands are connected to normal-deformed structures and the El strength of the connecting transitions appear to be enhanced over single particle expectations, possibly due to octupole correlations.

A study of the Nd-136 nucleus has been performed with the EUROBALL III multidetector to establish the decay-out of the yrast superdeformed (SD) band. Three discrete linking transitions (754, 1456, and 1493 keV) have been discovered, establishing the position of the SD band at 7.03 MeV excitation energy with proposed spin and parity 17((-)) for the lowest observed SD state. Neutron pairing gap parameters for SD shapes have been extracted in Nd isotopes, using the strong-coupling model and odd-even mass difference formulas. The major conclusion of our phenomenological analysis is that the pairing correlations do subsist in the SD configurations of nuclei in the A = 130 mass region. [S0556-2813(99)01312-6].

The γ-decay of the continuum has been measured in two mass regions. The excitation function of the continuum decay as well as spectral shape and fractional Doppler shifts are discussed for both 114Te and 164Yb compound nuclei, and show the typical features of rotational collective motion. Moreover, in both cases an upper limit of Γrot is given and the number of decay-paths is determined from the fluctuation analysis method. Simulations based on microscopic calculations of the rotational damping model reproduce quite well the experimental findings for both Npath and the scaling of Γrot as a function of the mass number.

The automatic clustering of text segments into thematically homogeneous groups is a difficult problem. In this paper, we study the performance of a simple probabilistic model, the "monomaniac" model. We first describe the model and the related EM-based estimation procedures; an application of this model to a English corpus of texts imported from the CKM ("Customer Knowledge Management") literature is then presented.

High-spin states in 163,164Lu have been populated in the 139La(29Si,xn) reaction and their decay has been studied using the EUROBALL γ-ray spectrometer array. In 164Lu eight new superdeformed (SD) bands have been found. In 163Lu the previously known SD band is extended to lower and higher spins and its deacy to the normal-deformed states has been established. In addition, a new SD band is identified. Calculations with the Ultimate Cranker code predict large triaxiality (γ≈±20°) for all these bands.

The \ensuremath{\gamma} cascades feeding into low-K and high-K bands in ${}^{163}$Er are investigated analyzing variances and covariance of the spectrum fluctuations. From a large data set of 1${0}^{9}$ triple coincidences, \ensuremath{\gamma}-\ensuremath{\gamma} coincidence spectra gated by resolved low-lying rotational bands are analyzed. Low-K bands are found to be fed by a much larger effective number of cascades than high-K bands. The covariance between pairs of gated spectra shows that the cascades feeding low-K bands are different from those feeding the high-K bands. The persistence of the K-selection rules for the excited rotational bands within the angular momentum region $30\ensuremath{\Elzxh}\ensuremath{\le}I\ensuremath{\le}40\ensuremath{\Elzxh}$ is suggested as explanation.

Several of the known rotational bands in 164Er are extended considerably (to around 35 h). In addition, a new coupled band is established and found to decay by an isomeric transition with t1/2 ≥ 170 nsec, to the 11t - state of the known Kπ =7− two-quasi-proton band. The new band is interpreted as a four-quasi-particle structure, with measured values of B(M1)/B(E2) consistent with the configuration [7t -] ⊗ ?i13/2[642 5/2+] ⊗ ?h9/2[523 5/2t -], i.e. [7t -]⊗ [AE,AF]. This is supported by the observation of a crossing which resembles the second i13/2 neutron crossing, BC, associated with the two-quasi-neutron band built on the configuration, [AE,AF]. The routhian of the new band is close to the sum of the individual routhians of [AE,AF] and [7−]. The cause of a small gain in energy of 130–272 keV is discussed.

An experiment aiming at finding evidence for γ-decay of the giant dipole resonance built on superdeformed nuclear states has been made using the EUROBALL γ-detector array coupled to the large BaF2 detectors of the HECTOR system. The reaction 110Pd(37Cl, 4n)143Eu at beam energies of 165 MeV and 170 MeV has been employed. A report of the analysis of a part of the data at Ebeam = 165 MeV is given here. Results based on more inclusive and on very exclusive high-energy γ-ray spectra are presented. In particular, the spectrum of high-energy γ-rays gated by low-energy transitions between states fed by the superdeformed states are found to show some excess of yield in the 9–11 MeV region with respect to the spectrum gated by transitions not fed by the superdeformed states. This is the γ-ray energy region where one expects to find the γ-decay of the giant dipole oscillation along the long axis of a superdeformed axially symmetric nucleus. The measured excess is found to be of the same order as that predicted by schematic statistical model calculations assuming that the excitation of the GDR built on excited states is restricted to a region of the phase space a few MeV above the yrast line at very high spins.

Rotational motion loses its coherence as a function of the nuclear internal excitation energy. The damping process does not proceed in a continuous fashion and scars of discrete rotational bands are found, inbedded in a background of damped rotational states, regardless whether the calculations are carried out using effective or “random” forces. The complexity of the damping mechanism is revealed in the lineshape of the ridges in the γ-γ correlation spectrum.

The rotational continuum for normally deformed nuclei of the rare earth region is investigated making use of statistical analysis methods. With these techniques it is possible to extract information on the rotational motion from the region of high level density. In this connection, two points will be discussed; i) the important role of the residual interaction in the description of the experimental data and ii) the dependence of the mixing among rotational bands on the symmetry quantum numbers of the nuclear states. This last point was investigated for the nucleus 163Er for which it has been found that the γ-cascades feeding into low-K bands are different from those feeding high-K bands. This result indicates that the K-selection rules are effective for excited rotational bands within the angular momentum 30ℏ ≤ I ≤ 40ℏ.

Purpose: TissueGene-C (TG-C) is a mixture of normal human chondrocytes (hChonJ) and genetically modified chondrocytes to express TGF-b1 (hChonJb#7), and currently undergoing phase 2 clinical trials for osteoarthritis. Phase 2a clinical trials have shown that TG-C treatment significantly reduced pain when administered to the osteoarthritic patients. In this study, we investigated the effect on pain reduction by the chondrocytes expressing TGF-b (hChonJb#7) which is a component of TG-C. Methods: Monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced osteoarthritis rat model was used in the study. Three milligram of MIA was intraarticularly injected into the left knee of SD rat (280-300g) to induce degradation of cartilage (Ponomis et al, Pain; 2005: 339). The rats showing pain-related behaviors measured by von Frey filament test were selected for the evaluation of hChonJb#7. At two weeks post MIA administration, various doses of hChonJb#7were injected into the same knee. The effect on the mechanical allodynia by hChonJb#7 treatment was evaluated by von Frey filament test. After completing the filament tests, the knees were harvested for the histological analysis in the cartilage. Results: The improvement of pain related behavior was dose-dependently observed earliest from 1 week post hChonJb#7 injections. The minimum effective dose was 3 x 10^4 cells of hChonJb#7. The effect was maintained upto 4 week post hChonJb#7 injections. The histological analysis showed that the integrity of cartilage was severely affected by MIA treatment but hChonJb#7 treatment protected the cartilage from MIA-induced damage when compared with the untreated group. Conclusions: The current study indicated that the chondrocytes expressing TGF-b (hChonJb#7) reduced pain in a rat model whichmight explain pain reduction in osteoarthritis patients demonstrated during the clinical trials.

The Lombardy Alps, with a surface of 2148 km2 above 2000 m a.s.l. (9% of the total) represents an important portion of the southern side of the orogen. For encompassing a variety of tectonic and climatic regimes, they represent an interesting area to examine environmental controls on periglacial processes. Today, technological developments in remote sensing techniques allow us to study periglacial landforms with increasing detail. We present a new inventory for the whole Lombardy Alps in which we identify and classify rock glaciers and protalus ramparts. The inventory has been conducted by combining a number of remotely-sensed images with field traverses. Specifically, the interpretation of high-resolution (0.5 x 0.5 m) digital aerial photos (2000, 2003, 2007) and a 2 m*2 m Digital Surface Model that cover the whole region has allowed inventorying a greater number of relevant landforms when compared to prior regional efforts. Measurements and photographs taken during fieldwork provided critical ground control for the validation of data extracted from remotely-based analysis. Rock glaciers have been mapped in GIS polygons. The inventory follows the specifics detailed by Scapozza and Mari (2010), with some additional information adapted from the PermaNET evidences guidelines (Cremonese et al., 2011). Landform attributes include, geographic coordinates, mountain sector, type, activity, area, elevation (min, max and mean), slope gradient, slope aspect, dominant lithology, vegetation at the front, and upstream presence/absence of a glacier. In total, we identify 1734 periglacial landforms covering a surface of 81,5 km2 (0,34% of the region). In terms of activity, the inventory includes 673 (39%) intact classified and 1061 (61%) relict landforms. The most common landform typology is the talus-lobate (931, 54%) followed by talus tongue-shaped (436, 25%) and protalus ramparts (232, 13%). Minimum elevation, often considered a good approximation of discontinuous permafrost lower limit, sets respectively at 2590 m a.s.l. and 2200 m a.s.l. for intact and relict types. The majority of the inventoried landforms sits within the 2000-2500 m (53 %) and 2500-3000 m (39%) elevations belts. In order to explore potential lithologic controls on rock glacier abundance, we calculate surface ratios across major lithological categories. This attribute for a given lithology is the ratio between the combined surface of the inventoried landforms and the relevant terrain surface over the 1460 m a.s.l. (i.e. minimum elevation of the lowest relict rock glacier). Higher rock glacier densities are found in intrusive (0.032) and metamorphic (0.031) rocks, followed by extrusive (0.017) and sedimentary ones (0.012). This inventory represents a necessary preliminary step for modelling the spatial distribution of permafrost at the regional scale. We believe the inventory integrates well with prior and ongoing research on the cryosphere of the Alps. In particular, our research effort fills a strategic geographic gap in the context of the PermaNET initiative. - Cremonese, E., Gruber, S., Phillips, M., Pogliotti, P., Boeckli, L., Noetzli, J., Suter, C., Bodin, X., Crepaz, A., Kellerer-Pirklbauer, A., Lang, K., Letey, S., Mair, V., Morra di Cella, U., Ravanel, L., Scapozza, C., Seppi, R., and Zischg, A. 2011, Brief Communication: "An inventory of permafrost evidence for the European Alps", The Cryosphere Discuss., 5, 1201-1218. - Scapozza, C., Mari, S. 2010, Catasto, caratteristiche e dinamica dei rock glaciers delle Alpi Ticinesi. Bollettino della società ticinese di Scienze Naturali - 98, 2010 pp 15-29.