Laser Spectroscopy of Neutron-Rich Tin Isotopes: A Discontinuity in Charge Radii across the N=82 Shell Closure

The change in mean-square nuclear charge radii δ⟨r^{2}⟩ along the even-A tin isotopic chain ^{108-134}Sn has been investigated by means of collinear laser spectroscopy at ISOLDE/CERN using the atomic transitions 5p^{2} ^{1}S_{0}→5p6 s^{1}P_{1} and 5p^{2} ^{3}P_{0}→5p6s ^{3}P_{1}. With the determination of the charge radius of ^{134}Sn and corrected values for some of the neutron-rich isotopes, the evolution of the charge radii across the N=82 shell closure is established. A clear kink at the doubly magic ^{132}Sn is revealed, similar to what has been observed at N=82 in other isotopic chains with larger proton numbers, and at the N=126 shell closure in doubly magic ^{208}Pb. While most standard nuclear density functional calculations struggle with a consistent explanation of these discontinuities, we demonstrate that a recently developed Fayans energy density functional provides a coherent description of the kinks at both doubly magic nuclei, ^{132}Sn and ^{208}Pb, without sacrificing the overall performance. A multiple correlation analysis leads to the conclusion that both kinks are related to pairing and surface effects.

Investigations on potential methods for the long-term monitoring of the state of fuel elements in dry storage casks

Extended dry storage of spent nuclear fuel is a relevant issue in many countries operating nuclear power plants. Beside regulatory and security aspects there are questions with respect to the long-term integrity of the spent fuel as this is of relevance for final transportation and reloading to final waste repository casks. Within the frame of the BMWi project DCS-MONITOR, we investigate the potentials of different methods for non-intrusive monitoring of dry cask storage containers with spent nuclear fuel. These are thermography, radiation-based methods, and acoustic methods. For all of them we study the sensitivity and cross-sensitivity with respect to defined changes in the nuclear fuel distribution inside the containers. The analyses are mainly based on numerical simulations but also include some dedicated experimental studies.

Sorbents can tailor nitrogen release from organic wastes to match the uptake capacity of crops

Delivering nutrients from mineral or organic fertilizers out of synchrony with crop uptake causes inefficiencies and pollution. We explore methodologies for evaluating sorbents as additives to organic agricultural wastes to retain nitrogen in an exchangeable form and deliver at rates that approximate the uptake capacity of roots. Focussing on ammonium (NH₄⁺) as the main inorganic nitrogen form in the studied wastes (sugarcane mill mud, poultry litter), we tested geo-sorbents and biochar for their ability to retain NH₄⁺. Sorption capacity was ranked palagonite < bentonite, biochar, vermiculite < chabazite, clinoptilolite (5.7 to 24.3 mg NH₄⁺ g^-1 sorbent). Sorbent-waste formulations were analysed for sorption capacity, leaching and fluxes of NH₄⁺. Ammonium-sorption capacity broadly translated to sorbent-waste formulations with clinoptilolite conferring the strongest NH₄⁺ attenuation (80%), and palagonite the lowest (7%). A 1:1 ratio of sorbent:waste achieved stronger sorption than a 0.5:1 ratio, and similar sorption as a 1:1.5 ratio. In line with these results, clinoptilolite-amended wastes had the lowest in situ NH₄⁺ fluxes, which exceeded the NH₄⁺ uptake capacity (I_max) of sugarcane and sorghum roots 9 to 84-fold, respectively. Less efficient sorbent-waste formulations and un-amended wastes exceeded I_max of crop roots up to 274-fold. Roots preferentially colonized stronger sorbent-waste formulations and avoided weaker ones, suggesting that lower NH₄⁺ fluxes generate a more favourable growth environment. This study contributes methodologies to identify suitable sorbents to formulate organic wastes as next-generation fertilizers with view of a crop's nutrient physiology. Efficient re-purposing of wastes can improve nutrient use efficiency in agriculture and support the circular nutrient economy.

Is knowledge "half the battle"? The role of depression literacy in help-seeking among a non-clinical sample of adults with currently untreated mental health problems

BACKGROUNDS

The concept of mental health literacy suggests that higher literacy increases the likelihood of seeking treatment. However, previous studies mostly use vignettes, and do not investigate actual help-seeking behaviour.

METHODS

We assessed depression literacy and type of mental illness in a convenience sample of 207 adults with currently untreated mental health problems from the general population. Our analysis sample comprised 152 adults (M_age= 52.12; 73.0% female) with a depressive disorder. Help-seeking behaviour was measured 3 and 6 months after the initial assessment. We conducted multiple logistic regression models to test whether depression literacy predicted help-seeking from mental health professionals, general practitioner, family and friends, or counselling, controlling for sociodemographic data, and depression severity.

RESULTS

Depression literacy was lower in men and older participants, and higher in participants with prior treatment experience. Depression literacy was negatively linked to informal help-seeking (aOR = 0.33 [0.13; 0.84]) when included as a dichotomous predictor (i.e., 'high' versus 'low' literacy).

LIMITATIONS

Our sample was small, thus we did not differentiate between types of depressive disorders in our analysis.

CONCLUSION

We could not corroborate most postulated associations between depression literacy and help-seeking, except for the negative association with informal help. Our findings underline differences between previous vignette-based and community-based investigations of the help-seeking process for mental health problems. To explore underlying mechanisms, future research should investigate the role of intermediary variables and processes in the association between depression literacy and help-seeking, such as self-efficacy and symptom attribution, which might be more clinically relevant in help-seeking for depressive symptoms.

Neutron reflectometry with the Multi-Blade 10B-based detector

The Multi-Blade is a boron-10-based gaseous detector developed for neutron reflectometry instruments at the European Spallation Source in Sweden. The main challenges for neutron reflectometry detectors are the instantaneous counting rate and spatial resolution. The Multi-Blade has been tested on the CRISP reflectometer at the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source in the UK. A campaign of scientific measurements has been performed to study the Multi-Blade response in real instrumental conditions. The results of these tests are discussed in this paper.

From Calcium to Cadmium: Testing the Pairing Functional through Charge Radii Measurements of ^{100-130}Cd

Differences in mean-square nuclear charge radii of ^{100-130}Cd are extracted from high-resolution collinear laser spectroscopy of the 5s ^{2}S_{1/2}→5p ^{2}P_{3/2} transition of the ion and from the 5s5p ^{3}P_{2}→5s6s ^{3}S_{1} transition in atomic Cd. The radii show a smooth parabolic behavior on top of a linear trend and a regular odd-even staggering across the almost complete sdgh shell. They serve as a first test for a recently established new Fayans functional and show a remarkably good agreement in the trend as well as in the total nuclear charge radius.

^{7}Be(n,p)^{7}Li Reaction and the Cosmological Lithium Problem: Measurement of the Cross Section in a Wide Energy Range at n_TOF at CERN

We report on the measurement of the ^{7}Be(n,p)^{7}Li cross section from thermal to approximately 325 keV neutron energy, performed in the high-flux experimental area (EAR2) of the n_TOF facility at CERN. This reaction plays a key role in the lithium yield of the big bang nucleosynthesis (BBN) for standard cosmology. The only two previous time-of-flight measurements performed on this reaction did not cover the energy window of interest for BBN, and they showed a large discrepancy between each other. The measurement was performed with a Si telescope and a high-purity sample produced by implantation of a ^{7}Be ion beam at the ISOLDE facility at CERN. While a significantly higher cross section is found at low energy, relative to current evaluations, in the region of BBN interest, the present results are consistent with the values inferred from the time-reversal ^{7}Li(p,n)^{7}Be reaction, thus yielding only a relatively minor improvement on the so-called cosmological lithium problem. The relevance of these results on the near-threshold neutron production in the p+^{7}Li reaction is also discussed.

Analysis of Minimally Invasive Left Thoracotomy HVAD Implantation – A Single-Center Experience

Background Minimally invasive left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation may reduce peri-/postoperative complications and risks associated with resternotomies. In this study, we describe our first results using a minimally invasive LVAD implantation technique (lateral thoracotomy [LT] group). These results were compared with LVAD implantations done via full median sternotomy (STX group).

Methods HVAD (HeartWare, Framingham, Massachusetts, United States) implantations in 70 patients (LT group n = 22, 52 ± 15 years old; STX group n = 48, 59 ± 11 years old) were retrospectively analyzed. Minimally invasive access via left thoracotomy was feasible in 22 patients. Peri- and postoperative analyses of survival and adverse events were performed.

Results No survival differences were observed between the LT and STX group (p = 0.43). LT patients without temporary right ventricular assist device (tRVAD) showed a significantly better survival rate compared to LT patients with concomitant tRVAD implantation (p = 0.02), which could not be demonstrated in the STX group (p = 0.11). Two LT and four STX patients were successfully bridged to heart transplantation and three STX patients were successfully weaned with subsequent LVAD explantations. LVAD-related infections (n = 4 LT group vs n = 20 STX group, p = 0.04) were less likely in the LT group. No wound dehiscence occurred in the LT group, whereas five were observed in the STX group (p = 0.17). The amount of perioperative blood transfusions (within the first 7 postoperative days) did not differ in both study groups (p = 0.48).

Conclusion The minimally invasive approach is a viable alternative with the possibility to reduce complications and should be particularly considered for bridge-to-transplant patients.

[CF Lung Disease - a German S3 Guideline: Module 2: Diagnostics and Treatment in Chronic Infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa]

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is the most common autosomal-recessive genetic disease affecting approximately 8000 people in Germany. The disease is caused by mutations in the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) gene leading to dysfunction of CFTR, a transmembrane chloride channel. This defect causes insufficient hydration of the epithelial lining fluid which leads to chronic inflammation of the airways. Recurrent infections of the airways as well as pulmonary exacerbations aggravate chronic inflammation, lead to pulmonary fibrosis and tissue destruction up to global respiratory insufficiency, which is responsible for the mortality in over 90 % of patients. The main aim of pulmonary treatment in CF is to reduce pulmonary inflammation and chronic infection. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa) is the most relevant pathogen in the course of CF lung disease. Colonization and chronic infection are leading to additional loss of pulmonary function. There are many possibilities to treat Pa-infection. This is a S3-clinical guideline which implements a definition for chronic Pa-infection and demonstrates evidence-based diagnostic methods and medical treatment for Pa-infection in order to give guidance for individual treatment options.

[Mechanical pupillary dilatation using rings in small pupils during cataract surgery : Video article]

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of mechanical pupillary dilatation in small pupils is a sufficient visualization of the lens to be able to perform capsulorhexis, phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation.

INDICATIONS

The indications for mechanical dilatation are fulfilled in patients where a sufficient pharmacological preoperative pupil dilatation is not possible.

SURGICAL TECHNIQUE

During routine cataract surgery specific foldable rings can be employed to dilate the pupil with the appropriate injector under viscoelastic substances. These rings are carefully placed at the pupillary margin until circular pupillary dilatation up to 6-7 mm is achieved. After intraocular lens implantation and before removing the viscoelastic substance the rings are slowly folded into the injector and then removed. The surgical technique is demonstrated in detail with the help of a video of the operation, which is available online.

RESULTS

Mechanical pupillary dilatation was possible in all patients studied (n = 14), which allowed uncomplicated phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation. For both ring systems studied the mean pupillary dilatation was 6.6 mm. At the end of surgery, the pupillary diameter was 4.89 mm using a Malyugin ring (MST, Redmond, Washington, USA) and 4.93 mm with an I‑ring (Visitec, Waltham, MA, USA; P > 0.05). Small lesions at the pupillary margin or pigment dispersion during implantation or explantation depended mostly on the individual patient situation and not on the ring used.

CONCLUSION

Mechanical pupillary dilatation with rings allows sufficient dilatation to perform cataract surgery. Both the Malyugin ring and the I‑ring achieved smooth and atraumatic pupillary dilatation.

Integration of Genomic Data in Electronic Health Records

Objectives: In this paper we give an overview about the challenge the postgenomic era poses on biomedical informaticists. The occurrence of new (genomic) data types necessitates new data models, new viewing metaphors and methods to deal with the disclosure of genomic data. We discuss integration issues when inferring phenotype and genotype data. Another challenge is to find the right phenotype to genotype data in order to get appropriate case numbers for sound clinical genotype-phenotype inference studies.

Methods: Genomic data could be integrated in an Electronic Health Record (EHR) in several ways. We describe patient-centered and pointer-based integration strategies and the corresponding data types and data models. The inference mechanisms for the interpretation of raw data contain different agents. We describe vertical, horizontal and temporal agents.

Results: We have to deal with several new data types, not being standardized for EHR integration. Genomic data tends to be more structured than phenotype data. Beyond the development of new data models, vertical, horizontal and temporal agents have to be developed in order to link genotype and phenotype. As the genomic EHR will contain very sensitive data, confidentiality and privacy concerns have to be addressed.

Conclusions: Given the necessity to capture both environment and genomic state of a patient and their interaction, clinical information systems have to be redesigned. While genotyping seems to be automatable easily, this is not the case for clinical information. More integration work on terminologies and ontologies has to be done.

Sobol Sensitivity Analysis: A Tool to Guide the Development and Evaluation of Systems Pharmacology Models

A systems pharmacology model typically integrates pharmacokinetic, biochemical network, and systems biology concepts into a unifying approach. It typically consists of a large number of parameters and reaction species that are interlinked based upon the underlying (patho)physiology and the mechanism of drug action. The more complex these models are, the greater the challenge of reliably identifying and estimating respective model parameters. Global sensitivity analysis provides an innovative tool that can meet this challenge. CPT Pharmacometrics Syst. Pharmacol. (2015) 4, 69-79; doi:10.1002/psp4.6; published online 25 February 2015.

Optimierung der Bestrahlungsplanung beim nicht-kleinzelligen Bronchialkarzinom (NSCLC) mit Hilfe von 18FDG-PET

Ziel: Die FDG-PET-Untersuchung hat in den vergangenen Jahren bei onkologischen Fragestellungen insbesondere beim Staging des Bronchialkarzinoms wachsende Bedeutung erlangt. In der vorliegenden retrospektiven Untersuchung wurde der Einfluss der PET auf die Strahlentherapieplanung bei Patienten mit non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) untersucht. Methoden: Die Untersuchung umfasste 39 Patienten mit einem NSCLC, die zwecks Staging mit PET untersucht worden waren. Sie wurden über (anhand der CT- und Bronchoskopiebefunde geplante) anterior/posteriore Gegenfelder bestrahlt, die den Primärtumor und das Mediastinum einschlossen. Die Ergebnisse der PET-Untersuchung wurden bei der Bestrahlungsplanung zunächst nicht berücksichtigt. Retrospektiv wurden anhand der FDG-Anreicherungen die Bestrahlungsfelder unter Berücksichtigung der Größe und Lokalisation des Primärtumors neu definiert, weiterhin wurde die Ausdehnung des mediastinalen Anteils der Feldkonturen auf PET-Aktivitäten außerhalb des Bestrahlungsfelds überprüft. Ergebnisse: Bei 15 von 39 Patienten unterschieden sich die CT- von den CT/PET-geplanten Bestrahlungsfeldern. In den meisten Fällen (n = 12) war das CT/PET-Feld kleiner als das CT-Feld. Die mediane Größe der Bestrahlungsfelder betrug 179 cm2 und nach Neudefinition durch PET 166 cm2. Bei 20 Patienten mit Tumor-verursachten Belüftungsstörungen (Atelektasen, Dystelektasen) wurde die Änderung des Bestrahlungsfelds signifikant häufiger (p = 0,03) als bei den übrigen Patienten vorgeschlagen. Schlussfolgerung: Unsere Ergebnisse zeigen den Synergismus von topographischer (CT) und metabolischer (FDG-PET) Information, die in der Bestrahlungsplanung des Bronchialkarzinoms insbesondere bei Patienten mit Belüftungsstörungen von Nutzen sein könnte.