Directed, Elliptic, and Higher Order Flow Harmonics of Protons, Deuterons, and Tritons in Au+Au Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=2.4 GeV

Flow coefficients v_{n} of the orders n=1-6 are measured with the High-Acceptance DiElectron Spectrometer (HADES) at GSI for protons, deuterons, and tritons as a function of centrality, transverse momentum, and rapidity in Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=2.4  GeV. Combining the information from the flow coefficients of all orders allows us to construct for the first time, at collision energies of a few GeV, a multidifferential picture of the angular emission pattern of these particles. It reflects the complicated interplay between the effect of the central fireball pressure on the emission of particles and their subsequent interaction with spectator matter. The high precision information on higher order flow coefficients is a major step forward in constraining the equation of state of dense baryonic matter.

Exploring time like tranistions in pp, πp and AA reactions with HADES

Radiative transition of an excited baryon to a nucleon with emission of a virtual massive photon converting to dielectron pair (Dalitz decays) provides important information about baryon-photon coupling at low q2 in timelike region. A prominent enhancement in the respective electromagnetic transition Form Factors (etFF) at q2 near vector mesons ρ/ω poles has been predicted by various calculations reflecting strong baryon-vector meson couplings. The understanding of these couplings is also of primary importance for the interpretation of the emissivity of QCD matter studied in heavy ion collisions via dilepton emission. Dedicated measurements of baryon Dalitz decays in proton-proton and pion-proton scattering with HADES detector at GSI/FAIR are presented and discussed. The relevance of these studies for the interpretation of results obtained from heavy ion reactions is elucidated on the example of the HADES results.

Strong Absorption of Hadrons with Hidden and Open Strangeness in Nuclear Matter

We present the first observation of K^{-} and ϕ absorption within nuclear matter by means of π^{-}-induced reactions on C and W targets at an incident beam momentum of 1.7  GeV/c studied with HADES at SIS18/GSI. The double ratio (K^{-}/K^{+})_{W}/(K^{-}/K^{+})_{C} is found to be 0.319±0.009(stat)_{-0.012}^{+0.014}(syst) indicating a larger absorption of K^{-} in heavier targets as compared to lighter ones. The measured ϕ/K^{-} ratios in π^{-}+C and π^{-}+W reactions within the HADES acceptance are found to be equal to 0.55±0.04(stat)_{-0.07}^{+0.06}(syst) and to 0.63±0.06(stat)_{-0.11}^{+0.11}(syst), respectively. The similar ratios measured in the two different reactions demonstrate for the first time experimentally that the dynamics of the ϕ meson in nuclear medium is strongly coupled to the K^{-} dynamics. The large difference in the ϕ production off C and W nuclei is discussed in terms of a strong ϕN in-medium coupling. These results are relevant for the description of heavy-ion collisions and the structure of neutron stars.

Time-Like Baryon Transitions studies with HADES

The HADES collaboration uses the e+e− production as a probe of the resonance matter produced in collisions at incident energies of 1-3.5 GeV/nucleon at GSI. Elementary reactions provide useful references for these studies and give information on resonance Dalitz decays (R→Ne+e−). Such processes are sensitive to the structure of time-like electromagnetic baryon transitions in a kinematic range where (off-shell) vector mesons play a crucial role. Results obtained in proton-proton reactions and in a commissioning pion-beam experiment are reported and prospects for future pion beam experiments and for first hyperon Dalitz decay measurements are described. The connection with the investigations of medium effects to be continued with HADES in the next years at SIS18 and SIS100 is also discussed.

The very forward hadron calorimeter PSD for the future CBM@FAIR experiment

The Projectile Spectator Detector (PSD) of the CBM experiment at the future FAIR facility is a compensating lead-scintillator calorimeter designed to measure the energy distribution of the forward going projectile nucleons and nuclei fragments (reaction spectators) produced close to the beam rapidity. The detector performance for the centrality and reaction plane determination is reviewed based on Monte-Carlo simulations of gold-gold collisions by means of four different heavy-ion event generators. The PSD energy resolution and the linearity of the response measured at CERN PS for the PSD supermodule consisting of 9 modules are presented. Predictions of the calorimeter radiation conditions at CBM and response measurement of one PSD module equipped with neutron irradiated MPPCs used for the light read out are discussed.

Occurrence of occult CSF leaks during standard FESS procedures

OBJECTIVE

To determine the incidence of occult cerebrospinal fluid leaks (CSF) after functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) and to evaluate the diagnostic performance of beta2-transferrin in blood-contaminated conditions.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

METHODS

An analysis of 57 intraoperative samples using hydrogel 6 beta2-transferrin assay after FESS was undertaken. In case of CSF positive samples and continuing rhinorrhea, reanalysis after more than 1 year was conducted. In-vivo analysis of a primary spontaneous CSF leak sample took place to verify difficulties in detecting beta2-transferrin in blood-contaminated settings. Own titrations were performed to evaluate detection limits of CSF by beta2-transferrin and beta-trace protein assays in these settings.

RESULTS

An incidence of 13% for occult CSF leaks after FESS was found. In blood-contaminated conditions, routine beta2-transferrin assays showed low sensitivity. In over 1 year follow-up, all samples were negative for CSF and none of them developed clinical relevant CSF leaks or meningitis.

CONCLUSION

Occult and clinically irrelevant CSF leaks do occur in a significant proportion of patients during and shortly after FESS. Intra- and postoperatively, routine beta2-transferrin assays show low sensitivity. They should not be used in these settings. The clinical course of patients with occult CSF leaks indicated possibility of an uneventful follow-up.

Subthreshold Ξ^{-} production in collisions of p(3.5 GeV)+Nb

Results on the production of the double strange cascade hyperon Ξ^{-} are reported for collisions of p(3.5  GeV)+Nb, studied with the High Acceptance Di-Electron Spectrometer (HADES) at SIS18 at GSI Helmholtzzentrum for Heavy-Ion Research, Darmstadt. For the first time, subthreshold Ξ^{-} production is observed in proton-nucleus interactions. Assuming a Ξ^{-} phase-space distribution similar to that of Λ hyperons, the production probability amounts to P_{Ξ^{-}}=[2.0±0.4(stat)±0.3(norm)±0.6(syst)]×10^{-4} resulting in a Ξ^{-}/(Λ+Σ^{0}) ratio of P_{Ξ^{-}}/P_{Λ+Σ^{0}}=[1.2±0.3(stat)±0.4(syst)]×10^{-2}. Available model predictions are significantly lower than the measured Ξ^{-} yield.

Physiology and biophysics of plant ligand-gated ion channels

Small molecules and metabolites often act as intra- or extracellular messengers in signal transduction pathways. Ligand-gated ion channels provide a mean to transduce those biochemical signals at the membrane into electrical events and ion fluxes. In plants, cyclic nucleotides and glutamate represent intra- and extracellular signalling ligands, respectively. While the former have been shown to regulate voltage-dependent ion channels and are supposed to activate cyclic nucleotide gated (CNG) channels, the latter are perceived by ionotropic glutamate receptors (GLRs). This review summarises our current knowledge about CNG channels and glutamate receptors in plants and their proposed roles in plant development and adaptation to biotic and abiotic stresses.

Deep subthreshold Xi;{-} production in Ar + KCl reactions at 1.76A GeV

We report first results on a deep subthreshold production of the doubly strange hyperon Xi;{-} in a heavy-ion reaction. At a beam energy of 1.76A GeV the reaction Ar + KCl was studied with the High Acceptance Di-Electron Spectrometer at SIS18/GSI. A high-statistics and high-purity Lambda sample was collected, allowing for the investigation of the decay channel Xi;{-} --> Lambdapi;{-}. The deduced Xi;{-}/(Lambda + Sigma;{0}) production ratio of (5.6 +/- 1.2_{-1.7};{+1.8}) x 10;{-3} is significantly larger than available model predictions.

Suppression of high-p{T} neutral pion production in central Pb+Pb collisions at sqrt[S{NN}]=17.3 GeV relative to p+C and p+Pb collisions

Neutral pion transverse momentum spectra were measured in p+C and p+Pb collisions at sqrt[S{NN}]=17.4 GeV at midrapidity (2.3 less than or approximately equal eta{lab} less than or approximately equal 3.0) over the range 0.7 less than or approximately equal p{T} less than or approximately equal 3.5 GeV/c. The spectra are compared to pi{0} spectra measured in Pb+Pb collisions at sqrt[S{NN}]=17.3 GeV in the same experiment. For a wide range of Pb+Pb centralities (N{part} less than or approximately equal 300), the yield of pi{0}'s with p{T} greater than or approximately equal 2 GeV/c is larger than or consistent with the p+C or p+Pb yields scaled with the number of nucleon-nucleon collisions (N{coll}), while for central Pb+Pb collisions with N{part}greater than or approximately equal 350, the pi{0} yield is suppressed.

Dielectron production in 12C+12C collisions at 2A GeV with the HADES spectrometer

The invariant-mass spectrum of e+e- pairs produced in 12C+12C collisions at an incident energy of 2 GeV per nucleon has been measured for the first time. The measured pair production probabilities span over 5 orders of magnitude from the pi(0)-Dalitz to the rho/omega invariant-mass region. Dalitz decays of pi(0) and eta account for all the yield up to 0.15 GeV/c(2), but for only about 50% above this mass. A comparison with model calculations shows that the excess pair yield is likely due to baryon-resonance and vector-meson decays. Transport calculations based on vacuum spectral functions fail, however, to describe the entire mass region.

Interferometry of direct photons in central 208Pb + 208Pb collisions at 158A GeV

Two-particle correlations of direct photons were measured in central 208Pb+208Pb collisions at 158A GeV. The invariant interferometric radii were extracted for 100<K(T)<300 MeV/c and compared to radii extracted from charged pion correlations. The yield of soft direct photons, K(T)<300 MeV/c, was extracted from the correlation strength and compared to theoretical calculations.

[Patient's emotional satisfaction with anaesthetic care]

OBJECTIVE

The evaluation of services by patients is an integral part of continuous quality improvement in anaesthesia. Patient satisfaction is affected by various objective and subjective variables. Individual experiences, impressions and needs represent an important part of overall patient satisfaction.

METHODS

Data of 519 patients were collected in a standardised anonymous questionnaire independent of the post-anaesthetic visit.

RESULTS

Anaesthesia staff appeared to be friendly to 97 % of patients asked, 95 % of patients wanted to be treated by the same staff in case of another anaesthesia, nearly 87 % felt relaxed and satisfied after anaesthesia. Up to 26 % of patients felt tense after pre-anaesthetic visit and 38 % before anaesthesia, 35 % felt that waiting before operation was endless and 20 % complained about loss of humaneness because of technical equipment and monitoring. Significant differences could be found between specific groups of patients: Older and male patients were in all more satisfied compared to younger and female patients, patients after regional anaesthesia were more satisfied compared to ones after general anaesthesia.

CONCLUSION

The inquiry of subjective patient impressions can be performed in anaesthesia departments without much effort. The results help to identify and avoid psycho-vegetative stressing situations and to improve patient satisfaction with anaesthesia.

Suppression of soft nuclear bremsstrahlung in proton-nucleus collisions

Photon energy spectra up to the kinematic limit have been measured in 190 MeV proton reactions with light and heavy nuclei to investigate the influence of the multiple-scattering process on the photon production. Relative to the predictions of models based on a quasifree production mechanism, a strong suppression of bremsstrahlung is observed in the low-energy region of the photon spectrum. We attribute this effect to the interference of photon amplitudes due to multiple scattering of nucleons in the nuclear medium.

Vascular endothelial growth factor expression, angiogenesis, and necrosis in renal cell carcinomas

Rapidly growing tumors often develop necrosis. In the present study the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was investigated and compared to microvessel density and necrosis of renal cell carcinomas. In the tumor-host interface the microvessel density was significantly increased compared to central tumor areas. Tumor necrosis was associated with a decrease of microvessel density and an increase of the VEGF protein expression within the perinecrotic rim. VEGF protein was focally upregulated in vital tumor tissue. An increase of the apoptotic rate of endothelia and vital tumor tissue in tumors with necrosis could not be detected. VEGF(121,165) mRNA was decreased in proliferatively active carcinomas compared to less proliferative tumors. Multicellular renal cell cancer spheroids as a model of chronic hypoxia developed central apoptosis but no necrosis. VEGF was upregulated in the spheroid. Tumor microvessels expressed matrix metalloproteinase -2 and -9 and an incomplete pericyte covering in comparison to tumor-free tissue indicating immature active angiogenesis. We conclude that highly proliferative renal cell carcinomas outgrow their vascular supply and develop chronic hypoxia inducing a decrease of proliferation and an increase of VEGF expression. However, chronic hypoxia does not cause significant necrosis or apoptosis. Tumor necrosis is more likely induced by acute hypoxia due to immature microvessels. Furthermore, VEGF expression associated with concomitant tumor necrosis may help identify renal cell carcinomas susceptible to antiangiogenic therapy.

Differences in cortical microcirculation in the kidneys of unilaterally congenital hydronephrotic rats

The surgically induced split hydronephrotic kidney has been generally accepted as a valid model for the assessment of renal microcirculation by means of intravital microscopy. Whereas nearly all previous work on this issue has been done with a transillumination technique, we used an epiillumination model that is suitable for investigation of microvascular perfusion in both normal and hydronephrotic kidneys without surgical manipulation of the ureter. By means of the congenital unilaterally hydronephrotic Tauchi rat, microcirculation of the hydronephrotic and that of the nonhydronephrotic kidney were compared. For that purpose both the hydronephrotic and the nonhydronephrotic kidneys of Tauchi rats were exteriorized on a specially designed microscopy stage. After injection of FITC-dextran and rhodamine 6G, microvascular perfusion was assessed in both kidneys. The new model allowed visualization of arterioles, capillaries, and postcapillary venules in both the hydronephrotic and the nonhydronephrotic kidneys. Glomeruli could only be regularly seen in the hydronephrotic kidney, but also in some normal kidneys. Capillary blood cell velocity was significantly higher in the hydronephrotic kidneys (0.67 +/- 0.03 mm/s) compared to the normal kidney (0.32 +/- 0.05 mm/s; P < 0.05), whereas capillary diameters were smaller (4.2 +/- 0.02 microm vs. 5.7 +/- 0.2 microm; P < 0.05). In addition, the hydronephrotic kidney showed a significantly lower density of perfused microvessels compared to the normal controls. Epiillumination intravital microscopy allows assessment of the cortical microcirculation in both the hydronephrotic and the nonhydronephrotic kidneys without surgical induction of hydronephrosis. The hydronephrotic kidney shows significant microcirculatory differences compared to normal kidneys that should be taken into account when using a hydronephrotic model for pharmacological testing.

Radiative proton capture on (6)He

Radiative capture of protons is investigated as a probe of clustering in nuclei far from stability. The first such measurement on a halo nucleus is reported here for the reaction 6He(p,gamma) at 40 MeV. Capture into 7Li is observed as the strongest channel. In addition, events have been recorded that may be described by quasifree capture on a halo neutron, the alpha core, and 5He. The possibility of describing such events by capture into the continuum of 7Li is also discussed.

Quantification and in situ localization of MCP-1 mRNA and its relation to the immune response of renal cell carcinoma

Malignant tumours are usually accompanied by an immune response. Chemokines such as MCP-1 have been claimed to be potent inducers of such tumour-associated reactions. In the present study MCP-1 mRNA was quantified by competitive reverse transcription polymerase reaction and localised by in situ hybridisation in renal cell carcinoma tissue in comparison to tumour-free tissue of the same nephrectomy specimen. MCP-1 mRNA levels were correlated with the immune cell infiltrate, the density of CD31(+)microvessels, and the endothelial expression of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, E-, and P-selectin. In only seven of 19 cases, MCP-1 mRNA levels in carcinoma tissue were increased in comparison to tumour-free tissue. Within tumour tissue, mRNA transcripts could be localised in tumour cells, microvessel endothelia, and in tumour-associated macrophages. A correlation between MCP-1 mRNA levels and the density of immune cells, especially macrophages, the microvessel density, and the expression of adhesion molecules could not be observed. Therefore, MCP-1 seems to be of minor importance for the induction of an immune response in renal cell carcinomas regarding at least the parameters analysed in this study.

Matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a group of 16 enzymes that are capable of degrading extracellular matrix components. Their catalytic function is dependent on a zinc ion in the active center. MMPs are separated in three groups: gelatinases (type IV-collagenases), stromelysins, and interstitial collagenases. Their physiological and pathological significance is to modulate the extracellular matrix-e. g., in embryogenesis, in the ovarian cycles, or in inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or fibrosis of the liver or kidney (1,2).

Constructing wifely identity: prescription and practice in the life of Lady Sarah Cowper

So began Lady Sarah Cowper's sixteen-year enterprise in self-justification. Between 1670 and 1700 this English gentlewoman had already filled a dozen commonplace books with extracts from poems, sermons, scripture, and essays, consciously searching for an emotional and intellectual outlet. But in July of 1700 with the added impetus of family scandal alongside long-term marital friction and financial instability, Lady Sarah started keeping a diary in which she reacted to her position—initially middle-aged and unhappily married, then elderly and widowed—and to events in her world. When she finally stopped writing because of ill health in September 1716, her daily entries totaled roughly 2,300 pages in seven volumes. This remarkable diary offers a specific link between the ideologies that institutions and authorities were concerned to promulgate and the outlook of the individual.

Three-pion interferometry results from central Pb+Pb collisions at 158A GeV/c

Three-particle correlations have been measured for identified pi(-) from central 158A GeV Pb+Pb collisions by the WA98 experiment at CERN. A substantial contribution of the genuine three-body correlation has been found as expected for a mainly chaotic and symmetric source.

Coherent bremsstrahlung in the alpha + p system at 50 MeV/nucleon

Photons originating from coherent bremsstrahlung have been measured over a large dynamic range for the reaction of 200 MeV alpha particles with protons. At low photon energies the bremsstrahlung spectrum exhibits the classical behavior with an approximate 1/E(gamma) shape. At higher photon energies there is a pronounced contribution from capture into the unbound ground state and first excited state of 5Li. These results allow one, for the first time, to test theoretical models for a consistent description of bremsstrahlung and radiative capture in a complex system. Calculations predict both features qualitatively but fail to account for their relative importance.

Expression of VCAM-1, ICAM-1, E- and P-selectin and tumour-associated macrophages in renal cell carcinoma

AIMS

Neoangiogenesis is accompanied by an increase in endothelial surface, which can support infiltration by immune cells depending on adhesion molecule expression. Therefore, the expression of cell adhesion molecules on microvessels and epithelial cells was analysed in renal cell carcinomas as compared to tumour-free tissue.

METHODS AND RESULTS

PECAM-1, CD34, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, VLA-4, P- and E-selectin, the macrophage antigens Ki-M1P and Mac-1, and lymphocyte function antigen LFA-1 were identified immunohistochemically. VCAM-1, ICAM-1, and E-selectin were equally or less expressed, whereas P-selectin was increased on microvessels in tumour tissue. The density of VCAM-1-positive tumour microvessels correlated positively with an advanced tumour stage and E- and P-selectin-positive tumour microvessels with the amount of associated macrophages. The expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 on neoplastic epithelia correlated with an increased density of macrophages and a minor degree of tumour differentiation.

CONCLUSIONS

The positive correlation of macrophage infiltration and expression of cell adhesion molecules on tumour microvessels and epithelia with minor tumour differentiation and an advanced stage indicates that adhesion molecule expression is not associated with an effective antitumour function of macrophages

["False positive" testicular perfusion in testicular torsion in power Doppler ultrasound]

We report about a patient with acute scrotal pain. Power Doppler sonography demonstrated arterial testicular perfusion. As no amelioration was achieved by conservative treatment, surgical exploration was done after 7 days. Intraoperatively, we found a partial testicular torsion with a 180 degrees rotation of the testis at the rete testis. This case demonstrates, that the detection of intratesticular arterial blood flow cannot exclude testicular torsion.

Regression of human metastatic renal cell carcinoma after vaccination with tumor cell-dendritic cell hybrids

Reports of spontaneous regressions of metastases and the demonstration of tumor-reactive cytotoxic T lymphocytes indicate the importance of the host's immune system in controlling the devastating course of metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Recent research indicates that immunization with hybrids of tumor and antigen presenting cells results in protective immunity and rejection of established tumors in various rodent models. Here, we present a hybrid cell vaccination study of 17 patients. Using electrofusion techniques, we generated hybrids of autologous tumor and allogeneic dendritic cells that presented antigens expressed by the tumor in concert with the co-stimulating capabilities of dendritic cells. After vaccination, and with a mean follow-up time of 13 months, four patients completely rejected all metastatic tumor lesions, one presented a 'mixed response', and two had a tumor mass reduction of greater 50%. We also demonstrate induction of HLA-A2-restricted cytotoxic T cells reactive with the Muc1 tumor-associated antigen and recruitment of CD8+ lymphocytes into tumor challenge sites. Our data indicate that hybrid cell vaccination is a safe and effective therapy for renal cell carcinoma and may provide a broadly applicable strategy for other malignancies with unknown antigens.

[Clinical and radiological results after arthroscopic partial medial meniscectomy. Are there risk factors?]

In a retrospective study 100 patients underwent a clinical and radiological follow-up 7 years and 7 months after an arthroscopic partial medial meniscectomy. None of these patients had associated intraarticular lesions apart a minor chondral damage of the medial compartment. The follow-up showed excellent clinical results in 96% of patients according to the modified Marshall Score. The radiological results demonstrated a deterioration or development of osteoarthritis of the operated knee joint in 33% of patients, with a statistical significance between radiological and clinical results (p < 0.05). The age of the patients at time of operation and any angular deformity of the knee joint had no statistical significant influence on the radiological results. Women had a statistically significant higher risk to deteriorate or develop gonarthrosis after partial medial meniscectomy than men (p < 0.05). The arthroscopic partial medial meniscectomy leads to excellent subjective and functional results, but it could not totally prevent the increase or development of degenerative changes in the medial knee compartment.

Late results after arthroscopic partial medial meniscectomy

In a retrospective study, 100 patients underwent a clinical and radiological follow-up examination after a minimum of 7 years (range 7.0-9.3 years) following an arthroscopic partial medial meniscectomy. None of these patients had associated intra-articular lesions, apart from minor chondral damage (max. grade 2 Outerbridge classification; < 1 cm2) of the medial compartment at the time of the primary arthroscopy. According to the modified Marshall score, the follow-up evaluation showed excellent clinical results in 96%. Nevertheless, the radiological outcome, as measured by comparing preoperative and postoperative X-rays, demonstrated a development or progression of the osteoarthritis of the affected knee joint in 33%, with a statistically significant correlation between the radiological and clinical outcomes (P < 0.05). The age of the patients at the time of operation and any angular deformity of the knee joint did not influence the radiological results. Women had a statistically significantly higher risk of developing gonarthrosis after partial medial meniscectomy than men (P < 0.05). The arthroscopic partial medial meniscectomy led to excellent subjective and functional results but could not prevent the increase or development of late degenerative changes in the medial knee compartment.

Matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors

Degradation of the extracellular matrix around tumour cells is an essential step in the process of tumour invasion and metastasis. The family of structurally related metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors, the tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP), play an important role in matrix degradation by tumour cells. In this paper MMP and TIMP activity was analysed in renal cell carcinoma. On the transcriptional level, RT-PCR was used to evaluate the expression of membrane type (MT) 1-MMP, MMp-2, MMP-9 and the inhibitors TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 in tumour tissue and normal kidney tissue. Zymography and reverse zymorgaphy measured the activity of MMPs and TIMPs in the supernatant of primary cell cultures derived from these tumour tissues at the protein level. In addition, MMP and TIMP serum levels of these patients were analysed before and 7 days after tumour nephrectomy. MMP expression revealed to be five times higher in low graded tumour tissue compared to normal kidney tissue. In the supernatant of the cell cultures, both MMP-2 and TIMP protein level was higher in samples derived from advanced carcinoma compared to samples derived from organ confined tumours. Serum levels of TIMP-2 decreased significantly after tumour nephrectomy. In conclusion, MMPs are key enzymes for tumour progression in renal cell carcinoma. New functions especially concerning the TIMP proteins may provide further understanding of the tumour progression processes.