Non-adiabatic corrections to elastic scattering of halo nuclei

We derive the formalism for the leading order corrections to the adiabatic approximation to the scattering of composite projectiles. Assuming a two-body projectile of core plus loosely-bound valence particle and a model (the core recoil model) in which the interaction of the valence particle and the target can be neglected, we derive the non-adiabatic correction terms both exactly, using a partial wave analysis, and using the eikonal approximation. Along with the expected energy dependence of the corrections, there is also a strong dependence on the valence-to-core mass ratio and on the strength of the imaginary potential for the core-target interaction, which relates to absorption of the core in its scattering by the target. The strength and diffuseness of the core-target potential also determine the size of the corrections. The first order non-adiabatic corrections were found to be smaller than qualitative estimates would expect. The large absorption associated with the core-target interaction in such halo nuclei as Be11 kills off most of the non-adiabatic corrections. We give an improved estimate for the range of validity of the adiabatic approximation when the valence-target interaction is neglected, which includes the effect of core absorption. Some consideration was given to the validity of the eikonal approximation in our calculations.Comment: 14 pages with 10 figures, REVTeX4, AMS-LaTeX v2.13, submitted to Phys. Rev.

The optical potential of 6^{6}He in the eikonal approximation

The new data of the elastic scattering of $^{6}$He+$^{12}$C at about 40 MeV/nucleon are analyzed in the eikonal approximation. The $^{6}$He+$^{12}$C phase-shift function is evaluated completely without any {\it ad hoc} assumption by a Monte Carlo integration, which makes it possible to use a realistic 6-nucleon wave function for a halo nucleus $^{6}$He. The effect of the breakup of $^6$He on the elastic differential cross sections as well as the optical potential is studied at different energies from 40 to 800 MeV/nucleon. PACS number(s): 24.10.-i; 21.60.Ka; 25.60.Bx; 25.10.+s Keywords: Eikonal; Glauber; Monte Carlo; Halo; BreakupComment: 13 pages, 9 figure

Safety of Infliximab in Children with IBD: The Experience of an Academic Center in WV

BACKGROUND: The immune-modulating drug, infliximab, is approved for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) treatment in children. Chronic therapy with infliximab is associated with the development of early and delayed infusion reactions. We reviewed our experience with infliximab treatment and its side effects in a cohort of children diagnosed with IBD who were treated in our clinic. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of all IBD children treated with infliximab in our center from 2006-2011 was performed. The demographic, chronological and clinical data were recorded. The infliximab infusion was given at 5mg/ kg according to a standard protocol after pre-treatment with low dose steroid and diphenhydramine. RESULTS: Of 30 IBD patients (23 CD/7 UC) receiving 454 infusions (341 CD/113 UC), six (20%) patients experienced early infusion reactions. Two (6.7%) patients had a delayed reaction; of those, both required intestinal resection. CONCLUSION: Our study is the first to address the safety of infliximab infusion reactions in children in the state of WV. Our results lend support to the use and safety of infliximab in children with moderate to severe IBD

Light-Induced Photochemical Changes in Copper(I) Thiocyanate Complexes Decorated with Halopyridines: Optical Memory Manifestation

We report on the photoluminescence of {CuSCN(3-XPy)2}n crystals (X = Br, Cl; Py = pyridine). Laser excitation at 266 nm for CuSCN(3-BrPy)2 at 78 K results in a decrease in the luminescence intensity with increasing irradiation time. Heating the sample to 298 K and recooling to 78 K results in recovery of the original luminescence intensity, hence manifesting an optical memory effect. Laser irradiation at longer or shorter wavelengths fails to produce a reduction in emission intensity. Interestingly, CuSCN(3-ClPy)2, despite being isomorphic, does not undergo emission intensity changes regardless of laser irradiation wavelength variation. Density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT calculations were performed on an adjacent chain model to explore the photochemical change that occurs upon laser irradiation. The observed reduction in luminescence intensity is attributed to photoinduced electron transfer quenching in which Cu(I) is oxidized to a nonluminescent Cu(II) with capture of the halogen by a neighboring SCN ligand on the adjacent coordination polymer chain

Very Long Apnea Events in Preterm Infants

Apnea is nearly universal among very low birth weight (VLBW) infants, and the associated bradycardia and desaturation may have detrimental consequences. We describe here very long ( \u3e 60 s) central apnea events (VLAs) with bradycardia and desaturation, discovered using a computerized detection system applied to our database of over 100 infant years of electronic signals. Eighty-six VLAs occurred in 29 out of 335 VLBW infants. Eighteen of the 29 infants had a clinical event or condition possibly related to the VLA. Most VLAs occurred while infants were on nasal continuous positive airway pressure, supplemental oxygen, and caffeine. Apnea alarms on the bedside monitor activated in 66% of events, on average 28 s after cessation of breathing. Bradycardia alarms activated late, on average 64 s after cessation of breathing. Before VLAs oxygen saturation was unusually high, and during VLAs oxygen saturation and heart rate fell unusually slowly. We give measures of the relative severity of VLAs and theoretical calculations that describe the rate of decrease of oxygen saturation. A clinical conclusion is that very long apnea (VLA) events with bradycardia and desaturation are not rare. Apnea alarms failed to activate for about one-third of VLAs. It appears that neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) personnel respond quickly to bradycardia alarms but not consistently to apnea alarms. We speculate that more reliable apnea detection systems would improve patient safety in the NICU. A physiological conclusion is that the slow decrease of oxygen saturation is consistent with a physiological model based on assumed high values of initial oxygen saturation

Perspectives on long-acting formulations of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among men who have sex with men who are non-adherent to daily oral PrEP in the United States

INTRODUCTION: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) persistence among men who have sex with men (MSM) in real world clinical settings for HIV prevention is suboptimal. New longer-acting formulations of PrEP are becoming available, including injectables, subdermal implants, and other oral medications. These longer-acting formulations have the potential to improve retention among those who have challenges remaining adherent to daily oral PrEP. METHODS: We interviewed 49 MSM who had initiated but discontinued oral PrEP at three diverse clinics across the United States. We examined participants\u27 perspectives about long-acting PrEP formulations and how long-acting options could affect PrEP use using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Participants were not very knowledgeable about long-acting formulations of PrEP but were open to learning about them and considering use. Participants were concerned about safety and efficacy of products given that they were still newer and/or in development. Finally, participants had clear preferences for oral pills, injectables, and then subdermal implants and were most interested in options that reduced the number of visits to the clinic. CONCLUSION: Long-acting formulations of PrEP are acceptable to MSM with suboptimal PrEP persistence and have the potential to improve PrEP persistence. However, many felt they needed more information on safety, efficacy, and use to consider these options. As these long-acting formulations are implemented, public health campaigns and clinical interventions to encourage may maximize uptake particularly among those who are not currently adherent to daily oral PrEP

Accurate Automated Apnea Analysis in Preterm Infants

Objective In 2006 the apnea of prematurity (AOP) consensus group identified inaccurate counting of apnea episodes as a major barrier to progress in AOP research. We compare nursing records of AOP to events detected by a clinically validated computer algorithm that detects apnea from standard bedside monitors. Study Design Waveform, vital sign, and alarm data were collected continuously from all very low-birth-weight infants admitted over a 25-month period, analyzed for central apnea, bradycardia, and desaturation (ABD) events, and compared with nursing documentation collected from charts. Our algorithm defined apnea as\u3e10seconds if accompanied by bradycardia and desaturation. Results Of the 3,019 nurse-recorded events, only 68% had any algorithm-detected ABD event. Of the 5,275 algorithm-detected prolonged apnea events\u3e30seconds, only 26% had nurse-recorded documentation within 1 hour. Monitor alarms sounded in only 74% of events of algorithm-detected prolonged apnea events\u3e10 seconds. There were 8,190,418 monitor alarms of any description throughout the neonatal intensive care unit during the 747 days analyzed, or one alarm every 2 to 3 minutes per nurse. Conclusion An automated computer algorithm for continuous ABD quantitation is a far more reliable tool than the medical record to address the important research questions identified by the 2006 AOP consensus group

Facilitators for retaining men who have sex with men in pre-exposure prophylaxis care in real world clinic settings within the United States

BACKGROUND: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can significantly reduce HIV acquisition especially among communities with high HIV prevalence, including men who have sex with men (MSM). Much research has been finding suboptimal PrEP persistence; however, few studies examine factors that enhance PrEP persistence in real-world settings. METHODS: We interviewed 33 patients who identified as MSM at three different PrEP clinics in three regions of the U.S. (Northeast, South, Midwest). Participants were eligible if they took PrEP and had been retained in care for a minimum of 6 months. Interviews explored social, structural, clinic-level and behavioral factors that influencing PrEP persistence. RESULTS: Through thematic analysis we identified the following factors as promoting PrEP persistence: (1) navigation to reduce out-of-pocket costs of PrEP (structural), (2) social norms that support PrEP use (social), (3) access to LGBTQ + affirming medical providers (clinical), (4) medication as part of a daily routine (behavioral), and (5) facilitation of sexual health agency (belief). DISCUSSION: In this sample, persistence in PrEP care was associated with structural and social supports as well as a high level of perceived internal control over protecting their health by taking PrEP. Patients might benefit from increased access, LGBTQ + affirming medical providers, and communications that emphasize PrEP can promote sexual health