A theoretical analysis of the cross sections of O-18,O-19,O-20+C-12 fusion reactions by using different density distributions

In this study, we examine the cross sections of O-18,O-19,O-20 + C-12 fusion reactions at energies near and below Coulomb barrier within the optical model. To propose alternative density distributions for theoretical studies of fusion reactions of oxygen isotopes (O-18,O-19,O-20) and carbon target, we evaluate three different density distributions of O-18,O-19,O-20 and C-12 nuclei. Moreover, we apply two different theoretical approaches which consist of semi-microscopic and fully-microscopic in order to make a comparative study. The theoretical results are compared with each other as well as the experimental data. It is seen that the results are in good agreement with the data. The evaluated methods and density distributions are presented to be alternative ways in explaining the fusion cross sections of O-18,O-19,O-20 + C-12 systems. Finally, we show the effect of weak imaginary potential in fitting the experimental data. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved

Analysis of fusion cross-section and S-factor of <SUP>13</SUP>C+<SUP>12,13</SUP>C reactions for different density distributions at astrophysical energies

The effect of the various density distributions on C-13 + C-12,C-13 reactions is investigated by using the optical model at energies near and below Coulomb barrier. For this purpose, five different density distributions of the C-12 and C-13 nuclei are used to produce the real potential over the double folding model. To make a comprehensive analysis, the fusion cross-sections, S-factor and elastic cross-sections are simultaneously analyzed at astrophysical energies. It is seen that the theoretical results are in good agreement with the experimental data. In this study, the hindrance characteristics of the S-factors for the C-13 + C-12,C-13 reactions are also examined at low energies, and hindrance behavior is not observed

Effect of 9 Li internal structure on 9 Li + 70 Zn fusion reaction

The fusion cross-section of 9 Li + 70 Zn system is analyzed for different cluster models and variousdensity distributions of the 9 Li nucleus by using the optical model at energies near and below Coulombbarrier. To make a comprehensive analysis and show the effect of neutron rich 9 Li nucleus, our studyconsists of two parts. First, we obtain five different density distribution of the 9 Li nucleus. As a secondpart, we evaluate some cluster models of 9 Li which consist of 4 He + 3 H + n + n, 6 He + 3 H, 7 Li + n+ n and 8 Li + n. The microscopic nucleon-nucleon double folding potential for real and imaginary partsis applied. It is seen that the results obtained with this study are in better agreement with the experimentaldata than previous works, especially at low energies. Finally, we acquire the RB and VB parameters for allthe densities and cluster cases of the 9 Li + 70 Zn fusion reaction.</p

Fine-needle aspiration as a diagnostic tool for recurrent tonsillitis

Acute tonsillitis is a common childhood disease, but repeated antibiotic treatment may fail, leading to tonsillectomy. Superficial swab cultures do not sufficiently represent the core bacteria present, but fine-needle aspiration may be a promising diagnostic method. We evaluated 58 patients undergoing tonsillectomy, and took superficial and core swabs, and fine-needle aspirations. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common bacterial pathogen identified, present in 26 out of 50 (52%) positive core cultures, followed by Haemophilus influenza in 13 positive core cultures (26%), and group A beta-haemolytic streptococci in 10 positive core cultures (20%). Fine-needle aspiration detected 33 out of 50 positive core cultures (66%), whereas superficial swab culture detected 18 of 50 (36%); the difference being statistically significant. All pathogens detected by superficial swabs and fine-needle aspiration were detected in core cultures. The sensitivity and specificity of fine-needle aspiration were 66% and 100%, respectively, compared with 36% and 100% for superficial swabs. Fine-needle aspiration is therefore a promising method for detecting core bacteria in patients with recurrent tonsillitis

Successful outcome of aspergillus brain abscess in a patient who underwent bone marrow transplantation for aplastic anemia

We report the course of an aspergillus brain abscess in an 18-year-old female patient who underwent bone marrow transplantation for aplastic anemia. The abscess was discovered on day 35 post-transplant, in a cranial computerized tomography (CT) scan performed for the evaluation of an unexplained headache. Meanwhile, she was receiving broad-spectrum antibacterials and liposomal amphotericin B for a right upper pulmonary lobe infiltrate. A percutaneous puncture of the cerebral lesion was performed; fungal elements were seen in the pus obtained and its culture yielded A. fumigatus. The dose of amphotericin B was increased, intraconazole was added and two more punctures were done. With these antifungals, the abscess regressed significantly; so, amphotericin B was discontinued after a cumulative dose of 6775 mg but itraconazole was maintained at 400 mg/day. At the last follow-up, seventeen months after detection of the abscess, the patient was well, without symptoms and the cerebral lesion diminished to a very small, thick-walled CT image

The value of Gram staining of catheter segments for rapid detection of peripheral venous catheter infections

Catheter-related bloodstream infections are common in hospitalized patients. Peripheral venous catheters (PVCs) are the most frequently used vascular access devices with usually low reported infection rates. We conducted a study to find the rate of PVC-related infections using semiquantitative (roll plate) and quantitative catheter culture techniques. We found significant growth in 9.5% of the PVCs by quantitative culture, which was predictive of a BSI in 43% of cases, which seems to be the major limitation of the method. We conclude that Gram stain is a fast and reliable diagnostic tool for rapid detection of PVC infection. (C) 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved