Longitudinal Wobbling Motion in Au 187

The rare phenomenon of nuclear wobbling motion has been investigated in the nucleus Au187. A longitudinal wobbling-bands pair has been identified and clearly distinguished from the associated signature-partner band on the basis of angular distribution measurements. Theoretical calculations in the framework of the particle rotor model are found to agree well with the experimental observations. This is the first experimental evidence for longitudinal wobbling bands where the expected signature partner band has also been identified, and establishes this exotic collective mode as a general phenomenon over the nuclear chart

Direct Mass Measurements to Inform the Behavior of <math display="inline"><mrow><mmultiscripts><mrow><mi>Sb</mi></mrow><mprescripts/><none/><mrow><mn>128</mn><mi mathvariant="normal">m</mi></mrow></mmultiscripts></mrow></math> in Nucleosynthetic Environments

International audienceNuclear isomer effects are pivotal in understanding nuclear astrophysics, particularly in the rapid neutron-capture process where the population of metastable isomers can alter the radioactive decay paths of nuclei produced during astrophysical events. The β-decaying isomer Sb128m was identified as potentially impactful since the β-decay pathway along the A=128 isobar funnels into this state bypassing the ground state. We report the first direct mass measurements of the Sb128 isomer and ground state using the Canadian Penning Trap mass spectrometer at Argonne National Laboratory. We find mass excesses of -84564.8(25)  keV and -84608.8(21)  keV, respectively, resulting in an excitation energy for the isomer of 43.9(33) keV. These results provide the first key nuclear data input for understanding the role of Sb128m in nucleosynthesis, and we show that it will influence the flow of the rapid neutron-capture process

The epidemiology and experience of atopic eczema during childhood: a discussion paper on the implications of current knowledge for health care, public health policy and research

Atopic eczema is a chronic skin condition affecting between 5% and 20% of children aged up to 11 years at one time or other. Research suggests that prevalence is increasing and various environmental factors have been implicated in the aetiology. While often seen to be a minor problem, research suggests that it can cause considerable disruption to the lives of children and their carers and involves significant cost for the family and health care systems. The current consensus is that the majority of cases of atopic eczema are most appropriately managed within primary care. However, management of the condition is problematic because diagnosis is often difficult. Consultations tend to focus on the physical aspects of the problems neglecting the psychosocial, while treatment remains mainly palliative and can be as diverse as the condition itself. More appropriate and effective primary care management and support for children with atopic eczema and their carers will only be developed if health professionals become more aware of the social context of the disease and the impact on the lives of those affected. Public health responses focusing on primary prevention are also needed. This paper reviews a diverse literature on the epidemiology of the condition, the way in which it affects the lives of children and their carers and the factors that shape their help seeking decisions. The aim is to contribute to a more substantial knowledge base for public health and primary care developments and to point to areas for future research


Keywords: atopic eczema; primary care; lay managemen

Macrolide therapy is associated with lower mortality in community-acquired bacteraemic pneumonia

Background: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) has a potential complication of bacteremia. The objective of this study was to define the clinical outcomes of patients with CAP and bacteremia treated with and without a macrolide. Materials and methods: Secondary analysis of the Community-Acquired Pneumonia Organization database of hospitalized patients with CAP. Patients with a positive blood culture were categorized based on the presence or absence of a macrolide in their initial antimicrobial regimen, and severity of their CAP. Outcomes included in-hospital all-cause mortality, 30-day mortality, length of stay, and time to clinical stability. Results: Among 549 patients with CAP and bacteremia, 247 (45%) were treated with a macrolide and 302 (55%) were not. The primary pathogen was Streptococcus pneumoniae (74%). Poisson regression with robust error variance models were used to compare the adjusted effects of each study group on the outcomes. The unadjusted 30-day mortality was 18.4% in the macrolide group, and 29.6% in the non-macrolide group (adjusted relative risk (aRR)0.81; 95% confidence interval (CI)0.50\u20131.33; P = 0.41). Unadjusted in-hospital all-cause mortality was 7.3% in the macrolide group, and 18.9% in the non-macrolide group (aRR 0.54, 95% CI 0.30\u20130.98; P = 0.043). Length of stay and time to clinical stability were not significantly different. Conclusions: In-hospital mortality, but not 30-day mortality, was significantly better in the macrolide group. Our data support the use of a macrolide in hospitalized patients with CAP and bacteraemia