A New Parameter Set for the Relativistic Mean Field Theory

Subtracting the Strutinsky shell corrections from the selfconsistent energies obtained within the Relativistic Mean Field Theory (RMFT) we have got estimates for the macroscopic part of the binding energies of 142 spherical even-even nuclei. By minimizing their root mean square deviations from the values obtained with the Lublin-Srasbourg Drop (LSD) model with respect to the nine RMFT parameters we have found the optimal set (NL4). The new parameters reproduce also the radii of these nuclei with an accuracy comparable with that obtained with the NL1 and NL3 sets.Comment: Semiar given at the 10th Nuclear Physics Workshop in Kazimierz, Poland, Sep. 24-28, 200

Parametrizations of triaxial deformation and E2 transitions of the wobbling band

By the very definition the triaxial deformation parameter $\gamma$ is related to the expectation values of the K=0 and K=2 components of the intrinsic quadrupole tensor operator. On the other hand, using the same symbol "$\gamma$", various different parametrizations of triaxial deformation have been employed, which are suitable for various types of the mean-field potentials. It is pointed out that the values of various "$\gamma$" are quite different for the same actual triaxial deformation, especially for the large deformation; for example, the difference can be almost a factor two for the case of the triaxial superdeformed bands recently observed in the Hf and Lu nuclei. In our previous work, we have studied the wobbling band in Lu nuclei by using the microscopic framework of the cranked Nilsson mean-field and the random phase approximation, where the most serious problem is that the calculated B(E2) value is about factor two smaller. It is shown that the origin of this underestimation can be mainly attributed to the small triaxial deformation; if is used the same triaxial deformation as in the analysis of the particle-rotor model, the calculated B(E2) increases and gives correct magnitude compared with the experimental data.Comment: 10 pages, 9 figure

The Neutron Halo in Heavy Nuclei Calculated with the Gogny Force

The proton and neutron density distributions, one- and two-neutron separation energies and radii of nuclei for which neutron halos are experimentally observed, are calculated using the self-consistent Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov method with the effective interaction of Gogny. Halo factors are evaluated assuming hydrogen-like antiproton wave functions. The factors agree well with experimental data. They are close to those obtained with Skyrme forces and with the relativistic mean field approach.Comment: 13 pages in Latex and 17 figures in ep

Fission Fragment Mass and Kinetic Energy Yields of Fermium Isotopes

A rapidly converging 4-dimensional Fourier shape parametrization is used to model the fission process of heavy nuclei. Potential energy landscapes are computed within the macroscopic-microscopic approach, on top of which the multi-dimensional Langevin equation is solved to describe the fission dynamics. Charge equilibration at scission and de-excitation by neutron evaporation of the primary fragments after scission is investigated. The model describes various observables, including fission-fragment mass, charge, and kinetic energy yields, as well as post-scission neutron multiplicities and, most importantly, their correlations, which are crucial to unravel the complexity of the fission process. The parameters of the dynamical model were tuned to reproduce experimental data obtained from thermal neutron-induced fission of $^{235}$U, which allows us to discuss the transition from asymmetric to symmetric fission along the Fm isotopic chain.Comment: Presented at the Mazurian Lakes Conference on Physics, 2023, Polan

Antibiotic consumption and antimicrobial resistance in Poland; findings and implications

Background: The problem of inappropriate use of antibiotics and the resulting growth in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has implications for Poland and the world. The objective of this paper was to compare and contrast antibiotic resistance and antibiotic utilisation in Poland in recent years versus other European countries, including agreed quality indicators, alongside current AMR patterns and ongoing policies and initiatives in Poland to influence and improve antibiotic prescribing. Methods: A quantitative ten-year analysis (2007-2016) of the use of antibiotics based on European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) data combined with a literature review on AMR rates and antimicrobial stewardship initiatives. Results: The system of monitoring AMR and appropriate strategies to address AMR rates remain underdeveloped in Poland. The role of microbiological diagnostics and efforts to prevent infections is currently underestimated by physicians. Overall, Poland had one of the highest rates of total consumption of antibiotics in the analysed European countries. Total consumption of antibacterials for systemic use and relative consumption of beta-lactamase sensitive penicillins were characterized by small but statistically significant average annual increases between 2007 and 2016 (from 22.2DIDs to 23.9 DIDs and from 0.8% to 1.3%, respectively). Conclusions: The integrated activities around appropriate antibiotic prescribing in the pre- and post-graduate training of physicians and dentists seem to be particularly important, as well as changes in policies on prescribing antibiotics within ambulatory care. AMR and appropriate prescribing of antibiotics should be the focus of health policy actions in Poland

Mapping the multicausality of Alzheimer's disease through group model building.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex, multicausal disorder involving several spatiotemporal scales and scientific domains. While many studies focus on specific parts of this system, the complexity of AD is rarely studied as a whole. In this work, we apply systems thinking to map out known causal mechanisms and risk factors ranging from intracellular to psychosocial scales in sporadic AD. We report on the first systemic causal loop diagram (CLD) for AD, which is the result of an interdisciplinary group model building (GMB) process. The GMB was based on the input of experts from multiple domains and all proposed mechanisms were supported by scientific literature. The CLD elucidates interaction and feedback mechanisms that contribute to cognitive decline from midlife onward as described by the experts. As an immediate outcome, we observed several non-trivial reinforcing feedback loops involving factors at multiple spatial scales, which are rarely considered within the same theoretical framework. We also observed high centrality for modifiable risk factors such as social relationships and physical activity, which suggests they may be promising leverage points for interventions. This illustrates how a CLD from an interdisciplinary GMB process may lead to novel insights into complex disorders. Furthermore, the CLD is the first step in the development of a computational model for simulating the effects of risk factors on AD

A review of the human vs. porcine female genital tract and associated immune system in the perspective of using minipigs as a model of human genital Chlamydia infection

International audienceAbstractSexually transmitted diseases constitute major health issues and their prevention and treatment continue to challenge the health care systems worldwide. Animal models are essential for a deeper understanding of the diseases and the development of safe and protective vaccines. Currently a good predictive non-rodent model is needed for the study of genital chlamydia in women. The pig has become an increasingly popular model for human diseases due to its close similarities to humans. The aim of this review is to compare the porcine and human female genital tract and associated immune system in the perspective of genital Chlamydia infection. The comparison of women and sows has shown that despite some gross anatomical differences, the structures and proportion of layers undergoing cyclic alterations are very similar. Reproductive hormonal cycles are closely related, only showing a slight difference in cycle length and source of luteolysing hormone. The epithelium and functional layers of the endometrium show similar cyclic changes. The immune system in pigs is very similar to that of humans, even though pigs have a higher percentage of CD4+/CD8+ double positive T cells. The genital immune system is also very similar in terms of the cyclic fluctuations in the mucosal antibody levels, but differs slightly regarding immune cell infiltration in the genital mucosa - predominantly due to the influx of neutrophils in the porcine endometrium during estrus. The vaginal flora in Göttingen Minipigs is not dominated by lactobacilli as in humans. The vaginal pH is around 7 in Göttingen Minipigs, compared to the more acidic vaginal pH around 3.5–5 in women. This review reveals important similarities between the human and porcine female reproductive tracts and proposes the pig as an advantageous supplementary model of human genital Chlamydia infection