359 research outputs found
Nuclear structure study around Z=28
Yrast levels of Ni, Cu and Zn isotopes for have been
described by state-of-the-art shell model calculations with three recently
available interactions using Ni as a core in the model
space. The results are unsatisfactory viz. large for very neutron rich
nuclei, small B(E2) values in comparison to experimental values. These results
indicate an importance of inclusion of and orbitals
in the model space to reproduce collectivity in this region.Comment: 12 pages, 14 figure
Trans-generational viral transmission and immune priming are dose-dependent
It is becoming increasingly apparent that trans-generational immune priming (i.e. the transfer of the parental immunological experience to its progeny resulting in offspring protection from pathogens that persist across generations) is a common phenomenon not only in vertebrates, but also invertebrates. Likewise, it is known that covert pathogenic infections may become 'triggered' into an overt infection by various stimuli, including exposure to heterologous infections. Yet rarely have both phenomena been explored in parallel. Using as a model system the African armyworm (Spodoptera exempta), an eruptive agricultural pest, and its endemic dsDNA virus (Spodoptera exempta nucleopolyhedrovirus, SpexNPV), the aim of this study was to explore the impact of parental inoculating-dose on trans-generational pathogen transmission and immune priming (in its broadest sense). Larvae were orally-challenged with one of five doses of SpexNPV and survivors from these treatments were mated and their offspring monitored for viral mortality. Offspring from parents challenged with low viral doses showed evidence of 'immune priming' (i.e. enhanced survival following SpexNPV challenge); in contrast, offspring from parents challenged with higher viral doses exhibited greater susceptibility to viral challenge. Most offspring larvae died of the virus they were orally-challenged with; in contrast, most offspring from parents that had been challenged with the highest doses were killed by the vertically-transmitted virus (90%) and not the challenge virus. These results demonstrate that the outcome of a potentially lethal virus challenge is critically dependent on the level of exposure to virus in the parental generation - either increasing resistance at very low parental viral doses (consistent with trans-generational immune-priming) or increasing susceptibility at higher parental doses (consistent with virus triggering). We discuss the implications of these findings for understanding both natural epizootics of baculoviruses and for using them as biological control agents
Beta decay of 71,73Co; probing single particle states approaching doubly magic 78Ni
Low-energy excited states in 71,73Ni populated via the {\beta} decay of
71,73Co were investigated in an experiment performed at the National
Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory (NSCL) at Michigan State University (MSU).
Detailed analysis led to the construction of level schemes of 71,73Ni, which
are interpreted using systematics and analyzed using shell model calculations.
The 5/2- states attributed to the the f5/2 orbital and positive parity 5/2+ and
7/2+ states from the g9/2 orbital have been identified in both 71,73Ni. In 71Ni
the location of a 1/2- {\beta}-decaying isomer is proposed and limits are
suggested as to the location of the isomer in 73Ni. The location of positive
parity cluster states are also identified in 71,73Ni. Beta-delayed neutron
branching ratios obtained from this data are given for both 71,73Co.Comment: Accepted for publication in PR
Orthodontic treatment needs in the western region of Saudi Arabia: a research report
BACKGROUND: Evaluation of self perceived and actual need for orthodontic treatment helps in planning orthodontic services and estimating the required resources and man power. In the present study, the perceptive need as evaluated by patients and the actual need to orthodontic treatment, as assessed by orthodontists, were evaluated at two types of dental practices in the city of Jeddah using the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN). METHODS: A consecutive sample of 743 adults seeking orthodontic treatment at two different types of dental practices in Jeddah; King Abdulaziz University, Faculty of Dentistry (KAAU) (Free treatment) and two private dental polyclinics (PDP) (Paid treatment), was examined for orthodontic treatment need using the dental health component (DHC) of the IOTN. The self-perceived need for orthodontic treatment was also determined using the aesthetic component (AC) of the IOTN. The IOTN score and the incidence of each variable were calculated statistically. AC and DHC categories were compared using the Chi-Square and a correlation between them was assessed using Spearman's correlation test. AC and DHC were also compared between the two types of dental practices using the Chi-Square. RESULTS: The results revealed that among the 743 patients studied, 60.6% expressed no or slight need for treatment, 23.3% expressed moderate to borderline need and only16.1% thought they needed orthodontic treatment. Comparing these estimates to professional judgments, only 15.2% conformed to little or no need for treatment, 13.2% were assessed as in borderline need and 71.6% were assessed as in need for treatment (p < 0.001). Spearman's correlation test proved no correlation (r = -.045) between the two components. Comparing the AC and the DHC between the KAAU group and PDP group showed significant differences between the two groups (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Patient's perception to orthodontic treatment does not always correlate with professional assessment. The IOTN is a valid screening tool that should be used in orthodontic clinics for better services especially, in health centers that provide free treatment
Development of the (d,n) proton-transfer reaction in inverse kinematics for structure studies
Transfer reactions have provided exciting opportunities to study the
structure of exotic nuclei and are often used to inform studies relating to
nucleosynthesis and applications. In order to benefit from these reactions and
their application to rare ion beams (RIBs) it is necessary to develop the tools
and techniques to perform and analyze the data from reactions performed in
inverse kinematics, that is with targets of light nuclei and heavier beams. We
are continuing to expand the transfer reaction toolbox in preparation for the
next generation of facilities, such as the Facility for Rare Ion Beams (FRIB),
which is scheduled for completion in 2022. An important step in this process is
to perform the (d,n) reaction in inverse kinematics, with analyses that include
Q-value spectra and differential cross sections. In this way, proton-transfer
reactions can be placed on the same level as the more commonly used
neutron-transfer reactions, such as (d,p), (9Be,8Be), and (13C,12C). Here we
present an overview of the techniques used in (d,p) and (d,n), and some recent
data from (d,n) reactions in inverse kinematics using stable beams of 12C and
16O.Comment: 9 pages, 4 figures, presented at the XXXV Mazurian Lakes Conference
on Physics, Piaski, Polan
Neutron Beta Decay Studies with Nab
Precision measurements in neutron beta decay serve to determine the coupling
constants of beta decay and allow for several stringent tests of the standard
model. This paper discusses the design and the expected performance of the Nab
spectrometer.Comment: Submitted to Proceedings of the Conference CIPANP12, St.Petersburg,
Florida, May 201
The Nab Experiment: A Precision Measurement of Unpolarized Neutron Beta Decay
Neutron beta decay is one of the most fundamental processes in nuclear
physics and provides sensitive means to uncover the details of the weak
interaction. Neutron beta decay can evaluate the ratio of axial-vector to
vector coupling constants in the standard model, , through
multiple decay correlations. The Nab experiment will carry out measurements of
the electron-neutrino correlation parameter with a precision of and the Fierz interference term to
in unpolarized free neutron beta decay. These results, along with a more
precise measurement of the neutron lifetime, aim to deliver an independent
determination of the ratio with a precision of that will allow an evaluation of and sensitively
test CKM unitarity, independent of nuclear models. Nab utilizes a novel, long
asymmetric spectrometer that guides the decay electron and proton to two large
area silicon detectors in order to precisely determine the electron energy and
an estimation of the proton momentum from the proton time of flight. The Nab
spectrometer is being commissioned at the Fundamental Neutron Physics Beamline
at the Spallation Neutron Source at Oak Ridge National Lab. We present an
overview of the Nab experiment and recent updates on the spectrometer,
analysis, and systematic effects.Comment: Presented at PPNS201
β-decay studies of the transitional nucleus Cu75 and the structure of Zn75
The β decay of Cu75 [t1/2=1.222(8)s] to levels in Zn75 was studied at the Holifield Radioactive Ion Beam Facility of Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The γγ and βγ data were collected at the Low-energy Radioactive Ion Beam Spectroscopy Station using the high-resolution isobar separator to obtain a purified Cu75 beam with a rate of over 2000 ions per second. The excited states in Zn75 have been identified for the first time. A total of 120 γ-ray transitions were placed in a level scheme containing 59 levels including two states above the neutron separation energy and a previously unknown 1/2- isomeric state at 127 keV. Spins and parities of several states were deduced and interpreted based on the observed β feeding and γ-decay pattern. © 2011 American Physical Society
- …