Ground State Bands of the E(5) and X(5) Critical Symmetries Obtained from Davidson Potentials through a Variational Procedure

Davidson potentials of the form $\beta^2 +\beta_0^4/\beta^2$, when used in the original Bohr Hamiltonian for $\gamma$-independent potentials bridge the U(5) and O(6) symmetries. Using a variational procedure, we determine for each value of angular momentum $L$ the value of $\beta_0$ at which the derivative of the energy ratio $R_L=E(L)/E(2)$ with respect to $\beta_0$ has a sharp maximum, the collection of $R_L$ values at these points forming a band which practically coincides with the ground state band of the E(5) model, corresponding to the critical point in the shape phase transition from U(5) to O(6). The same potentials, when used in the Bohr Hamiltonian after separating variables as in the X(5) model, bridge the U(5) and SU(3) symmetries, the same variational procedure leading to a band which practically coincides with the ground state band of the X(5) model, corresponding to the critical point of the U(5) to SU(3) shape phase transition. A new derivation of the Holmberg-Lipas formula for nuclear energy spectra is obtained as a by-product.Comment: LaTeX, 12 pages, 4 postscript figure

Track E Implementation Science, Health Systems and Economics

Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/138412/1/jia218443.pd

Identification of D dimer-E complex in disseminated intravascular coagulation

Serum fibrin degradation products in a patient with severe disseminated intravascular coagulation (caused by fulminant pneumococcal sepsis), were characterized using immunoprecipitation, sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS PAGE) and crossed immunoelectrophoresis. These revealed a spectrum of fragments identified as high molecular weight (HMW) complexes, a component with mobility on SDS PAGE similar to that of fibrinogen X ("X"), D dimer and E. By their electrophoretic characteristics and reactions with antisera to fragments E and D it was found that most of the D dimer and E were noncovalently complexed as D dimer-E, and that there was relatively little free D dimer and free E. This pattern of FDP (HMW complexes, "X" and D dimer-E) has also been identified during the lysis of crosslinked fibrin by plasmin. The HMW complexes and "X" are believed to be crosslinked X oligomers and crosslinked Y-Y or Y-D respectively

Fibrinolysis as a feature of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) after Pseudonaja textilis textilis envenomation

Blood was obtained from four patients envenomated by the Australian common brown snake, Pseudonaja textilis textilis. This elapid snake has one of the most toxic venoms in the world, containing extremely potent neurotoxic and coagulant components. The latter is a potent complete prothrombinase, converting prothrombin to α-thrombin, and comprises more than 30 % of the total venom protein. The four envenomated patients developed a typical consumption coagulopathy. Serial serum and plasma samples from patients were studied by immunoaffinity adsorption, 2-alanine precipitation of fibrinogen and fibrinogen-related products, and 2-dimensional immunoelectrophoresis, and assay for crosslinked fibrin degradation products as D dimer, using the monoclonal antibody, DD-3B6/22. These procedures showed the virtually complete disappearance of fibrinogen, accompanied by the appearance of large quantities of fibrinogen and fibrin degradation products consisting of both crosslinked and noncrossed species. With recovery, a homogeneous high molecular weight fibrinogen was observed. The data suggest that the prothrombin activator of this venom causes the generation of thrombin which subsequently converts fibrinogen to fibrin and stimulates partial crosslinking of both α and γ-chains. The resultant disseminated intravascular coagulation is accompanied by very active secondary fibrinolysis which apparently limits the extent of any microvascular thrombosis but which may contribute to a bleeding tendency

The social connectedness of older Europeans: Patterns, dynamics and contexts

Special issue on Challenges and opportunities of ageing in Europe: Findings from the first two waves of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe, edited by A. BÖRSCH-SUPAN, Karsten HANK and H. JÜRGESUsing longitudinal data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), our article shows that the population aged 50 or older is socially connected in several ways. The various dimensions of social connectedness turn out to be complementary rather than substitutive, except for the relationship between informal social relations and family relations, which tends to be characterized by substitution. Our longitudinal analysis reveals that the dynamics of formal and informal social relations as well as family relations tend to be driven by individuals’ resources and needs. While the associations between elders’ social connectedness and individual characteristics are very similar across countries, we find significant regional variation regarding the levels and the dynamics of social connectedness