Semi-Analytic Stellar Structure in Scalar-Tensor Gravity

Precision tests of gravity can be used to constrain the properties of hypothetical very light scalar fields, but these tests depend crucially on how macroscopic astrophysical objects couple to the new scalar field. We develop quasi-analytic methods for solving the equations of stellar structure using scalar-tensor gravity, with the goal of seeing how stellar properties depend on assumptions made about the scalar coupling at a microscopic level. We illustrate these methods by applying them to Brans-Dicke scalars, and their generalization in which the scalar-matter coupling is a weak function of the scalar field. The four observable parameters that characterize the fields external to a spherically symmetric star (the stellar radius, R, mass, M, scalar `charge', Q, and the scalar's asymptotic value, phi_infty) are subject to two relations because of the matching to the interior solution, generalizing the usual mass-radius, M(R), relation of General Relativity. We identify how these relations depend on the microscopic scalar couplings, agreeing with earlier workers when comparisons are possible. Explicit analytical solutions are obtained for the instructive toy model of constant-density stars, whose properties we compare to more realistic equations of state for neutron star models.Comment: 39 pages, 9 figure

Phase diagram of the pp-spin-interacting spin glass with ferromagnetic bias and a transverse field in the infinite-pp limit

The phase diagram of the $p$-spin-interacting spin glass model in a transverse field is investigated in the limit $p \to \infty$ under the presence of ferromagnetic bias. Using the replica method and the static approximation, we show that the phase diagram consists of four phases: Quantum paramagnetic, classical paramagnetic, ferromagnetic, and spin-glass phases. We also show that the static approximation is valid in the ferromagnetic phase in the limit $p \to \infty$ by using the large-$p$ expansion. Since the same approximation is already known to be valid in other phases, we conclude that the obtained phase diagram is exact.Comment: 16 pages, 4 figures. another additional author, some amendment

Selective Phosphorylation of Conjugated α-Enones at the Carbonyl Group, Catalyzed by Cyclohexylamine

Reaction of dialkyl phosphites with benzalacetophenone (chalcone) and benzalacetone in the presence of cyclohexylamine as a catalyst is a convenient preparative method for selective phosphorylation of conjugated α, β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds at the carbonyl group. The kinetics of cyclohexylamine-catalyzed addition of dialkyl phosphites to cis- and trans-chalcones is studied, and factors are revealed that influence the reactivity of addends in this reaction

Features of effector lymphocyte subsets in patients with uveal melanoma in recurrent and chronic herpesvirus infection

The aim of the study is to conduct a comparative analysis of percentages for peripheral blood effector lymphocyte subsets in patients with uveal melanoma manifested by recurrent and chronic herpesvirus infection. There were 141 subjects enrolled: 70 patients with uveal melanoma, 38 patients with corneal ulcers and involvement of the uveal tract as well as 33 healthy donors. Immunophenotyping was performed by using laser flow cytometry with panel of monoclonal antibodies to differentiate lymphocyte subpopulations. IgM and IgG antibodies to herpesvirus infections were determined by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay on an automatic ELISA analyzer Lazurit (USA) with diagnostic kits of CJSC “Vector-Best” (Koltsovo). The data obtained showed that the absolute number of blood lymphocytes (CD45+) in patients with uveal melanoma did not differ from those in healthy donors. In contrast, patients with corneal ulcers and involvement of the uveal tract had this parameter increased. A decreased relative and absolute count of T cells (CD3+) in uveal melanoma, but increased absolute CD3+ number in inflammation was observed. No difference in relative and absolute content of the CD3+CD4+ helper/inducer subpopulation in patients with recurrent herpesvirus infections was found. Corneal ulcers in cancer patients revealed significantly increased absolute level of CD3+CD4+ helpers/inductor cells. Chronic herpesvirus infection in uveal melanoma patients showed increased relative and absolute number of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CD3+CD8+). Recurrent herpesvirus infection was featured with decreased relative number of T lymphocytes (CD3+CD8+), upon inflammation, there was noted increased absolute and decreased relative number compared with healthy subjects. Double positive T cells increased in tumor and inflammation. B lymphocytes (CD19+) increased in melanoma and inflammation. The relative number of blood natural killer cells (CD16+CD56+) in uveal melanoma increased upon recurrent infection. Inflammation was coupled to decreased relative level of natural killer cells (CD16+CD56+). Melanoma showed no changes in CD4+/ CD8+ ratio; upon inflammation, its increase was noted in acute and chronic herpesvirus infections (p < 0.05). The suppression of the immune system in uveal melanoma, restricting antiviral defense, was revealed. The data obtained seem to be important for development of personalized approaches to prognosis and treatment of patients with uveal melanoma

RADIOSURGICAL TREATMENT OF BENIGN SMALL EYELID TUMORS

Aim of the study – to evaluate the long-term results of the radiosurgical method using microsurgical techniques for the treatment of small benign eyelid tumors. Material and methods. In Ocular Oncology Centre of Helmholtz Moscow Research Institute of Eye Diseases for the period from 2012 to 2018 year 248 patients were examined and treated (108 children aged 12 ± 1.2 years and 140 adults aged 46 ± 8.1 years) with benign eyelid tumors: pigmented (nevus), vascular (capillary hemangiomas), epithelial (follicular keratosis, keratopapilloma). The Surgitron EMC radiosurgery device was used as surgical aids. All patients used microsurgical technique. The longitudinal size of the tumors was 3.4 ± 0.5 mm, transverse – 6 ± 0.8 mm. All patients after surgical treatment underwent histopathological study. The observation period is on average 6 ± 1.4 years. Results. In 133 (53.6 %) of 248 patients, nevi were detected, in 76 (30.7 %) – keratopapilloma and inverted follicular keratosis, in 39 (15.7 %) – capillary hemangioma. Various modifications of radiosurgical treatment were used depending on the location of the tumor, its size, the degree of activity using different modes and powers from 1 to 4 Wt. Intraoperative complications were not noted. The early postoperative period was accompanied by the presence of signs of mild inflammation, which was stopped by local therapy. The formation of a tender scar was observed on average after 7 ± 2 days. Two cases (0.8 %) of recurrence of keratopapilloma were noted 2 years after the first operation. Tumors were removed by radio excision. Conclusion. Benign eyelid tumors, especially of melanocytic origin, are subject to obligatory dynamic observation, and if minimal signs of their progression are detected, their surgical removal is indicated. Radiosurgical treatment using microsurgical techniques is the method of choice in the treatment of small benign eyelid tumors and depends on the size of the tumor, its localization and the nature of the tumor process. The use of the radiosurgical method with obligatory microsurgical technique for treating benign tumors of small sizes with the observance of the rules of radicalness and antiblasticity allows maintaining visual functions with simultaneous surgical treatment, providing normal anatomical and topographic correlations of the anterior segment of the eye and high quality of life of the patient

Predictive model of small choroidal melanoma progression after eye-saving treatment based on clinical, morphometric and immunological parameters

Choroidal melanoma is a malignant tumor characterized by early metastasis and poor vital prognosis. Prognostic indexes for the tumor development are of importance, depending on various factors and making it possible to optimize therapeutic measures. Usage of present models for prediction of the uveal melanoma course enables optimal management of the patients with a malignant tumor upon primary admission, and to perform maximally efficient counseling. So far, however, a complex of clinical, morphometric and immunological indexes predictive for unfavorable course of initial choroidal melanoma following the eye-saving treatment remains not fully determined. Our purpose was to create a prognostic model for initial choroidal melanoma after eye-saving treatment, basing on clinical, morphometric and immunological parameters.We have performed examination and treatment of 31 patients with small choroidal melanoma (53.7 to 12.2 years old). To perform the analysis, we used clinical data (age, decreased vision, tumor localization, degree of pigmentation, presence of hemorrhages, orange pigmentation), morphometric indexes (intra- and subretinal exudate and disorganization of pigment of the retinal epithelium) and immunological parameters (serum levels of pro-inflammatory, pro-angiogenic, proliferative, metastasis-causing cytokines). Selection of variables for this model was based on assessment of significant differences between the groups with chorio-retinal scar (n = 14) and residual tumor and/or continued tumor growth (n = 17).Multivariate analysis with conditional exclusion of variables revealed prognostic significance with four markers: morphometric, i.e., disorganization of the pigment in retinal pigment epithelium – Z1 (rs = 0.455); immunological, increased blood serum concentration of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) – Z2 (rs = 0.377); level of pro-inflammatory chemokine RANTES – Z3 (rs = 0.362), content of transforming growth factor (TGF-2â) – Z4 (rs = 0.431). A formula was calculated where P (z) is the value of the logistic function; Z, linear combination of symptoms; bo , intercept (free term), bi – regression coefficients for parameters Zi.P (z) = 1 : 1 + e – b0– b1z1– b2z2– b3z3– b4z4The logistic function increases monotonically and takes the values from 0 to 1 for any b and Z values [P∈ (0;1)]. If P (Z) is under the cutoff value, chorioretinal scar prognosis is predicted, at the higher values, a residual tumor or continued growth is expected. In ROC analysis, the area under the curve with this model was 0.891±0.11, thus providing good predictive quality.Usage of the predictive model is a possible solution for planning and correcting treatment strategy in the patients with small choroidal melanoma, in order to minimize complications and errors, and to ensure control of treatment

Study of 2 beta-decay of Mo-100 and Se-82 using the NEMO3 detector

After analysis of 5797 h of data from the detector NEMO3, new limits on neutrinoless double beta decay of Mo-100 (T-1/2 > 3.1 x 10(23) y, 90% CL) and Se-82 (T-1/2 > 1.4 x 10(23) y, 90% CL) have been obtained. The corresponding limits on the effective majorana neutrino mass are: 1.4 x 10(22) y (90% CL) for Mo-100 and T-1/2 > 1.2 x 10(22) y (90% CL) for Se-82. Corresponding bounds on the Majoron-neutrino coupling constant are < (0.5-0.9) x 10(- 4) and <(0.7-1.6) x 10(- 4). Two-neutrino 2beta-decay half-lives have been measured with a high accuracy, (T1/2Mo)-Mo-100 = [7.68 +/- 0.02(stat) +/- 0.54(syst)] x 10(18) y and (T1/2Se)-Se-82 = [10.3 +/- 0.3(stat) +/- 0.7(syst)] x 10(19) y. (C) 2004 MAIK "Nauka/Interperiodica"

Measurement of double beta decay of ¹⁰⁰Mo to excited states in the NEMO 3 experiment

The double beta decay of ¹⁰⁰Mo to the 0_{1}^{+} and 2_{1}^{+} excited states of ¹⁰⁰Ru is studied using the NEMO 3 data. After the analysis of 8024 h of data the half-life for the two-neutrino double beta decay of ¹⁰⁰Mo to the excited 0_{1}^{+} state is measured to be T_{1/2}^{2v} = [5.7_{-0.9}^{+1.3} (stat.) ± 0.8 (syst.)] x 10²⁰ y. The signal-to-background ratio is equal to 3. Information about energy and angular distributions of emitted electrons is also obtained. No evidence for neutrinoless double beta decay to the excited 0_{1}^{+} state has been found. The corresponding half-life limit is T_{1/2}^{0v} (0⁺→0_{1}^{+}) > 8.9 x 10²² y (at 90% C.L.). The search for the double beta decay to the 2_{1}^{+} excited state has allowed the determination of limits on the half-life for the two neutrino mode T_{1/2}^{0v} (0⁺→2_{1}^{+}) > 1.1 x 10²¹ y (at 90% C.L.) and for the neutrinoless mode T_{1/2}^{0v} (0⁺→2_{1}^{+}) > 1.6 x 10²³ y (at 90% C.L.)

Results of the BiPo-1 prototype for radiopurity measurements for the SuperNEMO double beta decay source foils

The development of BiPo detectors is dedicated to the measurement of extremely high radiopurity in $^{208}$Tl and $^{214}$Bi for the SuperNEMO double beta decay source foils. A modular prototype, called BiPo-1, with 0.8 $m^2$ of sensitive surface area, has been running in the Modane Underground Laboratory since February, 2008. The goal of BiPo-1 is to measure the different components of the background and in particular the surface radiopurity of the plastic scintillators that make up the detector. The first phase of data collection has been dedicated to the measurement of the radiopurity in $^{208}$Tl. After more than one year of background measurement, a surface activity of the scintillators of $\mathcal{A}$($^{208}$Tl) $=$ 1.5 $\mu$Bq/m$^2$ is reported here. Given this level of background, a larger BiPo detector having 12 m$^2$ of active surface area, is able to qualify the radiopurity of the SuperNEMO selenium double beta decay foils with the required sensitivity of $\mathcal{A}$($^{208}$Tl) $<$ 2 $\mu$Bq/kg (90% C.L.) with a six month measurement.Comment: 24 pages, submitted to N.I.M.