Search

Extreme floods have become frequent in the urban Palmiet River due to exacerbating climate change. Therefore, the current study aimed to explore a short-term recovery of macroinvertebrate communities following a flash flood in the Palmiet River, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Different biotopes, i.e. stones, gravel sand and mud, and vegetation were sampled after the March-April heavy rain in 2018. Ephemeroptera, Odonatan, and Hemipteran have shown similar trends across weeks at all sites. Plecoptera and Coleoptera started recovering at week four However, the total abundance and taxa richness had significantly recovered during the fourth week at site 2 and 3, and fifth week at site 1. Communities have shown no significant difference for each site from weeks six to eight (ANOVA, p > 0.5), which implies that climax on macroinvertebrate communities was reached at week six. Hydrologic regime change has not influenced water quality parameters across all weeks (ANOVA, p > 0.5) and this was also reflected on the average score per taxon (ASPT), which has shown no significant difference (ANOVA, p > 0.5) across weeks at all sites. These findings provide a baseline for future studies on flood effect on urban streams and supplement the understanding of the effects of sudden hydrologic regime changes on macroinvertebrate communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The AR for the fundamental processes of breakage and mixing was constructed in an earlier paper (Khumalo, N.; Glasser, D.; Hildebrandt, D.; Hausberger, B.; Kauchali, S. (2006). The application of the attainable region analysis to comminution. Chem. Eng. Sci., 61, 5969–5980). This work presents the AR constructed when the process of classification is combined with the processes of breakage and mixing. The process of classification extends the AR. An additional variable of energy consumption is introduced, increasing the dimensionality of the geometric construction from 2-D to 3-D. The AR shows that there is a linear relationship between consecutive particle size distributions with grinding time. However total energy consumption results in concavities when plotted against mass fraction in the median size class. This work demonstrates the degree to which there is an advantage of including the additional fundamental process of classification to particle breakage. The attainable region (AR) of a three particle size distribution can easily be represented graphically. Process targets can be inferred from these graphs. In our chosen system, the classification process has the effect of reducing total energy consumption by 95% to reach an objective of producing 92% of the material in the fines size class. This has cost implications since energy is often the predominant operating cost in size reduction systems. This work also shows that the benefits of classification are a function of the grinding extent for a system which consists of mono-sized feed particles. This suggests that classification should be introduced after some grinding at some point which is easily identified by analysing the AR construction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background Traction alopecia (TA) is common in African females. Although hairstyles are thought to be causal, the contribution of individual hairstyling variables to TA severity has not been quantified. The aim of the current study was to develop a severity scoring system (M-TAS score) for marginal TA, the commonest form of this disorder, and to test its reliability. Method The margins of the scalp were divided into anterior and posterior with an imaginary line joining the tips of both ears. The anterior and posterior hairlines were further divided into three using the temporalis muscles and mastoid processes at the hairline as landmarks, respectively. Each examiner assessed each of the six areas. If any were found to have TA, the severity was scored using an examiner assessed system (tested once) or a picture matched score (tested twice). Ten and eight female patients with TA of varying severity were assessed by 11 and 9 examiners (dermatologists, dermatology trainees, and nurses), respectively. Results The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for interobserver agreement was larger with photograph-matched scores than with examiner estimated scores reaching substantial (0.61–0.80) and excellent (0.81–100) agreement for both anterior and posterior scores irrespective of level of skill of examiner. The ICC for intraobserver agreement with the photograph matched scores was 0.99. Limitations The diagnosis of normal margin was excellent for the anterior yet poor for the posterior margin with photograph scores. The M-TAS score is not for diagnosis but to assess severity. Conclusion The photograph-based M-TAS score requires validation with larger samples but could be a useful research tool for elucidating disease prevalence and determinants of TA as well for monitoring response to treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Anecdotal reports suggest that certain scalp disorders are common in Africans and may be associated with hairstyles. Objectives This study of 874 African adults in Cape Town was performed to test this hypothesis. Methods A questionnaire was administered and scalp examinations performed, after ethics approval. Results Participants included 30·9% men and 69·1% women (median age 36·1 years, range 18–99). Most men had natural hair: 91·7% vs. 24·3% women. The majority of men had recent haircuts (< 4 weeks): 74·8% vs. 9·9% women. The overall prevalence of acne (folliculitis) keloidalis nuchae (AKN) was 3·5%: higher in men than women (10·5% vs. 0·3%). AKN prevalence was not associated with whether clippers or blades were used. However, it was associated with haircut symptoms. Haircut-associated symptoms, i.e. at least one episode of transient pimples (or crusts) and bleeding (however small) were reported in 37% and 18·9% of men, respectively. The latter may have implications for disease transmission. Most women (58·7%) had chemically treated hair (49·2% relaxed and 9·6% permed hair) vs. 2·3% men. The prevalences of traction alopecia (TA) and central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA) were 22·6% and 1·9%: higher in women (31·7% vs. 2·2% and 2·7% vs. 0%, respectively). CCCA was highest in women > 50 years (6·7% vs. 1·2%). TA prevalence was highest if the usual hairstyle was extensions attached to relaxed hair (48%). Conclusion We found associations between specific scalp diseases, hairstyles, gender, and age. These associations need further study, better to elucidate determinants and to improve disease prevention and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Anecdotal data suggest that combed natural African hair reaches a length steady state. Easier grooming and anticipated long hair have made relaxers popular. Objectives These hypotheses were tested in a cross-sectional survey of 1042 school children using a piloted questionnaire and hair length measurements done on four scalp regions. Results Participants included 45% boys and 55% girls. Girls consider length important for hairstyle choice ( P < 0.0001). There was no difference in mean length at 2 to 5 vs. > 5 years ( P = 0.3) and at 1 to < 2 vs. 2 to 5 years ( P = 0.99), suggesting that a steady state is reached within 1 year after a hair cut for combed natural hair [mean, 5.1 cm (4.3)]. Relaxed hair reached length steady state > 2 years after a haircut [mean, 10.9 cm (3.6)], was longer than natural hair ( P < 0.0001), shorter than expected, and significantly shorter on the occiput than the rest of the scalp ( P < 0.0001). Conclusions Persistently short combed natural hair years after a hair cut suggests that breakage eventually equals new growth (i.e., steady state), which is likely to be variable. Relaxed hair, irrespective of last haircut, is also short; chemical damage as a limit to potential lengths needs confirmation. Relatively short occipital relaxed hair could be a clue to disease pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Anecdotal reports suggest that certain disorders are common in African hair and may be associated with hairstyles. Objectives A cross-sectional study of 1042 schoolchildren was performed to test this hypothesis. Methods A questionnaire was administered and scalp examinations performed, after ethics approval. Results Participants included 45% boys and 55% girls. The majority of boys, 72·8%, kept natural hair with frequent haircuts (within 4 weeks). The prevalence of acne (folliculitis) keloidalis nuchae (AKN) was 0·67% in the whole group and highest (4·7%) in boys in the final year of high school, all of whom had frequent haircuts. The majority of girls (78·4%) had chemically relaxed hair, which was usually combed back or tied in ponytails, vs. 8·6% of boys. Traction alopecia (TA) was significantly more common with relaxed than natural hair, with an overall prevalence of 9·4% (98 of 1042) and of 17·1% in girls, in whom it increased with age from 8·6% in the first year of school to 21·7% in the last year of high school. The proportion with TA in participants with a history of braids on natural hair was lower (22·9%), but not significantly, than among those with a history of braids on relaxed hair (32·1%). No cases of central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia were identified. Conclusions We found associations between hairstyle and disease in our population of schoolchildren. AKN appears to be associated with frequently cut natural hair and TA with relaxed hair. These associations need further study for purposes of disease prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In a recent paper [Khumalo, N. , Glasser, D. , Hildebrandt, D. , Hausberger, B. , Kauchali, S. , 2006. The application of the attainable region analysis to comminution. Chemical Engineering Science 61, 5969–5980] it was shown that the attainable region approach could prove useful in designing better comminution circuits. Fundamental to this approach was the assumption that the rate of comminution was only determined by the specific energy within the device. This paper shows experimentally that this assumption holds for a batch ball mill. The system presented here considered breakage of mono-sized feed particles in a laboratory ball mill into two distinct progeny size classes. The population balance model was successfully used to model the experimental products and the results were represented geometrically in a two-dimensional space. The resulting geometric structure can be used to solve process synthesis and optimization problems simultaneously. It was found that the breakage rate parameter out of size class 1 changes with time but exhibits an exponential relationship with an asymptote. It is hypothesized that this asymptote is the rate of breakage at long grind times or in well-mixed, steady-state continuous systems. It is shown that the parameters of the process depend only on the specific energy. This was one of the assumptions that was made in the construction of the attainable region. Thus, equipment selection and operating conditions only require one to match the required specific energy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Members of two generations of a South African family have a unique syndrome comprising poikiloderma, tendon contractures and progressive pulmonary fibrosis. The condition is clinically important as the skin changes, which involve the face, have considerable cosmetic impact, while lung involvement is potentially lethal in adulthood. Skin manifestations which facilitate diagnosis include facial telangiectasia, mottled hypo- and hyperpigmentation, papules and epidermal atrophy. The scalp, facial and body hair are fine and scanty. The tendon contractures lead to progressive digital flexion deformities and abnormalities of the ankles and feet, with disturbance of gait. Pulmonary involvement manifests as progressive dyspnoea. Pedigree data are compatible with an autosomal dominant mode of transmission. Poikiloderma of Weary is characterized by linear sclerotic and fibrous bands and not tendon contractures and is not associated with potentially lethal pulmonary fibrosis. Rather than name this disorder a variant of Weary syndrome, it might be prudent to use as an umbrella title one composed by Weary himself: ‘hereditary sclerosing poikiloderma’ (HSP), under which variants such as HSP Weary type, HSP with cardiac involvement (aortic stenosis described as inconsistently associated with Weary syndrome) and HSP with tendon/pulmonary involvement (current family) may be classified. The manifestations in this family differ from other poikilodermata and, to the best of our knowledge, have not been previously documented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aim of any comminution circuit is to produce material of a desired particle size distribution (PSD) at a minimum operational cost. Currently, the comminution process is energy intensive and operates at very low efficiency when the input energy is compared to the breakage achieved. The attainable region (AR) technique has been successfully used to solve optimization problems simultaneously with the process synthesis formulation of reactor systems. The AR looks at the fundamental processes of a given system and determines all the possible outputs to which the objective function can be applied and an optimal process solution selected. Particle breakage, separation (classification) and mixing are identified as the three fundamental processes of interest taking place during comminution. Breakage and mixing processes are used in this paper to illustrate the applicability of the AR theory in comminution. We develop a fundamentally based model which is equipment independent to describe breakage. Specific energy is the independent variable and the production of particles with a certain PSD is the objective function. We use geometric construction to represent this PSD as a point in an -dimensional space in relation to an input specific energy. Output PSDs are dependent on the input PSDs, allowing connectivity of the batch grinding stages to form a pseudo-continuous process. Specific energy is used as the control variable to obtain sharper product PSDs. It is shown that the same net energy consumed in the system can produce different product PSDs. Therefore, this implies that the design of comminution circuits should achieve better control of the specific energy. Once the candidate AR is constructed, operational process targets can be defined more accurately. This establishment of targets permits a measure of the actual process efficiency against a theoretical target. The advantage of the AR method lies in its ability to develop not only the performance of the optimal circuit but also the operational conditions to be used in the optimal process circuit. This also answers the process synthesis question of the type of equipment to be used which is a function of the specific energy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Khumalo NP, Dawber RPR, Ferguson DJP. Apparent fragility of African hair is unrelated to the cystine-rich protein distribution: A cytochemical electron microscopic study.A feature of black African hair is an apparent increased fragility of the hair shaft compared to other ethnic groups (as measured by the tensile force needed to break the hair fibre). This has certain similarities to that reported for trichorrhexis nodosa (weathering secondary to physical damage) and trichothiodystrophy[a genetic disorder associated with reduced cystine (sulphur)-rich proteins and increased fragility]. In the present study, the distribution of the cystine-rich proteins in the hair of black Africans was compared to that of Caucasian and Asian volunteers, plus patients with trichorrhexis nodosa and trichothiodystrophy, using transmission electron microscopy and specific silver stains. It was found that the silver staining pattern of the hair shafts of black Africans was similar to that observed for Caucasians, Asians and also patients with trichorrhexis nodosa. The cuticular cells exhibited an electron dense A layer and exocuticle, and in the cortex the microfibrils forming the macrofibres were outlined by electron-dense material. This contrasts with the abnormal distribution of the cystine-rich proteins seen in trichothiodystrophy. This study is the first formal comparison of the cystine-rich proteins in the various racial groups and shows that there is no abnormality in their distribution in black African hair shafts compared to the other ethnic groups. Therefore, the excessive structural damage observed in the African hair shafts is consistent with physical trauma (resulting from grooming) rather than an inherent weakness due to any structural abnormality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented about the clinical cases of acute relaxer-associated scarring alopecia.

A questionnaire was used to assess the use of vulval punch biopsies with regard to patient acceptance, complications and relevance to management in patients attending the Oxford vulval clinic over a period of 1 year. All were satisfied with the reasons given for the biopsy. The majority (70%) found the injection of the local anaesthetic to be the most painful part of the procedure. Only minimal bleeding continued after the biopsy in a third of patients and stopped spontaneously within a few hours. None of the patients had secondary infection or chronic ulceration. The most common diagnosis confirmed by biopsy at the Oxford vulval clinic was lichen sclerosus (LS) and the mean age of patients was 63·6 years. Although no malignancy was diagnosed in our patients, in view of potential for malignancy and the lack of significant side effects associated with the procedure, we would recommend that punch biopsies be performed if LS is suspected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work reports the first rotational bands observed in the neutron-deficient nucleus 231 U. Excited states were populated in the 232 Th(α ,5n) reaction at a beam energy of 52 MeV. Coincident decay γ -rays were measured with the high-purity germanium detectors of the afrodite spectrometer array, in conjunction with a recoil detector to discriminate against the fission background. The bands are interpreted as the ground-state band ν [ 633 ] 5 / 2 + , yrast band ν [ 752 ] 5 / 2 - , and an excited band ν [ 631 ] 3 / 2 + . Configuration assignments are supported by Cranked Shell Model and B(M1)/B(E2) calculations. The excitation energy of the ν [ 752 ] 5 / 2 - bandhead is suggested to be 113.0 keV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented in response to an article about the historical overview of African hair straightening.

Background. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Treponema pallidum coinfection is relatively common and accounts for about 25% of primary and secondary syphilis. Tertiary syphilis in HIV-uninfected and HIV-infected patients is vanishingly rare. This is most likely due to early treatment of cases of primary and secondary syphilis. There is rapid progression to tertiary syphilis in HIV-infected patients. Case Presentation. A 49-year-old woman diagnosed with HIV Type 1 infection and cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4) count of 482 presented with a four-week history of multiple crusted plaques, nodules, and ulcers on her face, arms, and abdomen. Her past history revealed red painful eyes six months prior to this presentation. She had generalized lymphadenopathy, no alopecia, and no palmar-plantar or mucosal lesions. There were no features suggestive of secondary syphilis. Neurological examination was normal. Her rapid plasma reagin test was positive to a titer of 64. She was treated with Penicillin G 20 mu IVI daily for 2 weeks. Conclusion. Penicillin remains the treatment of choice in syphilitic infected HIV negative and HIV-infected individuals. In neurosyphilis, the dose of Penicillin GIVI is 18–24 mu daily for 10–14 days. This case report demonstrates the importance of excluding syphilis in any HIV-infected patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The γ -ray strength function (γ SF) and nuclear level density (NLD) have been extracted for the first time from inverse kinematic reactions with the Oslo method. This novel technique allows measurements of these properties across a wide range of previously inaccessible nuclei. Proton– γ coincidence events from the d (86 Kr , p γ) 87 Kr reaction were measured at iThemba LABS and the γ SF and NLD in 87 Kr was obtained. The low-energy region of the γ SF is compared to shell-model calculations, which suggest this region to be dominated by M1 strength. The γ SF and NLD are used as input parameters to Hauser–Feshbach calculations to constrain (n , γ) cross sections of nuclei using the TALYS reaction code. These results are compared to 86 Kr (n , γ) data from direct measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alopecia areata (AA) is the commonest autoimmune cause of non-scarring alopecia. Topical treatments including corticosteroids and irritants maybe beneficial. Studies report variable hair regrowth with dithranol (anthralin) but all used low concentrations (0.1-1.25%) and inconsistent measurements of AA severity. We report retrospective data (2005-2014) of 102 patients who had failed ultra-potent topical steroids and were referred to a specialist hair clinic for treatment with dithranol up to 3%. The severity of alopecia areata tool was used and participants graded as mild (<25%), moderate (>25 to 75%), and severe (>75%) hair loss. Compared with baseline any and at-least 50% hair regrowth [72%, 68%, 50% and 61.5%, 48.4%, 37.5%, in mild, moderate and severe AA respectively] occurred in all groups (median treatment duration 12 months). Twenty-nine patients (28.4%) were discharged with complete regrowth; with no difference in proportions in severity groups (33.3%, 29%, and 21.9%) but in the period to discharge [7.9, 6.3, and 29.4 months ( p-values <.05)] for mild, moderate, and severe AA. Treatment trials of 12 months with dithranol at higher concentrations may be an option in patients who failed potent topical or intra-lesional steroids) regardless of AA severity. Randomized trials (of less staining formulations) of dithranol are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Curly hair is reported to contain higher lipid content than straight hair, which may influence incorporation of lipid soluble drugs. The use of race to describe hair curl variation (Asian, Caucasian and African) is unscientific yet common in medical literature (including reports of drug levels in hair). This study investigated the reliability of a geometric classification of hair (based on 3 measurements: the curve diameter, curl index and number of waves). Materials and methods: After ethical approval and informed consent, proximal virgin (6cm) hair sampled from the vertex of scalp in 48 healthy volunteers were evaluated. Three raters each scored hairs from 48 volunteers at two occasions each for the 8 and 6-group classifications. One rater applied the 6-group classification to 80 additional volunteers in order to further confirm the reliability of this system. The Kappa statistic was used to assess intra and inter rater agreement. Results: Each rater classified 480 hairs on each occasion. No rater classified any volunteer’s 10 hairs into the same group; the most frequently occurring group was used for analysis. The inter-rater agreement was poor for the 8-groups (k = 0.418) but improved for the 6-groups (k = 0.671). The intra-rater agreement also improved (k = 0.444 to 0.648 versus 0.599 to 0.836) for 6-groups; that for the one evaluator for all volunteers was good (k = 0.754). Conclusions: Although small, this is the first study to test the reliability of a geometric classification. The 6-group method is more reliable. However, a digital classification system is likely to reduce operator error. A reliable objective classification of human hair curl is long overdue, particularly with the increasing use of hair as a testing substrate for treatment compliance in Medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The topical steroids betamethasone ( BM) and clobetasol propionate ( CP) are illegal in cosmetics. Hydroquinone ( HQ) and mercury (Hg) are either illegal or allowed only in limited concentrations (2% and 1 ppm, respectively). Aim To investigate active ingredients and countries of origin of popular skin-lightening products available in Cape Town, South Africa. Methods In total, 29 products were examined; of these, 22 products were purchased from informal vendors, and 2 products (out of a total of 29) were purchased over the counter. HQ, Hg2+ and steroids were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet spectrophotometry, inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, respectively. Results Of the 29 products, 22 (75.9%), all imported and bought from informal vendors, contained illegal or banned ingredients: 13 (44.8%) contained steroids (9 CP, 4 BM), 12 (41.4%) contained Hg (30-2300 ppm), and 11 (37.9%) contained HQ. Sequentially, the products originated from Italy (27.3%, n = 6), India (22.7%, n = 5), the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) (22.7%, n = 5), Cote d'Ivoire (9.1%, n = 2), USA (9.1%, n = 2), UK (4.5%, n = 1) and France (4.5%, n = 1). Two products, one from India and one from the DRC, contained all four ingredients ( HQ, Hg, BM, CP). Of the 12 products containing Hg, 10 also contained HQ and/or a steroid, yet none listed Hg as an ingredient. A significant proportion of the steroid-containing products (76.9%) also contained at least one other skin-lightening agent. Not all internationally available products were tested, which is a limitation of the study. Conclusion In spite of a European Union ban on skin lighteners, a third of the products tested were from Europe. Combinations of Hg and ultrapotent steroids were prominent. International law enforcement and random testing is needed to encourage industry compliance and help protect consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports on the case of a 20-year-old woman with congenital malalignment of the left index fingernail resulting in angular lateral nail plate growth. History of recurrent paronychial infections secondary to an ingrowing fingernail; Five distinct characteristics of congenital nail defects of the index finger; Surgical intervention.

This article presents abstracts of medical articles appearing in various journals and archives as of May 10, 2006. Included are the effects of esophageal reflux disease and esophageal motility disorders on gastric banding, a study of pre-diagnosis symptoms of Parkinson Disease patients, the connection between antidepressant medication and suicide risk in adolescent patients, the prevention of trichiasis recurrence after surgery by the use of azithromycin, and a study of cutaneous adverse effects, such as contact allergies and hand dermatitis, among hairdressers.

The 152Sm(16O, 5n)163Yb reaction at a beam energy of 93 MeV was used to study the excited states of 163Yb with the AFRODITE γ -ray spectrometer at iThemba LABS. The level scheme of 163Yb has been extended and new rotational bands established. The band based on the ground-state has been extended from a spin of 11/2- to spin 43/2-. A high-K band based on the neutron [505]11/2- Nilsson orbital has been observed and is reported for the first time in this work. Additional new states in 163Yb were observed which all decay to the yrast band. Some of these states are placed in a sequence which is conjectured to be a γ band involving a coupling with the i13/2[642]5/2+ neutron orbital. The band structures are discussed with reference to Cranked Shell Model (CSM) calculations and a systematic comparison with the neighbouring nuclei. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structure of the low-lying positive parity bands in 162Yb has been studied at iThemba LABS, using the 150Sm(16O,4n)162Yb fusion-evaporation reaction. A band built on the first excited 02+ state has been identified for the first time. In addition, we report new rotational levels that form the band structures of both the odd and even spin components of the γ-vibrational band. The first excited 02+ band and the even spin members of the γ-vibrational band exhibit a Landau-Zenner crossing. This crossing demonstrates that the significant signature splitting between the odd and even spin members of the γ band is contributed to by band mixing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-spin positive-parity yrare states of 66154Dy88 were established using the 155Gd(3He,4n) reaction at a beam energy of Elab=37.5 MeV. The AFRODITE spectrometer array at iThemba LABS was used to record γγ coincidences and measure DCO ratios and polarisation asymmetries. The Kπ=2+γ band has been observed up to spin 13+ in the odd spins and to 12+ in the even spins. The staggering parameter S(I) of the γ band is compared to that found in other N = 88 isotones. Different behaviour of S(I) with increasing spin is observed for each of the isotones. We conjecture that the variation in S(I) is mainly due to mixing of the even-spin states with the same spin and parity states in neighbouring rotational bands. A second Kπ=2+ band has been established up to a spin of 12+ in the even spins. We suggest that this is a γ band based on the Jπ=0+ state at Ex=660.6 keV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on low-spin states of 154Dy populated via the reaction 155Gd (He3,4n) with a beam energy of 37.5 MeV from the Separated Sector Cyclotron at iThemba Laboratory. The AFRODITE ?-ray spectrometer was used to establish new E1 transitions between bands of opposite parity. The measurements broaden the N=88 systematics on the relationship between the first excited positive-parity pairing isomer band and the lowest-lying negative-parity band as the nuclear quadrupole deformation decreases with increasing proton number. In a region of strong octupole correlations the data suggest that the spectroscopy of N=88 nuclei is driven by stable octupole deformations and not by vibrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isospin properties of dipole excitations in 74Ge are investigated using the (α,α′γ) reaction and compared to (γ,γ′) data. The results indicate that the dipole excitations in the energy region of 6 to 9 MeV adhere to the scenario of the recently found splitting of the region of dipole excitations into two separated parts: one at low energy, being populated by both isoscalar and isovector probes, and the other at high energy, excited only by the electromagnetic probe. Relativistic quasiparticle time blocking approximation (RQTBA) calculations show a reduction in the isoscalar E1 strength with an increase in excitation energy, which is consistent with the measurement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented regarding the case of a 10-year-old girl with keratosis pilaris lesions and scarring alopecia who was diagnosed to have ichthyosis follicularis atrichia with photophobia (IFAP) syndrome.