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Background: The Z=50 shell closure, near N=82, is unique in the sense that it is the only shell closure with the spin-orbit partner orbitals, πg9/2 and πg7/2, enclosing the magic gap. The interaction of the proton hole/particle in the above-mentioned orbitals with neutrons in the νh11/2 orbital is an important prerequisite to the understanding of the nuclear structure near N=82 and the νπ interaction. Purpose: To explore the structural similarity between the high-spin isomeric states in In (Z=49), Sn (Z=50), and Sb (Z=51) isotopes from a microscopic point of view. In addition, to understand the role of a proton hole or particle in the spin-orbit partner orbitals, πg9/2 and πg7/2, respectively, with neutron holes in the νh11/2 orbital on these aforementioned isomers. Methods: The fusion and transfer induced fission reaction Be9(U238, f) with 6.2 MeV/u beam energy, using a unique setup consisting of AGATA, VAMOS++, and EXOGAM detectors, was used to populate through the fission process and study the neutron-rich In119,121 isotopes. This setup enabled the prompt-delayed γ-ray spectroscopy of isotopes in the time range of 100ns-200μs. Results: In the odd-AIn119,121 isotopes, indications of a short half-life 19/2- isomeric state, in addition to the previously known 25/2+ isomeric state, were observed from the present data. Further, new prompt transitions above the 25/2+ isomer in In121 were identified along with reevaluation of its half-life. Conclusions: The experimental data were compared with the theoretical results obtained in the framework of large-scale shell-model calculations in a restricted model space. The (πg9/2νh11/2;I|Ĥ|πg9/2νh11/2;I) two-body matrix elements of residual interaction were modified to explain the excitation energies and the B(E2) transition probabilities in the neutron-rich In isotopes. The (i) decreasing trend of E(29/2+)-E(25/2+) in odd-In (with dominant configuration πg9/2-1νh11/2-2 and maximum aligned spin of 29/2+) and (ii) increasing trend of E(27/2+)-E(23/2+) in odd-Sb (with dominant configuration πg7/2+1νh11/2-2 and maximum aligned spin of 27/2+) with increasing neutron number could be understood as a consequence of hole-hole and particle-hole interactions, respectively.

Background: The Z=50 shell closure, near N=82, is unique in the sense that it is the only shell closure with the spin-orbit partner orbitals, πg9/2 and πg7/2, enclosing the magic gap. The interaction of the proton hole/particle in the above-mentioned orbitals with neutrons in the νh11/2 orbital is an important prerequisite to the understanding of the nuclear structure near N=82 and the νπ interaction. Purpose: To explore the structural similarity between the high-spin isomeric states in In (Z=49), Sn (Z=50), and Sb (Z=51) isotopes from a microscopic point of view. In addition, to understand the role of a proton hole or particle in the spin-orbit partner orbitals, πg9/2 and πg7/2, respectively, with neutron holes in the νh11/2 orbital on these aforementioned isomers. Methods: The fusion and transfer induced fission reaction Be9(U238, f) with 6.2 MeV/u beam energy, using a unique setup consisting of AGATA, VAMOS++, and EXOGAM detectors, was used to populate through the fission process and study the neutron-rich In119,121 isotopes. This setup enabled the prompt-delayed γ-ray spectroscopy of isotopes in the time range of 100ns-200μs. Results: In the odd-AIn119,121 isotopes, indications of a short half-life 19/2- isomeric state, in addition to the previously known 25/2+ isomeric state, were observed from the present data. Further, new prompt transitions above the 25/2+ isomer in In121 were identified along with reevaluation of its half-life. Conclusions: The experimental data were compared with the theoretical results obtained in the framework of large-scale shell-model calculations in a restricted model space. The (πg9/2νh11/2;I|Ĥ|πg9/2νh11/2;I) two-body matrix elements of residual interaction were modified to explain the excitation energies and the B(E2) transition probabilities in the neutron-rich In isotopes. The (i) decreasing trend of E(29/2+)-E(25/2+) in odd-In (with dominant configuration πg9/2-1νh11/2-2 and maximum aligned spin of 29/2+) and (ii) increasing trend of E(27/2+)-E(23/2+) in odd-Sb (with dominant configuration πg7/2+1νh11/2-2 and maximum aligned spin of 27/2+) with increasing neutron number could be understood as a consequence of hole-hole and particle-hole interactions, respectively.

A new experimental setup to measure prompt-delayed γ-ray coincidences from isotopically identified fission fragments, over a wide time range of 100ns-200μ s, is presented. The fission fragments were isotopically identified, on an event-by-event basis, using the VAMOS++ large acceptance spectrometer. The prompt γ rays emitted at the target position and corresponding delayed γ rays emitted at the focal plane of the spectrometer were detected using, respectively, thirty two crystals of the AGATA γ-ray tracking array and seven EXOGAM HPGe Clover detectors. Fission fragments produced in fusion and transfer-induced fission reactions, using a 238U beam at an energy of 6.2 MeV/u impinging on a 9Be target, were used to characterize and qualify the performance of the detection system.

A new experimental setup to measure prompt-delayed $\gamma$ -ray coincidences from isotopically identified fission fragments, over a wide time range of 100ns-200μ s, is presented. The fission fragments were isotopically identified, on an event-by-event basis, using the VAMOS++ large acceptance spectrometer. The prompt $\gamma$ rays emitted at the target position and corresponding delayed $ \gamma$ rays emitted at the focal plane of the spectrometer were detected using, respectively, thirty two crystals of the AGATA $\gamma$ -ray tracking array and seven EXOGAM HPGe Clover detectors. Fission fragments produced in fusion and transfer-induced fission reactions, using a U beam at an energy of 6.2 MeV/u impinging on a Be target, were used to characterize and qualify the performance of the detection system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Certains voyageurs sont plus exposés aux infections sexuellement transmissibles durant leur séjour. Les consultations du voyage ont souvent comme principal objectif la réalisation de vaccins, la prescription de prophylaxie du paludisme et des diarrhées... La dispensation de conseils de prévention des IST, y compris du VIH, doit aussi être intégrée à ces consultations. La prophylaxie pré-exposition du VIH (PrEP) est un moyen de prévention diversifiée du VIH. L'objectif de cette étude est d'évaluer la prise de risque sexuelle déclarée par les voyageurs et leur connaissance envers la PrEP. Un questionnaire en français évaluant les rapports sexuels envisagés lors de leur prochain voyage était administré chez des patients vus en consultation de vaccination et conseil aux voyageurs de plus de 18 ans entre le 1er novembre 2019 et le 1er février 2020 de notre hôpital. La connaissance de la PrEP était également évaluée. Ce sont 283 voyageurs qui ont accepté de répondre au questionnaire. Il y avait 53 % de femmes, l'âge médian était de 35 ans (IQR : 27–48). Quarante-deux pour cent étaient nés en France métropolitaine, 40 % en Afrique subsaharienne et 7 % en Afrique du Nord et Moyen-Orient. Le délai médian d'arrivée en France était de 17,8 ans (IQR : 10–29) pour ceux nés à l'étranger. Les voyageurs se rendaient principalement (n = 232, 82 %) en Afrique subsaharienne. Quarante-huit pour cent des patients avaient une durée de séjour < 15 jours et 17 % de plus d'un mois. Seuls 83/271 répondants (31 %) déclaraient prévoir des rapports sexuels durant leur voyage. Parmi eux, 15 (18 %) avec des nouveaux.elles partenaires qu'ils pensaient rencontrer en voyage et 12 (80 %) d'entre eux déclaraient utiliser toujours le préservatif lors d'un rapport. Six (15 %) et 7 (23 %) des voyageurs nés en France et en Afrique subsaharienne respectivement déclaraient des rapports avec de nouveaux.elles partenaires. Seuls 32/275 (12 %) répondants avaient déjà entendu parler de la PrEP : 23 (18 %) chez ceux nés en France contre 8 (7 %) chez ceux nés en Afrique subsaharienne (p = 0,015). Une méconnaissance était notée pour 32 (15 %) 39 (18 %), 8 (4 %) et 9 (4 %) voyageurs qui pensaient que la PrEP était un nouveau vaccin, un traitement post-exposition, un type de préservatif et une pilule contraceptive respectivement. L'intérêt médian de la PrEP, sur une échelle de 1 (mauvais) à 10 (bon) était de 8 (IQR : 6–9). Seuls un tiers des voyageurs déclaraient avoir des rapports sexuels durant leur prochain voyage, laissant suspecter une sous-déclaration. Pourtant, l'évaluation de la prise de risque sexuel doit faire partie de la consultation du voyage et des conseils doivent être prodigués. Si le port déclaré du préservatif est bon, il n'est pas systématique. La PrEP peut donc être un outil complémentaire de prévention diversifiée du VIH chez les voyageurs. Elle est encore méconnue chez ces derniers et doit être promue en consultation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on the first application of in-flight fast-timing measurements, a method developed in order to directly measure lifetimes in the picosecond to nanosecond range. As a proof of principle of the method, lifetimes of the states belonging to the ground-state band in l52Sm are measured up to the 81+ state. An excellent agreement with recommended values is found. A slightly improved determination of the spectroscopic quadrupole moment of the 41+ state is also reported. In-flight fast-timing measurements open interesting opportunities for future studies of collective properties in radioactive nuclei. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As interpersonal synchrony plays a key role in building rapport, the perception of another agent's synchronizing behavior could be an important feature to assess, especially with patients with social deficits such as in schizophrenia. Twenty-four schizophrenia patients and twenty-four matched healthy controls performed jointly fitness movements with another agent embodied by a humanoid robot which was programmed to either synchronize with the participants or move at a fixed frequency with them. Self-report of participants' perception of the robot's synchronizing behavior was collected after each interaction. Results indicated that patients were impaired in their ability to accurately perceive the robot's synchronizing behavior. Patients' subjective perception of the robot's synchronizing behavior was associated with positive attitude toward it, suggesting that the belief to be synchronized with others could have similar impact on affiliation than real interpersonal synchrony. It leads to new perspectives for understanding social deficits in people with severe mental illness., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest None., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Images from 64 patients undergoing an enhanced abdominal-pelvis scan at portal phase in dual-energy CT mode for the diagnosis of colitis or bowel obstruction were retrospectively analyzed. Acquisitions were performed on a third-generation dual-source CT (DSCT) 100/Sn150 kVp. Mixed images were generated, as well as virtual monoenergetic images (VMIs) at 40/50/60/70 keV. Objective image quality was assessed on VMIs and mixed images by measuring contrast, noise and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). Noise, smoothing and overall image quality were subjectively analyzed by two radiologists using Likert scales. For both patient groups, the noise decreased significantly according to the energy level from 40 to 60 keV by -47.2 ± 24.0% for bowel obstruction and -50.4 ± 18.2% for colitis. It was similar between 60 and 70 keV ( p = 0.475 and 0.059, respectively). Noise values were significantly higher in VMIs than in mixed images, except for 70 keV ( p = 0.53 and 0.071, respectively). Similar results were observed for contrast values, with a decrease between 40 and 70 keV of -56.3 ± 7.9% for bowel obstruction -56.2 ± 10.9% for colitis. The maximum CNR value was found at 60 keV compared to other energy levels and mixed images, but there was no significant difference with the other energy levels apart from 70 keV (-9.7 ± 9.8%) for bowel obstruction and 40 keV (-6.6 ± 8.2%) and 70 keV (-5.8 ± 9.2%) for colitis. The VMIs at 60 keV presented higher scores for all criteria for bowel obstruction and colitis, with no significant difference in smoothing score compared to mixed images ( p = 0.119 and p = 0.888, respectively).

Classical novae are thermonuclear explosions in stellar binary systems, and important sources of 26 Al and 22 Na. While γ rays from the decay of the former radioisotope have been observed throughout the Galaxy, 22 Na remains untraceable. Its half-life (2.6 yr) would allow the observation of its 1.275 MeV γ-ray line from a cosmic source. However, the prediction of such an observation requires good knowledge of its nucleosynthesis. The 22 Na(p, γ) 23 Mg reaction remains the only source of large uncertainty about the amount of 22 Na ejected. Its rate is dominated by a single resonance on the short-lived state at 7785.0(7) keV in 23 Mg. Here, we propose a combined analysis of particle-particle correlations and velocity-difference profiles to measure femtosecond nuclear lifetimes. The application of this method to the study of the 23 Mg states, places strong limits on the amount of 22 Na produced in novae and constrains its detectability with future space-borne observatories., (© 2023. This is a U.S. Government work and not under copyright protection in the US; foreign copyright protection may apply.)

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether concomitant left gastric vein embolization (LGVE) during transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) for acute variceal hemorrhage could reduce the risk of bleeding recurrence., Material and Method: A national multicenter observational study was conducted in 14 centers between January 2019 and December 2020. All cirrhotic patients who underwent TIPS placement for acute variceal bleeding were included. During TIPS procedure, size of left gastric vein (LGV), performance of LGVE, material used for LGVE and portosystemic pressure gradient (PPG) before and after TIPS placement were collected. A propensity score for the occurrence of LGVE was calculated to assess effect of LGVE on rebleeding recurrence at six weeks and one year., Results: A total of 356 patients were included (mean age 57.3 ± 10.8 [standard deviation] years; 283/356 [79%] men). Median follow-up was 11.2 months [interquartile range: 1.2, 13.3]. The main indication for TIPS was pre-emptive TIPS (162/356; 46%), rebleeding despite secondary prophylaxis (105/356; 29%), and salvage TIPS (89/356; 25%). Overall, 128/356 (36%) patients underwent LGVE during TIPS procedure. At six weeks and one year, rebleeding-free survival did not differ significantly between patients who underwent LGVE and those who did not (6/128 [5%] vs. 15/228 [7%] at six weeks, and 11/128 [5%] vs. 22/228 [7%] at one year, P = 0.622 and P = 0.889 respectively). A total of 55 pairs of patients were retained after propensity score matching. In patients without LGVE, the rebleeding rate was not different from those with LGVE (3/55 [5%] vs. 4/55 [7%], P > 0.99, and 5/55 [9%] vs. 6/55[11%], P > 0.99, at six weeks and one year respectively). Multivariable analysis identified PPG after TIPS placement as the only predictor of bleeding recurrence (hazard ratio = 1.09; 95% confidence interval: 1.02-1.18; P = 0.012)., Conclusion: In this multicenter national real-life study, we did not observe any benefit of concomitant LGVE during TIPS placement for acute variceal bleeding on bleeding recurrence rate., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Société française de radiologie. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: Several studies have suggested a strong relationship between the number of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) lumens and the risk of complications. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of the intervention of a clinical pharmacist (CP) on the number of lumens of PICC inserted and assess PICC-related complications., Method: This prospective monocentric study included all consecutive patients from 5 different units who underwent PICC insertions from September 2017 to March 2018. In the intervention group, the CP validated the pertinence of each PICC request according to the patients' records, choice of device (single or double lumen), and incompatibilities between treatments. The control group consisted of patients who underwent PICC insertions without a CP intervention. Complications were prospectively recorded up to PICC removal. Multivariate analyses adjusted for sex, age, and PICC line duration were performed., Results: In the intervention group, 207 PICCs were inserted, 81.2% (n = 168) were single-lumen devices and 18.8% (n = 39) were double-lumen devices. In the control group (n = 77), the use of single-lumen PICCs was significantly lower (n = 48, 62.3%; P = 0.002). After intervention, the overall complication incidence rate decreased from 4.42 to 3.23 per 1000 catheter days ( P = 0.082). Considering the overall population, 216 single-lumen PICCs were inserted with significantly fewer complications than double-lumens (respectively n = 16, 16/216 = 7.4%, versus n = 15, 15/68 = 22.1%, P = 0.002). The adjusted odds ratio of double-lumen PICC was 3.83 (95% confidence interval, 1.46-10.07; P = 0.007)., Conclusions: Our study showed the intervention of a CP in the PICC insertion process could increase the use of single-lumen PICCs and tended to reduce associated complications., Competing Interests: The authors disclose no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)