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γ -ray transitions in the neutron-deficient nuclei 190, 197Po have been identified using the JUROGAM Ge detector array coupled to the RITU gas-filled separator and the GREAT spectrometer. The yrast band of 190Po has been firmly established through γ -γ coincidences and extended up to a spin and parity of 14+. It displays similar behaviour to its isotones 186Hg and 188Pb above the 4+ level, thus confirming its prolate nature. In 197Po the band built upon the 13/2+ isomer has been extended up to a spin and parity of 33/2+, while the non-yrast band has been observed for the first time. The behaviour of 197Po is found to be similar to that of the nearby even-mass isotopes, which is consistent with the model in which the i 13/2 neutron is weakly coupled to the states in the even-even core.

The exploitation of the recoil-decay tagging (RDT) technique has reinvigorated experimental investigations of the shape coexistence phenomenon in heavy neutron-deficient nuclei. In a recent experiment using the JUROGAM and GREAT spectrometers in conjunction with the RITU gas-filled separator, excited states have been investigated in the light platinum isotopes. In addition to extending the yrast sequences in 170Pt and 172Pt, the first observation of excited states in the odd-N isotopes, 169Pt and 173Pt, is reported. The bands are discussed in terms of trends in level excitation energies as a function of neutron number.

In recent years, the exploitation of the iecoil-decay tagging (RDT) technique with,large arrays of germanium detectors has revealed much information about the structure of heavy nuclei approaching the proton drip line. The yrast bands of the N

Iridium nuclei at and beyond the proton drip line have been studied via fusion evaporation reactions. A reaction of 92Mo(78Kr, p2n) at a beam energy of 360 MeV and target thickness 500 µg cm−2 was employed to study 167,167mIr. A reaction of 112Sn(58Ni, p2n) at a beam energy of 266 MeV and target thickness 500 µg cm−2 was used to study 169,169mIr. The experiments were performed at the University of Jyvaskyla utilizing the RITU separator in conjunction with the focal plane GREAT spectrometer and the JUROGAM Ge array at the target position. Excited states feeding both the ground state and isomeric state in 169Ir, excited states feeding the ground state of 167Ir and the ground state alpha decay of 165Re have been observed for the first time along with excited states feeding 167mIr. Experimental spectroscopic factors and reduced widths have been obtained for the proton and alpha decay of these nuclei.

Fusogenic liposomes typically rely on unsaturated phosphatidyleth-anolamines, usually dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE), to confer the ability to fuse with cell membranes and deliver drug intracellularly. Targeted fusogenic liposomes require an additional component to facilitate binding to, and internalization within, specific cell populations. This report examines the ability of the unsaturated galactolipid monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG) to replace DOPE in pH-sensitive fusogenic liposomes and to simultaneously confer enhanced binding to hepatocytes. Liposomes prepared using the pH-sensitive lipid N-succinylDOPE and either DOPE, MGDG or a non-fusogenic control galactolipid were compared for (i) propensity to undergo either pH-or calcium-induced membrane fusion; (ii) ability to deliver encapsulated gen-tamicin to infections of Salmonella typhimurium in murine macrophages; and (iii) binding and uptake into human hepatoma cells. Liposomes composed of MGDG/N-succinylDOPE were very similar t...

Purpose We evaluated whether the grade assigned to the Achilles tendon's appearance on sonograms can be used to predict the outcome of achillodynia. Methods A retrospective evaluation was done of a case series of patients with Achilles tendon pain seen at a sports medicine clinic. The study consisted of chart reviews, telephone follow-up interviews, and grading of ultrasound images of the tendon obtained during the initial visit. The grading scheme was as follows: grade 1, normal tendon; grade 2, enlarged tendon; and grade 3, tendon containing a hypoechoic area, regardless of size. The time needed to recover from symptoms was compared between grades using survival analysis. Results The group consisted of 33 patients, with a mean age of 35.8 years and a mean follow-up time of 24.3 months. There was a statistically significant difference in the time to full recovery between grades (p = 0.02). Patients with grade 1 tendons had a prompter resolution of symptoms than did patients with grade 2 or 3 tendons. Conclusions This retrospective study of the outcome of achillodynia demonstrates the possible use of tendon sonography as a prognostic tool to supplement physical examination. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 26:335–339, 1998.

The mechanism by which governments sell debt at auction imposes unnecessary risks on primary dealers, who charge for these risks by bidding less. A better auction mechanism would increase the price at which governments sell their debt. Further, selling a specially designed futures contract would reduce dealers’balance sheet usage, again increasing revenue, and would also permit the authorities to match cash inflows with cash outflows.

In recent experiments at the velocity filter Separator for Heavy Ion reaction Products (SHIP) (GSI, Darmstadt), an extended and improved set of $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-decay data for more than 20 of the most neutron-deficient isotopes in the region from lead to thorium was obtained. The combined analysis of this newly available $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-decay data, of which the $^{186}\mathrm{Po}$ decay is reported here, allowed us for the first time to clearly show that crossing the $Z=82$ shell to higher proton numbers strongly accelerates the $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ decay. From the experimental data, the $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-particle formation probabilities are deduced following the Universal Decay Law approach. The formation probabilities are discussed in the framework of the pairing force acting among the protons and the neutrons forming the $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ particle. A striking resemblance between the phenomenological pairing gap deduced from experimental binding energies and the formation probabilities is noted. These findings support the conjecture that both the $N=126$ and $Z=82$ shell closures strongly influence the $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-formation probability.

Suppose that n ϵ N and a = (a0, …, an − 1) is a sequence of length n with ai ϵ {0, 1}. For 0 ⩽ k ⩽ n − 1, let We call the sequence avery odd if Ak is odd for 0 ⩽ k ⩽ n − 1. We prove that there are very odd sequences of length n > 1 if and only if the order of 2 is odd in the multiplicative group of integers modulo 2n − 1.

Excited states in the neutron-deficient odd-Z nuclide Ta-161 were identified for the first time using the Cd-106(Ni-58,3p gamma) reaction at a beam energy of 270 MeV. The pi h(11/2) band, yrast at ...

High-spin states in the neutron-deficient nucleus In-107 were studied via the Ni-58(Cr-52,3p) reaction. In-beam gamma rays were measured using the JUROGAM detector array. A rotational cascade consisting of ten gamma-ray transitions, which decays to the 19/2(+) level at 2.002 MeV, was observed. The band exhibits the features typical for smooth terminating bands that also appear in rotational bands of heavier nuclei in the A similar to 100 region. The results are compared with total Routhian surface and cranked Nilsson-Strutinsky calculations.

Oviductal fluid (OvF) was collected from gills by indwelling catheters during the estrous cycle and analyzed for content of insulin-like growth factors (IGF-l, IGF-ll). Group 1, composed of 9 gilts in a summer environment near a boar, yielded mean daily fluid volumes of 1.18 ± 0.16 ml during estrus and 0.69 ± 0.03 ml post-estrus. Group 2, composed of 7 gills in a moderatetemperature, light-regulated room, yielded 1.20 ± 0.18 ml during estrus and then OvF flow essentially stopped. Serum samples were also collected 2 times daily during the cycle and analyzed along with the OvF for IGF-l and IGF-II. Serum was also analyzed for estradiol- 17� (E,). For group I, OvF content (concentration x fluid volume) of IGF-l and IGF-lI was greater (p 0.05), a finding that results from the difference in OvF produced. Compared with OvF concentrations of IGF for a given pig, blood plasma concentrations of IGF-l and IGF-ll were 2- to 5-fold higher in the plasma sample collected the same day. Plasma concentrations of IGF-l and IGF-ll ranged from 40 to 100 ng/ml and 100 to 400 ng/ml, respectively, during the cycle. Concentrations of both lGFs in the blood plasma were similar (p > 0.05) between the peri-estrus and nonestrus periods when compared by overall means or within each animal. Thus, plasma concentrations did not vary over time in the same way as the contents or concentrations of IGF in the OvF. Plasma E, was highest at estrus in all animals, coinciding with highest OvF flow and content of both IGF5. Oviductal epithelial cells collected on Day 2 of the cycle were cultured and found to secrete IGF-l and IGF-H into the media. It is concluded that OvF contains IGF-I and IGF-lI in significant quantities and that the oviduct can and does produce both lGFs throughout the estrous cycle, this activity being greatest at peri-estrus.

For the first time, excited states in {sup 185}Pb have been observed in in-beam {gamma}-ray spectroscopic measurements using the recoil-decay tagging method. The resulting level scheme reveals a strongly coupled yrast band structure that originates from coupling of the i{sub 13/2} quasineutron to a prolate deformed core. The band is also observed to de-excite via the spherical {alpha}-decaying 13/2{sup +}isomeric state.

The compound strip method (CSM) is extended to include folded plate structures with frame elements in this paper, the second of two. The mathematical development of the CSM is described in the first paper and the application of the CSM is illustrated herein. Example analyses include a folded plate roof supported by rigid diaphragms, a folded plate roof supported by a flexible frame, a contrived folded plate system consisting of two plates connected by two skewed strut elements, and a box-girder bridge with various cross-bracing configurations. Experimental data in conjunction with conventional finite elements are employed for comparison of accuracy and computational effort.

The compound strip method is extended to include folded plate structures with connecting elements. The potential energy formulation common to the finite strip method is retained, and a direct stiffness technique for incorporating connecting elements is developed. The stiffnesses of connecting elements attached to the plate system at discrete points are written with respect to local element degrees of freedom, which are then transformed into forms consistent with the nodal parameters of the finite strips. The additional stiffnesses of grounded columns and connecting elements are derived in this manner and added directly to the finite strip stiffness. The combined use of rotation transformations and displacement parameter interpolation to model connecting elements with arbitrary orientations has not previously been applied to the finite strip method.

Excited states in the highly neutron deficient odd-odd nucleus Ir-170 have been investigated. The experiment was performed using the Sn-112(Ni-60, pn)Ir-170 reaction and employing the recoil-decay ...

Gamma rays populating the alpha-decaying isomeric state in Ir-169 have been observed for the first time. The experiment employed the recoil-decay tagging method using the JUROGAM gamma-ray spectrom ...

Excited states in Re-161 were populated using the Cd-106(Ni-58, p2n) reaction at a beam energy of 270 MeV, resulting in the first observation of gamma rays emitted from this nucleus. The reaction p ...

The yrast states in the light platinum isotopes Pt169-173 have been investigated in a recoil-decay tagging experiment using the JUROGAM gamma-ray spectrometer in conjunction with the RITU gas-filled recoil separator and the GREAT tagging spectrometer. Gamma-ray transitions have been established for the first time in the odd-N isotopes, Pt-169 and Pt-173, and the yrast sequences in Pt-170 and Pt-172 have been extended. We discuss the possibility that the weakly deformed yrast structures of Pt-170, Pt-172, and Pt-173 are crossed by a deformed intruder configuration at spin similar to 8h.

The new neutron-deficient isotope $^{187}\mathrm{Po}$ has been identified in the complete fusion reaction $^{46}\mathrm{Ti}$+$^{144}\mathrm{Sm}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}$^{187}\mathrm{Po}$+$3n$ at the velocity filter SHIP. Striking features of the $^{187}\mathrm{Po}$ \ensuremath{\alpha} decay are the strongly-hindered decay to the spherical ground state and unhindered decay to a surprisingly low-lying deformed excited state at 286 keV in the daughter nucleus $^{183}\mathrm{Pb}$. Based on the potential energy surface calculations, the $^{187}\mathrm{Po}$ ground state and the 286 keV excited state in $^{183}\mathrm{Pb}$ were interpreted as being of prolate origin. The systematic deviation of the \ensuremath{\alpha}-decay properties in the lightest odd-A Po isotopes relative to the smooth behavior in the even-A neighbors is discussed. Improved data for the decay of ${}^{187}{\mathrm{Bi}}^{m,g}$ were also obtained.

Decay properties of the new neutron-deficient nuclide $^{192}\mathrm{At}$ have been studied in the complete fusion reaction $^{144}\mathrm{Sm}$($^{51}\mathrm{V}$,3n)$^{192}\mathrm{At}$ at the velocity filter SHIP. Two isomeric states with half-lives of 88(6) ms and 11.5(6) ms, respectively, and with complex $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-decay schemes were identified in $^{192}\mathrm{At}$. The decay pattern of one of the isomers suggests that it is based on the oblate-deformed $\ensuremath{\pi}2{f}_{7/2}\ensuremath{\bigotimes}\ensuremath{\nu}1{i}_{13/2}$ configuration, which confirms the expected onset of deformation in the At isotopes by approaching the neutron midshell at $N=104$.

γ‐ray transitions in the neutron deficient 190,197Po nuclei have been identified. The yrast band of 190Po has been extended up to a spin and parity of 14+ and is found to display similar systematic behaviour to isotones 186Hg and 188Pb above the 4+ level, thus confirming its prolate nature. In 197Po the band built upon the 13/2+ isomer has been extended up to a spin and parity of 33/2+, while the non‐yrast side‐band has been observed for the first time. The behaviour of 197Po is found to be similar to that of the nearby even‐mass isotopes, which is consistent with the model in which the i13/2 neutron is weakly coupled to the states in the even‐even core.

The production of the very neutron-deficient nuclides $^{184\ensuremath{-}192}\mathrm{Bi}$ and $^{186\ensuremath{-}192}\mathrm{Po}$ in the vicinity of the neutron midshell at N = 104 has been studied by using heavy-ion-induced complete fusion reactions in a series of experiments at the velocity filter SHIP. The cross sections for the xn and pxn evaporation channels of the $^{46}\mathrm{Ti}$+$^{144}\mathrm{Sm}$$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}^{190}\mathrm{Po}{}^{*},$$^{98}\mathrm{Mo}$+$^{92}\mathrm{Mo}$$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}^{190}\mathrm{Po}{}^{*},$$^{50,52}\mathrm{Cr}$+$^{142}\mathrm{Nd}$$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}^{192,194}\mathrm{Po}{}^{*}$, and $^{94,95}\mathrm{Mo}$+$^{93}\mathrm{Nb}$$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}^{187,188}\mathrm{Bi}{}^{*}$ reactions were measured. The results obtained, together with the previously known cross section data for the heavier Bi and Po nuclides, are compared with the results of statistical model calculations carried out with the HIVAP code. It is shown that a satisfactory description of the experimental data requires a significant (up to 35%) reduction of the theoretical fission barriers. The optimal reactions for production of the lightest Bi and Po isotopes are discussed.

Gamma-ray transitions in {sup 107}Te have been identified for the first time. The experiment, which utilized the recoil decay tagging technique, was performed at the accelerator laboratory of the University of Jyvaeskylae, Finland. Prompt gamma rays produced in {sup 58}Ni({sup 52}Cr,3n){sup 107}Te{sup *} reactions were detected by the JUROGAM {gamma}-ray spectrometer. The gamma rays belonging to {sup 107}Te were selected based on the recoil identification provided by the RITU gas-filled recoil separator and the GREAT focal plane spectrometer. A first excited state at 90 keV, tentatively of g{sub 7/2} character, is proposed.

The neutron-deficient nucleus $^{162}\mathrm{Os}$, produced in the $^{106}\mathrm{Cd}(^{58}\mathrm{Ni},2n)$ reaction, has been studied using the JUROGAM $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray spectrometer in conjunction with the RITU gas-filled separator and the GREAT focal plane spectrometer. $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray transitions in $^{162}\mathrm{Os}$ have been assigned for the first time through the application of the recoil decay tagging technique. The excitation energy of the ${2}^{+}$ state and the tentative energy of the ${8}^{+}$ state are discussed in terms of the systematic energy trends as the $N=82$ shell gap is approached.

This review examines the diagnosis and management of iliopsoas bursitis and/or tendinitis. It is a relatively uncommon and unrecognised cause of anterior hip pain and anterior snapping hip. In view of its pathology, iliopsoas bursitis might be better referred to as iliopsoas syndrome. It can usually be diagnosed by history and physical examination, though real time ultrasound may be useful in confirming the diagnosis. Magnetic resonance and computerised tomography imaging have limited roles in its diagnosis, but may identify other pathology or surgical lesions. Nonoperative management has not been well established. Surgical management does not guarantee treatment success. There is a need for further research into both diagnostic and treatment options for those patients with iliopsoas bursitis/tendinitis.

The purpose of this study was to assess ultrasonographic image changes in the patellar tendon after removal of its central one third for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Fourteen patellar tendons in 14 patients were assessed preoperatively and at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 2 months, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively. With time, the entire donor tendon became enlarged, hypoechoic, and inhomogeneous compared with the presurgical state. Tendons enlarged maximally in anteroposterior thickness by 2 months and then began to diminish, remaining two times their original anteroposterior thickness by 12 months and never returning to their preoperative appearance. The margins of the defect became indistinct over time. In the donor patellar tendon, abnormal echogenicity was profound and persisted up to 1 year after surgery. Ultrasonographic imaging has the ability to evaluate the postoperative patellar tendon over time and to monitor the normal changes seen with healing.

The formation of adhesions following cardiothoracic surgery places the mediastinal structures and grafts at risk of catastrophic injury [91] during a second sternotomy, making it a bloody, time-consuming, and hazardous procedure [20, 51]. Over 360 000 cardiac procedures are performed annually in the United States [37, 88] up to 10% of which are reoperations [15, 26, 41].

Tolmetin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that reduces adhesion formation in several animal models after a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) dose delivered at the time of surgery. We set out to determine the period during which tolmetin could prevent adhesions. Adhesions were induced in New Zealand White rabbits (2-3 kg) by abrading the uterine horns and removing their mesouterine vasculature. Tolmetin sodium (1 mg/5 ml saline) was given at various times relative to the start of surgery as a single dose i.p. One week later adhesions were assessed using a standard scoring system (0 = no adhesions; 1 = light adhesions involving both uterine horns; 2 = more tenacious adhesions to bowel or bladder; 3 = tenacious adhesions to bowel and bladder partly immobilizing the uterus; 4 = completely fixed horns adherent to bowel and bladder). Scores were arranged in ascending rank order. Mean rank positions were calculated for each group and compared against controls (Dunnett's multiple comparison). Tolmetin sodium was most effective when administered within 1 hour of surgery. Mild effects could still be observed after 4 hours and the effect diminished after 24 hours. When these effects are compared to the temporal biochemical and cellular effects of tolmetin obtained in related studies, the data support the hypothesis that tolmetin reduces adhesions at least in part by modulating fibrinolytic activity of resident macrophages and macrophages present in the early postsurgical period.

Excited states in {sup 180}Hg were populated using the {sup 147}Sm({sup 36}Ar,3n){sup 180}Hg reaction and studied by in-beam conversion-electron spectroscopy. Conversion electrons emitted at the target position were measured using the Silicon Array for Conversion Electron Detection (SACRED) spectrometer and tagged through the characteristic {alpha} decays of {sup 180}Hg detected in a position-sensitive silicon strip detector located at the focal plane of the gas-filled recoil separator Recoil Ion Transport Unit (RITU). Electron conversion of transitions previously assigned to {sup 180}Hg through in-beam {gamma}-ray spectroscopy studies was identified up to the 10{sup +}{yields}8{sup +} transition and the intensities of the conversion-electron transitions were found to be consistent with the previous multipolarity assignments. Evidence was also found for two highly converted transitions in {sup 180}Hg: a 167 keV transition is interpreted as the transition from the newly identified 2{sub 2}{sup +} state at 601 keV to the 2{sub 1}{sup +} state at 434 keV, while a 420 keV transition is assigned as the E0 decay from the 0{sup +} bandhead of the prolate-deformed configuration to the weakly deformed ground state.

Several strongly coupled bands in the neutron‐deficient nucleus 161Ta have been identified and quasiparticle configuration assignments have been made on the basis of rotational alignments and cranked shell model calculations. The level scheme elucidated for 161Ta highlights the competition between the ν(h9/2) and ν(i13/2) orbitals to form the yrast spectrum. The band structures in 161Ta also provide new insights into the structural features of other heavy odd‐A nuclei populated with much lower reaction cross sections in this region at the proton drip line.

Oviductal fluid (OvF) was collected from gilts by indwelling catheters during the estrous cycle and analyzed for content of insulin-like growth factors (IGF-I, IGF-II). Group 1, composed of 9 gilts in a summer environment near a boar, yielded mean daily fluid volumes of 1.18 +/- 0.16 ml during estrus and 0.69 +/- 0.03 ml post-estrus. Group 2, composed of 7 gilts in a moderate-temperature, light-regulated room, yielded 1.20 +/- 0.18 ml during estrus and then OvF flow essentially stopped. Serum samples were also collected 2 times daily during the cycle and analyzed along with the OvF for IGF-I and IGF-II. Serum was also analyzed for estradiol-17 beta (E2). For group 1, OvF content (concentration x fluid volume) of IGF-I and IGF-II was greater (p less than 0.05) at estrus than pre- and post-estrus. Daily mean content values (ng/day) for IGF-I and IGF-II during peri-estrus were 30.9 +/- 6.3 and 62.2 +/- 12.3, respectively. During nonestrus, values were 6.8 +/- 6.3 and 11.7 +/- 12.3, respectively. For group 2, OvF content of IGF-I and IGF-II during estrus was similar to that of group 1. Whereas IGF content differed between estrus and nonestrus periods, IGF concentrations were similar (p greater than 0.05), a finding that results from the difference in OvF produced. Compared with OvF concentrations of IGF for a given pig, blood plasma concentrations of IGF-I and IGF-II were 2- to 5-fold higher in the plasma sample collected the same day.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)