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Objectives Proper use of antibacterial agents is required to prevent the spread of drug-resistant bacteria. To support clinicians, laboratories need to rapidly determine bacterial drug susceptibility/resistance. We have established a method to distinguish extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing clinical isolates by capturing structural changes in β-lactam antibiotics using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Methods Clinical isolates of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Proteus mirabilis, classified into ESBL-producing strains and sensitive strains based on the presence or absence of a CTX-M-type gene, were used. Test bacteria were cultured aerobically in solid-phase wells of “Eiken” DPD-1 dry plates at 35°C for 15 or 30 min with antibiotics [cefotaxime (CTX), cefpodoxime (CPDX), or piperacillin (PIPC)]. Then, the culture supernatants were used for analysis with a MALDI Biotyper. Results Signals derived from non-hydrolyzed products of antibiotics were observed in all strains. In the case of ESBL-producing strains, signals derived from the hydrolysis products of antibiotics were observed. Since the ratio of signal intensity derived from hydrolysis products divided by the total signal intensity detected was more than 11% for CTX and more than 6% for CPDX and PIPC, all strains were determined to be ESBL-producing bacteria. Conclusion The short incubation time of 15 minutes suggests that this method can identify ESBL-producing strains much more rapidly than conventional methods.

Background and purpose Nematode glutamate-gated chloride channels (GluCls) are targets of ivermectin (IVM) and moxidectin (MOX), structurally dissimilar macrocyclic lactone (ML) anthelmintics. IVM and MOX possess different pharmacokinetics and efficacy profiles but are thought to have the same binding site, through which they allosterically activate GluCls, apart from the GLC-2 receptor, which is antagonized by IVM. Our goal was to determine GLC-2 sensitivity to MOX, investigate residues involved in antagonism of GLC-2, and to identify differences in receptor-level pharmacology between IVM and MOX. Experimental approach Two-electrode voltage clamp electrophysiology was used to study the pharmacology of Caenorhabditis elegans GLC-2 receptors heterologously expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. In silico homology modeling identified Cel-GLC-2 residues Met291 and Gln292 at the IVM binding site that differ from other GluCls; we mutated these residues to those found in ML-sensitive GluCls, and those of filarial nematode GLC-2. Key results We discovered that MOX inhibits wild-type C. elegans GLC-2 receptors roughly 10-fold more potently than IVM, and with greater maximal inhibition of glutamate activation (MOX = 86.9 ± 2.5%; IVM = 57.8 ± 5.9%). IVM was converted into an agonist in the Met291Gln mutant, but MOX remained an antagonist. Glutamate responses were abrogated in a Met291Leu Gln292Thr double mutant (mimicking filarial nematode GLC-2), but MOX and IVM were converted into positive allosteric modulators of glutamate at this construct. Conclusions and implications Our data provides new insights into differences in receptor-level pharmacology between IVM and MOX and identify residues responsible for ML antagonism of GLC-2.

A 13-year-old neutered female mixed-breed dog with a clinical history of emaciation, inappetence and vomiting for 2 months was presented. Blood tests showed marked leucocytosis with increased neutrophil and basophil count, mild thrombocytosis and anaemia. Seven days after the initial visit, the dog died and was submitted for necropsy examination. Grossly, the bone marrow was red in colour and hepatomegaly and splenomegaly with discolouration were observed. A bone marrow smear showed an increased proportion of basophilic lineage cells. Histologically, the bone marrow showed high cellular density and numerous basophilic lineage cells with a round or segmented nucleus. The cytoplasm contained basophilic granules exhibiting metachromasia on toluidine blue staining. Immunohistochemically, the neoplastic basophils were diffusely positive for vimentin and myeloperoxidase, but negative for CD3, BLA36, CD163, CD204 and c-kit. The immunohistochemical features of neoplastic basophils that had invaded the liver and spleen were similar to those of the basophils in the bone marrow. Based on the clinicopathological and histopathological findings, chronic basophilic leukaemia was diagnosed. The present case study provides insights into the pathological features of chronic basophilic leukaemia in dogs.

In this study, we evaluated extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing bacteria with the newly developed primer and probe sets to detect blaCTX-M, blaTEM, and blaSHV using BD MAXTM, a fully automated multiplex polymerase chain reaction assay system. In 36 isolates confirmed by whole-genome sequencing to have blaCTX-M, blaTEM, or blaSHV, the developed primer and probe sets accurately detected each gene without being influenced by the presence of other β-lactamase genes. In nine control strains that do not harbor either blaCTX-M, blaTEM, or blaSHV no cross-reaction was observed. In 191 strains phenotypically determined to be ESBL-producers by conventional antimicrobial susceptibility tests, 189 strains were blaCTX-M-, blaTEM-, or blaSHV-positive as assessed by BD MAXTM using the developed primer and probe sets, and two strains were negative for these genes. Whole-genome sequencing revealed that these two strains were phenotypically false-positive ESBL-producers. The accuracy of the primer and probe sets seems to be satisfactory, and they may be applicable to detect CTX-M-type ESBL-producing bacteria.

We present the first direct measurement of the atomic mass of a superheavy nuclide. Atoms of $^{257}$Db ($Z$=105) were produced online at the RIKEN Nishina Center for Accelerator-Based Science using the fusion-evaporation reaction $^{208}$Pb($^{51}$V, 2n)$^{257}$Db. The gas-filled recoil ion separator GARIS-II was used to suppress both the unreacted primary beam and some transfer products, prior to delivering the energetic beam of $^{257}$Db ions to a helium gas-filled ion stopping cell wherein they were thermalized. Thermalized $^{257}$Db$^{3+}$ ions were then transferred to a multi-reflection time-of-flight mass spectrograph for mass analysis. An alpha particle detector embedded in the ion time-of-flight detector allowed disambiguation of the rare $^{257}$Db$^{3+}$ time-of-flight detection events from background by means of correlation with characteristic $\alpha$-decays. The extreme sensitivity of this technique allowed a precision atomic mass determination from 11 events. The mass excess was determined to be $100\,063(231)_\textrm{stat}(132)_\textrm{sys}$~keV/c$^2$. Comparing to several mass models, we show the technique can be used to unambiguously determine the atomic number as $Z$=105 and should allow similar evaluations for heavier species in future work., Comment: Submitted to PRC as Rapid Comm., 5 pages, 4 figures

Background Streptococcus pneumoniae causes pneumonia, sepsis, and meningitis. This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of mucoid and non-mucoid isolates of S. pneumoniae, and to explore the relationship between the isolate phenotypes and their antibiotic susceptibility. Methods Clinical isolates from 3,453 non-repetitive S. pneumoniae (189 mucoid and 3,264 non-mucoid) infections obtained between January 2008 and December 2012 from outpatients at the Kimitsu-Central Hospital were evaluated. Results Compared to the non-mucoid isolates, the mucoid phenotypes were more susceptible to certain antibiotics such as erythromycin, clarithromycin, and tetracycline as opposed to clindamycin, chloramphenicol, and rifampicin. The mucoid phenotype was isolated more frequently from schoolchildren, adults, and elderly adults in a variety of clinical sites, including otorrhea, genitalia, pus, and eye discharge than the non-mucoid phenotype. This suggested that mucoid isolates are more likely to be involved than non-mucoid isolates in various local infections. Systemic infection, which indicates invasiveness, was not associated with the mucoid or non-mucoid phenotype. Conclusions The results of this study suggest that mucoid isolates tend to have higher susceptibility than non-mucoid isolates to antibiotics. To the best of our knowledge, mucoid and non-mucoid S. pneumoniae isolates considerably differ in terms of clinical isolation site and age-specific prevalence.

Background and Purpose Cys-loop GABA receptors represent important targets for human chemotherapeutics and insecticides and are potential targets for novel anthelmintics (nematicides). However, compared with insect and mammalian receptors, little is known regarding the pharmacological characteristics of nematode Cys-loop GABA receptors. Here we have investigated the agonist binding site of the Cys-loop GABA receptor UNC-49 (Hco-UNC-49) from the parasitic nematode Haemonchus contortus. Experimental Approach We used two-electrode voltage-clamp electrophysiology to measure channel activation by classical GABA receptor agonists on Hco-UNC-49 expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes, along with site-directed mutagenesis and in silico homology modelling. Key Results The sulphonated molecules P4S and taurine had no effect on Hco-UNC-49. Other classical Cys-loop GABAA receptor agonists tested on the Hco-UNC-49B/C heteromeric channel had a rank order efficacy of GABA > trans-4-aminocrotonic acid > isoguvacine > imidazole-4-acetic acid (IMA) > (R)-(−)-4-amino-3-hydroxybutyric acid [R(−)-GABOB] > (S)-(+)-4-amino-3-hydroxybutyric acid [S(+)-GABOB] > guanidinoacetic acid > isonipecotic acid > 5-aminovaleric acid (DAVA) (partial agonist) > β-alanine (partial agonist). In silico ligand docking revealed some variation in binding between agonists. Mutagenesis of a key serine residue in binding loop C to threonine had minimal effects on GABA and IMA but significantly increased the maximal response to DAVA and decreased twofold the EC50 for R(−)- and S(+)-GABOB. Conclusions and Implications The pharmacological profile of Hco-UNC-49 differed from that of vertebrate Cys-loop GABA receptors and insect resistance to dieldrin receptors, suggesting differences in the agonist binding pocket. These findings could be exploited to develop new drugs that specifically target GABA receptors of parasitic nematodes.

The exotic decay process of $\ensuremath{\beta}$-delayed fission ($\ensuremath{\beta}\mathrm{DF}$) has been studied in the neutron-deficient isotope $^{230}\mathrm{Am}$. The $^{230}\mathrm{Am}$ nuclei were produced in the complete fusion reaction $^{207}\mathrm{Pb}(^{27}\mathrm{Al},4n)^{230}\mathrm{Am}$ and separated by using the GARIS gas-filled recoil ion separator. A lower limit for the $\ensuremath{\beta}\mathrm{DF}$ probability ${P}_{\ensuremath{\beta}\text{DF}}(^{230}\mathrm{Am})g0.30$ was deduced, which so far is the highest value among all known $\ensuremath{\beta}\mathrm{DF}$ nuclei. The systematics of $\ensuremath{\beta}\mathrm{DF}$ in the region of $^{230}\mathrm{Am}$ will be discussed.

We report results from an experiment on the decay of the high-K isomers in 254No. We have been able to establish the decay from the known high-lying four-quasiparticle isomer, which we assign as a K π = 16 + state at an excitation energy of E x = 2.928 ( 3 ) MeV . The decay of this state passes through a rotational band based on a previously unobserved state at E x = 2.012 ( 2 ) MeV , which we suggest is based on a two-quasineutron configuration with K π = 10 + . This state in turn decays to a rotational band based on the known K π = 8 − isomer, which we infer must also have a two quasineutron configuration. We are able to assign many new gamma-rays associated with the decay of the K π = 8 − isomer, including the identification of a highly K-forbidden Δ K = 8 E1 transition to the ground-state band. These results provide valuable new information on the orbitals close to the Fermi surface, pairing correlations, deformation and rotational response, and K-conservation in nuclei of the deformed trans-fermium region.

Heavy ion detection experiments were carried out with superconducting series array tunnel junctions. /sup 40/Ar beam from linear accelerator was introduced to a cryostat and stopped in a substrate on which series array tunnel junctions were fabricated. An energy resolution of 4.2% was obtained for 191 MeV /sup 40/Ar, but linearity proved poor for energy ranges from 136 MeV to 191 MeV.

Production and decay of the isotope 271Ds were studied. The isotope was produced by 208Pb + 64Ni $\rightarrow$ 271Ds + n reaction. Fourteen $\alpha$ -decay chains have been assigned to decays originating from the isotope 271Ds. An excitation function of the production of this isotope was measured. The results have provided a good confirmation of production and decay of 271Ds reported by Hofmann et al. The presence of an isomeric state in 271Ds has been confirmed. The existence of a possible isomeric state in 267Hs is presented.

A gas-filled recoil separator GARIS for heavy element research was installed at an experimental hall of the RIKEN linear Accelerator (RILAC) facility. One of the interesting applications of the separator is the discovery of nuclei of superheavy elements whose atomic number are grater then 110. We performed experiments to study productions and decays of heavy nuclei, (271)Ds and (272)111, which were produced with Pb-208 + Ni-64 --> (271)Ds + n and Bi-209 + Ni-64 --> (272)111 + it reactions. Fourteen atoms of (271)Ds and the same number of (272)111 were detected and identified. Existence of an isomeric state in (271)Ds was confirmed. In the decay chains of (272)111, spontaneous fission decays were observed in decay of (264)Bh and (260)Db.

Cys-loop GABA receptors represent important targets for human chemotherapeutics and insecticides and are potential targets for novel anthelmintics (nematicides). However, compared with insect and mammalian receptors, little is known regarding the pharmacological characteristics of nematode Cys-loop GABA receptors. Here we have investigated the agonist binding site of the Cys-loop GABA receptor UNC-49 (Hco-UNC-49) from the parasitic nematode Haemonchus contortus.We used two-electrode voltage-clamp electrophysiology to measure channel activation by classical GABA receptor agonists on Hco-UNC-49 expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes, along with site-directed mutagenesis and in silico homology modelling.The sulphonated molecules P4S and taurine had no effect on Hco-UNC-49. Other classical Cys-loop GABAA receptor agonists tested on the Hco-UNC-49B/C heteromeric channel had a rank order efficacy of GABAtrans-4-aminocrotonic acidisoguvacineimidazole-4-acetic acid (IMA)(R)-(-)-4-amino-3-hydroxybutyric acid [R(-)-GABOB](S)-(+)-4-amino-3-hydroxybutyric acid [S(+)-GABOB]guanidinoacetic acidisonipecotic acid5-aminovaleric acid (DAVA) (partial agonist)β-alanine (partial agonist). In silico ligand docking revealed some variation in binding between agonists. Mutagenesis of a key serine residue in binding loop C to threonine had minimal effects on GABA and IMA but significantly increased the maximal response to DAVA and decreased twofold the EC50 for R(-)- and S(+)-GABOB.The pharmacological profile of Hco-UNC-49 differed from that of vertebrate Cys-loop GABA receptors and insect resistance to dieldrin receptors, suggesting differences in the agonist binding pocket. These findings could be exploited to develop new drugs that specifically target GABA receptors of parasitic nematodes.

Experimental investigations of transactinoide elements provide benchmark results for chemical theory and probe the predictive power of trends in the periodic table. So far, in gas-phase chemical reactions, simple inorganic compounds with the transactinoide in its highest oxidation state have been synthesized. Single-atom production rates, short half-lives, and harsh experimental conditions limited the number of experimentally accessible compounds. We applied a gas-phase carbonylation technique previously tested on short-lived molybdenum (Mo) and tungsten (W) isotopes to the preparation of a carbonyl complex of seaborgium, the 106th element. The volatile seaborgium complex showed the same volatility and reactivity with a silicon dioxide surface as those of the hexacarbonyl complexes of the lighter homologs Mo and W. Comparison of the product's adsorption enthalpy with theoretical predictions and data for the lighter congeners supported a Sg(CO)6 formulation.

The nuclide $^{262}\mathrm{Db}$ was produced in the $^{248}\mathrm{Cm}$($^{19}\mathrm{F}$,5$n$)$^{262}\mathrm{Db}$ reaction at beam energies of 103.1 and 97.4 MeV. Decay properties of $^{262}\mathrm{Db}$ were investigated with a rotating wheel apparatus for \ensuremath{\alpha} and spontaneous fission (SF) spectrometry under low background conditions attained by a gas-jet transport system coupled to the RIKEN gas-filled recoil ion separator. Based on genetically correlated \ensuremath{\alpha}-\ensuremath{\alpha} and \ensuremath{\alpha}-SF decay chains, a total of 76 chains were assigned to $^{262}\mathrm{Db}$ and its \ensuremath{\alpha}-decay daughter nuclide $^{258}\mathrm{Lr}$. No correlated decay chain was observed for Db produced in the $^{248}\mathrm{Cm}$($^{19}\mathrm{F}$,4$n$)Db reaction and its daughter Lr. The half-lives of $^{262}\mathrm{Db}$ and $^{258}\mathrm{Lr}$ were measured to be ${T}_{1/\phantom{\rule{0.0pt}{0ex}}2}=33.{8}_{\ensuremath{-}3.5}^{+4.4}$ and $3.{54}_{\ensuremath{-}0.36}^{+0.46}\mathrm{s}$, respectively, and they confirmed the literature data. The \ensuremath{\alpha}-particle energy $({E}_{\ensuremath{\alpha}})$ and intensity (${I}_{\ensuremath{\alpha}}$) of $^{262}\mathrm{Db}$ were revised to ${E}_{\ensuremath{\alpha}}$ = 8.46 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.04 MeV (${I}_{\ensuremath{\alpha}}$ = 70 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 5%) and ${E}_{\ensuremath{\alpha}}$ = 8.68 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.03 MeV (${I}_{\ensuremath{\alpha}}$ = 30 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 5%). The SF activity with ${T}_{1/2}$ = 30.2 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 6.1 s was assigned to $^{262}\mathrm{Db}$, and the SF branch of $^{262}\mathrm{Db}$ was determined to be ${b}_{\mathrm{SF}}$ = 52 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 4%. From an observation of two SF decays which correlated to the \ensuremath{\alpha} decay of $^{262}\mathrm{Db}$, an electron capture (EC) decay with ${b}_{\mathrm{EC}}$ = 2.6 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 1.8% was suggested in $^{258}\mathrm{Lr}$. The production cross sections for the $^{248}\mathrm{Cm}$($^{19}\mathrm{F}$,5$n$)$^{262}\mathrm{Db}$ reaction were determined to be 2.1 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.7 nb at 103.1 MeV and $0.{23}_{\ensuremath{-}0.11}^{+0.18}\mathrm{nb}$ at 97.4 MeV, whereas, those for the $^{248}\mathrm{Cm}$($^{19}\mathrm{F}$,4$n$)Db reaction were the upper limits of \ensuremath{\le}0.064 nb at 103.1 MeV and \ensuremath{\le}0.13 nb at 97.4 MeV. These cross sections are discussed by comparing with the literature data as well as the theoretical prediction.

Production cross sections of Rf isotopes in the ${}^{248}$Cm$\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}+\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}$${}^{18}$O reaction were measured at the beam energy range of 88.2 to 101.3 MeV by use of a gas-filled recoil ion separator. The excitation functions of ${}^{260}$Rf, ${}^{261}$Rf${}^{a}$, and ${}^{262}$Rf were obtained together with those of spontaneously fissioning nuclides which have few-second half-lives and have been assigned to ${}^{261}$Rf${}^{b}$ and a longer-lived state of ${}^{262}$Rf. The excitation function of few-second spontaneously fissioning nuclide exhibited the maximum cross section at the ${}^{18}$O beam energy of 94.8 MeV. The shape of the excitation function was almost the same as that of ${}^{261}$Rf${}^{a}$, whereas it was quite different from those of ${}^{260}$Rf and ${}^{262}$Rf. A few-second spontaneously fissioning nuclide previously reported as ${}^{261}$Rf${}^{b}$ and ${}^{262}$Rf observed in ${}^{248}$Cm$\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}+\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}$${}^{18}$O reaction was identified as ${}^{261}$Rf${}^{b}$.

The half-life of the alpha emitter 148 Gd isotope has been measured by following the decay curve of a low activity 148 Gd- 241 Am mixed source. Based on two years of decay the preliminary result is T 1 2 = 70.9 ± 1.0 y .

Two isomeric states of ${}^{265}$Sg, i.e., ${}^{265}$Sg${}^{a}$ and ${}^{265}$Sg${}^{b}$, proposed in Ch. E. D\"ullmann and A. T\"urler [Phys. Rev. C 77, 064320 (2008)] were produced in the ${}^{248}$Cm(${}^{22}$Ne,5$n$)${}^{265}$Sg reaction. Decay properties of ${}^{265}$Sg${}^{a,b}$ were investigated with a rotating-wheel apparatus for $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ and spontaneous fission (SF) spectrometry under low background conditions attained by a gas-jet transport system coupled to the RIKEN gas-filled recoil ion separator. Based on genetically correlated $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-$\ensuremath{\alpha}$(-$\ensuremath{\alpha}$) and $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-SF decay chains, 18 and 24 events were assigned to ${}^{265}$Sg${}^{a}$ and ${}^{265}$Sg${}^{b}$, respectively. The half-life ${T}_{1/2}$ and $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-particle energy ${E}_{\ensuremath{\alpha}}$ of ${}^{265}$Sg${}^{a}$ were measured to be 8.5${}_{\ensuremath{-}1.6}^{+2.6}$ s and 8.84 $\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}$ 0.05 MeV, respectively, and those of ${}^{265}$Sg${}^{b}$ were 14.4${}_{\ensuremath{-}2.5}^{+3.7}$ s and 8.69 $\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}$ 0.05 MeV. As a daughter product of ${}^{265}$Sg${}^{a,b}$, the decay properties of the 3-s isomeric state in ${}^{261}$Rf, i.e., ${}^{261}$Rf${}^{b}$, were also derived: ${T}_{1/2}$ $=$ 2.6${}_{\ensuremath{-}0.5}^{+0.7}$ s, ${E}_{\ensuremath{\alpha}}$ $=$ 8.51 $\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}$ 0.06 MeV, and SF branch ${b}_{\mathit{SF}}$ $=$ 0.82 $\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}$ 0.09. These results confirm and refine the decay pattern suggested for the decay chain ${}^{269}$Hs $\ensuremath{\rightarrow}$ ${}^{265}$Sg${}^{a,b}$ $\ensuremath{\rightarrow}$ ${}^{261}$Rf${}^{a,b}$ $\ensuremath{\rightarrow}$ ${}^{257}$No $\ensuremath{\rightarrow}$ in D\"ullmann and T\"urler. The production cross sections for ${}^{265}$Sg${}^{a}$ and ${}^{265}$Sg${}^{b}$ were determined to be 180${}_{\ensuremath{-}60}^{+80}$ and 200${}_{\ensuremath{-}50}^{+60}$ pb at 117.8 MeV, respectively, and they are discussed by comparing with the literature data as well as the theoretical prediction.

Invertebrate ligand-gated chloride channels are well recognized as important targets for several insecticides and anthlemintics. Hco-UNC-49 is a GABA-gated chloride channel from the parasitic nematode Haemonchus contortus and is an orthologue to the neuromuscular receptor (Cel-UNC-49) from the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans . While the receptors from the two nematodes are similar in sequence, they exhibit different sensitivities to GABA which may reflect differences in in vivo function. The aim of the current study was to further characterize the pharmacology of the Hco-UNC-49 receptor by examining its sensitivity to various insecticides and anthelmintics using two-electrode voltage clamp. Specifically, the insecticides fipronil and picrotoxin appear to inhibit the channel in a similar manner. The IC 50 of picrotoxin on the homomeric channel was 3.65 ± 0.64 μM and for the heteromeric channel was 134.56 ± 44.12 μM. On the other hand, dieldrin, a well-known insect GABA receptor blocker, had little effect on the UNC-49 channel. The anthelmintics ivermectin and moxidectin both moderately potentiated the activation of Hco-UNC-49 by GABA, while piperazine was able to directly activate both the Hco-UNC-49 homomeric and heteromeric channels with EC 50 values of 6.23 ± 0.45 mM and 5.09 ± 0.32 mM, respectively. This piperazine current was reversibly blocked by picrotoxin which demonstrates that the anthelmintic specifically targets Hco-UNC-49. These results demonstrate that Hco-UNC-49 exhibits binding sites for several molecules including piperazine and macrocyclic lactone anthelmintics. In addition, this is the first report of the heterologous expression and subsequent characterization of a receptor for piperazine.

The 1.9-s isomeric state ($^{261}\mathrm{Rf}$${}^{b}$) in $^{261}\mathrm{Rf}$ was directly populated in the $^{248}\mathrm{Cm}$($^{18}\mathrm{O}$,5$n$)$^{261}\mathrm{Rf}$${}^{b}$ reaction. Alpha and spontaneous fission (SF) decays of $^{261}\mathrm{Rf}$${}^{b}$, as well as the 68-s state $^{261}\mathrm{Rf}$${}^{a}$, was investigated with a rotating wheel apparatus under low background conditions attained by a gas-jet transport system coupled to the RIKEN gas-filled recoil ion separator. An identification of $^{261}\mathrm{Rf}$${}^{b}$ was based on $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-$\ensuremath{\alpha}$ correlations linking $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ decays of $^{261}\mathrm{Rf}$${}^{b}$ and its daughter $^{257}\mathrm{No}$. The $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-particle energy of $^{261}\mathrm{Rf}$${}^{b}$ was measured to be 8.52 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.05 MeV. The half-life was determined to be 1.9 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.4 s based on both 8.52-MeV $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ and SF decays. The $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ and SF branches are 0.27 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.06 and 0.73 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.06, respectively. The cross section for the $^{248}\mathrm{Cm}$($^{18}\mathrm{O}$,5$n$)$^{261}\mathrm{Rf}$${}^{b}$ reaction is \ensuremath{\sigma}($^{261}\mathrm{Rf}$${}^{b}$) = 11 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 2 nb at 95.1 MeV, which gives a cross-section ratio of \ensuremath{\sigma}($^{261}\mathrm{Rf}$${}^{a}$)/\ensuremath{\sigma}($^{261}\mathrm{Rf}$${}^{b}$) = 1.1 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.2.

Over the past three years, we have worked on developing a well-characterized 30S radioactive beam to be used in a future experiment aiming to directly measure the 30S(alpha,p) stellar reaction rate within the Gamow window of Type I X-ray bursts. The importance of the 30S(alpha,p) reaction to X-ray bursts is discussed. Given the astrophysical motivation, the successful results of and challenges involved in the production of a low-energy 30S beam are detailed. Finally, an overview of our future plans regarding this on-going project are presented., 7 pages, 2 figures, 5th European Summer School on Experimental Nuclear Astrophysics, Santa Tecla, Sicily, September 2009

Decay properties of an isotope 266Bh and its daughter nucleus 262Db produced by the 248Cm(23Na,5n) reaction were studied by using a gas‐filled recoil separator coupled with a position‐sensitive semiconductor detector. 266Bh was clearly identified from the correlation of the known nuclide, 262Db. The obtained decay properties of 266Bh and 262Db are consistent with those observed in the 278113 chain by RIKEN collaboration, which provided further confirmation of the discovery of 278113.

Over the past three years, we have worked on developing a well-characterized 30S radioactive beam to be used in a future experiment aiming to directly measure the 30S(alpha,p) stellar reaction rate within the Gamow window of Type I X-ray bursts.

The production and decay of $^{272}111 has been investigated using a gas-filled recoil ion separator in irradiations of $^{209}$Bi targets with $^{64}$Ni beam at 320, 323 and 326 MeV. We have observed 14 α-decay chains in total, that can be assigned, on the basis of their time correlations, to subsequent decays from $^{272}$111 produced in the $^{209}$Bi(64Ni,1n) reaction. The present result is the first clear confirmation for the discovery of $^{272}$111 and its α-decay products, $^{264}$Bh and $^{268}$Mt, reported previously by a GSI group. New information on their half-lives and decay energies as well as the excitation function is presented.

International audience; Production and decay of an isotope 271110 of the 110th element were studied. The isotope was produced by 208Pb + 64Ni → 271110 + n reaction. Fourteen α‐decay chains have been assigned to be the decays originating from the isotope 271110. The excitation function of the production cross section was measured. The results have provided a good confirmation of production and decay of the 271110 reported by GSI group. The presence of an isomeric state in 271110 has also been confirmed. Possible isomeric state in 267Hs has also been presented. The production and decay of 272111 has been also investigated in irradiations of 209Bi targets with 64Ni beam. We have observed 14 α‐decay chains in total, that can be assigned, on the basis of their time correlations, to subsequent decays from 272111.

A gas-filled recoil separator GARIS was installed at the RIKEN Linear Accelerator facility. Using the separator, two reactions, $^{208}$Pb($^{64}$Ni, 1n), and $^{209}$Bi($^{64}$Ni, 1n), were investigated. In the first reaction we observed fourteen $\alpha$-decay chains which were assigned to be the decays starting from the isotope $^{271}$Ds(Z=110). The $\alpha$-decay energies as well as the decay times coincided well with the values reported by GSI group. Existence of an isomeric state in $^{271}$Ds became clear from the present work. In the second reaction we have observed 14 $\alpha$-decay chains that can be assigned to subsequent decays from $^{272}$111. The present result is the first clear confirmation for the discovery of $^{272}$111 and its $\alpha$-decay products, $^{264}$Bh and $^{268}$Mt, reported previously by a GSI group. New information on their half-lives and decay energies is presented.

Recently it has become possible to perform detailed spectroscopy on nuclei beyond Z = 100 with the aim of understanding the underlying single-particle structure of superheavy elements. A number of such experiments have been performed at the 88-Inch Cyclotron of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory using the Berkeley Gas-filled Separator (BGS), coupled with delayed γ-ray and electron-decay spectroscopy. Experiments have been performed on 254No (Z = 102), 257Rf (Z = 104), and 261Sg (Z = 106). The results provide new information on the properties of transactinide nuclei, which is important for testing models of the heaviest elements.

In a group of 18 male patients with spinal cord injury, we found serum creatinine to be within normal limits or only minimally elevated despite significant reduction in creatinine clearance. In 8 control subjects with serum creatinine between 1.0 and 1.5 mg/dL (88.4 and 132.6 mumol/L), the measured creatinine clearance was 66.4 +/- 28.2 mL/min. In contrast, in the 5 patients with spinal cord injury whose serum creatinine was in the same range, the measured creatinine clearance was only 31.0 +/- 19 mL/min. Urinary creatinine excretion was lower in patients with spinal cord injury than in the 18 male controls (653 mg/24 hr vs. 1505 mg/24 hr). The decreased urinary creatinine could not be explained by differences in age, sex, or body weight. We calculated the relationship of creatinine clearance (Ccr) and serum creatinine (Scr) in patients with spinal cord injury to be given by the equation Ccr (mL/min) = 45/Scr (mg/dL), r = 0.73. We recommend timed urine collections for creatinine to estimate creatinine clearance accurately for clinical evaluation of patients with spinal cord injury.

We report a patient with Chronic Lymphatic Leukaemia (CLL) who presented with renal failure and was found to have extensive infiltration of the kidney with leukaemic infiltrates

This review summarizes the evidence for the defect in Na+-K+ pump in chronic renal failure, considers the role of various factors in causing this defect, and discusses the clinical implications thereof. Intracellular Na is elevated in erythrocytes, leukocytes, and muscle cells from some patients with chronic renal failure (CRF). Recent evidence suggests that this elevation of cell Na may be, in large part, a consequence of decreased number of Na+-K+ pump units per cell. Maintenance dialysis over a period of weeks ameliorates the defect in intracellular Na+, and this improvement is contemporaneous with an increase in the number of Na+-K+ pump sites per cell. In erythrocytes with normal cell Na+, acute hemodialysis increases the rate of Na+ and K+ transport. Many factors such as the presence of retained toxic metabolite or circulating inhibitor in the uremic plasma, or biochemical changes produced by acute hemodialysis, may explain this finding. In cells with high cell Na+, the pump-mediated K+ transport is normalized at the expense of a raised cell Na+. The decreased muscle membrane potential in uremic subjects has been attributed to a decreased activity of Na+-K+ pump. Enzymatic Na+-K+-ATPase activity of the uremic erythrocyte, leukocyte, sarcolemma, and intestines is also decreased. We discuss the role of hormonal abnormalities and circulating inhibitors, which may cause an acute inhibition of the pump and of other factors such as K+ depletion, which may cause more chronic alterations. The implications of alteration of Na+ and K+ pump transport and raised cell Na+ on other non-pump-mediated transport pathways are discussed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)