Improved Tensor Current Limit from

A precision measurement of the ß^{+} decay of ^{8}B was performed using the Beta-decay Paul Trap to determine the ß-ν angular correlation coefficient a_{ßν}. The experimental results were combined with new ab initio symmetry-adapted no-core shell-model calculations to yield the second-most precise measurement from Gamow-Teller decays, a_{ßν}=-0.3345±0.0019_{stat}±0.0021_{syst}. This value agrees with the standard model value of -1/3 and improves uncertainties in ^{8}B by nearly a factor of 2. By combining results from ^{8}B and ^{8}Li, a tight limit on tensor current coupling to right-handed neutrinos was obtained. A recent global evaluation of all other precision ß decay studies suggested a nonzero value for right-handed neutrino coupling in contradiction with the standard model at just above 3σ. The present results are of comparable sensitivity and do not support this finding.

Angular Correlations in the ß Decay of

We present the first measurement of the α-ß-ν angular correlation in the Gamow-Teller ß^{+} decay of ^{8}B. This was accomplished using the Beta-decay Paul Trap, expanding on our previous work on the ß^{-} decay of ^{8}Li. The ^{8}B result is consistent with the V-A electroweak interaction of the standard model and, on its own, provides a limit on the exotic right-handed tensor current relative to the axial-vector current of |C_{T}/C_{A}|^{2}<0.013 at the 95.5% confidence level. This represents the first high-precision angular correlation measurements in mirror decays and was made possible through the use of an ion trap. By combining this ^{8}B result with our previous ^{8}Li results, we demonstrate a new pathway for increased precision in searches for exotic currents.

Improved Limit on Tensor Currents in the Weak Interaction from

The electroweak interaction in the standard model is described by a pure vector-axial-vector structure, though any Lorentz-invariant component could contribute. In this Letter, we present the most precise measurement of tensor currents in the low-energy regime by examining the ß-ν[over ¯] correlation of trapped ^{8}Li ions with the Beta-decay Paul Trap. We find a_{ßν}=-0.3325±0.0013_{stat}±0.0019_{syst} at 1σ for the case of coupling to right-handed neutrinos (C_{T}=-C_{T}^{'}), which is consistent with the standard model prediction.

Impact of Clustering on the

We place unprecedented constraints on recoil corrections in the ß decay of ^{8}Li, by identifying a strong correlation between them and the ^{8}Li ground state quadrupole moment in large-scale ab initio calculations. The results are essential for improving the sensitivity of high-precision experiments that probe the weak interaction theory and test physics beyond the standard model. In addition, our calculations predict a 2^{+} state of the α+α system that is energetically accessible to ß decay but has not been observed in the experimental ^{8}Be energy spectrum, and has an important effect on the recoil corrections and ß decay for the A=8 systems. This state and an associated 0^{+} state are notoriously difficult to model due to their cluster structure and collective correlations, but become feasible for calculations in the ab initio symmetry-adapted no-core shell-model framework.

Precision Mass Measurements of Neutron-Rich Neodymium and Samarium Isotopes and Their Role in Understanding Rare-Earth Peak Formation.

The Canadian Penning Trap mass spectrometer at the Californium Rare Isotope Breeder Upgrade (CARIBU) facility was used to measure the masses of eight neutron-rich isotopes of Nd and Sm. These measurements are the first to push into the region of nuclear masses relevant to the formation of the rare-earth abundance peak at A∼165 by the rapid neutron-capture process. We compare our results with theoretical predictions obtained from "reverse engineering" the mass surface that best reproduces the observed solar abundances in this region through a Markov chain Monte Carlo technique. Our measured masses are consistent with the reverse-engineering predictions for a neutron star merger wind scenario.

Influence of hypertonic saline on bacterial translocation in controlled hemorrhagic shock.

Translocation of enteric bacteria has been described in rats following hemorrhagic shock (HS). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of hypertonic saline (HTS) on bacterial translocation (BT) in the setting of controlled HS in rats. The study included 2 arms. Arm I was a qualitative assessment of translocation. Sixty-eight anesthetized animals were studied. The rats were divided into 5 groups. Group I (n = 10) was sham shock controls. In groups II-V, HS was induced by arterial bleeding to mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 35-45 mmHg, which was maintained for 30 min. The animals were then allocated into 4 groups: group II (n = 19) untreated HS; group III (n = 13) normal saline (NS) treated; group IV (n = 13) HTS-treated; and group V (n = 13) HTS and blood treated. Mesenteric lymph nodes, liver, spleen, portal, and systemic blood were sent for culture after 24 h. Translocation occurred if enteric bacteria were cultured from at least one site. Arm II was a quantitative assessment of translocation. Two groups were studied: untreated HS (n = 7) and HTS treated (n = 6). In the qualitative arm, the 24-h mortality in untreated rats (group II) was 31.5% compared to 5.1% in treated animals (groups II-V) (P = 0.01). No BT was detected in control animals (group I). BT after HS was not different between groups II, III, and IV (92.3%, 91.6%, and 100%, respectively). Group V showed fewer translocations than groups II-IV, a difference that was especially significant compared with group IV (P = 0.039). However, BT to distant sites (systemic blood and spleen) was significantly lower in group V than in groups II-IV (P < 0.05). In the quantitative arm, the mortality rate was 16.7% in the untreated group. Although no qualitative significant difference in the translocation rate was found between the two groups (67% in untreated animals vs. 50% in HTS treated), there was significant quantitative difference: in HTS-treated group a significantly lesser bacteria translocated than in untreated animals (0.4 x 10(5) cfu/g vs. 4.2 x 10(5) cfu/g, respectively [P = 0.001]). We concluded that whereas assessed qualitatively, in this model of severe HS in rats, the hemorrhagic insult itself resulted in BT in most animals and treatment with NS, HTS, and blood resulted in reduced early mortality but did not alter significantly the translocation rate. Only the combination of HTS and blood resulted in reduced BT to distant sites. However, quantitative assessment showed that HTS significantly reduced the number of translocating bacteria.

Sexual dysfunction in patients with irritable bowel syndrome and non-ulcer dyspepsia.

The prevalence and type of sexual dysfunction in patients with functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorders involving the upper (functional dyspepsia) or lower GI tract (irritable bowel syndrome) were studied in 683 patients seen at a tertiary referral center and a comparison group of 247 community volunteers. Associations between sexual dysfunction and type and severity of GI symptoms, and psychological symptoms were examined. All subjects were evaluated with a validated bowel syndrome questionnaire, which included questions about sexual function. Psychological symptom severity was assessed by SCL-90R. The prevalence of self-reported sexual dysfunction in patients with functional GI disorders was 43.3% and did not differ by gender, age stratification or disease subtype: irritable bowel syndrome (IBS); non-ulcer dyspepsia (NUD), and IBS + NUD. In the comparison subjects without IBS symptoms and those with IBS symptoms but not seeking health care (IBS non-patients), the reported sexual dysfunction prevalence was significantly lower (16.1 and 24.4%, respectively, p < 0.005). Decreased sexual drive was the symptom most commonly reported by both male (36.2%) and female (28.4%) patients. Dyspareunia was reported by 16.4% of females and 4% of males with IBS, but was rarely observed in patients with NUD. Report of sexual dysfunction was positively associated with perceived GI symptom severity, but not with psychological symptom severity. Sexual dysfunction should be incorporated into the quality-of-life assessment of patients with functional GI disorders and addressed in future outcome studies.

Characterization of afferent mechanisms in ileoanal pouches.

OBJECTIVES: The afferent innervation of ileoanal pouches plays an important role in perception and in reflex regulation of pouch function. We aimed to characterize afferent nerve function in ileoanal pouches and thereby explain the clinical presentation of patients with such pouches. METHODS: In eight patients who underwent surgery for active ulcerative colitis, perception of balloon distention of the pouch was measured using an electronic visceral distention device. In addition, pouch compliance and ileoanal reflex function were determined. Studies were performed during the initial stage of pouch creation (pouch without connection to proximal ileum, study 1) and a mean of 6.6 wk (range = 2-12 wk) after the second stage of the surgery (proximal ileum in continuity with the pouch, study 2). Nine normal volunteers made up the control group. RESULTS: When expressed as intrapouch pressure, thresholds for stool and discomfort sensations were similar in patients with a pouch and controls. However, during ramp distention, patients with a pouch had a lower volume threshold for stool sensation (143 +/- 45 ml vs 300 +/- 30 ml, p = 0.009). The initial sensation of discomfort was experienced in the perineum at the S3 dermatome in all eight patients. At higher distention pressures, all patients with a pouch referred sensations to the abdomen, as opposed to only one of nine controls with such a referral pattern (p < 0.0001). Pouch compliance was markedly reduced during study 1 but normalized after continuity was established with the proximal ileum. Anal sphincter function in patients with a pouch was similar to that in controls. CONCLUSIONS: Afferent pathways from both the ileum and rectum play a role in the mediation of sensations during mechanical distention of the ileoanal pouch and can explain a number of clinical features of patients with a pouch. The thresholds for activation of these pathways are not significantly altered by long-standing colorectal inflammation or by creation of the ileoanal pouch. Continuity with the proximal ileum significantly influences pouch compliance.

Diagnosis and management of fecal incontinence in elderly patients.

Fecal incontinence is a physically and psychologically disabling condition that affects millions of Americans, especially those over the age of 65 years. The pathophysiology is often multifactorial, with decreased anorectal sensation, reduced rectal compliance. anal sphincter dysfunction, altered stool consistency and immobility playing significant roles. A detailed history and a thorough physical examination are always necessary in patients with fecal incontinence and physiologic tests, including anorectal manometry, cinedefecography and electromyography, may be required for proper diagnosis and treatment. In most patients fecal incontinence is initially treated with conservative measures, such as biofeedback training or alteration of the stool consistency (if appropriate). If conservative management fails, surgical intervention, such as sphincteroplasty or gracilis muscle transposition, may be considered.

Simultaneous adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma and sub-acute polyneuropathy in a patient from Chile.

This paper reports a case of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma associated with human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I) diagnosed in a Chilean patient who developed after 1 1/2 years a crisis with a progressive sensorimotor polyneuropathy. Serum and cerebrospinal fluid HTLV-I antibody tests were positive and HTLV-I DNA was clonally integrated in peripheral lymphocytes. This case is unusual in having simultaneous neurological disease. Along with other recent data from South America, this suggests that the endemic area of HTLV-I may spread far beyond the Caribbean area.

Prevalence and importance of congenital cytomegalovirus infection in three different populations.

A Chilean population was compared to low-income and middle/upper-class populations in Birmingham, Ala., with regard to prevalence of congenital cytomegalovirus infection as well as the importance of this infection in neonatal deaths. In the highly seroimmune Chilean (98%) and low-income Birmingham (82%) groups, congenital infections occurred more often (1.7% and 1.9%, respectively) than in the less immune (56%) middle/upper-income group in Birmingham (0.6%). In 407 autopsies reviewed in Chile no neonatal deaths were attributed to cytomegalic inclusion disease, whereas in Birmingham cytomegalovirus was the cause of death in nine of 938 (1%) newborn infants. These findings further support the concept that, despite an apparent lack of protection against intrauterine transmission, maternal immunity reduces the risk of severe fetal infection.