A study on the cross-section data of 43,44m,46,47Sc isotopes via (d,x) reactions on natural abundance targets under the effects of deuteron optical models.

Many studies have investigated the influence of theoretical models and factors involved in the acquisition of cross-section data of a nuclear reaction. The implications of different models of various variables such as level density, gamma strength function, and optical potentials on cross-section calculations whether used solo or jointly are investigated in a significant portion of the works conducted in this perspective. The aim of this particular study is to investigate the influence of different optical models on the cross-section calculations in production of several scandium isotopes, known for various medical uses, from several targets with natural abundances by (d,x) reactions. For this purpose, the cross-section calculations using five available deuteron optical models of TALYS code in natTi(d,x)43Sc, natTi(d,x)44mSc, natTi(d,x)46Sc, natTi(d,x)47Sc, natV(d,x)47Sc and natCr(d,x)47Sc reactions were performed and the obtained calculation results were compared with the experimental cross-section data gathered from the literature. To understand whether there is a significant and consistent relationship between the experimental data and the calculation results, both have been plotted together and analyzed with the naked-eye. In addition, the calculations of the mean standardized deviation, the mean relative deviation, the mean ratio and the mean square logarithmic deviation were performed in order to evaluate the results numerically.

Comparison of Monte Carlo simulations and theoretical calculations of nuclear shielding characteristics of various borate glasses including Bi, V, Fe, and Cd.

The aim of this study is to evaluate both buildup factors and photon attenuation effectiveness of some borate glasses doped by Cd, Fe, V, and Bi. The mass attenuation coefficients (µm) of these glass systems have been calculated via MCNP6 and GEANT4 computer simulation codes over 0.02-10 MeV energy range and compared with the theoretical results of WinXCOM program. And then, half-value layer, (HVL), mean free path (MFP), and effective atomic number (Zeff) for the different content based glasses have been determined. Through G-P fitting process, exposure buildup factors (EBF) have been found in the energy range of 0.015-15 MeV up to 40 mfp. It can be concluded that SrBiO20 glass is alternative material in terms of photon attenuation, respectively.

Investigation of level density and Gama strength function for photoneutron reaction in medical linacs in Beamline.

Photoneutron reaction cross-sections of 197Au, 187Re, 186W, 181Ta, 94,95,96,97,98,100Mo isotopes were calculated through the TALYS 1.95 nuclear reaction code. The energy range of the incident photon chosen as 7 MeV-30 MeV corresponded to the range of the giant dipole resonance region, which is also an applicable energy range in radiotherapy for many commercial medical linear accelerators. Calculations were performed using three phenomenological level density models available in code, namely the Constant Temperature Fermi Gas Model, the Back-shifted Fermi Gas Model, and the Generalized Superfluid Model. The most convenient level density model for each reaction was chosen using relative variance calculations. The cross-section calculations were repeated using gamma strength function models, Kopecky-Uhl generalized Lorentzian model, Brink-Axel Lorentzian model, and Goriely's hybrid model and the best level density model was kept constant. The calculated data and the experimental data from the international Experimental Nuclear Reaction Data Library were analysed and compared graphically.

Effects of combining some theoretical models in the cross-section calculations of some alpha-induced reactions for natSb.

In cases where it is not possible to obtain the cross-section values experimentally due to various factors, the importance of obtaining them with theoretical models has been explained in many studies available in the literature. In this context, the comparison of the cross-section values obtained by using the theoretical models with the experimental data will also be very beneficial for updating and developing these models. Existing studies, which also serve this purpose, have given inspiration to this study and it is aimed to examine the effects of the simultaneous use of the alpha optical model potentials and the level density models on the cross-section calculations for some alpha-particle-induced reactions on natural antimony. The effects of theoretical models on the cross-section calculations were investigated by comparing the obtained calculation results with the experimental data taken from the literature. The TALYS code, which is frequently preferred in the literature, was used in all calculations within the scope of this study. For the comparison of the calculated results with the experimental data, not only a visual analysis by graphing the outcomes, but also a mean-weighted-deviation calculation was used, and the findings were interpreted by accounting for both of them.

Mass excess estimations using artificial neural networks.

Mass excess knowledge is important to investigate the fundamental properties of atomic nuclei. It is a meaningful and important parameter for the determinations of nucleon binding energy, nuclear reaction Q value, energy threshold and plays an undeniable role in the theoretical calculations of a reaction cross-section value in terms of the quantities it affects. In this research, a new artificial neural network (ANN) based algorithm is proposed to determine the mass excess of nuclei. The experimental data, which were taken from the RIPL3 database have been used for training the ANN. Proton, neutron, and mass numbers have been chosen as the input parameters. The Levenberg-Marquardt (LM) algorithm has been employed for the training section. The correlation coefficients have been found as 0.99984, 0.99977, 0.99984, and 0.99983 for training, validation, and testing, respectively. To validate our ANN results, ANN findings have been given as input parameters on TALYS 1.95 code and 56Fe(p,x) nuclear reactions have been simulated. The obtained results were compared with the literature. In conclusion, the findings of this study point to the ANN as a recommended tool that can be used to calculate estimates of mass information.

Effects of deuteron optical models on the cross-section calculations of deuteron induced reactions on natural germanium.

A common feature of scientific studies is that when experimental observation data are not available, theoretical calculations are used to obtain information about the subject under investigation. In this context, many parameters and theoretical models have been developed that can be used in nuclear physics studies just as it is in other branches of sciences. It is intended that by doing so, theoretical models can be improved using recent experimental data while also learning about outcomes where experimental data is unavailable or difficult to access. Among the many theoretical models available, there are also deuteron optical models whose effects are examined in this study. The objective of this study is to examine the effects of different deuteron optical models on the cross-section calculations of deuteron induced reactions on natural germanium. The cross-section values of natGe(d,x)70As, natGe(d,x)71As, natGe(d,x)72As, natGe(d,x)73As, natGe(d,x)74As and natGe(d,x)76As reactions were calculated using five deuteron optical models in the TALYS code's v1.95 for this aim, and the results were compared to the experimental data available in the database known as Experimental Nuclear Reaction Data (EXFOR) library. Graphics and quantitative analyses were also used to present the findings and interpretations of the outcomes.

Evaluation of Olfactory Function With Objective Tests in COVID-19-Positive Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study.

OBJECTIVE: Olfactory dysfunction is relatively high in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. The aim of this study is to investigate the incidence of olfactory disorder objectively in patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 infection. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The study included 31 healthy controls and 59 COVID-19 patients who were diagnosed and treated in the COVID departments in a tertiary hospital. The patients with corona virus infection were screened by a questionnaire and were classified into 2 groups as either group 2 (patients without self-reported smell loss) or group 3 (patients with self-reported smell loss). Age and gender matched healthy controls who do not have chronic nasal condition or nasal surgery history comprised the control group (group 1). All of the patients and subjects in the control group were tested by the Sniffin' Sticks test. All of the answers and scores were recorded, and the comparisons were made. RESULTS: The rate of self-reported smell and taste loss in all COVID-19 patients in this study was 52.5% and 42%, respectively. There was a significant difference in threshold, discrimination, identification, and Threshold, Discrimination, Identification (TDI) scores between groups 1 and 2. When the comparisons between group 1 and 3 were made, again threshold, discrimination, identification, and TDI scores were significantly different. The comparison between groups 2 and 3 demonstrated a significant difference in discrimination, identification, and TDI scores, but threshold score was not different statistically. With questionnaire, the rate of olfactory dysfunction in COVID-19 patients was 52.5%, but with objective test, the rate was calculated as 83%. CONCLUSION: Olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions are common in COVID-19 patients. According to findings with the objective test method in this study, smell disorder in COVID-19 patients was much higher than those detected by questionnaires.

Photo-neutron cross-section calculations of 54,56Fe, 90,91,92,94Zr, 93Nb and 107Ag Isotopes with newly obtained Giant Dipole Resonance parameters.

The knowledge of the interaction of photons with matter is of vital importance to investigate fundamental nuclear physics problems. Giant dipole resonance (GDR) mechanism is dominant up to 30 MeV at photo-absorption cross-section. The photo-absorption cross-section curve against the photon energy displays one or multi-peak Lorentzian functions according to the deformation of the nucleus. Theoretical photo-absorption cross-section calculations generally focus on the estimation of GDR parameters. Theoretical reaction codes use GDR parameters to reproduce photon-induced nuclear reactions. In this study, photo-neutron cross-section calculations of 54,56Fe, 90,91,92,94Zr, 93Nb, and 107Ag isotopes have been done with the TALYS 1.8 and EMPIRE 3.2.2 nuclear reaction codes in the GDR region. During these calculations, both codes were firstly operated by using the predefined and existing GDR parameters within the codes. Later on, a new set of GDR parameters have been obtained by running a Lorentzian model based code in where the available experimental data are also considered. Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm has been used with 10-6 function tolerances and 400 iterations for optimization. These new obtained GDR parameters then replaced with the existing GDR parameters within the TALYS code and the photo-neutron cross-section calculations for the investigated isotopes have been repeated. Ultimately, in order to discuss the outcomes and the effects of using new GDR parameters, obtained results were analyzed by comparing them with the experimental data from the Experimental Nuclear Reaction Data (EXFOR) library.

Theoretical calculations of production cross-sections for the 201Pb, 111In 18F and 11C radioisotopes at proton induced reactions.

Production of radioisotopes that used in medical diagnosis and treatment are mostly based on the nuclear reactions. The cross-section data are important to understand nuclear reaction mechanisms. In this study TALYS 1.8 code has been used to calculate production cross-sections of 201Pb, 111In, 18F and 11C radioisotopes at proton induced reactions. Constant Temperature Fermi Gas Model (CTFGM), Back Shifted Fermi Gas Model (BSFGM) and Generalised Super Fluid Model (GSM) have been employed as a level density models for computations. Relative variance calculations have been carried out to determine the best level density model. In addition to cross-section calculations, total activities of radioisotopes have been presented. Production cross-section calculation results have been compared with experimental data taken from Experimental Nuclear Reaction Database (EXFOR).

Investigation of gamma strength functions and level density models effects on photon induced reaction cross-section calculations for the fusion structural materials 46,50Ti, 51V, 58Ni and 63Cu.

Scientists have been focused on fusion reactor studies to overcome the increasing energy demand. The materials, which have the potential to be used in fusion reactors must be resistant to the harmful effects of radiation in the manner of material itself. Selection of the appropriate materials to be used in nuclear reactors has a crucial importance to achieve the maximum efficiency and security. Ti, V, Ni and Cu are known as some of the constructional fusion materials. Existence of many knowledge about those materials provides countless advantages to the researchers and one of them is the cross-section, which basically means the probability of a nuclear reaction's occurrence. In addition to the cross-section, there exist some other parameters, which could be pointed as gamma strength function and level density models that affect the theoretical calculations. In this study, photon induced reaction cross-sections of 46,50Ti, 51V, 58Ni and 63Cu target isotopes have been calculated by using TALYS 1.8 code with different gamma strength functions in the giant dipole resonance region. For gamma strength functions Kopecky-Uhl generalised Lorentzian Model, Brink-Axel Lorentzian Model, Hartree-Fock BCS tables, Hartree-Fock-Bogolyubov tables and Goriely's Hybrid Model have been employed. To appoint the best gamma strength function model, the relative variance calculations have been performed. Also, reaction cross-sections have been recalculated by using the best gamma strength function models through the different level density options. Constant Temperature Fermi Gas Model, Back Shifted Fermi Gas Model and Generalised Super Fluid Model have been employed for level density calculations. Experimental data for the investigated reactions have been taken from EXFOR library and used for comparisons of the obtained calculation results.

Investigation of level density parameter effects on (p,n) and (p,2n) reaction cross-sections for the fusion structural materials 48Ti, 63Cu and 90Zr.

The materials used in fusion reactor must be resistance to the harmful effects of radiation in the manner of material itself. Selection of the appropriate materials used in nuclear reactor has a crucial importance to achieve the maximum efficiency and security. Ti, Cu and Zr are known to be employed as first wall materials in fusion reactors. In this study, level density parameter effects on (p,n) and (p,2n) reaction cross-section calculations have been investigated by employing different level density models within TALYS 1.8 computer code for 48Ti, 63Cu and 90Zr selected as target materials. Also, for these isotopes (p,n) and (p,2n) reaction cross-section calculations have been done by using two different level density models of EMPIRE 3.2 code. For calculations; Constant Temperature Fermi Gas Model, Back Shifted Fermi Gas Model, Generalised Super Fluid Model and Microscopic level densities (temperature dependent Hartree Fock Bogolyubov, Gogny Force) from Hilaire's combinatorial tables have been used from TALYS 1.8. In addition, Generalised Superfluid Model and Hartree Fock Bogolyubov Model have been selected for calculations from EMPIRE 3.2 code. To appoint the best level density model, the relative variance analyses have been done. The cross-section calculations have been repeated via TALYS 1.8 level density models by changing the a parameter replacing with the obtained one from the best level density model result and value taken from the literature for each isotope. To analyze and comment about the outcomes of the study, a comparison of the results have been done with each other and the experimental data taken from the literature.

Relevance of serum nitric oxide levels and the efficacy of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors treatment on premature ejaculation: decreased nitric oxide is associated with premature ejaculation.

The aim of the present study was to determine the relevance of serum nitric oxide levels and the efficacy of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) treatment on premature ejaculation. Sixty married men (aged 20-50) with lifelong premature ejaculation and forty healthy men (aged 24-48) as control group were included in this study. The patients were evaluated by intravaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT) for premature ejaculation (PE). IELT<1 min is accepted PE. Patients with diabetes mellitus, chronic disorders or erectile dysfunction and heavy smokers were excluded. All patients were evaluated with history, physical examination, International Index of Erectile Dysfunction-5 (IIEF-5) score and IELT by stopwatch method. Nitric oxide levels were measured by Griess reaction, and all samples were frozen at -80 °C. Patients were randomly categorised 4 group to receive fluoxetine 20 mg day(-1) (Group 1), paroxetine 20 mg day(-1) (Group 2), sertraline 50 mg day(-1) (Group 3) and healthy control (Group 4) for 4 weeks. Baseline and post-treatment findings were compared between the four groups. At the end of 4 weeks, in fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline groups mean IELT values showed a statistically significant improvement from the baseline values (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P = 0.03; respectively). Baseline and 1st month follow-up mean IIEF scores were 24.5 and 23.05, 24.70 and 23.60 (P < 0.05) in group 1 and group 3 respectively; also 23.09 and 23.32 (P > 0.05) in group 2. Baseline serum NO levels were 31.8, 30.44, 30.8 and 42.84 in fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline and healthy control groups respectively. NO levels were statistically lower in patients with PE. After treatment of fluoxetine, paroxetine and sertraline, NO levels were increased baseline (35.8, 36.4, 38.08) (P < 0.05). Our findings indicated that PE is associated with decreased serum NO levels. After the SSRI treatment increased, NO may retard ejaculation presumably by central peripheral mechanism. Further studies are needed to confirm this suggestion and the role of NO in pathophysiology and treatment for premature ejaculation.

Pharmacokinetics of colchicine in pediatric and adult patients with familial Mediterranean fever.

This study sought to determine the appropriate starting dose of colchicine in children aged 2 to 4 years with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) based on steady-state pharmacokinetics in pediatric patients with FMF from 2 to less than 16 years and adult patients with FMF from 16 to 65 years. Outpatients received colchicine for 90 days starting with a fixed dose for 14 days (blood sampling days 14 and 15). After starting doses of colchicine (0.6 mg/day [2 to less than 4 years], 0.9 mg/day [from 4 to less than 6 years], 0.9 mg/day [from 6 to less than 12 years], 1.2 mg/day [from 12 to less than 16 years], and 1.2 mg/day [from 16 to less than 65 years]), the observed steady-state pharmacokinetic parameters were comparable across age groups, despite the higher doses of colchicine on a mg/kg/day basis in the younger age groups. An exception occurred with once-daily colchicine, whereby mean Cmax for colchicine was higher in patients 4 to less than 6 years (9.4 ng/mL) compared with the younger and older age groups (6.1-6.7 ng/mL). Mean AUC0?24h values in children 2 to less than 4, 6 to less than 12, and 12 to less than 16 years were similar to those in adults. However, mean AUC0?24h values in children 4 to less than 6 years were 25 percent higher than those observed in adults. The results show that the recommended starting dose for children 2-4 years and 4-6 years should be 0.6 mg/day (half the US adult dose). Children aged 6 to less than 12 years should receive 0.9 mg/day (i.e. three-quarters of the US adult dose). The safety of colchicine in children 2 to less than 4 years was comparable to that in older children and adults.

Nitric oxide and malondialdehyde levels in plasma and tissue of psoriasis patients.

BACKGROUND: The pathogenesis of psoriasis has not been known exactly yet. Recently, it has been suggested that increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) may play a part in the pathogenesis of various skin diseases, including psoriasis. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of ROS in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. METHODS: A convenience sample of 23 patients with psoriasis and 23 healthy subjects consented to participate in the study. Plasma NO and MDA levels were measured in all participants. Psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) and tissue levels of MDA on lesional and non-lesional skin regions of psoriasis patients were measured. In addition, the correlation between age, gender with plasma NO, plasma MDA and tissue MDA was assessed. RESULTS: Plasma levels of NO and MDA in psoriasis patients (135.8 µmol/L, 4.33 µmol/L, respectively) were statistically significantly higher than those in controls (33.6 µmol/L, 2.03 µmol/L, respectively). Tissue levels of MDA in lesional tissues (49.18 nmol/gr) were significantly higher than those in non-lesional tissues (28.41 nmol/gr). A significant correlation was not found between the PASI and levels of NO and MDA. In addition, a significant negative correlation was found between the plasma NO levels and age. CONCLUSION: NO and MDA levels are elevated in psoriasis patients, which may indicate that oxidative stress plays an important role in the aetiopathogenesis of psoriasis.

Age- and gender-specific normative data of pinch strengths in a healthy Turkish population.

It has been demonstrated that normative data of pinch strengths (PSs) vary among healthy populations. Data from 838 participants (420 women and 418 men) aged 15-96 years were analyzed to develop normative data of PSs for a healthy Turkish population and to analyze changes in the means according to the physical demands of participants' jobs. Lateral, palmar, and tip-to-tip pinch strengths were measured in standard manners. Occupations were classified based on the descriptions in the Dictionary of Occupational Titles. Mean PSs peaked between the ages of 30-50 years in general and increased a small amount in parallel with the increasing strength ratings of the occupations. PS changes followed a curvilinear relationship to age. The differences between our findings and those of similar studies in this field emphasize the importance of using normative data specific to a particular population.

Clinical characteristics of pediatric-onset neuro-Behçet disease.

OBJECTIVES: Neurologic involvement in the pediatric population with Behçet disease (BD) is limited to case reports. The aim of this study is to examine the frequency and type of neurologic involvement in pediatric patients with BD. METHODS: Medical records of 728 patients with a diagnosis of neuro-BD (NBD) of 2 large BD cohorts followed in Istanbul University were included in the study. Patients with an onset of both systemic and neurologic symptoms at or before age 16 (pediatric neuro-BD) were identified. Demographic and clinical characteristics of pediatric patients with NBD were compared with adult patients with NBD. RESULTS: There were 26 cases with pediatric BD (3.6%) and 702 (96.4%) adult-onset patients. Gender ratio was equal in the general pediatric BD cohort, whereas male/female ratio was 5.5/1 in pediatric NBD cases. Mean age at BD onset and neurologic involvement onset were 13.0 ± 3.0 and 13.5 ± 2.4, respectively, and in the adult population mean age at onset of BD was 26.7 ± 8.0 and neurologic involvement occurred a mean of 5.3 ± 4.5 years later. Clinical and MRI evaluation revealed that 3 children had CNS parenchymal involvement and 23 had dural venous sinus thrombosis (88.5%). We observed parenchymal involvement in 74.8% of the adults, contrary to the low 17.2% of cases with venous sinus thrombosis. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric NBD comprises 3.6% of our whole NBD cohort, with a male predominance, mainly in the form of dural venous sinus thrombosis, whereas in the adult NBD population the dominant form of neurologic involvement is parenchymal, suggesting that the pathogenesis of NBD may be different according to the age at disease onset.

Increased expression of exon 2 deleted MEFV transcript in familial Mediterranean fever patients.

A defect in MEFV gene expression regulation has been implicated in familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) etiopathophysiology. Here we show significantly higher expression level in second exon lacking MEFV transcript in FMF patients compared with healthy controls (P=0.026). Our results also point out a possible role of exon 2 deleted MEFV transcript in FMF pathogenesis.

MEFV gene 3'-UTR Alu repeat polymorphisms in patients with familial Mediterranean fever.

OBJECTIVE: Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), an autosomal recessively inherited autoinflammatory disorder, is caused by missense mutations in the pyrin-encoding MEFV gene. The MEFV mutations can be detected in the majority of FMF patients, but there is an important proportion of patients with the FMF phenotype who carry a single or no coding region mutation. This study aimed to investigate the promoter region and 3'-UTR polymorphisms of the MEFV gene in a group of FMF patients with no coding region mutations, to identify variations with a possible role in the regulation of MEFV expression. METHODS: The study group consisted of 289 patients with FMF and 103 ethnically-matched healthy individuals of Turkish origin. All individuals were first genotyped for the five most commonly observed mutations (M694V, M680I, V726A, E148Q and M694I). Then, the coding regions of the MEFV gene in patients carrying none of the 5 mutations were amplified and screened using single-stranded conformation polymorphism and DNA sequencing. After the exclusion of patients with mutations in exons, the promoter and 3'-UTR regions of the MEFV gene were investigated in the remainder. For the haplotype analysis, all study groups were genotyped for two of the 3'-UTR single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP). RESULTS: Genotyping for five mutations revealed 186 patients (64.4%) with two mutations, 61 patients (21.1%) with one mutation, and 42 patients (14.5%) with no mutation. The carrier rate for healthy controls was found to be 10%. After screening all 10 exons in the patients with none of the 5 mutations, we identified 36 patients (12.5%) who had no coding region mutations. Analysis of the 3'-UTR region in these patients showed two Alu repeats (AluSx and AluSq), which were located in the 3'-UTR of the reference mRNA sequence. Sequencing of the 3'-UTR of the MEFV gene showed several SNPs that were clustered in 2 haplotypes. When we genotyped all study groups for two of the 3'-UTR SNPs (rs2741918 and rs450021), we observed a significant increase in the frequency of heterozygotes for the 3'-UTR haplotypes in the FMF patients with no coding region polymorphisms compared to the healthy controls (75% versus 48.5%, p=0.006, OR=3.2, 95% CI 1.4-7.4). CONCLUSION: This study showed a group of 3'-UTR polymorphisms in the MEFV gene that are clustered in two haplotypes. In addition, a genetic association was observed between 3'-UTR polymorphisms and the FMF patients with no coding region mutations. These findings may suggest a role for 3'-UTR sequences in the regulation of MEFV expression.

Pediatric poisonings in southeast of Turkey: epidemiological and clinical aspects.

Current detailed information about the causes, management, and clinical course of acute childhood poisonings in Turkey is scarce. Therefore, we have conducted a descriptive study of children presenting with acute poisoning to the pediatric emergency department of Dicle University Hospital throughout an 8-month period. Two hundred unselected children with poisoning were evaluated in terms of clinical, epidemiological and socioeconomic aspects. The mean age of patients was 5.7 +/- 4.0 years. The majority of the patients (n = 108, 54%) were aged from 13 months to 4 years (P < 0.05). In majority of patients (66.5%, n = 133), poisonings were accidental. Intentional poisonings accounted for 3.5% (n = 7) and food poisoning accounted for 30% (n = 60) of all cases. The families had more than three children in 129 (97%) of accidentally poisoned and in seven (100%) of intentionally poisoned patients, six were girls and one was a boy. The parents of most patients were uneducated. Furthermore, more than two third of families had low level of income. In all, 171 patients (85.5%) were discharged after an observation period of 24 h. Four patients died. In conclusion, factors such as low educational level of parents, presence of more than three children in the family, and low income increase the incidence of childhood poisonings. The low educational level of girls increases the incidence of intentional poisoning.