FT-spectroscopy of the 12C18O rare isotopologue and deperturbation analysis of the A1Π(v = 3) level.

Research on 12C18O was carried out using two complementary Fourier-transform methods: (1) vacuum-ultraviolet absorption spectroscopy, with an accuracy ca. 0.03 cm-1 on the DESIRS beamline (SOLEIL synchrotron) and (2) visible emission spectroscopy with an accuracy of about 0.005-0.007 cm-1 by means of the Bruker IFS 125HR spectrometer (University of Rzeszów). The maximum rotational quantum number of the energy levels involved in the observed spectral lines was Jmax = 54. An effective Hamiltonian and the term-value fitting approach were implemented for the precise analysis of the A1Π(v = 3) level in 12C18O. It was performed by means of the PGOPHER code. The data set consisted of 571 spectral lines belonging to the A1Π-X1Σ+(3, 0), B1Σ+-A1Π(0, 3), C1Σ+-A1Π(0, 3) bands and several lines involving states that perturb the A1Π(v = 3) level as well as to the previously analysed B1Σ+-X1Σ+(0, 0) and C1Σ+-X1Σ+(0, 0) transitions. A significantly extended quantum-mechanical description of the A1Π(v = 3) level in 12C18O was provided. It consists of the 5 new unimolecular interactions of the spin-orbit and rotation-electronic nature, which had not been taken into account previously in the literature. The ro-vibronic term values of the A1Π(v = 3, Jmax = 55), a'3Σ+(v = 13), D1Δ(v = 4) and I1Σ-(v = 5) levels were determined with precision improved by a factor of 10 relative to the previously known values.

Bone mineral density in adults with Down syndrome: a cross-sectional study in a Brazilian sample.

BACKGROUND: We aim to investigate the relationship between bone mass in a sample of Brazilian individuals with DS and handgrip strength, body mass index (BMI) and physical exercise. METHODS: Dual-energy X-ray emission densitometry analysis of bone mass in 26 individuals with DS (8 men and 18 women with a mean age of 30.7 ± 10.3 years) was conducted. Additionally, weight and height were measured to determine BMI, palmar grip strength was measured using a Jammar dynamometer®, and physical activity was classified using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). RESULTS: In this sample, 2/15 (13.3%) individuals with age between 18 to 29 years had low BMD in the spine; 2/8 (25%) of those with age between 30 and 39 years also had low BMD in the spine and 2/3 (66.6%) with age ≥40 had low BMD in the femur. There were significant correlations between palmar grip strength and Z femoral neck score in women (P = 0.02) and between BMI and Z femoral neck score in men (P = 0.04). All other correlations lacked statistical significance (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Brazilian patients with DS showed a high prevalence of low bone mass. Traditional factors such as muscle strength, BMI and physical activity appear to have little effect on bone mineral density in this population.

Clinical Evaluation of Lithium Disilicate Veneers Manufactured by CAD/CAM Compared with Heat-pressed Methods: Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Lithium disilicate veneers for esthetic restorations show great accuracy and similarity, regardless of the type of fabrication technique.

The spin-forbidden vacuum-ultraviolet absorption spectrum of 14N15N.

Photoabsorption spectra of 14N15N were recorded at high resolution with a vacuum-ultraviolet Fourier-transform spectrometer fed by synchrotron radiation in the range of 81-100 nm. The combination of high column density (3 × 1017 cm-2) and low temperature (98 K) allowed for the recording of weak spin-forbidden absorption bands' exciting levels of triplet character. The triplet states borrow intensity from 1Πu states of Rydberg and valence character while causing their predissociation. New predissociation linewidths and molecular constants are obtained for the states C3Πu(v = 7, 8, 14, 15, 16, 21), G3Πu(v = 0, 1, 4), and F3Πu(v = 0). The positions and widths of these levels are shown to be well-predicted by a coupled-Schrödinger equation model with empirical parameters based on experimental data on 14N2 and 15N2 triplet levels.

Restauración endometrial y embarazo tras utilización de Plasma Rico en Plaquetas (PRP) en pacientes con Síndrome de Asherman: Presentación de tres casos / Endometrial restauration and Pregnancy after Plasma rich in Platelets (PRP)administration in patients with Asherman Syndrome: Report of three cases

OBJECTIVO: Estudiar la recuperación del crecimiento endometrial en pacientes afectados por el Síndrome de Asherman. DISEÑO: Administración de Plama Rico en Plaquetas (PRP). LUGAR: Clínica IRMO S.L. Santa Cruz de Tenerife. PACIENTES: Presentación de 3 casos. RESULTADOS: El endometrio se midió antes de la aplicación del PRP y a las 48 horas. Durante los seis meses que duró el tratamiento se observó un incremento del grosor endometrial. CONCLUSIONES: El PRP es un procedimiento seguro y económico con muy bajo riesgo de transmisión de enfermedades infecciosas o reacciones inmunológicas, siempre que se haga con una muestra de sangre autóloga. En los tres casos estudiados queda demostrado claramente la mejora del engrosamiento endometrial por acción del PRP. Finalmente, podemos concluir que el PRP es un método efectivo para evitar la aparición de adhesiones y para recuperar un buen engrosamiento endometrial en pacientes con Síndrome de Asherman

OBJECTIVE: To study the recovery of endometrial growth in patients affected by Asherman Syndrome. DESIGN: Administration of Plama Rico in Platelets (PRP). PLACE: Clínica IRMO S.L. Santa Cruz of Tenerife. PATIENTS: Presentation of 3 cases. RESULTS: The endometrium was measured before the application of PRP and at 48 hours. During the six months of the treatment, an increase in endometrial thickness was observed. CONCLUSIONS: PRP is a safe and economical procedure with very low risk of transmission of infectious diseases or immunological reactions, provided it is done with an autologous blood sample. In the three cases studied, the improvement of endometrial thickening by PRP action is clearly demonstrated. Finally, we can conclude that PRP is an effective method to prevent the appearance of adhesions and to recover a good endometrial thickening in patients with Asherman Syndrome

Quantifying the photoionization cross section of the hydroxyl radical.

The hydroxyl free radical, OH, is one of the most important radicals in atmospheric and interstellar chemistry, and its cation plays a role in the reactions leading to H2O formation. Knowledge of the photoionization efficiency of the OH radical is crucial to properly model the water photochemical cycle of atmospheres and astrophysical objects. Using a gas-phase radical source based on a single H-abstraction reaction combined with a photoelectron/photoion imaging coincidence spectrometer coupled with synchrotron radiation, we recorded the OH+ photoion yield over the 12.6-15 eV energy range, and we set it to an absolute cross section scale using an absolute point measurement performed at 13.8 eV: σOH ion=9.0±2.7 Mb. The resulting cross section values differ by approximately a factor 2 from the recent measurement of Dodson et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 148, 184302 (2018)] performed with a different radical source, which is somewhat greater than the combined uncertainties of the measurements. This finding underlines the need for further investigations of this cross section.

Fourier-transform-spectroscopic photoabsorption cross sections and oscillator strengths for the S2 BΣu-3-XΣg-3 system.

Photoabsorption cross sections and oscillator strengths for the strong, predissociating vibrational bands, v ≥ 11, in the S2 BΣu-3-XΣg-3(v,0) system are reported. Absorption measurements were undertaken on S2 vapor produced by a radio-frequency discharge through H2S seeded in helium, and also in a two-temperature sulfur furnace, at temperatures of 370 K and 823 K, respectively. S2 column densities were determined in each source by combining experimental line strengths in low-v non-predissociating B - X bands (v < 7) with calculated line f-values based on measured radiative lifetimes and calculated branching ratios. The broad-band capabilities of two vacuum-ultraviolet Fourier-transform spectrometers, used with instrumental resolutions of 0.22 cm-1 and 0.12 cm-1, respectively, allowed for simultaneous recordings of both non-predissociating and predissociating bands, thus placing the predissociating-band cross sections on a common absolute scale. Uncertainties in the final cross section datasets are estimated to be 15% for the 370-K vapor and 10% for the 823-K vapor. The experimental cross sections are used to inform a detailed predissociation model of the B(v) levels in Paper II [Lewis et al., J. Chem. Phys. 148, 244303 (2018)]. For astrophysical and other applications, this model can be adjusted simply to provide isotopologue-specific cross sections for a range of relevant temperatures.

Evaluation of hydrogen absorption cells for observations of the planetary coronas.

Newly designed Lyman-alpha absorption cells for imaging hydrogen planetary corona were characterized using an ultra high resolution Fourier transform spectrometer installed on the DESIRS (Dichroïsme Et Spectroscopie par Interaction avec le Rayonnement Synchrotron) beamline of Synchrotron SOLEIL in France. The early absorption cell installed in the Japanese Mars orbiter NOZOMI launched in 1998 had not been sufficiently optimized due to its short development time. The new absorption cells are equipped with the ability to change various parameters, such as filament shape, applied power, H2 gas pressure, and geometrical configuration. We found that the optical thickness of the new absorption cell was ∼4 times higher than the earlier one at the center wavelength of Lyman-alpha absorption, by optimizing the condition to promote thermal dissociation of H2 molecules into two H atoms on a hot tungsten filament. The Doppler temperature of planetary coronas could be determined with an accuracy better than 100 K with the performance of the newly developed absorption cell.

Who runs the fastest? Anthropometric and physiological correlates of 20 m sprint performance in male soccer players.

The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship of 20 m sprint performance with anthropometrical and physiological parameters in male soccer players. A hundred and 81 soccer players from the region of Athens (age 23.4 ± 5.0 yrs, body mass 73.4 ± 7.7 kg, height 180.0 ± 5.9 cm, body fat (BF) 14.4 ± 3.6%), classified into quartiles according to 20 m sprint time (group A, 2.84-3.03 s; group B, 3.04-3.09 s; group C, 3.10-3.18 s; group D, 3.19-3.61 s), participated. Soccer players in group A were younger and had better performance in vertical jumps and in the Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT, p < 0.05). Sprint time correlated to age (r = 0.27), body mass (r = 0.23), body height (r = 0.20), BF (r = 0.23), vertical jumps (-0.58 ≤ r ≤ -0.50) and the WAnT (-0.45 ≤ r ≤ -0.30, p < 0.05). In summary, the magnitude of correlations of sprint time with measures of lower limbs muscle strength and power (WAnT and jumps) was larger than with anthropometric measures (body mass and BF).

The antimicrobial peptide aureocin A53 as an alternative agent for biopreservation of dairy products.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of aureocin A53, a staphylococcal antimicrobial peptide, for improving food safety. METHODS AND RESULTS: The antimicrobial activity of aureocin A53 against strains of Listeria monocytogenes isolated from food was tested and the bacteriocin proved to be bactericidal and bacteriolytic against the listerial strains. Aureocin A53 was neither toxic to eukaryotic cell lines nor haemolytic against sheep erythrocytes. It also exhibited a remarkable stability during storage at different temperatures and sensitivity to both simulated gastric juice and bile salts. When the antibacterial activity of aureocin A53 (256 AU ml(-1) ) was tested in skimmed milk artificially inoculated with a L. monocytogenes strain (1·0 × 10(4)  CFU ml(-1) ) isolated from food, during storage at 4°C, the bacteriocin reduced the viable counts by 7·7-log10 units up to 7 days of incubation, when compared with the controls not treated with the bacteriocin. CONCLUSIONS: Aureocin A53 exhibited several features considered important for biopreservation and remained fully active in a food matrix. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Taken together, the results confirmed that aureocin A53 has potential to be used as a food preservative, representing an alternative to the use of nisin in biopreservation of dairy products.

A Near-Threshold Shape Resonance in the Valence-Shell Photoabsorption of Linear Alkynes.

The room-temperature photoabsorption spectra of a number of linear alkynes with internal triple bonds (e.g., 2-butyne, 2-pentyne, and 2- and 3-hexyne) show similar resonances just above the lowest ionization threshold of the neutral molecules. These features result in a substantial enhancement of the photoabsorption cross sections relative to the cross sections of alkynes with terminal triple bonds (e.g., propyne, 1-butyne, 1-pentyne, ...). Based on earlier work on 2-butyne [ Xu et al., J. Chem. Phys. 2012, 136, 154303 ], these features are assigned to excitation from the neutral highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) to a shape resonance with g (l = 4) character and approximate π symmetry. This generic behavior results from the similarity of the HOMOs in all internal alkynes, as well as the similarity of the corresponding gπ virtual orbital in the continuum. Theoretical calculations of the absorption spectrum above the ionization threshold for the 2- and 3-alkynes show the presence of a shape resonance when the coupling between the two degenerate or nearly degenerate π channels is included, with a dominant contribution from l = 4. These calculations thus confirm the qualitative arguments for the importance of the l = 4 continuum near threshold for internal alkynes, which should also apply to other linear internal alkynes and alkynyl radicals. The 1-alkynes do not have such high partial waves present in the shape resonance. The lower l partial waves in these systems are consistent with the broader features observed in the corresponding spectra.

High-resolution vacuum-ultraviolet photoabsorption spectra of 1-butyne and 2-butyne.

The absolute photoabsorption cross sections of 1- and 2-butyne have been recorded at high resolution by using the vacuum-ultraviolet Fourier-Transform spectrometer at the SOLEIL Synchrotron. Both spectra show more resolved structure than previously observed, especially in the case of 2-butyne. In this work, we assess the potential importance of Rydberg states with higher values of orbital angular momentum, l, than are typically observed in photoabsorption experiments from ground state molecules. We show how the character of the highest occupied molecular orbitals in 1- and 2-butyne suggests the potential importance of transitions to such high-l (l = 3 and 4) Rydberg states. Furthermore, we use theoretical calculations of the partial wave composition of the absorption cross section just above the ionization threshold and the principle of continuity of oscillator strength through an ionization threshold to support this conclusion. The new absolute photoabsorption cross sections are discussed in light of these arguments, and the results are consistent with the expectations. This type of argument should be valuable for assessing the potential importance of different Rydberg series when sufficiently accurate direct quantum chemical calculations are difficult, for example, in the n ≥ 5 manifolds of excited states of larger molecules.

Maternal-calf relationships and their influence on calves up to 120 days / Relaciones materno-filiales y su influencia en terneros hasta los 120 días de edad

Objectives. To research parental behavior and measure the weight of Nelore and Guzerat calves up to 120 days of age, collecting data from birth up to the first lactation. Materials and methods. Seven different corporal positions were considered to obtain specific data for each of the following categories: time to stand (TP), time to intend to feed after standing (TPTM), weight at birth (PN), weight at 120 days (P120), and time in contact with the calf (TCC). Additionally, independent variables were also evaluated, organized by class: weight at birth (CPN), number of calvings (CNP), order of calving in relation with the herd (CLPR), time of calving (CHP), and finally, hindering to feed (CTAT). Results. There was a significant result in favor of the Nelore race over the Guzerat race. The statistical averages for Nelore and Guzerat were: Time to stand averaged 71 and 153 minutes; time to intend to feed after standing, 39 minutes for Nelore and of 114 minutes for Guzerat. For variable weight at 120 days, Nelore reached an average of 122 kg, and Guzerat 109 kg. For the time in contact with the calf variable there was no significant variance between races. Conclusions. Results showed the superiority of the Nelore race, considering it better adapted to local environmental conditions.

Objetivo. Investigar el comportamiento materno y observar su influencia en el peso de los terneros de las razas Nelore y Guzerat hasta los 120 días de edad, evaluándolos desde su nacimiento hasta el primer amamantamient. Materiales y métodos. Se consideraron siete posturas corporales diferentes, las cuales fueron usadas para obtener las observaciones específicas en cada una de las siguientes categorías: Tiempo para ponerse de pie (TP), Tiempo para intentar lactar después de ponerse de pie (TPTM), peso al nacer (PN), peso a los 120 días (P120) y tiempo de contacto con la cría (TCC). Se evaluaron las variables independientes, organizadas en clases: peso al nacer (CPN); número de partos (CNP); orden del parto en relación al rebaño (CLPR); hora del parto (CHP) y obstaculización de mamada (CTAT). Resultados. Se obtuvo un mejor resultado en los terneros de la raza Nelore en relación a los de la raza Guzerat. Los promedios estadísticos para Nelore y Guzerat fueron los siguientes: TP con media de 71 y 153 minutos; TPTM de 39 y 114 minutos; P120 con 122 kg para terneros Nelore y 109 kg para los de la raza Guzerat. La variable TCC no obtuvo una diferencia significativa entre las razas. Conclusiones. Los resultados demuestran una superioridad para animales de la raza Nelore, lo que permite inferir que poseen una mejor adaptación a las condiciones ambientales locales.

Observation of a new electronic state of CO perturbing W ¹Π(v=1).

We observe photoabsorption of the W(1) ← X(0) band in five carbon monoxide isotopologues with a vacuum-ultraviolet Fourier-transform spectrometer and a synchrotron radiation source. We deduce transition energies, integrated cross sections, and natural linewidths of the observed rotational transitions and find a perturbation affecting these. Following a deperturbation analysis of all five isotopologues, the perturbing state is assigned to the v = 0 level of a previously unobserved (1)Π state predicted by ab initio calculations to occur with the correct symmetry and equilibrium internuclear distance. We label this new state E″ (1)Π. Both of the interacting levels W(1) and E″(0) are predissociated, leading to dramatic interference effects in their corresponding linewidths.

High-resolution photoabsorption spectrum of jet-cooled propyne.

The absolute photoabsorption cross section of propyne was recorded between 62,000 and 88,000 cm(-1) by using the vacuum-ultraviolet, Fourier-transform spectrometer at the Synchrotron Soleil. This cross section spans the region including the lowest Rydberg bands and extends above the Franck-Condon envelope for ionization to the ground electronic state of the propyne cation, X̃(+). Room-temperature spectra were recorded in a flowing cell at 0.9 cm(-1) resolution, and jet-cooled spectra were recorded at 1.8 cm(-1) resolution and a rotational temperature of ~100 K. The reduced widths of the rotational band envelopes in the latter spectra reveal new structure and simplify a number of assignments. Although nf Rydberg series have not been assigned previously in the photoabsorption spectrum of propyne, arguments are presented for their potential importance, and the assignment of one nf series is proposed. As expected from previous photoelectron spectra, Rydberg series are also observed above the adiabatic ionization threshold that converge to the v3(+) = 1 and 2 levels of the C≡C stretching vibration.

Excited electronic states of thiophene: high resolution photoabsorption Fourier transform spectroscopy and ab initio calculations.

The recently introduced synchrotron radiation-based Fourier transform spectroscopy has been employed to study the excited electronic states of thiophene. A highly resolved photoabsorption spectrum has been measured between ∼5 and 12.5 eV, providing a wealth of new data. High-level ab initio computations have been performed using the second-order algebraic-diagrammatic construction (ADC(2)) polarization propagator approach, and the equation-of-motion coupled-cluster (EOM-CC) method at the CCSD and CC3 levels, to guide the assignment of the spectrum. The adiabatic energy corrections have been evaluated, thereby extending the theoretical study beyond the vertical excitation picture and leading to a significantly improved understanding of the spectrum. The low-lying π→π* and π→σ* transitions result in prominent broad absorption bands. Two strong Rydberg series converging onto the X(~)(2)A2 state limit have been assigned to the 1a2→npb1(1)B2 and the 1a2→nda2(1)A1 transitions. A second, and much weaker, d-type series has been assigned to the 1a2→ndb1(1)B2 transitions. Excitation into some of the Rydberg states belonging to the two strong series gives rise to vibrational structure, most of which has been interpreted in terms of excitations of the totally symmetric ν4 and ν8 modes. One Rydberg series, assigned to the 3b1→nsa1(1)B1 transitions, has been identified converging onto the Ã(2)B1 state limit, and at higher energies Rydberg states converging onto the B(~)(2)A1 state limit could be identified. The present spectra reveal highly irregular vibrational structure in certain low energy absorption bands, and thus provide a new source of information for the rapidly developing studies of excited state non-adiabatic dynamics and photochemistry.

Effect of intestinal colonisation by two Lactobacillus strains on the immune response of gnotobiotic mice.

The effect of intestinal colonisation on the immune system was investigated in germ-free mice monoassociated with Lactobacillus strains isolated from calf faeces. Single doses of Lactobacillus acidophilus L36 or Lactobacillus salivarius L38 were administered to germ-free mice by intragastric gavage. Ten days later, the mice were euthanised. Gene expression levels of interleukin 5 (IL-5), IL-6, IL-10, IL-12b, IL-17a, gamma interferon (IFN-γ), transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-ß1), and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) were quantified in segments of the small and large intestines by real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. All the mice were colonised rapidly after Lactobacillus administration with intestinal counts ranging from 6.53 to 8.26 log cfu/g. L. acidophilus L36 administration increased the expression of cytokines involved with the Th2 (IL-5, IL-6 and TGF-ß1) and Th17 (IL-17a, TNF-α and IL-6) inflammatory response, whereas L. salivarius L38 appeared to stimulate a pattern of less diversified cytokines in the intestine. Intragastric gavage of L. acidophilus L36 and L. salivarius L38 induced similar levels of colonisation in the digestive tracts of germ-free mice but stimulated different immune responses in the intestinal mucosa. The different immunomodulation patterns might facilitate the potential use of these lactobacilli as probiotics to treat distinct pathological conditions, for example protection against Citrobacter rodentium infection by stimulating IL-17 production.