Candidate chiral doublet bands in the odd-odd nucleus Cs-126

The candidate chiral doublet bands recently observed in Cs-126 have been extended to higher spins, several new linking transitions between the two partner members of the chiral doublet bands are observed, and gamma-intensities related to the chiral doublet bands are presented by analyzing the gamma-gamma coincidence data collected earlier at the NORDBALL through the Cd-116(N-14, 4n)Cs-126 reaction at a beam energy of 65 MeV. The intraband B(M1)/B(E2) and interband B(M1)(in)/B(M1)(out) ratios and the energy staggering parameter, S(I), have been deduced for these doublet bands. The results are found to be consistent with the chiral interpretation for the two structures. Furthermore, the observation of chiral doublet bands in Cs-126 together with those in Cs-124, Cs-128, Cs-130, and Cs-132 also indicates that the chiral conditions do not change rapidly with decreasing neutron number in these odd-odd Cesium isotopes.

Exotic behaviour of angular dispersion of weakly bound nucleus F-17 at small angles

The differential cross sections of F-17 and O-17 elastic scattering products on Pb-208 have been measured at the Radioactive Ion Beam Line at Lanzhou (RIBLL). Two angular dispersion plots of ln(d sigma/d theta) versus theta 2 are obtained from the angular distribution of the elastic scattering differential cross sections. The angular dispersion plot exhibits a clear turning point for F-17 in the range of small scattering angles 6 degrees-20 degrees due to its exotic structure, but for O-17, the turning point is not observed in the same angular range. The experimental results have been compared with previous data of other groups. Systematical analysis on the available data supports the above conclusion that there is an exotic behaviour of the angular dispersion plot of weakly bound nuclei with halo or skin structure as compared with that of the ordinary nuclei near stable line. Therefore the turning point of the angular dispersion plot appears at small angle for weakly bound nuclei with halo or skin structure, and can be used as a new probe to investigate the halo and skin phenomena of weakly bound nuclei.

Three-Particle Coincidence of the Long Range Pseudorapidity Correlation in High Energy Nucleus-Nucleus Collisions

We report the first three-particle coincidence measurement in pseudorapidity (Delta eta) between a high transverse momentum (p(perpendicular to)) trigger particle and two lower p(perpendicular to) associated particles within azimuth |Delta phi| < 0.7 in root s(NN) = 200 GeV d + Au and Au + Au collisions. Charge ordering properties are exploited to separate the jetlike component and the ridge (long range Delta eta correlation). The results indicate that the correlation of ridge particles are uniform not only with respect to the trigger particle but also between themselves event by event in our measured Delta eta. In addition, the production of the ridge appears to be uncorrelated to the presence of the narrow jetlike component.

Investigation of two-proton emission from excited states of the odd-Z nucleus P-28 by complete-kinematics measurements

An experiment to study exotic two-proton emission from excited levels of the odd-Z nucleus P-28 was performed at the National Laboratory of Heavy Ion Research-Radioactive Ion Beam Line (HIRFL-RIBLL) facility. The projectile P-28 at the energy of 46.5 MeV/u was bombarding a Au-197 target to populate the excited states via Coulomb excitation. Complete-kinematics measurements were realized by the array of silicon strip detectors and the CsI + PIN telescope. Two-proton events were selected and the relativistic-kinematics reconstruction was carried out. The spectrum of relative momentum and opening angle between two protons was deduced from Monte Carlo simulations. Experimental results show that two-proton emission from P-28 excited states less than 17.0 MeV is mainly two-body sequential emission or three-body simultaneous decay in phase space. The present simulations cannot distinguish these two decay modes. No obvious diproton emission was found.

Dipole bands in nucleus Pm-139

High-spin states in nucleus Pm-139 have been studied using the reaction Cd-116(Al-27, 4n)Pm-139. Two dipole cascades have been found. Spin and parity assignments were based on the Directional Correlation of Oriented Nuclei (DCO) ratios and systematic behavior in neighboring odd-proton nuclei. The level structures of Pm-139 are compared with those of the N = 78 isotone Eu-141 in which two dipole bands have been confirmed as magnetic rotational bands. The close similarity between them suggests that the dipole bands in Pm-139 may be magnetic rotational bands.

~(139)Pm高自旋态的实验研究；Experimental observation of high spin states in ~(139)Pm nucleus

通过重离子核反应116Cd(27Al,4n)与在束γ谱的实验技术,对A=130~140核区的奇A核139Pm的高自旋态进行了研究.根据γ-γ符合关系、γ射线的相对强度和各向异性度的测量结果,扩展并更新了139Pm的能级纲图.实验观测到基于πh11/2和πg7/2-[πh11/2]2(或者πd5/2-[πh11/2]2)组态的转动带,利用已有的理论计算结果对这些转动带进行了解释.同时还观测到三个具有很强M1跃迁、旋称劈裂很小的-I=1的带.通过简单分析和系统学比较,指认了它们的组态,发现它们具备磁转动带的特性,很可能是磁转动带.

Band properties of the transitional nucleus Pt-189

High-spin states in Pt-189 have been studied with the in-beam gamma-spectroscopy method via the Yb-176(O-18, 5n) reaction at beam energies of 88 MeV and 95 MeV. A new level scheme of Pt-189 has been established. Rotational bands based on the upsilon i(13/2)(-1), upsilon f(5/2)(p(3/2)) and upsilon i(13/2)(-2)upsilon f(p(3/2)) configurations, as well as several structures with irregular level spacings, have been observed. Properties of rotational bands have been analyzed in the framework of triaxial particle-rotor model. A gamma similar to -30 degrees triaxial shape and a near prolate shape have been proposed to the upsilon i(13/2)(-1) and uf(5/2)(p(3/2)) bands, respectively. Two Delta I=2 transition sequences with similar energies have been observed, and they have been proposed to be associated with the upsilon i(13/2)(-1)upsilon f(5/2)(p(3/2)) configuration. According to the relevant Nilsson orbitals, the bands built on the upsilon i(13/2)(-1)upsilon f(5/2)(p(3/2)) configuration could be interpreted as a pair of pseudo-spin partner.

High-spin states and collective band structures in the odd-odd Pm-140 nucleus

The high-spin states of Pm-140 have been investigated through the reaction Te-126(F-19, 5n) at a beam energy of 90 MeV. A previous level scheme based on the 8(-) isomer has been updated with spin up to 23 (h) over bar. A total of 22 new levels and 41 new transitions were identified. Six collective bands were observed. Five of them were expanded or re-constructed, and one of them was newly identified. The systematic signature splitting and inversion of the yrast pi h(11/2)circle times vh(11/2) band in Pr and Pm odd-odd isotopes has been discussed. Based on the systematic comparison, two Delta I = 2 bands were proposed as double-decoupled bands; other two bands with strong Delta I = 1 M1 transitions inside the bands were suggested as oblate bands with gamma similar to -60 degrees; another band with large signature splitting has been proposed with oblate-triaxial deformation with gamma similar to -90 degrees. The characteristics for these bands have been discussed.

Emergence of Tri-Phasic Muscle Activation from the Non-linear Interactions of Central and Spinal Neural Network Circuits

The origin of the tri-phasic burst pattern, observed in the EMGs of opponent muscles during rapid self-terminated movements, has been controversial. Here we show by computer simulation that the pattern emerges from interactions between a central neural trajectory controller (VITE circuit) and a peripheral neuromuscularforce controller (FLETE circuit). Both neural models have been derived from simple functional constraints that have led to principled explanations of a wide variety of behavioral and neurobiological data, including, as shown here, the generation of tri-phasic bursts.

How Spinal Neural Networks Reduce Discrepancies between Motor Intention and Motor Realization

This paper attempts a rational, step-by-step reconstruction of many aspects of the mammalian neural circuitry known to be involved in the spinal cord's regulation of opposing muscles acting on skeletal segments. Mathematical analyses and local circuit simulations based on neural membrane equations are used to clarify the behavioral function of five fundamental cell types, their complex connectivities, and their physiological actions. These cell types are: α-MNs, γ-MNs, IaINs, IbINs, and Renshaw cells. It is shown that many of the complexities of spinal circuitry are necessary to ensure near invariant realization of motor intentions when descending signals of two basic types independently vary over large ranges of magnitude and rate of change. Because these two types of signal afford independent control, or Factorization, of muscle LEngth and muscle TEnsion, our construction was named the FLETE model (Bullock and Grossberg, 1988b, 1989). The present paper significantly extends the range of experimental data encompassed by this evolving model.

The meaning of environmental control systems (ECS) for people with spinal cord injury: An occupational therapist explores an intervention

Environmental Control Systems (ECS), enable people with high cervical Spinal Cord Injury (high SCI) to control and access everyday electronic devices. In Ireland, however, access for those who might benefit from ECS is limited. This study used a qualitative approach to explore the insider experience of an ECS starter-pack developed by the author, an occupational therapist. The primary research questions: what is it really like to live with ECS, and what does it mean to live with ECS, were explored using a phenomenological methodology conducted in three phases. In Phase 1 fifteen people with high SCI met twice in four focus groups to discuss experiences and expectations of ECS. Thematic analysis (Krueger & Casey, 2000), influenced by the psychological phenomenological approach (Creswell, 1998), yielded three categories of rich, practical, phenomenological findings: ECS Usage and utility; ECS Expectations and The meaning of living with ECS. Phase 1 findings informed Phase 2 which consisted of the development of a generic electronic assistive technology pack (GrEAT) that included commercially available constituents as well as short instructional videos and an information booklet. This second phase culminated in a one-person, three-week pilot trial. Phase 3 involved a six person, 8-week trial of the GrEAT, followed by individual in-depth interviews. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis IPA (Smith, Larkin & Flowers, 2009), aided by computer software ATLAS.ti and iMindmap, guided data analysis and identification of themes. Getting used to ECS, experienced as both a hassle and engaging, resulted in participants being able to Take back a little of what you have lost, which involved both feeling enabled and reclaiming a little doing. The findings of this study provide substantial insights into what it is like to live with ECS and the meanings attributed to that experience. Several practical, real world implications are discussed.

An investigation into mechanisms of visceral pain in rodents

Visceral pain is a debilitating symptom of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a disorder affecting up to 30% of adults. A better understanding of the mechanisms underlying visceral hypersensitivity may facilitate development of more targeted therapies, improving the quality of life of these individuals. The studies performed in this thesis were designed to investigate important factors of visceral pain, including early-life manipulations, genetic predisposition and sex hormones. Maternal separation (MS) consistently reproduces visceral hypersensitivity and altered anxiety-like behaviours in rats, symptoms associated with IBS. It has been found that 5-HT2B receptor antagonism blocks visceral pain but no difference in relative 5-HT2B receptor mRNA expression was found in hippocampus, amygdala and colon. The neuronal activation patterns of prefrontal cortex and amygdala of MS rats were then investigated. MS animals are characterised by differential activation of the prefrontal cortex (anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), infralibic cortex, prelimbic cortex) as well as the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA). Genetic factors also contribute to pain syndromes such as IBS. We utilised the Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rat, a stress-sensitive strain, as an animal model of brain-gut axis dysfunction. WKY rats have a lower expression of the glutamate transporter EAAT2 and mGlu4 receptor in the ACC. Another early-life factor that can increase susceptibility to functional gastrointestinal symptoms later life is disruption of the gut microbiota, thus early-life antibiotic treatment was used to assess this effect. Antibiotic treatment induced visceral hypersensitivity in adulthood and may be related to observed reductions in spinal cord alpha-2A adrenoreceptor (adra2A) mRNA. Lastly, we investigated sex differences in visceral sensitivity. EAAT1 & 2 mRNA levels are lower in females, potentially increasing glutamatergic concentration at the symaptic level. Moreover, NR1 and NR2B subunits mRNA of NMDA receptor were increased in caudal ACC of females. These findings may account for sex differences in visceral sensitivity.

The effects of osmotic stress on the structure and function of the cell nucleus.

Osmotic stress is a potent regulator of the normal function of cells that are exposed to osmotically active environments under physiologic or pathologic conditions. The ability of cells to alter gene expression and metabolic activity in response to changes in the osmotic environment provides an additional regulatory mechanism for a diverse array of tissues and organs in the human body. In addition to the activation of various osmotically- or volume-activated ion channels, osmotic stress may also act on the genome via a direct biophysical pathway. Changes in extracellular osmolality alter cell volume, and therefore, the concentration of intracellular macromolecules. In turn, intracellular macromolecule concentration is a key physical parameter affecting the spatial organization and pressurization of the nucleus. Hyper-osmotic stress shrinks the nucleus and causes it to assume a convoluted shape, whereas hypo-osmotic stress swells the nucleus to a size that is limited by stretch of the nuclear lamina and induces a smooth, round shape of the nucleus. These behaviors are consistent with a model of the nucleus as a charged core/shell structure pressurized by uneven partition of macromolecules between the nucleoplasm and the cytoplasm. These osmotically-induced alterations in the internal structure and arrangement of chromatin, as well as potential changes in the nuclear membrane and pores are hypothesized to influence gene transcription and/or nucleocytoplasmic transport. A further understanding of the biophysical and biochemical mechanisms involved in these processes would have important ramifications for a range of fields including differentiation, migration, mechanotransduction, DNA repair, and tumorigenesis.

Neuropathic pain activates the endogenous kappa opioid system in mouse spinal cord and induces opioid receptor tolerance.

Release of endogenous dynorphin opioids within the spinal cord after partial sciatic nerve ligation (pSNL) is known to contribute to the neuropathic pain processes. Using a phosphoselective antibody [kappa opioid receptor (KOR-P)] able to detect the serine 369 phosphorylated form of the KOR, we determined possible sites of dynorphin action within the spinal cord after pSNL. KOR-P immunoreactivity (IR) was markedly increased in the L4-L5 spinal dorsal horn of wild-type C57BL/6 mice (7-21 d) after lesion, but not in mice pretreated with the KOR antagonist nor-binaltorphimine (norBNI). In addition, knock-out mice lacking prodynorphin, KOR, or G-protein receptor kinase 3 (GRK3) did not show significant increases in KOR-P IR after pSNL. KOR-P IR was colocalized in both GABAergic neurons and GFAP-positive astrocytes in both ipsilateral and contralateral spinal dorsal horn. Consistent with sustained opioid release, KOR knock-out mice developed significantly increased tactile allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia in both the early (first week) and late (third week) interval after lesion. Similarly, mice pretreated with norBNI showed enhanced hyperalgesia and allodynia during the 3 weeks after pSNL. Because sustained activation of opioid receptors might induce tolerance, we measured the antinociceptive effect of the kappa agonist U50,488 using radiant heat applied to the ipsilateral hindpaw, and we found that agonist potency was significantly decreased 7 d after pSNL. In contrast, neither prodynorphin nor GRK3 knock-out mice showed U50,488 tolerance after pSNL. These findings suggest that pSNL induced a sustained release of endogenous prodynorphin-derived opioid peptides that activated an anti-nociceptive KOR system in mouse spinal cord. Thus, endogenous dynorphin had both pronociceptive and antinociceptive actions after nerve injury and induced GRK3-mediated opioid tolerance.