Experimental Determination of α Widths of

The efficiency of the weak s process in low-metallicity rotating massive stars depends strongly on the rates of the competing ^{17}O(α,n)^{20}Ne and ^{17}O(α,γ)^{21}Ne reactions that determine the potency of the ^{16}O neutron poison. Their reaction rates are poorly known in the astrophysical energy range of interest for core helium burning in massive stars because of the lack of spectroscopic information (partial widths, spin parities) for the relevant states in the compound nucleus ^{21}Ne. In this Letter, we report on the first experimental determination of the α-particle spectroscopic factors and partial widths of these states using the ^{17}O(^{7}Li,t)^{21}Ne α-transfer reaction. With these the ^{17}O(α,n)^{20}Ne and ^{17}O(α,γ)^{21}Ne reaction rates were evaluated with uncertainties reduced by a factor more than 3 with respect to previous evaluations and the present ^{17}O(α,n)^{20}Ne reaction rate is more than 20 times larger. The present (α,n)/(α,γ) rate ratio favors neutron recycling and suggests an enhancement of the weak s process in the Zr-Nd region by more than 1.5 dex in metal-poor rotating massive stars.

TEMPUS-A microgravity electromagnetic levitation facility for parabolic flights.

During the ∼22 s lasting free fall phase in an aircraft flying a parabola, the aboard installed electromagnetic levitation facility "TEMPUS" is used to investigate contactless and undisturbed of gravity induced convection thermophysical properties and microstructure formations of hot and highly reactive metal or semiconductor melts. The completely contactless handling and measurement of a liquid by the levitation technique keeps the melt free of contamination and enables the extension of the accessible sample temperature range far into the undercooled liquid state below the melting point. Additionally, the state of reduced weight during parabolic flights allows us to considerably decrease the strongly disturbing electromagnetic levitation forces acting in ground-based facilities on the suspended liquids. The present paper explains in detail the basic principle and the technical realization of the TEMPUS levitation facility and its attached measurement devices. Furthermore, it presents some typical experiments performed in TEMPUS, which also show the advantages resulting from the combination of reduced weight, electromagnetic levitation, and contactless measurement techniques. The control and data recording, as well as the planning, preparation, and operation of the TEMPUS experiments within the parabolic flight campaign, are another aspect outlined in the following.

Root branching under high salinity requires auxin-independent modulation of LATERAL ORGAN BOUNDARY DOMAIN 16 function.

Salinity stress constrains lateral root (LR) growth and severely affects plant growth. Auxin signaling regulates LR formation, but the molecular mechanism by which salinity affects root auxin signaling and whether salt induces other pathways that regulate LR development remains unknown. In Arabidopsis thaliana, the auxin-regulated transcription factor LATERAL ORGAN BOUNDARY DOMAIN 16 (LBD16) is an essential player in LR development under control conditions. Here, we show that under high-salt conditions, an alternative pathway regulates LBD16 expression. Salt represses auxin signaling but, in parallel, activates ZINC FINGER OF ARABIDOPSIS THALIANA 6 (ZAT6), a transcriptional activator of LBD16. ZAT6 activates LBD16 expression, thus contributing to downstream cell wall remodeling and promoting LR development under high-salt conditions. Our study thus shows that the integration of auxin-dependent repressive and salt-activated auxin-independent pathways converging on LBD16 modulates root branching under high-salt conditions.

The Next Food Revolution Is Here: Recombinant Microbial Production of Milk and Egg Proteins by Precision Fermentation.

Animal-based agriculture and the production of protein-rich foods from animals, particularly from ruminants, is not sustainable and has serious climate effects. A new type of alternative proteins is now on the menu, namely animal proteins produced recombinantly by microbial fermentation. This new technology, precision fermentation, is projected to completely disrupt traditional animal-based agriculture. Certain milk and egg proteins along with specific meat substitute analog components produced by precision fermentation are already entering the market. This first wave of precision fermentation products targets the use of these proteins as protein additives, and several commercial players are already active in the field. The cost-efficiency requirements involve production titers above 50 g/L which are several orders of magnitude higher than those for pharmaceutical protein manufacture, making strain engineering, process optimization, and scale-up critical success factors. This new development within alternative proteins defines a new research direction integrating biotechnology, process engineering, and sustainable food protein production. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Food Science and Technology, Volume 15 is April 2024. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.

19F electron nuclear double resonance (ENDOR) spectroscopy for distance measurements using trityl spin labels in DNA duplexes.

The combination of fluorine labeling and pulsed electron-nuclear double resonance (ENDOR) is emerging as a powerful technique for obtaining structural information about proteins and nucleic acids. In this work, we explored the capability of Mims 19F ENDOR experiments on reporting intermolecular distances in trityl- and 19F-labeled DNA duplexes at three electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) frequencies (34, 94, and 263 GHz). For spin labeling, we used the hydrophobic Finland trityl radical and hydrophilic OX063 trityl radical. Fluorine labels were introduced into two positions of a DNA oligonucleotide. The results indicated that hyperfine splittings visible in the ENDOR spectra are consistent with the most populated interspin distances between 19F and the trityl radical predicted from molecular dynamic (MD) simulations. Moreover, for some cases, ENDOR spectral simulations based on MD results were able to reproduce the conformational distribution reflected in the experimental ENDOR line broadening. Additionally, MD simulations provided more detailed information about the melting of terminal base pairs of the oligonucleotides and about the configuration of the trityls relative to a DNA end.

Final Measurement of the

This Letter reports one of the most precise measurements to date of the antineutrino spectrum from a purely ^{235}U-fueled reactor, made with the final dataset from the PROSPECT-I detector at the High Flux Isotope Reactor. By extracting information from previously unused detector segments, this analysis effectively doubles the statistics of the previous PROSPECT measurement. The reconstructed energy spectrum is unfolded into antineutrino energy and compared with both the Huber-Mueller model and a spectrum from a commercial reactor burning multiple fuel isotopes. A local excess over the model is observed in the 5-7 MeV energy region. Comparison of the PROSPECT results with those from commercial reactors provides new constraints on the origin of this excess, disfavoring at 2.0 and 3.7 standard deviations the hypotheses that antineutrinos from ^{235}U are solely responsible and noncontributors to the excess observed at commercial reactors, respectively.

Bayesian optimization to estimate hyperfine couplings from 19F ENDOR spectra.

ENDOR spectroscopy is a fundamental method to detect nuclear spins in the vicinity of paramagnetic centers and their mutual hyperfine interaction. Recently, site-selective introduction of 19F as nuclear labels has been proposed as a tool for ENDOR-based distance determination in biomolecules, complementing pulsed dipolar spectroscopy in the range of angstrom to nanometer. Nevertheless, one main challenge of ENDOR still consists of its spectral analysis, which is aggravated by a large parameter space and broad resonances from hyperfine interactions. Additionally, at high EPR frequencies and fields (⩾94 GHz/3.4 Tesla), chemical shift anisotropy might contribute to broadening and asymmetry in the spectra. Here, we use two nitroxide-fluorine model systems to examine a statistical approach to finding the best parameter fit to experimental 263 GHz 19F ENDOR spectra. We propose Bayesian optimization for a rapid, global parameter search with little prior knowledge, followed by a refinement by more standard gradient-based fitting procedures. Indeed, the latter suffer from finding local rather than global minima of a suitably defined loss function. Using a new and accelerated simulation procedure, results for the semi-rigid nitroxide-fluorine two and three spin systems lead to physically reasonable solutions, if minima of similar loss can be distinguished by DFT predictions. The approach also delivers the stochastic error of the obtained parameter estimates. Future developments and perspectives are discussed.

Natural variation in salt-induced root growth phases and their contribution to root architecture plasticity.

The root system architecture of a plant changes during salt stress exposure. Different accessions of Arabidopsis thaliana have adopted different strategies in remodelling their root architecture during salt stress. Salt induces a multiphase growth response in roots, consisting of a stop phase, quiescent phase, recovery phase and eventually a new level of homoeostasis. We explored natural variation in the length of and growth rate during these phases in both main and lateral roots and find that some accessions lack the quiescent phase. Using mathematical models and correlation-based network, allowed us to correlate dynamic traits to overall root architecture and discover that both the main root growth rate during homoeostasis and lateral root appearance are the strongest determinants of overall root architecture. In addition, this approach revealed a trade-off between investing in main or lateral root length during salt stress. By studying natural variation in high-resolution temporal root growth using mathematical modelling, we gained new insights in the interactions between dynamic root growth traits and we identified key traits that modulate overall root architecture during salt stress.

Neurological complications of rotavirus infection in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIM: To systematically review the clinical features and outcomes of paediatric patients developing neurological complications associated with a rotavirus infection. METHODS: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis was performed, including articles published from 1984 to 2020. Neurological complications were classified into four groups: encephalitis, cerebellitis, encephalo-cerebellitis and benign convulsions with mild gastroenteritis (CwG). RESULTS: Out of 68 reports that fulfilled the research criteria, 99 cases of CwG, 39 cases of encephalitis, 18 cases of encephalo-cerebellitis and five cases of cerebellitis were collected. Ninety-five patients were from Asia. Median age was 22 (IQR 14-29) months, and the children who developed CwG were significantly younger (19, IQR 12-24 months, p < 0.0001) than the others. Status epilepticus was observed in 23% and 5% of the encephalitis and CwG groups respectively. The most frequently described neuroimaging finding were lesions of the splenium of corpus callosum. Four deaths were reported in the encephalitis group, whereas no fatal events were described in the other groups. Among the surviving children, the encephalo-cerebellitis group showed the most severe long-term outcome. All cases of CwG recovered completely. CONCLUSION: Older age at diagnosis and the development of encephalo-cerebellitis are associated with a higher risk of long-term complications.

Massive Haematochezia due to Splenic Artery Bleeding into the Colon: Unusual Manifestation of Advanced Pancreatic Cancer.

We describe a case of an uncommon early pancreatic cancer presentation in a patient in his 60s who had haemorrhagic shock from extensive haematochezia and required blood transfusions as well as surveillance in an intensive care unit. A splenic artery pseudoaneurysm that had been effectively embolized by angiography was seen to be actively bleeding into the colon lumen on a computerized tomography (CT) scan along with a necrotic mass of the pancreatic tail. A pancreatic mucinous adenocarcinoma was diagnosed by a transgastric biopsy. A pancreatico-colic fistula was discovered by CT scan after a colic contrast enema. A transabdominal drainage of the necrotic collection and targeted antibiotic treatment had been performed with a satisfying patient outcome. In order to assess a potential secondary surgical resection, systemic chemotherapy was planned. In conclusion, haematochezia with hemodynamic instability originated from a splenic artery pseudoaneurysm fistulising into the colon (arterio-colic fistula) and sepsis originating from a tumoral pancreatic abscess fistulising into the colon (tumoral pancreatico-colic fistula).

Error-related brain activity in pediatric major depressive disorder: An ERP and time-frequency investigation.

BACKGROUND: The error-related negativity (ERN) reflects individual differences in error monitoring. However, findings on the ERN in adult and adolescent depression have been inconsistent. Analyzing electroencephalographic (EEG) data in both the time- and time-frequency domain can be useful to better quantify neural response to errors. The present study aimed at examining electrocortical measures of error monitoring in early adolescents with and without depression. METHOD: EEG activity was collected during an arrowhead version of the flanker task in 29 (25 females) early adolescents with depression and 34 without MDD (29 females). RESULTS: The depression group showed reduced ERN amplitude, reduced error-related theta power and increased error-related beta power compared to the control group. When all variables that related to MDD diagnosis were considered simultaneously, both theta and beta power, but not the ERN, were independently related to an increased likelihood of being diagnosed with depression. CONCLUSIONS: By examining both time-domain and separate time-frequency measures, the present study provided novel evidence on error monitoring alterations in youth depression, suggesting that depression during adolescence may be characterized by reduced error monitoring (i.e., reduced ERN and error-related theta) and post-error inhibition (i.e., greater error-related beta power). These results support that time-frequency measures might be better suited for examining error-related neural activity in MDD relative to time-domain measures.

Thermoelectric instabilities in a circular Couette flow.

The stability of a non-isothermal circular Couette flow is analyzed when subjected to a dielectrophoretic force field. Outward and inward heating configurations are considered when the inner cylinder is rotating and the outer cylinder is at rest. In addition, an alternating voltage is applied between the two cylinders to induce a radial electric buoyancy that acts on the dielectric fluid. The linear stability analysis provides the threshold for the first transition to instability, as well as the corresponding wavenumber and frequency of the modes. This article is part of the theme issue 'Taylor-Couette and related flows on the centennial of Taylor's seminal Philosophical Transactions paper (part 1)'.

Pre-stroke socioeconomic status predicts upper limb motor recovery after inpatient neurorehabilitation.

BACKGROUND: Lower socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with higher mortality rates and the likelihood of receiving less evidence-based treatment after stroke. In contrast, little is known about the impact of SES on recovery after discharge from inpatient rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of SES on long-term recovery after stroke. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a prospective, observational, multicentre study, inpatients were recruited towards the end of rehabilitation. The 12-month follow-up focussed on upper limb motor recovery, measured by the Fugl-Meyer score. A clinically relevant improvement of ≥5.25 points was considered recovery. Patient-centric measures such as the Patient-reported Outcomes Measurement Information System-Physical Health (PROMIS-10 PH) provided secondary outcomes. Information on schooling, vocational training, income and occupational status pre-stroke entered a multidimensional SES index. Multivariate logistic regression models calculating odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding confidence intervals (CIs) were applied. SES was added to an initial model including age, sex and baseline neurological deficit. Additional exploratory analyses examined the association between SES and outpatient treatment. RESULTS: One hundred and seventy-six patients were enrolled of whom 98 had SES and long-term recovery data. Model comparisons showed the SES-model superior to the initial model (Akaike information criterion (AIC): 123 vs. 120, Pseudo R2: 0.09 vs. 0.13). The likelihood of motor recovery (OR = 17.12, 95%CI = 1.31; 224.18) and PROMIS-10 PH improvement (OR = 20.76, 95%CI = 1.28; 337.11) were significantly increased with higher SES, along with more frequent use of outpatient therapy (p = .02). CONCLUSIONS: Higher pre-stroke SES is associated with better long-term recovery after discharge from rehabilitation. Understanding these factors can improve outpatient long-term stroke care and lead to better recovery.KEY MESSAGEHigher pre-stroke socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with better long-term recovery after discharge from rehabilitation both in terms of motor function and self-reported health status.Higher SES is associated with significantly higher utilization of outpatient therapies.Discharge management of rehabilitation clinics should identify and address socioeconomic factors in order to detect individual needs and to improve outpatient recovery. Article registration: clinicaltrials.gov NCT04119479.

Joint Measurement of the

The PROSPECT and STEREO collaborations present a combined measurement of the pure ^{235}U antineutrino spectrum, without site specific corrections or detector-dependent effects. The spectral measurements of the two highest precision experiments at research reactors are found to be compatible with χ^{2}/ndf=24.1/21, allowing a joint unfolding of the prompt energy measurements into antineutrino energy. This ν[over ¯]_{e} energy spectrum is provided to the community, and an excess of events relative to the Huber model is found in the 5-6 MeV region. When a Gaussian bump is fitted to the excess, the data-model χ^{2} value is improved, corresponding to a 2.4σ significance.

Impact of platelet transfusion on outcomes in trauma patients.

BACKGROUND: Trauma-induced coagulopathy includes thrombocytopenia and platelet dysfunction that impact patient outcome. Nevertheless, the role of platelet transfusion remains poorly defined. The aim of the study was 1/ to evaluate the impact of early platelet transfusion on 24-h all-cause mortality and 2/ to describe platelet count at admission (PCA) and its relationship with trauma severity and outcome. METHODS: Observational study carried out on a multicentre prospective trauma registry. All adult trauma patients directly admitted in participating trauma centres between May 2011 and June 2019 were included. Severe haemorrhage was defined as ≥ 4 red blood cell units within 6 h and/or death from exsanguination. The impact of PCA and early platelet transfusion (i.e. within the first 6 h) on 24-h all-cause mortality was assessed using uni- and multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: Among the 19,596 included patients, PCA (229 G/L [189,271]) was associated with coagulopathy, traumatic burden, shock and bleeding severity. In a logistic regression model, 24-h all-cause mortality increased by 37% for every 50 G/L decrease in platelet count (OR 0.63 95% CI 0.57-0.70; p < 0.001). Regarding patients with severe hemorrhage, platelets were transfused early for 36% of patients. Early platelet transfusion was associated with a decrease in 24-h all-cause mortality (versus no or late platelets): OR 0.52 (95% CI 0.34-0.79; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: PCA, although mainly in normal range, was associated with trauma severity and coagulopathy and was predictive of bleeding intensity and outcome. Early platelet transfusion within 6 h was associated with a decrease in mortality in patients with severe hemorrhage. Future studies are needed to determine which doses of platelet transfusion will improve outcomes after major trauma.

Adenosine receptor A2a blockade by caffeine increases IFN-gamma production in Th1 cells from patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: Studies indicate that caffeine uptake may be a risk factor for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but a definitive link between caffeine consumption and RA has not been established. This study aimed to investigate the interplay between caffeine, adenosine receptor A2a, and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) production in CD4+ T cells from RA patients. METHOD: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were obtained from the peripheral blood of healthy individuals and patients with RA. CD4+ T cells were isolated using the magnetic activated cell sorting technique and cultured in vitro with caffeine or mock control. In addition, adenosine was used as a competitive inhibitor of caffeine. After 48 h, expression of IFN-γ and interleukin-17 (IL-17) was analysed by flow cytometry. Ex vivo expression levels of adenosine receptor A2a were also assessed. RESULTS: Caffeine promoted IFN-γ production in Th1 cells in vitro. Significantly higher concentrations of caffeine were required to increase IFN-γ levels in Th1 cells from healthy individuals compared to Th1 cells from patients with RA. Moreover, ex vivo levels of adenosine receptor A2a expression on CD4+ T cells were significantly higher in RA than in healthy individuals. Caffeine-driven IFN-γ production was completely reversed by adenosine, a competitive agonist of adenosine receptor A2a. In contrast to IFN-γ, production of IL-17 was not affected by caffeine. CONCLUSION: Caffeine promotes IFN-γ production in Th1 cells from RA patients in vitro by competitive inhibition of adenosine receptor A2a. Excessive coffee consumption could contribute to T-cell activation and inflammation in RA.