Measurement of the ^{140}Ce(n,γ) Cross Section at n_TOF and Its Astrophysical Implications for the Chemical Evolution of the Universe

^{140}Ce(n,γ) is a key reaction for slow neutron-capture (s-process) nucleosynthesis due to being a bottleneck in the reaction flow. For this reason, it was measured with high accuracy (uncertainty ≈5%) at the n_TOF facility, with an unprecedented combination of a high purity sample and low neutron-sensitivity detectors. The measured Maxwellian averaged cross section is up to 40% higher than previously accepted values. Stellar model calculations indicate a reduction around 20% of the s-process contribution to the Galactic cerium abundance and smaller sizeable differences for most of the heavier elements. No variations are found in the nucleosynthesis from massive stars.

The liver and muscle secreted HFE2-protein maintains central nervous system blood vessel integrity

Liver failure causes breakdown of the Blood CNS Barrier (BCB) leading to damages of the Central-Nervous-System (CNS), however the mechanisms whereby the liver influences BCB-integrity remain elusive. One possibility is that the liver secretes an as-yet to be identified molecule(s) that circulate in the serum to directly promote BCB-integrity. To study BCB-integrity, we developed light-sheet imaging for three-dimensional analysis. We show that liver- or muscle-specific knockout of Hfe2/Rgmc induces BCB-breakdown, leading to accumulation of toxic-blood-derived fibrinogen in the brain, lower cortical neuron numbers, and behavioral deficits in mice. Soluble HFE2 competes with its homologue RGMa for binding to Neogenin, thereby blocking RGMa-induced downregulation of PDGF-B and Claudin-5 in endothelial cells, triggering BCB-disruption. HFE2 administration in female mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, a model for multiple sclerosis, prevented paralysis and immune cell infiltration by inhibiting RGMa-mediated BCB alteration. This study has implications for the pathogenesis and potential treatment of diseases associated with BCB-dysfunction.

Loss of Autophagy Disrupts Stemness of Ameloblast-Lineage Cells in Aging

Autophagy is one of the intracellular degradation pathways and maintains cellular homeostasis, regulating the stress response, cell proliferation, and signal transduction. To elucidate the role of autophagy in the maintenance of dental epithelial stem cells and the subsequent enamel formation, we analyzed autophagy-deficient mice in epithelial cells (Atg7f/f;KRT14-Cre mice), focusing on the influence of aging and stress environments. We also performed in vitro cell and organ culture experiments with an autophagy inhibitor. In young Atg7f/f;KRT14-Cre mice, morphological change was not obvious in maxillary incisors, except for the remarkable cell death in the stratum intermedium of the transitional stage. However, under stress conditions of hyperglycemia, the incisor color changed to white in diabetes Atg7f/f;KRT14-Cre mice. Regarding dental epithelial stem cells, the shape of the apical bud region of the incisor became irregular with age, and odontoma was formed in aged Atg7f/f;KRT14-Cre mice. In addition, the shape of apical bud culture cells of Atg7f/f;KRT14-Cre mice became irregular and enlarged atypically, with epigenetic changes during culture, suggesting that autophagy deficiency may induce tumorigenesis in dental epithelial cells. The epigenetic change and upregulation of p21 expression were induced by autophagy inhibition in vivo and in vitro. These findings suggest that autophagy is important for the regulation of stem cell maintenance, proliferation, and differentiation of ameloblast-lineage cells, and an autophagy disorder may induce tumorigenesis in odontogenic epithelial cells.

SNAP-25, but not SNAP-23, is essential for photoreceptor development, survival, and function in mice

SNARE-mediated vesicular transport is thought to play roles in photoreceptor glutamate exocytosis and photopigment delivery. However, the functions of Synaptosomal-associated protein (SNAP) isoforms in photoreceptors are unknown. Here, we revisit the expression of SNAP-23 and SNAP-25 and generate photoreceptor-specific knockout mice to investigate their roles. Although we find that SNAP-23 shows weak mRNA expression in photoreceptors, SNAP-23 removal does not affect retinal morphology or vision. SNAP-25 mRNA is developmentally regulated and undergoes mRNA trafficking to photoreceptor inner segments at postnatal day 9 (P9). SNAP-25 knockout photoreceptors develop normally until P9 but degenerate by P14 resulting in severe retinal thinning. Photoreceptor loss in SNAP-25 knockout mice is associated with abolished electroretinograms and vision loss. We find mistrafficked photopigments, enlarged synaptic vesicles, and abnormal synaptic ribbons which potentially underlie photoreceptor degeneration. Our results conclude that SNAP-25, but not SNAP-23, mediates photopigment delivery and synaptic functioning required for photoreceptor development, survival, and function.

Proton and Carbon Ion Radiotherapy for Operable Early-Stage Lung Cancer: 3-Year Results of a Prospective Nationwide Registry

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

The purpose of this analysis was to report subset analysis as to progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of particle-beam radiation therapy for operable early-stage lung cancer.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Patients of early-stage lung cancer (T1-T2aN0) who were eligible for radical surgery but did not wish to undergo surgery were treated by proton-ion (PT) or carbon-ion (CT) radiation therapy and enrolled in Japanese prospective registry. In this analysis, PFS and OS by clinical stage, tumor location, pathological confirmation and particle-ion type were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 274 patients were enrolled and included in efficacy and safety analyses. Most tumors were adenocarcinoma (44%), and 105 (38%) were not histologically confirmed and diagnosed clinically. 250 (91%) of 274 patients had tumors that were peripherally situated. 138 (50%) and 136 (50%) patients were treated by PT and CT, respectively. The median follow-up time for all censored patients was 42.8 months (IQR 36.7 - 49.0). No grade 3 or severe treatment-related toxicity was observed. 3-year PFS was 81% (95% CI;76-86) and OS was 93% (95% CI;89-96), respectively. As to particle-ion type, 3-year PFS were 79.0% and 81.9% in PT and CT (p = 0.19), and 3-year OS were 93.9% and 91.1% in PT and CT (P = 0.72), respectively. For PFS, pathological confirmation, clinical stage was significant factors but there were no significant differences by tumor location or particle-ion type; for OS, clinical stage was significant factor but there was no significant difference on pathological confirmation, tumor location or particle-ion type (Table1). Table 1. 3-year PFS and OS CONCLUSION: Particle therapy for operable early-stage lung cancer resulted in excellent 3-year OS and PFS on each subset.

The Incidence of Severe Radiation-Induced Lymphopenia during Chemoradiotherapy for Stage Ⅲ Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Comparative Study of Proton Versus Photon-Based Radiotherapy

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

To investigate the incidence of severe radiation-induced lymphopenia (SRL) and the survival in patients with stage Ⅲ non-small cell lung cancer treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy with passive scattering proton beam (PSPT) or photon-based radiotherapy (XRT) including 3D-CRT and IMRT.

MATERIALS/METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study including 355 patients who received definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy with PSPT (n = 38) or XRT (n = 317) at our institution between January 2010 and December 2020. SRL during concurrent chemoradiotherapy was defined as absolute lymphocyte counts (ALCs) of <500 cells/mm3. Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was performed to adjust for the patient characteristics between the PSPT and XRT groups. Propensity scores were calculated using age, sex, PS (0-1 vs. 2), primary tumor location (upper/middle vs. lower lobe), pathology (Adeno vs. Others), PTV volume, ALCs at pretreatment, year of treatment (before vs. after July 2018, when durvalumab approved in Japan), and platinum-based chemotherapy regimen (CDDP based vs. CBDCA based). After PSM, the incidence of SRL and the overall survival (OS) were analyzed.

RESULTS

The GTV and PTV volumes were significantly lower in the PSPT group than in the XRT group (median, 57 vs. 103 mm3; p < 0.05, 322 vs. 399 mm3; p < 0.05, respectively). ALCs at pretreatment were significantly lower in the PSPT group than in the XRT group (median, 1531 vs. 1718 cells/mm3; p < 0.05). SRL was observed in 275 patients (87%) in the XRT group and 27 patients (71%) in the PSPT group (p < 0.05). After PSM, PSPT significantly reduced the incidence of SRL compared to XRT (68.6 % vs. 88.6 %, p < 0.05), and the patients without SRL may have better 3-year OS than those with SRL (71.1 % vs. 55.3 %; p = 0.062).

CONCLUSION

Compared with XRT, PSPT significantly reduced the incidence of SRL, and the patients without SRL had a good prognosis.

Quality of Palliative Radiation Therapy Assessed Using Quality Indicators: A Multicenter Survey

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Clinical practice is not always performed in accordance with guideline recommendations. Quality indicators (QIs) are valuable tools for evaluating the quality of healthcare systems. We sought to identify potential gaps between clinical practice and evidence using QIs previously developed using a modified Delphi method.

MATERIALS/METHODS

We used seven QIs (Table 1) to assess the quality of radiation therapy for bone (BoM) and brain metastases (BrM) at 29 centers; 13 (45%) were academic (12 university hospitals and 1 cancer center) and 16 (55%) were nonacademic hospitals. Compliance rate was calculated as the percentage of patients for whom recommended medical care was conducted. Random effects models were used to estimate pooled compliance rates. Mixed effects models with a Q test were used to compare compliance rates between academic and nonacademic centers.

RESULTS

The estimates of the compliance rates with 95% confidence intervals are presented in Table 1. For BoM-1, the compliance rate was higher in academic hospitals (100% [100-100%]) than in non-academic hospitals (96% [89-100%]) (P = 0.021). For BrM-3, the compliance rate was lower in academic hospitals (92% [81-99%]) than in nonacademic hospitals (100% [98-100%]) (P = 0.016).

CONCLUSION

A quality assessment based on these seven QIs is feasible. Overall, compliance rates were high; however, for BoM-3, the practice remains to be improved in some centers. Based on BoM-4 compliance rates, steroids are infrequently used concurrently with radiation therapy for malignant spinal cord compression. Extended fractionation for BoM was less frequently performed in academic than in nonacademic centers. The initiation of radiation therapy for brain metastases was more frequently delayed in academic than in nonacademic centers.

Neuronal SNAP-23 is critical for synaptic plasticity and spatial memory independently of NMDA receptor regulation

SNARE-mediated membrane fusion plays a crucial role in presynaptic vesicle exocytosis and also in postsynaptic receptor delivery. The latter is considered particularly important for synaptic plasticity and learning and memory, yet the identity of the key SNARE proteins remains elusive. Here, we investigate the role of neuronal synaptosomal-associated protein-23 (SNAP-23) by analyzing pyramidal-neuron specific SNAP-23 conditional knockout (cKO) mice. Electrophysiological analysis of SNAP-23 deficient neurons using acute hippocampal slices showed normal basal neurotransmission in CA3-CA1 synapses with unchanged AMPA and NMDA currents. Nevertheless, we found theta-burst stimulation-induced long-term potentiation (LTP) was vastly diminished in SNAP-23 cKO slices. Moreover, unlike syntaxin-4 cKO mice where both basal neurotransmission and LTP decrease manifested changes in a broad set of behavioral tasks, deficits of SNAP-23 cKO are more limited to spatial memory. Our data reveal that neuronal SNAP-23 is selectively crucial for synaptic plasticity and spatial memory without affecting basal glutamate receptor function.

Affinity-controlled release of rod-derived cone viability factor enhances cone photoreceptor survival

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of genetic diseases that results in rod photoreceptor cell degeneration, which subsequently leads to cone photoreceptor cell death, impaired vision and eventual blindness. Rod-derived cone viability factor (RdCVF) is a protein which has two isoforms: a short form (RdCVF) and a long form (RdCVFL) which act on cone photoreceptors in the retina. RdCVFL protects photoreceptors by reducing hyperoxia in the retina; however, sustained delivery of RdCVFL remains challenging. We developed an affinity-controlled release strategy for RdCVFL. An injectable physical blend of hyaluronan and methylcellulose (HAMC) was covalently modified with a peptide binding partner of the Src homology 3 (SH3) domain. This domain was expressed as a fusion protein with RdCVFL, thereby enabling its controlled release from HAMC-binding peptide. Sustained release of RdCVFL was demonstrated for the first time as RdCVFL-SH3 from HAMC-binding peptide for 7 d in vitro. To assess bioactivity, chick retinal dissociates were harvested and treated with the affinity-released recombinant protein from the HAMC-binding peptide vehicle. After 6 d in culture, cone cell viability was greater when cultured with released RdCVFL-SH3 relative to controls. We utilized computational fluid dynamics to model release of RdCVFL-SH3 from our delivery vehicle in the vitreous of the human eye. We demonstrate that our delivery vehicle can prolong the bioavailability of RdCVFL-SH3 in the retina, potentially enhancing its therapeutic effects. Our affinity-based system constitutes a versatile delivery platform for ultimate intraocular injection in the treatment of retinal degenerative diseases. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is the leading cause of inherited blindness in the world. Rod-derived cone viability factor (RdCVF), a novel protein paracrine factor, is effective in preclinical models of RP. To extend its therapeutic effects, we developed an affinity-controlled release strategy for the long form of RdCVF, RdCVFL. We expressed RdCVFL as a fusion protein with an Src homology 3 domain (SH3). We then utilized a hydrogel composed of hyaluronan and methylcellulose (HAMC) and modified it with SH3 binding peptides to investigate its release in vitro. Furthermore, we designed a mathematical model of the human eye to investigate delivery of the protein from the delivery vehicle. This work paves the way for future investigation of controlled release RdCVF.

The Dyslexia-associated gene KIAA0319L is involved in neuronal migration in the developing chick visual system

The gene KIAA0319-Like (KIAA0319L) is thought to confer susceptibility for developmental dyslexia. Dyslexia may be caused by alterations in neuronal migration, and in utero knockdown of KIAA0319L in rats indicated migration errors. However, studies carried out with KIAA0319L knockout mice did not reveal an altered neuronal migration phenotype. Gene knockout may activate compensatory mechanisms to buffer against genetic mutations during development. Here we assessed the role of KIAA0319L on migrating neurons in the chick developing tectum. Whole mount in situ hybridization was performed for KIAA0319L on embryonic day (E)3 - E5 chick embryos and in situ hybridization on sections was performed at later stages. The specificity and efficiency of engineered microRNA (miRNA) constructs targeting KIAA0319L for knocking down KIAA0319L were verified. miRNAs were electroporated into E5 chick optic tecta. Our studies demonstrate that KIAA0319L is expressed in the developing chick visual system, as well as in the otic vesicles. Knockdown of KIAA0319L in the optic tectum results in abnormal neuronal migration, strengthening the argument that KIAA0319L is involved in this developmental process.

74 Ge( n , γ ) cross section below 70 keV measured at n_TOF CERN

Neutron capture reaction cross sections on 74 Ge are of importance to determine 74 Ge production during the astrophysical slow neutron capture process. We present new resonance data on 74 Ge( n , γ ) reactions below 70 keV neutron energy. We calculate Maxwellian averaged cross sections, combining our data below 70 keV with evaluated cross sections at higher neutron energies. Our stellar cross sections are in agreement with a previous activation measurement performed at Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe by Marganiec et al., once their data has been re-normalised to account for an update in the reference cross section used in that experiment.

First 80Se(n,γ) cross section measurement with high resolution in the full stellar energy range 1 eV - 100 keV and its astrophysical implications for the s-process

Most elements heavier than iron have been generated in the stellar media by means of neutron capture reactions, approximately half are produced by the slow neutron capture or s-process. Radiative neutron capture cross section measurements are of fundamental importance for the study of this mechanism. In this contribution we present a brief summary on the measurement and results for the 80Se(n,γ) cross-section. The experiment was carried out at CERN n_TOF EAR1 via the time of flight (ToF) technique, using four C6D6 scintillation detectors with very fast response. More than a hundred new resonances have been analyzed for the first time with a high accuracy. The MACS obtained at kT = 8 keV is 36% smaller than the recommended value in KADo-NiS. Some of the astrophysical implications of this result are elucidated in this contribution.

P–192 Efficacy of postponement of intracytoplasmic sperm injection timing after spindle visualization for Metaphase I oocytes

Study question

Does postponement of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) timing after spindle visualization for Metaphase I (MI) oocytes improve developmental outcomes of embryos?

Summary answer

Postponement of ICSI timing after spindle visualization for MI oocytes improves blastocyst utility rates.

What is known already

Immature oocytes are generally considered poor developmental outcomes. Meanwhile, the timing of ICSI adjusted by using spindle visualization can improve clinically utilized embryos and live birth rates, but these outcomes remain inferior to those of mature oocytes. In in vitro maturation culture, nuclear maturation is thought to occur before the completion of cytoplasmic maturation, and in immature oocytes, synchronization of nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation may be insufficient for ICSI immediately after spindle visualization.

Study design, size, duration

Data for this retrospective cohort study were obtained 672 oocytes retrieved under mild stimulation cycles using letrozole, in patients aged younger than 39 years between April 2017 and October 2020.Written informed consent was obtained from all patients. This study was approved by the institutional review board.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

As a control group, 464 MetaphaseIIoocytes that underwent ICSI immediately after visualization of the spindle were used. In group A, 103 MI oocytes underwent ICSI immediately after the first polar body release and spindle visualization, and in group B, 105 oocytes underwent ICSI 2–3 hours after spindle visualization. The primary outcomes were fertilization rates, degeneration, cleavage, embryo blastocyst formation, and utility rates. Outcomes were compared among the three groups.

Main results and the role of chance

The baseline fertilization rates of each group (control, A, B) were 82.3% (382/464), 73.8% (76/103), and 83.8% (88/105), respectively. The rate was significantly lower in group A than in the control group (P &lt; 0.05), and also tended to be lower in group A than in group B, although the difference was not significant. There was no significant difference in abnormal fertilization rates, oocyte degeneration rates, cleavage rates, and blastocyst formation rates among the three groups. [control, A, B: abnormal fertilization rate: 4.3% (20/464), 8.7% (9/103), 4.8% (5/105); oocyte degeneration rates: 3.0% (14/464), 1.9% (2/103), 3.8% (4/105); cleavage rates: 95.6% (307/321), 93.8% (61/65), 98.7% (74/75); blastocyst formation rates: 58.6% (177/302), 51.7% (31/60), 55.4% (41/74), respectively]. The blastocyst utility rates of control group and group B were significantly higher than in group A [41.7% (126/302), 45.9% (34/74), 26.7% (16/60), respectively] (P &lt; 0.05). There were no significantly different outcomes between the control group and group B.

Limitations, reasons for caution

The optimal timing of ICSI for MI oocyte cannot be determined by the presence or absence of spindles. In addition, the postponement duration we set was based on reports which reported on final oocyte maturation, and further investigation is needed to establish the optimal ICSI timing for MI oocytes.

Wider implications of the findings: In MI oocytes, postponement of ICSI timing after spindle visualization is essential for synchronization of the nucleus and cytoplasmic maturation.

Trial registration number

none

P–609 The chances of one live birth rates after first ART cycle in minimal stimulation cycle IVF with letrozole only and natural cycle IVF

Study question

Are one live birth rates (LBRs) similar in minimal stimulation cycle IVF with letrozole only and natural cycle IVF for the first ART cycle?

Summary answer

LBRs after first ART cycle in minimal stimulation cycle IVF with letrozole only are superior to natural cycle IVF.

What is known already

The addition of letrozole to gonadotropins in ovarian stimulation (OS) may reduce the risk of OHSS, but there is no significant difference were reported in ongoing pregnancy rate or number of oocytes retrieved in the letrozole + FSH group compared to the FSH only. No differences were also reported in clinical pregnancy rates or number of mature oocytes in the additional of letrozole in an GnRH antagonist protocol group compared to the GnRH antagonist group. There are no previous study comparing LBRs after first ART cycle in minimal stimulation cycle IVF with letrozole and natural cycle IVF.

Study design, size, duration

Data for this retrospective cohort study were obtained 643 women, 30–39 years of age started their first ART cycle at one private fertility clinic between January 2016- December 2019.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

A total of 643 women were scheduled their first oocyte retrieval cycle. 118 women started with letrozole (LE) and 525 women started natural cycle (NC). The main strategy for OS in our center is minimal stimulation and natural cycle IVF. Patients consulted with gynecologists to determine their treatment plan based on patients’ preference or their menstrual cycle. All pregnancies generated from oocyte retrieval during the first IVF cycle including fresh and frozen-thaw cycles were registered.

Main results and the role of chance

The number of retrieved oocytes and the normal fertilization rates were significantly higher in the LE than NC (4.4 vs 3.4, 77.6% vs 71.1%), p &lt; 0.05 respectively). There was no significant difference in the clinical pregnancy rates (CPRs) per embryo transfer (ET) (fresh cleavage stage ET: 32.9% vs 28.0%, frozen-thaw blastocyst ET: 39.4% vs 44.9% ns). However, the CPRs and LBRs per oocyte retrieval (OR) were significantly higher in the LE group (39.0% vs 28.6, 33.9% vs 21.9%, p &lt; 0.05 respectively). In a subsequent regression analyses, LBRs per OR of LE was significantly higher than NC as well. (adjusted OR = 1.63 (95% CI: 1.02–2.58, p = 0.041).

Limitations, reasons for caution

The strength of the present study was the use of a large cohort of women who underwent minimal stimulation IVF with letrozole only. Although our results are promising, limited by retrospective cohort study. These interpretations prompted the need for a perspective cohort study to evaluate the efficacy of letrozole.

Wider implications of the findings: When comparing minimal stimulation IVF with letrozole only and natural cycle IVF, we found significantly higher LBRs per OR in minimal stimulation IVF with letrozole only, despite similar CPRs per ET.

Trial registration number

none

Neogenin neutralization prevents photoreceptor loss in inherited retinal degeneration

Inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs) are characterized by the progressive loss of photoreceptors and represent one of the most prevalent causes of blindness among working-age populations. Cyclic nucleotide dysregulation is a common pathological feature linked to numerous forms of IRD, yet the precise mechanisms through which this contributes to photoreceptor death remain elusive. Here we demonstrate that cAMP induced upregulation of the dependence receptor neogenin in the retina. Neogenin levels were also elevated in both human and murine degenerating photoreceptors. We found that overexpressing neogenin in mouse photoreceptors was sufficient to induce cell death, whereas silencing neogenin in degenerating murine photoreceptors promoted survival, thus identifying a pro-death signal in IRDs. A possible treatment strategy is modeled whereby peptide neutralization of neogenin in Rd1, Rd10, and Rho P23H-knockin mice promotes rod and cone survival and rescues visual function as measured by light-evoked retinal ganglion cell recordings, scotopic/photopic electroretinogram recordings, and visual acuity tests. These results expose neogenin as a critical link between cAMP and photoreceptor death, and identify a druggable target for the treatment of retinal degeneration.

Neutron Capture on the s-Process Branching Point ^{171}Tm via Time-of-Flight and Activation

The neutron capture cross sections of several unstable nuclides acting as branching points in the s process are crucial for stellar nucleosynthesis studies. The unstable ^{171}Tm (t_{1/2}=1.92  yr) is part of the branching around mass A∼170 but its neutron capture cross section as a function of the neutron energy is not known to date. In this work, following the production for the first time of more than 5 mg of ^{171}Tm at the high-flux reactor Institut Laue-Langevin in France, a sample was produced at the Paul Scherrer Institute in Switzerland. Two complementary experiments were carried out at the neutron time-of-flight facility (n_TOF) at CERN in Switzerland and at the SARAF liquid lithium target facility at Soreq Nuclear Research Center in Israel by time of flight and activation, respectively. The result of the time-of-flight experiment consists of the first ever set of resonance parameters and the corresponding average resonance parameters, allowing us to make an estimation of the Maxwellian-averaged cross sections (MACS) by extrapolation. The activation measurement provides a direct and more precise measurement of the MACS at 30 keV: 384(40) mb, with which the estimation from the n_TOF data agree at the limit of 1 standard deviation. This value is 2.6 times lower than the JEFF-3.3 and ENDF/B-VIII evaluations, 25% lower than that of the Bao et al. compilation, and 1.6 times larger than the value recommended in the KADoNiS (v1) database, based on the only previous experiment. Our result affects the nucleosynthesis at the A∼170 branching, namely, the ^{171}Yb abundance increases in the material lost by asymptotic giant branch stars, providing a better match to the available pre-solar SiC grain measurements compared to the calculations based on the current JEFF-3.3 model-based evaluation.

HPRL – International cooperation to identify and monitor priority nuclear data needs for nuclear applications

The OECD-NEA High Priority Request List (HPRL) is a point of reference to guide and stimulate the improvement of nuclear data for nuclear energy and other applications, and a tool to bridge the gap between data users and producers. The HPRL is application-driven and the requests are submitted by nuclear data users or representatives of the user’s communities. A panel of international experts reviews and monitors the requests in the framework of an Expert Group mandated by the NEA Nuclear Science Committee Working Party on International Nuclear Data Evaluation Cooperation (WPEC). After approval, individual requests are classified to three categories: high priority requests, general requests, and special purpose requests (e.g., dosimetry, standards). The HPRL is hosted by the NEA in the form of a relational database publicly available on the web. This paper provides an overview of HPRL entries, status and outlook. Examples of requests successfully completed are given and new requests are described with emphasis on updated nuclear data needs in the fields of nuclear energy, neutron standards and dosimetry.

Functional Expression of Sodium-Dependent Glucose Transporter in Amelogenesis

Glucose is an essential source of energy for mammalian cells and is transported into the cells by glucose transporters. There are 2 types of glucose transporters: one is a passive glucose transporter, GLUT (SLC2A), and the other is a sodium-dependent active glucose transporter, SGLT (SLC5A). We previously reported that the expression of GLUTs during tooth development is precisely and spatiotemporally controlled and that the glucose uptake mediated by GLUT1 plays a crucial role in early tooth morphogenesis and tooth size determination. This study aimed to clarify the localization and roles of SGLT1 and SGLT2 in murine ameloblast differentiation by using immunohistochemistry, immunoelectron microscopy, an in vitro tooth organ culture experiment, and in vivo administration of an inhibitor of SGLT1/2, phloridzin. SGLT1, which has high affinity with glucose, was immunolocalized in the early secretory ameloblasts and the ruffle-ended ameloblasts in the maturation stage. However, SGLT2, which has high glucose transport capacity, was observed in the stratum intermedium, papillary layer, and ameloblasts at the maturation stage and colocalized with Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase. The inhibition of SGLT1/2 by phloridzin in the tooth germs induced the disturbance of ameloblast differentiation and enamel matrix formation both in vitro (organ culture) and in vivo (mouse model). The expression of SGLT1 and SGLT2 was significantly upregulated in hypoxic conditions in the ameloblast-lineage cells. These findings suggest that the active glucose uptake mediated by SGLT1 and SGLT2 is strictly regulated and dependent on the intra- and extracellular microenvironments during tooth morphogenesis and that the appropriate passive and active glucose transport is an essential event in amelogenesis.

Emerging evidence for cell-autonomous axon guidance

Current models of axon guidance within the central nervous system (CNS) involve the presentation of environmental cues to navigating growth cones. The surrounding and target tissues present a variety of ligands that either restrict or promote growth, thus providing pathfinding instructions to developing axons. Recent findings show that RGMb, a GPI anchored extracellular protein present on retinal ganglion cells, down-regulates Wnt3a signaling by lowering LRP5 levels at the membrane surface. When RGMb is phosphorylated by the extracellular tyrosine kinase VLK, phosphorylated RGMb (p-RGMb) is internalized and carries LRP5 towards intracellular compartments. In the eye, a dorsal-high ventral-low gradient of VLK generates a dorsal-low ventral-high gradient of LRP5 that modulates Wnt3a signaling. These molecules, which are all expressed by individual RGCs, generate Wnt-signal gradients along the dorso-ventral axis of the retina, resulting in differential axon growth which in turn regulates proper retino-tectal/collicular map formation. This pathway represents a regulatory mechanism whereby extracellular phosphorylation generates what may be the first example of a unique self-guiding mechanism that affects neuronal-target connections independent of paracrine signals from the surrounding target tissue.

Syntaxin-3 is dispensable for basal neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity in postsynaptic hippocampal CA1 neurons

Recent evidence suggests that SNARE fusion machinery play critical roles in postsynaptic neurotransmitter receptor trafficking, which is essential for synaptic plasticity. However, the key SNAREs involved remain highly controversial; syntaxin-3 and syntaxin-4 are leading candidates for the syntaxin isoform underlying postsynaptic plasticity. In a previous study, we showed that pyramidal-neuron specific conditional knockout (cKO) of syntaxin-4 significantly reduces basal transmission, synaptic plasticity and impairs postsynaptic receptor trafficking. However, this does not exclude a role for syntaxin-3 in such processes. Here, we generated and analyzed syntaxin-3 cKO mice. Extracellular field recordings in hippocampal slices showed that syntaxin-3 cKO did not exhibit significant changes in CA1 basal neurotransmission or in paired-pulse ratios. Importantly, there were no observed differences during LTP in comparison to control mice. Syntaxin-3 cKO mice performed similarly as the controls in spatial and contextual learning tasks. Consistent with the minimal effects of syntaxin-3 cKO, syntaxin-3 mRNA level was very low in hippocampal and cortex pyramidal neurons, but strongly expressed in the corpus callosum and caudate axon fibers. Together, our data suggest that syntaxin-3 is dispensable for hippocampal basal neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity, and further supports the notion that syntaxin-4 is the major isoform mediating these processes.

Measurement and analysis of 155,157Gd(n,γ) from thermal energy to 1 keV

We have measured the capture cross section of the 155Gd and 157Gd isotopes between 0.025 eV and 1 keV. The capture events were recorded by an array of 4 C6D6 detectors, and the capture yield was deduced exploiting the total energy detection system in combination with the Pulse Height Weighting Techniques. Because of the large cross section around thermal neutron energy, 4 metallic samples of different thickness were used to prevent problems related to self-shielding. The samples were isotopically enriched, with a cross contamination of the other isotope of less than 1.14%. The capture yield was analyzed with an R-Matrix code to describe the cross section in terms of resonance parameters. Near thermal energies, the results are significantly different from evaluations and from previous time-of-flight experiments. The data from the present measurement at n_TOF are publicly available in the experimental nuclear reaction database EXFOR.

Preliminary results on the 233U α-ratio measurement at n_TOF

233U is the fissile nuclei in the Th-U fuel cycle with a particularily small neutron capture cross setion which is on average about one order of magnitude lower than its fission cross section. Hence, the measurement of the 233U(n, γ) cross section relies on a method to accurately distinguish between capture and fission γ-rays. A measurement of the 233U α-ratio has been performed at the n_TOF facility at CERN using a so-called fission tagging setup, coupling n_TOF 's Total Absorption Calorimeter with a novel fission chamber to tag the fission γ-rays. The experimental setup is described and essential parts of the analysis are discussed. Finally, a preliminary 233U α-ratio is presented.

Neutron capture cross section measurements of 241Am at the n_TOF facility

Neutron capture on 241Am plays an important role in the nuclear energy production and also provides valuable information for the improvement of nuclear models and the statistical interpretation of the nuclear properties. A new experiment to measure the 241Am(n, γ) cross section in the thermal region and the first few resonances below 10 eV has been carried out at EAR2 of the n_TOF facility at CERN. Three neutron-insensitive C6D6 detectors have been used to measure the neutron-capture gamma cascade as a function of the neutron time of flight, and then deduce the neutron capture yield. Preliminary results will be presented and compared with previously obtained results at the same facility in EAR1. In EAR1 the gamma-ray background at thermal energies was about 90% of the signal while in EAR2 is up to a 25 factor much more favorable signal to noise ratio. We also extended the low energy limit down to subthermal energies. This measurement will allow a comparison with neutron capture measurements conducted at reactors and using a different experimental technique.

Study of the neutron-induced fission cross section of 237Np at CERN's n_TOF facility over a wide energy range

Neutron-induced fission cross sections of isotopes involved in the nuclear fuel cycle are vital for the design and safe operation of advanced nuclear systems. Such experimental data can also provide additional constraints for the adjustment of nuclear model parameters used in the evaluation process, resulting in the further development of fission models. In the present work, the 237Np(n,f) cross section was studied at the EAR2 vertical beam-line at CERN's n_TOF facility, over a wide range of neutron energies, from meV to MeV, using the time-of-flight technique and a set-up based on Micromegas detectors, in an attempt to provide accurate experimental data. Preliminary results in the 200 keV – 14 MeV neutron energy range as well as the experimental procedure, including a description of the facility and the data handling and analysis, will be presented.

Accurate measurement of the standard 235U(n,f) cross section from thermal to 170 keV neutron energy

An accurate measurement of the 235U(n,f) cross section from thermal to 170 keV of neutron energy has recently been performed at n_TOF facility at CERN using 6Li(n,t)4He and 10B(n,α)7Li as references. This measurement has been carried out in order to investigate a possible overestimation of the 235U fission cross section evaluation provided by most recent libraries between 10 and 30 keV. A custom experimental apparatus based on in-beam silicon detectors has been used, and a Monte Carlo simulation in GEANT4 has been employed to characterize the setup and calculate detectors efficiency. The results evidenced the presence of an overestimation in the interval between 9 and 18 keV and the new data may be used to decrease the uncertainty of 235U(n,f) cross section in the keV region.

Overview of the OECD-NEA Working Party on International Nuclear Data Evaluation Cooperation (WPEC)

The OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) Working Party on International Nuclear Data Evaluation Cooperation (WPEC) was established in 1989 to facilitate collaboration in nuclear data activities. Over its thirty year history, different Subgroups have been created to address topics in nearly every aspect of nuclear data, including: experimental measurements, evaluation, validation, model development, quality assurance of databases and the development of software tools.

WPEC has recently completed activities on fission yield evaluation, the general nuclear database structure (GNDS) to replace the ENDF-6 format, methods to provide feedback to evaluation, studies of specific capture cross sections, new methods in thermal scattering kernel evaluation and the Collaborative International Evaluated Library Organisation (CIELO) Pilot Project. Ongoing activities in GNDS application programming interface (API) development, methods for covariance evaluation and quality assurance in nuclear data validation using the International Criticality Safety Benchmark Evaluation Project (ICSBEP) database are complemented by the work of two Expert Groups that oversee the High-Priority Request List (HPRL) for Nuclear Data and the continuous development of the GNDS. New activities on the use of integral experiments for nuclear data validation and adjustment, as well as the use of the Shielding Integral Benchmark Archive and Database (SINBAD) for validation have begun and will be coordinated alongside future Subgroups.

After three decades we will review the status of WPEC, how it integrates other collections and activities organised by the NEA and how it dovetails with the initiatives of the IAEA and other bodies to effectively coordinate international activities in nuclear data.

Measurement of the 242Pu(n, γ) cross section from thermal to 500 keV at the Budapest research reactor and CERN n_TOF-EAR1 facilities

The design and operation of innovative nuclear systems requires a better knowledge of the capture and fission cross sections of the Pu isotopes. For the case of capture on 242Pu, a reduction of the uncertainty in the fast region down to 8-12% is required. Moreover, aiming at improving the evaluation of the fast energy range in terms of average parameters, the OECD NEA High Priority Request List (HPRL) requests high-resolution capture measurements with improved accuracy below 2 keV. The current uncertainties also affect the thermal point, where previous experiments deviate from each other by 20%. A fruitful collaboration betwen JGU Mainz and HZ Dresden-Rossendorf within the EC CHANDA project resulted in a 242Pu sample consisting of a stack of seven fission-like targets making a total of 95(4) mg of 242Pu electrodeposited on thin (11.5 μm) aluminum backings. This contribution presents the results of a set of measurements of the 242Pu(n, γ) cross section from thermal to 500 keV combining different neutron beams and techniques. The thermal point was determined at the Budapest Research Reactor by means of Neutron Activation Analysis and Prompt Gamma Analysis, and the resolved (1 eV - 4 keV) and unresolved (1 - 500 keV) resonance regions were measured using a set of four Total Energy detectors at the CERN n_TOF-EAR1.

64 Biomarker-based index for detecting sarcopenia in patients with cardiovascular disease

Background

Clinical significance of sarcopenia has been highlighted in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Sarcopenia is generally diagnosed based on the decrease in skeletal muscle index (SMI) and the reduction of either handgrip strength or gait speed. However, SMI is difficult to measure for general physicians or cardiologists, because special, expensive equipment (i.e. bioelectrical impedance assay (BIA) or dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) is necessary.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to seek a new, simple index to detect sarcopenia in CVD patients.

Methods

We retrospectively investigated the association of sarcopenia with physical examination data and circulating biomarkers of nutrition, inflammation, skeletal muscle homeostasis in 132 CVD patients who admitted in our hospital. Sarcopenia was diagnosed according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) guidelines using SMI measurements by BIA method.

Results

Among the screened biomarkers (e.g. hsCRP and IL-6), serum adiponectin and sialic acid was significantly higher in sarcopenic patients (n = 39) than non-sarcopenic patients (n = 93). On stepwise multivariate regression analysis, adiponectin, sialic acid, sex, age, and body mass index were independent detecting factors for sarcopenia based on AWGS criteria. ROC curve analysis revealed high accuracy for sarcopenia detection of the biomarker-based sarcopenia index (BMI), obtained from the regression formula using the independent factors (Figure). Conclusions: Novel biomarker-based sarcopenia index would be a simple, useful tool for detecting sarcopenia in CVD patients.

Abstract 64 Figure. Sarcopenia Detection using BSI

Observations From a Mouse Model of Forebrain Voa1 Knockout: Focus on Hippocampal Structure and Function

Voa protein is a subunit of V-ATPase proton pump which is essential to acidify intracellular organelles including synaptic vesicles. Voa1 is one of the four isoforms of Voa family with strong expression in neurons. Our present study was aimed to examine the role of Voa1 protein in mammalian brain neurons. To circumvent embryonic lethality, we generated conditional Voa1 knockout mice in which Voa1 was selectively deleted from forebrain pyramidal neurons. We performed experiments in the Voa1 knockout mice of ages 5-6 months to assess the persistent effects of Voa1 deletion. We found that the Voa1 knockout mice exhibited poor performance in the Morris water maze test compared to control mice. In addition, synaptic field potentials of the hippocampal CA1 region were greatly diminished in the Voa1 knockout mice when examined in brain slices in vitro. Furthermore, brain histological experiments showed severe degeneration of dorsal hippocampal CA1 neurons while CA3 neurons were largely preserved. The CA1 neurodegeneration was associated with general brain atrophy as overall hemispheric areas were reduced in the Voa1 cKO mice. Despite the CA1 degeneration and dysfunction, electroencephalographic recordings from the hippocampal CA3 area revealed aberrant spikes and non-convulsive discharges in the Voa1 knockout mice but not in control mice. These hippocampal spikes were suppressed by single intra-peritoneal injection of diazepam which is a benzodiazepine GABA_A receptor enhancer. Together these results suggest that Voa1 related activities are essential for the survival of the targeted neurons in the dorsal hippocampal CA1 as well as other forebrain areas. We postulate that the Voa1 knockout mice may serve as a valuable model for further investigation of V-ATPase dysfunction related neuronal degeneration and functional abnormalities in forebrain areas particularly the hippocampus.

Ossifying fibroma arising from the zygomatic arch: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Ossifying fibroma (OF) is a rare type of tumor characterized by fibrous tissue proliferation with cementum- or bone-like hard tissue formation. Since its first report by Montgomery in 1927, several cases of OF have been reported; however, no cases of OF arising from the zygomatic arch have been reported. Herein, we report a case of OF arising from the zygomatic arch.

CLINICAL CASE SUMMARY

A 70-year-old female visited our department in February 2017 because of a gradually growing osseous protrusion in the right zygomatic region, which she was aware of since the previous 6 months. A 3.3cm×3.2-cm area of swelling was observed in the region. Computed tomography confirmed the presence of a granulated lesion on the surface of the right zygomatic arch. Accordingly, benign bone tumor was diagnosed, and tumor resection was subsequently performed. Histopathological analysis revealed irregularly arranged bone trabeculae, an increased number of fibroblasts, and collagen fibers between the bone trabeculae; accordingly, OF was diagnosed. No clinical or radiographic evidence of recurrence was observed during the 1.5-year follow-up period.

DISCUSSION

A granulated lesion was present on the surface of the right zygomatic arch, and the boundary between the lesion and surrounding bone was clear. Resection of the lesion from the zygomatic arch was relatively easy. Thus, OF was diagnosed. If OF is suspected, a risk of recurrence persists; therefore, shaving the area including the bones surrounding the lesion may be necessary. Although detailed causes of OF and osteoma remain unknown, past trauma has been indicated as a common etiology. However, compared with the frequency of fractures in the zygomatic arch, the frequency of OF and osteoma is rare; thus, the etiology of OF and osteoma remains to be fully elucidated.

Extracellular phosphorylation drives the formation of neuronal circuitry

Until recently, the existence of extracellular kinase activity was questioned. Many proteins of the central nervous system are targeted, but it remains unknown whether, or how, extracellular phosphorylation influences brain development. Here we show that the tyrosine kinase vertebrate lonesome kinase (VLK), which is secreted by projecting retinal ganglion cells, phosphorylates the extracellular protein repulsive guidance molecule b (RGMb) in a dorsal-ventral descending gradient. Silencing of VLK or RGMb causes aberrant axonal branching and severe axon misguidance in the chick optic tectum. Mice harboring RGMb with a point mutation in the phosphorylation site also display aberrant axonal pathfinding. Mechanistic analyses show that VLK-mediated RGMb phosphorylation modulates Wnt3a activity by regulating LRP5 protein gradients. Thus, the secretion of VLK by projecting neurons provides crucial signals for the accurate formation of nervous system circuitry. The dramatic effect of VLK on RGMb and Wnt3a signaling implies that extracellular phosphorylation likely has broad and profound effects on brain development, function and disease.

Beam Energy and Centrality Dependence of Direct-Photon Emission from Ultrarelativistic Heavy-Ion Collisions

The PHENIX collaboration presents first measurements of low-momentum (0.4<p_{T}<3  GeV/c) direct-photon yields from Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=39 and 62.4 GeV. For both beam energies the direct-photon yields are substantially enhanced with respect to expectations from prompt processes, similar to the yields observed in Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200. Analyzing the photon yield as a function of the experimental observable dN_{ch}/dη reveals that the low-momentum (>1  GeV/c) direct-photon yield dN_{γ}^{dir}/dη is a smooth function of dN_{ch}/dη and can be well described as proportional to (dN_{ch}/dη)^{α} with α≈1.25. This scaling behavior holds for a wide range of beam energies at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider and the Large Hadron Collider, for centrality selected samples, as well as for different A+A collision systems. At a given beam energy, the scaling also holds for high p_{T} (>5  GeV/c), but when results from different collision energies are compared, an additional sqrt[s_{NN}]-dependent multiplicative factor is needed to describe the integrated-direct-photon yield.

Third Dentition Is the Main Cause of Premolar Supernumerary Tooth Formation

While the prevalence of supernumerary teeth (ST) is high in permanent dentition, the etiology of ST in humans remains unclear. However, multiple murine models of ST have elaborated on dated mechanisms traditionally ascribed to ST etiology: one involves the rescue of rudimental teeth, and the second considers the contribution of odontogenic epithelial stem cells. It remains unclear whether these mechanisms of ST formation in mice are applicable to humans. The third dentition is usually regressed apoptotic-that is, the teeth do not completely form in humans. Recently, it was suggested that ST result from the rescue of regression of the third dentition in humans. The present investigation evaluates the proportion of collected general ST cases that evinced a third dentition based on the clinical definition of ST derived from the third dentition. We also investigated the contribution of SOX2-positive odontogenic epithelial stem cells to ST formation in humans. We collected 215 general ST cases from 15,008 patients. We confirmed that the general characteristics of the collected ST cases were similar to the results from previous reports. Of the 215 cases, we narrowed our analysis to the 78 patients who had received a computed tomography scan. The frequency of ST considered to have been derived from the third dentition was 26 out of 78 cases. Evidence of a third dentition was especially apparent in the premolar region, was more common in men, and was more likely among patients with ≥3 ST. SOX2-positive odontogenic epithelial stem cells within the surrounding epithelial cells of developing ST were observed in non-third dentition cases and not in third dentition cases. In conclusion, the third dentition is the main cause of ST in humans. The odontogenic epithelial stem cells may contribute to ST formation in cases not caused by a third dentition.

Preliminary results on the 233U capture cross section and alpha ratio measured at n_TOF (CERN) with the fission tagging technique

233U is of key importance among the fissile nuclei in the Th-U fuel cycle. A particularity of 233U is its small neutron capture cross-section, which is on average about one order of magnitude lower than the fission cross-section. The accuracy in the measurement of the 233U capture cross-section depends crucially on an efficient capture-fission discrimination, thus a combined set-up of fission and γ-detectors is needed. A measurement of the 233U capture cross-section and capture-to-fission ratio was performed at the CERN n_TOF facility. The Total Absorption Calorimeter (TAC) of n_TOF was employed as γ-detector coupled with a novel compact ionization chamber as fission detector. A brief description of the experimental set-up will be given, and essential parts of the analysis procedure as well as the preliminary response of the set-up to capture are presented and discussed.