Measurement of polarization observables T, P, and H in π0 and η photoproduction off quasi-free nucleons

The target asymmetry T, recoil asymmetry P, and beam-target double polarization observable H were determined in exclusive π 0 and η photoproduction off quasi-free protons and, for the first time, off quasi-free neutrons. The experiment was performed at the electron stretcher accelerator ELSA in Bonn, Germany, with the Crystal Barrel/TAPS detector setup, using a linearly polarized photon beam and a transversely polarized deuterated butanol target. Effects from the Fermi motion of the nucleons within deuterium were removed by a full kinematic reconstruction of the final state invariant mass. A comparison of the data obtained on the proton and on the neutron provides new insight into the isospin structure of the electromagnetic excitation of the nucleon. Earlier measurements of polarization observables in the γ p → π 0 p and γ p → η p reactions are confirmed. The data obtained on the neutron are of particular relevance for clarifying the origin of the narrow structure in the η n system at W = 1.68 GeV . A comparison with recent partial wave analyses favors the interpretation of this structure as arising from interference of the S 11 ( 1535 ) and S 11 ( 1650 ) resonances within the S 11 -partial wave.

AB0126 MULTIPARAMETER LINEBLOT IMMUNOASSAY FOR AUTOIMMUNE INFLAMMATORY MYOPATHIES: ADDITION OF cN-1A FOR THE DETECTION OF AUTOANTIBODIES ASSOCIATED WITH INCLUSION BODY MYOSITIS

Background

Autoantibodies against cN-1A (Mup44) are primarily used as a biomarker for inclusion body myositis (IBM), they also occur with lower prevalence in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Sjögren’s Syndrome (SjS). cN-1A has been included as a parameter on the multiparameter lineblot Autoimmune Inflammatory Myopathies 16 Ag et cN-1A (EUROIMMUN), allowing the detection of 17 myositis-specific and myositis-associated autoantibodies.

Objectives

The prevalences of anti-cN-1A autoantibodies were determined in different patient collectives and healthy blood donors.

Methods

A lineblot immunoassay containing a highly purified, recombinant cN-1A expressed in E.coli was incubated according to the instructions. Sera of 197 patients with IBM, 48 with collagenosis (systemic sclerosis, undifferentiated collagenosis and mixed tissue collagenosis), 52 with polymyositis/dermatomyositis and 75 with SLE/SjS were screened for cN-1A autoantibodies. Additionally, 151 apparently healthy blood donors as well as a disease control collective comprising sera of 20 patients with thyroiditis, 26 with neuromuscular disorders, 24 with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), 19 with Wegener’s Disease, 17 with Coeliac disease, and 2 with autoimmune liver disease (ALD) were analyzed. Signal intensities were automatically evaluated using the EUROLineScan software (EUROIMMUN).

Results

Prevalences of cN-1A autoantibodies were 34.5% in IBM, 10.4% in collagenosis, 7.7% in polymyositis/dermatomyositis, 13.3% in SLE/SjS, 2% in the blood donor cohort and 4.6% in the disease control collective.

Conclusion

The addition of cN-1A to a multiparametric lineblot immunoassay now reduces the risk of underdiagnosing IBM in patients with autoimmune inflammatory myopathies and increases the overall diagnostic sensitivity.

Disclosure of Interests

Julia Janz Employee of: EUROIMMUN Medizinische Labordiagnostika AG, Anthonina Ott Employee of: EUROIMMUN Medizinische Labordiagnostika AG, Marius Richter Employee of: EUROIMMUN Medizinische Labordiagnostika AG, Thomas Scheper, Employee of: EUROIMMUN Medizinische Labordiagnostika AG, Wolfgang Schlumberger Employee of: EUROIMMUN Medizinische Labordiagnostika AG, Wolfgang Meyer Employee of: EUROIMMUN Medizinische Labordiagnostika AG

Framatome ANP GmbH Concept of Plant Life Management (PLIM)

The deregulation of the power generation industry has resulted in increased competitive pressure and is forcing operators to improve plant operating economy while maintaining high levels of plant safety. A key factor to meeting this challenge is to apply a comprehensive plant life management (PLIM) approach which addresses all relevant ageing and degradation mechanisms regarding the safety concept, plant component structures and documentation, plant personnel, consumables, operations management system and administrative controls. For this reason, Framatome ANP GmbH has developed an integrated PLIM concept applicable for both new and operating plants and focusing on the safety concept, plant component structures and documentation.

Triangle Singularity as the Origin of the a_{1}(1420)

The COMPASS Collaboration experiment recently discovered a new isovector resonancelike signal with axial-vector quantum numbers, the a_{1}(1420), decaying to f_{0}(980)π. With a mass too close to and a width smaller than the axial-vector ground state a_{1}(1260), it was immediately interpreted as a new light exotic meson, similar to the X, Y, Z states in the hidden-charm sector. We show that a resonancelike signal fully matching the experimental data is produced by the decay of the a_{1}(1260) resonance into K^{*}(→Kπ)K[over ¯] and subsequent rescattering through a triangle singularity into the coupled f_{0}(980)π channel. The amplitude for this process is calculated using a new approach based on dispersion relations. The triangle-singularity model is fitted to the partial-wave data of the COMPASS experiment. Despite having fewer parameters, this fit shows a slightly better quality than the one using a resonance hypothesis and thus eliminates the need for an additional resonance in order to describe the data. We thereby demonstrate for the first time in the light-meson sector that a resonancelike structure in the experimental data can be described by rescattering through a triangle singularity, providing evidence for a genuine three-body effect.

Mycosands: Fungal diversity and abundance in beach sand and recreational waters - Relevance to human health

The goal of most studies published on sand contaminants is to gather and discuss knowledge to avoid faecal contamination of water by run-offs and tide-retractions. Other life forms in the sand, however, are seldom studied but always pointed out as relevant. The Mycosands initiative was created to generate data on fungi in beach sands and waters, of both coastal and freshwater inland bathing sites. A team of medical mycologists and water quality specialists explored the sand culturable mycobiota of 91 bathing sites, and water of 67 of these, spanning from the Atlantic to the Eastern Mediterranean coasts, including the Italian lakes and the Adriatic, Baltic, and Black Seas. Sydney (Australia) was also included in the study. Thirteen countries took part in the initiative. The present study considered several fungal parameters (all fungi, several species of the genus Aspergillus and Candida and the genera themselves, plus other yeasts, allergenic fungi, dematiaceous fungi and dermatophytes). The study considered four variables that the team expected would influence the results of the analytical parameters, such as coast or inland location, urban and non-urban sites, period of the year, geographical proximity and type of sediment. The genera most frequently found were Aspergillus spp., Candida spp., Fusarium spp. and Cryptococcus spp. both in sand and in water. A site-blind median was found to be 89 Colony-Forming Units (CFU) of fungi per gram of sand in coastal and inland freshwaters, with variability between 0 and 6400 CFU/g. For freshwater sites, that number was 201.7 CFU/g (0, 6400 CFU/g (p = 0.01)) and for coastal sites was 76.7 CFU/g (0, 3497.5 CFU/g). For coastal waters and all waters, the median was 0 CFU/ml (0, 1592 CFU/ml) and for freshwaters 6.7 (0, 310.0) CFU/ml (p < 0.001). The results advocate that beaches should be monitored for fungi for safer use and better management.

Measurement of the helicity asymmetry E for the reaction γ p → π 0 p : The CBELSA/TAPS Collaboration

A measurement of the double-polarization observable E for the reaction γ p → π 0 p is reported. The data were taken with the CBELSA/TAPS experiment at the ELSA facility in Bonn using the Bonn frozen-spin butanol (C4 H9 OH) target, which provided longitudinally-polarized protons. Circularly-polarized photons were produced via bremsstrahlung of longitudinally-polarized electrons. The data cover the photon energy range fromE γ = 600 to 2310 MeV and nearly the complete angular range. The results are compared to and have been included in recent partial wave analyses.

Seroprevalences of antibodies against ToRCH infectious pathogens in women of childbearing age residing in Brazil, Mexico, Germany, Poland, Turkey and China

Determination of antibodies against ToRCH antigens at the beginning of pregnancy allows assessment of both the maternal immune status and the risks to an adverse pregnancy outcome. Age-standardised seroprevalences were determined in sera from 1009 women of childbearing age residing in Mexico, Brazil, Germany, Poland, Turkey or China using a multiparametric immunoblot containing antigen substrates for antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii, rubella virus, cytomegalovirus (CMV), herpes simplex viruses (HSV-1, HSV-2), Bordetella pertussis, Chlamydia trachomatis, parvovirus B19, Treponema pallidum and varicella zoster virus (VZV). Seroprevalences for antibodies against HSV-1 were >90% in samples from Brazil and Turkey, whereas the other four countries showed lower mean age-adjusted seroprevalences (range: 62.5-87.9%). Samples from Brazilian women showed elevated seroprevalences of antibodies against HSV-2 (40.1%), C. trachomatis (46.8%) and B. pertussis (56.6%) compared to the other five countries. Seroprevalences of anti-T. gondii antibodies (0.5%) and anti-parvovirus B19 antibodies (7.5%) were low in samples from Chinese women, compared to the other five countries. Samples from German women revealed a low age-standardised seroprevalence of anti-CMV antibodies (28.8%) compared to the other five countries. These global differences in immune status of women in childbearing age advocate country-specific prophylaxis strategies to avoid infection with ToRCH pathogens.

Observation of the pη^{'} Cusp in the New Precise Beam Asymmetry Σ Data for γp→pη

Data on the beam asymmetry Σ in the photoproduction of η mesons off protons are reported for tagged photon energies from 1130 to 1790 MeV (mass range from W=1748  MeV to W=2045  MeV). The data cover the full solid angle that allows for a precise moment analysis. For the first time, a strong cusp effect in a polarization observable has been observed that is an effect of a branch-point singularity at the pη^{'} threshold [E_{γ}=1447  MeV (W=1896  MeV)]. The latest BnGa partial wave analysis includes the new beam asymmetry data and yields a strong indication for the N(1895)1/2^{-} nucleon resonance, demonstrating the importance of including all singularities for a correct determination of partial waves and resonance parameters.

Helicity-Dependent Cross Sections for the Photoproduction of π^{0} Pairs from Nucleons

The double-polarization observable E and helicity-dependent cross sections σ_{1/2}, σ_{3/2} have been measured for the photoproduction of π^{0} pairs off quasifree protons and neutrons at the Mainz MAMI accelerator with the Crystal Ball/TAPS setup. A circularly polarized photon beam was produced by bremsstrahlung from longitudinally polarized electrons and impinged on a longitudinally polarized deuterated butanol target. The reaction products were detected with an almost 4π covering calorimeter. The results reveal for the first time the helicity- and isospin-dependent structure of the γN→Nπ^{0}π^{0} reaction. They are compared to predictions from reaction models in view of nucleon resonance contributions and also to a refit of one model that predicted results for the proton and for the neutron target. The comparison of the prediction and the refit demonstrates the large impact of the new data.

AB0113 ANTIBODIES AGAINST HELICOBACTER PYLORI ANTIGENS IN PATIENTS WITH PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS AND PSORIASIS

Background:

Psoriasis (Ps) and Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) are inflammatory diseases of unknown etiology. Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection has been hypothesized as one of the microbial agents that can lead to development of immune-mediated psoriatic disease, but the nature of the specific Hp antigens involved remains unclear.

Objectives:

To asses antigen specific antibody responses against immunodominant Hp antigens in patients with psoriatic diseases.

Methods:

Ninety-one patients with Ps (35 females; median age 51.9, age range 25-87), 47 patients with PsA (25 females; median age 52.9, age range 25-87) and 60 demographically matched healthy controls (HC) were studied. Reactivity to Hp-specific antigens were tested by Western immunoblotting (in combination with line immunoassay for anti-CagA and anti-VagA antibody testing) (Euroimmun AG, Lübeck, Germany).

Results:

Positivity against Hp was comparable between PsA (38.3%), Ps (39.6%) and HCs (50%). Anti-p66-UreB, anti-p54-flagelin and anti-p29-UreA abs were more frequent in psoriatic patients compered to healthy controls (p66: 94.4% in Ps vs 69.7% in HC, p=0.017; p54: 66.7% in Ps vs 33.3% in HC, p=0.012; p29 72.2% in Ps vs 45.5% in HC, p=0.044) and anti-p29-UreA abs were detected in higher frequency in PsA patients compered to HC (94.4% vs 45.5%, p=0.002). Reactivities against the remaining Hp antigens were comparable between Ps and PsA patients and HC.

Conclusion:

Antibody responses against p66-UreB, p29-UreA, and p54-flagelin are more prevalent in patients with psoriatic disease, suggesting their potential involvement in PsA and Ps.

Disclosure of Interests:

Eleni Patrikiou: None declared, George Efthymiou: None declared, Christos Liaskos: None declared, Niki Ntavari: None declared, Efterpi Zfiriou: None declared, Theodora Simopoulou: None declared, Thomas Scheper, Employee of: Employee of EUROIMMUN AG, Lubeck, Germany, Wolfgang Meyer Employee of: Employee of EUROIMMUN AG, Lubeck, Germany, Aggeliki Roussaki-Schulze: None declared, Dimitrios Bogdanos: None declared

Effects of Plum Concentrate, Potato Starch, and Rice Starch as a Phosphate Replacement on Quality and Sensory Attributes of Whole Muscle Hams

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the functionality of potato starch (PS), rice starch (RS), and plum concentrate (PC) as a replacement for phosphates in clean label curing brines, determined by the industry significant attributes of smokehouse yields, sensory analysis, and color scores.Materials and MethodsFresh inside ham pieces (Semimembranosus + Adductor) (n = 80), USDA-IMPS # 402F, were denuded and split into halves. Inside ham pieces were randomly assigned to one of four treatments including: a control containing traditional curing ingredients (CON), and three treatments with natural curing alternatives containing either plum concentrate (PC), potato starch (PS), or rice starch (RS) as phosphate replacement. Clean label treatment hams (CLT) were evaluated in conjunction with a traditional processed ham control (CON). The control brine was made with the addition of phosphate; whereas, the three clean label treatment brines received phosphate replacement inclusion via the vacuum tumbler. The ham pieces from all treatments were injected to approximately 125% of their fresh weight using a multi- needle injector. Hams were vacuum tumbled with a target post tumble weight of 130%. Inclusion rates for treatments included 2.25% (PS, RS) and 1.1% (PC) of the projected final meat block weight. Hams were then tumbled for 2 h at –15 mm Hg and 12 RPM (industry standard). Hams were cooked to an internal temperature of 62.7°C without the addition of smoke and chilled in accordance with USDA-FSIS Appendix B. They were then vacuum packaged and held under refrigeration (4°C) for 21d. Hams were evaluated for smokehouse yields, sensory analysis, and color scores. Ham samples were evaluated for: initial and sustained juiciness, initial and sustained tenderness, off flavors, ham flavor intensity, and mouth feel. Ham slices were held vacuum packaged, under refrigeration for an additional 7d, and then evaluated for L*, a*, b* color space values at 28d post cooking to simulate a retail setting. Differences in treatment results were analyzed using the MIXED models procedure of SAS.ResultsHams treated with PS had the highest cooking and overall yield (P < 0.05), PC hams had the lowest cooking and overall yield (P < 0.05), and RS hams were comparable to CON. The CLT were darker and less red than CON (P < 0.05). Similarly, CON had the highest a* value (P < 0.05) indicating a significant redder color compared to PS, RS, and PC; additionally, CON had a higher b* (P < 0.05) compared to clean label treatments. The CON had decreased tenderness compared to CLT (P < 0.05). For all other sensory attributes CLT was comparable to CON. Trained sensory analysis determined all phosphate replacements maintained or improved sensory attributes over the control. Cooking yields were improved by PS, held similar by RS, and decreased significantly by PC when compared to the control. Both PS and RS should be considered acceptable phosphate replacements in natural curing brines.ConclusionBased on research presented, PS and RS are suitable replacement for phosphates in natural curing brines based on similar or improved yields, and similar or improved sensory attributes. Due to its extreme cooking loss PC is not a recommended phosphate replacement.

Bio-based thermosetting epoxy foam: Tannic acid valorization toward dye-decontaminating and thermo-protecting applications

Bio-resourced thermosetting epoxy foam was synthesized from tannic acid toward two different applications e.g., dye-decontaminating and thermo-insulating. Epoxidized tannic acid (ETA) foam was produced without using of organic volatile compounds or flammable foaming gases. The foam density, thermal conductivity and closed-cell content were studied. Besides, TGA showed high char yield (49% in N₂ and 48.3% in air) at 600 °C accompanied by high LOI (37.1 in N₂ and 36.8 in air). The high thermo-stability and intumescent char yield along with low thermal conductivity recommends the foam suitability for being used as an insulating material. Additionally, sorption of methylene blue onto ETA foam was kinetically investigated. The study of contact time, ionic strength, solution pH, initial sorbate concentration and desorption revealed the dependency of the sorption process to pH and initial sorbate concentration. The experimental data fitted well with the Langmuir isotherm (R² = 0.997), yielding maximum sorption capacity of 36.25 mg/g (ETA foam = 0.05 g, pH = 7, MB concentration = 50 ppm, Volume = 25 mL). The kinetic data verified that MB sorption could be represented by the pseudo second-order model. Overall, the ETA foam can be introduced as a candidate for removing cationic pollutants, thermal insulator, and self-extinguishing/intumescent materials.

Magnetotactic bacteria used to generate electricity based on Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction

Magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) have the unique ability to produce magnetic particles surrounded by a biomembrane to form the magnetosome organelle. Therefore, MTB have novel physical and magnetic properties and have consequently been used in several biotechnological applications. The magnetic properties of these micro-organisms and their magnetosomes have, however, never been used for the generation of electricity as described in this letter. Comparisons were made between, firstly, the electricity generated from purified magnetosomes, MTB culture (bacterial cells with magnetosomes) and sterile, liquid growth medium (control). Secondly, the electricity generated by a dilution series of purified magnetosomes were compared. A statistically significant difference was found between the voltage measured from the purified magnetosomes (highest voltage), MTB culture (lower voltage) and liquid growth medium (lowest voltage). In the dilution series, the voltage measured increased as the magnetosome concentration increased, but only up to an optimum concentration (0·0376 mg ml^-1 ). In this study, we have demonstrated that a significantly higher voltage than that of the control could be measured when MTB or purified magnetosomes were pumped through a solenoid by applying Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This study provides proof-of-concept of electromagnetic induction using magnetosomes or magnetotactic bacteria in an experimental setup based on the law of Faraday. The concept of using these bacteria or their biomineralized magnetic nanoparticles as a biological alternative in low voltage electricity generation has the potential to be further explored and developed.

First Measurement of Transverse-Spin-Dependent Azimuthal Asymmetries in the Drell-Yan Process

The first measurement of transverse-spin-dependent azimuthal asymmetries in the pion-induced Drell-Yan (DY) process is reported. We use the CERN SPS 190  GeV/c π^{-} beam and a transversely polarized ammonia target. Three azimuthal asymmetries giving access to different transverse-momentum-dependent (TMD) parton distribution functions (PDFs) are extracted using dimuon events with invariant mass between 4.3  GeV/c^{2} and 8.5  GeV/c^{2}. Within the experimental uncertainties, the observed sign of the Sivers asymmetry is found to be consistent with the fundamental prediction of quantum chromodynamics (QCD) that the Sivers TMD PDFs extracted from DY have a sign opposite to the one extracted from semi-inclusive deep-inelastic scattering (SIDIS) data. We present two other asymmetries originating from the pion Boer-Mulders TMD PDFs convoluted with either the nucleon transversity or pretzelosity TMD PDFs. A recent COMPASS SIDIS measurement was obtained at a hard scale comparable to that of these DY results. This opens the way for possible tests of fundamental QCD universality predictions.

Insight into the Narrow Structure in η Photoproduction on the Neutron from Helicity-Dependent Cross Sections

The double polarization observable E and the helicity dependent cross sections σ_{1/2} and σ_{3/2} were measured for η photoproduction from quasifree protons and neutrons. The circularly polarized tagged photon beam of the A2 experiment at the Mainz MAMI accelerator was used in combination with a longitudinally polarized deuterated butanol target. The almost 4π detector setup of the Crystal Ball and TAPS is ideally suited to detect the recoil nucleons and the decay photons from η→2γ and η→3π^{0}. The results show that the narrow structure previously observed in η photoproduction from the neutron is only apparent in σ_{1/2} and hence, most likely related to a spin-1/2 amplitude. Nucleon resonances that contribute to this partial wave in η production are only N 1/2^{-} (S_{11}) and N 1/2^{+} (P_{11}). Furthermore, the extracted Legendre coefficients of the angular distributions for σ_{1/2} are in good agreement with recent reaction model predictions assuming a narrow resonance in the P_{11} wave as the origin of this structure.

Influence of medium-chain fatty acids and short-chain organic acids on jejunal morphology and intra-epithelial immune cells in weaned piglets

Medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) and short-chain organic acids (SOA) are often used as feed additives in piglet diets. There are limited studies in pigs describing the impact of MCFA or SOA on gut morphology and the local immune system. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the supplementation of SOA (0.41% fumaric acid and 0.32% lactic acid), or the combination of SOA with MCFA (0.15% caprylic and capric acid) would have effects on gut morphology and intestinal immune cells in weaned piglets. A total number of 72 weaned piglets were randomly allocated into three experimental groups. Tissue samples of six animals per group were used to investigate the potential impact of the feed additives on villus length and crypt depth of the jejunum and to quantify intra-epithelial lymphocytes (IEL). CD3-positive IEL were determined via immunohistochemistry (IHC) and flow cytometry (FC), whereas CD2-, CD5-, CD8β-, CD16- and γδ TCR-positive IEL were only analysed by FC. The supplementation of MCFA and SOA did not significantly affect morphometric data. The FC data indicated that SOA significantly increased the quantity of CD2^- CD8^- γδ T cells in the jejunum epithelium. Both IHC and FC analyses of pig jejunum confirmed that the majority of IEL expressed the surface marker CD3 and could be classified as cytotoxic T lymphocytes. In conclusion, the data indicated that SOA increased the proportion of CD2^- CD8^- γδ T cells in the jejunal epithelium. Thus, SOA might enable a beneficial effect on the local immunity by increasing the constitutive number of potential effector cells to defeat infectious diseases.

Mucormycosis in Australia: contemporary epidemiology and outcomes

Mucormycosis is the second most common cause of invasive mould infection and causes disease in diverse hosts, including those who are immuno-competent. We conducted a multicentre retrospective study of proven and probable cases of mucormycosis diagnosed between 2004-2012 to determine the epidemiology and outcome determinants in Australia. Seventy-four cases were identified (63 proven, 11 probable). The majority (54.1%) were caused by Rhizopus spp. Patients who sustained trauma were more likely to have non-Rhizopus infections relative to patients without trauma (OR 9.0, p 0.001, 95% CI 2.1-42.8). Haematological malignancy (48.6%), chemotherapy (42.9%), corticosteroids (52.7%), diabetes mellitus (27%) and trauma (22.9%) were the most common co-morbidities or risk factors. Rheumatological/autoimmune disorders occurred in nine (12.1%) instances. Eight (10.8%) cases had no underlying co-morbidity and were more likely to have associated trauma (7/8; 87.5% versus 10/66; 15.2%; p <0.001). Disseminated infection was common (39.2%). Apophysomyces spp. and Saksenaea spp. caused infection in immuno-competent hosts, most frequently associated with trauma and affected sites other than lung and sinuses. The 180-day mortality was 56.7%. The strongest predictors of mortality were rheumatological/autoimmune disorder (OR = 24.0, p 0.038 95% CI 1.2-481.4), haematological malignancy (OR = 7.7, p 0.001, 95% CI 2.3-25.2) and admission to intensive care unit (OR = 4.2, p 0.02, 95% CI 1.3-13.8). Most deaths occurred within one month. Thereafter we observed divergence in survival between the haematological and non-haematological populations (p 0.006). The mortality of mucormycosis remains particularly high in the immuno-compromised host. Underlying rheumatological/autoimmune disorders are a previously under-appreciated risk for infection and poor outcome.

Observation of a New Narrow Axial-Vector Meson a1(1420)

The COMPASS Collaboration at CERN has measured diffractive dissociation of 190  GeV/c pions into the π(-)π(-)π(+) final state using a stationary hydrogen target. A partial-wave analysis (PWA) was performed in bins of 3π mass and four-momentum transfer using the isobar model and the so far largest PWA model consisting of 88 waves. A narrow peak is observed in the f0(980)π channel with spin, parity and C-parity quantum numbers J(PC)=1(++). We present a resonance-model study of a subset of the spin-density matrix selecting 3π states with J(PC)=2(++) and 4(++) decaying into ρ(770)π and with J(PC)=1(++) decaying into f0(980)π. We identify a new a1 meson with mass (1414(-13)(+15))  MeV/c2 and width (153(-23)(+8))  MeV/c2. Within the final states investigated in our analysis, we observe the new a1(1420) decaying only into f0(980)π, suggesting its exotic nature.

Measurements of double-polarized compton scattering asymmetries and extraction of the proton spin polarizabilities

The spin polarizabilities of the nucleon describe how the spin of the nucleon responds to an incident polarized photon. The most model-independent way to extract the nucleon spin polarizabilities is through polarized Compton scattering. Double-polarized Compton scattering asymmetries on the proton were measured in the Δ(1232) region using circularly polarized incident photons and a transversely polarized proton target at the Mainz Microtron. Fits to asymmetry data were performed using a dispersion model calculation and a baryon chiral perturbation theory calculation, and a separation of all four proton spin polarizabilities in the multipole basis was achieved. The analysis based on a dispersion model calculation yields γ(E1E1)=-3.5±1.2, γ(M1M1)=3.16±0.85, γ(E1M2)=-0.7±1.2, and γ(M1E2)=1.99±0.29, in units of 10(-4)  fm(4).

Measurement of the charged-pion polarizability

The COMPASS collaboration at CERN has investigated pion Compton scattering, π(-)γ→π(-)γ, at center-of-mass energy below 3.5 pion masses. The process is embedded in the reaction π(-)Ni→π(-)γNi, which is initiated by 190 GeV pions impinging on a nickel target. The exchange of quasireal photons is selected by isolating the sharp Coulomb peak observed at smallest momentum transfers, Q(2)<0.0015  (GeV/c)(2). From a sample of 63,000 events, the pion electric polarizability is determined to be α(π)=(2.0±0.6(stat)±0.7(syst))×10(-4)  fm(3) under the assumption α(π)=-β(π), which relates the electric and magnetic dipole polarizabilities. It is the most precise measurement of this fundamental low-energy parameter of strong interaction that has been addressed since long by various methods with conflicting outcomes. While this result is in tension with previous dedicated measurements, it is found in agreement with the expectation from chiral perturbation theory. An additional measurement replacing pions by muons, for which the cross-section behavior is unambiguously known, was performed for an independent estimate of the systematic uncertainty.

Measurement of the transverse target and beam-target asymmetries in η meson photoproduction at MAMI

We present new data for the transverse target asymmetry T and the very first data for the beam-target asymmetry F in the γ[over →]p[over →]→ηp reaction up to a center-of-mass energy of W=1.9  GeV. The data were obtained with the Crystal-Ball/TAPS detector setup at the Glasgow tagged photon facility of the Mainz Microtron MAMI. All existing model predictions fail to reproduce the new data indicating a significant impact on our understanding of the underlying dynamics of η meson photoproduction. The peculiar nodal structure observed in existing T data close to threshold is not confirmed.

N(1520) 3/2(-) helicity amplitudes from an energy-independent multipole analysis based on new polarization data on photoproduction of neutral pions

New data on the polarization observables T, P, and H for the reaction γp→pπ(0) are reported. The results are extracted from azimuthal asymmetries when a transversely polarized butanol target and a linearly polarized photon beam are used. The data were taken at the Bonn electron stretcher accelerator ELSA using the CBELSA/TAPS detector. These and earlier data are used to perform a truncated energy-independent partial wave analysis in sliced-energy bins. This energy-independent analysis is compared to the results from energy-dependent partial wave analyses.

Effects of dietary combinations of organic acids and medium chain fatty acids on the gastrointestinal microbial ecology and bacterial metabolites in the digestive tract of weaning piglets

Organic short and medium chain fatty acids are used in diets for piglets because they have an impact on the digestive processes and the intestinal microbiota. In this study, 48 pens (2 piglets/pen) were assigned randomly to 4 diets, without additive (control), with organic acids (OA; 0.416% fumaric and 0.328% lactic acid), with medium chain fatty acids (MCFA; 0.15% caprylic and capric acid), and a combination of OA and MCFA, to assess changes in the gastrointestinal microbiota with 12 pens per diet. Eight to nine piglets from each group were euthanized after 4 wk. Organic acids, MCFA, and pH in the digesta were determined and the intestinal microbiota was quantified by real-time PCR. The different diets had no effect on the growth performance. Concentration of added fumaric acid was below the detection limit in the upper small intestine whereas the concentration of lactic acid in the digesta was not affected by the treatments. The added MCFA was recovered in the MCFA treated groups in the stomach, but the concentrations declined in the upper small intestine. Concentration of short chain fatty acids was reduced in the colon digesta in piglets fed diets with OA compared with those fed unsupplemented diets (P = 0.029). The MCFA resulted in a pH reduction of the digesta, likely because of the effect on bacterial acid production. The addition of OA increased cell counts of Bacteroides-Porphyromonas-Prevotella group and clostridial clusters XIVa, I, and IV in the stomach, the clostridial cluster XIVa in the jejunum, and Bacteroides-Porphyromonas-Prevotella in the ileum and reduced counts of Streptococcus spp. in the colon (P < 0.05). The MCFA induced only minor changes in the gastrointestinal microbiota but increased cell counts for the Escherichia-Hafnia-Shigella group in the jejunum and the clostridial cluster XIVa in the colon digesta (P < 0.05). In the colon of piglets fed diets with organic OA, reduced mean cell counts of STb (est-II) positive Escherichia coli were found. In conclusion, OA and MCFA had effects on the intestinal microecology in piglets. The decrease of the intestinal pH and the reduction of E. coli virulence genes by OA could make the combination of short chain fatty acids and MCFA as interesting gut flora modifiers, which can eventually prevent postweaning diarrhea.

First measurement of the helicity asymmetry for γp → pπ0 in the resonance region

The first measurement of the helicity dependence of the photoproduction cross section of single neutral pions off protons is reported for photon energies from 600 to 2300 MeV, covering nearly the full solid angle. The data are compared to predictions from the SAID, MAID, and BnGa partial wave analyses. Strikingly large differences between data and predictions are observed, which are traced to differences in the helicity amplitudes of well-known and established resonances. Precise values for the helicity amplitudes of several resonances are reported.

Immunohistochemical demonstration of keratins in the epidermal layers of the Malayan pangolin (Manis javanica), with remarks on the evolution of the integumental scale armour

Using immunohistochemistry, the study demonstrates the distribution of keratins (pankeratin with CK1-8, 10, 14-16, 19; keratins CK1, 5, 6, 9, 10; hair keratins AE13, AE14) in the epidermis of the Malayan pangolin (Manis javanica). A varying reaction spectrum was observed for pan-keratin, with body region-dependent negative to very strong reaction intensities. The dorsolateral epidermis exhibited positive reactions only in its vital layers, whereas the abdominal epidermis showed strong positive reactions in the soft two outer strata. The single acidic and basic-to-neutral (cyto)keratins produced clear variations compared to the pan-keratin tinging. For example, CK1 appeared in all epidermal layers of both body regions, except for the ventral stratum corneum, whereas CK5, 6, 9, 10 were restricted to the soft ventral epidermis. Here, distinctly positive reactions were confined to the stratum granulosum, except for CK6 that appeared in the soft stratum corneum. A different staining pattern was obvious for the hair keratins, i.e., positive reactions of AE13 concentrated only in the granular layer of the dorsal epidermis. In the abdominal epidermis, remarkable tinging for AE14 was visible in the stratum basale, decreasing toward the corneal layer, but was also found in the outer root sheath cells of the hair follicles in the ventral body part. Our findings are discussed related to the evolution of the horny dorsal scales of the pangolin, which may have started from the tail root, projecting forward to the head.

Double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging study of new recombinant hypoallergenic Bet v 1 in an environmental exposure chamber

BACKGROUND

Recombinant allergens offer a tool for improving specific immunotherapy (SIT).

OBJECTIVE

To find the optimal dose of a new hypoallergenic folding variant of recombinant Bet v 1 (rBet v 1-FV) as SIT for patients with birch pollen allergy.

METHODS

Before SIT, thirty-seven adult patients were exposed for eight hours in an environmental exposure chamber (EEC) to birch pollen at an average concentration of 3500 ± 500 grains/m(3) , then randomized to four maintenance dose groups of rBet v 1-FV and one placebo group: 20 μg (n = 7), 80 μg (n = 8), 160 μg (n = 7), 320 μg (n = 8), and placebo (n = 7). Patients were treated for 10 weeks with weekly injections and then re-exposed in the EEC. The optimal dose for SIT was assessed using efficacy results from the EEC, IgG responses, and tolerability.

RESULTS

Thirty-six patients were evaluable for efficacy assessment. The total symptom score significantly decreased in all active groups compared with placebo (-18.8% for placebo patients; -71.9%, P = 0.0022 for 20 μg; -75.6%, P = 0.0007 for 80 μg; -81.8%, P = 0.0009 for 160 μg; -78.3%, P = 0.0003 for 320 μg). IgG1 increased significantly in all active groups compared to placebo. All four active doses were well tolerated, no serious adverse event occurred; two Grade II reactions, according to EAACI classification, were observed, one in each of the 160- and 320-μg groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Considering efficacy, immunological response, and tolerability, a maintenance dose of 80 μg of rBet v 1-FV appears to be the ideal dose for allergen immunotherapy in birch pollen allergic patients.

Immunolocalization of succinate dehydrogenase in the esophagus epithelium of domesticated mammals

Using immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), the esophagus epithelia of seven domesticated mammals (horse, cattle, goat, pig, dog, laboratory rat, cat) of three nutrition groups (herbivorous, omnivorous, carnivorous) were studied to get first information about energy generation, as demonstrated by succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activities. Distinct reaction intensities could be observed in all esophageal cell layers of the different species studied reflecting moderate to strong metabolic activities. The generally strong staining in the stratum basale indicated that new cells are continuously produced. The latter feature was confirmed by a thick, and in the horse generally highly active stratum spinosum. Only in the pig, reaction intensity variations occurred, obviously related to differences in physical feed quality or restricted feed allocation. The immunohistochemical results were corroborated by the presence of intact mitochondria in the esophageal cells of all species and nutrition types studied, except for the horse. Possible relationships between SDH reaction intensities and feed structure, mass or consistency are discussed.

Acute Cerebrovascular Disease in the Young

Background and Purpose—

Strokes have especially devastating implications if they occur early in life; however, only limited information exists on the characteristics of acute cerebrovascular disease in young adults. Although risk factors and manifestation of atherosclerosis are commonly associated with stroke in the elderly, recent data suggests different causes for stroke in the young. We initiated the prospective, multinational European study Stroke in Young Fabry Patients (sifap) to characterize a cohort of young stroke patients.

Methods—

Overall, 5023 patients aged 18 to 55 years with the diagnosis of ischemic stroke (3396), hemorrhagic stroke (271), transient ischemic attack (1071) were enrolled in 15 European countries and 47 centers between April 2007 and January 2010 undergoing a detailed, standardized, clinical, laboratory, and radiological protocol.

Results—

Median age in the overall cohort was 46 years. Definite Fabry disease was diagnosed in 0.5% (95% confidence interval, 0.4%–0.8%; n=27) of all patients; and probable Fabry disease in additional 18 patients. Males dominated the study population (2962/59%) whereas females outnumbered men (65.3%) among the youngest patients (18–24 years). About 80.5% of the patients had a first stroke. Silent infarcts on magnetic resonance imaging were seen in 20% of patients with a first-ever stroke, and in 11.4% of patients with transient ischemic attack and no history of a previous cerebrovascular event. The most common causes of ischemic stroke were large artery atherosclerosis (18.6%) and dissection (9.9%).

Conclusions—

Definite Fabry disease occurs in 0.5% and probable Fabry disease in further 0.4% of young stroke patients. Silent infarcts, white matter intensities, and classical risk factors were highly prevalent, emphasizing the need for new early preventive strategies.

Clinical Trial Registration Information—

URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov .Unique identifier: NCT00414583

Well-established nucleon resonances revisited by double-polarization measurements

The first measurement is reported of the double-polarization observable G in the photoproduction of neutral pions off protons, covering the photon energy range from 620 to 1120 MeV and the full solid angle. G describes the correlation between the photon polarization plane and the scattering plane for protons polarized along the direction of the incoming photon. The observable is highly sensitive to contributions from baryon resonances. The new results are compared to the predictions from SAID, MAID, and BnGa partial wave analyses. In spite of the long-lasting efforts to understand γp→pπ(0) as the simplest photoproduction reaction, surprisingly large differences between the new data and the latest predictions are observed which are traced to different contributions of the N(1535) resonance with spin parity J(P)=1/2(-) and N(1520) with J(P)=3/2(-). In the third resonance region, where N(1680) with J(P)=5/2(+) production dominates, the new data are reasonably close to the predictions.

Histochemical analyses of anti-microbial substances in canine perianal skin with special reference to glandular structures

Circumanal glands are prominent features of the canine perianal skin, which are often located near to the sebaceous glands and apocrine glands. As the functional relevance of circumanal glands is yet unknown, we studied the localisation of sialic acids and anti-microbial substances (lysozyme, immunoglobulin A, lactoferrin, β-defensin) in these glandular structures by lectin histochemistry and immunohistochemistry. The glands exhibited a number of sialic acids that were linked to α2-6Gal/GalNAc and α2-3Galβ1-4GlcNAc. Additionally, lysozyme, lactoferrin and β-defensin could be demonstrated in the three types of skin glands, whereas IgA was only detectable in the apocrine glands. The results of the study suggest the specific significance of the circumanal glands. Independent of a certain endocrine role, their products may mainly function as protective agents to preserve the integrity of the anal region, considering that sialic acids and anti-microbial substances are important in defence mechanisms.

First measurement of chiral dynamics in π- γ → π- π- π+

The COMPASS Collaboration at CERN has investigated the π- γ → π- π- π+ reaction at center-of-momentum energy below five pion masses, sqrt[s]<5m(π), embedded in the Primakoff reaction of 190 GeV pions impinging on a lead target. Exchange of quasireal photons is selected by isolating the sharp Coulomb peak observed at smallest momentum transfers, t'<0.001  GeV2/c2. Using partial-wave analysis techniques, the scattering intensity of Coulomb production described in terms of chiral dynamics and its dependence on the 3π-invariant mass m(3π)=sqrt[s] were extracted. The absolute cross section was determined in seven bins of sqrt[s] with an overall precision of 20%. At leading order, the result is found to be in good agreement with the prediction of chiral perturbation theory over the whole energy range investigated.