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A nuclear spectroscopy experiment was conducted to study α-decay chains stemming from isotopes of flerovium (element Z=114). An upgraded TASISpec decay station was placed behind the gas-filled separator TASCA at the GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung in Darmstadt, Germany. The fusion-evaporation reactions ^{48}Ca+^{242}Pu and ^{48}Ca+^{244}Pu provided a total of 32 flerovium-candidate decay chains, of which two and eleven were firmly assigned to ^{286}Fl and ^{288}Fl, respectively. A prompt coincidence between a 9.60(1)-MeV α particle event and a 0.36(1)-MeV conversion electron marked the first observation of an excited state in an even-even isotope of the heaviest man-made elements, namely ^{282}Cn. Spectroscopy of ^{288}Fl decay chains fixed Q_{α}=10.06(1)  MeV. In one case, a Q_{α}=9.46(1)-MeV decay from ^{284}Cn into ^{280}Ds was observed, with ^{280}Ds fissioning after only 518  μs. The impact of these findings, aggregated with existing data on decay chains of ^{286,288}Fl, on the size of an anticipated shell gap at proton number Z=114 is discussed in light of predictions from two beyond-mean-field calculations, which take into account triaxial deformation.

Neutralizing agents against SARS-CoV-2 are urgently needed for the treatment and prophylaxis of COVID-19. Here, we present a strategy to rapidly identify and assemble synthetic human variable heavy (VH) domains toward neutralizing epitopes. We constructed a VH-phage library and targeted the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) binding interface of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike receptor-binding domain (Spike-RBD). Using a masked selection approach, we identified VH binders to two non-overlapping epitopes and further assembled these into multivalent and bi-paratopic formats. These VH constructs showed increased affinity to Spike (up to 600-fold) and neutralization potency (up to 1,400-fold) on pseudotyped SARS-CoV-2 virus when compared to standalone VH domains. The most potent binder, a trivalent VH, neutralized authentic SARS-CoV-2 with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 4.0 nM (180 ng ml-1). A cryo-EM structure of the trivalent VH bound to Spike shows each VH domain engaging an RBD at the ACE2 binding site, confirming our original design strategy.

A nuclear spectroscopy experiment was conducted to study α-decay chains stemming from isotopes of flerovium (element Z=114). An upgraded TASISpec decay station was placed behind the gas-filled separator TASCA at the GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung in Darmstadt, Germany. The fusion-evaporation reactions ^{48}Ca+^{242}Pu and ^{48}Ca+^{244}Pu provided a total of 32 flerovium-candidate decay chains, of which two and eleven were firmly assigned to ^{286}Fl and ^{288}Fl, respectively. A prompt coincidence between a 9.60(1)-MeV α particle event and a 0.36(1)-MeV conversion electron marked the first observation of an excited state in an even-even isotope of the heaviest man-made elements, namely ^{282}Cn. Spectroscopy of ^{288}Fl decay chains fixed Q_{α}=10.06(1)  MeV. In one case, a Q_{α}=9.46(1)-MeV decay from ^{284}Cn into ^{280}Ds was observed, with ^{280}Ds fissioning after only 518  μs. The impact of these findings, aggregated with existing data on decay chains of ^{286,288}Fl, on the size of an anticipated shell gap at proton number Z=114 is discussed in light of predictions from two beyond-mean-field calculations, which take into account triaxial deformation.

An upgraded TASISpec setup, with the addition of a veto DSSD and the new Compex detector-germanium array, has been employed with the gas-filled recoil separator TASCA at the GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung Darmstadt, to study flerovium (element 114) decay chains. The detector upgrades along with development of new analytical techniques have improved the sensitivity of the TASISpec setup for measuring α-photon coincidences. These improvements have been assessed with test reactions. The reaction 48Ca+206,207Pb was used for verification of experimental parameters such as transmission to implantation DSSD and target-segment to α-decay correlations. The reaction 48Ca+ nat Hf was used to produce several short-lived nuclei with multiple-α decay chains to investigate pile-up event deconvolution.

We study the equation of state of symmetric nuclear matter at zero temperature over a wide range of densities using two complementary theoretical approaches. At low densities, up to twice nuclear saturation density, we compute the energy per particle based on modern nucleon-nucleon and three-nucleon interactions derived within chiral effective field theory. For higher densities, we derive for the first time constraints in a Fierz-complete setting directly based on quantum chromodynamics using functional renormalization group techniques. We find remarkable consistency of the results obtained from both approaches as they come together in density and the natural emergence of a maximum in the speed of sound c_{S} at supranuclear densities. The presence of this maximum appears tightly connected to the formation of a diquark gap. Notably, this maximum is observed to exceed the asymptotic value c_{S}^{2}=1/3 while its exact position in terms of the density cannot yet be determined conclusively.

BackgroundAllogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant remains the most effective strategy for patients with high-risk acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Leukemia-specific neoantigens presented by the major histocompatibility complexes (MHCs) are recognized by the T cell receptors (TCR) triggering the graft-versus-leukemia effect. A unique TCR signature is generated by a complex V(D)J rearrangement process to form TCR capable of binding to the peptide-MHC. The generated TCR repertoire undergoes dynamic changes with disease progression and treatment.MethodHere we applied two different computational tools (TRUST4 and MIXCR) to extract the TCR sequences from RNA-seq data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and examine the association between features of the TCR repertoire in adult patients with AML and their clinical and molecular characteristics.ResultsWe found that only ~30% of identified TCR CDR3s were shared by the two computational tools. Yet, patterns of TCR associations with patients’ clinical and molecular characteristics based on data obtained from either tool were similar. The numbers of unique TCR clones were highly correlated with patients’ white blood cell counts, bone marrow blast percentage, and peripheral blood blast percentage. Multivariable regressions of TCRA and TCRB median normalized number of unique clones with mutational status of AML patients using TRUST4 showed significant association of TCRA or TCRB with WT1 mutations, WBC count, %BM blast, and sex (adjusted in TCRB model). We observed a correlation between TCRA/B number of unique clones and the expression of T cells inhibitory signal genes (TIGIT, LAG3, CTLA-4) and foxp3, but not IL2RA, CD69 and TNFRSF9 suggestive of exhausted T cell phenotypes in AML.ConclusionBenchmarking of computational tools is needed to increase the accuracy of the identified clones. The utilization of RNA-seq data enables identification of highly abundant TCRs and correlating these clones with patients’ clinical and molecular characteristics. This study further supports the value of high-resolution TCR-Seq analyses to characterize the TCR repertoire in patients.

Abstract The interest in bio‐based alternatives to classical polyesters such as poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) is steadily growing to achieve a more sustainable approach to polymer materials. In this study, PBT/poly(butylene furanoate) (PBF) blends are prepared, characterized and extrusion foamed. PBF as a bio‐based polyester offers two advantages. The ecological footprint of the material is reduced, and additionally, it can be used in Diels‐Alder reactions at the blend surface to support fusion of the foamed beads. The blending behavior of the polyesters is investigated using samples prepared in a microcompounder, particularly focused on the miscibility of the blends and transesterification reactions. The blends are thermodynamically immiscible but show a certain degree of transesterification according to nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The morphology of blend beads produced by an extrusion foaming process is analyzed regarding their cell density, cell size distribution, and open‐cell content. It is shown that PBF has a positive effect on the bead foam morphology. The use of a bifunctional linker designed for chemical fusion of the bead surfaces allows to obtaining of molded parts, in contrast to beads containing pure PBT.

The heaviest currently known nuclei, which have up to 118 protons, have been produced in Ca48 induced reactions with actinide targets. Among them, the element tennessine (Ts), which has 117 protons, has been synthesized by fusing Ca48 with the radioactive target Bk249, which has a half-life of 327 d. The experiment was performed at the gas-filled recoil separator TASCA. Two long and two short α decay chains were observed. The long chains were attributed to the decay of Ts294. The possible origin of the short-decay chains is discussed in comparison with the known experimental data. They are found to fit with the decay chain patterns attributed to Ts293. The present experimental results confirm the previous findings at the Dubna Gas-Filled Recoil Separator on the decay chains originating from the nuclei assigned to Ts.

The heaviest currently known nuclei, which have up to 118 protons, have been produced in Ca48 induced reactions with actinide targets. Among them, the element tennessine (Ts), which has 117 protons, has been synthesized by fusing Ca48 with the radioactive target Bk249, which has a half-life of 327 d. The experiment was performed at the gas-filled recoil separator TASCA. Two long and two short α decay chains were observed. The long chains were attributed to the decay of Ts294. The possible origin of the short-decay chains is discussed in comparison with the known experimental data. They are found to fit with the decay chain patterns attributed to Ts293. The present experimental results confirm the previous findings at the Dubna Gas-Filled Recoil Separator on the decay chains originating from the nuclei assigned to Ts.

This study explores the potential use of mould biomass and waste fibres for the production of agrotextiles. First, 20 mould strains were screened for efficient mycelium growth, with optimized conditions of temperature, sources of carbon and nitrogen in the medium, and type of culture (submerged or surface). A method was developed for creating a biocomposite based on the mould mycelium, reinforced with commercial bleached softwood kraft (BSK) pulp and fibre additives (cotton, hemp). The best properties, including mechanical, water permeability, and air permeability, were shown by the biocomposites containing 10–20% Cladosporium cladosporioides mycelium grown in surface or submerged cultures, milled with BSK pulp, cotton, and hemp (10–20%). The mould mycelium was refined with cellulosic fibrous material, formed, pressed, and dried, resulting in a biomaterial with good mechanical parameters, low water permeability, and high air permeability. The biocomposite was fully biodegradable in soil after 10 days in field conditions. The use of the biocomposite as a crop cover shortened the germination time and increased the percentage of germinated onion, but had no effect on parsley seeds. This study shows the potential of using mould mycelium for the production of biomaterial with good properties for applications in horticulture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to compare the physical, sensorial, and microstructural properties of selected meat products with their plant-based alternatives to assess how closely the alternatives mimic the original products. Six meat analogue products, including Frankfurter sausage (SuA), steak (StA), Hungarian sausage (KA), minced meat (MA), salami (SaA), and burger (BA), were compared with their corresponding meat products (SuM, StM, KM, MM, SaM, and BM, respectively). The study measured colour indicators, texture parameters, sensory attributes, and microstructural properties. The redness values (a*) of the external surfaces of SuM and KM, as well as the hardness of MM, were similar to those of their alternative products, with no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05). Sensory evaluation revealed similar ratings for two attributes: product similarity and overall appearance. However, significant differences were found in the descriptors for animal character and meat taste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DNA replication represents a series of precisely regulated events performed by a complex protein machinery that guarantees accurate duplication of the genetic information. Since DNA replication is permanently faced by a variety of exogenous and endogenous stressors, DNA damage response, repair and replication must be closely coordinated to maintain genomic integrity. HROB has been identified recently as a binding partner and activator of the Mcm8/9 helicase involved in DNA interstrand crosslink (ICL) repair. We identified HROB independently as a nuclear protein whose expression is co-regulated with various DNA replication factors. Accordingly, the HROB protein level showed a maximum in S phase and a downregulation in quiescence. Structural prediction and homology searches revealed that HROB is a largely intrinsically disordered protein bearing a helix-rich region and a canonical oligonucleotide/oligosaccharide-binding-fold motif that originated early in eukaryotic evolution. Employing a flow cytometry Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) assay, we detected associations between HROB and proteins of the DNA replication machinery. Moreover, ectopic expression of HROB protein led to an almost complete shutdown of DNA replication. The available data imply a function for HROB during DNA replication across barriers such as ICLs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: The developed indirect sandwich ELLA offers a practical solution for the routine screening and detection of insects in food processing facilities, and holds promise for implementation by inspection authorities. Edible insects have been officially classified as food in the European Union since 2015. Currently, four insect species are approved for food use. However, no official method for detecting insects in food has been recognized to date. To establish a simple analytical method for insect detection in food, we developed an indirect sandwich (enzyme-linked lectin sorbent assay) ELLA specific for N-acetylglucosamine in chitin and chitosan polymers. The validation of the method demonstrated that the ELLA developed in this study is reliable for insect detection. The limit of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) were 0.006 and 0.028 mg/mL, respectively. Intra-day precision ranged from 2.45% to 30.29%, and inter-day precision from 0.36% to 12.87%. Significant differences in the total amount of chitin and chitosan were observed among the insect products, processed insect products, and samples without any insect addition (p < 0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the pollen analysis, physicochemical and volatile profiles of blong song, bidens, coffee, and mint honeys from Vietnam were analyzed. The primary pollen content was 87.0%, 37.5%, 5.7%, and 2.7% in the blong song, coffee, bidens, and mint honey, respectively. The average values of the physicochemical properties ranged from 9.4 to 33.5 mS m−1 for electrical conductivity, from 9.5 to 19.7 meq kg−1 for free acidity, from <2 to 10.7 DN for diastase activity, from 0 to 44.7 mm Pfund for color, and from 2.9 to 39.2 mg kg−1 for 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furfural (5-HMF) showed statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) among the four types of honey. Principal component analysis (PCA) of sugars revealed that trehalose was typical for blong song honey; melibiose, sucrose, and maltose for bidens honey; and turanose for mint honey. Using headspace solid phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME/GC-MS) several specific volatile compounds for each honey type were identified: linalool oxide isomers for blong song honey, acetic acid phenylethyl ester for bidens honey, citral, nonanoic acid, α-terpineol, 1-nonanol, and benzeneacetaldehyde for coffee honey and menthol isomers, and isomethyl acetate for mint honey. The results provide comprehensive data on chemometrics, melissopalynological profiles, and volatile compounds analysis for the classification of honey with different floral origins from Vietnam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Honey is composed mainly of carbohydrates which are represented by mono-, di-, tri-, tetra-, pentasaccharides, and oligosaccharides. The content and proportions of individual carbohydrates reveal information about the origin and technological properties of honey. A total of 5 987 samples of natural honeys originating from the Czech Republic and harvested during a period of nine consecutive years were analysed to research their carbohydrate content, sum of fructose and glucose (Fru + Glc), fructose and glucose ratio (Fru/Glc), and electrical conductivity (Ec). Monosaccharides, melezitose (Mel), and Ec varied according to the source of nectar or honeydew. Sucrose (Suc) content was low 0.87 ± 1.26 g (100 g)-1 and did not exceed 15 g (100 g)-1.

The objective of this study was to examine the rheological and fermentation behavior of doughs prepared from five different colored wheat varieties (black AF Zora, yellow KM 111-18, purple AF Jumiko, blue AF Oxana and red Vanessa – chosen as a standard), which contain polyphenolics in the outer layers of grains. Three wholemeal flour fractions (fine, semi-coarse and coarse) were used for each variety. The flour fractions differed in the particle size of the bran, the ash content and thus the phenolic compound content. The baking trials, texture and sensory analyses of breads were performed, to assess their overall acceptability.The coarser granulation of flour fractions, average hardness (8.587>77%), cohesiveness (78>75>70%) and resilience (35>32>27%) decreased. Moreover, the increase in off-flavors was detected with higher bran content. Regarding the flour granulation, the fine fraction seemed to be the most suitable due to its high gas-retention capacity. The best products in terms of both dough and bread quality reached blue AF Oxana and yellow KM 111-18.Utilization of colored wheat in bakery industry may present a good strategy of providing value-added products to the consumers.

Short-lived α-decaying nuclei "northeast" of Pb208 in the chart of nuclides were studied using the reaction Ca48+Am243 with the decay station TASISpec at TASCA, GSI Darmstadt. Decay energies and times from pile-up events were extracted with a tailor-made pulse-shape analysis routine and specific α-decay chains were identified in a correlation analysis. Decay chains starting with the even-even Ra220 and its odd-A neighbors, Fr219, and Ra221,219, with a focus on the Ra219→Rn215 decay, were studied by means of α-γ spectroscopy. A revised α-decay scheme of Ra219 is proposed, including a new decay branch from a previously not considered isomeric state at 17 keV excitation energy. Conclusions on nuclear structure are drawn from the experimental data, aided by Geant4 simulations and a discussion on theoretical calculations.

Short-lived α-decaying nuclei "northeast" of Pb208 in the chart of nuclides were studied using the reaction Ca48+Am243 with the decay station TASISpec at TASCA, GSI Darmstadt. Decay energies and times from pile-up events were extracted with a tailor-made pulse-shape analysis routine and specific α-decay chains were identified in a correlation analysis. Decay chains starting with the even-even Ra220 and its odd-A neighbors, Fr219, and Ra221,219, with a focus on the Ra219→Rn215 decay, were studied by means of α-γ spectroscopy. A revised α-decay scheme of Ra219 is proposed, including a new decay branch from a previously not considered isomeric state at 17 keV excitation energy. Conclusions on nuclear structure are drawn from the experimental data, aided by Geant4 simulations and a discussion on theoretical calculations.

The isotopic distribution of nuclei produced in the 50Ti + 249Cf reaction has been studied at the gas-filled recoil separator TASCA at GSI Darmstadt, which separates ions according to differences in magnetic rigidity. The bombardment was performed at an energy around the Bass barrier and with the TASCA magnetic fields set for collecting fusion-evaporation reaction products. Fifty-three isotopes located “north-east” of 208Pb were identified as recoiling products formed in non-fusion channels of the reaction. These recoils were implanted with energies in two distinct ranges; besides one with higher energy, a significant low-energy contribution was identified. The latter observation was not expected to occur according to kinematics of the known types of reactions, namely quasi-elastic, multi-nucleon transfer, deep-inelastic collisions or quasifission. The present observations are discussed within the framework of two-body kinematics passing through the formation of a composite system.

The isotopic distribution of nuclei produced in the 50Ti + 249Cf reaction has been studied at the gas-filled recoil separator TASCA at GSI Darmstadt, which separates ions according to differences in magnetic rigidity. The bombardment was performed at an energy around the Bass barrier and with the TASCA magnetic fields set for collecting fusion-evaporation reaction products. Fifty-three isotopes located “north-east” of 208Pb were identified as recoiling products formed in non-fusion channels of the reaction. These recoils were implanted with energies in two distinct ranges; besides one with higher energy, a significant low-energy contribution was identified. The latter observation was not expected to occur according to kinematics of the known types of reactions, namely quasi-elastic, multi-nucleon transfer, deep-inelastic collisions or quasifission. The present observations are discussed within the framework of two-body kinematics passing through the formation of a composite system.