Opažanje α-raspada 10B i 12B u 9Be +7Li reakcijama

The 10B and 12B excitation energy spectra have been obtained from the inclusive and coincident measurements of the 9Be +7Li reactions at Ebeam=52 MeV. Contributions of the 10B states below 10 MeV and of the 12B states below 16 MeV excitation have been resolved. 10B states at 4.77 and 6.56 MeV as well as groups of states around 5.1 and 6 MeV decaying into α +6Li, and of the state at 7.0 MeV decaying into α +6Li∗ have been found. These measurements give the first evidence for α +8Li decay of the 12B states. In our data, there is no evidence for the α +8Li∗ (0.98 MeV) and α +8Li∗ (2.26 MeV) decays of 12B. The influence of α-decaying 12B states on the cross section of the astrophysically important 8Li(α,n)11B reaction is discussed.Odredili smo uzbudne energijske spektre 10B i 12B uključivim i sudesnim mjerenjima reakcije 9Be+7Li na Esnop=52 MeV. Razdvojili smo doprinose stanja 10B ispod 10 MeV i stanja 12B ispod 16 MeV. Našli smo raspade stanja 10B na 4.77 i 6.56 MeV i grupa stanja oko 5.1 i oko 6 MeV u α +6Li, i stanja na 7.0 MeV u α +6Li∗ . Ovo su prva mjerenja u kojima se nalazi α +8Li raspad viših stanja 12B. Naši podaci ne ukazuju prisutnost α +8Li∗ (0.98 MeV) i α +8Li∗ (2.26 MeV) raspada 12B. Raspravljamo utjecaj stanja 12B koja podliježu α-raspadu na udarne presjeke astrofizički važne reakcije 8Li(α,n)11B

Opažanje α-raspada 10B i 12B u 9Be +7Li reakcijama

The 10B and 12B excitation energy spectra have been obtained from the inclusive and coincident measurements of the 9Be +7Li reactions at Ebeam=52 MeV. Contributions of the 10B states below 10 MeV and of the 12B states below 16 MeV excitation have been resolved. 10B states at 4.77 and 6.56 MeV as well as groups of states around 5.1 and 6 MeV decaying into α +6Li, and of the state at 7.0 MeV decaying into α +6Li∗ have been found. These measurements give the first evidence for α +8Li decay of the 12B states. In our data, there is no evidence for the α +8Li∗ (0.98 MeV) and α +8Li∗ (2.26 MeV) decays of 12B. The influence of α-decaying 12B states on the cross section of the astrophysically important 8Li(α,n)11B reaction is discussed.Odredili smo uzbudne energijske spektre 10B i 12B uključivim i sudesnim mjerenjima reakcije 9Be+7Li na Esnop=52 MeV. Razdvojili smo doprinose stanja 10B ispod 10 MeV i stanja 12B ispod 16 MeV. Našli smo raspade stanja 10B na 4.77 i 6.56 MeV i grupa stanja oko 5.1 i oko 6 MeV u α +6Li, i stanja na 7.0 MeV u α +6Li∗ . Ovo su prva mjerenja u kojima se nalazi α +8Li raspad viših stanja 12B. Naši podaci ne ukazuju prisutnost α +8Li∗ (0.98 MeV) i α +8Li∗ (2.26 MeV) raspada 12B. Raspravljamo utjecaj stanja 12B koja podliježu α-raspadu na udarne presjeke astrofizički važne reakcije 8Li(α,n)11B

Castanea sativa Ancient Trees Across Europe: Genetic Diversity And Conservation Strategy

Long-living trees are witnesses of environmental changes and human interventions; these extraordinary organisms not only represent a historical, landscape and environmental heritage of inestimable value, but they also are a reserve of genetic variability which can considered as a great resource for management programs of forest species. This is the first genetic study on Italian ancient chestnut trees (Castanea sativa Mill.). Ninety-nine ancient trees including the oldest known chestnut in Europe, named ‘Cento Cavalli’, which is believed to be to be between 3,000 and 4,000 years old, were collected. For each tree, more than one sample from canopy and root suckers was collected to test for the genetic integrity of the individuals The samples were genotyped using nine nuclear microsatellite markers (nSSRs) and two chloroplast markers (cpDNA). Genetic variability indices were evaluated using GeneAlEx 6.5, GenoDive 3.0 and HP-rare software. We identified a total of 106 unique genetic profiles within the analyzed individuals. A Bayesian analysis was performed using the software STRUCTURE to unveil the genetic relationships existing between the genotyped individuals. We were able to identify a geographic pattern of genetic diversity among the old chestnut trees. In addition, the genetic similarity among the ancient trees and the close chestnut populations to was studied. A phylogeographic structure of plastid diversity was also established. Our results contribute to evaluate the European chestnut genetic resources, gave insights to its domestication history and to define the best conservation and management strategies

Monumental chestnut trees: source of genetic diversity, cultural and landscape value

The monumental trees are unique individuals of venerable age and considerable size, which represent a heritage of inestimable historical, cultural, landscape, and scientific value for the territtory. They also constitute a source of genetic diversity which confers them longevity and ability to adapt to climate and environmental changes. In this context, studies on centennial trees can be useful for interpretatiton of species history as migration events, selection and anthropogenic actiton. The aim of this research was to evaluate the genetic variability of ancient Castanea sativa trees and relate them to actual natural/naturalized populatitons and varieties in order to enhance our knowledge about the demography, cultivatiton processes and the impact of these giant trees on the genetic diversity of the species. We selected a total of 182 ancient trees from Spain and Central - Southern Italy. For each tree, more than one sample was collected to test for genetic integrity and grafing. The samples were genotyped by means of nuclear microsatellite markers and the variability of plastid DNA regitons (trnH-psbA and trnK/matK) was also tested. Using the sofware GeneALex and HPrare, we evaluated observed (Hto) and expected (He) heterozygosity, allelic richness (Ar) private allelic richness (pAr). A Bayesian analysis was performed using the sofware STRUCTURE to identify the different gene pools and gentotypes. The obtained genetic data were compared with those of natural populations and cultivars collected in the same geographic areas. Higher values of allelic richness were observed in the ancient chestnut trees, a genetic similarity of these individual trees to the natural populations was highlighted. A phylogetographic structure of plastid diversity was alsto established. Eleven genotypes were coincident with 11 cultivars in the EU database. Based on the putative age of giant trees we can hyptothesize that the grafing practice occurred in the Iberian peninsula in the 15th century and in the 17th century in Italy. This work provides new knowledge about the history and domesticatiton tof European chestnut, the results are relevant for the conservatiton and management of Castanea sativa genetic resources

White Blood Cell Count and Mortality in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging

ObjectivesWe investigated the secular trend in white blood cell (WBC) count and the relationship between WBC count and mortality between 1958 and 2002.BackgroundThe WBC count is a clinical marker of inflammation and a strong predictor of mortality. Limited data exist on the WBC count secular trend and the relationship between WBC and mortality.MethodsOne thousand eighty-three women and 1,720 men were evaluated longitudinally in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. Blood samples and medical information were collected at the study entry and every 2 years during follow-up visits. The WBC count and all-cause, cardiovascular, and cancer mortality were assessed.ResultsA downward trend in WBC count was observed from 1958 to 2002. The secular downward trend was independent of age, gender, race, smoking, body mass index, and physical activity. The WBC count was nonlinearly associated with all-cause mortality and almost linearly associated with cardiovascular mortality. Participants with baseline WBC <3,500 cells/mm3and WBC >6,000 cells/mm3had higher mortality than those with 3,500 to 6,000 WBC/mm3. Within each WBC group, age-adjusted mortality rates declined in successive cohorts from the 1960s to the 1990s. Participants who died had higher WBC than those who survived, and the difference was statistically significant within 5 years before death.ConclusionsOur study provides evidence for a secular downward trend in WBC count over the period from 1958 to 2002. Higher WBC counts are associated with higher mortality in successive cohorts. We found no evidence that the decline of age-specific mortality rates that occurred from 1960 to 2000 was attributable to a secular downward trend in WBC

10Be i molekulska stanja

The 10Be excitation energy spectra have been obtained from the inclusive and coincident measurements of the reactions: 7Li +7Li at E0 = 8 and 30 MeV and 9Be +7Li at E0 = 52 MeV. Contributions of the 10Be states below 12 MeV in excitation have been observed. Decays of the states at 9.6, 10.2 and 11.8 into a +6He and, for the first time, into a +6He* have been found. The results are discussed in addition to the other experimental data and recent theoretical predictions. Proposals for future measurements to search for exotic structures in carbon nuclei are also made.Proučavamo ekscitacijske energijske spektre 10Be iz inkluzivnih i koincidentnih mjerenja reakcija 7Li +7Li na E0 = 8 i 30 MeV, te 9Be +7Li na E0 = 52 MeV. Opaženi su doprinosi stanja 10Be u energiji uzbude do 12 MeV. Nađeni su raspadi stanja na 9.6, 10.2 i 11.8 MeV na α +6He te, po prvi put, na α +6He∗. Ovi se rezultati razmatraju zajedno s ostalim eksperimentalnim podacima i novijim teorijskim predviđanjima. Predlažu se buduća mjerenja u kojima bi se tražila stanja lakih jezgara egzotične građe

tRNS boosts visual perceptual learning in participants with bilateral macular degeneration

Perceptual learning (PL) has shown promise in enhancing residual visual functions in patients with age-related macular degeneration (MD), however it requires prolonged training and evidence of generalization to untrained visual functions is limited. Recent studies suggest that combining transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS) with perceptual learning produces faster and larger visual improvements in participants with normal vision. Thus, this approach might hold the key to improve PL effects in MD. To test this, we trained two groups of MD participants on a contrast detection task with (n = 5) or without (n = 7) concomitant occipital tRNS. The training consisted of a lateral masking paradigm in which the participant had to detect a central low contrast Gabor target. Transfer tasks, including contrast sensitivity, near and far visual acuity, and visual crowding, were measured at pre-, mid and post-tests. Combining tRNS and perceptual learning led to greater improvements in the trained task, evidenced by a larger increment in contrast sensitivity and reduced inhibition at the shortest target to flankers’ distance. The overall amount of transfer was similar between the two groups. These results suggest that coupling tRNS and perceptual learning has promising potential applications as a clinical rehabilitation strategy to improve vision in MD patients

10Be i molekulska stanja

The 10Be excitation energy spectra have been obtained from the inclusive and coincident measurements of the reactions: 7Li +7Li at E0 = 8 and 30 MeV and 9Be +7Li at E0 = 52 MeV. Contributions of the 10Be states below 12 MeV in excitation have been observed. Decays of the states at 9.6, 10.2 and 11.8 into a +6He and, for the first time, into a +6He* have been found. The results are discussed in addition to the other experimental data and recent theoretical predictions. Proposals for future measurements to search for exotic structures in carbon nuclei are also made.Proučavamo ekscitacijske energijske spektre 10Be iz inkluzivnih i koincidentnih mjerenja reakcija 7Li +7Li na E0 = 8 i 30 MeV, te 9Be +7Li na E0 = 52 MeV. Opaženi su doprinosi stanja 10Be u energiji uzbude do 12 MeV. Nađeni su raspadi stanja na 9.6, 10.2 i 11.8 MeV na α +6He te, po prvi put, na α +6He∗. Ovi se rezultati razmatraju zajedno s ostalim eksperimentalnim podacima i novijim teorijskim predviđanjima. Predlažu se buduća mjerenja u kojima bi se tražila stanja lakih jezgara egzotične građe

Interaction of Skeletal and Left Ventricular Mass in Older Adults with Low Muscle Performance

BACKGROUND: It was recently hypothesized the existence of “cardiac-skeletal muscle axis.” However, the relationship between skeletal muscle mass (SMM) and left ventricular mass (LVM) has never been investigated in the specific group of older individuals with low skeletal mass and physical performance. We tested this hypothesis in the SPRINT-T (Sarcopenia and Physical Frailty IN older people: multicomponenT Treatment strategies Trial) population using LVM as independent variable and SMM as dependent variable. METHODS: SMM was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan and expressed as appendicular lean mass (ALM), and LVM was estimated through echocardiography. Low ALM was defined according to Foundation for the National Institutes of Health Sarcopenia Project criteria, and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) was used to assess physical performance.RESULTS: The population consisted of 100 persons (33 men and 67 women), aged 70 years or older (mean age = 79 5 years) with low ALM and SPPB ranged between 3 and 9, suggestive of physical frailty. Charlson Comorbidity Index median score was 0. Mean value of LVM was 193 67 g, indexed LVM/body surface area (LVM/BSA) was 112 33 g/m2, and cardiac output (CO) was 65 19 L/min. ALM was strongly and positively correlated with LVM (r = 0.54602; P &lt; .0001), LVM/BSA (r = 0.30761; P &lt; .002), CO (r = 0.49621; P &lt; .0001), body mass index (BMI) (r = 0.52461; P &lt; .0001), sex (r = 0.77; P &lt; .001), fat mass (r = 0.38977; P &lt; .0001), and hemoglobin (Hb) (r = 0.26001; P &lt; .01). In the multivariate analysis, LVM (β = .019 .005; P &lt; .0001), CO (β = .038 .016; P = .019), BMI (β = .286 .051; P &lt; .0001), and Hb (β = .544 .175; P = .0025) remained associated to ALM. CONCLUSIONS: In a sample of older persons with low muscle mass and physical performance, LVM was positively and significantly correlated with ALM, independently from blood pressure, physical activity, and other potential confounders. Future studies are needed to address the effect of interventions targeting LVM and SMM

DNA analysis of Castanea sativa (sweet chestnut) in Britain and Ireland: Elucidating European origins and genepool diversity

Castanea sativa is classified as non-indigenous in Britain and Ireland. It was long held that it was first introduced into Britain by the Romans, until a recent study found no corroborative evidence of its growing here before c. AD 650. This paper presents new data on the genetic diversity of C. sativa in Britain and Ireland and potential ancestral sources in continental Europe. Microsatellite markers and analytical methods tested in previous European studies were used to genotype over 600 C. sativa trees and coppice stools, sampled from ancient semi-natural woodlands, secondary woodlands and historic cultural sites across Britain and Ireland. A single overall genepool with a diverse admixture of genotypes was found, containing two sub groups differentiating Wales from Ireland, with discrete geographical and typological clusters. C. sativa genotypes in Britain and Ireland were found to relate predominantly to some sites in Portugal, Spain, France, Italy and Romania, but not to Greece, Turkey or eastern parts of Europe. C. sativa has come to Britain and Ireland from these western European areas, which had acted as refugia in the Last Glacial Maximum; we compare its introduction with the colonization/translocation of oak, ash, beech and hazel into Britain and Ireland. Clones of C. sativa were identified in Britain, defining for the first time the antiquity of some ancient trees and coppice stools, evincing both natural regeneration and anthropogenic propagation over many centuries and informing the chronology of the species’ arrival in Britain. This new evidence on the origins and antiquity of British and Irish C. sativa trees enhances their conservation and economic significance, important in the context of increasing threats from environmental change, pests and pathogens