Photon strength functions and nuclear level densities: invaluable input for nucleosynthesis.

The pivotal role of nuclear physics in nucleosynthesis processes is being investigated, in particular the intricate influence of photon strength functions (PSFs) and nuclear level densities (NLDs) on shaping the outcomes of the i-, r- and p-processes. Exploring diverse NLD and PSF model combinations uncovers large uncertainties for (p,[Formula: see text]), (n,[Formula: see text]) and ([Formula: see text],[Formula: see text]) rates across many regions of the nuclear chart. These lead to potentially significant abundance variations of the nucleosynthesis processes and highlight the importance of accurate experimental nuclear data. Theoretical insights and advanced experimental techniques lay the ground work for profound understanding that can be gained of nucleosynthesis mechanisms and the origin of the elements. Recent results further underscore the effect of PSF and NLD data and its contribution to understanding abundance distributions and refining knowledge of the intricate nucleosynthesis processes. This article is part of the theme issue 'The liminal position of Nuclear Physics: from hadrons to neutron stars'.

Deformation versus Sphericity in the Ground States of the Lightest Gold Isotopes.

The changes in mean-squared charge radii of neutron-deficient gold nuclei have been determined using the in-source, resonance-ionization laser spectroscopy technique, at the ISOLDE facility (CERN). From these new data, nuclear deformations are inferred, revealing a competition between deformed and spherical configurations. The isotopes ^{180,181,182}Au are observed to possess well-deformed ground states and, when moving to lighter masses, a sudden transition to near-spherical shapes is seen in the extremely neutron-deficient nuclides, ^{176,177,179}Au. A case of shape coexistence and shape staggering is identified in ^{178}Au which has a ground and isomeric state with different deformations. These new data reveal a pattern in ground-state deformation unique to the gold isotopes, whereby, when moving from the heavy to light masses, a plateau of well-deformed isotopes exists around the neutron midshell, flanked by near-spherical shapes in the heavier and lighter isotopes-a trend hitherto unseen elsewhere in the nuclear chart. The experimental charge radii are compared to those from Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov calculations using the D1M Gogny interaction and configuration mixing between states of different deformation. The calculations are constrained by the known spins, parities, and magnetic moments of the ground states in gold nuclei and show a good agreement with the experimental results.

Large Shape Staggering in Neutron-Deficient Bi Isotopes.

The changes in the mean-square charge radius (relative to ^{209}Bi), magnetic dipole, and electric quadrupole moments of ^{187,188,189,191}Bi were measured using the in-source resonance-ionization spectroscopy technique at ISOLDE (CERN). A large staggering in radii was found in ^{187,188,189}Bi^{g}, manifested by a sharp radius increase for the ground state of ^{188}Bi relative to the neighboring ^{187,189}Bi^{g}. A large isomer shift was also observed for ^{188}Bi^{m}. Both effects happen at the same neutron number, N=105, where the shape staggering and a similar isomer shift were observed in the mercury isotopes. Experimental results are reproduced by mean-field calculations where the ground or isomeric states were identified by the blocked quasiparticle configuration compatible with the observed spin, parity, and magnetic moment.

Precision Mass Measurements of

Masses adjacent to the classical waiting-point nuclide ^{130}Cd have been measured by using the Penning-trap spectrometer ISOLTRAP at ISOLDE/CERN. We find a significant deviation of over 400 keV from earlier values evaluated by using nuclear beta-decay data. The new measurements show the reduction of the N=82 shell gap below the doubly magic ^{132}Sn. The nucleosynthesis associated with the ejected wind from type-II supernovae as well as from compact object binary mergers is studied, by using state-of-the-art hydrodynamic simulations. We find a consistent and direct impact of the newly measured masses on the calculated abundances in the A=128-132 region and a reduction of the uncertainties from the precision mass input data.

The temperature and chronology of heavy-element synthesis in low-mass stars.

Roughly half of the heavy elements (atomic mass greater than that of iron) are believed to be synthesized in the late evolutionary stages of stars with masses between 0.8 and 8 solar masses. Deep inside the star, nuclei (mainly iron) capture neutrons and progressively build up (through the slow-neutron-capture process, or s-process) heavier elements that are subsequently brought to the stellar surface by convection. Two neutron sources, activated at distinct temperatures, have been proposed: (13)C and (22)Ne, each releasing one neutron per α-particle ((4)He) captured. To explain the measured stellar abundances, stellar evolution models invoking the (13)C neutron source (which operates at temperatures of about one hundred million kelvin) are favoured. Isotopic ratios in primitive meteorites, however, reflecting nucleosynthesis in the previous generations of stars that contributed material to the Solar System, point to higher temperatures (more than three hundred million kelvin), requiring at least a late activation of (22)Ne (ref. 1). Here we report a determination of the s-process temperature directly in evolved low-mass giant stars, using zirconium and niobium abundances, independently of stellar evolution models. The derived temperature supports (13)C as the s-process neutron source. The radioactive pair (93)Zr-(93)Nb used to estimate the s-process temperature also provides, together with the pair (99)Tc-(99)Ru, chronometric information on the time elapsed since the start of the s-process, which we determine to be one million to three million years.

Cross-section measurements of the 86Kr(γ,n) reaction to probe the s-process branching at 85Kr.

We have carried out photodisintegration cross-section measurements on 86Kr using monoenergetic photon beams ranging from the neutron separation energy, S(n) = 9.86 MeV, to 13 MeV. We combine our experimental 86Kr(γ,n)85Kr cross section with results from our recent 86Kr(γ,γ') measurement below the neutron separation energy to obtain the complete nuclear dipole response of 86Kr. The new experimental information is used to predict the neutron capture cross section of 85Kr, an important branching point nucleus on the abundance flow path during s-process nucleosynthesis. Our new and more precise 85Kr(n,γ)86Kr cross section allows us to produce more precise predictions of the 86Kr abundance from s-process models. In particular, we find that the models of the s process in asymptotic giant branch stars of mass <1.5M⊙, where the 13C neutron source burns convectively rather than radiatively, represent a possible solution for the highest 86Kr:82Kr ratios observed in meteoritic stardust SiC grains.

New fission fragment distributions and r-process origin of the rare-earth elements.

Neutron star (NS) merger ejecta offer a viable site for the production of heavy r-process elements with nuclear mass numbers A≳140. The crucial role of fission recycling is responsible for the robustness of this site against many astrophysical uncertainties, but calculations sensitively depend on nuclear physics. In particular, the fission fragment yields determine the creation of 110≲A≲170 nuclei. Here, we apply a new scission-point model, called SPY, to derive the fission fragment distribution (FFD) of all relevant neutron-rich, fissioning nuclei. The model predicts a doubly asymmetric FFD in the abundant A≃278 mass region that is responsible for the final recycling of the fissioning material. Using ejecta conditions based on relativistic NS merger calculations, we show that this specific FFD leads to a production of the A≃165 rare-earth peak that is nicely compatible with the abundance patterns in the Sun and metal-poor stars. This new finding further strengthens the case of NS mergers as possible dominant origin of r nuclei with A≳140.

Plumbing neutron stars to new depths with the binding energy of the exotic nuclide 82Zn.

Modeling the composition of neutron-star crusts depends strongly on binding energies of neutron-rich nuclides near the N = 50 and N = 82 shell closures. Using a recent development of time-of-flight mass spectrometry for on-line purification of radioactive ion beams to access more exotic species, we have determined for the first time the mass of (82)Zn with the ISOLTRAP setup at the ISOLDE-CERN facility. With a robust neutron-star model based on nuclear energy-density-functional theory, we solve the general relativistic Tolman-Oppenheimer-Volkoff equations and calculate the neutron-star crust composition based on the new experimental mass. The composition profile is not only altered but now constrained by experimental data deeper into the crust than before.

First Gogny-Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov nuclear mass model.

We present the first Gogny-Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov (HFB) model which reproduces nuclear masses with an accuracy comparable with the best mass formulas. In contrast with the Skyrme-HFB nuclear-mass models, an explicit and self-consistent account of all the quadrupole correlation energies are included within the 5D collective Hamiltonian approach. The final rms deviation with respect to the 2149 measured masses is 798 keV. In addition, the new Gogny force is shown to predict nuclear and neutron matter properties in agreement with microscopic calculations based on realistic two- and three-body forces.

Skyrme-Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov nuclear mass formulas: crossing the 0.6 MeV accuracy threshold with microscopically deduced pairing.

We present a new Skyrme-Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov nuclear-mass model in which the contact-pairing force is constructed from microscopic pairing gaps of symmetric nuclear matter and neutron matter calculated from realistic two- and three-body forces, with medium-polarization effects included. With the pairing being treated more realistically than in any of our earlier models, the rms deviation with respect to essentially all the available mass data falls to 0.581 MeV, the best value ever found within the mean-field framework. Since our Skyrme force is also constrained by the properties of pure neutron matter, this new model is particularly well suited for application to astrophysical problems involving a neutron-rich environment, such as the elucidation of the r process of nucleosynthesis, and the description of supernova cores and neutron-star crusts.

Interleukin-12 family members and type I interferons in Th17-mediated inflammatory disorders.

Cytokines produced by antigen-presenting cells govern the fate of helper T-cell responses. Herein, we review the impact of interleukin (IL)-23 and IL-27 on the outcome of T-helper (Th) 17 cell responses and discuss their impact in the pathogenesis of T-cell-mediated inflammatory disorders of autoimmune or allergic origin. We then discuss how type I interferons might influence the course of autoimmune diseases by tipping the balance between IL-12 family members.

Search for supernova-produced 60Fe in a marine sediment.

An 60Fe peak in a deep-sea FeMn crust has been interpreted as due to the signature left by the ejecta of a supernova explosion close to the solar system 2.8+/-0.4 Myr ago [Knie, Phys. Rev. Lett. 93, 171103 (2004)10.1103/PhysRevLett.93.171103]. In an attempt to confirm this interpretation with better time resolution and obtain a more direct flux estimate, we measured 60Fe concentrations along a dated marine sediment. We find no 60Fe peak at the expected level from 1.7 to 3.2 Myr ago. Possible causes for the discrepancy are discussed.

M1 gamma strength for zirconium nuclei in the photoneutron channel.

Photoneutron cross sections were measured for 91Zr, 92Zr, and 94Zr near the neutron separation energy with quasimonochromatic gamma rays. The data exhibit some extra components around the neutron threshold. A coherent analysis of the photoneutron data for 92Zr together with the neutron capture on 91Zr based on the microscopic Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov plus quasiparticle random-phase approximation model for the E1 strength has revealed the presence of an M1 resonance at 9 MeV. The microscopic approach systematically shows the same M1 strength in the photoneutron cross section for 91Zr and 94Zr. The total M1 strength is about 75% larger than the strength predicted by the systematics, being qualitatively consistent with the giant M1 resonance observed in the inelastic proton scattering.

From tolerance to autoimmunity: is there a risk in early life vaccination?

The potential for vaccines to act as triggers of autoimmune reactions has received much recent attention. Such an association is very poorly defined mechanistically, but may potentially involve epitope mimicry between vaccinal and self antigen, or the immuno-stimulatory effects of vaccine adjuvant. If such reactions occur, they are more likely to involve adults than infants in early life, as a reflection of the immunological immaturity of the newborn. There has been a recent focus in immunology on the link between innate and adaptive immunity provided by dendritic cells and the range of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) that are the point of first contact of these cells with microbial antigen. These interactions appear to determine the nature of the subsequent adaptive immune response and whether it may be mediated by Th1, Th2, Th17 or T regulatory populations. TLR interactions may also be significant in the induction of vaccinal immunity and agonists of these receptors are being developed as potential vaccine adjuvants. There are differences in cytokine production of adult and newborn dendritic cells, and these differences must be considered in the application of such novel adjuvants to products intended for either age group.

The interleukin-12 family: new players in transplantation immunity?

Since several years ago, interleukin (IL)-12 is known to be responsible for the differentiation of naive CD4+ T cells into type 1 helper T cells producing interferon-gamma. Recently, two other cytokines of the IL-12 family, IL-23 and IL-27, were shown to play key roles in experimental autoimmune disorders mediated by Th17 cells, a novel pro-inflammatory CD4+ T-cell subset secreting IL-17. As our knowledge of IL-12 family members is rapidly growing and changing, it will be important to specify their involvement in the induction and regulation of allograft rejection in animal models as well as in clinical settings. Herein, we review key features of cytokines belonging to the IL-12 family and discuss their potential relevance to transplantation immunity.

Partial photoneutron cross sections for the isomeric state 180Tam.

Photoneutron cross sections for (181)Ta(y, n) (180)Ta(m) were determined from simultaneous measurements of total cross sections (sigma(tot) and ground-state cross sections (sigma(gs)) for (180)Ta in photodisintegration of with laser Compton-backscattered rays. Techniques of direct neutron counting and photoactivation were used for the measurement of sigma(tot) and sigma(gs), respectively. The partial cross sections for the isomeric state serves as a novel probe of the nuclear level density of (180)Ta. Implications for the p- and s-process nucleosynthesis of (180)Ta(m) are given.

40Ca(alpha, gamma)44Ti reaction in the energy regime of supernova nucleosynthesis.

The 44Ti(t1/2=59 yr) nuclide, an important signature of supernova nucleosynthesis, has recently been observed as live radioactivity by gamma-ray astronomy from the Cas A remnant. We investigate in the laboratory the major 44Ti production reaction 40Ca(alpha, gamma)44Ti (Ec.m. approximately 0.6-1.2 MeV/u by direct off-line counting of 44Ti nuclei. The yield, significantly higher than inferred from previous experiments, is analyzed in terms of a statistical model using microscopic nuclear inputs. The associated stellar rate has important astrophysical consequences, increasing the calculated supernova 44Ti yield by a factor approximately 2 over previous estimates and bringing it closer to Cas A observations.

[Molecular characteristics of dendritic cells from newborn infants]. / Caractérisation moléculaire des cellules dendritiques du nouveau-né humain.

The immaturity of the immune system represents a significant challenge for the induction of protective immune responses in early life. In the context of this work, we evaluated the function of human neonatal dendritic cells. We observed that their capacity to produce interleukin-12 and interferon-beta, two cytokines involved in anti-infectious responses, was strongly impaired. These results led us to analyze the signaling pathways and the regulatory mechanisms responsible for the control of these genes in both adult and neonatal dendritic cells.

Discovery of three lead-rich stars.

About half of the stable nuclei heavier than iron are believed to be synthesized during the late stages of evolution of stars with masses in the range 0.8-8 solar masses. These elements are then expelled into the interstellar medium through stellar winds after being 'dredged up' towards the surface of the stars. These processes occur when the star is in the 'asymptotic giant branch' (AGB) phase of its life. Nuclei (mainly iron) deep inside the star slowly capture neutrons and progressively build up heavier elements (the 's-process'). For AGB stars that formed early in the history of the Galaxy, and that therefore have very low abundances of elements heavier than helium ('metals'), models predict that the s-process will accumulate synthesized material with atomic weights in the Pb-Bi region. Such stars will therefore have large overabundances of lead relative to other heavy elements. Here we report the discovery of large amounts of lead in three metal-poor stars (HD187861, HD196944 and HD224959). Our analysis shows that these stars are more enriched in lead than in any other element heavier than iron. The excellent agreement between the observed and predicted abundances reinforces our current understanding of the detailed operation of the s-process deep in the interiors of AGB stars.

Deficient IL-12(p35) gene expression by dendritic cells derived from neonatal monocytes.

To gain insight into the defects responsible for impaired Th1 responses in human newborns, we analyzed the production of cytokines by dendritic cells (DC) derived from cord blood monocytes. We observed that neonatal DC generated from adherent cord blood mononuclear cells cultured for 6 days in the presence of IL-4 and GM-CSF show a phenotype similar to adult DC generated from adherent PBMC, although they express lower levels of HLA-DR, CD80, and CD40. Measurement of cytokine levels produced by neonatal DC upon stimulation by LPS, CD40 ligation, or poly(I:C) indicated a selective defect in the synthesis of IL-12. Determination of IL-12(p40) and IL-12(p35) mRNA levels by real-time RT-PCR revealed that IL-12(p35) gene expression is highly repressed in stimulated neonatal DC whereas their IL-12(p40) gene expression is not altered. The addition of rIFN-gamma to LPS-stimulated newborn DC restored their expression of IL-12(p35) and their synthesis of IL-12 (p70) up to adult levels. Moreover, we observed that neonatal DC are less efficient than adult DC to induce IFN-gamma production by allogenic adult CD4(+) T cells. This defect was corrected by the addition of rIL-12. We conclude that neonatal DC are characterized by a severe defect in IL-12(p35) gene expression which is responsible for an impaired ability to elicit IFN-gamma production by T cells.