Production of p Nuclei from r-Process Seeds: The νr Process.

We present a new nucleosynthesis process that may take place on neutron-rich ejecta experiencing an intensive neutrino flux. The nucleosynthesis proceeds similarly to the standard r process, a sequence of neutron captures and beta decays with, however, charged-current neutrino absorption reactions on nuclei operating much faster than beta decays. Once neutron-capture reactions freeze out the produced r process, neutron-rich nuclei undergo a fast conversion of neutrons into protons and are pushed even beyond the ß stability line, producing the neutron-deficient p nuclei. This scenario, which we denote as the νr process, provides an alternative channel for the production of p nuclei and the short-lived nucleus ^{92}Nb. We discuss the necessary conditions posed on the astrophysical site for the νr process to be realized in nature. While these conditions are not fulfilled by current neutrino-hydrodynamic models of r-process sites, future models, including more complex physics and a larger variety of outflow conditions, may achieve the necessary conditions in some regions of the ejecta.

Bone mineral density in statin users: a population-based analysis from a Spanish cohort.

We studied 2,315 subjects (1,422 women and 893 men) from the Camargo Cohort and analyzed the differences in BMD between statin or non-statin users. We also studied effects of the type of statin, dose, pharmacokinetic properties, and length of treatment on bone mineral density (BMD). Of the subjects, 478 (21 %) were taking statins (256 women and 222 men). Overall, they had higher BMD than non-users (p < 0.0001). In adjusted multivariate models, women taking statins had higher BMD at femoral neck (p = 0.002) and total hip (p = 0.04) than non- users. No differences were found in men. Women taking simvastatin had higher increases in BMD than non-statin users at femoral neck (p = 0.02) and total hip (p = 0.009), those taking fluvastatin had lower BMD values at lumbar spine (p = 0.028), and those receiving lovastatin had higher increases at femoral neck (p = 0.006). In men, only atorvastatin was associated with higher femoral neck BMD than non-statin use (p = 0.029). Comparing with non-statin users, only women receiving lipophilic statins had greater BMD at femoral neck (p = 0.003). According to drug potency, women on high- or lower-potency agents showed higher BMD values at femoral neck than non-users (p = 0.028 and 0.022, respectively). In men, only high-potency statins were associated with higher femoral neck BMD than non-use (p = 0.021). No differences between dose or length of statin therapy were noted regarding BMD in either sex. In summary, in a large population-based cohort, women on statins had higher BMD at the hip than non-users. Overall, this increase in BMD was more evident in subjects on lipophilic or high-potency statins.

Energy density functional study of nuclear matrix elements for neutrinoless ßß decay.

We present an extensive study of nuclear matrix elements (NME) for the neutrinoless double-beta decay of the nuclei 48Ca, 76Ge, 82Se, 96Zr, 100Mo, 116Cd, 124Sn, 128Te, 130Te, 136Xe, and 150Nd based on state-of-the-art energy density functional methods using the Gogny D1S functional. Beyond-mean-field effects are included within the generating coordinate method with particle number and angular momentum projection for both initial and final ground states. We obtain a rather constant value for the NMEs around 4.7 with the exception of 48Ca and 150Nd, where smaller values are found. We analyze the role of deformation and pairing in the evaluation of the NME and present detailed results for the decay of 150Nd.

Bone turnover markers in Spanish postmenopausal women: the Camargo cohort study.

BACKGROUND: This cross-sectional study was performed to determine the reference ranges for two bone turnover markers--aminoterminal propeptide of type I collagen (P1NP) and C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (beta-CrossLaps, beta-CTX)--in normal postmenopausal Spanish women as determined in serum by automated methods. METHODS: A community-based population of 1080 healthy postmenopausal women was evaluated. Data regarding risk factors for osteoporosis and fractures were collected by means of a structured questionnaire. Fasting serum levels of P1NP, beta-CTX, 25-Hydroxivitamin D (25OHD), and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) were measured on the Elecsys 2010 automated analyzer (Roche). BMD at lumbar spine, femoral neck and total hip was determined by DXA. RESULTS: The mean age of subjects was 63+/-9. Logarithmic transformation of both markers was performed to allow for normal distributions. Mid-95% ranges for P1NP and beta-CTX were 19-100 ng/ml and 0.112-1.018 ng/ml, respectively. Mean values of P1NP (47.7+/-19.9 ng/ml) were similar to those previously determined by the manufacturer of the assays, whereas beta-CTX mean values (0.387+/-0.197 ng/ml) were lower. Both markers were higher among osteoporotic women. CONCLUSIONS: Values obtained from this well-characterized population study provide reference ranges for serum automated P1NP and beta-CTX in normal Spanish postmenopausal women.