Measurement of the ^{140}Ce(n,γ) Cross Section at n_TOF and Its Astrophysical Implications for the Chemical Evolution of the Universe

^{140}Ce(n,γ) is a key reaction for slow neutron-capture (s-process) nucleosynthesis due to being a bottleneck in the reaction flow. For this reason, it was measured with high accuracy (uncertainty ≈5%) at the n_TOF facility, with an unprecedented combination of a high purity sample and low neutron-sensitivity detectors. The measured Maxwellian averaged cross section is up to 40% higher than previously accepted values. Stellar model calculations indicate a reduction around 20% of the s-process contribution to the Galactic cerium abundance and smaller sizeable differences for most of the heavier elements. No variations are found in the nucleosynthesis from massive stars.

Laser-based angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy with micrometer spatial resolution and detection of three-dimensional spin vector

We have developed a state-of-the-art apparatus for laser-based spin- and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy with micrometer spatial resolution (µ-SARPES). This equipment is realized by the combination of a high-resolution photoelectron spectrometer, a 6 eV laser with high photon flux that is focused down to a few micrometers, a high-precision sample stage control system, and a double very-low-energy-electron-diffraction spin detector. The setup achieves an energy resolution of 1.5 (5.5) meV without (with) the spin detection mode, compatible with a spatial resolution better than 10 µm. This enables us to probe both spatially-resolved electronic structures and vector information of spin polarization in three dimensions. The performance of µ-SARPES apparatus is demonstrated by presenting ARPES and SARPES results from topological insulators and Au photolithography patterns on a Si (001) substrate.

Geriatric nutritional risk index as the prognostic factor in older patients with fragility hip fractures

This study investigated the long-term survival and incidence of secondary fractures after fragility hip fractures. The 5-year survival rate was 62%, and the mortality risk was seen in patients with GNRI < 92. The 5-year incidence of secondary fracture was 22%, which was significantly higher in patients with a BMI < 20.

BACKGROUND

Malnutrition negatively influences the postoperative survival of patients with fragility hip fractures (FHFs); however, little is known about their association over the long term.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated the ability of the geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) as a risk factor for long-term mortality after FHFs.

METHODS

This study included 623 Japanese patients with FHFs over the age of 60 years. We prospectively collected data on admission and during hospitalization and assessed the patients' conditions after discharge through a questionnaire. We examined the long-term mortality and the incidence of secondary FHFs and assessed the prognostic factors.

RESULTS

The mean observation period was 4.0 years (range 0-7 years). The average age at the time of admission was 82 years (range 60-101 years). The overall survival after FHFs (1 year, 91%; 5 years, 62%) and the incidence of secondary FHFs were high (1 year, 4%; 5 years, 22%). The multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis revealed the risk factors for mortality as older age (hazard ratio [HR] 1.04), male sex (HR 1.96), lower GNRI score (HR 0.96), comorbidities (malignancy, HR 2.51; ischemic heart disease, HR 2.24; revised Hasegawa dementia scale ≤ 20, HR 1.64), no use of active vitamin D3 on admission (HR 0.46), and a lower Barthel index (BI) (on admission, HR 1.00; at discharge, HR 0.99). The GNRI scores were divided into four risk categories: major risk (GNRI, < 82), moderate risk (82-91), low risk (92-98), and no risk (> 98). Patients at major and moderate risks of GNRI had a significantly lower overall survival rate (p < 0.001). Lower body mass index (BMI) was also identified as a prognostic factor for secondary FHFs (HR 0.88 [p = 0.004]).

CONCLUSIONS

We showed that older age, male sex, a lower GNRI score, comorbidities, and a lower BI are risk factors for mortality following FHFs. GNRI is a novel and simple predictor of long-term survival after FHFs.

Ultrafast electron dynamics in a topological surface state observed in two-dimensional momentum space

We study ultrafast population dynamics in the topological surface state of Sb[Formula: see text]Te[Formula: see text] in two-dimensional momentum space with time- and angle-resolved two-photon photoemission spectroscopy. Linearly polarized mid-infrared pump pulses are used to permit a direct optical excitation across the Dirac point. We show that this resonant excitation is strongly enhanced within the Dirac cone along three of the six [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text] directions and results in a macroscopic photocurrent when the plane of incidence is aligned along a [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text] direction. Our experimental approach makes it possible to disentangle the decay of transiently excited population and photocurent by elastic and inelastic electron scattering within the full Dirac cone in unprecedented detail. This is utilized to show that doping of Sb[Formula: see text]Te[Formula: see text] by vanadium atoms strongly enhances inelastic electron scattering to lower energies, but only scarcely affects elastic scattering around the Dirac cone.

Marked bilateral global persistent CT nephrogram 48 h after percutaneous coronary intervention with contrast-induced nephropathy requiring transient hemodialysis with severe cardiac dysfunction

An iodinated contrast medium (CM) is generally excreted into the urinary tract within 3 min after administration. However, some cases present a persistent kidney nephrogram several hours after administration of CM. This phenomenon seems to be associated with the development and acceleration of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN). A 74-year-old woman with chronic kidney disease and a very low ejection fraction (EF) (11%) was admitted to Sapporo Medical University Hospital because of heart failure. Coronary angiography revealed occlusion of the left anterior descending artery (LAD) on day 21 of admission. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to the LAD using 218 ml of iohexol was performed with a preventive measure for CIN by saline infusion on day 28. After PCI, she developed CIN requiring hemodialysis. Non-contrast computed tomography 48 h after PCI showed a marked bilateral persistent nephrogram with a cortical attenuation value of 168 HU. Vicarious excretion of CM was noted in the small bowel and colon. Her kidney function gradually recovered and hemodialysis was discontinued after ten sessions on day 43. The findings from this case suggest that a patient with a very low EF is at a high risk for CIN through persistent retention of the CM in the kidney cortex.

74 Ge( n , γ ) cross section below 70 keV measured at n_TOF CERN

Neutron capture reaction cross sections on 74 Ge are of importance to determine 74 Ge production during the astrophysical slow neutron capture process. We present new resonance data on 74 Ge( n , γ ) reactions below 70 keV neutron energy. We calculate Maxwellian averaged cross sections, combining our data below 70 keV with evaluated cross sections at higher neutron energies. Our stellar cross sections are in agreement with a previous activation measurement performed at Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe by Marganiec et al., once their data has been re-normalised to account for an update in the reference cross section used in that experiment.

First 80Se(n,γ) cross section measurement with high resolution in the full stellar energy range 1 eV - 100 keV and its astrophysical implications for the s-process

Most elements heavier than iron have been generated in the stellar media by means of neutron capture reactions, approximately half are produced by the slow neutron capture or s-process. Radiative neutron capture cross section measurements are of fundamental importance for the study of this mechanism. In this contribution we present a brief summary on the measurement and results for the 80Se(n,γ) cross-section. The experiment was carried out at CERN n_TOF EAR1 via the time of flight (ToF) technique, using four C6D6 scintillation detectors with very fast response. More than a hundred new resonances have been analyzed for the first time with a high accuracy. The MACS obtained at kT = 8 keV is 36% smaller than the recommended value in KADo-NiS. Some of the astrophysical implications of this result are elucidated in this contribution.

Combination treatment with statins and bezafibrate induces myotoxicity via inhibition of geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate biosynthesis and Rho activation in L6 myoblasts and myotube cells

Statins and fibrates are frequently used to treat hyperlipidemia; however, these drugs may have adverse effects such as rhabdomyolysis. The incidence of rhabdomyolysis due to fibrates and statins is low (0.0028-0.0096%) when administered as monotherapy, however it increases to 0.015-0.021% when the drugs are used in combination. The mechanism underlying myotoxicity induced by the combination of statins and fibrates is yet unclear. Here, we investigated the mechanisms underlying induced myotoxicity in rat myoblasts L6 and differentiated L6 cells (myotubes) using a combination of statins and fibrates. We found that cell death induced by a combination of fluvastatin or simvastatin with bezafibrate or fenofibrate in L6 myoblasts and myotubes was mediated by inhibition of geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP) production. Additionally, the drug combination inhibited Rho activation in L6 myoblasts and myotube cells. In L6 myoblasts, the combination of statins and bezafibrate enhanced p27 expression and induced G1 arrest and apoptosis. Furthermore, combined treatment suppressed Akt activation and enhanced Bim expression in L6 myotubes but did not affect extracellular regulated protein kinase 1/2 activation. These results suggested that combined administration of statins and fibrates induced death of L6 myoblasts and myotube cells by inhibiting GGPP biosynthesis and Rho pathway activation. Supplementation with GGPP may be therapeutically beneficial for preventing myotoxicity associated with combined statin and fibrates treatment.

Non-monotonic variation of the Kramers point band gap with increasing magnetic doping in BiTeI

Polar Rashba-type semiconductor BiTeI doped with magnetic elements constitutes one of the most promising platforms for the future development of spintronics and quantum computing thanks to the combination of strong spin-orbit coupling and internal ferromagnetic ordering. The latter originates from magnetic impurities and is able to open an energy gap at the Kramers point (KP gap) of the Rashba bands. In the current work using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) we show that the KP gap depends non-monotonically on the doping level in case of V-doped BiTeI. We observe that the gap increases with V concentration until it reaches 3% and then starts to mitigate. Moreover, we find that the saturation magnetisation of samples under applied magnetic field studied by superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometer has a similar behaviour with the doping level. Theoretical analysis shows that the non-monotonic behavior can be explained by the increase of antiferromagnetic coupled atoms of magnetic impurity above a certain doping level. This leads to the reduction of the total magnetic moment in the domains and thus to the mitigation of the KP gap as observed in the experiment. These findings provide further insight in the creation of internal magnetic ordering and consequent KP gap opening in magnetically-doped Rashba-type semiconductors.

Involvement of necroptosis in contrast-induced nephropathy in a rat CKD model

BACKGROUND

The risk of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is high in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, the mechanism of CIN in CKD is not fully understood. Here, we prepared a clinically relevant model of CIN and examined the role of necroptosis, which potentially cross-talks with autophagy, in CIN.

METHODS

In Sprague-Dawley rats, CKD was induced by subtotal nephrectomy (SNx, 5/6 nephrectomy) 4 weeks before induction of CIN. CIN was induced by administration of a contrast medium (CM), iohexol, following administration of indomethacin and N-omega-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester. Renal function and tissue injuries were assessed 48 h after CM injection.

RESULTS

Serum creatinine (s-Cre) and BUN were increased from 0.28 ± 0.01 to 0.52 ± 0.02 mg/dl and from 15.1 ± 0.7 to 29.2 ± 1.2 mg/dl, respectively, after SNx alone. CM further increased s-Cre and BUN to 0.69 ± 0.03 and 37.2 ± 2.1, respectively. In the renal tissue after CM injection, protein levels of receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase (RIP) 1, RIP3, cleaved caspase 3, and caspase 8 were increased by 64 ~ 212%, while there was reduction in LC3-II and accumulation of p62. Necrostatin-1, an RIP1 inhibitor, administered before and 24 h after CM injection significantly suppressed elevation of s-Cre, BUN and urinary albumin levels, kidney injury molecule-1 expression and infiltration of CD68-positive macrophages in renal tissues after CM injection.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that necroptosis of proximal tubular cells contributes to CIN in CKD and that suppression of protective autophagy by pro-necroptotic signaling may also be involved.

Impact of atrial fibrillation on the risk of ischemic stroke in patients on hemodialysis: BOREAS-HD3 Study

BACKGROUND

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an established risk factor for ischemic stroke in a general population. However, its impact in patients on hemodialysis (HD), a group with a high risk for stroke, is still controversial. Here we examined this issue in a Japanese cohort.

METHODS

This study was designed as a multicenter cohort study. HD patients (n = 1,067) were enrolled from 22 institutes in January 2009 and followed up for 3 years. Patients with missing data (n = 196) or kidney transplantation (n = 4) were excluded, and 867 patients contributed to the analysis of the risk of new-onset of ischemic stroke.

RESULTS

At baseline, AF was observed in 123 patients (14.2%, AF group) and not in the others (n = 744: 85.8%, non-AF group). During a follow-up period of 31.3 months, the cumulative incidence rate for ischemic stroke was significantly higher in the AF group than in the non-AF group (6.5% vs. 2.9%, p < 0.05). In Cox regression analysis, AF was a significant independent risk factor for new-onset of ischemic stroke after adjustment for age, sex, prior history of ischemic stroke, use of warfarin, dialysis vintage, comorbidity of diabetic nephropathy, and interdialytic weight gain (hazard ratio 2.17-2.68).

CONCLUSION

Present analyses using comprehensive adjustment for multiple confounders, including prior history of ischemic stroke, indicated that AF independently increases the risk of new-onset of ischemic stroke by more than twofold in Japanese HD patients.

Neutron Capture on the s-Process Branching Point ^{171}Tm via Time-of-Flight and Activation

The neutron capture cross sections of several unstable nuclides acting as branching points in the s process are crucial for stellar nucleosynthesis studies. The unstable ^{171}Tm (t_{1/2}=1.92  yr) is part of the branching around mass A∼170 but its neutron capture cross section as a function of the neutron energy is not known to date. In this work, following the production for the first time of more than 5 mg of ^{171}Tm at the high-flux reactor Institut Laue-Langevin in France, a sample was produced at the Paul Scherrer Institute in Switzerland. Two complementary experiments were carried out at the neutron time-of-flight facility (n_TOF) at CERN in Switzerland and at the SARAF liquid lithium target facility at Soreq Nuclear Research Center in Israel by time of flight and activation, respectively. The result of the time-of-flight experiment consists of the first ever set of resonance parameters and the corresponding average resonance parameters, allowing us to make an estimation of the Maxwellian-averaged cross sections (MACS) by extrapolation. The activation measurement provides a direct and more precise measurement of the MACS at 30 keV: 384(40) mb, with which the estimation from the n_TOF data agree at the limit of 1 standard deviation. This value is 2.6 times lower than the JEFF-3.3 and ENDF/B-VIII evaluations, 25% lower than that of the Bao et al. compilation, and 1.6 times larger than the value recommended in the KADoNiS (v1) database, based on the only previous experiment. Our result affects the nucleosynthesis at the A∼170 branching, namely, the ^{171}Yb abundance increases in the material lost by asymptotic giant branch stars, providing a better match to the available pre-solar SiC grain measurements compared to the calculations based on the current JEFF-3.3 model-based evaluation.

HPRL – International cooperation to identify and monitor priority nuclear data needs for nuclear applications

The OECD-NEA High Priority Request List (HPRL) is a point of reference to guide and stimulate the improvement of nuclear data for nuclear energy and other applications, and a tool to bridge the gap between data users and producers. The HPRL is application-driven and the requests are submitted by nuclear data users or representatives of the user’s communities. A panel of international experts reviews and monitors the requests in the framework of an Expert Group mandated by the NEA Nuclear Science Committee Working Party on International Nuclear Data Evaluation Cooperation (WPEC). After approval, individual requests are classified to three categories: high priority requests, general requests, and special purpose requests (e.g., dosimetry, standards). The HPRL is hosted by the NEA in the form of a relational database publicly available on the web. This paper provides an overview of HPRL entries, status and outlook. Examples of requests successfully completed are given and new requests are described with emphasis on updated nuclear data needs in the fields of nuclear energy, neutron standards and dosimetry.

Setup for the measurement of the 235U(n, f) cross section relative to n-p scattering up to 1 GeV

The neutron induced fission of 235U is extensively used as a reference for neutron fluence measurements in various applications, ranging from the investigation of the biological effectiveness of high energy neutrons, to the measurement of high energy neutron cross sections of relevance for accelerator driven nuclear systems. Despite its widespread use, no data exist on neutron induced fission of 235U above 200 MeV. The neutron facility n_TOF offers the possibility to improve the situation. The measurement of 235U(n,f) relative to the differential n-p scattering cross-section, was carried out in September 2018 with the aim of providing accurate and precise cross section data in the energy range from 10 MeV up to 1 GeV. In such measurements, Recoil Proton Telescopes (RPTs) are used to measure the neutron flux while the fission events are detected and counted with dedicated detectors. In this paper the measurement campaign and the experimental set-up are illustrated.

Monte Carlo simulations and n-p differential scattering data measured with Proton Recoil Telescopes

The neutron-induced fission cross section of 235U, a standard at thermal energy and between 0.15 MeV and 200 MeV, plays a crucial role in nuclear technology applications. The long-standing need of improving cross section data above 20 MeV and the lack of experimental data above 200 MeV motivated a new experimental campaign at the n_TOF facility at CERN. The measurement has been performed in 2018 at the experimental area 1 (EAR1), located at 185 m from the neutron-producing target (the experiment is presented by A. Manna et al. in a contribution to this conference). The 235U(n,f) cross section from 20 MeV up to about 1 GeV has been measured relative to the 1H(n,n)1H reaction, which is considered the primary reference in this energy region. The neutron flux impinging on the 235U sample (a key quantity for determining the fission events) has been obtained by detecting recoil protons originating from n-p scattering in a C2H4 sample. Two Proton Recoil Telescopes (PRT), consisting of several layers of solid-state detectors and fast plastic scintillators, have been located at proton scattering angles of 25.07° and 20.32°, out of the neutron beam. The PRTs exploit the ΔE-E technique for particle identification, a basic requirement for the rejection of charged particles from neutron-induced reactions in carbon. Extensive Monte Carlo simulations were performed to characterize proton transport through the different slabs of silicon and scintillation detectors, to optimize the experimental set-up and to deduce the efficiency of the whole PRT detector. In this work we compare measured data collected with the PRTs with a full Monte Carlo simulation based on the Geant-4 toolkit.

Nature of the Dirac gap modulation and surface magnetic interaction in axion antiferromagnetic topological insulator [Formula: see text]

Modification of the gap at the Dirac point (DP) in axion antiferromagnetic topological insulator [Formula: see text] and its electronic and spin structure have been studied by angle- and spin-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) under laser excitation at various temperatures (9-35 K), light polarizations and photon energies. We have distinguished both large (60-70 meV) and reduced ([Formula: see text]) gaps at the DP in the ARPES dispersions, which remain open above the Neél temperature ([Formula: see text]). We propose that the gap above [Formula: see text] remains open due to a short-range magnetic field generated by chiral spin fluctuations. Spin-resolved ARPES, XMCD and circular dichroism ARPES measurements show a surface ferromagnetic ordering for the "large gap" sample and apparently significantly reduced effective magnetic moment for the "reduced gap" sample. These observations can be explained by a shift of the Dirac cone (DC) state localization towards the second Mn layer due to structural disturbance and surface relaxation effects, where DC state is influenced by compensated opposite magnetic moments. As we have shown by means of ab-initio calculations surface structural modification can result in a significant modulation of the DP gap.

Measurement and analysis of 155,157Gd(n,γ) from thermal energy to 1 keV

We have measured the capture cross section of the 155Gd and 157Gd isotopes between 0.025 eV and 1 keV. The capture events were recorded by an array of 4 C6D6 detectors, and the capture yield was deduced exploiting the total energy detection system in combination with the Pulse Height Weighting Techniques. Because of the large cross section around thermal neutron energy, 4 metallic samples of different thickness were used to prevent problems related to self-shielding. The samples were isotopically enriched, with a cross contamination of the other isotope of less than 1.14%. The capture yield was analyzed with an R-Matrix code to describe the cross section in terms of resonance parameters. Near thermal energies, the results are significantly different from evaluations and from previous time-of-flight experiments. The data from the present measurement at n_TOF are publicly available in the experimental nuclear reaction database EXFOR.

Measurement of the energy-differential cross-section of the 12C(n,p)12B and 12C(n,d)11B reactions at the n_TOF facility at CERN

Although the 12C(n,p)12B and 12C(n,d)11B reactions are of interest in several fields of basic and applied Nuclear Physics the present knowledge of these two cross-sections is far from being accurate and reliable, with both evaluations and data showing sizable discrepancies. As part of the challenging n_TOF program on (n,cp) nuclear reactions study, the energy differential cross-sections of the 12C(n,p)12B and 12C(n,d)11 B reactions have been measured at CERN from the reaction thresholds up to 30 MeV neutron energy. Both measurements have been recently performed at the long flight-path (185 m) experimental area of the n_TOF facility at CERN using a pure (99.95%) rigid graphite target and two silicon telescopes. In this paper an overview of the experiment is presented together with a few preliminary results.

Preliminary results on the 233U α-ratio measurement at n_TOF

233U is the fissile nuclei in the Th-U fuel cycle with a particularily small neutron capture cross setion which is on average about one order of magnitude lower than its fission cross section. Hence, the measurement of the 233U(n, γ) cross section relies on a method to accurately distinguish between capture and fission γ-rays. A measurement of the 233U α-ratio has been performed at the n_TOF facility at CERN using a so-called fission tagging setup, coupling n_TOF 's Total Absorption Calorimeter with a novel fission chamber to tag the fission γ-rays. The experimental setup is described and essential parts of the analysis are discussed. Finally, a preliminary 233U α-ratio is presented.

Status and perspectives of the neutron time-of-flight facility n_TOF at CERN

Since the start of its operation in 2001, based on an idea of Prof. Carlo Rubbia [1], the neutron time of-flight facility of CERN, n_TOF, has become one of the most forefront neutron facilities in the world for wide-energy spectrum neutron cross section measurements. Thanks to the combination of excellent neutron energy resolution and high instantaneous neutron flux available in the two experimental areas, the second of which has been constructed in 2014, n_TOF is providing a wealth of new data on neutron-induced reactions of interest for nuclear astrophysics, advanced nuclear technologies and medical applications. The unique features of the facility will continue to be exploited in the future, to perform challenging new measurements addressing the still open issues and long-standing quests in the field of neutron physics. In this document the main characteristics of the n_TOF facility and their relevance for neutron studies in the different areas of research will be outlined, addressing the possible future contribution of n_TOF in the fields of nuclear astrophysics, nuclear technologies and medical applications. In addition, the future perspectives of the facility will be described including the upgrade of the spallation target, the setup of an imaging installation and the construction of a new irradiation area.

Neutron capture cross section measurements of 241Am at the n_TOF facility

Neutron capture on 241Am plays an important role in the nuclear energy production and also provides valuable information for the improvement of nuclear models and the statistical interpretation of the nuclear properties. A new experiment to measure the 241Am(n, γ) cross section in the thermal region and the first few resonances below 10 eV has been carried out at EAR2 of the n_TOF facility at CERN. Three neutron-insensitive C6D6 detectors have been used to measure the neutron-capture gamma cascade as a function of the neutron time of flight, and then deduce the neutron capture yield. Preliminary results will be presented and compared with previously obtained results at the same facility in EAR1. In EAR1 the gamma-ray background at thermal energies was about 90% of the signal while in EAR2 is up to a 25 factor much more favorable signal to noise ratio. We also extended the low energy limit down to subthermal energies. This measurement will allow a comparison with neutron capture measurements conducted at reactors and using a different experimental technique.

Study of the neutron-induced fission cross section of 237Np at CERN's n_TOF facility over a wide energy range

Neutron-induced fission cross sections of isotopes involved in the nuclear fuel cycle are vital for the design and safe operation of advanced nuclear systems. Such experimental data can also provide additional constraints for the adjustment of nuclear model parameters used in the evaluation process, resulting in the further development of fission models. In the present work, the 237Np(n,f) cross section was studied at the EAR2 vertical beam-line at CERN's n_TOF facility, over a wide range of neutron energies, from meV to MeV, using the time-of-flight technique and a set-up based on Micromegas detectors, in an attempt to provide accurate experimental data. Preliminary results in the 200 keV – 14 MeV neutron energy range as well as the experimental procedure, including a description of the facility and the data handling and analysis, will be presented.

Study of photon strength functions of241Pu and245Cm from neutron capture measurements

We have measured theγ-rays following neutron capture on240Pu and244Cm at the n_TOF facility at CERN with the Total Absorption Calorimeter (TAC) and with C6D6 organic scintillators. The TAC is made of 40 BaF2 crystals operating in coincidence and covering almost the entire solid angle. This allows to obtain information concerning the energy spectra and the multiplicity of the measured captureγ-ray cascades. Additional information is also obtained from the C6D6 detectors. We have analyzed the measured data in order to draw conclusions about the Photon Strength Functions (PSFs) of241Pu and245Cm below their neutron separation energies. The analysis has been performed by fitting the PSFs to the experimental results, using the differential evolution method, in order to find neutron capture cascades capable of reproducing at the same time a great variety of deposited energy spectra.

Accurate measurement of the standard 235U(n,f) cross section from thermal to 170 keV neutron energy

An accurate measurement of the 235U(n,f) cross section from thermal to 170 keV of neutron energy has recently been performed at n_TOF facility at CERN using 6Li(n,t)4He and 10B(n,α)7Li as references. This measurement has been carried out in order to investigate a possible overestimation of the 235U fission cross section evaluation provided by most recent libraries between 10 and 30 keV. A custom experimental apparatus based on in-beam silicon detectors has been used, and a Monte Carlo simulation in GEANT4 has been employed to characterize the setup and calculate detectors efficiency. The results evidenced the presence of an overestimation in the interval between 9 and 18 keV and the new data may be used to decrease the uncertainty of 235U(n,f) cross section in the keV region.

First results of the 230Th(n,f) cross section measurements at the CERN n_TOF facility

The study of neutron-induced reactions on actinides is of considerable importance for the design of advanced nuclear systems and alternative fuel cycles. Specifically, 230Th is produced from the α-decay of 234U as a byproduct of the 232Th/233U fuel cycle, thus the accurate knowledge of its fission cross section is strongly required. However, few experimental datasets exist in literature with large deviations among them, covering the energy range between 0.2 to 25 MeV. In addition, the study of the 230Th(n,f) cross-section is of great interest in the research on the fission process related to the structure of the fission barriers. Previous measurements have revealed a large resonance at En=715 keV and additional fine structures, but with high discrepancies among the cross-section values of these measurements. This contribution presents preliminary results of the 230Th(n,f) cross-section measurements at the CERN n_TOF facility. The high purity targets of the natural, but very rare isotope 230Th, were produced at JRC-Geel in Belgium. The measurements were performed at both experimental areas (EAR-1 and EAR-2) of the n_TOF facility, covering a very broad energy range from thermal up to at least 100 MeV. The experimental setup was based on Micromegas detectors with the 235U(n,f) and 238U(n,f) reaction cross-sections used as reference.

New reaction rates for the destruction of7Be during big bang nucleosynthesis measured at CERN/n_TOF and their implications on the cosmological lithium problem

New measurements of the7Be(n,α)4He and7Be(n,p)7Li reaction cross sections from thermal to keV neutron energies have been recently performed at CERN/n_TOF. Based on the new experimental results, astrophysical reaction rates have been derived for both reactions, including a proper evaluation of their uncertainties in the thermal energy range of interest for big bang nucleosynthesis studies. The new estimate of the7Be destruction rate, based on these new results, yields a decrease of the predicted cosmological7Li abundance insufficient to provide a viable solution to the cosmological lithium problem.

The 154Gd neutron capture cross section measured at the n_TOF facility and its astrophysical implications

The (n, γ) cross sections of the gadolinium isotopes play an important role in the study of the stellar nucleosynthesis. In particular, among the isotopes heavier than Fe, 154Gd together with 152Gd have the peculiarity to be mainly produced by the slow capture process, the so-called s-process, since they are shielded against the β-decay chains from the r-process region by their stable samarium isobars. Such a quasi pure s-process origin makes them crucial for testing the robustness of stellar models in galactic chemical evolution (GCE). According to recent models, the 154Gd and 152Gd abundances are expected to be 15-20% lower than the reference un-branched s-process 150Sm isotope. The close correlation between stellar abundances and neutron capture cross sections prompted for an accurate measurement of 154Gd cross section in order to reduce the uncertainty attributable to nuclear physics input and eventually rule out one of the possible causes of present discrepancies between observation and model predictions. To this end, the neutron capture cross section of 154Gd was measured in a wide neutron energy range (from thermal up to some keV) with high resolution in the first experimental area of the neutron time-of-flight facility n_TOF (EAR1) at CERN. In this contribution, after a brief description of the motivation and of the experimental setup used in the measurement, the preliminary results of the 154Gd neutron capture reaction as well as their astrophysical implications are presented.

Measurement of the 242Pu(n, γ) cross section from thermal to 500 keV at the Budapest research reactor and CERN n_TOF-EAR1 facilities

The design and operation of innovative nuclear systems requires a better knowledge of the capture and fission cross sections of the Pu isotopes. For the case of capture on 242Pu, a reduction of the uncertainty in the fast region down to 8-12% is required. Moreover, aiming at improving the evaluation of the fast energy range in terms of average parameters, the OECD NEA High Priority Request List (HPRL) requests high-resolution capture measurements with improved accuracy below 2 keV. The current uncertainties also affect the thermal point, where previous experiments deviate from each other by 20%. A fruitful collaboration betwen JGU Mainz and HZ Dresden-Rossendorf within the EC CHANDA project resulted in a 242Pu sample consisting of a stack of seven fission-like targets making a total of 95(4) mg of 242Pu electrodeposited on thin (11.5 μm) aluminum backings. This contribution presents the results of a set of measurements of the 242Pu(n, γ) cross section from thermal to 500 keV combining different neutron beams and techniques. The thermal point was determined at the Budapest Research Reactor by means of Neutron Activation Analysis and Prompt Gamma Analysis, and the resolved (1 eV - 4 keV) and unresolved (1 - 500 keV) resonance regions were measured using a set of four Total Energy detectors at the CERN n_TOF-EAR1.

Measurement of the244Cm capture cross sections at both CERN n_TOF experimental areas

Accurate neutron capture cross section data for minor actinides (MAs) are required to estimate the production and transmutation rates of MAs in light water reactors with a high burnup, critical fast reactors like Gen-IV systems and other innovative reactor systems such as accelerator driven systems (ADS). Capture reactions of244Cm open the path for the formation of heavier Cm isotopes and of heavier elements such as Bk and Cf. In addition,244Cm shares nearly 50% of the total actinide decay heat in irradiated reactor fuels with a high burnup, even after three years of cooling.

Experimental data for this isotope are very scarce due to the difficulties of providing isotopically enriched samples and because the high intrinsic activity of the samples requires the use of neutron facilities with high instantaneous flux. The only two previous experimental data sets for this neutron capture cross section have been obtained in 1969 using a nuclear explosion and, more recently, at J-PARC in 2010. The neutron capture cross sections have been measured at n_TOF with the same samples that the previous experiments in J-PARC. The samples were measured at n_TOF Experimental Area 2 (EAR-2) with three C6D6detectors and also in Experimental Area 1 (EAR-1) with the Total Absorption Calorimeter (TAC). Preliminary results assessing the quality and limitations of these new experimental datasets are presented for the experiments in both areas. Preliminary yields of both measurements will be compared with evaluated libraries for the first time.

First results of the 241Am(n,f) cross section measurement at the Experimental Area 2 of the n_TOF facility at CERN

Feasibility, design and sensitivity studies on innovative nuclear reactors that could address the issue of nuclear waste transmutation using fuels enriched in minor actinides, require high accuracy cross section data for a variety of neutron-induced reactions from thermal energies to several tens of MeV. The isotope 241Am (T1/2= 433 years) is present in high-level nuclear waste (HLW), representing about 1.8 % of the actinide mass in spent PWR UOx fuel. Its importance increases with cooling time due to additional production from the β-decay of 241Pu with a half-life of 14.3 years. The production rate of 241 Am in conventional reactors, including its further accumulation through the decay of 241Pu and its destruction through transmutation/incineration are very important parameters for the design of any recycling solution. In the present work, the 241 Am(n,f) reaction cross-section was measured using Micromegas detectors at the Experimental Area 2 of the n_TOF facility at CERN. For the measurement, the 235U(n,f) and 238U(n,f) reference reactions were used for the determination of the neutron flux. In the present work an overview of the experimental setup and the adopted data analysis techniques is given along with preliminary results.

Preliminary results on the 233U capture cross section and alpha ratio measured at n_TOF (CERN) with the fission tagging technique

233U is of key importance among the fissile nuclei in the Th-U fuel cycle. A particularity of 233U is its small neutron capture cross-section, which is on average about one order of magnitude lower than the fission cross-section. The accuracy in the measurement of the 233U capture cross-section depends crucially on an efficient capture-fission discrimination, thus a combined set-up of fission and γ-detectors is needed. A measurement of the 233U capture cross-section and capture-to-fission ratio was performed at the CERN n_TOF facility. The Total Absorption Calorimeter (TAC) of n_TOF was employed as γ-detector coupled with a novel compact ionization chamber as fission detector. A brief description of the experimental set-up will be given, and essential parts of the analysis procedure as well as the preliminary response of the set-up to capture are presented and discussed.

Fission program at n_TOF

Since its start in 2001 the n_TOF collaboration developed a measurement program on fission, in view of advanced fuels in new generation reactors. A special effort was made on measurement of cross sections of actinides, exploiting the peculiarity of the n_TOF neutron beam which spans a huge energy domain, from the thermal region up to GeV. Moreover fission fragment angular distributions have also been measured. An overview of the cross section results achieved with different detectors is presented, including a discussion of the 237Np case where discrepancies showed up between different detector systems. The results on the anisotropy of the fission fragments and its implication on the mechanism of neutron absorption, and in applications, are also shown.

Study of the photon strength functions and level density in the gamma decay of the n + 234U reaction

The accurate calculations of neutron-induced reaction cross sections are relevant for many nuclear applications. The photon strength functions and nuclear level densities are essential inputs for such calculations. These quantities for 235U are studied using the measurement of the gamma de-excitation cascades in radiative capture on 234U with the Total Absorption Calorimeter at n_TOF at CERN. This segmented 4π gamma calorimeter is designed to detect gamma rays emitted from the nucleus with high efficiency. This experiment provides information on gamma multiplicity and gamma spectra that can be compared with numerical simulations. The code DICEBOXC is used to simulate the gamma cascades while GEANT4 is used for the simulation of the interaction of these gammas with the TAC materials. Available models and their parameters are being tested using the present data. Some preliminary results of this ongoing study are presented and discussed.

Measurement of the 244Cm and 246Cm neutron-induced capture cross sections at the n_TOF facility

The neutron capture reactions of the 244Cm and 246Cm isotopes open the path for the formation of heavier Cm isotopes and heavier elements such as Bk and Cf in a nuclear reactor. In addition, both isotopes belong to the minor actinides with a large contribution to the decay heat and to the neutron emission in irradiated fuels. There are only two previous 244Cm and 246Cm capture cross section measurements: one in 1969 using a nuclear explosion [1] and the most recent data measured at J-PARC in 2010 [2]. The data for both isotopes are very scarce due to the difficulties in performing the measurements: high intrinsic activity of the samples and limited facilities capable of providing isotopically enriched samples.

We have measured both neutron capture cross sections at the n_TOF Experimental Area 2 (EAR-2) with three C6 D6 detectors and also at Area 1 (EAR-1) with the TAC. Preliminary results assessing the quality and limitations (back-ground subtraction, measurement technique and counting statistics) of this new experimental datasets are presented and discussed.

^{7}Be(n,p)^{7}Li Reaction and the Cosmological Lithium Problem: Measurement of the Cross Section in a Wide Energy Range at n_TOF at CERN

We report on the measurement of the ^{7}Be(n,p)^{7}Li cross section from thermal to approximately 325 keV neutron energy, performed in the high-flux experimental area (EAR2) of the n_TOF facility at CERN. This reaction plays a key role in the lithium yield of the big bang nucleosynthesis (BBN) for standard cosmology. The only two previous time-of-flight measurements performed on this reaction did not cover the energy window of interest for BBN, and they showed a large discrepancy between each other. The measurement was performed with a Si telescope and a high-purity sample produced by implantation of a ^{7}Be ion beam at the ISOLDE facility at CERN. While a significantly higher cross section is found at low energy, relative to current evaluations, in the region of BBN interest, the present results are consistent with the values inferred from the time-reversal ^{7}Li(p,n)^{7}Be reaction, thus yielding only a relatively minor improvement on the so-called cosmological lithium problem. The relevance of these results on the near-threshold neutron production in the p+^{7}Li reaction is also discussed.

Measurement of the radiative capture cross section of the s-process branching points 204Tl and 171Tm at the n_TOF facility (CERN)

The neutron capture cross section of some unstable nuclei is especially relevant for s-process nucleosynthesis studies. This magnitude is crucial to determine the local abundance pattern, which can yield valuable information of the s-process stellar environment. In this work we describe the neutron capture (n,γ) measurement on two of these nuclei of interest, 204Tl and 171Tm, from target production to the final measurement, performed successfully at the n_TOF facility at CERN in 2014 and 2015. Preliminary results on the ongoing experimental data analysis will also be shown. These results include the first ever experimental observation of capture resonances for these two nuclei.

Composition of the microbiota in forestomach fluids and feces of Japanese Black calves with white scours

The objective of this study was to characterize the composition of the forestomach and fecal microbiota in Japanese Black calves with white scours. Forestomach fluid, feces, and peripheral blood were collected from healthy calves ( = 5; age 10 ± 2 d) and scouring calves ( = 5; age 10 ± 1 d) on the day on which white scours occurred. The pH and concentrations of VFA, lactic acid, and ammonia nitrogen (NH-N) of the forestomach fluids were determined. Microbiota composition and gene copy numbers in the forestomach fluid and feces were analyzed by 454 pyrosequencing and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), respectively. The cytokine mRNA level in peripheral leukocytes was evaluated by qPCR. The pH of the forestomach fluid of the scouring calves tended to be higher than that of the healthy calves ( = 0.056). No significant difference was detected in the total VFA, lactic acid, or NH-N concentrations in the forestomach fluids of the 2 groups. Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Proteobacteria were the predominant phyla in the forestomach fluid and feces. At the genus level, the relative abundance of in the forestomach fluid was significantly higher in the scouring calves ( < 0.05) and the relative abundance of in the feces was significantly higher than that in the forestomach in the healthy calves ( < 0.05). Furthermore, the bacterial diversity indices of feces were lower in the scouring calves. Quantitative PCR amplification using some of the primer pairs failed in the forestomach fluid and feces in both groups. These results suggested that fermentation in the forestomach may affect the occurrence of white scours, resulting in changes in the composition and diversity of the forestomach fluid and fecal microbiota in Japanese Black calves.

First Measurement of 72Ge(n, γ) at n_TOF

The slow neutron capture process (s-process) is responsible for producing about half of the elemental abundances heavier than iron in the universe. Neutron capture cross sections on stable isotopes are a key nuclear physics input for s-process studies. The 72Ge(n, γ) cross section has an important influence on production of isotopes between Ge and Zr during s-process in massive stars and therefore experimental data are urgently required. 72Ge(n, γ) was measured at the neutron time-of-flight facility n_TOF (CERN) for the first time at stellar energies. The measurement was performed using an enriched 72GeO2 sample at a flight path of 185m with a set of liquid scintillation detectors (C6D6). The motivation, experiment and current status of the data analysis are reported.