Metabolomic profiles of ovariectomized mice and their associations with body composition and frailty-related parameters in postmenopausal women

BACKGROUND

Menopause, a dramatical estrogen-deficient condition, is considered the most significant milestone in women's health.

PURPOSE

To investigate the metabolite changes attributed to estrogen deficiency using random forest (RF)-based machine learning (ML) modeling strategy in ovariectomized (OVX) mice as well as determine the clinical relevance of selected metabolites in older women.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Untargeted and targeted metabolomic analyses revealed that metabolites related to TCA cycle, sphingolipids, phospholipids, fatty acids, and amino acids, were significantly changed in the plasma and/or muscle of OVX mice. Subsequent ML classifiers based on RF algorithm selected alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG), arginine, carnosine, ceramide C24, phosphatidylcholine (PC) aa C36:6, and PC ae C42:3 in plasma as well as PC aa 34:1, PC aa C34:3, PC aa C36:5, PC aa C32:1, PC aa C36:2, and sphingosine in muscle as top featured metabolites that differentiate the OVX mice from the sham-operated group. When circulating levels of AKG, arginine, and carnosine, which showed the most significant changes in OVX mice blood, were measured in postmenopausal women, higher plasma AKG levels were associated with lower bone mass, weak grip strength, poor physical performance, and increased frailty risk.

CONCLUSIONS

Metabolomics- and ML-based methods identified the key metabolites of blood and muscle that were significantly changed after ovariectomy in mice, and the clinical implication of several metabolites was investigated by looking at their correlation with body composition and frailty-related parameters in postmenopausal women. These findings provide crucial context for understanding the diverse physiological alterations caused by estrogen deficiency in women.

High-rate anaerobic digestion of sewage sludge using anaerobic dynamic membrane bioreactor under various sludge composition and organic loading rates

This study investigates the effects of sludge compositions and organic loading rates (OLRs) on stable biomethane production during sludge digestion. Batch digestion experiments evaluate the effects of alkaline-thermal pretreatment and waste activated sludge (WAS) fractions on the biochemical methane potential (BMP) of sludge. A lab-scale anaerobic dynamic membrane bioreactor (AnDMBR) is fed with a mixture of primary sludge and pretreated WAS. Monitoring of volatile fatty acid to total alkalinity (FOS/TAC) helps maintain operational stability. The highest average biomethane production rate of 0.7 L/L·d is achieved when the OLR, hydraulic retention time, WAS volume fraction, and FOS/TAC ratio are 5.0 g COD/L·d, 12 days, 0.75, and 0.32, respectively. This study finds functional redundancy in two pathways: hydrogenotrophic and acetolactic. An increase in OLR promotes bacterial and archaeal abundance and specific methanogenic activity. These results can be applied to the design and operation of sludge digestion for stable, high-rate biomethane recovery.

Magnetocaloric effect and Griffiths phase analysis in a nanocrystalline Ho2NiMnO6 and Ho2CoMnO6 double perovskite

Rare-earth double perovskite oxides have intriguing magnetocaloric properties at cryogenic temperatures. In this study, Ho₂NiMnO₆ and Ho₂CoMnO₆ were synthesized using the sol-gel method, which crystallized in a monoclinic structure in the P2₁/n space group. The magnetic phase transition was observed at 81.2 K for Ho₂NiMnO₆ and 73.5 K for Ho₂CoMnO₆. The presence of a paramagnetic matrix and short-range ferromagnetic clusters causes magnetic disorder in these double perovskites, resulting in Griffiths phase formation. The Arrott plot confirms that compounds undergo second-order phase transition. At an applied magnetic field of 5 T, the maximum magnetic entropy change (-ΔS) for the studied compounds is 1.7 and 2.2 J kg^-1 K^-1, respectively. The transition metals Ni and Co in a double perovskite cause lattice distortion in the structural parameters and oxidation states of manganese (Mn³⁺/Mn⁴⁺), which changes the magnetic and magnetocaloric properties. The quantitative approach provides a systematic study of magnetocaloric properties of the rare earth double perovskite compounds with ferromagnetic 3d transition elements.

Effect of pneumatic leg compression on post-induction hypotension in elderly patients undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy: a double-blind randomised controlled trial

Post-induction hypotension is common and associated with postoperative complications. We hypothesised that pneumatic leg compression reduces post-induction hypotension in elderly patients undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy. In this double-blind randomised study, patients were allocated randomly to the pneumatic leg compression group (n = 50) or control (n = 50). In the intervention group, pneumatic leg compression was initiated before induction of anaesthesia. In the control group, pneumatic leg compression was initiated 20 min after anaesthesia induction. The primary outcome was the incidence of post-induction hypotension in these groups. Post-induction hypotension was defined as systolic blood pressure < 90 mmHg during the first 20 min after induction. Haemodynamic variables and area under the curve of post-induction systolic blood pressure over time were assessed. Complications associated with pneumatic leg compression were recorded, including: peripheral neuropathy; compartment syndrome; extensive bullae beneath the leg sleeves; and pulmonary thromboembolism. The incidence of post-induction hypotension decreased in the pneumatic leg compression group compared with that in the control group; 5 (10%) vs. 29 (58%), respectively, p < 0.001. In the pneumatic leg compression group, the lowest systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressures 20 min after induction of anaesthesia were significantly greater than the control group. Pneumatic leg compression resulted in an increased area under the curve of systolic blood pressure in the first 20 min after induction, p = 0.001. There were no pneumatic leg compression-related complications. Pneumatic leg compression reduced post-induction hypotension in elderly patients undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy, suggesting that it is an effective and safe intervention to prevent post-induction hypotension among elderly patients undergoing general anaesthesia.

The effects of ammonia acclimation on biogas recovery and the microbial population in continuous anaerobic digestion of swine manure

This study investigated the ammonia toxicity and the acclimation of anaerobic microbiome in continuous anaerobic digestion of swine manure using unacclimated inoculum. When the total ammonia nitrogen concentration (TAN) reached 2.5 g N/L, the methane yield decreased from 254.1 ± 9.6 to 154.6 ± 9.9 mL/g COD. The free ammonia nitrogen concentration of the inhibited condition was 190 mg N/L. The methane yield was eventually recovered as 269.6 ± 3.6 mL/g COD with a further operation. Anaerobic toxicity assay (ATA) showed that mixed liquor from the recovered phase possessed enhanced tolerance to ammonia, not only within the exposed level in continuous operation (<2.5 g NH₃/L) but also over the range (>2.5 g NH₃/L). Microbial analysis revealed that continuous operation under ammonia stress resulted in the change of both bacterial and archaeal populations. The ammonia adaptation was concurrent with the archaeal population shift from Methanosaeta to Methanosarcina and Methanobacterium. The dominancy of Clostridia in bacterial population was found in the recovered phase. It is highly recommended to use an inoculum acclimated to a target ammonia level which can be pre-checked by ATA and to secure a start-up period for ammonia adaptation in the field application of anaerobic digestion for swine manure.

The effect of flash vacuum cooling on the flavor of ultrapasteurized milk

Ultrapasteurization (UP) extends the shelf life of milk. Direct steam injection (DSI) is commonly used for UP because milk is quickly heated and cooled. During this process, steam is directly injected into milk and removed by a vacuum cooler. Consumers do not prefer the flavor of DSI-UP milk compared with traditional high temperature short time (HTST) milk due to the higher cooked and eggy flavors of DSI-UP milk. The objective of this research was to characterize the effect of the vacuum cooler on the flavor of DSI-UP milk. Raw skim milk was pasteurized at 140°C for 2.3 s by DSI and homogenized at 20.7 MPa. By using a liquid sample port, steam-infused pasteurized milk was sampled after heating but before reaching the vacuum chamber. A septum was installed in the vacuum chamber to allow sampling of the removed volatiles by solid-phase microextraction (SPME) fiber followed by gas chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) combined with a sulfur-selective flame photometric detector. Steam-infused milk and vacuum-cooled milk diluted to the same solids contents were evaluated by descriptive sensory analysis and volatile compound analysis. The entire experiment was replicated 3 times. Milks cooled by the vacuum cooler were lower in sweet aromatic, sulfur/eggy, and cooked flavors than milk sampled before the vacuum cooler. Volatile compounds removed by the vacuum cooler included the sweet aromatic flavor contributors furaneol, maltol, furfural, sotolon, 2-heptanone, γ-dodecalactone, γ-decalactone, and δ-decalactone, as well as the cooked and sulfur/eggy contributors hydrogen sulfide and dimethyl sulfide. The vacuum cooler applied during DSI-UP of milk is effective at removing steam and cooling UP milk, but this process may also remove important flavor compounds from fluid milk.

Sludge disintegration and anaerobic digestion enhancement by alkaline-thermal pretreatment: Economic evaluation and microbial population analysis

Alkaline-thermal pretreatment was examined for waste activated sludge (WAS) disintegration and subsequent anaerobic digestion (AD). Pretreatment at 60 °C was estimated to provide better economic benefits than higher temperature conditions. The maximum methane yield of 215.6 mL/g COD was achieved when WAS was pretreated at 60 °C and pH 10 for 24 h, which was 46.6% higher than untreated WAS. The pretreatment condition also provided the maximum net savings. The degree of sludge disintegration, considering both loosely bound-extracellular polymeric substance and soluble COD, would be a better indicator to predict anaerobic digestibility than the solubilization rate that considers soluble COD alone. Microbial analysis implied that pretreatment facilitated the growth of hydrolytic bacteria, phyla Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes. In addition, sludge pretreatment enhanced the growth of both acetoclastic and hydrogenotrophic methanogens, genera Methanosaeta and Methanobacterium. The mild AT-PT would be useful to enhance the digestion performance and economic benefit of WAS digestion.

Effect of low-thermal pretreatment on the methanogenic performance and microbiome population of continuous high-solid anaerobic digester treating dewatered sludge

Undigested and dewatered sludge at 10% total solids was pretreated at 60 °C for 3 h and fed to a lab-scale horizontal anaerobic bioreactor for 130 days with solids retention time (SRTs) from 25 to 16 d. The low-thermal pretreatment enabled higher net energy production, improved sludge treatment efficiency, and enhanced digestion stability. The highest average biomethane yield and production rate were 138.5 mL/g VS and 0.43 L/L.d, respectively, and the economic benefit was expected to be the maximum at SRT 16 d. Pretreatment did not increase the specific methanogenic activity per unit methanogen, but resulted in higher abundance of methanogenic archaea and hydrolytic bacteria. Methanogenic population shifted from hydrogenotrophic to acetoclastic, consistent with predicted gene expression at SRT equal or below 20 d. Anaerobic digestion along with low-thermal could be a feasible management strategy for undigested dewatered sludge from small WWTPs.

Structural, magnetic, and magnetocaloric properties of R2NiMnO6 (R = Eu, Gd, Tb)

The crystal structure, cryogenic magnetic properties, and magnetocaloric performance of double perovskite Eu₂NiMnO₆ (ENMO), Gd₂NiMnO₆ (GNMO), and Tb₂NiMnO₆ (TNMO) ceramic powder samples synthesized by solid-state method have been investigated. X-ray diffraction structural investigation reveal that all compounds crystallize in the monoclinic structure with a P2₁/n space group. A ferromagnetic to paramagnetic (FM-PM) second-order phase transition occurred in ENMO, GNMO, and TNMO at 143, 130, and 112 K, respectively. Maximum magnetic entropy changes and relative cooling power with a 5 T applied magnetic field are determined to be 3.2, 3.8, 3.5 J/kgK and 150, 182, 176 J/kg for the investigated samples, respectively. The change in structural, magnetic, and magnetocaloric effect attributed to the superexchange mechanism of Ni²⁺–O–Mn³⁺ and Ni²⁺–O–Mn⁴⁺. The various atomic sizes of Eu, Gd, and Tb affect the ratio of Mn⁴⁺/Mn³⁺, which is responsible for the considerable change in properties of double perovskite.

Measurement of single-diffractive dijet production in proton-proton collisions at s = 8 Te with the CMS and TOTEM experiments

Measurements are presented of the single-diffractive dijet cross section and the diffractive cross section as a function of the proton fractional momentum loss ξ and the four-momentum transfer squared t. Both processesp p → p X andp p → X p , i.e. with the proton scattering to either side of the interaction point, are measured, whereX includes at least two jets; the results of the two processes are averaged. The analyses are based on data collected simultaneously with the CMS and TOTEM detectors at the LHC in proton-proton collisions ats = 8 Te during a dedicated run withβ ∗ = 90 m at low instantaneous luminosity and correspond to an integrated luminosity of 37.5 nb - 1 . The single-diffractive dijet cross section σ jj p X , in the kinematic region ξ < 0.1 ,0.03 < | t | < 1 Ge 2 , with at least two jets with transverse momentump T > 40 Ge , and pseudorapidity | η | < 4.4 , is 21.7 ± 0.9 (stat) - 3.3 + 3.0 (syst) ± 0.9 (lumi) nb . The ratio of the single-diffractive to inclusive dijet yields, normalised per unit of ξ , is presented as a function of x, the longitudinal momentum fraction of the proton carried by the struck parton. The ratio in the kinematic region defined above, for x values in the range - 2.9 ≤ log 10 x ≤ - 1.6 , is R = ( σ jj p X / Δ ξ ) / σ jj = 0.025 ± 0.001 (stat) ± 0.003 (syst) , where σ jj p X and σ jj are the single-diffractive and inclusive dijet cross sections, respectively. The results are compared with predictions from models of diffractive and nondiffractive interactions. Monte Carlo predictions based on the HERA diffractive parton distribution functions agree well with the data when corrected for the effect of soft rescattering between the spectator partons.

Measurement of single-diffractive dijet production in proton-proton collisions at s = 8 Te with the CMS and TOTEM experiments

Measurements are presented of the single-diffractive dijet cross section and the diffractive cross section as a function of the proton fractional momentum loss ξ and the four-momentum transfer squared t. Both processes p p → p X and p p → X p , i.e. with the proton scattering to either side of the interaction point, are measured, where X includes at least two jets; the results of the two processes are averaged. The analyses are based on data collected simultaneously with the CMS and TOTEM detectors at the LHC in proton-proton collisions at s = 8 Te during a dedicated run with β ∗ = 90 m at low instantaneous luminosity and correspond to an integrated luminosity of 37.5 nb - 1 . The single-diffractive dijet cross section σ jj p X , in the kinematic region ξ < 0.1 , 0.03 < | t | < 1 Ge 2 , with at least two jets with transverse momentum p T > 40 Ge , and pseudorapidity | η | < 4.4 , is 21.7 ± 0.9 (stat) - 3.3 + 3.0 (syst) ± 0.9 (lumi) nb . The ratio of the single-diffractive to inclusive dijet yields, normalised per unit of ξ , is presented as a function of x, the longitudinal momentum fraction of the proton carried by the struck parton. The ratio in the kinematic region defined above, for x values in the range - 2.9 ≤ log 10 x ≤ - 1.6 , is R = ( σ jj p X / Δ ξ ) / σ jj = 0.025 ± 0.001 (stat) ± 0.003 (syst) , where σ jj p X and σ jj are the single-diffractive and inclusive dijet cross sections, respectively. The results are compared with predictions from models of diffractive and nondiffractive interactions. Monte Carlo predictions based on the HERA diffractive parton distribution functions agree well with the data when corrected for the effect of soft rescattering between the spectator partons.

Health-related quality of life of inpatients and outpatients with TB in rural Malawi

INTRODUCTION: Patients being treated for TB may suffer reductions in health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This study aims to assess the extent of such reductions and the trajectory of HRQoL over the course of treatment in rural Malawi.METHODS: We collected patient demographic and socioeconomic status, TB-related characteristics, and HRQoL data (i.e., EQ-5D and a visual analogue scale VAS) from adults (age ≥18 years) being treated for TB in 12 primary health centers and one hospital in rural Thyolo District, Malawi, from 2014 to 2016. Associations between HRQoL and patient characteristics were estimated using multivariable linear regression.RESULTS: Inpatients (n = 197) consistently showed lower median HRQoL scores and suffered more severe health impairments during hospitalization than outpatients (n = 156) (EQ5D and VAS: 0.79, 55 vs. 0.84, 70). Longer treatment duration was associated with higher HRQoL among outpatients (EQ5D: 0.034 increase per 2 months, 95%CI 0.012-0.057). We found no substantial associations between patients´ demographic and socioeconomic characteristics and HRQoL in this setting.CONCLUSION: HRQoL scores among patients receiving treatment for TB in rural Malawi differ by clinical setting and duration of treatment, with greater impairment among inpatients and those early in their treatment course.

Studies of Charm Quark Diffusion inside Jets Using Pb-Pb and pp Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02 TeV

The first study of charm quark diffusion with respect to the jet axis in heavy ion collisions is presented. The measurement is performed using jets with p_{T}^{jet}>60  GeV/c and D^{0} mesons with p_{T}^{D}>4  GeV/c in lead-lead (Pb-Pb) and proton-proton (pp) collisions at a nucleon-nucleon center-of-mass energy of sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV, recorded by the CMS detector at the LHC. The radial distribution of D^{0} mesons with respect to the jet axis is sensitive to the production mechanisms of the meson, as well as to the energy loss and diffusion processes undergone by its parent parton inside the strongly interacting medium produced in Pb-Pb collisions. When compared to Monte Carlo event generators, the radial distribution in pp collisions is found to be well described by pythia, while the slope of the distribution predicted by sherpa is steeper than that of the data. In Pb-Pb collisions, compared to the pp results, the D^{0} meson distribution for 4<p_{T}^{D}<20  GeV/c hints at a larger distance on average with respect to the jet axis, reflecting a diffusion of charm quarks in the medium created in heavy ion collisions. At higher p_{T}^{D}, the Pb-Pb and pp radial distributions are found to be similar.

Disrupted Functional and Structural Connectivity in Angelman Syndrome

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

This work investigated alterations in functional connectivity (FC) and associated structures in patients with Angelman syndrome (AS) by using integrated quantitative imaging analysis and connectivity measures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We obtained 3T brain MR imaging, including resting-state functional MR imaging, diffusion tensor imaging, and 3D T1-weighted imaging from children with AS (n = 14) and age- and sex-matched controls (n = 28). The brains of patients with AS were analyzed by measuring FC, white matter microstructural analysis, cortical thickness, and brain volumes; these were compared with brains of controls.

RESULTS

Interregional FC analysis revealed significantly reduced intra- and interhemispheric FC, especially in the basal ganglia and thalamus, in patients with AS. Significant reductions in fractional anisotropy were found in the corpus callosum, cingulum, posterior limb of the internal capsules, and arcuate fasciculus in patients with AS. Quantitative structural analysis also showed gray matter volume loss of the basal ganglia and diffuse WM volume reduction in AS compared with the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

This integrated quantitative MR imaging analysis demonstrated poor functional and structural connectivity, as well as brain volume reduction, in children with AS, which may explain the motor and language dysfunction observed in this well-characterized neurobehavioral phenotype.

Comparison of a central location test versus a home usage test for consumer perception of ready-to-mix protein beverages

Ready-to-mix (RTM) whey protein beverages are an expanding product category, and sensory properties strongly affect consumer acceptance and purchase intent. Because consumers themselves prepare RTM whey protein beverages, understanding possible gaps between central location test (CLT) and home usage test (HUT) results is critical. The objectives of this study were to compare results obtained from a CLT and a HUT and to identify the drivers of liking and disliking vanilla-flavored RTM whey protein beverages. Fourteen commercial vanilla-flavored RTM whey protein beverages were rehydrated with spring water at 15% solids (wt/vol) and evaluated by a trained panel (n = 8). Ten representative products were selected for consumer testing. Rehydrated beverages were subsequently evaluated by protein beverage consumers (n = 160) in a CLT. Nine representative products were selected for the HUT. Consumers prepared and evaluated individual beverages over 3 consecutive weeks, trying 3 samples each week. Overall liking and other attributes were scored by consumers in both tests. Data were evaluated by univariate and multivariate statistical analyses. Overall liking scores from the HUT were higher than scores from the CLT. The products with the highest and lowest overall liking scores were consistent between the CLT and HUT. More differences were observed among beverages by CLT compared with HUT when liking was averaged across all consumers. Both methods identified 2 distinct consumer clusters. Fruity flavor and sweet taste were drivers of liking, whereas cardboard flavor and bitter taste were drivers of disliking in both methods. The HUT exclusively identified thickness (viscosity) as a driver of liking and astringency as a driver of disliking. These results suggest that a CLT can be used to differentiate consumer acceptance among vanilla-flavored RTM whey protein beverages. A HUT should be used to provide more intensive insights for mouthfeel and mixing experience-related attributes.

Measurement of electroweak production of a W boson in association with two jets in proton-proton collisions at s = 13 Te

A measurement is presented of electroweak (EW) production of a W boson in association with two jets in proton-proton collisions ats = 13 Te . The data sample was recorded by the CMS Collaboration at the LHC and corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 35.9fb - 1 . The measurement is performed for the ℓ ν jj final state (with ℓ ν indicating a lepton-neutrino pair, and j representing the quarks produced in the hard interaction) in a kinematic region defined by invariant massm jj > 120 Ge and transverse momentap T j > 25 Ge . The cross section of the process is measured in the electron and muon channels yieldingσ EW ( W jj ) = 6.23 ± 0.12 (stat) ± 0.61 (syst) pb per channel, in agreement with leading-order standard model predictions. The additional hadronic activity of events in a signal-enriched region is studied, and the measurements are compared with predictions. The final state is also used to perform a search for anomalous trilinear gauge couplings. Limits on anomalous trilinear gauge couplings associated with dimension-six operators are given in the framework of an effective field theory. The corresponding 95% confidence level intervals are - 2.3 < c W W W / Λ 2 < 2.5 Te - 2 , - 8.8 < c W / Λ 2 < 16 Te - 2 , and - 45 < c B / Λ 2 < 46 Te - 2 . These results are combined with the CMS EW Zjj analysis, yielding the constraint on the c W W W coupling: - 1.8 < c W W W / Λ 2 < 2.0 Te - 2 .

Extraction and validation of a new set of CMS pythia8 tunes from underlying-event measurements

New sets of CMS underlying-event parameters ("tunes") are presented for the pythia8 event generator. These tunes use the NNPDF3.1 parton distribution functions (PDFs) at leading (LO), next-to-leading (NLO), or next-to-next-to-leading (NNLO) orders in perturbative quantum chromodynamics, and the strong coupling evolution at LO or NLO. Measurements of charged-particle multiplicity and transverse momentum densities at various hadron collision energies are fit simultaneously to determine the parameters of the tunes. Comparisons of the predictions of the new tunes are provided for observables sensitive to the event shapes at LEP, global underlying event, soft multiparton interactions, and double-parton scattering contributions. In addition, comparisons are made for observables measured in various specific processes, such as multijet, Drell-Yan, and top quark-antiquark pair production including jet substructure observables. The simulation of the underlying event provided by the new tunes is interfaced to a higher-order matrix-element calculation. For the first time, predictions from pythia8 obtained with tunes based on NLO or NNLO PDFs are shown to reliably describe minimum-bias and underlying-event data with a similar level of agreement to predictions from tunes using LO PDF sets.

Search for Low-Mass Quark-Antiquark Resonances Produced in Association with a Photon at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

A search for narrow low-mass resonances decaying to quark-antiquark pairs is presented. The search is based on proton-proton collision events collected at 13 TeV by the CMS detector at the CERN LHC. The data sample corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 35.9  fb^{-1}, recorded in 2016. The search considers the case where the resonance has high transverse momentum due to initial-state radiation of a hard photon. To study this process, the decay products of the resonance are reconstructed as a single large-radius jet with two-pronged substructure. The signal would be identified as a localized excess in the jet invariant mass spectrum. No evidence for such a resonance is observed in the mass range 10 to 125 GeV. Upper limits at the 95% confidence level are set on the coupling strength of resonances decaying to quark pairs. The results obtained with this photon trigger strategy provide the first direct constraints on quark-antiquark resonance masses below 50 GeV obtained at a hadron collider.

Measurements of triple-differential cross sections for inclusive isolated-photon+jet events in p p collisions at s = 8 TeV

Measurements are presented of the triple-differential cross section for inclusive isolated-photon+jet events in p p collisions ats = 8 TeV as a function of photon transverse momentum ( p T γ ), photon pseudorapidity ( η γ ), and jet pseudorapidity ( η jet ). The data correspond to an integrated luminosity of 19.7 fb - 1 that probe a broad range of the available phase space, for| η γ | < 1.44 and1.57 < | η γ | < 2.50 ,| η jet | < 2.5 , 40 < p T γ < 1000 GeV , and jet transverse momentum, p T jet , > 25GeV . The measurements are compared to next-to-leading order perturbative quantum chromodynamics calculations, which reproduce the data within uncertainties.

Measurement of the average very forward energy as a function of the track multiplicity at central pseudorapidities in proton-proton collisions at s = 13 TeV

The average total energy as well as its hadronic and electromagnetic components are measured with the CMS detector at pseudorapidities - 6.6 < η < - 5.2 in proton-proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energys = 13 TeV . The results are presented as a function of the charged particle multiplicity in the region | η | < 2 . This measurement is sensitive to correlations induced by the underlying event structure over a very wide pseudorapidity region. The predictions of Monte Carlo event generators commonly used in collider experiments and ultra-high energy cosmic ray physics are compared to the data. All generators considered overestimate the fraction of energy going into hadrons.

Search for new physics in top quark production in dilepton final states in proton-proton collisions at s = 13 TeV

A search for new physics in top quark production is performed in proton-proton collisions at 13 TeV . The data set corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 35.9 fb - 1 collected in 2016 with the CMS detector. Events with two opposite-sign isolated leptons (electrons or muons), and b quark jets in the final state are selected. The search is sensitive to new physics in top quark pair production and in single top quark production in association with a W boson. No significant deviation from the standard model expectation is observed. Results are interpreted in the framework of effective field theory and constraints on the relevant effective couplings are set, one at a time, using a dedicated multivariate analysis. This analysis differs from previous searches for new physics in the top quark sector by explicitly separating t W from t t ¯  events and exploiting the specific sensitivity of the t W process to new physics.

P915Clinical characteristics, natural history and predictors of disease progression in patients with degenerative mitral stenosis

Background

Mitral annular calcification (MAC) is a common echocardiographic finding and an increasingly recognized cause of degenerative mitral stenosis (DMS). However, little is known about the natural history and predictors of disease progression of DMS, especially compared with rheumatic mitral stenosis (RMS).

Purpose

To compare the clinical characteristics and disease progression among patients with DMS and those with RMS, and to investigate the determinants of disease progression in DMS patients.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed consecutive MS patients with a trans-mitral mean gradient ≥2 mmHg who underwent echocardiography at our institution between January 2014 and December 2017. We selected patients who had an initial and follow-up echocardiography with a ≥3-month interval and without prior and interim mitral valve intervention. DMS was defined as MS with MAC with normal or minimally reduced leaflet motion without tips restriction. RMS was defined as MS with tip restriction, thickening and restriction of leaflet mainly. We defined MAC severity as mild (focal), moderate (marked density >1/3 but <1/2 of the mitral annulus) and severe (marked density involving >1/2 of the mitral annulus) based on previous reports. We calculated disease progression from the annual increase rate of trans-mitral mean gradient. First, we compared the backgrounds and disease progression between DMS group and RMS group. Second, we investigated the predictors of disease progression in DMS group.

Results

We enrolled 111 patients (64 in DMS group and 47 in RMS group) with a mean follow-up period of 2.1 years. Patients in DMS group were significantly older (79±9 vs. 70±10 years; P<0.01), had higher prevalence of hypertension (P<0.01) and coronary artery disease (P=0.02), and had higher plasma BNP level (P<0.01) than those in RMS group. Baseline trans-mitral mean gradient was slightly lower in DMS group than in RMS group (3.9±1.9 vs. 4.7±1.8 mmHg; P=0.02). There were wide variations among individuals in progression rate (range: 0 to 3.5 mmHg/year in DMS group and 0 to 5.8 mmHg/year in RMS group, respectively), and the progression rate was comparable between DMS group and RMS group (0.49±0.79 vs. 0.61±1.37 mmHg/year; P=0.59). In DMS group, higher prevalence of dyslipidemia (P=0.01) and lower baseline trans-mitral mean gradient (P<0.01) were significantly associated with disease progression even after adjustment for age and sex. Unexpectedly, there was no significant difference in the disease progression regardless of the MAC severity among DMS group (Picture).

MAC severity and disease progression

Conclusions

Progression in DMS group is highly variable, but generally slow as that in RMS group. Initial mean gradient was inversely associated with disease progression in DMS group. Furthermore, baseline MAC severity did not correlate with the progression, suggesting the importance of follow-up echocardiography in spite of the MAC severity and initial mean gradient.

Search for a Light Charged Higgs Boson Decaying to a W Boson and a CP-Odd Higgs Boson in Final States with eμμ or μμμ in Proton-Proton Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

A search for a light charged Higgs boson (H^{+}) decaying to a W boson and a CP-odd Higgs boson (A) in final states with eμμ or μμμ is performed using data from pp collisions at sqrt[s]=13  TeV, recorded by the CMS detector at the LHC and corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 35.9  fb^{-1}. In this search, it is assumed that the H^{+} boson is produced in decays of top quarks, and the A boson decays to two oppositely charged muons. The presence of signals for H^{+} boson masses between 100 and 160 GeV and A boson masses between 15 and 75 GeV is investigated. No evidence for the production of the H^{+} boson is found. Upper limits at 95% confidence level are obtained on the combined branching fraction for the decay chain, t→bH^{+}→bW^{+}A→bW^{+}μ^{+}μ^{-}, of 1.9×10^{-6} to 8.6×10^{-6}, depending on the masses of the H^{+} and A bosons. These are the first limits for these decay modes of the H^{+} and A bosons.

Azimuthal separation in nearly back-to-back jet topologies in inclusive 2- and 3-jet events in pp collisions at s = 13 Te

A measurement for inclusive 2- and 3-jet events of the azimuthal correlation between the two jets with the largest transverse momenta, Δ ϕ 12 , is presented. The measurement considers events where the two leading jets are nearly collinear ("back-to-back") in the transverse plane and is performed for several ranges of the leading jet transverse momentum. Proton-proton collision data collected with the CMS experiment at a center-of-mass energy of 13 Te and corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 35.9 fb - 1 are used. Predictions based on calculations using matrix elements at leading-order and next-to-leading-order accuracy in perturbative quantum chromodynamics supplemented with leading-log parton showers and hadronization are generally in agreement with the measurements. Discrepancies between the measurement and theoretical predictions are as large as 15%, mainly in the region177 ∘ < Δ ϕ 12 < 180 ∘ . The 2- and 3-jet measurements are not simultaneously described by any of models.

Measurement of exclusive ρ 770 0 photoproduction in ultraperipheral pPb collisions at s NN = 5.02 Te

Exclusiveρ 770 0 photoproduction is measured for the first time in ultraperipheral pPb collisions ats NN = 5.02 Te with the CMS detector. The cross section σ ( γ p → ρ 770 0 p ) is 11.0 ± 1.4 (stat) ± 1.0 (syst) μ b at ⟨ W γ p ⟩ = 92.6 Ge for photon-proton centre-of-mass energies W γ p between 29 and 213 Ge . The differential cross section d σ / d | t | is measured in the interval0.025 < | t | < 1 Ge 2 as a function of W γ p , where t is the squared four-momentum transfer at the proton vertex. The results are compared with previous measurements and theoretical predictions. The measured cross section σ ( γ p → ρ 770 0 p ) has a power-law dependence on the photon-proton centre-of-mass, consistent with electron-proton collision measurements performed at HERA. The W γ p dependence of the exponential slope of the differential cross section d σ / d | t | is also measured.

Studies of Beauty Suppression via Nonprompt D^{0} Mesons in Pb-Pb Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02 TeV

The transverse momentum spectra of D^{0} mesons from b hadron decays are measured at midrapidity (|y|<1) in pp and Pb-Pb collisions at a nucleon-nucleon center of mass energy of 5.02 TeV with the CMS detector at the LHC. The D^{0} mesons from b hadron decays are distinguished from prompt D^{0} mesons by their decay topologies. In Pb-Pb collisions, the B→D^{0} yield is found to be suppressed in the measured p_{T} range from 2 to 100  GeV/c as compared to pp collisions. The suppression is weaker than that of prompt D^{0} mesons and charged hadrons for p_{T} around 10  GeV/c. While theoretical calculations incorporating partonic energy loss in the quark-gluon plasma can successfully describe the measured B→D^{0} suppression at higher p_{T}, the data show an indication of larger suppression than the model predictions in the range of 2<p_{T}<5  GeV/c.

Search for a heavy pseudoscalar boson decaying to a Z and a Higgs boson at s = 13 Te

A search is presented for a heavy pseudoscalar boson A decaying to a Z  boson and a Higgs boson with mass of 125GeV . In the final state considered, the Higgs boson decays to a bottom quark and antiquark, and the Z  boson decays either into a pair of electrons, muons, or neutrinos. The analysis is performed using a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 35.9fb - 1 collected in 2016 by the CMS experiment at the LHC from proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 13Te . The data are found to be consistent with the background expectations. Exclusion limits are set in the context of two-Higgs-doublet models in the A boson mass range between 225 and 1000GeV .

Search for supersymmetry in events with a photon, jets, b -jets, and missing transverse momentum in proton-proton collisions at 13 Te

A search for supersymmetry is presented based on events with at least one photon, jets, and large missing transverse momentum produced in proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 13 Te . The data correspond to an integrated luminosity of 35.9 fb - 1 and were recorded at the LHC with the CMS detector in 2016. The analysis characterizes signal-like events by categorizing the data into various signal regions based on the number of jets, the number of b -tagged jets, and the missing transverse momentum. No significant excess of events is observed with respect to the expectations from standard model processes. Limits are placed on the gluino and top squark pair production cross sections using several simplified models of supersymmetric particle production with gauge-mediated supersymmetry breaking. Depending on the model and the mass of the next-to-lightest supersymmetric particle, the production of gluinos with masses as large as 2120 Ge and the production of top squarks with masses as large as 1230 Ge are excluded at 95% confidence level.

Combined measurements of Higgs boson couplings in proton-proton collisions at s = 13 Te

Combined measurements of the production and decay rates of the Higgs boson, as well as its couplings to vector bosons and fermions, are presented. The analysis uses the LHC proton-proton collision data set recorded with the CMS detector in 2016 ats = 13 Te , corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 35.9fb - 1 . The combination is based on analyses targeting the five main Higgs boson production mechanisms (gluon fusion, vector boson fusion, and associated production with a W or Z boson, or a top quark-antiquark pair) and the following decay modes: H → γ γ , Z Z , W W , τ τ , b b , and μ μ . Searches for invisible Higgs boson decays are also considered. The best-fit ratio of the signal yield to the standard model expectation is measured to be μ = 1.17 ± 0.10 , assuming a Higgs boson mass of 125.09 Ge . Additional results are given for various assumptions on the scaling behavior of the production and decay modes, including generic parametrizations based on ratios of cross sections and branching fractions or couplings. The results are compatible with the standard model predictions in all parametrizations considered. In addition, constraints are placed on various two Higgs doublet models.

Measurement of the t t ¯ production cross section, the top quark mass, and the strong coupling constant using dilepton events in pp collisions at s = 13 Te

A measurement of the top quark-antiquark pair production cross section σ t t ¯ in proton-proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of 13Te is presented. The data correspond to an integrated luminosity of 35.9 fb - 1 , recorded by the CMS experiment at the CERN LHC in 2016. Dilepton events ( e ± μ ∓ ,μ + μ - ,e + e - ) are selected and the cross section is measured from a likelihood fit. For a top quark mass parameter in the simulation ofm t MC = 172.5 Ge the fit yields a measured cross sectionσ t t ¯ = 803 ± 2 (stat) ± 25 (syst) ± 20 (lumi) pb , in agreement with the expectation from the standard model calculation at next-to-next-to-leading order. A simultaneous fit of the cross section and the top quark mass parameter in the powheg simulation is performed. The measured value ofm t MC = 172.33 ± 0.14 (stat) - 0.72 + 0.66 (syst) Ge is in good agreement with previous measurements. The resulting cross section is used, together with the theoretical prediction, to determine the top quark mass and to extract a value of the strong coupling constant with different sets of parton distribution functions.

Search for vector-like quarks in events with two oppositely charged leptons and jets in proton-proton collisions at s = 13 Te

A search for the pair production of heavy vector-like partners T and B of the top and bottom quarks has been performed by the CMS experiment at the CERN LHC using proton-proton collisions ats = 13 Te . The data sample was collected in 2016 and corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 35.9fb - 1 . Final states studied for T T ¯ production include those where one of the T quarks decays via T → t Z and the other via T → b W , t Z , or t H , where H is a Higgs boson. For the B B ¯ case, final states include those where one of the B quarks decays via B → b Z and the other B → t W , b Z , or b H . Events with two oppositely charged electrons or muons, consistent with coming from the decay of a Z boson, and jets are investigated. The number of observed events is consistent with standard model background estimations. Lower limits at 95% confidence level are placed on the masses of the T and B quarks for a range of branching fractions. Assuming 100% branching fractions for T → t Z , and B → b Z , T and B quark mass values below 1280 and 1130Ge , respectively, are excluded.

Jet Shapes of Isolated Photon-Tagged Jets in Pb-Pb and pp Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02 TeV

The modification of jet shapes in Pb-Pb collisions, relative to those in pp collisions, is studied for jets associated with an isolated photon. The data were collected with the CMS detector at the LHC at a nucleon-nucleon center-of-mass energy of 5.02 TeV. Jet shapes are constructed from charged particles with track transverse momenta (p_{T}) above 1  GeV/c in annuli around the axes of jets with p_{T}^{jet}>30  GeV/c associated with an isolated photon with p_{T}^{γ}>60  GeV/c. The jet shape distributions are consistent between peripheral Pb-Pb and pp collisions, but are modified for more central Pb-Pb collisions. In these central Pb-Pb events, a larger fraction of the jet momentum is observed at larger distances from the jet axis compared to pp, reflecting the interaction between the partonic medium created in heavy ion collisions and the traversing partons.

Search for W Boson Decays to Three Charged Pions

For the first time, a search for the rare decay of the W boson to three charged pions has been performed. Proton-proton collision data recorded by the CMS experiment at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 77.3  fb^{-1}, have been analyzed. No significant excess is observed above the background expectation. An upper limit of 1.01×10^{-6} is set at 95% confidence level on the branching fraction of the W boson to three charged pions. This provides a strong motivation for theoretical calculations of this branching fraction.

Measurement of the top quark mass in the all-jets final state at s = 13 TeV and combination with the lepton+jets channel

A top quark mass measurement is performed using 35.9 fb - 1 of LHC proton-proton collision data collected with the CMS detector ats = 13 TeV . The measurement uses the t t ¯ all-jets final state. A kinematic fit is performed to reconstruct the decay of the t t ¯  system and suppress the multijet background. Using the ideogram method, the top quark mass ( m t ) is determined, simultaneously constraining an additional jet energy scale factor ( JSF ). The resulting value ofm t = 172.34 ± 0.20 (stat+JSF) ± 0.70 (syst) GeV is in good agreement with previous measurements. In addition, a combined measurement that uses the t t ¯ lepton+jets and all-jets final states is presented, using the same mass extraction method, and provides an m t measurement of 172.26 ± 0.07 (stat+JSF) ± 0.61 (syst) GeV . This is the first combined m t extraction from the lepton+jets and all-jets channels through a single likelihood function.

Observation of Single Top Quark Production in Association with a Z Boson in Proton-Proton Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

The observation of single top quark production in association with a Z boson and a quark (tZq) is reported. Events from proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV containing three charged leptons (either electrons or muons) and at least two jets are analyzed. The data were collected with the CMS detector in 2016 and 2017 and correspond to an integrated luminosity of 77.4fb^{-1}. The increased integrated luminosity, a multivariate lepton identification, and a redesigned analysis strategy improve significantly the sensitivity of the analysis compared to previous searches for tZq production. The tZq signal is observed with a significance well over 5 standard deviations. The measured tZq production cross section is σ(pp→tZq→tℓ^{+}ℓ^{-}q)=111±13(stat)_{-9}^{+11}(syst)  fb, for dilepton invariant masses above 30 GeV, in agreement with the standard model expectation.

Observation of Two Excited B_{c}^{+} States and Measurement of the B_{c}^{+}(2S) Mass in pp Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

Signals consistent with the B_{c}^{+}(2S) and B_{c}^{*+}(2S) states are observed in proton-proton collisions at sqrt[s]=13  TeV, in an event sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 143  fb^{-1}, collected by the CMS experiment during the 2015-2018 LHC running periods. These excited b[over ¯]c states are observed in the B_{c}^{+}π^{+}π^{-} invariant mass spectrum, with the ground state B_{c}^{+} reconstructed through its decay to J/ψπ^{+}. The two states are reconstructed as two well-resolved peaks, separated in mass by 29.1±1.5(stat)±0.7(syst)  MeV. The observation of two peaks, rather than one, is established with a significance exceeding five standard deviations. The mass of the B_{c}^{+}(2S) meson is measured to be 6871.0±1.2(stat)±0.8(syst)±0.8(B_{c}^{+})  MeV, where the last term corresponds to the uncertainty in the world-average B_{c}^{+} mass.

Search for resonant production of second-generation sleptons with same-sign dimuon events in proton-proton collisions at s = 13 TeV

A search is presented for resonant production of second-generation sleptons (μ ~ L ,ν ~ μ ) via the R-parity-violating coupling λ 211 ' to quarks, in events with two same-sign muons and at least two jets in the final state. The smuon (muon sneutrino) is expected to decay into a muon and a neutralino (chargino), which will then decay into a second muon and at least two jets. The analysis is based on the 2016 data set of proton-proton collisions ats = 13 TeV recorded with the CMS detector at the LHC, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 35.9fb - 1 . No significant deviation is observed with respect to standard model expectations. Upper limits on cross sections, ranging from 0.24 to 730fb , are derived in the context of two simplified models representing the dominant signal contributions leading to a same-sign muon pair. The cross section limits are translated into coupling limits for a modified constrained minimal supersymmetric model with λ 211 ' as the only nonzero R-parity violating coupling. The results significantly extend restrictions of the parameter space compared with previous searches for similar models.

Combination of Searches for Higgs Boson Pair Production in Proton-Proton Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

This Letter describes a search for Higgs boson pair production using the combined results from four final states: bbγγ, bbττ, bbbb, and bbVV, where V represents a W or Z boson. The search is performed using data collected in 2016 by the CMS experiment from LHC proton-proton collisions at sqrt[s]=13  TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 35.9  fb^{-1}. Limits are set on the Higgs boson pair production cross section. A 95% confidence level observed (expected) upper limit on the nonresonant production cross section is set at 22.2 (12.8) times the standard model value. A search for narrow resonances decaying to Higgs boson pairs is also performed in the mass range 250-3000 GeV. No evidence for a signal is observed, and upper limits are set on the resonance production cross section.

Search for dark matter produced in association with a Higgs boson decaying to a pair of bottom quarks in proton-proton collisions at s = 13 Te

A search for dark matter produced in association with a Higgs boson decaying to a pair of bottom quarks is performed in proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 13Te collected with the CMS detector at the LHC. The analyzed data sample corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 35.9fb - 1 . The signal is characterized by a large missing transverse momentum recoiling against a bottom quark-antiquark system that has a large Lorentz boost. The number of events observed in the data is consistent with the standard model background prediction. Results are interpreted in terms of limits both on parameters of the type-2 two-Higgs doublet model extended by an additional light pseudoscalar boson a (2HDM+ a ) and on parameters of a baryonicZ ' simplified model. The 2HDM+ a model is tested experimentally for the first time. For the baryonicZ ' model, the presented results constitute the most stringent constraints to date.

Measurement of exclusive Υ photoproduction from protons in p Pb collisions at s NN = 5.02 TeV

The exclusive photoproduction of Υ ( nS ) meson states from protons, γ p → Υ ( nS ) p (with n = 1 , 2 , 3 ), is studied in ultraperipheral p Pb collisions at a centre-of-mass energy per nucleon pair ofs NN = 5.02 TeV . The measurement is performed using the Υ ( nS ) → μ + μ - decay mode, with data collected by the CMS experiment corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 32.6nb - 1 . Differential cross sections as functions of the Υ ( nS ) transverse momentum squared p T 2 , and rapidity y, are presented. The Υ ( 1 S ) photoproduction cross section is extracted in the rapidity range | y | < 2.2 , which corresponds to photon-proton centre-of-mass energies in the range 91 < W γ p < 826 GeV . The data are compared to theoretical predictions based on perturbative quantum chromodynamics and to previous measurements.

Does vitamin fortification affect light oxidation in fluid skim milk?

Off-flavors in milk related to light oxidation form due to photoxidation of native riboflavin and tetrapyrroles, resulting in an array of lipid oxidation compounds. Recent work has established that fortification with water-dispersible vitamin A can result in off-flavors in fluid skim milk caused by vitamin A degradation products in the vitamin premix. The objective of this study was to determine the role of vitamin fortification on light oxidation of high temperature, short time pasteurized fluid skim milk. First, the aroma profiles and aroma-active volatile compounds in light-exposed vitamin premixes were determined by exposing the premixes to fluorescent (FL) or light-emitting diode (LED) light at 2,000 lx at 4°C for 0, 2, 4, 8, or 24 h. A trained panel (n = 6) documented aroma profiles of each vitamin premix at each time point. Headspace solid-phase microextraction followed by gas chromatography-olfactometry and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) were performed to characterize aroma-active compounds in light-exposed vitamin premixes. In the second experiment, commercial vitamin premixes (vitamin A and vitamin D in oil and water matrices) were used to fortify skim milk (vitamin A: 3,000 IU/946 mL; vitamin D: 600 IU/946 mL). Skim milk was pasteurized, homogenized, and packaged in 946-mL high-density polyethylene jugs. Milks were exposed to FL or LED light at 2,000 lx at 4°C for 4, 12, 24, or 48 h. Controls with and without vitamins and light shielding were included. Riboflavin and vitamin A and D degradation were quantified via ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography. A trained panel (n = 8) documented sensory profiles of milks at each time point. Lipid oxidation volatile compounds were quantified via solid-phase microextraction with GC-MS. Vitamin degradation volatile compounds were quantified via solvent-assisted sorptive stir bar extraction with GC-MS. Riboflavin, vitamin A, and vitamin D degradation were consistent with that reported in previous studies. We found no effect of vitamin fortification on development of typical light oxidation-related off-flavors (cardboard and mushroom) or lipid oxidation-related volatiles (hexanal and heptanal). A perfumey/floral flavor was documented in the oil-based vitamin A-fortified milk, suggesting that light exposure affected the off-flavors contributed by water- versus oil-based vitamin fortification. These results show no evidence that vitamin fortification at current levels provides any protection against light oxidation-related off-flavors in fluid milk.

Measurement of associated production of a W boson and a charm quark in proton-proton collisions at s = 13 Te

Measurements are presented of associated production of a W boson and a charm quark ( W + c ) in proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 13Te . The data correspond to an integrated luminosity of 35.7fb - 1 collected by the CMS experiment at the CERN LHC. The W bosons are identified by their decay into a muon and a neutrino. The charm quarks are tagged via the full reconstruction ofD ∗ ( 2010 ) ± mesons that decay viaD ∗ ( 2010 ) ± → D 0 + π ± → K ∓ + π ± + π ± . A cross section is measured in the fiducial region defined by the muon transverse momentump T μ > 26 Ge , muon pseudorapidity| η μ | < 2.4 , and charm quark transverse momentump T c > 5 Ge . The inclusive cross section for this kinematic range is σ ( W + c ) = 1026 ± 31 (stat) + 76 - 72 (syst) pb . The cross section is also measured differentially as a function of the pseudorapidity of the muon from the W boson decay. These measurements are compared with theoretical predictions and are used to probe the strange quark content of the proton.

Concentration of furfuryl alcohol in fluid milk, dried dairy ingredients, and cultured dairy products

Maillard reactions occur in dairy products during heat treatment. Furfuryl alcohol (FA) may be found in dairy products as a result of Maillard reactions. The recent posting in California Proposition 65 indicates that FA may be carcinogenic, and for this reason it is crucial to accurately measure FA concentrations in dairy products. The objective of this study was to identify an extraction and quantitation method for FA from dairy products and to determine FA concentrations in milk, dairy powders, and cultured dairy products. Solvent-assisted flavor extraction, solid-phase microextraction, stir bar sorptive extraction with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and triple quadrupole mass spectrometry were compared for recovery of FA. Internal standards for the quantitation of FA (2-methyl-3-heptanone, furfuryl-d₅ alcohol, 2,5-dimethylphenol, 5-methyl-2-furfuryl alcohol, and 5-methyl furfural) were also compared. Subsequently, fluid milk [high temperature, short time (HTST) and ultrapasteurized], whey protein isolates (3 mo-4 yr), whey protein concentrates (3 mo-4 yr), whole milk powders (1 yr), high and low heat skim milk powders (SMP; 0-8 yr), milk protein isolates (3 mo-3 yr), milk protein concentrates (3 mo-3 yr), Cheddar cheese (mild, medium, sharp, and extra sharp), mozzarella cheese (whole and part skim), cottage cheese (nonfat, low fat, and full fat), sour cream (nonfat, low fat, and full fat), traditional yogurt (nonfat, low fat, and full fat), and Greek-style yogurt (nonfat; n = 139 products total) were evaluated. Furfuryl alcohol was extracted from products by headspace solid-phase microextraction followed by gas chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry using a ZB-5ms column (30 m × 0.25 mm × 0.25 µm; Phenomenex Inc., Torrance, CA). Furfuryl-d₅ alcohol was used as an internal standard. Each food was extracted in triplicate. Ultrapasteurized milks had higher levels of FA than HTST milks (122.3 vs. 7.350 µg/kg). Furfuryl alcohol concentrations ranged from 0.634 to 26.55 µg/kg in whey protein isolates, 2.251 to 56.19 µg/kg in whey protein concentrates, 11.99 to 121.9 µg/kg in milk protein isolates, and 8.312 to 49.71 µg/kg in milk protein concentrates, and concentrations increased with powder storage. High heat SMP had higher concentrations of FA than low heat SMP (11.8 vs. 1.36 µg/kg) and concentrations increased with storage time. Concentrations of FA in Cheddar and mozzarella cheese ranged from 2.361 to 110.5 µg/kg and were higher than FA concentrations in cottage cheese or sour cream (0.049-1.017 µg/kg). These results suggest that FA is present at higher levels in dairy products that have been subjected to higher temperatures or have been stored longer. Sour cream and cottage cheese had lower levels of FA. Compared with other studies on food products with reported levels of FA, such as coffee (200-400 µg/g), dairy products have very low levels of FA.

Search for Narrow Hγ Resonances in Proton-Proton Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

A search for heavy, narrow resonances decaying to a Higgs boson and a photon (Hγ) has been performed in proton-proton collision data at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 35.9  fb^{-1} collected with the CMS detector at the LHC in 2016. Events containing a photon and a Lorentz-boosted hadronically decaying Higgs boson reconstructed as a single, large-radius jet are considered, and the γ+jet invariant mass spectrum is analyzed for the presence of narrow resonances. To increase the sensitivity of the search, events are categorized depending on whether or not the large-radius jet can be identified as a result of the merging of two jets originating from b quarks. Results in both categories are found to agree with the predictions of the standard model. Upper limits on the production rate of Hγ resonances are set as a function of their mass in the range of 720-3250 GeV, representing the most stringent constraints to date.

Study of the underlying event in top quark pair production in p p collisions at 13 Te

Measurements of normalized differential cross sections as functions of the multiplicity and kinematic variables of charged-particle tracks from the underlying event in top quark and antiquark pair production are presented. The measurements are performed in proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 13 Te , and are based on data collected by the CMS experiment at the LHC in 2016 corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 35.9 fb - 1 . Events containing one electron, one muon, and two jets from the hadronization and fragmentation of b quarks are used. These measurements characterize, for the first time, properties of the underlying event in top quark pair production and show no deviation from the universality hypothesis at energy scales typically above twice the top quark mass.

Search for rare decays of Z and Higgs bosons to J / ψ and a photon in proton-proton collisions at s = 13 TeV

A search is presented for decays of Z and Higgs bosons to a J / ψ meson and a photon, with the subsequent decay of the J / ψ toμ + μ - . The analysis uses data from proton-proton collisions with an integrated luminosity of 35.9fb - 1 ats = 13 TeV collected with the CMS detector at the LHC. The observed limit on the Z → J / ψ γ decay branching fraction, assuming that the J / ψ meson is produced unpolarized, is 1.4 × 10 - 6 at 95% confidence level, which corresponds to a rate higher than expected in the standard model by a factor of 15. For extreme-polarization scenarios, the observed limit changes from - 13.6 to + 8.6 % with respect to the unpolarized scenario. The observed upper limit on the branching fraction for H → J / ψ γ where the J / ψ meson is assumed to be transversely polarized is 7.6 × 10 - 4 , a factor of 260 larger than the standard model prediction. The results for the Higgs boson are combined with previous data from proton-proton collisions ats = 8 TeV to produce an observed upper limit on the branching fraction for H → J / ψ γ that is a factor of 220 larger than the standard model value.