Direct Mass Measurements of Neutron-Rich Zinc and Gallium Isotopes: An Investigation of the Formation of the First r-Process Peak.

The prediction of isotopic abundances resulting from the rapid neutron capture process (r process) requires high-precision mass measurements. Using TITAN's on-line time-of-flight spectrometer, first time mass measurements are performed for ^{83}Zn and ^{86}Ga. These measurements reduced uncertainties, and are used to calculate isotopic abundances near the first r-process abundance peak using astrophysical conditions present during a binary neutron star (BNS) merger.

Refined Topology of the N=20 Island of Inversion with High Precision Mass Measurements of ^{31-33}Na and ^{31-35}Mg.

Mass measurements of ^{31-33}Na and ^{31-35}Mg using the TITAN MR-TOF-MS at TRIUMF's ISAC facility are presented, with the uncertainty of the ^{33}Na mass reduced by over 2 orders of magnitude. The excellent performance of the MR-TOF-MS has also allowed the discovery of a millisecond isomer in ^{32}Na. The precision obtained shows that the binding energy of the normally closed N=20 neutron shell reaches a minimum for ^{32}Mg but increases significantly for ^{31}Na, hinting at the possibility of enhanced shell strength toward the unbound ^{28}O.

Metabolic skinflint or spendthrift? Insights into ground sloth integument and thermophysiology revealed by biophysical modeling and clumped isotope paleothermometry.

Unlabelled: Remains of megatheres have been known since the 18th -century and were among the first megafaunal vertebrates to be studied. While several examples of preserved integument show a thick coverage of fur for smaller ground sloths living in cold climates such as and , comparatively very little is known about megathere skin. Assuming a typical placental mammal metabolism, it was previously hypothesized that megatheres would have had little-to-no fur as they achieved giant body sizes.

Evaluating the physiological benefits of behavioral flexibility in chacma baboons (Papio ursinus) using a biophysical model.

As opportunistic generalists occupying a range of ecological niches, chacma baboons (Papio ursinus) are considered a highly flexible species of relatively low conservation priority. Underlying their ecological flexibility is a repertoire of behavioral strategies observed in response to ecological stressors. Although these strategies are relatively well-documented, we know very little about how they impact upon an individual's thermal and energetic physiology, which can influence population-level reproductive potential in the face of climatic warming.

Loss of STING impairs lactogenic differentiation.

Heightened energetic and nutrient demand during lactogenic differentiation of the mammary gland elicits upregulation of various stress responses to support cellular homeostasis. Here, we identify the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) as an immune supporter of the functional development of mouse mammary epithelial cells (MECs). An in vitro model of MEC differentiation revealed that STING is activated in a cGAS-independent manner to produce both type I interferons and proinflammatory cytokines in response to the accumulation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species.