Dark matter axion search using a Josephson Traveling wave parametric amplifier.

We describe the first implementation of a Josephson Traveling Wave Parametric Amplifier (JTWPA) in an axion dark matter search. The operation of the JTWPA for a period of about two weeks achieved sensitivity to axion-like particle dark matter with axion-photon couplings above 10-13 Ge V-1 over a narrow range of axion masses centered around 19.84 µeV by tuning the resonant frequency of the cavity over the frequency range of 4796.7-4799.5 MHz. The JTWPA was operated in the insert of the axion dark matter experiment as part of an independent receiver chain that was attached to a 0.56-l cavity. The ability of the JTWPA to deliver high gain over a wide (3 GHz) bandwidth has engendered interest from those aiming to perform broadband axion searches, a longstanding goal in this field.

Search for a Dark-Matter-Induced Cosmic Axion Background with ADMX.

We report the first result of a direct search for a cosmic axion background (CaB)-a relativistic background of axions that is not dark matter-performed with the axion haloscope, the Axion Dark Matter eXperiment (ADMX). Conventional haloscope analyses search for a signal with a narrow bandwidth, as predicted for dark matter, whereas the CaB will be broad. We introduce a novel analysis strategy, which searches for a CaB induced daily modulation in the power measured by the haloscope. Using this, we repurpose data collected to search for dark matter to set a limit on the axion photon coupling of a CaB originating from dark matter cascade decay via a mediator in the 800-995 MHz frequency range. We find that the present sensitivity is limited by fluctuations in the cavity readout as the instrument scans across dark matter masses. Nevertheless, we suggest that these challenges can be surmounted using superconducting qubits as single photon counters, and allow ADMX to operate as a telescope searching for axions emerging from the decay of dark matter. The daily modulation analysis technique we introduce can be deployed for various broadband rf signals, such as other forms of a CaB or even high-frequency gravitational waves.

Axion Dark Matter Experiment: Detailed design and operations.

Axion dark matter experiment ultra-low noise haloscope technology has enabled the successful completion of two science runs (1A and 1B) that looked for dark matter axions in the 2.66-3.1 µeV mass range with Dine-Fischler-Srednicki-Zhitnisky sensitivity [Du et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 120, 151301 (2018) and Braine et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 124, 101303 (2020)]. Therefore, it is the most sensitive axion search experiment to date in this mass range. We discuss the technological advances made in the last several years to achieve this sensitivity, which includes the implementation of components, such as the state-of-the-art quantum-noise-limited amplifiers and a dilution refrigerator. Furthermore, we demonstrate the use of a frequency tunable microstrip superconducting quantum interference device amplifier in run 1A, and a Josephson parametric amplifier in run 1B, along with novel analysis tools that characterize the system noise temperature.

Search for Invisible Axion Dark Matter in the 3.3-4.2 µeV Mass Range.

We report the results from a haloscope search for axion dark matter in the 3.3-4.2 µeV mass range. This search excludes the axion-photon coupling predicted by one of the benchmark models of "invisible" axion dark matter, the Kim-Shifman-Vainshtein-Zakharov model. This sensitivity is achieved using a large-volume cavity, a superconducting magnet, an ultra low noise Josephson parametric amplifier, and sub-Kelvin temperatures. The validity of our detection procedure is ensured by injecting and detecting blind synthetic axion signals.

Extended Search for the Invisible Axion with the Axion Dark Matter Experiment.

This Letter reports on a cavity haloscope search for dark matter axions in the Galactic halo in the mass range 2.81-3.31 µeV. This search utilizes the combination of a low-noise Josephson parametric amplifier and a large-cavity haloscope to achieve unprecedented sensitivity across this mass range. This search excludes the full range of axion-photon coupling values predicted in benchmark models of the invisible axion that solve the strong CP problem of quantum chromodynamics.

The impact of electrical injuries on long-term outcomes: A Burn Model System National Database study.

INTRODUCTION: Electrical injuries exhibit significant acute and long-term sequelae. Amputation and neurological deficits are common in electrical injury survivors. There is a paucity of information on the long-term outcomes of this population. Therefore, this study examines the long-term outcomes of electrical injuries by comparing them to fire/flame injuries. METHODS: Data from the Burn Model System National Database collected between 1996 and 2015 was examined. Demographic and clinical characteristics for adult burn survivors with electrical and fire/flame injuries were compared. Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS), Short Form-12 Physical Composite Score (SF-12 PCS), Short Form-12 Mental Composite Score (SF-12 MCS), and employment status were examined at 24 months post-injury. Linear and logistic regression models were used to assess differences in outcome measures between groups, controlling for demographic and clinical variables. RESULTS: A total of 1147 adult burn survivors (111 with electrical injuries; 1036 with fire/flame injuries) were included in this study. Persons with electrical injuries were more likely to be male and injured at work (p<0.001). SF-12 PCS scores were significantly worse for survivors with electrical injuries at 24 months post-injury than survivors with fire/flame injuries (p<0.01). Those with electrical injuries were nearly half as likely to be employed at 24 months post-injury than those with fire/flame injuries (p=0.002). There were no significant differences in SWLS and SF-12 MCS between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Adult survivors with electrical injuries reported worse physical health and were less likely to be employed at 24 months post-injury compared to survivors with fire/flame injuries. A more detailed understanding of return to work barriers and work accommodations is merited for the electrical injury population. Furthermore, the results of this study should inform future resource allocation for the physical health and employment needs of this population.

The entity of thermal-crush-avulsion hand injury (hot-press roller burns) treated with fast acting debriding enzymes (nexobrid): literature review and report of first case.

Hand burns are present in >60% of all burn cases and in fire mass casualty incidents even up to 100%. Most trauma and especially burns may be detrimental to the complex and delicate structures of the hand by direct injury, indirect BICS (Burn Induced Compartment Syndrome and interstitial high pressure) or by delayed or faulty treatment. BICS represents a special threat as the increasing swelling and oedema of the small diameter hand and forearm will exert pressure on the capillary/venous system, eventually ending in irreversible damage to the skin, nerves, muscle and vascular bed. Immediate release of constricting skin by incisional escharotomy and sometimes fasciotomy may arrest this vicious cycle: escharotomy is simple for experienced hand or burn surgeons, but they are not always present at the primary treatment site. The diagnosis of BICS is not simple either, as the direct measurement of interstitial/compartment pressure is rarely done. Burns caused by hot rollers such as industrial linen ironing machines are especially traumatic as besides the "simple" thermal burn, the hot rollers exert immense crushing pressure to the hand caught between the rollers. Over the last few years, several publications have described the role of a newly approved Bromelain derived enzymatic debriding agent (NexoBrid) for burns in general and hand burns in particular, and its ability to resolve or prevent BICS. We present a rare severe thermal/crush hand injury case where we were able to successfully treat the patient with NexoBrid enzymatic debridement-escharotomy.

Une atteinte des mains est observée dans plus de 60% des brûlures, et dans quasiment tous les cas de catastrophes. La plupart des traumaitismes, en particulier les brûlures, peuvent être délétères pour les structures complexes et délicates de la main. Ceci peut être dû à la brûlure elle même, à un syndrome compartimental (SC), à un traitement tardif ou mal conduit. Le SC est particulièrement dangereux dans les espaces ténus de l'avant bras et de la main. L'augmentation de pression consécutive à l'oedème obère la microcirculation, entraînant au bout du compte des lésions cutanées, nerveuses, vasculaires et musculaires irréversibles. La libération immédiate des tissus ainsi comprimés par incision de décharge cutanée voire aponévrotomie peut interrompre le cercle vicieux. Il s'agit d'un geste simple pour des chirurgiens spécialisés, malheureusement pas toujours disponibles sur le site du traitement initial. Le diagnostic de SC n'est pas toujours aisé si la mesure directe des pressions tissulaires n'est pas réalisée. Les brûlures dues à des rouleaux chauffés comme ceux des presses à repasser industrielles car, outre le dégagement de chaleur, les rouleaux exercent une pression intense sur la main coincée entre eux. Depuis quelques années, plusieurs articles on décrit le rôle d'un nouvel agent de débridement enzymatique à base de bromélaïne (Nexobrid) pour le traitement des brûlures dont celles des mains ainsi que ses capacité à prévenir et traiter les SC. Nous présentons ici un cas de main de presse avec utilisation, couronnée de succès, de Nexobrid.

Search for Invisible Axion Dark Matter with the Axion Dark Matter Experiment.

This Letter reports the results from a haloscope search for dark matter axions with masses between 2.66 and 2.81 µeV. The search excludes the range of axion-photon couplings predicted by plausible models of the invisible axion. This unprecedented sensitivity is achieved by operating a large-volume haloscope at subkelvin temperatures, thereby reducing thermal noise as well as the excess noise from the ultralow-noise superconducting quantum interference device amplifier used for the signal power readout. Ongoing searches will provide nearly definitive tests of the invisible axion model over a wide range of axion masses.

Piezoelectrically Tuned Multimode Cavity Search for Axion Dark Matter.

The µeV axion is a well-motivated extension to the standard model. The Axion Dark Matter eXperiment (ADMX) collaboration seeks to discover this particle by looking for the resonant conversion of dark-matter axions to microwave photons in a strong magnetic field. In this Letter, we report results from a pathfinder experiment, the ADMX "Sidecar," which is designed to pave the way for future, higher mass, searches. This testbed experiment lives inside of and operates in tandem with the main ADMX experiment. The Sidecar experiment excludes masses in three widely spaced frequency ranges (4202-4249, 5086-5799, and 7173-7203 MHz). In addition, Sidecar demonstrates the successful use of a piezoelectric actuator for cavity tuning. Finally, this publication is the first to report data measured using both the TM_{010} and TM_{020} modes.

Borane-catalysed postpolymerisation modification of the Si-H bonds in poly(phenylsilane).

B(C6F5)3-catalysed hydrosilation, heterodehydrocoupling, and demethanative coupling reactions of the Si-H bonds in poly(phenylsilane) allow the introduction of 10-40% new sidechains in this polymer. The resulting new polymers contain an unusually wide variety of functionalities including Si-C, Si-O, Si-N, and Si-S bonds, whose presence is confirmed by NMR and IR spectroscopies. Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) are consistent with conservation of the all-silicon backbones in these modified polymers, a result of the high chemoselectivity of the borane-catalysed reactions for Si-H versus Si-Si bonds. UV-visible spectroscopy is sensitive to the presence of new functional groups in the modified polysilanes, although the high proportion of residual Si-H groups attenuates the changes in the σ-delocalized chromophores. Limitations in substrate scope, arising from issues of borane-substrate complexation or competing catalytic over-reduction chemistry, have been identified, and the potential for achieving greater degrees of sidechain substitution at higher reaction temperatures has been demonstrated for the hydrosilation of 1-hexene.

Bromelain-based enzymatic debridement and minimal invasive modality (mim) care of deeply burned hands.

The objective was to critically review the data and assess the implications of NexoBrid [NexoBrid-NXB formerly Debrase Gel Dressing-DGD]a in the special field of deep hand burns. Detailed analysis of endpoints in the treatment of hand burn patients was conducted as part of a multi-center, open label, randomized, controlled two-arm study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of NXB enzymatic debridement, comparing it to the current standard of care (SOC). These results were compared to a large cohort of patients treated with NXB in a previous, single arm study. Thirty-one burned hands were treated with NXB and 41 hand burns were in the SOC group. In the NXB group, 4 out of 31 hand burns (12.9%) required some excisional debridement compared to 29 out of the 41 (70.7%) in the SOC group (p<0.0001). Mean percentage of burn wound area excised in the NXB group was 4.4 ± 13.1% compared to 52.0 ± 41.4% in the SOC group (p<0.0001). None of the NXB-treated hands required escharotomy compared to 4 out of the 41 (9.7%) in the SOC group. NXB enzymatic debridement demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in burn wound excision and auto-grafting compared to SOC, and seems to prevent the need for emergency escharotomy. a DGD is produced by MediWound and distributed under the name NexoBrid®.

Le but était de réaliser une révision attentive des données et d'évaluer la place de Nexobrid (Nexobrid-NXB, précédemment Debrase Gel Dressing-DGD) dans l'indication particulière des brûlures profondes de la main. Une analyse détaillée des objectifs dans le traitement des brûlures de la main a été conduite en partie par une étude multicentrique, ouverte, randomisée, contrôlée avec 2 groupes pour évaluer la sécurité et l'efficacité de ce débridement enzymatique par rapport aux soins habituels (Standard of Care ou SOC). Ces résultats ont été comparés à une vaste cohorte de patients traités par NXB dans une étude précédente sur un seul groupe. 31 mains brûlées furent traitées par NXB et 41 dans le groupe SOC. Dans le groupe NXB, 4 sur 31 mains brûlées soit 12,9 % nécessitèrent une excision partielle, alors que 29 sur 41 dans le groupe SOC (70,7 %) (p < 0,0001). La moyenne des zones brûlées excisées dans le groupe NXB était de 4,4 (+ ou - 13,1 %) comparée aux 52,0 (+ ou - 41,4 % du groupe SOC) (p <0,0001). Aucune des mains traitées par NXB ont nécessité une excision totale, comparée à 4 sur 41 du groupe SOC (9,7 % du groupe). Le débridement enzymatique NXB montre une réduction statistiquement significative de l'indication d'excision avec autogreffe par rapport au groupe traité classiquement et semble prévenir la nécessité d'une escarrotomie en urgence.

Extended exome sequencing identifies BACH2 as a novel major risk locus for Addison's disease.

BACKGROUND: Autoimmune disease is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In Addison's disease, the adrenal glands are targeted by destructive autoimmunity. Despite being the most common cause of primary adrenal failure, little is known about its aetiology. METHODS: To understand the genetic background of Addison's disease, we utilized the extensively characterized patients of the Swedish Addison Registry. We developed an extended exome capture array comprising a selected set of 1853 genes and their potential regulatory elements, for the purpose of sequencing 479 patients with Addison's disease and 1394 controls. RESULTS: We identified BACH2 (rs62408233-A, OR = 2.01 (1.71-2.37), P = 1.66 × 10-15 , MAF 0.46/0.29 in cases/controls) as a novel gene associated with Addison's disease development. We also confirmed the previously known associations with the HLA complex. CONCLUSION: Whilst BACH2 has been previously reported to associate with organ-specific autoimmune diseases co-inherited with Addison's disease, we have identified BACH2 as a major risk locus in Addison's disease, independent of concomitant autoimmune diseases. Our results may enable future research towards preventive disease treatment.

A new bromelain-based enzyme for the release of Dupuytren's contracture: Dupuytren's enzymatic bromelain-based release.

OBJECTIVES: Injectable Bromelain Solution (IBS) is a modified investigational derivate of the medical grade bromelain-debriding pharmaceutical agent (NexoBrid) studied and approved for a rapid (four-hour single application), eschar-specific, deep burn debridement. We conducted an ex vivo study to determine the ability of IBS to dissolve-disrupt (enzymatic fasciotomy) Dupuytren's cords. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Specially prepared medical grade IBS was injected into fresh Dupuytren's cords excised from patients undergoing surgical fasciectomy. These cords were tested by tension-loading them to failure with the Zwick 1445 (Zwick GmbH & Co. KG, Ulm, Germany) tension testing system. RESULTS: We completed a pilot concept-validation study that proved the efficacy of IBS to induce enzymatic fasciotomy in ten cords compared with control in ten cords. We then completed a dosing study with an additional 71 cords injected with IBS in descending doses from 150 mg/cc to 0.8 mg/cc. The dosing study demonstrated that the minimal effective dose of 0.5 cc of 6.25 mg/cc to 5 mg/cc could achieve cord rupture in more than 80% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary results indicate that IBS may be effective in enzymatic fasciotomy in Dupuytren's contracture.Cite this article: Dr G. Rubin. A new bromelain-based enzyme for the release of Dupuytren's contracture: Dupuytren's enzymatic bromelain-based release. Bone Joint Res 2016;5:175-177. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.55.BJR-2016-0072.

In vivo burn diagnosis by camera-phone diffuse reflectance laser speckle detection.

Burn diagnosis using laser speckle light typically employs widefield illumination of the burn region to produce two-dimensional speckle patterns from light backscattered from the entire irradiated tissue volume. Analysis of speckle contrast in these time-integrated patterns can then provide information on burn severity. Here, by contrast, we use point illumination to generate diffuse reflectance laser speckle patterns of the burn. By examining spatiotemporal fluctuations in these time-integrated patterns along the radial direction from the incident point beam, we show the ability to distinguish partial-thickness burns in a porcine model in vivo within the first 24 hours post-burn. Furthermore, our findings suggest that time-integrated diffuse reflectance laser speckle can be useful for monitoring burn healing over time post-burn. Unlike conventional diffuse reflectance laser speckle detection systems that utilize scientific or industrial-grade cameras, our system is designed with a camera-phone, demonstrating the potential for burn diagnosis with a simple imager.

Different pathways to children's enjoyment of participation in daily activities.

BACKGROUND: The enjoyment arising from participating in an activity is considered to be related to health and well-being. However, only a few studies have focused on children's enjoyment of participation. AIM: To assess the contribution of various individual factors to the total explained variance of children's enjoyment of participation from the perspectives of parents and children. METHODS: Ninety-eight typically developed children were evaluated using motor and cognitive tests; they completed the Children's Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment. Their parents completed the Children Participation Questionnaire, the Performance Skills Questionnaire, and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. RESULTS: Age and gender were found to be significant predictors. Parents perceived enjoyment to be associated with their child's performance skills and the efficient execution of daily tasks. Children perceived enjoyment to be associated with their psychosocial functioning. CONCLUSIONS: The contribution of performance skills exceeds the contribution of motor or cognitive ability to the total explained variance of a child's enjoyment of participation. A gap exists, however, between the perspectives of children and parents regarding enjoyment of participation. Enhancing participation is a central goal of the occupational therapy domain and process; our findings may provide insights into possible pathways to accomplish this goal.

Housing for ageing LGBTQ people in Sweden: a descriptive study of needs, preferences, and concerns.

BACKGROUND/AIM: With an increasing number of ageing people who identify themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ), there is a risk that traditional housing for older people fails to meet the needs of these people. The aim of this study was to describe LGBTQ people's needs, preferences, and concerns according to ageing and housing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Based on a survey (n = 487), and six focus-group discussions (n = 30), with LGBTQ persons, quantitative and qualitative approaches were used to analyse the findings. RESULTS: When comparing the ranking of preferences (in terms of activity options, environmental features, and staff competence) in a senior housing setting between the LGBTQ people (n = 200) and heterosexual matched controls (n = 198), only minor differences were detected. The findings from the focus groups included: (1) a dilemma between segregation and openness, (2) the importance of safety associated with ageing together with persons with similar experiences, and (3) networks of persons at different ages connected through close friendship supported participation in activities in LGBTQ-profiled senior housing. CONCLUSION AND SIGNIFICANCE: The findings provide knowledge to improve awareness of sexual orientation when it comes to needs and preferences in relation to ageing and housing in a Swedish context.

Commercial Scale Cucumber Fermentations Brined with Calcium Chloride Instead of Sodium Chloride.

Development of low salt cucumber fermentation processes present opportunities to reduce the amount of sodium chloride (NaCl) that reaches fresh water streams from industrial activities. The objective of this research was to translate cucumber fermentation brined with calcium chloride (CaCl2 ) instead of NaCl to commercial scale production. Although CaCl2 brined cucumber fermentations were stable in laboratory experiments, commercial scale trials using 6440 L open-top tanks rapidly underwent secondary cucumber fermentation. It was understood that a limited air purging routine, use of a starter culture and addition of preservatives to the cover brine aids in achieving the desired complete cucumber fermentation. The modified process was used for subsequent commercial trials using 12490 and 28400 L open-top tanks packed with variable size cucumbers and from multiple lots, and cover brines containing CaCl2 and potassium sorbate to equilibrated concentrations of 100 and 6 mM, respectively. Lactobacillus plantarum LA0045 was inoculated to 10(6) CFU/mL, and air purging was applied for two 2-3 h periods per day for the first 10 d of fermentation and one 2-3 h period per day between days 11 and 14. All fermentations were completed, as evidenced by the full conversion of sugars to lactic acid, decrease in pH to 3.0, and presented microbiological stability for a minimum of 21 d. This CaCl2 process may be used to produce fermented cucumbers intended to be stored short term in a manner that reduces pollution and waste removal costs.

Dielectric spectroscopy for monitoring human pancreatic islet differentiation within cell-seeded scaffolds in a perfusion bioreactor system.

The long-term in vitro culture and differentiation of human pancreatic islets is still hindered by the inability to emulate a suitable microenvironment mimicking physiological extracellular matrix (ECM) support and nutrient/oxygen perfusion. This is further amplified by the current lack of a non-invasive and rapid monitoring system to readily evaluate cellular processes. In this study, we realized a viable method for non-invasively monitoring isolated human pancreatic islets in vitro. Islets are induced to dedifferentiate into proliferative duct-like structures (DLS) in preparation for potential and subsequent re-differentiation into functional islet-like structures (ILS) in a process reminiscent of islet regeneration strategies. This long-term in vitro process is conducted within a three-dimensional microenvironment involving islets embedded in an optimized ECM gel supported by microfabricated three-dimensional scaffolds. The islet-scaffold is then housed and continuously perfused within chambers of a bioreactor platform. The process in its entirety is monitored through dielectric spectroscopy measurements, yielding an accurate representation of cellular morphology, functionality, and volume fraction. This non-invasive and real-time monitoring tool can be further manipulated to elucidate important information about the optimized cellular microenvironment required for maintaining long-term culture and achieve efficient differentiation for islet regeneration.