First Results from a Broadband Search for Dark Photon Dark Matter in the 44 to 52 µeV Range with a Coaxial Dish Antenna.

We present first results from a dark photon dark matter search in the mass range from 44 to 52 µeV (10.7-12.5 GHz) using a room-temperature dish antenna setup called GigaBREAD. Dark photon dark matter converts to ordinary photons on a cylindrical metallic emission surface with area 0.5 m^{2} and is focused by a novel parabolic reflector onto a horn antenna. Signals are read out with a low-noise receiver system. A first data taking run with 24 days of data does not show evidence for dark photon dark matter in this mass range, excluding dark photon photon mixing parameters χ≳10^{-12} in this range at 90% confidence level. This surpasses existing constraints by about 2 orders of magnitude and is the most stringent bound on dark photons in this range below 49 µeV.

Search for Low-Mass Axion Dark Matter with ABRACADABRA-10 cm.

Two of the most pressing questions in physics are the microscopic nature of the dark matter that comprises 84% of the mass in the Universe and the absence of a neutron electric dipole moment. These questions would be resolved by the existence of a hypothetical particle known as the quantum chromodynamics (QCD) axion. In this work, we probe the hypothesis that axions constitute dark matter, using the ABRACADABRA-10 cm experiment in a broadband configuration, with world-leading sensitivity. We find no significant evidence for axions, and we present 95% upper limits on the axion-photon coupling down to the world-leading level g_{aγγ}<3.2×10^{-11} GeV^{-1}, representing one of the most sensitive searches for axions in the 0.41-8.27 neV mass range. Our work paves a direct path for future experiments capable of confirming or excluding the hypothesis that dark matter is a QCD axion in the mass range motivated by string theory and grand unified theories.

Biomechanical evaluation of an autologous flexor digitorum lateralis graft to augment the surgical repair of gastrocnemius tendon laceration in a canine ex vivo model.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of an autologous flexor digitorum lateralis (FDL) graft to augment a three-loop pulley (3LP) core repair in a canine cadaveric gastrocnemius tendon (GT) laceration model. STUDY DESIGN: Ex vivo, biomechanical study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Twenty-six canine cadaveric hind limbs. METHODS: Tendons were divided into two groups (n = 13). After sharp transection, paired GT were repaired with 3LP or 3LP + FDL tendon augmentation. Yield, peak and failure loads, tensile loads required to create 1 and 3-mm gapping, and failure modes were analyzed. Significance was set at P < .05. RESULTS: Yield and failure force (mean ± SD) for 3LP + FDL were 134.9 ± 44.1 N and 205.4 ± 46.4 N, respectively, which were greater than for 3LP alone (67.9 ± 12.2 N and 91.8 ± 9.9 N, respectively, P < .0001). No constructs (0%) formed 1 or 3-mm gaps in the 3LP + FDL graft group compared with 84% and 39% for 3LP, respectively (P < .0001). Failure modes were different between groups (P < .001), with 85% of 3LP + FDL constructs failing by tissue rupture at the myotendinous junction, distant to the repair site. CONCLUSION: Addition of an autologous FDL graft to a core 3LP tendon repair increased yield, peak, and failure forces by twofold, 2.3-fold, and 2.2-fold, respectively, compared with core 3LP alone while preventing the occurrence of gap formation. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Use of FDL tendon augmentation for GT laceration may increase repair site strength and resist gap formation better than 3LP core suture use alone. Additional studies are required in vivo to determine the effect of FDL graft augmentation on clinical function.

First Results from ABRACADABRA-10 cm: A Search for Sub-µeV Axion Dark Matter.

The axion is a promising dark matter candidate, which was originally proposed to solve the strong-CP problem in particle physics. To date, the available parameter space for axion and axionlike particle dark matter is relatively unexplored, particularly at masses m_{a}≲1 µeV. ABRACADABRA is a new experimental program to search for axion dark matter over a broad range of masses, 10^{-12}≲m_{a}≲10^{-6} eV. ABRACADABRA-10 cm is a small-scale prototype for a future detector that could be sensitive to the QCD axion. In this Letter, we present the first results from a 1 month search for axions with ABRACADABRA-10 cm. We find no evidence for axionlike cosmic dark matter and set 95% C.L. upper limits on the axion-photon coupling between g_{aγγ}<1.4×10^{-10} and g_{aγγ}<3.3×10^{-9} GeV^{-1} over the mass range 3.1×10^{-10}-8.3×10^{-9} eV. These results are competitive with the most stringent astrophysical constraints in this mass range.

Eye tracking as a debriefing tool in upset prevention and recovery training (UPRT) for general aviation pilots.

Upset prevention and recovery training (UPRT) is intended to improve the ability of pilots to recognize and avoid situations that can lead to airplane upsets and to improve their ability to recover control of an airplane that has exceeded the normal flight envelope. To this end, a set of different training contents - from theoretical knowledge of aerodynamics and human factors to practice-based flight training - is necessary. In order to support the debriefing with an objective feedback, and because visual scanning is a core competence, two studies on subjective evaluation of aviation pilots - one conducted in a flight simulator and the other one in-flight - focussed on the practical application of eye tracking as a debriefing tool in UPRT. From a practitioner's perspective, eye tracking appeared to be a useful method in terms of visualising instrument scanning techniques, supporting the instructor with objective debriefing material and fostering self-awareness in human processes. The discussion recommends adjusted UPRT instructor training and further improvements to eye tracking hardware and software. Practitioner Summary: The article focuses on pilot evaluations of eye tracking as a debriefing tool in UPRT and the identification of critical elements in its use. Eye tracking is a promising debriefing tool for UPRT. The discussion points to desirable improvements of eye tracking hardware and software as well as adjustments to instructor training that are pertinent.

Ex Vivo Biomechanical Assessment of a Novel Multi-Strand Repair of Canine Tendon Lacerations.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of increasing the number of suture strands traversing the transection site, level of suture purchase and depth of suture penetrance on the biomechanical properties of repaired gastrocnemius tendons. STUDY DESIGN: Thirty-eight adult cadaveric gastrocnemius tendons were randomized, transected and repaired with either two-, four- or six-strand locking multi-level repair. Tensile loads required to create a 1 and 3 mm gap, yield, peak and failure loads and failure mode were analysed. Significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Mean ± standard deviation yield, peak and failure force for six-strand repairs was 90.6 ± 22.1 N, 111.4 ± 15.2 N and 110.3 ± 15.1 N respectively. This was significantly greater compared with both four-strand (55.0 ± 8.9 N, 72.9 ± 7.8 N and 72.1 ± 8.2 N) and two-strand repairs (24.7 ± 8.3 N, 36.5 ± 6.0 N and 36.1 ± 6.3 N) respectively (p < 0.001). Occurrence of 3 mm gap formation was significantly less using six-strand repairs (p < 0.001). Mode of failure did not differ between groups with all repairs (36/36; 100%) failing by suture pull-through. CONCLUSION: Pattern modification by increasing the number of suture strands crossing the repair site, increasing points of suture purchase from the transection site and depth of suture penetrance is positively correlated with repair site strength while significantly reducing the occurrence of gap formation in a canine cadaveric model. Additional studies in vivo are recommended to evaluate their effect on tendinous healing, blood supply and glide resistance prior to clinical implementation.

Daily Water Intake by Common Marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) and Recommendations Regarding Fluid Regulation.

The typical daily water intake of common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) in a research setting has not been well characterized. Because these New World primates are in demand as animal models for neurobehavioral experiments, which can include the potential use of fluid regulation for training, veterinary and research staff need to understand how marmosets keep hydrated under normal circumstances. In the current study, we measured the water consumption of older (age, 5 to 12 y; n = 11) and younger (age, 1 to 2 y; n = 11) marmosets every 3 h during the 12-h light phase in 2 different months (January and July). The overall daily water intake (mean ± 1 SD) was 61.3 ± 20.4 mL/kg (range, 36.3 to 99.0 mL/kg); water intake by an individual marmoset or cohoused pair was fairly consistent from day to day. Water intake did not change across the four 3-h periods measured during the day, and minimal water was consumed overnight when the room lights were off. In addition, daily water intake did not differ between the 2 mo of measurements. Older animals drank significantly more than the younger group, and weight was directly correlated with water intake. Water intake was not affected by body condition score or housing status. The variation in water consumption among marmosets underscores the need for individualization of fluid regulation guidelines.

Immunobiology of Helicobacter pylori infection.

Helicobacter pylori is a 'slow' bacterial pathogen. While infection is usually acquired early in life, only decades later does severe pathology appear. During this long period of incubation, the host mounts a vigorous immune response against H. pylori which fails to resolve the infection and may in fact contribute to the severity of the disease. In the past year, evidence has accumulated indicating a role for a polarized T helper 1 cell response in the gastric pathology induced by H. pylori. Furthermore, a pathogenicity island in type I H. pylori strains has been shown to be responsible for H. pylori induced inflammation. Recent advances in animal models have provided the rationale for entering into human clinical trials of an H. pylori vaccine

Fibroblast glutamate transport in aging and in AD: correlations with disease severity.

Altered glutamate transport and aberrant EAAT1 expression were shown in Alzheimer's disease (AD) brains. It is presently unknown whether these modifications are a consequence of neurodegeneration or play a pathogenetic role. However, recent findings of decreased glutamate uptake, EAAT1 protein and mRNA in AD platelets suggest that glutamate transporter modifications may be systemic and might explain the decreased glutamate uptake. We now used primary fibroblast cultures from 10 AD patients to further investigate the specific involvement of glutamate transporters in this disorder and in normal aging. Decreased glutamate uptake (p<0.001), EAAT1 expression (p<0.05) and mRNA (p<0.01) were observed in aged people, compared to younger controls. In AD fibroblasts, compared to age-matched controls, we observed further reductions of glutamate uptake (p<0.0005) and EAAT1 expression (p<0.005), while EAAT1 mRNA increase (p<0.001) was shown. EAAT1 parameters were mutually correlated (p<0.01) and correlations were shown with dementia severity (p<0.05 MMSE-expression, p<0.005 MMSE-mRNA). We suggest fibroblast cultures as possible ex vivo peripheral model to study the glutamate involvement and possible molecular and therapeutic targets in AD.

Helping traumatized people survive: a psychoanalytic intervention in a contaminated site.

Psychoanalytic literature on extreme traumatization usually distinguishes between natural catastrophes and man-made catastrophes. While the first ones are usually sensed as nature's ferocity, fate, or God's will, the second ones are experienced as a volountary and violent attack aimed at disrupting other human beings. In this paper we focus on man-made disasters caused by a profit-driven logic. When traumatization is due to irresponsible actions perpetrated by the owners of the major economic resource of a community, it deeply affects the identity of the group, entailing the loss of basic trust and lively parts of the Self. In such a situation, where the whole community is severely traumatized, psychoanalytic group therapy seems to be the most suitable setting: it allows to place the historization of the event and the creation of multiple narratives of somato-psychic suffering. Trust and faith are two crucial factors in the encounter with patients lacking a sense of vitality. The working through of each one through the group field is an essential forerunner to the construction of a recovered sense of faith and reliability that precedes the onset of a true new-beginning.

Delta-CHr improves the identification of anemic syndromes and the evaluation of hemoglobin synthesis.

Reticulocyte hemoglobin content (CHr) is considered an index of iron status, helpful in the differential diagnosis of microcytoses. Its potential can be enhanced by comparing CHr dynamic reference values (CHr-e: expected CHr), which are proportional to the MCVr variations occurring in micro- or macrocytosis, with measured CHr values. We demonstrate that the difference between measured CHr and CHr-e (DeltaCHr) is helpful to differentiate the anemic syndromes and, in particular, beta-thalassemia vs. presumable sideropenia. DeltaCHr can also indicate when to interrupt iron supplementation. DeltaCHr allows an insight into the erythropoiesis of thalassemic and sideropenic subjects, pointing out the reduced hemoglobin production and ineffective erythroid activity in these conditions.

Bragg diffraction technique for the concentration of hard x-rays for space astronomy.

Results of an investigation that was devoted to determining whether the Bragg diffraction technique can be used for the concentration of hard x rays (> 10 keV) are reported. Our final goal was to develop a hard x-ray concentrator for space astronomy. General formulas for the reflecting power of the mirrors are given, and criteria for optimizing the integrated reflectivity are derived. An application of these optimization criteria is presented to evaluate the performances that can be expected of a particular configuration of the Bragg concentrator for space astronomy.

Delayed replication of human umbilical vein endothelial cells in high glucose is corrected by L-tyrosine.

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) cultured in high glucose exhibit delayed replication and colchicine-resistant microtubules. Tubulin dysfunction and stabilization, brought about by acetylation of the NH2-terminal residues, loss of the C-terminal tyrosine and binding of microtubular-associated proteins (MAPs) may be involved in the above phenomenon. The effects of L-tyrosine on HUVEC replication in high glucose were tested and the hypothesis that non-enzymatic glycosylation might impair tubulin depolymerization was also checked by growing the cells in the presence of L-glucose, which binds to intracellular proteins but remains metabolically inactive. After 18 days in culture, the number (mean +/- SEM, n = 7) of HUVEC grown in 28.0 mmol/l D-glucose (435.7 +/- 59.1 x 10(3)) was lower than in 5.6 mmol/l D-glucose (818.3 +/- 75.2 x 10(3)), p < 0.0001. The addition of L-tyrosine 1.7 mmol/l corrected such growth inhibition (623.3 +/- 81.7 x 10(3)), p < 0.0001 vs. D-glucose 28.0 mmol/l, but the cells recovered were less numerous than in physiological glucose alone (p = 0.016). The addition of L-tyrosine to D-glucose 5.6 mmol/l (731.0 +/- 63.2 x 10(3)) did not modify the cell number significantly. HUVEC in extra L-glucose (687.4 +/- 72.0 x 10(3)) were less numerous than in 5.6 mmol/l D-glucose, p = 0.028, but more than in D-glucose 28 mmol/l, p < 0.0001, and were not modified by the addition of L-tyrosine (729.4 +/- 67.1 x 10(3)). HUVEC grown in physiologic and high glucose exhibited specific immunofluorescence for acetylated tubulin and MAPs.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Chromosome constitution of in vitro segregated haploid and diploid cells of the mouse.

The composition in segregated haploid sets of paternal and maternal chromosomes has been studied in order to verify whether their composition is uniparental of mixed, fixed or variable. Primary cultures where prepared using kidneys from hybrids of strains of Mus musculus in which the parental chromosomes are distinguishable; the maternal set consists of 20 teleocentric chromosomes, the paternal set of 9 metacentric chromosomes, derived by Robertsonian fusion and 2 telocentrics. Applying Seabright's banding technique, an analysis of segregated haploid and diploid cells, which have originated spontaneously through polyploidisation-segregation processes was carried out. It was concluded that the haploid sets have a variable composition of paternal and maternal chromosomes.