Observation of Collider Muon Neutrinos with the SND@LHC Experiment.

We report the direct observation of muon neutrino interactions with the SND@LHC detector at the Large Hadron Collider. A dataset of proton-proton collisions at sqrt[s]=13.6 TeV collected by SND@LHC in 2022 is used, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 36.8 fb^{-1}. The search is based on information from the active electronic components of the SND@LHC detector, which covers the pseudorapidity region of 7.2<η<8.4, inaccessible to the other experiments at the collider. Muon neutrino candidates are identified through their charged-current interaction topology, with a track propagating through the entire length of the muon detector. After selection cuts, 8 ν_{µ} interaction candidate events remain with an estimated background of 0.086 events, yielding a significance of about 7 standard deviations for the observed ν_{µ} signal.

Unleashing the full power of LHCb to probe stealth new physics.

In this paper, we describe the potential of the LHCb experiment to detect stealth physics. This refers to dynamics beyond the standard model that would elude searches that focus on energetic objects or precision measurements of known processes. Stealth signatures include long-lived particles and light resonances that are produced very rarely or together with overwhelming backgrounds. We will discuss why LHCb is equipped to discover this kind of physics at the Large Hadron Collider and provide examples of well-motivated theoretical models that can be probed with great detail at the experiment.

Evolution of the Primordial Axial Charge across Cosmic Times.

We investigate collisional decay of the axial charge in an electron-photon plasma at temperatures 10 MeV-100 GeV. We demonstrate that the decay rate of the axial charge is first order in the fine-structure constant Γ_{flip}∝αm_{e}^{2}/T and thus orders of magnitude greater than the naive estimate which has been in use for decades. This counterintuitive result arises through infrared divergences regularized at high temperature by environmental effects. The decay of axial charge plays an important role in the problems of leptogenesis and cosmic magnetogenesis.

Checking the Dark Matter Origin of a 3.53 keV Line with the Milky Way Center.

We detect a line at 3.539±0.011 keV in the deep exposure data set of the Galactic center region, observed with the x-ray multi-mirror mission Newton. The dark matter interpretation of the signal observed in the Perseus galaxy cluster, the Andromeda galaxy [A. Boyarsky et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 113, 251301 (2014)], and in the stacked spectra of galaxy clusters [E. Bulbul et al., Astrophys. J. 789, 13 (2014)], together with nonobservation of the line in blank-sky data, put both lower and upper limits on the possible intensity of the line in the Galactic center data. Our result is consistent with these constraints for a class of Milky Way mass models, presented previously by observers, and would correspond to the radiative decay dark matter lifetime, τDM∼6-8×10(27) sec. Although it is hard to exclude an astrophysical origin of this line based on the Galactic center data alone, this is an important consistency check of the hypothesis that encourages us to check it with more observational data that are expected by the end of 2015.

Unidentified line in x-ray spectra of the Andromeda galaxy and Perseus galaxy cluster.

We report a weak line at 3.52±0.02 keV in x-ray spectra of the Andromeda galaxy and the Perseus galaxy cluster observed by the metal-oxide-silicon (MOS) and p-n (PN) CCD cameras of the XMM-Newton telescope. This line is not known as an atomic line in the spectra of galaxies or clusters. It becomes stronger towards the centers of the objects; is stronger for Perseus than for M31; is absent in the spectrum of a deep "blank sky" data set. Although for each object it is hard to exclude that the feature is due to an instrumental effect or an atomic line, it is consistent with the behavior of a dark matter decay line. Future (non-)detections of this line in multiple objects may help to reveal its nature.

Universal properties of dark matter halos.

We discuss the universal relation between density and size of observed dark matter halos that was recently shown to hold on a wide range of scales, from dwarf galaxies to galaxy clusters. Predictions of cold dark matter (ΛCDM) N-body simulations are consistent with this relation. We demonstrate that this property of ΛCDM can be understood analytically in the secondary infall model. Qualitative understanding given by this model provides a new way to predict which deviations from ΛCDM or large-scale modifications of gravity can affect universal behavior and, therefore, to constrain them observationally.

Strategy for searching for a dark matter sterile neutrino.

We propose a strategy for how to look for dark matter particles possessing a radiative decay channel and derive constraints on their parameters from observations of x rays from our own Galaxy and its dwarf satellites. When applied to sterile neutrinos in the keV mass range this approach gives a significant improvement to restrictions on neutrino parameters compared with previous works.

Quantum cosmology of the brane universe.

We canonically quantize the dynamics of the brane universe embedded into the five-dimensional Schwarzschild-anti-de Sitter bulk space-time. We show that in the brane-world settings the formulation of the quantum cosmology, including the problem of initial conditions, is conceptually more simple than in the (3+1)-dimensional case. The Wheeler-DeWitt equation is a finite-difference equation. It is exactly solvable in the case of a flat universe and we find the ground state of the system. The closed brane universe can be created as a result of decay of the bulk black hole.

Traumatic tricuspid regurgitation with cyanosis: diagnosis by transesophageal echocardiography.

This case report demonstrates the utility of transesophageal echocardiography in the rapid diagnosis of cardiac injury from blunt thoracic trauma. Initial transesophageal echocardiography identified a flail tricuspid valve leaflet and regurgitation in a patient with jugular venous distention and hemodynamic instability. Progressive hypoxemia prompted repeat transesophageal echocardiography with contrast enhancement, which revealed opening of the foramen ovale and a right-to-left interatrial shunt. Operative repair of the lesion was lifesaving.

The future of general surgery characterized by general surgical chief residents.

The future of any specialty in medicine depends in large part on the career choices of its trainees. We obtained data from General Surgery Chief Residents who finished their training in 1990 and compared their attitudes to a similar survey conducted by us in 1985. According to those responses, residents in general surgery continue to choose fellowship training at a time when they no longer perceive an oversupply of general surgeons. This has broad implications for the future of general surgery as a specialty that requires significant change in the structure of our residency programs.

Increases in type III collagen gene expression and protein synthesis in patients with inguinal hernias.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine if alterations in fibrillar collagen synthesis were associated with the development of inguinal hernias. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Previous work has suggested that alterations in connective tissue accumulation may play a functional role in the development of inguinal hernias. In particular, several investigators have suggested that alterations in collagen synthesis, causally related to connective disorders such as osteogenesis imperfecta, may also be responsible for the inguinal herniation that is markedly increased in such patients. This study was undertaken therefore to study collagen synthesis in patients with inguinal hernia in the absence of any other connective tissue disease. METHODS: Skin fibroblasts from 9 patients with hernias and 15 control individuals were radiolabeled with 3H-proline. Trypsin-chymotrypsin-resistant type I and III collagens were isolated and analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and recovery was quantified by laser densitometry. Steady-state levels of alpha 1(I) and alpha 1(III) procollagen mRNAs were also determined by northern and slot-blot hybridization analysis. RESULTS: The alpha 1(I)/alpha 1(III) collagen ratios were shown to be 6.3 +/- 0.34 in fibroblasts from control individuals and 3.0 +/- 0.25 in fibroblasts from patients with inguinal hernias. This statistically significant difference (p < 0.0001) was caused by an increase in the secretion of alpha 1(III) procollagen from the fibroblasts of patients with hernias. A concomitant increase in the steady-state levels of alpha 1(III) procollagen mRNA was observed in total RNA isolated from the patients' fibroblasts. CONCLUSIONS: A constitutive and systemic increase in type III collagen synthesis may result in reduced collagen fibril assembly in the abdominal wall, eventually leading to the development of herniation. Although it is not yet clear what genetic factors are responsible for the elevation in type III collagen synthesis in patients with hernias, this study represents the first attempt to define individuals with an abnormality in collagen production that may be specifically related to herniation. A clearer understanding of the possible genetic factors that influence the pathophysiology of this disease will be important to improve the treatment of patients in whom inguinal hernias develop.

Hemolytic anemia associated with lead poisoning from shotgun pellets and the response to Succimer treatment.

Symptomatic lead poisoning with severe hemolytic anemia was observed in a patient with retained shot gun pellets. Surgical resection of the retained pellets and the use of a newer chelating agent, Succimer (2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid) successfully lowered blood lead level. Hemolytic anemia was associated with deficient erythrocyte pyrimidine 5'-nucleotidase, and lowering of the lead level corrected the deficiency, suggesting that the enzyme deficiency is responsible for the hemolysis associated with lead poisoning. This case illustrates that retained lead pellets from shotgun wounds can cause severe lead poisoning.

Nonoperative management of bilateral shattered kidneys from blunt trauma.

Bilateral shattered kidneys secondary to blunt abdominal trauma has not, to our knowledge, been reported. In the case reported herein, severe pulmonary, myocardial, and orthopedic injuries necessitated nonoperative management of this peculiar injury. The patient recovered without sequelae related to the renal injury.

A mathematical model describing consequences of abnormally high levels of epidermal growth factor receptor on the proliferation of neoplastic cells.

Recent laboratory and clinical data suggest that some human neoplasms exhibit unusually high levels of cell-surface receptors for epidermal growth factor, and that this abnormality is associated with rapid cellular proliferation and poor prognosis. We propose that the existence of an abnormally high number of mitogen receptors is not merely correlated with rapid proliferation but is pathophysiologically responsible for such behavior. Cells with high levels of mitogen receptors may be rendered 'hypersensitive' to mitogenic stimuli, and hence may be stimulated to divide even when ambient mitogen concentrations are at a low 'background' level, insufficient to prompt the division of cells with a normal number of receptors. To investigate this hypothesis further, we have developed a mathematical model that describes proliferative behavior of cells as a function of mitogen concentration and receptor number. The model enables us to simulate the proliferative behavior of cells with various receptor levels at various mitogen concentrations and predicts a growth advantage associated with excess mitogen receptors. Computer simulations based on the model are consistent with previously published experimental data. This work provides support for the view that overexpression of genes encoding normal growth factor receptors can contribute to the inappropriate proliferation of neoplastic cells.

The adequacy and cost effectiveness of routine resuscitation-area cervical-spine radiographs.

Portable resuscitation-area cervical-spine radiographs (PCS) frequently constitute a routine part of the emergency evaluation of patients suffering from blunt trauma. Their adequacy and cost were evaluated by reviewing the records of 92 consecutive trauma patients. Forty-seven of 74 patients (63.5%) had adequate PCS in that all seven cervical vertebrae were visualized. In 27 patients (36.5), all seven cervical vertebrae were not adequately visualized. Inadequate studies were most likely to occur in patients with abnormal vital signs on admission (56%) (P less than .01) and in those subsequently requiring general anesthesia (34.5%). Fifteen patients were intubated without difficulty by maintaining neck immobilization because of uncertainty regarding cervical-spine injuries. The annual cost of inadequate cervical-spine studies was estimated to be $31,000.00. Although the four cervical-spine injuries were diagnosed by the portable technique, routine PCS were frequently inadequate in visualizing all seven cervical vertebrae. Major decisions concerning intubation and surgery frequently had to be made before adequate radiographic evaluation could be completed. It is suggested that time and money are lost by routinely doing a single lateral portable cervical radiograph. It is more appropriate to obtain complete radiographic studies after life-threatening injuries are addressed while patients are treated using the standard techniques of neck immobilization.

A simplified approach to techniques of splenic salvage.

Splenic salvage or partial splenectomy may be simplified by following these basic steps. The spleen is completely mobilized from all of its attachments so that it is tethered only by its blood supply. Appropriate hilar and short gastric vessels are ligated, and devitalized splenic tissue is débrided. Parenchymal bleeding is controlled by compression using horizontal mattress sutures placed through pledgets of folded sheets of oxidized cellulose.

The suicidal jailhouse hanging.

Jailhouse suicide is commonly attempted by hanging. Two prisoners recently have been treated in our trauma service after unsuccessful attempts at suicidal hanging. Both of our patients demonstrated problems related to hypoxic encephalopathy, fluid and electrolyte disturbances, and mental status change, all as a result of this injury. These patients' hospital course illustrates some of the salient features in the management of this unusual patient population.

Early diagnosis and treatment of blunt diaphragmatic injury.

Diaphragmatic rupture following blunt torso trauma is an infrequent injury often posing a considerable diagnostic challenge. Between June 1984 and July 1986, nine patients sustaining rupture of the diaphragm due to blunt trauma were treated. All were injured in high-speed motor-vehicle accidents. Six patients arrived in shock (SBP less than or equal to 95 mm Hg). All patients had multiple associated injuries; mean ISS = 41.5. Eight patients (89%) had associated intra-abdominal injuries, the spleen being injured most frequently (63%). Associated thoracic injuries occurred in six patients (67%). The admission CXR was abnormal in eight patients (89%) but diagnostic of diaphragmatic rupture in only four. DPL was positive in four of five patients (80%) and falsely negative in one. Seven ruptures were left-sided, one right-sided and one involved the central tendon. All injuries were diagnosed shortly after admission and successfully repaired via a transabdominal approach. One patient died as a result of a massive subdural hematoma. Blunt diaphragmatic rupture is an indication of a high-energy insult and is usually associated with other major organ system injuries. An aggressive approach to the management of the multiply injured patient can result in early recognition and successful treatment of this injury.

Analysis of cell three-dimensional locomotory vectors.

A method is presented for analysing the vectors of cells locomoting within three-dimensional collagen gels. The method detected differences in locomotory vector patterns between cells locomoting in two different gel formats. The potential of this analytical method for determining the role of the extracellular matrix in modulating cell locomotory behaviour is discussed.

Computerized ventilation management system for neonates.

This paper introduces a ventilation management system for neonates. Its main feature is the manner in which it incorporates the clinician's decisions and the prediction of ventilator adjustments based upon actual patient data.