First Constraints on Heavy QCD Axions with a Liquid Argon Time Projection Chamber Using the ArgoNeuT Experiment.

We present the results of a search for heavy QCD axions performed by the ArgoNeuT experiment at Fermilab. We search for heavy axions produced in the NuMI neutrino beam target and absorber decaying into dimuon pairs, which can be identified using the unique capabilities of ArgoNeuT and the MINOS near detector. This decay channel is motivated by a broad class of heavy QCD axion models that address the strong CP and axion quality problems with axion masses above the dimuon threshold. We obtain new constraints at a 95% confidence level for heavy axions in the previously unexplored mass range of 0.2-0.9 GeV, for axion decay constants around tens of TeV.

MiniBooNE and MicroBooNE Combined Fit to a 3+1 Sterile Neutrino Scenario.

This Letter presents the results from the MiniBooNE experiment within a full "3+1" scenario where one sterile neutrino is introduced to the three-active-neutrino picture. In addition to electron-neutrino appearance at short baselines, this scenario also allows for disappearance of the muon-neutrino and electron-neutrino fluxes in the Booster Neutrino Beam, which is shared by the MicroBooNE experiment. We present the 3+1 fit to the MiniBooNE electron-(anti)neutrino and muon-(anti)neutrino data alone and in combination with MicroBooNE electron-neutrino data. The best-fit parameters of the combined fit with the exclusive charged-current quasielastic analysis (inclusive analysis) are Δm^{2}=0.209 eV^{2}(0.033 eV^{2}), |U_{e4}|^{2}=0.016(0.500), |U_{µ4}|^{2}=0.500(0.500), and sin^{2}(2θ_{µe})=0.0316(1.0). Comparing the no-oscillation scenario to the 3+1 model, the data prefer the 3+1 model with a Δχ^{2}/d.o.f.=24.7/3(17.3/3), a 4.3σ(3.4σ) preference assuming the asymptotic approximation given by Wilks's theorem.

New Constraints on Tau-Coupled Heavy Neutral Leptons with Masses m_{N}=280-970 MeV.

A search for heavy neutral leptons has been performed with the ArgoNeuT detector exposed to the NuMI neutrino beam at Fermilab. We search for the decay signature N→νµ^{+}µ^{-}, considering decays occurring both inside ArgoNeuT and in the upstream cavern. In the data, corresponding to an exposure to 1.25×10^{20} POT, zero passing events are observed consistent with the expected background. This measurement leads to a new constraint at 90% confidence level on the mixing angle |U_{τN}|^{2} of tau-coupled Dirac heavy neutral leptons with masses m_{N}=280-970 MeV, assuming |U_{eN}|^{2}=|U_{µN}|^{2}=0.

Improved Limits on Millicharged Particles Using the ArgoNeuT Experiment at Fermilab.

A search for millicharged particles, a simple extension of the standard model, has been performed with the ArgoNeuT detector exposed to the Neutrinos at the Main Injector beam at Fermilab. The ArgoNeuT liquid argon time projection chamber detector enables a search for millicharged particles through the detection of visible electron recoils. We search for an event signature with two soft hits (MeV-scale energy depositions) aligned with the upstream target. For an exposure of the detector of 1.0×10^{20} protons on target, one candidate event has been observed, compatible with the expected background. This search is sensitive to millicharged particles with charges between 10^{-3}e and 10^{-1}e and with masses in the range from 0.1 to 3 GeV. This measurement provides leading constraints on millicharged particles in this large unexplored parameter space region.

Significant Excess of Electronlike Events in the MiniBooNE Short-Baseline Neutrino Experiment.

The MiniBooNE experiment at Fermilab reports results from an analysis of ν_{e} appearance data from 12.84×10^{20} protons on target in neutrino mode, an increase of approximately a factor of 2 over previously reported results. A ν_{e} charged-current quasielastic event excess of 381.2±85.2 events (4.5σ) is observed in the energy range 200

First Measurement of Monoenergetic Muon Neutrino Charged Current Interactions.

We report the first measurement of monoenergetic muon neutrino charged current interactions. MiniBooNE has isolated 236 MeV muon neutrino events originating from charged kaon decay at rest (K^{+}→µ^{+}ν_{µ}) at the NuMI beamline absorber. These signal ν_{µ}-carbon events are distinguished from primarily pion decay in flight ν_{µ} and ν[over ¯]_{µ} backgrounds produced at the target station and decay pipe using their arrival time and reconstructed muon energy. The significance of the signal observation is at the 3.9σ level. The muon kinetic energy, neutrino-nucleus energy transfer (ω=E_{ν}-E_{µ}), and total cross section for these events are extracted. This result is the first known-energy, weak-interaction-only probe of the nucleus to yield a measurement of ω using neutrinos, a quantity thus far only accessible through electron scattering.

Heterogeneity of anatomic regions by MR volumetry in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate brain volumes in patients with well-characterized juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied the MRI images of seventeen subjects with EEG and clinically defined JME and seventeen age- and sex-matched controls using voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and automated and manual volumetry. RESULTS: We found no significant group differences in the cortical volumes by automated techniques for all regions or for the whole brain. However, we found a larger pulvinar nucleus in JME using VBM with small volume correction and a larger thalamus with manual volumetry (P = 0.001; corrected two-tailed t-test). By analysing the individual subjects, we determined that considerable heterogeneity exists even in this highly selected group. Histograms of all JME and matched control regions' volumes showed more subjects with JME had smaller hippocampi and larger thalami (P < 0.05; chi-square). Subjects in whom the first seizure was absence were more likely to have smaller hippocampi than their matched control, while those without absences showed no differences (P < 0.05, chi-square). CONCLUSIONS: There is ample evidence for frontal cortical thalamic network changes in JME, but subcortical structural differences were more distinct in this group. Given the heterogeneity of brain volumes in the clinical population, further advancement in the field will require the examination of stringent genetically controlled populations.

Nuchal Translucency Quality Review (NTQR) program: first one and half million results.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the performance of first-trimester nuchal translucency (NT) measurement by providers (physician-sonologists and sonographers) within the Nuchal Translucency Quality Review (NTQR) program. METHODS: After training and credentialing providers, the NTQR monitored performance of NT measurement by the extent to which an individual's median multiple of the normal median (MoM) for crown-rump length (CRL) was within the range 0.9-1.1 MoM of a published normal median curve. The SD of log10 MoM and regression slope of NT on CRL were also evaluated. We report the distribution between providers of these performance indicators and evaluate potential sources of variation. RESULTS: Among the first 1.5 million scans in the NTQR program, performed between 2005 and 2011, there were 1 485 944 with CRL in the range 41-84 mm, from 4710 providers at 2150 ultrasound units. Among the 3463 providers with at least 30 scans in total, the median of the providers' median NT-MoMs was 0.913. Only 1901 (55%) had a median NT-MoM within the expected range; there were 89 above 1.1 MoM, 1046 at 0.8-0.9 MoM, 344 at 0.7-0.8 MoM and 83 below 0.7 MoM. There was a small increase in the median NT-MoM according to providers' length of time in the NTQR program and number of scans entered annually. On average, physician-sonologists had a higher median NT-MoM than did sonographers, as did those already credentialed before joining the program. The median provider SD was 0.093 and the median slope was 13.5%. SD correlated negatively with the median NT-MoM (r = -0.34) and positively with the slope (r = 0.22). CONCLUSION: Even with extensive training, credentialing and monitoring, there remains considerable variability between NT providers. There was a general tendency towards under-measurement of NT compared with expected values, although more experienced providers had performance closer to that expected.

First measurement of neutrino and antineutrino coherent charged pion production on argon.

We report on the first cross section measurements for charged current coherent pion production by neutrinos and antineutrinos on argon. These measurements are performed using the ArgoNeuT detector exposed to the NuMI beam at Fermilab. The cross sections are measured to be 2.6(-1.0)(+1.2)(stat)(-0.4)(+0.3)(syst)×10(-38) cm(2)/Ar for neutrinos at a mean energy of 9.6 GeV and 5.5(-2.1)(+2.6)(stat)(-0.7)(+0.6)(syst)×10(-39) cm(2)/Ar for antineutrinos at a mean energy of 3.6 GeV.

Improved search for ν¯(µ)→ν¯(e) oscillations in the MiniBooNE experiment.

The MiniBooNE experiment at Fermilab reports results from an analysis of ν[over ¯](e) appearance data from 11.27×10(20) protons on target in the antineutrino mode, an increase of approximately a factor of 2 over the previously reported results. An event excess of 78.4±28.5 events (2.8σ) is observed in the energy range 200

Variability in energy density of forage fishes from the Bay of Biscay (north-east Atlantic Ocean): reliability of functional grouping based on prey quality.

Energy densities of 670 fishes belonging to nine species were measured to evaluate intraspecific variability. Functional groups based on energy density appeared to be sufficiently robust to individual variability to provide a classification of forage fish quality applicable in a variety of ecological fields including ecosystem modelling.

Proposal for an electron antineutrino disappearance search using high-rate 8Li production and decay.

This paper introduces an experimental probe of the sterile neutrino with a novel, high-intensity source of electron antineutrinos from the production and subsequent decay of 8Li. When paired with an existing ∼1 kton scintillator-based detector, this = 6.4 MeV source opens a wide range of possible searches for beyond standard model physics via studies of the inverse beta decay interaction ν(e) + p → e+ + n. In particular, the experimental design described here has unprecedented sensitivity to ν(e) disappearance at Δm2 ∼ 1 eV2 and features the ability to distinguish between the existence of zero, one, and two sterile neutrinos.

First measurements of inclusive muon neutrino charged current differential cross sections on argon.

The ArgoNeuT Collaboration presents the first measurements of inclusive muon neutrino charged current differential cross sections on argon. Obtained in the NuMI neutrino beam line at Fermilab, the flux-integrated results are reported in terms of outgoing muon angle and momentum. The data are consistent with the Monte Carlo expectation across the full range of kinematics sampled, 0°<θ(µ)<36° and 0

Delayed response to environmental conditions and infra-seasonal dynamics of the short-beaked common dolphin distribution.

Cetaceans adjust their distribution and abundance to encountered conditions across years and seasons, but we poorly understand such small-scale changes for many species, especially in winter. Crucial challenges confront some populations during this season, such as the high levels of fisheries-induced mortality faced by the common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) in the Northeast Atlantic shelves. For such species, understanding the winter fine-scale dynamics is crucial. We aimed to identify the dolphin distribution drivers during the winters of 2020 and 2021, with a focus on determining the lag between changes in oceanographic conditions and dolphin distribution. The changes were related to temporal delays specific to the nature and cascading effects that oceanographic processes had on the trophic chain. By determining the most important conditions and lags to dolphin distributions, we shed light on the poorly understood intrusions of dolphins within coastal waters during winter: they displayed a strong preference for the coastal-shelf waters front and extensively followed its spatial variations, with their overall densities increasing over the period and peaking in March-April. The results presented here provide invaluable information on the winter distribution dynamics and should inform management decisions to help reduce the unsustainable mortalities of this species in the by-catch of fisheries.

A large diversity of organohalogen contaminants reach the meso- and bathypelagic organisms in the Bay of Biscay (northeast Atlantic).

Deep-sea ecosystems play a key role in the cycling and vertical transfer of matter and energy in oceans. Although the contamination of deep-sea demersal and benthic organisms by persistent organic pollutants has been proven, deep pelagic species have been far less studied. To fill these gaps, we studied the occurrence of a large variety of hydrophobic organic contaminants including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), legacy and alternative brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in crustaceans and fish species collected in the Bay of Biscay, northeast Atlantic. The results highlighted the global predominance of PCBs in fish, followed by OCPs, PFASs and PBDEs, with highly variable concentrations among species. Most of the chlorinated or brominated contaminants showed increasing concentrations with increasing δ15N values, while most PFASs showed inverse trends. The contaminant profiles and diagnostic ratios revealed species-specific metabolic capacities and peculiar contribution of highly-brominated BFRs.

Event excess in the MiniBooNE search for ¯νµâ†’¯νe oscillations.

The MiniBooNE experiment at Fermilab reports results from a search for ¯ν_{µ}→¯ν_{e} oscillations, using a data sample corresponding to 5.66×10²° protons on target. An excess of 20.9±14.0 events is observed in the energy range 475

Setting the scene for Mediterranean litterscape management: The first basin-scale quantification and mapping of floating marine debris.

Plastic pollution has become one of the biggest environmental concerns of the Anthropocene as it represents a major threat to both wildlife and human health. Garbage patches in the world's oceans are well documented, but quantitative assessments of floating debris are still lacking in some major areas. The Mediterranean Sea is one such area, despite being one of the most plastic polluted environments. We used data from the first international basin-scale survey of the Mediterranean Sea to provide the first abundance estimate of floating mega-debris (>30 cm) and map their distribution over the entire Mediterranean Sea. We estimated the total number of floating mega-debris at 2.9 million items, taking into account imperfect detection. Items larger than 30 cm represent only one fourth of the complete load of anthropogenic debris (>2 cm) in the Mediterranean, which scales up the estimate to 11.5 million floating debris. The highest densities were observed in the central Mediterranean, and the lowest in the eastern basin. This acute marine pollution might threaten to disrupt entire ecosystems through its impact on marine fauna (entanglement, ingestion, contamination), eventually impacting the tourism industry and the well-being of Mediterranean populations.

Bioimpedance spectroscopy is not associated with a clinical diagnosis of breast cancer-related lymphedema.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of bioimpedance spectroscopy measurements (L-Dex) in the diagnosis of breast cancer-related lymphedema. A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database was performed of all patients that underwent surgical treatment for breast cancer at a tertiary medical center. Patients who had preoperative and postoperative evaluation for possible lymphedema by limb circumference measurements and bioimpedance were eligible for inclusion in the study. No significant demographic differences were found between the group of patients clinically diagnosed with lymphedema (N=134) and those without a clinical diagnosis of lymphedema (N=261). The ability of bioimpedance to diagnose lymphedema based on the manufacturer's criteria demonstrated low sensitivity, which was 7.5% when lymphedema was defined as an absolute L-Dex value greater than 10, and 24.6% when defined as a relative change of >10 between preoperative and postoperative measurements. This corresponded with a positive predictive value of 61-71% and a negative predictive value of 67-70%. We are unable to recommend the use of bioimpedance as a screening tool or for measurement of breast cancer-related lymphedema.

The effect of a multi-target protocol on cetacean detection and abundance estimation in aerial surveys.

A double-platform protocol was implemented in the Bay of Biscay and English Channel during the SCANS-III survey (2016). Two observation platforms using different protocols were operating on board a single aircraft: the reference platform (Scans), targeting cetaceans, and the 'Megafauna' platform, recording all the marine fauna visible at the sea surface (jellyfish to seabirds). We tested for a potential bias in small cetacean detection and density estimation when recording all marine fauna. At a small temporal scale (30 s, roughly 1.5 km), our results provided overall similar perception probabilities for both platforms. Small cetacean perception was higher following the detection of another cetacean within the previous 30 s in both platforms. The only prior target that decreased small cetacean perception during the subsequent 30 s was seabirds, in the Megafauna platform. However, at a larger scale (study area), this small-scale perception bias had no effect on the density estimates, which were similar for the two protocols. As a result, there was no evidence of lower performance regarding small cetacean population monitoring for the multi-target protocol in our study area. Because our study area was characterized by moderate cetacean densities and small spatial overlap of cetaceans and seabirds, any extrapolation to other areas or time requires caution. Nonetheless, by permitting the collection of cost-effective quantitative data for marine fauna, anthropogenic activities and marine litter at the sea surface, the multi-target protocol is valuable for optimizing logistical and financial resources to efficiently monitor biodiversity and study community ecology.

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with cortical bone loss and fractures in the elderly.

INTRODUCTION: The role of vitamin D on bone microarchitecture and fragility is not clear. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether vitamin D deficiency (25(OH)D <20 ng/mL) increases cortical bone loss and the severity of fractures. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study of 287 elderly women with at least one prevalent low-impact fracture. METHODS: Biochemistry, X-rays to identify vertebral fractures (VFs) and to confirm non-vertebral fractures (NonVFs), and high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) to evaluate bone microstructure. RESULTS: Serum 25(OH)D levels were associated with body mass index (BMI: r = -0.161, P = 0.006), PTH (r = -0.165; P = 0.005), CTX (r = -0.119; P = 0.043) and vBMD at cortical bone (Dcomp: r = 0.132; P = 0.033) and entire bone (D100: r = 0.162 P = 0.009) at the distal radius, but not at the tibia. Age and PTH levels were potential confounding variables, but in the multiple linear regressions only BMI (95% CI: 0.11-4.16; P < 0.01), 25(OH)D (95% CI: -0.007 to 1.70; P = 0.05) and CTX (95% CI: -149.04 to 21.80; P < 0.01) predicted Dcomp, while BMI (95% CI: 1.13-4.18; P < 0.01) and 25(OH)D (95% CI: 0.24-1.52; P < 0.01) predicted D100. NonVFs predominated in patients with 25(OH)D <20 ng/mL (P = 0.013). Logistic regression analysis showed a decrease in the likelihood of presenting grade 2-3 VFs/NonVFs for every increase in 25(OH)D (OR = 0.962, 95% CI: 0.940-0.984; P = 0.001), BMI (OR = 0.932, 95% CI: 0.885-0.981; P = 0.007) and D100 at radius (OR = 0.994, 95% CI: 0.990-0.998; P = 0.005). CONCLUSION: In elderly patients with prevalent fractures, vitamin D deficiency was associated with cortical bone loss and severity of fractures.