Search for Heavy Neutral Leptons in Electron-Positron and Neutral-Pion Final States with the MicroBooNE Detector

We present the first search for heavy neutral leptons (HNLs) decaying into νe^{+}e^{-} or νπ^{0} final states in a liquid-argon time projection chamber using data collected with the MicroBooNE detector. The data were recorded synchronously with the NuMI neutrino beam from Fermilab's main injector corresponding to a total exposure of 7.01×10^{20} protons on target. We set upper limits at the 90% confidence level on the mixing parameter |U_{μ4}|^{2} in the mass ranges 10≤m_{HNL}≤150  MeV for the νe^{+}e^{-} channel and 150≤m_{HNL}≤245  MeV for the νπ^{0} channel, assuming |U_{e4}|^{2}=|U_{τ4}|^{2}=0. These limits represent the most stringent constraints in the mass range 35 Collapse

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Affiliation(s)

P Abratenko Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, USA
O Alterkait Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, USA
D Andrade Aldana Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT), Chicago, Illinois 60616, USA
L Arellano The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom
J Asaadi University of Texas, Arlington, Texas 76019, USA
A Ashkenazi Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel, 69978
S Balasubramanian Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL), Batavia, Illinois 60510, USA
B Baller Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL), Batavia, Illinois 60510, USA
G Barr University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RH, United Kingdom
D Barrow University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RH, United Kingdom
J Barrow Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel, 69978
V Basque Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL), Batavia, Illinois 60510, USA
O Benevides Rodrigues Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT), Chicago, Illinois 60616, USA
S Berkman Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL), Batavia, Illinois 60510, USA Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
A Bhanderi The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom
A Bhat University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA
M Bhattacharya Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL), Batavia, Illinois 60510, USA
M Bishai Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), Upton, New York 11973, USA
A Blake Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YW, United Kingdom
B Bogart University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
T Bolton Kansas State University (KSU), Manhattan, Kansas 66506, USA
J Y Book Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA
M B Brunetti University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
L Camilleri Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, USA
Y Cao The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom
D Caratelli University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, USA
F Cavanna Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL), Batavia, Illinois 60510, USA
G Cerati Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL), Batavia, Illinois 60510, USA
A Chappell University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
Y Chen SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, California 94025, USA
J M Conrad Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
M Convery SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, California 94025, USA
L Cooper-Troendle University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, USA
J I Crespo-Anadón Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Madrid E-28040, Spain
R Cross University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
M Del Tutto Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL), Batavia, Illinois 60510, USA
S R Dennis University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
P Detje University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
A Devitt Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YW, United Kingdom
R Diurba Universität Bern, Bern CH-3012, Switzerland
Z Djurcic Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), Lemont, Illinois 60439, USA
R Dorrill Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT), Chicago, Illinois 60616, USA
K Duffy University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RH, United Kingdom
S Dytman University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, USA
B Eberly University of Southern Maine, Portland, Maine 04104, USA
P Englezos Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, USA
A Ereditato University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL), Batavia, Illinois 60510, USA
J J Evans The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom
R Fine Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545, USA
O G Finnerud The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom
W Foreman Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT), Chicago, Illinois 60616, USA
B T Fleming University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA
D Franco University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA
A P Furmanski University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA
F Gao University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, USA
D Garcia-Gamez Universidad de Granada, Granada E-18071, Spain
S Gardiner Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL), Batavia, Illinois 60510, USA
G Ge Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, USA
S Gollapinni Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545, USA
E Gramellini The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom
P Green University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RH, United Kingdom
H Greenlee Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL), Batavia, Illinois 60510, USA
L Gu Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YW, United Kingdom
W Gu Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), Upton, New York 11973, USA
R Guenette The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom
P Guzowski The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom
L Hagaman University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA
O Hen Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
C Hilgenberg University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA
G A Horton-Smith Kansas State University (KSU), Manhattan, Kansas 66506, USA
Z Imani Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, USA
B Irwin University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA
M Ismail University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, USA
C James Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL), Batavia, Illinois 60510, USA
X Ji Nankai University, Nankai District, Tianjin 300071, China
J H Jo Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), Upton, New York 11973, USA
R A Johnson University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45221, USA
Y-J Jwa Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, USA
D Kalra Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, USA
N Kamp Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
G Karagiorgi Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, USA
W Ketchum Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL), Batavia, Illinois 60510, USA
M Kirby Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL), Batavia, Illinois 60510, USA
T Kobilarcik Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL), Batavia, Illinois 60510, USA
I Kreslo Universität Bern, Bern CH-3012, Switzerland
M B Leibovitch University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, USA
I Lepetic Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, USA
J-Y Li University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FD, United Kingdom
K Li Wright Laboratory, Department of Physics, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA
Y Li Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), Upton, New York 11973, USA
K Lin Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, USA
B R Littlejohn Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT), Chicago, Illinois 60616, USA
H Liu Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), Upton, New York 11973, USA
W C Louis Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545, USA
X Luo University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, USA
C Mariani Center for Neutrino Physics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Viriginia 24061, USA
D Marsden The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom
J Marshall University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
N Martinez Kansas State University (KSU), Manhattan, Kansas 66506, USA
D A Martinez Caicedo South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (SDSMT), Rapid City, South Dakota 57701, USA
S Martynenko Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), Upton, New York 11973, USA
A Mastbaum Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, USA
I Mawby University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
N McConkey University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
V Meddage Kansas State University (KSU), Manhattan, Kansas 66506, USA
J Micallef Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, USA
K Miller University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA
A Mogan Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, USA
T Mohayai Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL), Batavia, Illinois 60510, USA Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, USA
M Mooney Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, USA
A F Moor University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
C D Moore Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL), Batavia, Illinois 60510, USA
L Mora Lepin The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom
M M Moudgalya The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom
S Mulleriababu Universität Bern, Bern CH-3012, Switzerland
D Naples University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, USA
A Navrer-Agasson The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom
N Nayak Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), Upton, New York 11973, USA
M Nebot-Guinot University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FD, United Kingdom
J Nowak Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YW, United Kingdom
N Oza Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, USA
O Palamara Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL), Batavia, Illinois 60510, USA
N Pallat University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA
V Paolone University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, USA
A Papadopoulou Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), Lemont, Illinois 60439, USA
V Papavassiliou New Mexico State University (NMSU), Las Cruces, New Mexico 88003, USA
H B Parkinson University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FD, United Kingdom
S F Pate New Mexico State University (NMSU), Las Cruces, New Mexico 88003, USA
N Patel Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YW, United Kingdom
Z Pavlovic Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL), Batavia, Illinois 60510, USA
E Piasetzky Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel, 69978
I Pophale Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YW, United Kingdom
X Qian Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), Upton, New York 11973, USA
J L Raaf Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL), Batavia, Illinois 60510, USA
V Radeka Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), Upton, New York 11973, USA
A Rafique Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), Lemont, Illinois 60439, USA
M Reggiani-Guzzo University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FD, United Kingdom The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom
L Ren New Mexico State University (NMSU), Las Cruces, New Mexico 88003, USA
L Rochester SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, California 94025, USA
J Rodriguez Rondon South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (SDSMT), Rapid City, South Dakota 57701, USA
M Rosenberg Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, USA
M Ross-Lonergan Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545, USA
C Rudolf von Rohr Universität Bern, Bern CH-3012, Switzerland
I Safa Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, USA
G Scanavini Wright Laboratory, Department of Physics, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA
D W Schmitz University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA
A Schukraft Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL), Batavia, Illinois 60510, USA
W Seligman Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, USA
M H Shaevitz Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, USA
R Sharankova Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL), Batavia, Illinois 60510, USA
J Shi University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
E L Snider Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL), Batavia, Illinois 60510, USA
M Soderberg Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York 13244, USA
S Söldner-Rembold The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom
J Spitz University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
M Stancari Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL), Batavia, Illinois 60510, USA
J St John Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL), Batavia, Illinois 60510, USA
T Strauss Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL), Batavia, Illinois 60510, USA
A M Szelc University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FD, United Kingdom
W Tang University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, USA
N Taniuchi University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
K Terao SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, California 94025, USA
C Thorpe Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YW, United Kingdom The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom
D Torbunov Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), Upton, New York 11973, USA
D Totani University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, USA
M Toups Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL), Batavia, Illinois 60510, USA
Y-T Tsai SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, California 94025, USA
J Tyler Kansas State University (KSU), Manhattan, Kansas 66506, USA
M A Uchida University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
T Usher SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, California 94025, USA
B Viren Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), Upton, New York 11973, USA
M Weber Universität Bern, Bern CH-3012, Switzerland
H Wei Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, USA
A J White University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA
S Wolbers Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL), Batavia, Illinois 60510, USA
T Wongjirad Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, USA
M Wospakrik Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL), Batavia, Illinois 60510, USA
K Wresilo University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
W Wu University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, USA
E Yandel University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, USA
T Yang Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL), Batavia, Illinois 60510, USA
L E Yates Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL), Batavia, Illinois 60510, USA
H W Yu Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), Upton, New York 11973, USA
G P Zeller Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL), Batavia, Illinois 60510, USA
J Zennamo Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL), Batavia, Illinois 60510, USA
C Zhang Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), Upton, New York 11973, USA

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First Double-Differential Measurement of Kinematic Imbalance in Neutrino Interactions with the MicroBooNE Detector

We report the first measurement of flux-integrated double-differential quasielasticlike neutrino-argon cross sections, which have been made using the Booster Neutrino Beam and the MicroBooNE detector at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. The data are presented as a function of kinematic imbalance variables which are sensitive to nuclear ground-state distributions and hadronic reinteraction processes. We find that the measured cross sections in different phase-space regions are sensitive to different nuclear effects. Therefore, they enable the impact of specific nuclear effects on the neutrino-nucleus interaction to be isolated more completely than was possible using previous single-differential cross section measurements. Our results provide precision data to help test and improve neutrino-nucleus interaction models. They further support ongoing neutrino-oscillation studies by establishing phase-space regions where precise reaction modeling has already been achieved.

First Measurement of Quasielastic Λ Baryon Production in Muon Antineutrino Interactions in the MicroBooNE Detector

We present the first measurement of the cross section of Cabibbo-suppressed Λ baryon production, using data collected with the MicroBooNE detector when exposed to the neutrinos from the main injector beam at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. The data analyzed correspond to 2.2×10^{20} protons on target running in neutrino mode, and 4.9×10^{20} protons on target running in anti-neutrino mode. An automated selection is combined with hand scanning, with the former identifying five candidate Λ production events when the signal was unblinded, consistent with the GENIE prediction of 5.3±1.1 events. Several scanners were employed, selecting between three and five events, compared with a prediction from a blinded Monte Carlo simulation study of 3.7±1.0 events. Restricting the phase space to only include Λ baryons that decay above MicroBooNE's detection thresholds, we obtain a flux averaged cross section of 2.0_{-1.7}^{+2.2}×10^{-40}  cm^{2}/Ar, where statistical and systematic uncertainties are combined.

Search for Dark-Matter-Nucleon Interactions via Migdal Effect with DarkSide-50

Dark matter elastic scattering off nuclei can result in the excitation and ionization of the recoiling atom through the so-called Migdal effect. The energy deposition from the ionization electron adds to the energy deposited by the recoiling nuclear system and allows for the detection of interactions of sub-GeV/c^{2} mass dark matter. We present new constraints for sub-GeV/c^{2} dark matter using the dual-phase liquid argon time projection chamber of the DarkSide-50 experiment with an exposure of (12 306±184)  kg d. The analysis is based on the ionization signal alone and significantly enhances the sensitivity of DarkSide-50, enabling sensitivity to dark matter with masses down to 40  MeV/c^{2}. Furthermore, it sets the most stringent upper limit on the spin independent dark matter nucleon cross section for masses below 3.6  GeV/c^{2}.

Search for Dark Matter Particle Interactions with Electron Final States with DarkSide-50

We present a search for dark matter particles with sub-GeV/c^{2} masses whose interactions have final state electrons using the DarkSide-50 experiment's (12 306±184)  kg d low-radioactivity liquid argon exposure. By analyzing the ionization signals, we exclude new parameter space for the dark matter-electron cross section σ[over ¯]_{e}, the axioelectric coupling constant g_{Ae}, and the dark photon kinetic mixing parameter κ. We also set the first dark matter direct-detection constraints on the mixing angle |U_{e4}|^{2} for keV/c^{2} sterile neutrinos.

First Constraints on Light Sterile Neutrino Oscillations from Combined Appearance and Disappearance Searches with the MicroBooNE Detector

We present a search for eV-scale sterile neutrino oscillations in the MicroBooNE liquid argon detector, simultaneously considering all possible appearance and disappearance effects within the 3+1 active-to-sterile neutrino oscillation framework. We analyze the neutrino candidate events for the recent measurements of charged-current ν_{e} and ν_{μ} interactions in the MicroBooNE detector, using data corresponding to an exposure of 6.37×10^{20} protons on target from the Fermilab booster neutrino beam. We observe no evidence of light sterile neutrino oscillations and derive exclusion contours at the 95% confidence level in the plane of the mass-squared splitting Δm_{41}^{2} and the sterile neutrino mixing angles θ_{μe} and θ_{ee}, excluding part of the parameter space allowed by experimental anomalies. Cancellation of ν_{e} appearance and ν_{e} disappearance effects due to the full 3+1 treatment of the analysis leads to a degeneracy when determining the oscillation parameters, which is discussed in this Letter and will be addressed by future analyses.

Improved Measurement of Solar Neutrinos from the Carbon-Nitrogen-Oxygen Cycle by Borexino and Its Implications for the Standard Solar Model

We present an improved measurement of the carbon-nitrogen-oxygen (CNO) solar neutrino interaction rate at Earth obtained with the complete Borexino Phase-III dataset. The measured rate, R_{CNO}=6.7_{-0.8}^{+2.0}  counts/(day×100  tonnes), allows us to exclude the absence of the CNO signal with about 7σ C.L. The correspondent CNO neutrino flux is 6.6_{-0.9}^{+2.0}×10^{8}  cm^{-2} s^{-1}, taking into account the neutrino flavor conversion. We use the new CNO measurement to evaluate the C and N abundances in the Sun with respect to the H abundance for the first time with solar neutrinos. Our result of N_{CN}=(5.78_{-1.00}^{+1.86})×10^{-4} displays a ∼2σ tension with the "low-metallicity" spectroscopic photospheric measurements. Furthermore, our result used together with the ^{7}Be and ^{8}B solar neutrino fluxes, also measured by Borexino, permits us to disfavor at 3.1σ C.L. the "low-metallicity" standard solar model B16-AGSS09met as an alternative to the "high-metallicity" standard solar model B16-GS98.

Scintillation light detection in the 6-m drift-length ProtoDUNE Dual Phase liquid argon TPC

DUNE is a dual-site experiment for long-baseline neutrino oscillation studies, neutrino astrophysics and nucleon decay searches. ProtoDUNE Dual Phase (DP) is a 6  ×  6  ×  6 m 3 liquid argon time-projection-chamber (LArTPC) that recorded cosmic-muon data at the CERN Neutrino Platform in 2019-2020 as a prototype of the DUNE Far Detector. Charged particles propagating through the LArTPC produce ionization and scintillation light. The scintillation light signal in these detectors can provide the trigger for non-beam events. In addition, it adds precise timing capabilities and improves the calorimetry measurements. In ProtoDUNE-DP, scintillation and electroluminescence light produced by cosmic muons in the LArTPC is collected by photomultiplier tubes placed up to 7 m away from the ionizing track. In this paper, the ProtoDUNE-DP photon detection system performance is evaluated with a particular focus on the different wavelength shifters, such as PEN and TPB, and the use of Xe-doped LAr, considering its future use in giant LArTPCs. The scintillation light production and propagation processes are analyzed and a comparison of simulation to data is performed, improving understanding of the liquid argon properties.

Search for an Excess of Electron Neutrino Interactions in MicroBooNE Using Multiple Final-State Topologies

We present a measurement of ν_{e} interactions from the Fermilab Booster Neutrino Beam using the MicroBooNE liquid argon time projection chamber to address the nature of the excess of low energy interactions observed by the MiniBooNE Collaboration. Three independent ν_{e} searches are performed across multiple single electron final states, including an exclusive search for two-body scattering events with a single proton, a semi-inclusive search for pionless events, and a fully inclusive search for events containing all hadronic final states. With differing signal topologies, statistics, backgrounds, reconstruction algorithms, and analysis approaches, the results are found to be either consistent with or modestly lower than the nominal ν_{e} rate expectations from the Booster Neutrino Beam and no excess of ν_{e} events is observed.

Cardiac sinus venosus differentiation is regulated by the expression of Hox genes under miR-23b, miR-130a and miR-106a modulation

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Junta de Extremadura, with FEDER co-financing.

Introduction

MicroRNAs have been explored in different organisms and considered molecular switches that modulate cellular differentiation and specification. Moreover, Hox gene families have gained pivotal relevance, being broadly conserved during evolution, and their roles to shape body embryo have been widely described in multiple species. Both molecular factors have shown to be essential during embryonic development, including the cardiovascular system.

Purpose

Analysis of the expression profiles of different microRNAs during early cardiac development, with special emphasis on those displaying marked expression in the sinus venosus, and correlation of these findings with several Hox family members revealed as targets of these microRNAs.

Methods

Using whole mount in situ hybridization in developing chick embryo with microRNA-specific LNA probes, we carried out a detailed study of miR-23b, miR-130a and miR-106a expressions during early stages of embryogenesis (HH3 to HH17). Those findings were correlated with putative microRNA target genes by means of mirWalk and TargetScan analyses. Through PCR analysis we explored the expression profile of all cranially expressed Hox genes, including all paralogues (Hoxa to Hoxd) from 1 to 6 in chicken cardiac sinus venosus, at stages HH11 and HH15. Finally, we developed in vitro microRNA gain-of-function experiments on cardiomyoblasts -derived from undifferentiated H9c2 cells- together with an analysis of chicken sinus venosus explants.

Results

Our results demonstrate a dynamic expression pattern from the primitive streak to cardiac looping stages for miR-23b, miR-130a and miR-106a, with marked expression in the cardiac sinus venosus. We observe that all those Hox genes analyzed -except Hoxa1- are detected at HH11, while Hoxa1, Hoxd3 and Hoxd4 are not detected at HH15. In addition, by means of gain-of-function experiments both in cardiomyoblasts and sinus venosus explants, we observe the modulation of the different Hox cluster genes (Hoxa, Hoxb, Hoxc and Hoxd) by those microRNAs. Finally, we demonstrate, through a dual luciferase assay, that Hoxa1 is targeted by miR-130a and Hoxa4 is targeted by both miR-23b and miR-106a.

Conclusion

This study presents several novel findings in the field of cardiac development. Our data show a dynamic expression profile of miR-23b, miR-130a and miR-106a, and we also identify the expression of several Hox genes in the sinus venosus at stages HH11 and HH15. Moreover, we demonstrate a negative modulation of several Hox genes by these microRNAs, both in cardiomyoblasts and sinus venosus. The convergent expression of these microRNAs regulating Hox gene expressions in the sinus venosus supports the hypothesis of their roles in differentiation and compartmentalization of the cardiac venous pole.

Inhibition of RhoA and Cdc42 by miR-133a modulates retinoic acid signaling during early development of the posterior cardiac tube segment

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Junta de Extremadura with FEDER co-financing.

Introduction

It has been demonstrated that multiple microRNAs play crucial roles in diverse biological processes, including cardiovascular development. In particular, we have previously observed miR-133a expressing at different stages of the primitive streak precardiac cells until the formation of the cardiac tube. MiR-133a role has also been reported as a modulator of proliferation and differentiation during heart development, involving many target genes and signaling pathways. Furthermore, we have shown in previous studies that retinoic acid plays a crucial role in cardiac development, modulating the expression of atrial markers.

Purpose

The aim of this work is to analyze the miR-133a modulation role on the retinoic acid signaling pathway in the posterior segment of the heart tube during cardiac looping formation.

Methods

By means of microinjections in both primitive endocardial tubes of chick embryo culture, gain- and loss-of-function experiments were performed with premiR-133a and anti-miR-133a, respectively. Subsequently, embryos were subjected to whole mount in situ hybridization with Tbx5 and AMHC1 probes, and qPCR. After TargetScan analysis and luciferase assays, immunohistochemistry was carried out by using anti-RhoA, -Cdc42 and -Raldh2/ALDH1A2 antibodies.

Results

Luciferase assays show that miR-133a is capable to recognize and bind to RhoA and Cdc42 3´UTR, thus triggering their mRNA degradation. Our results reveal that miR-133a gain-of-function experiments repress the expression of atrial markers Tbx5 and AMHC1, as well as RhoA, Cdc42 and -Raldh2/ALDH1A2 signals. Supporting these data, miR-133a loss-of-function experiments show the opposite effect: they increase the expression of Tbx5 and AMHC1, as well as RhoA, Cdc42 and Raldh2/ALDH1A2 signals.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that miR-133a could modulate negatively retinoic acid signaling by triggering degradation of pivotal genes RhoA and Cdc42, both required for Raldh2/ALDH1A2 expression, crucial to the synthesis of retinoic acid.

Walras, a novel lncRNA linked to cardiomyocyte cytoarchitecture and atrial fibrillation

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Junta de Andalucia

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent cardiac arrhythmia in humans. Genetic and genomic analyses have recently demonstrated that the homeobox transcription factor Pitx2 plays a fundamental role regulating expression of distinct growth factors, microRNAs and ion channels leading to morphological and molecular alterations that promote the onset of AF. Here we address the plausible contribution of long non-coding (lnc)RNAs within the Pitx2>Wnt>miRNA signaling pathway. In silico analyses of annotated lncRNAs in the vicinity of the Pitx2, Wnt8 and Wnt11 chromosomal loci identified five novel lncRNAs with differential expression during cardiac development. Importantly, three of them, Walaa, Walras and Wallrd, are evolutionarily conserved in humans and displayed preferential atrial expression during embryogenesis. In addition, Walrad displayed moderate expression during embryogenesis but was more abundant in the right atrium. Walaa, Walras and Wallrd were distinctly regulated by Pitx2, Wnt8, and Wnt11, and Wallrd was severely elevated in conditional atrium-specific Pitx2-deficient mice. Furthermore, pro-arrhythmogenic and pro-hypertrophic substrate administration to primary cardiomyocyte cell cultures consistently modulate expression of these lncRNAs, supporting distinct modulatory roles of the AF cardiovascular risk factors in the regulation of these lncRNAs. Walras affinity pulldown assays revealed its association with distinct cytoplasmic and nuclear proteins previously involved in cardiac pathophysiology, while loss-of-function assays further support a pivotal role of this lncRNA in cytoskeletal organization. We propose that lncRNAs Walaa, Walras and Wallrd, distinctly regulated by Pitx2>Wnt>miRNA signaling and pro-arrhythmogenic and pro-hypertrophic factors, are implicated in atrial arrhythmogenesis, and Walras additionally in cardiomyocyte cytoarchitecture.

First Measurement of Energy-Dependent Inclusive Muon Neutrino Charged-Current Cross Sections on Argon with the MicroBooNE Detector

We report a measurement of the energy-dependent total charged-current cross section σ(E_{ν}) for inclusive muon neutrinos scattering on argon, as well as measurements of flux-averaged differential cross sections as a function of muon energy and hadronic energy transfer (ν). Data corresponding to 5.3×10^{19} protons on target of exposure were collected using the MicroBooNE liquid argon time projection chamber located in the Fermilab booster neutrino beam with a mean neutrino energy of approximately 0.8 GeV. The mapping between the true neutrino energy E_{ν} and reconstructed neutrino energy E_{ν}^{rec} and between the energy transfer ν and reconstructed hadronic energy E_{had}^{rec} are validated by comparing the data and Monte Carlo (MC) predictions. In particular, the modeling of the missing hadronic energy and its associated uncertainties are verified by a new method that compares the E_{had}^{rec} distributions between data and a MC prediction after constraining the reconstructed muon kinematic distributions, energy, and polar angle to those of data. The success of this validation gives confidence that the missing energy in the MicroBooNE detector is well modeled and underpins first-time measurements of both the total cross section σ(E_{ν}) and the differential cross section dσ/dν on argon.

Search for Neutrino-Induced Neutral-Current Δ Radiative Decay in MicroBooNE and a First Test of the MiniBooNE Low Energy Excess under a Single-Photon Hypothesis

We report results from a search for neutrino-induced neutral current (NC) resonant Δ(1232) baryon production followed by Δ radiative decay, with a ⟨0.8⟩  GeV neutrino beam. Data corresponding to MicroBooNE's first three years of operations (6.80×10^{20} protons on target) are used to select single-photon events with one or zero protons and without charged leptons in the final state (1γ1p and 1γ0p, respectively). The background is constrained via an in situ high-purity measurement of NC π^{0} events, made possible via dedicated 2γ1p and 2γ0p selections. A total of 16 and 153 events are observed for the 1γ1p and 1γ0p selections, respectively, compared to a constrained background prediction of 20.5±3.65(syst) and 145.1±13.8(syst) events. The data lead to a bound on an anomalous enhancement of the normalization of NC Δ radiative decay of less than 2.3 times the predicted nominal rate for this process at the 90% confidence level (C.L.). The measurement disfavors a candidate photon interpretation of the MiniBooNE low-energy excess as a factor of 3.18 times the nominal NC Δ radiative decay rate at the 94.8% C.L., in favor of the nominal prediction, and represents a greater than 50-fold improvement over the world's best limit on single-photon production in NC interactions in the sub-GeV neutrino energy range.

First Directional Measurement of Sub-MeV Solar Neutrinos with Borexino

We report the measurement of sub-MeV solar neutrinos through the use of their associated Cherenkov radiation, performed with the Borexino detector at the Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso. The measurement is achieved using a novel technique that correlates individual photon hits of events to the known position of the Sun. In an energy window between 0.54 to 0.74 MeV, selected using the dominant scintillation light, we have measured 10 887_{-2103}^{+2386}(stat)±947(syst) (68% confidence interval) solar neutrinos out of 19 904 total events. This corresponds to a ^{7}Be neutrino interaction rate of 51.6_{-12.5}^{+13.9}  counts/(day·100  ton), which is in agreement with the standard solar model predictions and the previous spectroscopic results of Borexino. The no-neutrino hypothesis can be excluded with >5σ confidence level. For the first time, we have demonstrated the possibility of utilizing the directional Cherenkov information for sub-MeV solar neutrinos, in a large-scale, high light yield liquid scintillator detector. This measurement provides an experimental proof of principle for future hybrid event reconstruction using both Cherenkov and scintillation signatures simultaneously.

Search for a Higgs Portal Scalar Decaying to Electron-Positron Pairs in the MicroBooNE Detector

We present a search for the decays of a neutral scalar boson produced by kaons decaying at rest, in the context of the Higgs portal model, using the MicroBooNE detector. We analyze data triggered in time with the Fermilab NuMI neutrino beam spill, with an exposure of 1.93×10^{20} protons on target. We look for monoenergetic scalars that come from the direction of the NuMI hadron absorber, at a distance of 100 m from the detector, and decay to electron-positron pairs. We observe one candidate event, with a standard model background prediction of 1.9±0.8. We set an upper limit on the scalar-Higgs mixing angle of θ<(3.3-4.6)×10^{-4} at the 95% confidence level for scalar boson masses in the range (100-200)  MeV/c^{2}. We exclude, at the 95% confidence level, the remaining model parameters required to explain the central value of a possible excess of K_{L}^{0}→π^{0}νν[over ¯] decays reported by the KOTO collaboration. We also provide a model-independent limit on a new boson X produced in K→πX decays and decaying to e^{+}e^{-}.

Fricke gel xylenol orange dosimeter layers for stereotactic radiosurgery: A preliminary approach

Investigations regarding the feasibility, reliability, and accuracy of Fricke gel dosimeter layers for stereotactic radiosurgery are presented. A representative radiosurgery plan consisting of two targets has been investigated. Absorbed dose distributions measured using radiochromic films and gelatin Fricke Gel dosimetry in layers have been compared with dose distributions calculated by using a treatment planning system and Monte Carlo simulations. The different dose distributions have been compared by means of the gamma index demonstrating that gelatin Fricke gel dosimeter layers showed agreements of 100%, 100%, and 93%, with dose and distance tolerances of 2% and 2 mm, with respect to film dosimetry, treatment planning system and Monte Carlo simulations, respectively. The capability of the developed system for three-dimensional dose mapping was shown, obtaining promising results when compared with well-established dosimetry methods. The obtained results support the viability of Fricke gel dosimeter layers analyzed by optical methods for stereotactic radiosurgery.

Cosmic Ray Background Removal With Deep Neural Networks in SBND

In liquid argon time projection chambers exposed to neutrino beams and running on or near surface levels, cosmic muons, and other cosmic particles are incident on the detectors while a single neutrino-induced event is being recorded. In practice, this means that data from surface liquid argon time projection chambers will be dominated by cosmic particles, both as a source of event triggers and as the majority of the particle count in true neutrino-triggered events. In this work, we demonstrate a novel application of deep learning techniques to remove these background particles by applying deep learning on full detector images from the SBND detector, the near detector in the Fermilab Short-Baseline Neutrino Program. We use this technique to identify, on a pixel-by-pixel level, whether recorded activity originated from cosmic particles or neutrino interactions.

Prospects for beyond the Standard Model physics searches at the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment: DUNE Collaboration

The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) will be a powerful tool for a variety of physics topics. The high-intensity proton beams provide a large neutrino flux, sampled by a near detector system consisting of a combination of capable precision detectors, and by the massive far detector system located deep underground. This configuration sets up DUNE as a machine for discovery, as it enables opportunities not only to perform precision neutrino measurements that may uncover deviations from the present three-flavor mixing paradigm, but also to discover new particles and unveil new interactions and symmetries beyond those predicted in the Standard Model (SM). Of the many potential beyond the Standard Model (BSM) topics DUNE will probe, this paper presents a selection of studies quantifying DUNE's sensitivities to sterile neutrino mixing, heavy neutral leptons, non-standard interactions, CPT symmetry violation, Lorentz invariance violation, neutrino trident production, dark matter from both beam induced and cosmogenic sources, baryon number violation, and other new physics topics that complement those at high-energy colliders and significantly extend the present reach.

The novel Mechanical Ventilator Milano for the COVID-19 pandemic

This paper presents the Mechanical Ventilator Milano (MVM), a novel intensive therapy mechanical ventilator designed for rapid, large-scale, low-cost production for the COVID-19 pandemic. Free of moving mechanical parts and requiring only a source of compressed oxygen and medical air to operate, the MVM is designed to support the long-term invasive ventilation often required for COVID-19 patients and operates in pressure-regulated ventilation modes, which minimize the risk of furthering lung trauma. The MVM was extensively tested against ISO standards in the laboratory using a breathing simulator, with good agreement between input and measured breathing parameters and performing correctly in response to fault conditions and stability tests. The MVM has obtained Emergency Use Authorization by U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in healthcare settings during the COVID-19 pandemic and Health Canada Medical Device Authorization for Importation or Sale, under Interim Order for Use in Relation to COVID-19. Following these certifications, mass production is ongoing and distribution is under way in several countries. The MVM was designed, tested, prepared for certification, and mass produced in the space of a few months by a unique collaboration of respiratory healthcare professionals and experimental physicists, working with industrial partners, and is an excellent ventilator candidate for this pandemic anywhere in the world.

Can proteomics contribute to biomonitoring of aquatic pollution? A critical review

Aquatic pollution is one of the greatest environmental problems, and therefore its control represents one of the major challenges in this century. In recent years, proteomics has emerged as a powerful tool for searching protein biomarkers in the field of pollution biomonitoring. For biomonitoring marine contamination, there is a consensus that bivalves are preferred organisms to assess organic and inorganic pollutants. Thus, the bivalve proteome was intensively studied, particularly the mussel. It is well documented that heavy metal pollution and organic chemicals altered the structural proteins causing degradation of tissues of molluscs. Also, it is well known that proteins involved in stress oxidative such as glutathione and enzymes as catalase, superoxide dismutase or peroxisomes are overexpressed in response to contaminants. Additionally, using bivalves, other groups of proteins proposed as pollution biomarkers are the metabolic proteins. Even though other marine species are used to monitor the pollution, the presence of proteomic tools in these studies is scarce. Concerning freshwater pollution field, a great variety of animal species (fish and crustaceans) are used as biomonitors in proteomics studies compared to plants that are scarcely analysed. In fish species, proteins involved in stress oxidative such as heat shock family or proteins from lipid and carbohydrate metabolism were proposed as candidate biomarkers. On the contrary, for crustaceans there is a lack of proteomic studies individually assessing the contaminants. Novel scenarios, including emerging contaminants and new threats, will require proteomic technology for a systematic search of protein biomarkers and a greater knowledge at molecular level of those cellular pathways induced by contamination.

First Measurement of Differential Charged Current Quasielasticlike ν_{μ}-Argon Scattering Cross Sections with the MicroBooNE Detector

We report on the first measurement of flux-integrated single differential cross sections for charged-current (CC) muon neutrino (ν_{μ}) scattering on argon with a muon and a proton in the final state, ^{40}Ar (ν_{μ},μp)X. The measurement was carried out using the Booster Neutrino Beam at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory and the MicroBooNE liquid argon time projection chamber detector with an exposure of 4.59×10^{19} protons on target. Events are selected to enhance the contribution of CC quasielastic (CCQE) interactions. The data are reported in terms of a total cross section as well as single differential cross sections in final state muon and proton kinematics. We measure the integrated per-nucleus CCQE-like cross section (i.e., for interactions leading to a muon, one proton, and no pions above detection threshold) of (4.93±0.76_{stat}±1.29_{sys})×10^{-38}  cm^{2}, in good agreement with theoretical calculations. The single differential cross sections are also in overall good agreement with theoretical predictions, except at very forward muon scattering angles that correspond to low-momentum-transfer events.

Measuring quantitative proteomic distance between Spanish beef breeds

Estimates of quantitative proteomic distance between populations have not been reported to date. Here, quantitative proteomic distances between three Spanish bovine breeds (Asturiana de los Valles, AV; Retinta, RE; and Rubia Gallega, RG) were estimated from two-dimensional electrophoresis profiles of meat samples of longissimus thoracis muscle at 2 h post-mortem. Statistically significant distances were detected between AV/RG and the most genetically different RE breed, using the novel QD measure of quantitative proteomic distance. In total, 18 differentially abundant myofibrillar and sarcoplasmic proteins/isoforms contributing to proteomic distances between breeds were confidently identified by tandem mass spectrometry. The fast skeletal myosin regulatory light chain 2 followed by other five interacting proteins exhibited the most pronounced relative change between breeds. In addition, most differentially represented proteins could be associated with variations in meat tenderness. Therefore, they could be candidate biomarkers for molecular breeding programs and authentication of the three Spanish beef breeds.

Bio-hybrid gold nanoparticles as SERS probe for rapid bacteria cell identification

This study reports the utilization of engineered molecular networks between bacteriophage (or phage) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) prepared ablating a high purity gold target in water by nanosecond laser source. Gold colloids are assembled with P9b phage clone, displaying the specific peptide (QRKLAAKLT), able to bind P. aeruginosa. The single components and assembled systems were characterized by spectroscopic and electronic techniques, such as the conventional optical absorption and micro-Raman spectroscopies as well as the Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM) techniques. The performance of the AuNPs-phage assembly as substrate for Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) was tested against the detection of the characteristics Raman vibrational features of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria.

1156Coronary artery bypass grafting vs. FFR-guided PCI in diabetic patients with multivessel disease

Background

In diabetic patients with multivessel coronary disease (MVD), coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) has shown long-term benefits in mortality over percutaneous coronary revascularization (PCI). Nevertheless, the impact of fractional flow reserve (FFR)-guided PCI on clinical outcomes has never been investigated in these patients.

Purpose

To evaluate the long-term (5-year) clinical outcome of diabetic patients with MVD treated with FFR-guided PCI compared to CABG.

Methods

From February 2010 to February 2018, all diabetic patients undergoing coronary angiography in one centre (n=4622) were screened for inclusion. The inclusion criterion was presence of at least two-vessels CAD defined as with diameters stenosis ≥50%. In case of intermediate coronary stenosis (%DS 30–70%), FFR was performed at the discretion of the operator. Revascularization was performed when FFR ≤0.80. Exclusion criteria were ST-elevation myocardial infarction, prior CABG, and moderate or severe valvular heart dysfunction.

To account for confounders, we compared outcomes by calculating an adjusted Kaplan-Meier estimator using inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW). Propensity score variables included age, sex, smoking habit, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, insulin therapy, family history of CAD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), glomerular filtration rate (GFR), prior myocardial infarction, peripheral vascular disease (PVD), admission for NSTEMI, ejection fraction, number of angiographic stenotic vessels. Odds ratios were calculated using generalized linear models (GLM). The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), defined as all-cause death, myocardial infarction and stroke. Secondary endpoints were the individual component of MACCE and any repeated revascularization.

Results

A total of 538 diabetic patients with MVD were included in the analysis. Among them, 317 (59%) patients underwent CABG and 221 (41%) FFR-guided PCI.

Patients treated with FFR-guided PCI had more often COPD as compared to patients in the CABG-group, but patients treated with CABG had lower GFR, more PVD, higher number of angiographic stenotic vessels (2.8±0.4 vs. 2.5±0.5; p<0.01) and higher Syntax score (20±7 vs. 14±6; p<0.01) as compared to the FFR-guided PCI group.

Clinical follow-up was obtained in 95% of the patients at a median follow-up of 5 years.

The incidence of MACCE was similar in the CABG and in the FFR-guided PCI group [27% vs. 29%; OR (95% CI) 1.05 (0.68–1.63); p=0.74]. No differences were found in the individual components of MACCE. Repeat revascularization was more frequent in the FFR-guided PCI group than in the CABG group [27% vs. 7%; OR (95% CI) 4.3 (2.35–7.9); p<0.01].

Conclusions

In diabetic patients with MVD undergoing FFR-guided PCI, no differences in major adverse events were observed at a median follow-up of 5 years compared with CABG.

P1233Differential effects of five risk variants for atrial fibrillation at the 4q25 region on L-type calcium current and transient inward currents in human atrial myocytes

Background

An increasing number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at the chromosomal region 4q25 have been associated with risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) and we have recently reported that carriers of the rs13143308 risk variant have an increased incidence of spontaneous calcium release-induce transient inward currents (ITI). However, it is not known if different 4q25 variants have similar effects.

Purpose

This study aimed to compare the effects of five SNPs at 4q25 on L-type calcium current (ICa) and ITI frequency, features that are altered in patients with AF.

Methods

To avoid confounding effects of AF on calcium homeostasis, atrial samples from 63 patients without AF were genotyped and divided into groups according to the genotype of the SNPs rs1448818, rs6817105, rs13143308, rs6843082, rs3853443 ordered according to their location and identified by the three last digits + an R for risk or N for normal variants. ICa density and ITI frequency were measured with perforated patch clamp technique in atrial myocytes from these patients.

Results

Three SNPs 818, 308 and 443 segregated independently of the genotype at the other loci. The 105 and 082 loci always co-segregated with 308 but never together. The ICa density was smaller in carriers of 818R and 443N variants (−1.6±0.3pA/pF, p=0.01) or 818N and 443R variants (−1.6±0.4pA/pF, p=0.02) than in patients with 818N and 443N variants (−3.2±0.4pA/pF), independently of the genotype at 105, 308 and 082 (these loci did not affect ICa). In contrast, to this, the ITI frequency was increased only in myocytes from patients carrying 105R, 308R and 082N (1.4±0.2events/min, p<0.001) or 105N, 308R and 082R (1.6±0.5events/min, p=0.002) when compared to patients with 105N, 308N and 082N (0.36±0.09events/min) independently of the genotypes at 818 and 443, or when compared to patients without risk at any of the five loci (0.55±0.30events/min). The table shows schematically the qualitative effects of the different risk variants.

Risk variant rs1448818C rs6817105C rs13143308T rs6843082T rs3853445C ICa Decreased Unchanged Unchanged Unchanged Decreased ITI Unchanged Increased Increased Increased Unchanged

Conclusion

Different SNPs at the chromosomal region 4q25 are associated with differential pathological changes in intracellular calcium homeostasis. Risk variants at rs1448818 or rs3853445 cause loss of ICa without affecting ITI frequency while a risk variant at rs13143308 elevates the ITI frequency without affecting ICa. These findings afford a framework for stratification of pharmacological therapy based on the functional effects of the 4q25 risk variants

Acknowledgement/Funding

SAF2017-88019; Marato2015-20-30; SGR2017-1769; CIBERCV

First Measurement of Inclusive Muon Neutrino Charged Current Differential Cross Sections on Argon at E_{ν}∼0.8 GeV with the MicroBooNE Detector

We report the first measurement of the double-differential and total muon neutrino charged current inclusive cross sections on argon at a mean neutrino energy of 0.8 GeV. Data were collected using the MicroBooNE liquid argon time projection chamber located in the Fermilab Booster neutrino beam and correspond to 1.6×10^{20} protons on target of exposure. The measured differential cross sections are presented as a function of muon momentum, using multiple Coulomb scattering as a momentum measurement technique, and the muon angle with respect to the beam direction. We compare the measured cross sections to multiple neutrino event generators and find better agreement with those containing more complete treatment of quasielastic scattering processes at low Q^{2}. The total flux integrated cross section is measured to be 0.693±0.010(stat)±0.165(syst)×10^{-38}  cm^{2}.

Recoil Directionality Experiment

Directional sensitivity to nuclear recoils could provide a smoking gun for a possible discovery of dark matter in the form of WIMPs. A hint of directional dependence of the response of a dual-phase liquid argon Time Projection Chamber was found in the SCENE experiment. Given the potential importance of such a capability in the frame work of dark matter searches, a new dedicated experiment, ReD (Recoil Directionality), was designed in the framework of the DarkSide Collaboration, in order to scrutinize this hint. This contribution will describe the performance of the detectors achieved during the first test-beam, the current status of ReD and the perspectives for physics measurements during the forthcoming beam-time.

Proteomic footprint of ultrasound intensification on sliced dry-cured ham subjected to mild thermal conditions

Ultrasound can intensify the heating process used to correct texture defects in dry-cured hams. The effect of ultrasound-assisted heating on the proteome of sliced dry-cured ham was evaluated. Dry-cured hams with high proteolysis index (PI > 36) were sliced, vacuum packed and subjected to conventional (CV) and ultrasound-assisted (US) thermal treatments. Comparative proteome profiling between sample groups was assessed by two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. It was found that protein fragmentation increased markedly after US thermal treatment. Specifically, fragments of the major myofibrillar protein, actin, were abundantly over-represented following US heating. In addition, five unfragmented sarcoplasmic proteins (i.e. fatty acid-binding protein, peroxiredoxin-6, superoxide dismutase, carbonyl reductase and aminoacylase) showed increased abundance in the US sample group. These results suggest candidate biomarkers to monitor proteolysis intensity and proteolysis-independent effects linked to cured ham quality by ultrasound application. SIGNIFICANCE: The present proteome profiling study of treated dry-cured ham demonstrates the impact of ultrasound action on proteins. Moreover, negative organoleptic effects can be appearing with ultrasound treatment due to proteolysis increase. Therefore, the proteolysis monitoring could help to control these effects. In this regards, our results suggest that actin can be a candidate biomarker to monitor proteolysis intensity.

Clinical outcomes of hepatitis C treatment before and after kidney transplantation and its impact on time to transplant: A multicenter study

Waitlist time for kidney transplantation is long but may be shortened with the utilization of hepatitis C positive allografts. We retrospectively reviewed the course of 36 hepatitis C positive patients awaiting kidney transplantation at 2 large centers within the same health system, with near-identical care delivery models with the exception of timing of hepatitis C treatment, to determine the impact of timing of hepatitis C treatment on access to transplant, waitlist time, and treatment efficacy and tolerability. The majority of patients had hepatitis C genotype 1a or 1b, and all received direct acting antiviral therapy with 100% treatment response. One patient underwent transplantation in the pretransplant treatment group. The 1-year transplantation rate was 12.5% vs 67.9% (P = .0013) in those treated posttransplantation. The median waitlist time in the posttransplant group was 122 (interquartile range [IQR] 21.5, 531.0) days, which was significantly shorter than the center's regional and national wait time. Pathologic review revealed no difference in allograft quality. Overall treatment related adverse events were not different between the 2 groups. A strategy of posttransplant hepatitis C treatment increased access to transplant and reduced waitlist time. Delaying treatment until after transplant did not appear to adversely affect recipients' kidney allograft or overall survival.

Constraints on Sub-GeV Dark-Matter-Electron Scattering from the DarkSide-50 Experiment

We present new constraints on sub-GeV dark-matter particles scattering off electrons based on 6780.0 kg d of data collected with the DarkSide-50 dual-phase argon time projection chamber. This analysis uses electroluminescence signals due to ionized electrons extracted from the liquid argon target. The detector has a very high trigger probability for these signals, allowing for an analysis threshold of three extracted electrons, or approximately 0.05 keVee. We calculate the expected recoil spectra for dark matter-electron scattering in argon and, under the assumption of momentum-independent scattering, improve upon existing limits from XENON10 for dark-matter particles with masses between 30 and 100  MeV/c^{2}.

Low-Mass Dark Matter Search with the DarkSide-50 Experiment

We present the results of a search for dark matter weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) in the mass range below 20  GeV/c^{2} using a target of low-radioactivity argon with a 6786.0 kg d exposure. The data were obtained using the DarkSide-50 apparatus at Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso. The analysis is based on the ionization signal, for which the DarkSide-50 time projection chamber is fully efficient at 0.1  keVee. The observed rate in the detector at 0.5  keVee is about 1.5  event/keVee/kg/d and is almost entirely accounted for by known background sources. We obtain a 90% C.L. exclusion limit above 1.8  GeV/c^{2} for the spin-independent cross section of dark matter WIMPs on nucleons, extending the exclusion region for dark matter below previous limits in the range 1.8-6  GeV/c^{2}.

Efecto de la edad de sacrificio en el perfil de ácidos grasos de cerdos de raza Celta

El cerdo Celta es una raza autóctona del noroeste de España, caracterizada por su rusticidad y su adaptación a las condiciones ambientales, por lo que pueden ser criados en régimen extensivo y semi-extensivo. Se estudió el efecto de la edad de sacrificio (12, 14 y 16 meses) en el perfil de ácidos grasos del cerdo Celta. Para este estudio fue usado el músculo longissimus dorsi de 45 machos castrados del genotipo Carballiña. El análisis estadístico revela que los ácidos grasos más abundantes fueron los monoinsaturados, los cuales no mostraron diferencias (P>0.05) entre las edades de sacrificio. El contenido en ácidos grasos saturados incrementó (P

Influencia del sexo sobre la calidad de la carne de cerdo de la raza Celta

El objetivo de este trabajo fue estudiar el efecto del sexo sobre la composición química, parámetros de color y análisis de textura de la carne en cerdos de la raza Celta. Para ello se utilizaron 27 cerdos (16 machos castrados y 11 hembras). Los animales fueron alimentados ad libitum con un pienso comercial adecuado a sus necesidades nutricionales y se sacrificaron cuando alcanzaron un peso vivo de 102,49±8,23 y 100,72±9,74 kg (P>0.05) en machos y hembras, respectivamente. En cada canal se tomaron muestras del músculo longissimus dorsi (LD) entre las vértebras 4ª y 10ª. Para estudiar el efecto del sexo sobre los distintos parámetros analizados se realizó un análisis de varianza (ANOVA) usando el programa SPSS versión 21.0. Los parámetros de color no se vieron afectados de un modo significativo por el sexo, aunque la carne procedente de los machos fue más oscura que la de las hembras. Por otro lado, los valores de pH no mostraron diferencias significativas (P>0,05) entre sexos, con valores medios de 5,94. Con respecto a la composición química, los machos presentaron los mayores contenidos de humedad y proteína, mientras que las hembras mostraron los mayores porcentajes de grasa intramuscular. No hubo diferencias significativas en las pérdidas por cocción entre sexos, con valores medios de 15,7%. Finalmente, no se encontraron diferencias significativas entre géneros (P>0,05) en los parámetros de textura medidos por los test WB y TPA.

Recent Borexino results and perspectives of the SOX measurement

Borexino is a liquid scintillator detector sited underground in the Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso (Italy). Its physics program, until the end of this year, is focussed on the study of solar neutrinos, in particular from the Beryllium, pp, pep and CNO fusion reactions. Knowing the reaction chains in the sun provides insights towards physics disciplines such as astrophysics (star physics, star formation, etc.), astroparticle and particle physics. Phase II started in 2011 and its aim is to improve the phase I results, in particular the measurements of the neutrino fluxes from the pep and CNO processes. By the end of this year, data taking from the sun will be over and a new project is scheduled to launch: Short distance Oscillation with boreXino (SOX), which uses a Cerium source for neutrinos (100÷150 kCi of activity) and aims to confirm or rule out the presence of sterile neutrinos. This particle is hypothesised to justify the reactor, Gallium and LSND anomalies found and can reject extensions to the standard model. The work presented is a summary of the solar neutrino results achieved so far, which lead not only to a precise study of the processes in the sun, but also to more Standard Model oriented measurements (such as the stability of the charge, i.e. the life time of the electron). Furthermore, the perspectives of the SOX program are discussed showing the experiment sensitivity to a fourth neutrino state covering almost entirely 3σ of the preferred region of the anomalous neutrino experiments, and additional applications of the detector such as the study of geo-neutrinos.

MRPL53, a New Candidate Gene for Orofacial Clefting, Identified Using an eQTL Approach

A valuable approach to understand how individual and population genetic differences can predispose to disease is to assess the impact of genetic variants on cellular functions (e.g., gene expression) of cell and tissue types related to pathological states. To understand the genetic basis of nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCL/P) susceptibility, a complex and highly prevalent congenital malformation, we searched for genetic variants with a regulatory role in a disease-related tissue, the lip muscle (orbicularis oris muscle [OOM]), of affected individuals. From 46 OOM samples, which are frequently discarded during routine corrective surgeries on patients with orofacial clefts, we derived mesenchymal stem cells and correlated the individual genetic variants with gene expression from these cultured cells. Through this strategy, we detected significant cis-eQTLs (i.e., DNA variants affecting gene expression) and selected a few candidates to conduct an association study in a large Brazilian cohort (624 patients and 668 controls). This resulted in the discovery of a novel susceptibility locus for NSCL/P, rs1063588, the best eQTL for the MRPL53 gene, where evidence for association was mostly driven by the Native American ancestry component of our Brazilian sample. MRPL53 (2p13.1) encodes a 39S protein subunit of mitochondrial ribosomes and interacts with MYC, a transcription factor required for normal facial morphogenesis. Our study illustrates not only the importance of sampling admixed populations but also the relevance of measuring the functional effects of genetic variants over gene expression to dissect the complexity of disease phenotypes.

Search for Electronic Recoil Event Rate Modulation with 4 Years of XENON100 Data

We report on a search for electronic recoil event rate modulation signatures in the XENON100 data accumulated over a period of 4 yr, from January 2010 to January 2014. A profile likelihood method, which incorporates the stability of the XENON100 detector and the known electronic recoil background model, is used to quantify the significance of periodicity in the time distribution of events. There is a weak modulation signature at a period of 431_{-14}^{+16} day in the low energy region of (2.0-5.8) keV in the single scatter event sample, with a global significance of 1.9σ; however, no other more significant modulation is observed. The significance of an annual modulation signature drops from 2.8σ, from a previous analysis of a subset of this data, to 1.8σ with all data combined. Single scatter events in the low energy region are thus used to exclude the DAMA/LIBRA annual modulation as being due to dark matter electron interactions via axial vector coupling at 5.7σ.

Effect of natural antioxidants in Spanish salchichón elaborated with encapsulated n-3 long chain fatty acids in konjac glucomannan matrix

The effect of natural antioxidants on physicochemical properties, lipid and protein oxidation, volatile compounds and free fatty acids (FFA) were determined in Spanish salchichón enriched with n-3 fatty acids encapsulated and stabilized in konjac matrix. Phenolic compounds of beer residue extract (BRE), chestnut leaves extract (CLE) and peanut skin extract (PSE) were also identified and quantified. Five batches of salchichón were prepared: control (CON, without antioxidants), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), BRE, CLE and PSE. The main phenolic compounds were catechin and benzoic acid for BRE, gallic acid and catechin for CLE and catechin and protocatechuic acid for PSE. Statistical analysis did not show significant differences on chemical composition among treatments. Reductions in luminosity (P<0.05) and pH (P<0.001) were observed with the CLE batch, whereas the other colour parameters were not affected by the addition of natural antioxidants. Finally, the inclusion of antioxidants (P<0.001) decreased the hexanal content, whereas the FFA content increased by the addition of natural extracts.