Recoil Rate Research Articles

Degradation of a novel magnesium alloy-based bioresorbable coronary scaffold in a swine coronary artery model

The objective of the study is to investigate the safety, feasibility, and degradation profile of a novel Mg alloy-based bioresorbable coronary scaffold (JFK-PRODUCT BRS) with thin struts (110 μm). Polymer- or Mg alloy-based BRSs have not replaced nondegradable metal stents because of the higher prevalence of scaffold thrombosis and restenosis in clinical practice; these poor clinical outcomes were due to inadequate scaffold designs, including thick struts (more than 150 μm) and their inappropriate degradation processes. Fourteen healthy pigs received 17 JFK-PRODUCT BRSs in the coronary arteries and were sacrificed at 1, 6, 12, 18, and 26 months after implantation. Angiography, optical coherence tomography, microfocus X-ray computed tomography (µCT), scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM–EDX), and histopathological evaluation were performed. The JFK-PRODUCT had a median percent late recoil of 11.28% at 1 month. The µCT observation confirmed that scaffold discontinuity reached 64.8% at 12 months with increased scaffold inner area thereafter, suggesting artery positive remodeling. The inflammation was mild, peaked at 18 months, and decreased thereafter. The SEM–EDX analysis demonstrated gradual degradation of the scaffold with formation of inorganic deposits, presumed to be calcium phosphates. It also revealed the disappearance of calcium phosphates at 26 months, achieving almost complete replacement of the scaffold by biocomponents. The current study demonstrated the safety and feasibility of JFK-PRODUCT with a lower acute recoil rate despite its thin struts. The scaffolds were almost completely disappeared at 26 months after implantation.Graphical abstract

Optimizing the compression resistance of low-nickel stainless steel coronary stents using finite element and response surface methodology

Considering the high strength and excellent biocompatibility of low-nickel stainless steel, this paper focused on optimizing the design of a vascular stent made from this material using finite element analysis (FEA) combined with the response surface methodology (RSM). The aim is to achieve the desired compressive resistance for the stent while maintaining a thin stent wall thickness. The parameters of the stent’s support unit width (H), strut width (W), and thickness (T) were selected as input parameters, while the output parameters obtained from FEA included the compressive load, the equivalent plastic strain (PEEQ), axial shortening rate, radial recoil rate, and metal coverage rate. The mathematical models of input parameters and output parameters were established by using the Box Behnken design (BBD) of RSM. The model equations were solved under constrained conditions, and the optimal structural parameters, namely H, W, and T, were finally determined as 0.770 mm, 0.100 mm, and 0.075 mm respectively. In this situation, the compression load of the stent reached the target value of 0.38 N/mm; the PEEQ resulting from the stent expansion was small; the axial shortening, radial recoil, and metal coverage index were all minimized within the required range.

Impact of shell model interactions on nuclear responses to WIMP elastic scattering

Nuclear recoil from scattering with weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) is a signature searched for in direct detection of dark matter. The underlying WIMP-nucleon interactions could be spin and/or orbital angular momentum (in)dependent. Evaluation of nuclear recoil rates through these interactions requires accounting for nuclear structure, e.g., through shell model calculations. We evaluate nuclear response functions induced by these interactions for F19, Na23, Si28,29,30, Ar40, Ge70,72,73,74,76, I127, and Xe128,129,130,131,132,134,136 nuclei that are relevant to current direct detection experiments, and estimate their sensitivity to shell model interactions. Shell model calculations are performed with the NuShellX solver. Nuclear response functions from nonrelativistic effective field theory are evaluated and integrated over transferred momentum for quantitative comparisons. We show that although the standard spin-independent response is barely sensitive to the structure of the nuclei, large variations with the shell model interaction are often observed for the other channels. Significant uncertainties may arise from the nuclear components of WIMP-nucleus scattering amplitudes due to nuclear structure theory and modeling. These uncertainties should be accounted for in analyses of direct detection experiments. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Effectiveness of Blended Versus Traditional Refresher Training for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: Prospective Observational Study.

Generally, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills decline substantially over time. By combining web-based self-regulated learning with hands-on practice, blended training can be a time- and resource-efficient approach enabling individuals to acquire or refresh CPR skills at their convenience. However, few studies have evaluated the effectiveness of blended CPR refresher training compared with that of the traditional method. This study investigated and compared the effectiveness of traditional and blended CPR training through 6-month and 12-month refresher sessions with CPR ability indicators. This study recruited participants aged ≥18 years from the Automated External Defibrillator Donation Project. The participants were divided into 4 groups based on the format of the CPR training and refresher training received: (1) initial traditional training (a 30-minute instructor-led, hands-on session) and 6-month traditional refresher training (Traditional6 group), (2) initial traditional training and 6-month blended refresher training (an 18-minute e-learning module; Mixed6 group), (3) initial traditional training and 12-month blended refresher training (Mixed12 group), and (4) initial blended training and 6-month blended refresher training (Blended6 group). CPR knowledge and performance were evaluated immediately after initial training. For each group, following initial training but before refresher training, a learning effectiveness assessment was conducted at 12 and 24 months. CPR knowledge was assessed using a written test with 15 multiple-choice questions, and CPR performance was assessed through an examiner-rated skill test and objectively through manikin feedback. A generalized estimating equation model was used to analyze changes in CPR ability indicators. This study recruited 1163 participants (mean age 41.82, SD 11.6 years; n=725, 62.3% female), with 332 (28.5%), 270 (23.2%), 258 (22.2%), and 303 (26.1%) participants in the Mixed6, Traditional6, Mixed12, and Blended6 groups, respectively. No significant between-group difference was observed in knowledge acquisition after initial training (P=.23). All groups met the criteria for high-quality CPR skills (ie, average compression depth: 5-6 cm; average compression rate: 100-120 beats/min; chest recoil rate: >80%); however, a higher proportion (98/303, 32.3%) of participants receiving blended training initially demonstrated high-quality CPR skills. At 12 and 24 months, CPR skills had declined in all the groups, but the decline was significantly higher in the Mixed12 group, whereas the differences were not significant between the other groups. This finding indicates that frequent retraining can maintain high-quality CPR skills and that blended refresher training is as effective as traditional refresher training. Our findings indicate that 6-month refresher training sessions for CPR are more effective for maintaining high-quality CPR skills, and that as refreshers, self-learning e-modules are as effective as instructor-led sessions. Although the blended learning approach is cost and resource effective, factors such as participant demographics, training environment, and level of engagement must be considered to maximize the potential of this approach. IGOGO NCT05659108; https://www.cgmh-igogo.tw.

Investigating the collinear splitting effects of boosted dark matter at neutrino detectors

We study the probing prospects of cosmic ray boosted dark matter (DM) in the framework of simplified electron-philic dark photon model. Focusing on the dark matter and dark photon masses around keV ~ MeV scale, we consider the bounds obtained from the XENON1T and Super-K experiments. The electron bound state effects are treated carefully in calculating the XENON1T constraint. As for the detection at neutrino detector where the energy threshold is relatively higher, the large logarithmic effects induced by the scale hierarchy between the masses and momentum transfer are considered by introducing the DM parton distribution function (PDF). The logarithmic effects will reduce the electron recoil rate for DM scattering in neutrino detectors. Moreover, we find the DUNE and JUNO experiments provide high sensitivities for probing the dark photon component in the DM PDF through the dark Compton process. We also check the Bullet Cluster constraint on the DM self-scattering cross section.

Nuclear response to dark matter signals in Ge and Xe odd-mass targets

The interaction of dark matter particles (weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs)) with the odd-mass [Formula: see text]Ge and [Formula: see text]Xe target nuclei, that is, the recoil rates corresponding to the elastic scattering of WIMPs by these nuclei, is analyzed in the context of the minimal extensions of the supersymmetry model. The BCS+QRPA technique plus the quasiparticle–phonon coupling scheme is used to describe the nuclear structure part of the calculations. The resulting values for the nuclear spin content of both nuclei are compared to values previously reported in the literature.

Phase instabilities in austenitic steels during particle bombardment at high and low dose rates

Disruption of phase stability by energetic particle bombardment is a major challenge in designing advanced radiation-tolerant alloys and ion beam processing of nanocomposites. Particularly, ballistic dissolution susceptibility of different solute nanocluster species in alloys is poorly understood. Here, low dose rate neutron irradiations were conducted on a Fe-Cr-Ni based austenitic steel in the BOR-60 reactor (9.4 × 10−7 dpa/s, 318 °C) followed by accelerated dose rate ion irradiations at multiple temperatures (~ 10−3 dpa/s, 380 – 420 °C). Using atom probe tomography, the stability of radiation-enhanced Cu-rich and radiation-induced Ni-Si-Mn-rich nanoclusters was evaluated. During neutron irradiation, Cu-rich clusters nucleated with their core concentrations progressively increasing with dose, while Ni-Si-Mn-rich clusters formed and evolved into G-phase precipitates. Ion irradiations dramatically altered the nanoclusters. Cu-rich clusters were ballistically dissolved, but Ni-Si-Mn-rich clusters remained stable and coarsened with dose at 400 and 420 °C, highlighting that different nanocluster species in a single microstructure can have innately distinct ballistic dissolution susceptibilities. Solute-specific recoil rates were incorporated into the Heinig precipitate stability model, which shows that in addition to radiation-enhanced diffusion, recovery from ballistic dissolution depends on solute concentration gradient near cluster interfaces. The combined experimental-modeling study quantified the critical temperatures and damage rates where ballistic dissolution dominates for each cluster species.

Peak apical recoil rate is a simplified index of left ventricular untwist: validation and application for assessment of diastolic function in children.

The use of untwisting rate as a novel index of LV diastolic function in clinical practice has been limited due to its tedious and time-consuming analysis. Therefore, we simplify the untwist measurement by only measuring the LV apex's recoil rate and validating and applying peak apical recoil rate (PARR) as an index of diastolic dysfunction (DD) in pediatric subjects during increased and decreased lusitropic states. We recruited 153 healthy subjects (mean age 13.8 ± 2.9years), of whom 48 performed straight leg raising exercise and an additional 46 patients (mean 8.4 ± 5.6years) with documented pulmonary capillary wedge pressures (PCWP) (validation cohort). In addition, we studied 16 dilated cardiomyopathy patients (mean age 9.5 ± 6.3years) (application cohort). PARR and isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT) were compared to PCWP. Both PARR and PARR normalized by heart rate (nPARR) were excellent in detecting patients with PCWP ≥ 12mmHg and greatly superior to IVRT in this respect (AUC: 0.98, 95% CI [0.96, 1.0] vs. AUC: 0.7 95%CI [0.54,0.86]). In DCM patients, PARR and nPARR were greatly decreased compared to controls (-38.6 ± 18.6º/s vs -63.1 ± 16.3º /s, p < 0.001) and (-0.43 ± 0.20 º/ s/min vs -0.83 ± 0.28º/s/min, p < 0.0001) but increased with straight leg raising exercise (-59.4 ± 19.4º/s vs -97.8 ± 39.0 º/s, p < 0.01) and -0.85 ± 0.36 vs -1.4 ± 0.62 º/s/min (p < 0.0001) respectively. PARR and nPARR successfully detected increased and decreased lusitropic states and superior to IVRT in correlation with PCWP. This highly reproducible parameter offers incremental value over traditional indices of DD and may potentially serve as a useful index of elevated PCWP in children.

Effect of synchronous online vs. face-to-face cardiopulmonary resuscitation training on chest compression quality: A pilot randomized manikin study

The aim of the study was to compare the effect of synchronous online and face-to-face cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training on chest compressions quality in a manikin model. A total of 118 fourth-year medical students participated in this study. The participants were divided into two groups: the online synchronous teaching group and the face-to-face group. Then, the participants were further randomly distributed to 1 of 2 feedback groups: online synchronous teaching and training with feedback devices (TF, n = 30) or without feedback devices (TN, n = 29) and face-to-face teaching and training with feedback devices (FF, n = 30) or without feedback devices (FN, n = 29). In the FN group and FF group, instructors delivered a 45-min CPR training program and gave feedback and guidance during training on site. In the TN group and TF group, the participants were trained with an online lecture via Tencent Meeting live broadcasting. Finally, participants performed a 2-min continuous chest compression (CC) during a simulated cardiopulmonary arrest scene without the audiovisual feedback (AVF) device. The outcome measures included CC depth, CC rate, proportions of appropriate depth (50-60 mm) and CC rate (100-120/min), percentage of correct hand location position, and percentage of complete chest recoil. There was little difference in the CC quality between the synchronous online training groups and the face-to-face training groups. There was no statistically significant difference in CC quality between the TN group and FN group. There were also no statistically significant differences between the TF and FF groups in terms of correct hand position, CC depth, appropriate CC depth, complete chest recoil or CC rate. However, the FF group had a higher appropriate CC rate than the TF group (p = 0.045). In the face-to-face training groups, the AVF device group had a significantly greater CC depth, appropriate CC depth, CC rate, and appropriate CC rate. However, there was a lack of statistically significant differences in terms of correct hand position (p = 0.191) and appropriate CC depth (p = 0.123). In the synchronous online training groups, the AVF device had little effect on the CC rate (p = 0.851) and increased the appropriate CC rate, but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.178). Synchronous online training with an AVF device would be a potential alternative approach to face-to-face chest compression training. Synchronous online training with AVF devices seems to be a suitable replacement for face-to-face training to offer adequate bystander CPR chest compression training.

Higher spin dark matter

Little is known about dark matter beyond the fact that it does not interact with the standard model or itself, or else does so incredibly weakly. A natural candidate, given the history of no-go theorems against their interactions, are higher spin fields. Here we develop the scenario of higher spin (spin s>2) dark matter. We show that the gravitational production of superheavy bosonic higher spin fields during inflation can provide all the dark matter we observe today. We consider the observable signatures, and find a potential characteristic signature of bosonic higher spin dark matter in directional direct detection; we find that there are distinct spin-dependent contributions to the double differential recoil rate, which complement the oscillatory imprint of higher spin fields in the cosmic microwave background. We consider the extension to higher spin fermions and supersymmetric higher spins.

Astrophysical constraints on nonstandard coherent neutrino-nucleus scattering

The exciting possibility of detecting supernova, solar, and atmospheric neutrinos with coherent neutrino-nucleus scattering detectors is within reach, opening up new avenues to probe New Physics. We explore the possibility of constraining non-standard coherent neutrino-nucleus scattering through astrophysical neutrinos. Sensitivity bounds on the mass and coupling of the new mediator are obtained by inspecting the modifications induced by the new interaction on the recoil rate observable in the upcoming RES-NOVA and DARWIN facilities. Under the assumption of optimal background tagging, the detection of neutrinos from a galactic supernova burst, or one-year exposure to solar and atmospheric neutrinos, will place the most stringent bounds for mediator couplings $g \gtrsim 10^{-5}$ and mediator masses between 1 and 100 MeV. A similar, but slightly improved, potential to COHERENT will be provided for larger mediator masses. In particular, RES-NOVA and DARWIN may potentially provide one order of magnitude tighter constraints than XENON1T on the mediator coupling. Non-standard coherent neutrino-nucleus scattering may also force neutrinos to be trapped in the supernova core; this argument allows to probe the region of the parameter space with $g \gtrsim 10^{-4}$, which is currently excluded by other coherent neutrino-nucleus scattering facilities or other astrophysical and terrestrial constraints.

Evaluation of the effect of shift cycle time on chest compression quality during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Objective:Considering the potential role of shift cycle time on chest compression quality during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the available contradictory results in this regard, the present study aimed at evaluating the effect of 1-min versus 2-min shift cycle time on the quality of CPR.Materials and Methods:In this randomized crossover study, 80 rescuers performed CPR on a manikin in two scenarios with a rotation of 1 and 2-min cycles. The quality of CPR was evaluated and compared based on the information obtained regarding the chest compression depth, recoil, and rate of chest compression. In addition, rescuer fatigue was recorded in 1-min versus 2-min shift cycles.Results:In the 1-min group, the number of chest compressions per minute, complete recoil, and good rate with the mean of 114.89 ± 3.62, 54.34 ± 3.86, and 76.06 ± 8.00 were significantly higher than those of the 2-min group with the mean of 113.78 ± 4.94, 53.49 ± 5.27, and 73.98 ± 7.87 (P < 0.05), respectively. In addition, the quality of CPR provided by males was significantly higher than females in both groups. The score of rescuer fatigue was higher in the 2-min group as compared with the 1-min group (P < 0.001).Conclusion:According to the results of the present study, the difference in the quality of CPR in terms of the number of chest compressions, complete recoil, and good rate was higher in the 1-min group as compared with the 2-min group. In addition, the quality of CPR in terms of chest compression depth and number in both 1-and 2-min rotation cycles was higher for male rescuers than females. Furthermore, rescuer fatigue was higher in the 2-min group as compared with the 1-min group. The mentioned finding may be a factor in reducing, albeit slightly, the quality of CPR in the group with a longer time.

Long-term safety and performance of a novel conical bioresorbable vascular scaffold: insights from in-vitro and in-vivo studies

Abstract Background The phenomenon of size-mismatches between cylindrical stents and tapered vessels is not uncommon in current endovascular interventions which is associated with poor clinical outcomes. Purpose The aim of the present study was to evaluate the mechanical properties of the novel conic BRS and to validate its performance with the support of optical coherence tomography (OCT), quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) and histology up to 2 years in a porcine model. Methods We produced the conical BRS with the four-axis 3D printing system, with a computer-controlled rotational axis (the 4th axis) in addition to the 3 axes of traditional 3D printing systems. Mechanical properties were evaluated by recoil and radial strength, cyclic fatigability testing. Twelve swine that received 12 conic BRS were evaluated by OCT, QCA and histology post-implantation and at 12 and 24 months. Results The in vitro study showed no fractures after accelerated cycle testing over time (at 3.8×108 cycles). The recoil rate of the scaffolds after plate compress test was 14.3±0.61%. There was no significant peri-operative complications. By OCT, 60±21 struts per BRS were recognizable by 2 years. Quantitative coronary angiography showed late luminal loss and percent diameter stenosis were 0.02±0.52 mm and 0.50±16.90% at 2-year follow-up. Histopathological analysis demonstrated mild vessel injuries, inflammatory cell infiltration around struts at 1 and 2 years follow ups. Conclusions The conical BRS showed optimal performance and has the potential to improve clinical outcome. OCT and histological images Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Radium in groundwater hosted in porous aquifers: estimation of retardation factor and recoil rate constant by using NAPLs

A new method for estimating retardation factor and recoil constant of radium isotopes in groundwater hosted in porous aquifers is described. The method is based on the evidence that alpha-recoiled radium ions, supplied by thorium parent atoms which occur in phases immersed in NAPL (Non-Aqueous Phase Liquids), are not adsorbed on solid phases. Experimental evidence is given that manganese dioxide, zeolite 4A, natural clay, monazite and weathered volcanic rock, all phases normally adsorbing radium from aqueous solutions, when immersed in NAPL adsorb negligible amounts of radium. This allows using experimental data on rock samples, representative of porous aquifers, for estimating Ra retardation factor and its alpha recoil constant in groundwater, without using Rn data as a comparison term. Unlike estimation of retardation factor between the “NAPL method” and the method based on comparison with radon depends on the different process of entry from aquifer rock into groundwater for radon and radium. Precise estimates of retardation factor and recoil constants of radium allow to apply equations ruling the temporal evolution of radium isotopes in groundwater and to determine its age. Implications, useful for measuring the contamination age of soils by NAPL fluids, are described as well.

Structural optimization and finite element analysis of poly-l-lactide acid coronary stent with improved radial strength and acute recoil rate.

Current poly-l-lactide acid (PLLA) scaffolds have issues of inadequate mechanical strength leading to thrombosis formation. Designing a novel bioabsorbable PLLA stent with a novel structure and improved mechanical property is urgently needed. In this study, stent structure modification and optimization based on bioresorbable vascular scaffold Version 1.1 (BVS 1.1, Abbott Laboratories) were conducted. The mechanical property of the redesigned stent was studied using both computerized finite element analysis and experimental mechanical deformation testing, including radial strength (RS), acute recoil (AR), foreshortening (FS), and bending stiffness (BS). The simulated and experimental results showed that the mechanical properties of the modified structure were significantly improved (modified stent vs. BVS 1.1: RS: 2.25 vs. 1.29 N/mm; AR: 3.03 vs. 4.41%; FS: 1.13 vs. 6.89%; BS: 1.49 vs. 0.72 N mm2 ).

Latest results of the LUX dark matter experiment

LUX (Large Underground Xenon) was a dark matter experiment, which was housed at the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) in South Dakota until late 2016, and previously set world-leading limits on Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs), axions and axion-like particles (ALPs). This proceeding presents an overview of the LUX experiment and discusses the most recent analysis efforts, which are probing various dark matter models and detection techniques. In particular, studies of signals from inelastic scattering processes and of single scintillation photon events have improved the sensitivity of the experiment to low mass WIMPs. Additionally, a model-independent search for modulations in the LUX electron recoil rate is presented, demonstrating the most sensitive annual modulation search to date.

Direct dark matter research by observing electrons produced in neutralino-nucleus collisions

The most important process for directly detecting dark matter is the LSP-nucleus elastic scattering by measuring the energy of the recoiling nucleus. In the present work we explore a novel process that is the detection of the dark matter constituents by observing the low energy ionization electrons. We develop the formalism and apply it in calculating the ratio of the ionization rate to the nuclear recoil rate in a variety of atoms. The obtained ratios are essentially independent of all parameters of supersymmetry except the neutralino mass, but they crucially depend on the electron energy cut off. Based on our results it is both interesting and realistic to detect the LSP by measuring the ionization electrons following the-LSP nuclear collisions.

Impact of substructure on local dark matter searches

Dark matter substructure can contribute significantly to local dark matter searches and may provide a large uncertainty in the interpretation of those experiments. For direct detection experiments, sub-halos give rise to an additional dark matter component on top of the smooth dark matter distribution of the host halo. In the case of dark matter capture in the Sun, sub-halo encounters temporarily increase the number of captured particles. Even if the encounter happened in the past, the number of dark matter particles captured by the Sun can still be enhanced today compared to expectations from the host halo as those enhancements decay over time. Using results from an analytical model of the sub-halo population of a Milky Way-like galaxy, valid for sub-halo masses between 10−5 M⊙ and 1011 M⊙, we assess the impact of sub-halos on direct dark matter searches in a probabilistic way. We find that the impact on direct detection can be sizable, with a probability of ∼ 10−3 to find an \U0001d4aa(1) enhancement of the recoil rate. In the case of the capture rate in the Sun, we find that \U0001d4aa(1) enhancements are very unlikely, with probability ≲ 10−5, and are even impossible for some dark matter masses.

OR21-6 Diabetic Cardiac Hypertrophy Is Associated With Viscoelastic Changes In Myocardial Contraction: Role Of Hsa-mir-122-5p On Extracellular Matrix.

Background. Diabetic cardiomyopathy, evolving into heart failure, dramatically affects patients morbidity and mortality. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is the gold standard to assess cardiac remodeling. Aim. The aim of this study was to follow the long-term progression of diabetic cardiomyopathy by CMR. A secondary outcome was to highlight changes of circulating miRNAs and relative targets. Methods and Results. A longitudinal 5-years prospective study was undertaken in 71 subjects: all diabetic men completing the a registered trial (NCT number anonimized) and 20 non-diabetic matched controls. CMR with tagging was performed at baseline and after 4.6±0.2 years in 51/59 of enrolled diabetic men (age 64.6 ± 8.15 years). A significant increase in ventricular mass (∆LVMi= 13.47±29.66 g/m2; p=0.014) and a borderline increase in end-diastolic volume (∆EDVi= 5.16±14.71 ml/m2; p=0.056) was found at follow-up time point in diabetic men. Circumferential strain worsened (∆σ=1.52 ± 3.85%; p=0.033) without significant changes in torsion (∆θ=0.24 ±4.04°; p=0.737) revealing a loss of the adaptive uncoupling between strain and torsion. Contraction dynamics showed a significant decrease in time to systolic peak (∆TtP= -35.18±28.81 ms; p=0.000) and in early diastolic recoil rate (∆RR=-20.01±19.07 s-1; p=0.000). Cardiac performance and metabolic control were preserved. Micro-array analysis documented up-regulation of circulating hsa-miR-122-5p, hsa-miR-193a-5p, hsa-miR-4707-5p, hsa-miR-4749-3p, and down-regulation of hsa-miR-3148, miR-3149, miR-32-3p, miR-595, but only the longitudinal change of hsa-miR-122-5p, hsa-miR-3148 and miR-595 correlated with CMR. Target-scan predicted metalloproteinases (MMP2, MMP16) and their regulators (TIMP1) as converging targets in network analysis. Using Db/Db mouse model we confirmed that miR-122-5p expression is associated with diabetic cardiomiopathy and that cardiac tissue can be considered its main source. In vitro analysis showed that MMP2 is a direct hsa-miR-122-5p target and its expression is altered in diabetic endothelial cells model. Moreover, we found that hsa-miR-122-5p overexpression affects extracellular matrix genes likely through MMP2 modulation. Conclusion. Within five years, independently from glycemic control, increasing cardiac hypertrophy is associated with a progressive impairment in strain, exhaustion of the compensatory role of torsion and changes in viscoelastic contraction dynamics that are paralleled by specific changes in circulating miRNA targeting the extracellular matrix.

Directional dark matter detection sensitivity of a two-phase liquid argon detector

We examine the sensitivity of a large scale two-phase liquid argon detector to the directionality of the dark matter signal. This study was performed under the assumption that, above 50 keV of recoil energy, one can determine (with some resolution) the direction of the recoil nucleus without head-tail discrimination, as suggested by past studies that proposed to exploit the dependence of columnar recombination on the angle between the recoil nucleus direction and the electric field. In this paper we study the differential interaction recoil rate as a function of the recoil direction angle with respect to the zenith for a detector located at the Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso and we determine its diurnal and seasonal modulation. Using a likelihood-ratio based approach we show that, with the angular information alone, 100 (250) events are enough to reject the isotropic hypothesis at three standard deviation level, for a perfect (400 mrad) angular resolution. For an exposure of 100 tonne years this would correspond to a spin independent WIMP-nucleon cross section of about 10−46 cm2 at 200 GeV WIMP mass. The results presented in this paper provide strong motivation for the experimental determination of directional recoil effects in two-phase liquid argon detectors.