Search

Abstract Diamond operated as a cryogenic calorimeter is an excellent target for direct detection of low-mass dark matter candidates. Following the realization of the first low-threshold cryogenic detector that uses diamond as absorber for astroparticle physics applications, we now present the resulting exclusion limits on the elastic spin-independent interaction cross-section of dark matter with diamond. We measured two 0.175 g CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) diamond samples, each instrumented with a Transition Edge Sensor made of Tungsten (W-TES). Thanks to the energy threshold of just 16.8 eV of one of the two detectors, we set exclusion limits on the elastic spin-independent interaction of dark matter particles with carbon nuclei down to dark matter masses as low as 0.122 GeV/c $$^2$$ 2 . This work shows the scientific potential of cryogenic detectors made from diamond and lays the foundation for the use of this material as target for direct detection dark matter experiments.

Abstract Rare-event search experiments located on-surface, such as short-baseline reactor neutrino experiments, are often limited by muon-induced background events. Highly efficient muon vetos are essential to reduce the detector background and to reach the sensitivity goals. We demonstrate the feasibility of deploying organic plastic scintillators at sub-Kelvin temperatures. For the NUCLEUS experiment, we developed a cryogenic muon veto equipped with wavelength shifting fibers and a silicon photo multiplier operating inside a dilution refrigerator. The achievable compactness of cryostat-internal integration is a key factor in keeping the muon rate to a minimum while maximizing coverage. The thermal and light output properties of a plastic scintillation detector were examined. We report first data on the thermal conductivity and heat capacity of the polystyrene-based scintillator UPS-923A over a wide range of temperatures extending below one Kelvin. The light output was measured down to 0.8 K and observed to increase by a factor of 1.61 ± 0.05 compared to 300 K. The development of an organic plastic scintillation muon veto operating in sub-Kelvin temperature environments opens new perspectives for rare-event searches with cryogenic detectors at sites lacking substantial overburden.

Objective: The search for market expansion challenges Brazilian craft breweries. Based on coopetition strategies, many join in seeking to overcome these challenges. The challenge for gypsy breweries is even more significant, as they must produce beer in a non-gypsy brewery. Some tensions emerge from this relationship, such as space availability and costs. Methods: From the actor-network theory, we analyze the relationship between gypsy and non-gypsy breweries, deepening the analysis of their tensions. Based on a case study with craft breweries in Rio de Janeiro State. Results: As the results highlighted, the tension between them starts at a level not mentioned in the literature on coopetition. Conclusions: This extension expands the existing literature on coopetition by highlighting the influence of nonhuman elements (e.g., factory, resources, equipment, and operations) in shaping inter-organizational relationships, with the factory being the main generator of this tension. The study offers insights into how actors (human and nonhuman) navigate, interact, and negotiate tensions to achieve mutual goals. By applying ANT to analyze coopetition dynamics, the study contributes to the theoretical framework by demonstrating how this approach can enhance understanding of complex mechanisms, processes, and relationships through which coopetition dynamics unfold in practice.

The replication organelle of hepatitis C virus (HCV), called membranous web, is derived from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mainly comprises double membrane vesicles (DMVs) that concentrate the viral replication complexes. It also tightly associates with lipid droplets (LDs), which are essential for virion morphogenesis. In particular acyl-CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1), a rate-limiting enzyme in triglyceride synthesis, promotes early steps of virus assembly. The close proximity between ER membranes, DMVs and LDs therefore permits the efficient coordination of the HCV replication cycle. Here, we demonstrate that exaggerated LD accumulation due to the excessive expression of the DGAT1 isozyme, DGAT2, dramatically impairs the formation of the HCV membranous web. This effect depended on the enzymatic activity and ER association of DGAT2, whereas the mere LD accumulation was not sufficient to hamper HCV RNA replication. Our lipidomics data indicate that both HCV infection and DGAT2 overexpression induced membrane lipid biogenesis and markedly increased phospholipids with long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, suggesting a dual use of these lipids and their possible competition for LD and DMV biogenesis. On the other hand, overexpression of DGAT2 depleted specific phospholipids, particularly oleyl fatty acyl chain-containing phosphatidylcholines, which, in contrast, are increased in HCV-infected cells and likely essential for viral infection. In conclusion, our results indicate that lipid exchanges occurring during LD biogenesis regulate the composition of intracellular membranes and thereby affect the formation of the HCV replication organelle. The potent antiviral effect observed in our DGAT2 overexpression system unveils lipid flux that may be relevant in the context of steatohepatitis, a hallmark of HCV infection, but also in physiological conditions, locally in specific subdomains of the ER membrane. Thus, LD formation mediated by DGAT1 and DGAT2 might participate in the spatial compartmentalization of HCV replication and assembly factories within the membranous web. Author summary: Lipid droplets are fat storage organelles with an increasingly recognized importance for the infectious cycle of multiple pathogens. In particular, they support hepatitis C virion morphogenesis and the formation of the picornaviral replication organelle. Unexpectedly, we observed that exaggerated lipid droplet biogenesis, due to an excessive expression of the triglyceride forming enzyme DGAT2, is deleterious to hepatitis C virus replication. More precisely, the formation and maintenance of the viral replication organelle was impeded. Exaggerated lipid droplet biogenesis induced by DGAT2 also profoundly altered the cell lipidome, with strong accumulation of neutral lipids and changes in the membrane lipid composition. Our results support a model where lipid flux occurring during lipid droplet biogenesis regulates the composition of the endoplasmic reticulum membranes, where lipid droplets are formed, and thereby affect the capacity of hepatitis C virus to remodel these membranes into its replication organelle. Since DGAT1 and its triglyceride synthesis were previously reported to contribute to virus assembly, this also implies that lipid droplet biogenesis driven by DGAT1 and DGAT2 but also membrane contact sites between endoplasmic reticulum and lipid droplets might locally restrict and determine the formation of hepatitis C virus replication and assembly factories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractAn analysis of the stability margins of the innovative Holos-Quad microreactor design is presented. This high-temeprature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) system is designed to operate fully autonomously with passive safety mechanisms. Therefore, the inherent stability of the reactor is of great importance. Using a point-reactor model, which couples point kinetics to thermal-hydraulic heat balance equations and includes reactivity feedback effects of the fuel and moderator temperatures, the closed-loop transfer function of the reactor is derived. Applying the approach of linear systems and control theory, both the gain and phase margins of the Holos-Quad design are obtained. The analysis demonstrates that the design is stable, with an infinite gain margin and a finite phase margin.A parametric uncertainty quantification study is also performed using a total Monte Carlo approach. The stability of the reactor for different power levels, such as during reactor startup or load-following transients, is also explored. Finally, two sensitivity analysis methods are applied, namely, multiple regression (deriving standardized regression coefficients) and variance-based sensitivity analysis (known as the Sobol method), to study the contribution of each of the parameters to the stability margins’ uncertainty. This analysis improves our understanding of the role of each of the parameters in the stability of the reactor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the challenges and lessons learned during the mapping of HL7 v2 messages structured using custom schema to openEHR for the Medical Data Integration Center (MeDIC) of the University Hospital, Schleswig- Holstein (UKSH). Missing timestamps in observations, missing units of measurement, inconsistencies in decimal separators and unexpected datatypes were identified as critical inconsistencies in this process. These anomalies highlight the difficulty of automating the transformation of HL7 v2 data to any standard, particularly openEHR, using off-the-shelf tools. Addressing these anomalies is crucial for enhancing data interoperability, supporting evidence-based research, and optimizing clinical decision-making. Implementing proper data quality measures and governance will unlock the potential of integrated clinical data, empowering clinicians and researchers and fostering a robust healthcare ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This comparative study examines the transition from isolated registries to a consolidated data-centric approach at University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, focusing on migrating the Atrioventricular Valve Intervention Registry (AVIR) from REDCap to a Medical Data Integration Center based openEHR registry. Through qualitative analysis, we identify key disparities and strategic decisions guiding this transition. While REDCap has historical utility, its limitations in automated data integration and traceability highlight the advantages of a data-centric approach, which include streamlined data (integration) management at a singlepoint-of-truth based on e.g., centralized consent management. Our findings lay the groundwork for the AVIR project and a proof-of-concept data-centric registry, reflecting a broader industry trend towards data-centric healthcare initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increase in the female presence in the labor market, policies aimed at the integration of women have gained significant importance. Among these policies, maternity leave stands out, the purpose of which is to protect women's employment at the end of pregnancy and immediately after childbirth. This article aims to analyze the challenges that arise when women seek to reintegrate into the labor market after the gestational period. The methodological approach used is qualitative, with an exploratory emphasis. For data collection and analysis, semi-structured interviews were carried out, followed by the application of Bardin's Content Analysis. There are many obstacles faced by women after maternity leave, which directly influence their work performance. The results obtained corroborate the theories that underlie this research, contribute to knowledge on the subject and stimulate discussions that can support formulations of new public policies in order to minimize the problem studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]