20 research outputs found
Closing in on Asymmetric Dark Matter I: Model independent limits for interactions with quarks
It is argued that experimental constraints on theories of asymmetric dark
matter (ADM) almost certainly require that the DM be part of a richer hidden
sector of interacting states of comparable mass or lighter. A general requisite
of models of ADM is that the vast majority of the symmetric component of the DM
number density must be removed in order to explain the observed relationship
via the DM asymmetry. Demanding the efficient
annihilation of the symmetric component leads to a tension with experimental
limits if the annihilation is directly to Standard Model (SM) degrees of
freedom. A comprehensive effective operator analysis of the model independent
constraints on ADM from direct detection experiments and LHC monojet searches
is presented. Notably, the limits obtained essentially exclude models of ADM
with mass 1GeV 100GeV annihilating to SM quarks via
heavy mediator states. This motivates the study of portal interactions between
the dark and SM sectors mediated by light states. Resonances and threshold
effects involving the new light states are shown to be important for
determining the exclusion limits.Comment: 18+6 pages, 18 figures. v2: version accepted for publicatio
US Cosmic Visions: New Ideas in Dark Matter 2017: Community Report
This white paper summarizes the workshop "U.S. Cosmic Visions: New Ideas in
Dark Matter" held at University of Maryland on March 23-25, 2017.Comment: 102 pages + reference
Signatures of large composite Dark Matter states
We investigate the interactions of large composite dark matter (DM) states
with the Standard Model (SM) sector. Elastic scattering with SM nuclei can be
coherently enhanced by factors as large as A^2, where A is the number of
constituents in the composite state (there exist models in which DM states of
very large A > 10^8 may be realised). This enhancement, for a given direct
detection event rate, weakens the expected signals at colliders by up to 1/A.
Moreover, the spatially extended nature of the DM states leads to an
additional, characteristic, form factor modifying the momentum dependence of
scattering processes, altering the recoil energy spectra in direct detection
experiments. In particular, energy recoil spectra with peaks and troughs are
possible, and such features could be confirmed with only O(50) events,
independently of the assumed halo velocity distribution. Large composite states
also generically give rise to low-energy collective excitations potentially
relevant to direct detection and indirect detection phenomenology. We compute
the form factor for a generic class of such excitations - quantised surface
modes - finding that they can lead to coherently-enhanced, but generally
sub-dominant, inelastic scattering in direct detection experiments. Finally, we
study the modifications to capture rates in astrophysical objects that follow
from the elastic form factor, as well as the effects of inelastic interactions
between DM states once captured. We argue that inelastic interactions may lead
to the DM collapsing to a dense configuration at the centre of the object.Comment: 30 pages, 5 figures, v2; references and minor additional comments
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Oral squamous cell cancer: early detection and the role of alcohol and smoking
Objective: Oral squamous cell carcinoma has a remarkable incidence worldwide and a fairly onerous prognosis, encouraging further research on factors that might modify disease outcome. Data sources: A web-based search for all types of articles published was initiated using Medline/Pub Med, with the key words such as oral cancer, alcohol consumption, genetic polymorphisms, tobacco smoking and prevention. The search was restricted to articles published in English, with no publication date restriction (last update 2010). Review Methods: In this review article, we approach the factors for a cytologic diagnosis during OSCC development and the markers used in modern diagnostic technologies as well. We also reviewed available studies of the combined effects of alcohol drinking and genetic polymorphisms on alcohol-related cancer risk. Results: The interaction of smoking and alcohol significantly increases the risk for aero-digestive cancers. The interaction between smoking and alcohol consumption seems to be responsible for a significant amount of disease. Conclusion: Published scientific data show promising pathways for the future development of more effective prognosis. There is a clear need for new prognostic indicators, which could be used in diagnostics and, therefore a better selection of the most effective treatment can be achieved
Cytoprotective Efficacy of Amifostine Against Radiation- Induced Rectal Toxicity: Objective and Subjective Grading Scales for Radiomucositis
Curative radiation therapy of pelvic malignancies, frequently results in doselimitingtoxicities such as serous, mucoid, or more rarely, bloody diarrhea. Several studieshave evaluated the cytoprotective effects of amifostine in preventing rectal mucositisassociated with radiation treatment. We searched Medline for published comparativestudies that evaluated the use of amifostine to reduce radiation-induced toxicity associatedwith pelvic irradiation. In ten studies there was an evidence-based cytoprotection (P less than 0.05)by amifostine. Although results are variable, current evidence suggests that amifostine mayhave a radioprotective effect in the rectal mucosa, particularly when administeredintrarectally. Significant improvements were seen in both symptomatic and objective(rectosigmoidoscopy) end points. There is a need to conduct well-designed clinical trialswith sufficient numbers of participants to confirm these findings together with a costbenefitstudy. Objective measurements using rectosigmoidoscopy are superior tosubjective measures such as WHO or RTOG/EORTC toxicity grading scales
Bone Density as a Marker of Response to Radiotherapy in Bone Metastatic Lesions: A Review of the Published Data
Metastases to the bone are presenting in a great percentage of patients with cancer, causing a variety of symptoms, affecting the quality of life and survival of patients. A multidisciplinary approach from different health providers is required for treatment, including radiation oncologists, medical oncologists and surgeons. The role of radiotherapy in the management of bone metastases has long been established through multiple randomized trials. The estimation of response to the therapy is subjective and is based on the palliation of the symptoms that the patients report. However, a quantification of the tumor burden and response to the treatment with the use of an objective method to measure those parameters is a clinical expectation in oncology. The change in bone density in affected areas (mainly lytic) after local radiotherapy, representing the cellular changes that have occurred, is a promising marker of response to treatment
Cervical intraspinal extradural primitive neuroectodermal tumour in an adult
Intraspinal extradural primitive neuroectodermal tumours (PNET) represent a rare entity that almost always carry a poor prognosis. A recent literature research revealed only four cases reported in adults. The tumours have mainly thoracic and lumbar location. We report the only case with cervical location and with the longest survival. Urgent laminectomy was performed resulting in a rapid pain relief for the patient. The patient was followed up with craniospinal irradiation and several cycles of chemotherapy. The patient died due to dissemination of the disease 31 months after the diagnosis. Intraspinal PNET tumours have a rapidly progressive course, and there is no current consensus on the optimal therapeutic approach