Inelastic Dark Matter in Light of DAMA/LIBRA

Inelastic dark matter, in which WIMP-nucleus scatterings occur through a transition to an excited WIMP state ~ 100 keV above the ground state, provides a compelling explanation of the DAMA annual modulation signal. We demonstrate that the relative sensitivities of various dark matter direct detection experiments are modified such that the DAMA annual modulation signal can be reconciled with the absence of a reported signal at CDMS-Soudan, XENON10, ZEPLIN, CRESST, and KIMS for inelastic WIMPs with masses O(100 GeV). We review the status of these experiments, and make predictions for upcoming ones. In particular, we note that inelastic dark matter leads to highly suppressed signals at low energy, with most events typically occurring between 20 to 45 keV (unquenched) at xenon and iodine experiments, and generally no events at low (~ 10 keV) energies. Suppressing the background in this high energy region is essential to testing this scenario. The recent CRESST data suggest seven observed tungsten events, which is consistent with expectations from this model. If the tungsten signal persists at future CRESST runs, it would provide compelling evidence for inelastic dark matter, while its absence should exclude it.Comment: 27 pages, 17 figures, minor revision

The right not to hear: The ethics of parental refusal of hearing rehabilitation

Objective: To explore the ethics of parental refusal of auditory–oral hearing rehabilitation. Study Design: Case study with medical ethical discussion and review. Methods: Two young brothers present with severe‐to‐profound congenital sensorineural hearing loss. The parents, both of whom have normal hearing and work as sign language interpreters, have decided to raise their children with American Sign Language as their only form of communication. They have chosen not to pursue cochlear implantation nor support the use of hearing aids. Discussion: This case raises significant questions concerning whether hearing rehabilitation should be mandated, and if there are circumstances in which parental preferences should be questioned or overridden with regard to this issue. In addition, legal concerns may be raised regarding the possible need to file a report with Child Protective Services. Although similar cases involving the Deaf community have historically favored parental rights to forego hearing rehabilitation with either cochlear implantation or hearing aids, we explore whether conclusions should be different because the parents in this case are not hearing impaired. Conclusions: The ethics of parental rights to refuse hearing rehabilitation are complex and strikingly context‐dependent. A comprehensive appreciation of the medical, practical, and legal issues is crucial prior to intervening in such challenging situations.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/86840/1/21886_ftp.pd

Prospectus, March 13, 2013

PARKLAND STUDENT MOURNED; Dual appointment cuts loom for part-time faculty; Food for Thought to be replaced by Chartwells; Club Latino to bring civility to campus with ball pit; Parkland considering tobacco-free campus; Asking the right questions about online courses; Social networks like getting pimples again; Cobra sophomores honored for success; Former student opens all ages music venue; Praise given to Tomb Raider reboothttps://spark.parkland.edu/prospectus_2013/1029/thumbnail.jp

Prospectus, March 6, 2013

MARRIAGE EQUALITY BILL PROGRESSES IN ILLINOIS; Martin Lutehr King honored in countrywide celebration; Professor encourages students to experience the arts; Discover the science behind healthy shuteye; Class participation improves student performance; Schmoozing in an electronic world; Voting rights remain vulnerable; Cobras Basketball season comes to an end; Brothers find home with Cobras; Presidents of the Small Screenhttps://spark.parkland.edu/prospectus_2013/1028/thumbnail.jp

Mechanistic investigations of matrix metalloproteinase-8 inhibition by metal abstraction peptide

The mechanism of matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) inhibition was investigated using ellipsometric measurements of the interaction of MMP-8 with a surface bound peptide inhibitor, tether-metal abstraction peptide (MAP), bound to self-assembled monolayer films. MMP-8 is a collagenase whose activity and dysregulation have been implicated in a number of disease states, including cancer metastasis, diabetic neuropathy, and degradation of biomedical reconstructions, including dental restorations. Regulation of activity of MMP-8 and other matrix metalloproteinases is thus a significant, but challenging, therapeutic target. Strong inhibition of MMP-8 activity has recently been achieved via the small metal binding peptide tether-MAP. Here, the authors elucidate the mechanism of this inhibition and demonstrate that it occurs through the direct interaction of the MAP Tag and the Zn2+ binding site in the MMP-8 active site. This enhanced understanding of the mechanism of inhibition will allow the design of more potent inhibitors as well as assays important for monitoring critical MMP levels in disease states