Measurement of the ν_{e}-Nucleus Charged-Current Double-Differential Cross Section at ⟨E_{ν}⟩=2.4 GeV Using NOvA.

The inclusive electron neutrino charged-current cross section is measured in the NOvA near detector using 8.02×10^{20} protons-on-target in the NuMI beam. The sample of GeV electron neutrino interactions is the largest analyzed to date and is limited by ≃17% systematic rather than the ≃7.4% statistical uncertainties. The double-differential cross section in final-state electron energy and angle is presented for the first time, together with the single-differential dependence on Q^{2} (squared four-momentum transfer) and energy, in the range 1 GeV≤E_{ν}<6 GeV. Detailed comparisons are made to the predictions of the GENIE, GiBUU, NEUT, and NuWro neutrino event generators. The data do not strongly favor a model over the others consistently across all three cross sections measured, though some models have especially good or poor agreement in the single differential cross section vs Q^{2}.

Search for Active-Sterile Antineutrino Mixing Using Neutral-Current Interactions with the NOvA Experiment.

This Letter reports results from the first long-baseline search for sterile antineutrinos mixing in an accelerator-based antineutrino-dominated beam. The rate of neutral-current interactions in the two NOvA detectors, at distances of 1 and 810 km from the beam source, is analyzed using an exposure of 12.51×10^{20} protons-on-target from the NuMI beam at Fermilab running in antineutrino mode. A total of 121 of neutral-current candidates are observed at the far detector, compared to a prediction of 122±11(stat.)±15(syst.) assuming mixing only between three active flavors. No evidence for ν[over ¯]_{µ}→ν[over ¯]_{s} oscillation is observed. Interpreting this result within a 3+1 model, constraints are placed on the mixing angles θ_{24}<25° and θ_{34}<32° at the 90% C.L. for 0.05 eV^{2}≤Δm_{41}^{2}≤0.5 eV^{2}, the range of mass splittings that produces no significant oscillations at the near detector. These are the first 3+1 confidence limits set using long-baseline accelerator antineutrinos.

First measurement of neutrino oscillation parameters using neutrinos and antineutrinos by NOvA.

The NOvA experiment has seen a 4.4σ signal of ν[over ¯]_{e} appearance in a 2 GeV ν[over ¯]_{µ} beam at a distance of 810 km. Using 12.33×10^{20} protons on target delivered to the Fermilab NuMI neutrino beamline, the experiment recorded 27 ν[over ¯]_{µ}→ν[over ¯]_{e} candidates with a background of 10.3 and 102 ν[over ¯]_{µ}→ν[over ¯]_{µ} candidates. This new antineutrino data are combined with neutrino data to measure the parameters |Δm_{32}^{2}|=2.48_{-0.06}^{+0.11}×10^{-3} eV^{2}/c^{4} and sin^{2}θ_{23} in the ranges from (0.53-0.60) and (0.45-0.48) in the normal neutrino mass hierarchy. The data exclude most values near δ_{CP}=π/2 for the inverted mass hierarchy by more than 3σ and favor the normal neutrino mass hierarchy by 1.9σ and θ_{23} values in the upper octant by 1.6σ.

Troubled but in good hands: A qualitative study on patient experiences in diuresis renography examinations.

INTRODUCTION: Diuresis renography is a nuclear medicine examination that can distinguish between obstructive and non-obstructive uropathy. Renography has been investigated before, but not from a patient perspective. The aim of this study was to gain knowledge and understanding of patient experiences with the diuresis renography process. METHODS: The study had a qualitative descriptive design; data was collected through semi-structured interviews with 17 adult patients that had recently undergone diuresis renography. The transcripts were analysed using inductive qualitative content analysis to identify their manifest and latent content. RESULTS: One main theme was identified: 'Not smooth all the way through, but still in good hands'. The participants understood the necessity of the performed renography and endured the examination despite its worrying elements. They were bothered by diuretic effects, worried about radioactivity and felt isolated during the imaging. The technologists' caring and informative approach eased their experience. The main theme was identified from three subthemes: 'I experienced inconvenience', 'I was worried' and 'I felt safe'. CONCLUSION: The participants experienced worry throughout the renography process but were still satisfied with the examination, mostly because of the technologists being involved. Communication and interaction between patient and technologist are important for creating a good experience. Improved knowledge of patient experiences during renographies could be used to develop patient information and increase technologists' awareness of factors patients may experience as troubling. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: This study describes issues that contribute to both negative and positive experiences. Improved professional awareness and knowledge about these issues can contribute to the development of patient information and professional encounters, and may improve patients' compliance and overall experience.

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.

COMPARISON OF METAL ARTEFACTS FOR DIFFERENT DUAL ENERGY CT TECHNIQUES.

This study compares dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) images of a phantom including different material inserts and with additional lateral titanium or stainless steel inserts, simulating bilateral hip prostheses. Dual-source (DS) and fast kV-switching (FKS) DECT with/without metal artefact reduction (MAR) were compared with regards to virtually monoenergetic CT number accuracy and the depiction of different materials. Streak artefacts were observed between the metal inserts that were more severe with steel compared to titanium inserts. The artefact severity and CT number accuracy depended on the photon energy (keV) for both DECT techniques. While MAR generally increased the CT number accuracy and material depiction within the streak artefacts, it sometimes decreased the accuracy outside the streak artefacts for both DS and FKS. FKS depicted the metal inserts more accurately than DS with regards to both CT numbers and external diameter.

{Ba[Au(SCN)(2)](2)}(n): a three-dimensional net comprised of monomeric and trimeric gold(I) units.

The noteworthy structural feature of the title complex, poly[acetonitrile-tetra-µ(2)-thio-cyanato-barium(II)digold(I)], {[Au(2)Ba(SCN)(4)(CH(3)CN)]}(n), is that the bis-(thio-cyanato)-aurate(I) anion adopts both monomeric and trimeric motifs. The trimer unit has an Au⋯Au distance of 3.1687 (3) Å. In both the monomeric and trimeric units, the Au(I) atoms are also bonded to two S atoms. Within the trimeric unit, the Au(I) atoms exist in differing environments; one Au atom has a T-shaped three-coordinate geometry while the other has a square-planar four-coordinate geometry. The Au(I) atom of the monomer adopts a linear two-coordinate geometry. The extended structure can be described as a three-dimensional coordination polymer consisting of chains of Ba atoms bridged by thio-cyanate N atoms. These chains are cross-linked via the gold monomeric and trimeric units.

Central nervous system lymphoma in 18 dogs (2001 to 2015).

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the outcome of dogs with central nervous system lymphoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multi-center, retrospective, observational study was conducted by reviewing medical records of 18 cases of central nervous system lymphoma from seven institutions. RESULTS: Diagnosis of lymphoma was made through cerebrospinal fluid analysis, histopathology, flow cytometry of the cerebrospinal fluid, and cytology of cerebrospinal fluid, lymph node or spleen with correlated imaging. A total of 15 of 18 dogs received specific treatment other than prednisone. Three dogs underwent chemotherapy and radiation therapy after surgical decompression, five dogs underwent chemotherapy, two dogs underwent radiation therapy after surgical decompression, three dogs underwent chemotherapy after surgical decompression and two dogs underwent radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Only one dog received prednisone, and two dogs did not receive any treatment. Overall, the median survival time was 171 days (range 1 to 1942 days). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Dogs receiving any type of treatment for central nervous system lymphoma lived longer than cases described in previous historical reports. Further studies are needed to elucidate the importance of specific treatment modalities.

Walking the tightrope-perspectives on local politicians' role in implementing a national social care policy on evidence-based practice.

BACKGROUND: Despite national policy recommending evidence-based practice (EBP), its application in social care has been limited. While local politicians can affect the process, little is known about their knowledge, attitudes and roles regarding EBP. The aim here is twofold: to explore the role of local politicians in the implementation of EBP in social care from both their own and a management perspective; and to examine factors politicians perceive as affecting their decisions and actions concerning the implementation of EBP policy. METHODS: Local politicians (N = 13) and managers (N = 22) in social care were interviewed. Qualitative thematic analysis with both inductive and deductive codes was used. RESULTS: Politicians were rather uninformed regarding EBP and national policy. The factors limiting their actions were, beside the lack of awareness, lack of ability to question existing working methods, and a need for support in the steering of EBP. Thus, personal interest played a significant part in what role the politicians assumed. This resulted in some politicians taking a more active role in steering EBP while others were not involved. From the managers' perspective, a more active steering by politicians was desired. Setting budget and objectives, as well as active follow-up of work processes and outcomes, were identified as means to affect the implementation of EBP. However, the politicians seemed unaware of the facilitating effects of these actions. CONCLUSIONS: Local politicians had a possibility to facilitate the implementation of EBP, but their role was unclear. Personal interest played a big part in determining what role was taken. The results imply that social care politicians might need support in the development of their steering of EBP. Moving the responsibility for EBP facilitation upwards in the political structure could be an important step in developing EBP in social care.

Regimen-related toxicity and early posttransplant survival in patients undergoing marrow transplantation for lymphoma.

Ninety-five patients transplanted for malignant lymphoma were retrospectively evaluated for regimen-related toxicity (RRT) and early posttransplant survival. Nineteen patients developed life-threatening (grade 3) or fatal (grade 4) RRT in one or more organs. Grade 3 or 4 RRT was more common in patients with advanced disease versus those transplanted earlier in their course (P = .008), and was more common in patients with advanced disease conditioned with cytarabine (Ara-C)/total body irradiation (TBI) versus those prepared with cyclophosphamide (CY)/TBI (P = .033). There was no significant difference in the incidence of grade 3 or 4 toxicity in autologous, histocompatibility locus antigen (HLA)-identical, or HLA-mismatched marrow recipients. Grade 3 or 4 RRT tended to be more common and 100-day survival worse in patients with a Karnofsky performance status of less than 90 (P = .063 and .0002, respectively). Patients receiving 20 Gy or more of mediastinal irradiation before coming to transplant had more idiopathic or cytomegalovirus (CMV) interstitial pneumonitis than those who received less than 20 Gy (30% v 9%, P = .027). The probability of survival decreased with the number of organs in which toxicity was observed (P = .0001). Severe or fatal toxicities directly related to the preparative regimen are a significant problem in the treatment of patients with advanced malignant lymphoma and can be reduced by carrying out transplantation earlier in the course of the disease.

Isolation and characterization of Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale from chickens in Brazil.

Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale (ORT) is a recently described species of bacterium associated with respiratory disease, growth retardation, mortality, and decreased egg production in chickens and turkeys. Pneumonia, pleuritis, and airsacculitis characterise the infection. ORT has been isolated in many countries but it is still considered exotic in Brazil. Up to date it is prohibited to import and produce reagents for diagnostic and vaccination control. The aim of this study was to isolate and identify the bacteria in chickens. Four isolates were obtained from tracheal swabs of broilers. They were isolated in blood agar with gentamicin and showed biochemical, morphological, antigenic and genetic characteristics of ORT. The results confirm that ORT is present in Brazil.

Mechlorethamine, vincristine, melphalan and prednisone (MOMP) for the treatment of relapsed lymphoma in dogs.

Eighty-eight dogs with relapsed lymphoma were treated with the MOMP (mechlorethamine, vincristine, melphalan and prednisone) protocol on a 28-day treatment cycle. The overall response rate (ORR) to the MOMP protocol was 51.1% for a median of 56 days (range 7-858 days). Twelve percent of dogs experienced a complete response for a median of 81 days (range 42-274 days) and 38.6% experienced a partial response for a median of 49 days (range 7-858 days). Dogs with T-cell lymphoma had an ORR of 55% for a median of 60 days (range 49-858 days) while those with B-cell lymphoma had an ORR of 57% for a median of 81 days (range 7-274 days) (P = 0.783). The overall survival time for all dogs was 183 days (range 17-974 days). Fifty-four percent of dogs experienced toxicity with the majority classified as grade I. The MOMP protocol seems well-tolerated and is an option for dogs with relapsed lymphoma.

Fatal outcome due to cyclosporine neurotoxicity with associated pathological findings.

We present a case of death likely to be directly due to cyclosporine (CsA) neurotoxicity. To date, there have been no reports of deaths directly due to CsA neurotoxicity, nor has an associated histological lesion been described independent of confounding processes. A 54-year-old male received an HLA-matched-unrelated BMT for CML. He developed progressive encephalopathy and on day +79 had a generalized seizure. All CSF studies were negative for infectious causes. MRI revealed diffuse, symmetrical white matter abnormalities located in the occipital sub-cortex, thalamus, mid brain, pons, and cerebellum which were typical of CsA toxicity. The patient died of central respiratory failure within 72 h of discontinuing CsA. Autopsy revealed diffuse patchy white matter edema and astrocytic injury without evidence of axonopathy, demyelination, microvascular injury, or infectious/inflammatory process. This case demonstrates previously undescribed lethal CsA neurotoxicity and may reveal an associated primary pathological lesion.

FIR and IIR Synapses, a New Neural Network Architecture for Time Series Modeling.

A new neural network architecture involving either local feedforward global feedforward, and/or local recurrent global feedforward structure is proposed. A learning rule minimizing a mean square error criterion is derived. The performance of this algorithm (local recurrent global feedforward architecture) is compared with a local-feedforward global-feedforward architecture. It is shown that the local-recurrent global-feedforward model performs better than the local-feedforward global-feedforward model.

Application of recombinant fimbrial protein for the specific detection of Salmonella enteritidis infection in poultry.

A number of disease outbreaks of Salmonella enterica serotype enteritidis (SE) in humans have been traced to the consumption of SE-contaminated egg and egg products. A rapid, specific, and inexpensive method of detecting SE infection in poultry is necessary to reduce human outbreaks. We evaluated rSEF14 fimbrial antigen of SE for specific detection of SE-infected birds in latex agglutination test and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. rSEF14 antigen was highly specific in identifying birds infected with SE. The sera from birds infected with closely related serogroup-D Salmonella and other avian pathogens did not react with rSEF14 antigen. The rSEF14 antigen identified antibodies in serum of 88% of birds during the first 2 weeks of infection, and 100% of the birds subsequently. The SE-specific antibodies were detected in egg yolk as early as 6 days post-infection in rSEF14-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Our results suggest that rSEF14-based assays could be used as screening tests for detection of SE antibodies and would overcome the cross reactions observed with existing serological tests.

SERE, a widely dispersed bacterial repetitive DNA element.

The presence of a Salmonella serotype Enteritidis repeat element (SERE) located within the upstream regulatory region of the sefABCD operon encoding fimbrial proteins is reported. DNA dot-blot hybridisation analyses and computerised searches of genetic databases indicate that SERE is well conserved and widely distributed throughout the bacterial and archaeal kingdoms. A SERE-based polymerase chain reaction (SERE-PCR) assay was developed to fingerprint 54 isolates of Enteritidis representing nine distinct phage types and 54 isolates of other Salmonella serotypes. SERE-PCR identified five distinct fingerprint profiles among the 54 Enteritidis isolates; no correlation between phage types and SERE-PCR fingerprint patterns was noticed. SERE-PCR was reproducible, rapid and easy to perform. The results of this investigation suggest that the limited heterogeneity of SERE-PCR fingerprint patterns can be utilised to develop serotype- and serogroup-specific fingerprint patterns for isolates of Enteritidis.

Mutagenicity of some alkyl nitrites used as recreational drugs.

When the AIDS epidemic was in its earliest stages, and prior to identification of HIV as the etiological factor, the use of volatile nitrites by the male homosexual community to enhance sexual activities appeared to have a significant role in this disease. Preliminary observations indicated that the portion of the male homosexual community which developed Kaposi's sarcoma were also heavy nitrite users. These nitrites had been demonstrated to be mutagenic in bacteria and thus it was postulated that they could be responsible for the appearance of the sarcoma. To evaluate further the genotoxic activity of these chemicals, six nitrites, including those most commonly used by homosexuals for sexual gratification, were selected for testing in the mouse lymphoma TK+/- and Salmonella typhimurium mutagenicity assays. One chemical, n-amyl nitrite, was negative in the mouse lymphoma assay, while the other five chemicals, n-butyl, isobutyl, iso-amyl, sec-butyl, and n-propyl nitrite, were positive. All six compounds were positive in the Salmonella assay. The mutagenic and known toxic effects of these chemicals remain a concern because a large population of teenagers and young adults continue to abuse these substances.

Genotoxicity of multifunctional acrylates in the Salmonella/mammalian-microsome assay and mouse lymphoma TK+/-assay.

Multifunctional acrylates are being used increasingly as replacements for solvents, and occupational and general population exposure to this structural class is expanding. Four multifunctional acrylates and acrylic acid were tested for mutagenicity in the Salmonella typhimurium and mouse lymphoma L5178Y TK+/-assays. In the Salmonella assay, two of the compounds (trimethylolpropane triacrylate and trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate) showed weakly positive results with a single tester strain (TA1535) in the presence of hamster liver S9; the other three compounds were negative. All five compounds were negative in the Salmonella assay without S9 activation. In the mouse lymphoma assay, two of the compounds (acrylic acid and ethylene glycol diacrylate) were positive in both the presence and the absence of S9, one compound was positive only in the presence of S9 (ethylene glycol dimethacrylate), and one compound was positive only in the absence of S9 (trimethylolpropane triacrylate).

Genotoxicity of 6 oxime compounds in the salmonella/mammalian-microsome assay and mouse lymphoma TK +/- assay.

To aid in the selection of chemical candidates for in vivo tests, the mutagenicity of 6 oxime compounds was evaluated in the Salmonella plate incorporation assay and mouse lymphoma L5178Y TK +/- assay. All of the oximes were mutagenic in the mouse lymphoma assay in the absence of exogenous metabolic activation. Acetaldehyde oxime was also mutagenic in the presence of S9 activation. In contrast to these results, a positive response was noted only for 2-(hydroxyimino)-N-phenyl-acetamide oxime in strain TA1535 in the absence of activation in the Salmonella/microsome test.