Measurement of the Positive Muon Anomalous Magnetic Moment to 0.20 ppm.

We present a new measurement of the positive muon magnetic anomaly, a_{µ}≡(g_{µ}-2)/2, from the Fermilab Muon g-2 Experiment using data collected in 2019 and 2020. We have analyzed more than 4 times the number of positrons from muon decay than in our previous result from 2018 data. The systematic error is reduced by more than a factor of 2 due to better running conditions, a more stable beam, and improved knowledge of the magnetic field weighted by the muon distribution, ω[over ˜]_{p}^{'}, and of the anomalous precession frequency corrected for beam dynamics effects, ω_{a}. From the ratio ω_{a}/ω[over ˜]_{p}^{'}, together with precisely determined external parameters, we determine a_{µ}=116 592 057(25)×10^{-11} (0.21 ppm). Combining this result with our previous result from the 2018 data, we obtain a_{µ}(FNAL)=116 592 055(24)×10^{-11} (0.20 ppm). The new experimental world average is a_{µ}(exp)=116 592 059(22)×10^{-11} (0.19 ppm), which represents a factor of 2 improvement in precision.

Duodenal Permeability Is Associated With Mucosal Microbiota in Compensated Cirrhosis.

INTRODUCTION: Several complications of decompensated cirrhosis are believed to result from increased intestinal permeability. However, little is known about the relationship between mucosal bacteria and epithelial permeability in cirrhosis. We aimed to assess epithelial permeability and associations with mucosal bacteria in patients with compensated cirrhosis. METHODS: We obtained duodenal tissue biopsies from patients with compensated cirrhosis and controls. Patients were excluded if they used antibiotics or immunosuppression. The composition of mucosal microbiota was determined by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and epithelial permeability by transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and tight junction protein expression. RESULTS: We studied 24 patients with compensated cirrhosis and 20 controls. Patients with cirrhosis were older than controls (62 vs 52 years, P = 0.02) but had a similar number of extrahepatic comorbidities (2.2 vs 1.4, P = 0.13). Patients with compensated cirrhosis had lower duodenal TEER (i.e., increased epithelial permeability; 13.3 Ω/cm 2 ± 3.4 vs 18.9 Ω/cm 2 ± 7.1; P = 0.004). Patients with compensated cirrhosis trended toward a distinct mucosal microbiota community structure relative to controls ( P = 0.09). Clustering analysis identified two unique enterotypes. These enterotypes differed in bacterial composition and also TEER. A beta-binomial model found 13 individual bacteria associated with TEER, including Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium taxa. Thirty-six taxa were associated with tight junction protein expression, including Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. DISCUSSION: Compensated cirrhosis is characterized by increased duodenal epithelial permeability with a distinct mucosal microbial community. Intriguingly, bacteria previously associated with health were protective of duodenal permeability.

Measurement of the Positive Muon Anomalous Magnetic Moment to 0.46 ppm.

We present the first results of the Fermilab National Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL) Muon g-2 Experiment for the positive muon magnetic anomaly a_{µ}≡(g_{µ}-2)/2. The anomaly is determined from the precision measurements of two angular frequencies. Intensity variation of high-energy positrons from muon decays directly encodes the difference frequency ω_{a} between the spin-precession and cyclotron frequencies for polarized muons in a magnetic storage ring. The storage ring magnetic field is measured using nuclear magnetic resonance probes calibrated in terms of the equivalent proton spin precession frequency ω[over ˜]_{p}^{'} in a spherical water sample at 34.7 °C. The ratio ω_{a}/ω[over ˜]_{p}^{'}, together with known fundamental constants, determines a_{µ}(FNAL)=116 592 040(54)×10^{-11} (0.46 ppm). The result is 3.3 standard deviations greater than the standard model prediction and is in excellent agreement with the previous Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) E821 measurement. After combination with previous measurements of both µ^{+} and µ^{-}, the new experimental average of a_{µ}(Exp)=116 592 061(41)×10^{-11} (0.35 ppm) increases the tension between experiment and theory to 4.2 standard deviations.

Environmental and Agricultural Relevance of Humic Fractions Extracted by Alkali from Soils and Natural Waters.

To study the structure and function of soil organic matter, soil scientists have performed alkali extractions for soil humic acid (HA) and fulvic acid (FA) fractions for more than 200 years. Over the last few decades aquatic scientists have used similar fractions of dissolved organic matter, extracted by resin adsorption followed by alkali desorption. Critics have claimed that alkali-extractable fractions are laboratory artifacts, hence unsuitable for studying natural organic matter structure and function in field conditions. In response, this review first addresses specific conceptual concerns about humic fractions. Then we discuss several case studies in which HA and FA were extracted from soils, waters, and organic materials to address meaningful problems across diverse research settings. Specifically, one case study demonstrated the importance of humic substances for understanding transport and bioavailability of persistent organic pollutants. An understanding of metal binding sites in FA and HA proved essential to accurately model metal ion behavior in soil and water. In landscape-based studies, pesticides were preferentially bound to HA, reducing their mobility. Compost maturity and acceptability of other organic waste for land application were well evaluated by properties of HA extracted from these materials. A young humic fraction helped understand N cycling in paddy rice ( L.) soils, leading to improved rice management. The HA and FA fractions accurately represent natural organic matter across multiple environments, source materials, and research objectives. Studying them can help resolve important scientific and practical issues.

Refractive outcome of combined phacoemulsification and endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation.

PURPOSE: To compare the refractive outcome of eyes that underwent phacoemulsification combined with endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation (phaco-ECP) with the eyes that underwent phacoemulsification alone. METHODS: A retrospective case series review of 103 consecutive eyes that underwent phaco-ECP and 62 eyes that underwent phacoemulsification between January 2006 and August 2012 was conducted. Post-operative refractive outcomes were obtained by subjective refraction or autorefraction. Demographic data, best corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, number of glaucoma agents and mean deviation of the Humphrey visual field test (MD) were also analysed. RESULTS: The total number of eyes included in the study was 62 eyes for the phaco-ECP group and 62 eyes for the control group who underwent phacoemulsification alone. More than 90% of eyes (n = 56) in phaco-ECP group achieved post-operative refraction within ±1 dioptre (D) of the target refraction. In the control group, 100% of eyes achieved post-operative refraction within ±1D of the target refraction. When comparing the difference between the target and the actual refractive outcome between the phaco-ECP and the control group, there was no statistically significant difference. CONCLUSIONS: Refractive outcome after phaco-ECP is comparable to phacoemulsification alone. This study suggests that the intraocular lens power can be selected for cataract surgery alone and that ECP does not change the effective lens position significantly; therefore, no modification of biometry formulae is required. Phaco-ECP should be considered as an effective, safe and predictable surgical treatment option for glaucoma patients with co-existing cataract.

First Observation of CP Violation in B[over ¯]

We report a measurement of the time-dependent CP asymmetry of B[over ¯]^{0}→D_{CP}^{(*)}h^{0} decays, where the light neutral hadron h^{0} is a π^{0}, η, or ω meson, and the neutral D meson is reconstructed in the CP eigenstates K^{+}K^{-}, K_{S}^{0}π^{0}, or K_{S}^{0}ω. The measurement is performed combining the final data samples collected at the ϒ(4S) resonance by the BABAR and Belle experiments at the asymmetric-energy B factories PEP-II at SLAC and KEKB at KEK, respectively. The data samples contain (471±3)×10^{6} BB[over ¯] pairs recorded by the BABAR detector and (772±11)×10^{6} BB[over ¯] pairs recorded by the Belle detector. We measure the CP asymmetry parameters -η_{f}S=+0.66±0.10(stat)±0.06(syst) and C=-0.02±0.07(stat)±0.03(syst). These results correspond to the first observation of CP violation in B[over ¯]^{0}→D_{CP}^{(*)}h^{0} decays. The hypothesis of no mixing-induced CP violation is excluded in these decays at the level of 5.4 standard deviations.

Advances in retinal ganglion cell imaging.

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide and will affect 79.6 million people worldwide by 2020. It is caused by the progressive loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), predominantly via apoptosis, within the retinal nerve fibre layer and the corresponding loss of axons of the optic nerve head. One of its most devastating features is its late diagnosis and the resulting irreversible visual loss that is often predictable. Current diagnostic tools require significant RGC or functional visual field loss before the threshold for detection of glaucoma may be reached. To propel the efficacy of therapeutics in glaucoma, an earlier diagnostic tool is required. Recent advances in retinal imaging, including optical coherence tomography, confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy, and adaptive optics, have propelled both glaucoma research and clinical diagnostics and therapeutics. However, an ideal imaging technique to diagnose and monitor glaucoma would image RGCs non-invasively with high specificity and sensitivity in vivo. It may confirm the presence of healthy RGCs, such as in transgenic models or retrograde labelling, or detect subtle changes in the number of unhealthy or apoptotic RGCs, such as detection of apoptosing retinal cells (DARC). Although many of these advances have not yet been introduced to the clinical arena, their successes in animal studies are enthralling. This review will illustrate the challenges of imaging RGCs, the main retinal imaging modalities, the in vivo techniques to augment these as specific RGC-imaging tools and their potential for translation to the glaucoma clinic.

Development of a virtual reality training curriculum for phacoemulsification surgery.

PURPOSE: Training within a proficiency-based virtual reality (VR) curriculum may reduce errors during real surgical procedures. This study used a scientific methodology to develop a VR training curriculum for phacoemulsification surgery (PS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ten novice-(n) (performed <10 cataract operations), 10 intermediate-(i) (50-200), and 10 experienced-(e) (>500) surgeons were recruited. Construct validity was defined as the ability to differentiate between the three levels of experience, based on the simulator-derived metrics for two abstract modules (four tasks) and three procedural modules (five tasks) on a high-fidelity VR simulator. Proficiency measures were based on the performance of experienced surgeons. RESULTS: Abstract modules demonstrated a 'ceiling effect' with construct validity established between groups (n) and (i) but not between groups (i) and (e)-Forceps 1 (46, 87, and 95; P<0.001). Increasing difficulty of task showed significantly reduced performance in (n) but minimal difference for (i) and (e)-Anti-tremor 4 (0, 51, and 59; P<0.001), Forceps 4 (11, 73, and 94; P<0.001). Procedural modules were found to be construct valid between groups (n) and (i) and between groups (i) and (e)-Lens-cracking (0, 22, and 51; P<0.05) and Phaco-quadrants (16, 53, and 87; P<0.05). This was also the case with Capsulorhexis (0, 19, and 63; P<0.05) with the performance decreasing in the (n) and (i) group but improving in the (e) group (0, 55, and 73; P<0.05) and (0, 48, and 76; P<0.05) as task difficulty increased. CONCLUSION: Experienced/intermediate benchmark skill levels are defined allowing the development of a proficiency-based VR training curriculum for PS for novices using a structured scientific methodology.

Multi-scale habitat selection affects offspring survival in a precocial species.

In theory, habitat preferences should be adaptive. Accordingly, fitness is often assumed to be greater in preferred habitats; however, this assumption is rarely tested and, when it is, the results are often equivocal. Habitat preferences may not directly convey fitness advantages if animals are constrained by tradeoffs with other selective pressures like predation or food availability. We address unresolved questions about the survival consequences of habitat choices made during brood-rearing in a precocial species with exclusive maternal care (mallard Anas platyrhynchos, n = 582 radio-marked females on 27 sites over 8 years). We directly linked duckling survival with habitat selection patterns at two spatial scales using logistic regression and model selection techniques. At the landscape scale (55-80 km(2)), females that demonstrated stronger selection of areas with more cover type 4 wetlands and greater total cover type 3 wetland area (wetlands with large expanses of open water surrounded by either a narrow or wide peripheral band of vegetation, respectively) had lower duckling survival rates than did females that demonstrated weaker selection of these habitats. At finer scales (0.32-7.16 km(2)), females selected brood-rearing areas with a greater proportion of wetland habitat with no consequences for duckling survival. However, females that avoided woody perennial habitats composed of trees and shrubs fledged more ducklings. The relationship between habitat selection and survival depended on both spatial scale and habitats considered. Females did not consistently select brood-rearing habitats that conferred the greatest benefits, an unexpected finding, although one that has also been reported in other recent studies of breeding birds.

Imaging apoptosis in the eye.

Apoptosis is a form of programmed cell death that is implicated in both pathological and physiological processes throughout the body. Its imaging in vivo with intravenous radiolabelled-annexin V has been heralded as an important advance, with around 30 clinical trials demonstrating its application in the early detection and monitoring of disease, and the assessment of efficacy of potential and existing therapies. A recent development has been the use of fluorescently labeled annexin V to visualize single retinal cells undergoing the process of apoptosis in vivo with ophthalmoscopy. This has been given the acronym DARC (Detection of Apoptosing Retinal Cells). DARC so far has only been used experimentally, but clinical trials are starting shortly in glaucoma patients. Results suggest that DARC may provide a direct assessment of retinal ganglion cell health. By enabling early assessment and quantitative analysis of cellular degeneration in glaucoma, it is hoped that DARC can identify patients before the onset of irreversible vision loss. Furthermore, in addition to aiding the tracking of disease, it may provide a rapid and objective assessment of potential and effective therapies, providing a new and meaningful clinical endpoint in glaucomatous disease that is so badly needed.

Comparing the 1CU accommodative, multifocal, and monofocal intraocular lenses: a randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the binocular near vision performance in patients implanted with the 1CU accommodating intraocular lens (IOL) with a multifocal and monofocal IOL. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, double-masked clinical trial. PARTICIPANTS: Ninety patients presenting for cataract surgery to the Department of Ophthalmology, Hillingdon Hospital were randomized to receive the 1CU accommodative IOL, a multifocal IOL, or a monofocal IOL (control group). METHODS: Patients underwent bilateral sequential phacoemulsification with implantation of 1 of the 3 IOL types and were assessed at 3 and 18 months after second-eye surgery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution distance and near visual acuities (VAs) (unaided and distance corrected), contrast sensitivity, and accommodative amplitude (near point and defocusing) were measured at 3 and 18 months. Reading speed was assessed at 18 months, and glare symptoms and spectacle independence were compared using a standardized questionnaire. RESULTS: Mean unaided and distance-corrected binocular near VAs were similar in the 1CU and multifocal and were significantly higher than the control group's (P<0.02). There was no significant difference in reading speed between any of the groups, but critical print sizes were similar in the 1CU and multifocal groups and significantly better than the control group's (P = 0.02). The accommodative range was highest in the multifocal group and lowest in the control group, and there was no significant difference between the 1CU and control groups for defocus or near point at 18 months. Of the 1CU group and control group, 71.4% and 63.2%, respectively, experienced no glare at 18 months, compared with only 25% of the multifocal group (P = 0.01). Of the 1CU group and multifocal group, 19% and 27.3%, respectively, were completely spectacle independent at 18 months; none of the control group was (P = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The 1CU accommodating IOL provides improved near vision compared with a monofocal IOL. There is a discrepancy between the near function and accommodative amplitude measured in the 1CU. The multifocal provides excellent near acuity, but photopic phenomena remain a problem inherent in the lens design.

Long-term results of the management of silicone oil-induced raised intraocular pressure by diode laser cycloablation.

AIMS/BACKGROUND: To analyse the effectiveness and safety of cyclodiode treatment in eyes with silicone oil-related raised intraocular pressure (IOP) and to correlate the results with clinical features of treated eyes. METHODS: Retrospective review of case notes of all eyes that underwent cyclodiode treatment following injection of silicone oil at Moorfields Eye Hospital between April 1993 and January 2003 and were followed up for at least 1 year. RESULTS: In all, 38 patients were followed up for between 13 and 113 months. Totally, 17 had silicone oil in situ at the time of first treatment. The mean pretreatment IOP was 31.4 mmHg (SD 10.9), reducing to 18.6 mmHg (SD 8.6) at 1 year and to 13.9 mmHg (SD 8.4) at the final follow-up visit (P<0.001). Before treatment, 28 (73.7%) patients were on two or more topical medications. This was reduced to 18 (47.4%) patients (P=0.013) at 1 year and 13 (34.2%) patients (P=0.0007) at final follow-up. Use of oral acetazolamide for glaucoma was reduced from 16 (42.1%) patients precyclodiode to five (13.2%) patients at 1 year (P=0.0034) and three (7.9%) patients at the final visit (P=0.001). Four patients (10.5%) at 1 year and five patients (13.2%) at the final visit had hypotony (defined as IOP of less than 5 mmHg). One patient had enucleation 75 months following first cyclodiode treatment. CONCLUSION: Diode laser photocoagulation can successfully control silicone oil-induced raised intraocular pressure where medical treatment fails. Reduction of IOP appears to be maintained long term.

Prospective randomised double-masked trial of bilateral multifocal, bifocal or monofocal intraocular lenses.

AIMS: To evaluate the functional effect of bilateral implantation of two different multifocal intraocular lenses (IOL) compared with the standard monofocal IOL. METHODS: Sixty-nine patients were recruited into a prospective, double-masked, randomised, controlled trial at a single hospital in the United Kingdom. Sixty completed follow-up; 16 implanted with monofocal IOLs, 29 with AMO 'ARRAY' multifocal IOLs and 15 with Storz 'TRUEVISTA' bifocal IOLs. Phacoemulsification and IOL implantation was performed to a standardised technique in both eyes within a 2-month period. The main outcome measures were distance and near visual acuity, depth of field and validated assessment of subjective function (TyPE questionnaire). RESULTS: naided distance acuity was good, and equivalent across the three groups. Corrected distance acuity was significantly lower in the bifocal group. Patients with multifocal and bifocal IOLs could read smaller absolute print size than those in the monofocal group (P = 0.05), but at a closer reading distance such that mean unaided near acuity was equal in the three groups. Corrected near acuity was significantly higher in the monofocal control group (P < 0.05). Depth of field was increased in multifocal (P = 0.06) and bifocal (P = 0.004) groups. Overall visual satisfaction was equal in the three groups, while near visual satisfaction was higher in the multifocal group than the monofocal (P = 0.04). Spectacle independence was not seen in the monofocal group, but was achieved in 28% of multifocal IOL patients and 33% of bifocal patients (P < 0.001). Adverse symptoms such as glare and haloes were significantly more bothersome with multifocal (not bifocal) IOLs than monofocals (P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Multifocal and bifocal IOLs improved unaided near vision performance, with around one in three patients becoming spectacle-independent. The main adverse effect was an increased incidence of subjective glare and haloes in the multifocal IOL group.

Role of slotting fees and trade promotions in shaping how tobacco is marketed in retail stores.

OBJECTIVE: To examine how the retail environment in which tobacco is sold has changed because of the slotting fees and trade promotions paid by the tobacco companies. Public policy options for dealing with this environment are also evaluated. DATA SOURCES: A literature review, telephone interviews, and observation. RESULTS: The tobacco companies have been dramatically increasing the volume of slotting fees and trade promotions they pay to retailers, creating a more tobacco friendly retail environment containing self service displays and ample point-of-sale advertising. Critics express concern that these payments have kept prices lower and more varied than they might be otherwise, created more opportunities for pilferage and underage selling, and provided more youth exposure to tobacco promotions. Public policy makers could either ban these payments, institute policies designed to mitigate their harmful effects, or leave the situation as it is, relying on enforcement of existing statutes as well as market forces to reduce harm. Actions that might mitigate harmful effects would include putting minimum retail prices on tobacco products, banning self service displays, requiring retailers to be licensed, and adding more warning signs at the point of sale. CONCLUSION: Additional research is needed before determining the most appropriate public policy stance.

Single intraoperative application of 5-Fluorouracil versus placebo in low-risk trabeculectomy surgery: a randomized trial.

PURPOSE: Trabeculectomy is the procedure of choice for the surgical control of glaucoma, and is often augmented by intraoperative 5-fluorouracil application to reduce scarring. This study aims to assess the validity of this technique with a randomized placebo-controlled trial. METHODS: Patients without risk factors for bleb failure other than previous drop use who were undergoing trabeculectomy surgery as their first ocular procedure were randomized to receive fluorouracil or placebo. The main outcome measures were intraocular pressure and bleb morphology. RESULTS: Results from 40 eyes of 36 patients are presented; 23 eyes were treated with fluorouracil, and 17 eyes were treated with placebo. Mean intraocular pressure at 1 year and at the final follow-up examination was significantly lower than preoperatively, but was not different between fluorouracil and placebo groups. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis also failed to show any difference, though there was a trend toward better survival of an intraocular pressure of 16 mm Hg or lower. Bleb morphology was examined postoperatively in 24 patients, with no differences found between fluorouracil and placebo groups. CONCLUSIONS: No significant difference was found in trabeculectomy outcome between fluorouracil-treated and placebo-treated eyes. The study was too small to state definitively that no such difference exists, but suggests that any treatment effect is likely to be small.