Evidence for Nonlinear Gluon Effects in QCD and Their Mass Number Dependence at STAR

The STAR Collaboration reports measurements of back-to-back azimuthal correlations of di-π^{0}s produced at forward pseudorapidities (2.6<η<4.0) in p+p, p+Al, and p+Au collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 200 GeV. We observe a clear suppression of the correlated yields of back-to-back π^{0} pairs in p+Al and p+Au collisions compared to the p+p data. The observed suppression of back-to-back pairs as a function of transverse momentum suggests nonlinear gluon dynamics arising at high parton densities. The larger suppression found in p+Au relative to p+Al collisions exhibits a dependence of the saturation scale Q_{s}^{2} on the mass number A. A linear scaling of the suppression with A^{1/3} is observed with a slope of -0.09±0.01.

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.

Emerging Approaches for Enabling RNAi Therapeutics

RNA interference (RNAi) is a primitive evolutionary mechanism developed to escape incorporation of foreign genetic material. siRNA has been instrumental in achieving the therapeutic potential of RNAi by theoretically silencing any gene of interest in a reversible and sequence-specific manner. Extrinsically administered siRNA generally needs a delivery vehicle to span across different physiological barriers and load into the RISC complex in the cytoplasm in its functional form to show its efficacy. This review discusses the designing principles and examples of different classes of delivery vehicles that have proved to be efficient in RNAi therapeutics. We also briefly discuss the role of RNAi therapeutics in genetic and rare diseases, epigenetic modifications, immunomodulation and combination modality to inch closer in creating a personalized therapy for metastatic cancer. At the end, we present, strategies and look into the opportunities to develop efficient delivery vehicles for RNAi which can be translated into clinics.

Measurements of Proton High-Order Cumulants in sqrt[s_{NN}]=3 GeV Au+Au Collisions and Implications for the QCD Critical Point

We report cumulants of the proton multiplicity distribution from dedicated fixed-target Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=3.0  GeV, measured by the STAR experiment in the kinematic acceptance of rapidity (y) and transverse momentum (p_{T}) within -0.5<y<0 and 0.4<p_{T}<2.0  GeV/c. In the most central 0%-5% collisions, a proton cumulant ratio is measured to be C_{4}/C_{2}=-0.85±0.09 (stat)±0.82 (syst), which is 2σ below the Poisson baseline with respect to both the statistical and systematic uncertainties. The hadronic transport UrQMD model reproduces our C_{4}/C_{2} in the measured acceptance. Compared to higher energy results and the transport model calculations, the suppression in C_{4}/C_{2} is consistent with fluctuations driven by baryon number conservation and indicates an energy regime dominated by hadronic interactions. These data imply that the QCD critical region, if created in heavy-ion collisions, could only exist at energies higher than 3 GeV.

Measurements of _{Λ}^{3}H and _{Λ}^{4}H Lifetimes and Yields in Au+Au Collisions in the High Baryon Density Region

We report precision measurements of hypernuclei _{Λ}^{3}H and _{Λ}^{4}H lifetimes obtained from Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=3.0  GeV and 7.2 GeV collected by the STAR experiment at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider, and the first measurement of _{Λ}^{3}H and _{Λ}^{4}H midrapidity yields in Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=3.0  GeV. _{Λ}^{3}H and _{Λ}^{4}H, being the two simplest bound states composed of hyperons and nucleons, are cornerstones in the field of hypernuclear physics. Their lifetimes are measured to be 221±15(stat)±19(syst)  ps for _{Λ}^{3}H and 218±6(stat)±13(syst)  ps for _{Λ}^{4}H. The p_{T}-integrated yields of _{Λ}^{3}H and _{Λ}^{4}H are presented in different centrality and rapidity intervals. It is observed that the shape of the rapidity distribution of _{Λ}^{4}H is different for 0%-10% and 10%-50% centrality collisions. Thermal model calculations, using the canonical ensemble for strangeness, describes the _{Λ}^{3}H yield well, while underestimating the _{Λ}^{4}H yield. Transport models, combining baryonic mean-field and coalescence (jam) or utilizing dynamical cluster formation via baryonic interactions (phqmd) for light nuclei and hypernuclei production, approximately describe the measured _{Λ}^{3}H and _{Λ}^{4}H yields. Our measurements provide means to precisely assess our understanding of the fundamental baryonic interactions with strange quarks, which can impact our understanding of more complicated systems involving hyperons, such as the interior of neutron stars or exotic hypernuclei.

Probing the Gluonic Structure of the Deuteron with J/ψ Photoproduction in d+Au Ultraperipheral Collisions

Understanding gluon density distributions and how they are modified in nuclei are among the most important goals in nuclear physics. In recent years, diffractive vector meson production measured in ultraperipheral collisions (UPCs) at heavy-ion colliders has provided a new tool for probing the gluon density. In this Letter, we report the first measurement of J/ψ photoproduction off the deuteron in UPCs at the center-of-mass energy sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV in d+Au collisions. The differential cross section as a function of momentum transfer -t is measured. In addition, data with a neutron tagged in the deuteron-going zero-degree calorimeter is investigated for the first time, which is found to be consistent with the expectation of incoherent diffractive scattering at low momentum transfer. Theoretical predictions based on the color glass condensate saturation model and the leading twist approximation nuclear shadowing model are compared with the data quantitatively. A better agreement with the saturation model has been observed. With the current measurement, the results are found to be directly sensitive to the gluon density distribution of the deuteron and the deuteron breakup process, which provides insights into the nuclear gluonic structure.

769 IMPROVING THE DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF PATIENTS WITH COMMUNITY AND HOSPITAL ACQUIRED PNEUMONIA WITHIN ELDERLY CARE

Introduction

In 2017 pneumonia was the most cited cause of death in elderly care at our hospital, and in 2019, we were shown to be an outlier in the incidence of hospital acquired pneumonia (HAP). Therefore, accurate diagnosis and management of pneumonia is paramount and an area for improvement in our trust. From 2017–20 we focussed on the care of elderly patients with pneumonia, aiming to improve the diagnosis and subsequent management plans.

Methods

Notes were reviewed retrospectively, examining patient notes, EPR data, radiological imaging and pathology results. We had 3 interventions across our project using teaching, posters, screensavers, and involvement of the wider MDT. HAP nursing champions were appointed, and new guidelines were published.

Results

Poor diagnostic accuracy of pneumonia was a recurrent problem. In 2017–18, focus to improve diagnosis rested on improved use of baseline investigations. By early 2019, following interventions, 75% of diagnoses were correct for community acquired pneumonia (CAP), despite ongoing poor use of investigations. Conversely, HAP patients had increased investigations but no improvement in diagnosis. Over winter 2019/20, 65% of patients had an inaccurate diagnosis of HAP. The most common reasons for misdiagnosis related to interpretation of chest x-rays and timing of diagnosis. 71% of patients misdiagnosed with HAP received antibiotics which were unlikely to be effective.

Conclusion

Improvements were made in the care of patients with both HAP and CAP. Simple interventions such as teaching, screensavers and posters affect decision-making and can improve patient outcomes. Diagnostic accuracy of both CAP and HAP can be a challenge—there were specific areas that were addressed effectively via teaching. To improve sustainability, future success of this project lies with continuous education and training of staff. A steering group will review the whole project and aim to sustain patient outcomes by digital transformation.

Search for the Chiral Magnetic Effect via Charge-Dependent Azimuthal Correlations Relative to Spectator and Participant Planes in Au+Au Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV

The chiral magnetic effect (CME) refers to charge separation along a strong magnetic field due to imbalanced chirality of quarks in local parity and charge-parity violating domains in quantum chromodynamics. The experimental measurement of the charge separation is made difficult by the presence of a major background from elliptic azimuthal anisotropy. This background and the CME signal have different sensitivities to the spectator and participant planes, and could thus be determined by measurements with respect to these planes. We report such measurements in Au+Au collisions at a nucleon-nucleon center-of-mass energy of 200 GeV at the Relativistic Heavy-Ion Collider. It is found that the charge separation, with the flow background removed, is consistent with zero in peripheral (large impact parameter) collisions. Some indication of finite CME signals is seen in midcentral (intermediate impact parameter) collisions. Significant residual background effects may, however, still be present.

Measurement of the Sixth-Order Cumulant of Net-Proton Multiplicity Distributions in Au+Au Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=27, 54.4, and 200 GeV at RHIC

According to first-principle lattice QCD calculations, the transition from quark-gluon plasma to hadronic matter is a smooth crossover in the region μ_{B}≤T_{c}. In this range the ratio, C_{6}/C_{2}, of net-baryon distributions are predicted to be negative. In this Letter, we report the first measurement of the midrapidity net-proton C_{6}/C_{2} from 27, 54.4, and 200 GeV Au+Au collisions at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC). The dependence on collision centrality and kinematic acceptance in (p_{T}, y) are analyzed. While for 27 and 54.4 GeV collisions the C_{6}/C_{2} values are close to zero within uncertainties, it is observed that for 200 GeV collisions, the C_{6}/C_{2} ratio becomes progressively negative from peripheral to central collisions. Transport model calculations without critical dynamics predict mostly positive values except for the most central collisions within uncertainties. These observations seem to favor a smooth crossover in the high-energy nuclear collisions at top RHIC energy.

Observation of D_{s}^{±}/D^{0} Enhancement in Au+Au Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV

We report on the first measurement of charm-strange meson D_{s}^{±} production at midrapidity in Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV from the STAR experiment. The yield ratio between strange (D_{s}^{±}) and nonstrange (D^{0}) open-charm mesons is presented and compared to model calculations. A significant enhancement, relative to a pythia simulation of p+p collisions, is observed in the D_{s}^{±}/D^{0} yield ratio in Au+Au collisions over a large range of collision centralities. Model calculations incorporating abundant strange-quark production in the quark-gluon plasma and coalescence hadronization qualitatively reproduce the data. The transverse-momentum integrated yield ratio of D_{s}^{±}/D^{0} at midrapidity is consistent with a prediction from a statistical hadronization model with the parameters constrained by the yields of light and strange hadrons measured at the same collision energy. These results suggest that the coalescence of charm quarks with strange quarks in the quark-gluon plasma plays an important role in D_{s}^{±}-meson production in heavy-ion collisions.

Nonmuscle Myosin II in cancer cell migration and mechanotransduction

Cell migration is a key step of cancer metastasis, immune-cell navigation, homing of stem cells and development. What adds complexity to it is the heterogeneity of the tissue environment that gives rise to a vast diversity of migratory mechanisms utilized by cells. A majority of cell motility mechanisms reported elsewhere largely converge in depicting the importance of the activity and complexity of actomyosin networks in the cell. In this review, we highlight the less discussed functional diversity of these actomyosin complexes and describe in detail how the major cellular actin-binding molecular motor proteins, nonmuscle myosin IIs are regulated and how they participate and mechanically reciprocate to changes in the microenvironment during cancer cell migration and tumor progression. Understanding the role of nonmuscle myosin IIs in the cancer cell is important for designing efficient therapeutic strategies to prevent cancer metastasis.

Measurement of e^{+}e^{-} Momentum and Angular Distributions from Linearly Polarized Photon Collisions

The Breit-Wheeler process which produces matter and antimatter from photon collisions is experimentally investigated through the observation of 6085 exclusive electron-positron pairs in ultraperipheral Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV. The measurements reveal a large fourth-order angular modulation of cos4Δϕ=(16.8±2.5)% and smooth invariant mass distribution absent of vector mesons (ϕ, ω, and ρ) at the experimental limit of ≤0.2% of the observed yields. The differential cross section as a function of e^{+}e^{-} pair transverse momentum P_{⊥} peaks at low value with sqrt[⟨P_{⊥}^{2}⟩]=38.1±0.9  MeV and displays a significant centrality dependence. These features are consistent with QED calculations for the collision of linearly polarized photons quantized from the extremely strong electromagnetic fields generated by the highly charged Au nuclei at ultrarelativistic speed. The experimental results have implications for vacuum birefringence and for mapping the magnetic field which is important for emergent QCD phenomena.

528 EVALUATING THE PRESCRIPTION OF OPIATES IN PATIENTS WITH NECK OF FEMUR FRACTURES IN OUT OF HOSPITAL AND EMERGENCY CARE SETTING

Introduction

Opiate based analgesia forms a key component of Hip Fracture management. If prescribed inappropriately, opiate based analgesia can lead to respiratory depression, nephrotoxicity, and delayed recovery. The aim of this project was to evaluate opiate prescription in NOF patients in both out of hospital (OOH) and Emergency Department (ED).

Methods

100 consecutive patients were identified from National Hip Fracture Database between January and August 2019. Medical records were reviewed in both care settings, reviewing dose of morphine in comparison to body weight and renal function. Outcomes measured include constipation, acute kidney injury, respiratory compromise, and mortality. Statistical tests (t-test and chi square) were used to discern significance. Following the first cycle of results, results were disseminated to paramedics and at local governance meetings. Teaching was undertaken to increase awareness of harms associated with inappropriate opiate prescribing. A second cycle evaluated 30 consecutive NOFs from July 2020.

Results

In our study population, 74% were female and the average age was 84. The range of morphine doses given OOH ranged from 2-40 mg, in comparison to 2.5-20 mg in ED. 18% of patient suffered from Respiratory depression with 48 hours of their admission with a further 7% suffering from an acute kidney injury. After intervention, OOH morphine doses ranged between 5-10 mg, a reduction of 75% on maximum dose, with increased use of adjuvants as guided by the WHO pain ladder. No adverse outcomes were noted within 48 hours of admission.

Conclusion

Patient safety should be high on the agenda whilst caring for frail patients with Hip Fractures and opiate prescription is one of the most critical in the patient’s journey. Reducing harm by prescribing the optimal opiates helps to reduce mortality, morbidity, improve rehabilitation and patient flow within the NHS pathways. A guideline has been published to aid opiate prescription in elderly patients.

Covalent and Hydrogen Bonding in Adsorption of Alanine Molecules on Si(111)7×7

Molecular adsorption bonding configurations and specific interfacial chemistry of alanine on Si(111)7×7 have been determined by combining the results from scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) with ab initio calculations based on the density functional theory (DFT). XPS spectra of the N 1s region show that alanine molecules bind to the 7×7 surface by N-Si covalent bonding, while STM imaging reveals that such N-H dissociative adsorption of alanine occurs on an adjacent Si adatom-restatom pair, with the dehydrogenated alanine moiety and dissociated H atom occupying the Si adatom and restatom sites, respectively. At a sample bias above +2 V, the dehydrogenated alanine appears as a bright round protrusion, slightly off-center from a Si adatom site and leaning toward the opposite Si adatom across the dimer wall. The off-center character can be attributed to an electrostatic attraction between the electron-rich carbonyl O of the dehydrogenated alanine and electron-deficient nearest Si adatom across the dimer wall. Our DFT calculation also shows that the monodentate O-Si bonding configuration resulting from O-H dissociative adsorption is more thermodynamically favorable than the experimentally observed N-Si bonding configuration, suggesting that the interfacial dissociative adsorption reaction is a kinetically controlled rather than a thermodynamically driven process. Alanine molecules in the second adlayer (transitional layer) are found to attach to those in the first adlayer (interfacial layer) by N···HO hydrogen bonding, as supported by the presence of the N 1s feature at 401.0 eV. An alanine molecule H-bonded to a dehydrogenated alanine in the first adlayer has also been observed in STM as a brighter and larger protrusion close to the expected location of the free OH group in the dehydrogenated first-adlayer alanine. No thick zwitterionic alanine film can be obtained at room temperature possibly due to steric constraint caused by the methyl group.

Global Polarization of Ξ and Ω Hyperons in Au+Au Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV

Global polarization of Ξ and Ω hyperons has been measured for the first time in Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV. The measurements of the Ξ^{-} and Ξ[over ¯]^{+} hyperon polarization have been performed by two independent methods, via analysis of the angular distribution of the daughter particles in the parity violating weak decay Ξ→Λ+π, as well as by measuring the polarization of the daughter Λ hyperon, polarized via polarization transfer from its parent. The polarization, obtained by combining the results from the two methods and averaged over Ξ^{-} and Ξ[over ¯]^{+}, is measured to be ⟨P_{Ξ}⟩=0.47±0.10(stat)±0.23(syst)% for the collision centrality 20%-80%. The ⟨P_{Ξ}⟩ is found to be slightly larger than the inclusive Λ polarization and in reasonable agreement with a multiphase transport model. The ⟨P_{Ξ}⟩ is found to follow the centrality dependence of the vorticity predicted in the model, increasing toward more peripheral collisions. The global polarization of Ω, ⟨P_{Ω}⟩=1.11±0.87(stat)±1.97(syst)% was obtained by measuring the polarization of daughter Λ in the decay Ω→Λ+K, assuming the polarization transfer factor C_{ΩΛ}=1.

Significant magneto-elastic coupling at Griffiths-like phase boundaries in low dimensional oxides,ASb2O6(ANi and Mn)

The compounds, NiSb₂O₆(NSO) and MnSb₂O₆(MSO) attract the community for the quasi one-dimensional and layered structure composed of Ni²⁺and Mn²⁺, which orders antiferromagnetically atT_N= 6.7 and 12 K, respectively. Here, we report the Griffiths-like phase much aboveT_Nin the range of 37-85 K and 25-80 K for NSO and MSO, respectively. The dc magnetization results indicate the Griffiths-like phase, following the modified Curie-Weiss law. The magneto-capacitive responses for both the compounds show anomalies at the onset of the Griffiths-like phase. Intriguingly, the low temperature synchrotron diffraction results are conclusive for determining the singularities for both the compounds. Interplay between the low-dimensionality, magnetic frustration, and magneto-elastic coupling correlates the observed short range ordered state, which is suggested as a Griffiths-like phase, aboveT_Nfor both the compounds.

Prospects for beyond the Standard Model physics searches at the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment: DUNE Collaboration

The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) will be a powerful tool for a variety of physics topics. The high-intensity proton beams provide a large neutrino flux, sampled by a near detector system consisting of a combination of capable precision detectors, and by the massive far detector system located deep underground. This configuration sets up DUNE as a machine for discovery, as it enables opportunities not only to perform precision neutrino measurements that may uncover deviations from the present three-flavor mixing paradigm, but also to discover new particles and unveil new interactions and symmetries beyond those predicted in the Standard Model (SM). Of the many potential beyond the Standard Model (BSM) topics DUNE will probe, this paper presents a selection of studies quantifying DUNE's sensitivities to sterile neutrino mixing, heavy neutral leptons, non-standard interactions, CPT symmetry violation, Lorentz invariance violation, neutrino trident production, dark matter from both beam induced and cosmogenic sources, baryon number violation, and other new physics topics that complement those at high-energy colliders and significantly extend the present reach.

Pembrolizumab-induced large duct cholangiopathy: Diagnosis and follow.up imaging

Immune-checkpoint inhibitor mediated hepatobiliary injury is an emerging concern in cancer treatment. Most of these adverse reactions are attributed to nivolumab and are characterized by panlobular hepatitis. Large duct cholangiopathy related to these drugs is extremely rare. We present a case of adenocarcinoma of lung treated with pembrolizumab who developed biochemical and imaging features consistent with cholangiopathy characterized by common bile duct dilatation, wall enhancement, and gallbladder wall edema. On follow-up in the fourth month, the imaging features persisted despite the normalization of liver enzymes. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first description of diagnosis and follow-up imaging of pembrolizumab-related cholangiopathy in imaging literature.