Intermediate Distances Research Articles

Multispacecraft Observations of a Widespread Solar Energetic Particle Event on 2022 February 15–16

On 2022 February 15–16, multiple spacecraft measured one of the most intense solar energetic particle (SEP) events observed so far in Solar Cycle 25. This study provides an overview of interesting observations made by multiple spacecraft during this event. Parker Solar Probe (PSP) and BepiColombo were close to each other at 0.34–0.37 au (a radial separation of ∼0.03 au) as they were impacted by the flank of the associated coronal mass ejection (CME). At about 100° in the retrograde direction and 1.5 au away from the Sun, the radiation detector on board the Curiosity surface rover observed the largest ground-level enhancement on Mars since surface measurements began. At intermediate distances (0.7–1.0 au), the presence of stream interaction regions (SIRs) during the SEP arrival time provides additional complexities regarding the analysis of the distinct contributions of CME-driven versus SIR-driven events in observations by spacecraft such as Solar Orbiter and STEREO-A, and by near-Earth spacecraft like ACE, SOHO, and WIND. The proximity of PSP and BepiColombo also enables us to directly compare their measurements and perform cross-calibration for the energetic particle instruments on board the two spacecraft. Our analysis indicates that energetic proton measurements from BepiColombo and PSP are in reasonable agreement with each other to within a factor of ∼1.35. Finally, this study introduces the various ongoing efforts that will collectively improve our understanding of this impactful, widespread SEP event.

Enhanced Monofocal Intraocular Lenses in Fuchs' Endothelial Dystrophy Patients: Results from Triple Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty Procedure.

Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) is currently regarded as the most effective surgical procedure for addressing Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy (FECD), frequently performed in conjunction with cataract surgery. In this retrospective study, we present a comparison of visual performance, clinical outcomes, and optical quality between two types of monofocal Intraocular Lenses (IOLs): one standard and one enhanced intermediate vision model, implanted in patients who underwent combined phacoemulsification and DMEK surgery. This single center comparative retrospective study was conducted at the Eye Clinic of the University of Florence (Italy) and included a total of 48 eyes of 48 patients affected by FECD and cataract. All patients underwent combined DMEK with phacoemulsification procedures. The patients' data were analyzed and divided into two groups: one group (standard group) consisted of 24 eyes that underwent phaco-DMEK with implantation of a monofocal IOL, and the second group (enhanced monofocal group) included 24 eyes that underwent phaco-DMEK with implantation of an enhanced monofocal IOL. In both groups, the following monocular visual outcomes were evaluated 6 months after surgery: Uncorrected Distance Visual Acuity (UDVA) and Best-Corrected Distance Visual Acuity (BCDVA) at 4 mts; Uncorrected Intermediate Visual Acuity (UIVA), Distance-Corrected Intermediate Visual Acuity (DCIVA) at 66 cm; Uncorrected Near Visual Acuity (UNVA) and Best Corrected Near Visual Acuity (BCNVA). Monocular defocus curves were also assessed. Furthermore, optical quality in terms of Contrast Sensitivity (CS) in photopic conditions, Higher-Order Aberrations (HOAs) at a pupil size of 5 mm. Modulation Transfer Function (MTF), Objective Scatter Index (OSI), and Strehl ratio, were also analyzed. A Patient-Reported Spectacle Independence Questionnaire was revised to evaluate spectacle independence outcomes. the two groups did not exhibit statistically significant differences in terms of UDVA, BCDVA, UNVA and BCNVA, photopic CS, HOAs, OSI, Strehl ratio, and MTF. However, in the phaco-DMEK enhanced monofocal IOL group, significantly better results were observed in terms of UIVA and DCIVA as well as a different defocus curve profile at 1.50 D, providing better defocus results at intermediate distance compared with the ZCB00 IOL. In our study, we found that enhanced monofocal lens performed favorable visual outcomes, even in cases of FECD, compared to standard monofocal IOLs. Comparable optical quality observed in the Eyhance group could allow surgeons to consider these lenses as a viable option for selected patients with FECD.

The BVI ISOPURE® 123 intraocular lens: a new hydrophobic preloaded extended monofocal IOL with intermediate vision correction.

PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar searches were conducted for published research articles featuring the ISOPURE 123 IOL. Excellent uncorrected and corrected binocular distance visual acuity of at least 20/25 can be achieved; uncorrected binocular intermediate vision of 20/25 or better in 81% and 50% at 80 cm and 66 cm, respectively, and 42% binocular near vision of 20/40 or better can be achieved. The defocus curve showed good visual acuity at far and intermediate distances with a depth of focus value of 1.50 D. Photic phenomena are minimal compared to other EDOF IOLs. Excellent contrast sensitivity was maintained compared to a standard monofocal IOL. Studies show that this isofocal optic design IOL provides excellent visual performance for far vision and functional intermediate vision with an increased range of vision with few photic phenomena. This lens is an effective option for providing functional intermediate vision and correcting aphakia.

Pan-cortical electrophysiologic changes underlying attention

We previously reported that pan-cortical effects occur when cognitive tasks end afterdischarges. For this report, we analyzed wavelet cross-coherence changes during cognitive tasks used to terminate afterdischarges studying multiple time segments and multiple groups of inter-electrode-con distances. We studied 12 patients with intractable epilepsy, with 970 implanted electrode contacts, and 39,871 electrode contact combinations. When cognitive tasks ended afterdischarges, coherence varied similarly across the cortex throughout the tasks, but there were gradations with time, distance, and frequency: (1) They tended to progressively decrease relative to baseline with time and then to increase toward baseline when afterdischarges ended. (2) During most time segments, decreases from baseline were largest for the closest inter-contact distances, moderate for intermediate inter-contact distances, and smallest for the greatest inter-contact distances. With respect to our patients’ intractable epilepsy, the changes found suggest that future therapies might treat regions beyond those closest to regions of seizure onset and treat later in a seizure’s evolution. Similar considerations might apply to other disorders. Our findings also suggest that cognitive tasks can result in pan-cortical coherence changes that participate in underlying attention, perhaps complementing the better-known regional mechanisms.

Modelling jaguar gene flow in fragmented landscapes offers insights into functional population connectivity

ContextPreserving functional connectivity is a conservation priority to secure the long-term viability of geographically dispersed subpopulations, such as the jaguar (Panthera onca) populations in Central America. However, managing connectivity in this region is limited due to the scarcity of local assessments of the connectivity between existing populations, some of which exhibit low levels of gene flow and genetic admixture.ObjectivesWe selected the jaguar as a model species to understand how gene flow of large carnivores is shaped in a heavily human-impacted landscape in the Neotropics. We assessed the impact of landscape features and spatial scale on jaguar gene flow across northern Central America, predicted synoptic, landscape-wide functional connectivity across the region; and compared connectivity predictions based on models of gene flow, habitat suitability, and expert knowledge.MethodsWe employed genetic data based on 335 faecal samples collected from 72 individual jaguars. We parameterized gene flow resistance surfaces using linear mixed effects models and the maximum likelihood population-effects method. We evaluated nine landscape variables at six spatial scales, selecting the optimal scale and transformation for each variable according to univariate models and AIC. To predict jaguar gene flow, we developed multivariate models and implemented resistant kernels to forecast functional connectivity between jaguar populations across the study region under three dispersal distance scenarios. Furthermore, we compared the connectivity estimates based on gene flow against those based on habitat suitability and the corridors delineated by expert knowledge in the region.ResultsLow resistance to jaguar gene flow was associated with greater tree cover and vegetation, lower areas of built-up, and intermediate distances from water bodies. Notably, tree cover affected jaguar gene flow on a smaller scale compared to the rest of variables. Higher connectivity, indicated by lower resistance, was found within and around the largest jaguar conservation units (JCUs) such as the Reserva-de-Biosfera-Transfronteriza, Selva-Maya and Maya-Mountains. This contrasted with the smallest JCUs, like Sierra-Santa-Cruz and Sierra-de-las-Minas in eastern Guatemala, and Cordillera-Nombre-de-Dios in Honduras. Across the region, lower connectivity was observed in the Caribbean connection between eastern Guatemala and midwestern Honduras, as well as in the Honduran and Nicaraguan Miskito area. Models based on gene flow and habitat suitability were similar in their predictions of areas of high connectivity; however, the habitat suitability models predicted larger areas of low connectivity than did the gene flow models. Moreover, the expert knowledge corridors were consistent with areas of high and medium connectivity as predicted by the gene flow model.ConclusionsGene flow of jaguars is positively driven by the presence of forest and water sources, while human impact (built-up and non-vegetation areas) has a negative effect. Areas of lowest resistance largely correspond to the location of JCUs, which serve as crucial reservoirs of high-quality jaguar habitat within the region. While the largest JCU in the region displayed high connectivity, the low connectivity between the smallest JCUs (i.e. Sierra-Santa-Cruz, Sierra-de-las-Minas and Cordillera-Nombre-de-Dios) underscores the need for conservation attention in these areas. Conservation and management actions such as habitat loss-prevention/restoration and anthropogenic impact mitigation should be prioritized in the binational region of Guatemala-Honduras, a key connectivity bottleneck between the species’ northern and southern ranges. Similarly, attention is warranted in the Honduran-Nicaraguan Miskito area.

Unveiling the Role of Electrostatic Forces on Attraction between Opposing Polyelectrolyte Brushes.

Electrostatic interaction and molecular excluded-volume effects are responsible for a plethora of nonintuitive phenomena in soft-matter systems, including local charge inversion and attraction between similar charges. In the current work, we study the surface forces and swelling behavior of opposing polyelectrolyte brushes using a classical density functional theory that accounts for electrostatic and excluded-volume correlations. We observe that the detachment pressure between similarly charged brushes is sensitive to salt concentration in both the osmotic and salted regimes and can be negative in the presence of multivalent counterions. A comparison of the theoretical results with the mean-field predictions unravels the role of correlation effects in determining the surface forces and brush structure. For systems containing multivalent counterions, the detachment pressure attains negative values at an intermediate brush-brush separation, and the attractive region in the pressure vs distance plot is magnified in terms of both the depth and width of attraction with increasing counterion valency. However, the interbrush attraction vanishes when the size-induced correlations are switched off. We also investigated the role of counterion size and polymer chain length on the detachment pressure. It is found that smaller counterions are more effective in neutralizing the polymer charge than bigger counterions, leading to a reduced interbrush repulsion and, in some cases, attraction between like-charged brushes at intermediate distances. Meanwhile, varying the chain length of the grafted polymers only shifts the location of the attraction basin, with little influence on the interaction strength. The theoretical predictions show qualitative agreement with experimental observations and offer valuable insights into the interaction between similarly charged polymer brushes in the presence of multivalent ions.

Upland Sandpipers select for later time since fire and experience high nest survival in grasslands managed with patch-burn grazing

Abstract Upland Sandpipers (Bartramia longicauda) are a grassland obligate shorebird that nests in dense vegetation structure near recently disturbed areas and could benefit from management practices that promote heterogenous vegetation structure. Upland Sandpipers primary breeding range is generally managed for livestock production using traditional practices that lack patchy disturbances to facilitate higher levels of structural heterogeneity. Patch-burn grazing (PBG) could be an alternative management practice for Upland Sandpiper conservation for its use to create areas of dense vegetation structure near recently disturbed areas. However, limited information is available regarding nest production of Upland Sandpipers within a PBG framework. To assess the compatibility of PBG with Upland Sandpiper conservation, we estimated nest site selection and survival of Upland Sandpiper nests on private lands managed with PBG in the unglaciated plains region of North Dakota. We located 59 nests from 2017 to 2020. Upland Sandpipers avoided 1 year since fire (YSF) patches and selected for 2 and 3 YSF patches for nest sites. Additionally, nest site selection decreased with increased bare ground and at intermediate distances to the nearest Upland Sandpiper nest. Upland Sandpipers experienced high overall nest survival during the study with 51 of 59 nests successfully hatching, which limited our ability to make inferences between daily survival rates and variables of interest. Our findings suggest that PBG can provide suitable nesting cover for Upland Sandpipers in later YSF patches despite annual prescribed fire and livestock grazing during the nesting season. PBG seems a suitable grassland management strategy that should be included in conservation planning within Upland Sandpiper’s breeding distribution.

Liberty® by Medicontur, a Complex in Structure, Hydrophilic Intraocular Lens in the Correction of Eyes with Preoperative Myopia

A retrospective analysis of visual function in patients with preoperatively diagnosed myopia, after implantation of Liberty® intraocular lens, including the influence of some factors like a kind of surgery, values of angle alpha and kappa, pupil size, values of higher order aberrations generated by the lens on visual acuity to far and near distances was done. Lens removal and Liberty® implantation was done 47 eyes, including in 13 patients in both eyes. In 7 eyes, it was a toric lens. A mean preoperative value of myopia was -6.72 Dsph. Cataract removal accounted for 55% of all procedures performed, the rest being Refractive Lens Exchange. Preoperative pupil size was between 3.6 and 6,4 mm. The average postoperative visual acuity to far distances was 0.13 (logMar), and to near distances was 0.51 (Snellen). Rare cases of insufficient quality of vision to intermediate distances, when the postoperative pupil size was greater than 4 mm, resolved after increasing light intensity in the room. A bigger values of higher order aberrations corresponded with lower values of preoperative visual acuity to far distances. A bigger values of angle alpha corresponded with lower values of postoperative visual acuity to far distances, which were significantly higher in cataract group. Visual acuity to far distances was also better in eye with bigger pupil size. A specific structure of the lens allows patients to see good to the near distances, even if the light intensity not perfect.

Comparative Evaluation of Visual Outcomes in Combined Cataract and Vitrectomy for Idiopathic Epiretinal Membrane with an Advanced or Conventional Intraocular Lens

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of new monofocal intraocular lens (IOL) in comparison with conventional monofocal IOL in patients undergoing combined cataract and vitrectomy surgery for epiretinal membrane (ERM). Methods: This prospective non-randomized comparative study included 65 eyes of 65 patients who underwent combined cataract and vitrectomy for ERM with implantation of advanced monofocal IOL (Eyhance ICB00, 33 patients) and standard monofocal IOL (Tecnis ZCB00, 32 patients). Monocular visual acuities were measured 6 months post-operatively, including corrected and uncorrected distance visual acuity (CDVA, UCDVA), uncorrected intermediate visual acuity (UCIVA), and uncorrected near visual acuity (UCNVA). Furthermore, contrast sensitivity and metamorphopsia were measured. Results: There was no significant difference between two groups regarding operation time, post-operative CDVA, UCDVA, UCNVA, and spherical equivalent (p > 0.05). Monocular UCIVA was significantly higher in the Eyhance IOL group than in the Tecnis IOL group (p = 0.005). The photopic and mesopic contrast sensitivities were comparable between each group for any spatial frequency (p > 0.05). The correlation coefficients from correlations between retinal wrinkling ratio and M score did not differ significantly between groups (p = 0.877), and the degree of metamorphopsia was not significantly related to the type of IOL (p = 0.969). Conclusions: In combined cataract and vitrectomy for ERM, Eyhance IOL provided significant better visual performance at intermediate distance than standard monofocal IOL without compromising operation time, distance vision, contrast sensitivity, and evaluating metamorphopsia. Eyhance IOL can be a useful option for both surgeons and patients.

Analysis of the effects of FineVision Micro F and AcySof IQ PanOptix intraocular lenses on visual quality under different lighting condition

Aims/Purpose: To analyse the effect of the design of FineVision Micro F and AcrySof IQ PanOptix trifocal intraocular lenses on the visual quality of patients under photopic and mesopic illumination conditions.Methods: Observational, prospective, cross‐sectional study. The study was conducted at the Hospital Universitario Sanitas la Moraleja in Madrid. The study followed the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. The sample included 16 patients who underwent cataract or lensectomy surgery, with bilateral implantation of one of the two intraocular lenses (IOLs) under study: 20 eyes with FineVision Micro F implant and 12 eyes with AcrySof IQ PanOptix. After 30 days after surgery, an assessment of photopic and mesopic, monocular and binocular visual acuity (VA) was performed for three distances: far (4 m), intermediate (66 cm) and near (40 cm) with the ETDRS test. A p‐value <0.05 was considered a criterion for statistical significance.Results: Visual acuity analysis showed significant differences between FineVision Micro F and AcrySof IQ PanOptix lenses, under photopic conditions, for intermediate distance (p‐value 0.014) with means of 0.04 ± 0.05 and 0.11 ± 0.11, respectively and near distance (p‐value 0.001), with means of 0.05 ± 0.06 and 0.12 ± 0.06, respectively. On the other hand, in mesopic conditions, statistically significant differences (p‐value 0.032) were observed in close distance, with means of 0.43 ± 0.3 and 0.52 ± 0.2, respectively.Conclusions: Both FineVision Micro F and AcrySof IQ PanOptix IOL designs provide optimal VA at far distances in both photopic and mesopic illumination conditions. The FineVision Micro F IOL provides better intermediate and near VA in photopic conditions and near distance in mesopic conditions than the AcrySof IQ PanOptix IOL, and this difference is clinically significant.

A Case of Bilateral Implantation of Diffraction IOL with Extended Depth of Focus in a Patient with a History of Keratorefractive Excimer Laser Surgery

A clinical case of bilateral implantation of EDOF IOL in a patient after LASIK is presented. The standards for assessing visual acuity at an intermediate distance are indicated. A modified version of the test table for the intermediate distance is presented. The obtained functional result corresponds to theoretical ideas about the potential of IOL with a prolonged focus. When calculating the IOL after LASIK, a sufficient degree of accuracy was provided by the formulas Haigis-L, Barrett True-K. The use of data on the total refractive power of the cornea is promising.

Comparative Evaluation of the Defocus Curve of Monofocal IOL, Extended Depth of Focus IOL, and Trifocal IOL

Purpose. Comparative evaluation of the defocus curve (DC) of monofocal IOLs (MIOLs), extended depth of focus IOLs (EDОF) and trifocal IOLs (TIOLs). Patients and methods. We observed 90 patients (average age 57.8 ± 1.8 years) who underwent standard binocular phacoemulsification of cataracts in both eyes with emmetropic “target” refraction and postoperative monocular uncorrected distance visual acuity (UCVA) of at least 1.0 rel. units. All patients were divided into three groups equal in number of patients, age, gender and visual status, corresponding to three options of implantable IOLs: MIOL (“RayOne Aspheric”, model RAO600C); EDOF (RayOne EMV, model RAO200E) and THYOL (RayOne Trifocal). DC was performed binocularly based on a standard BCVA measurement with an optical load for defocusing from +3.0 D to -4.0 D with a “step” of +1.0 D and -0.5 D. Results. Under conditions of optical defocusing with positive lenses (1.0; 2.0; 3.0 D), all three types of IOLs maintained almost the same average BCVA (at +1.0 D, the BCVA range was 0.72–0.76 rel. units; at +2.0 diopters — 0.66–0.72 relative units; at +3.0 diopters — 0.52–0.56 relative units). In relation to the analysis of BCVA in conditions of defocusing with negative lenses, it was found that visual acuity was significantly better with EDOF than with MIOL, with a load from -1.0 to -4.0 diopters, while these differences were statistically significant and ranged from 0.14 to 0.27 relative units (p < 0.01). Along with this, it was determined that UCVA was significantly better in the group with TIOL than in the group with EDOF, with a load from -2.5 to -4.0 D. Moreover, these differences were statistically significant and ranged from 0.09 to 0.14 rel. units (p < 0.01). Conclusion. The design features of IOLs make it possible to consider implantation of EDOF as an option for an individual approach to the selection of IOLs, especially taking into account the possibility of use in patients whose professional activities involve long-term visual work at intermediate distances (for example, users of personal computers).

Travelling waves due to negative plant–soil feedbacks in a model including tree life-stages

The emergence and maintenance of tree species diversity in tropical forests is commonly attributed to the Janzen–Connell (JC) hypothesis, which states that growth of seedlings is suppressed in the proximity of conspecific adult trees. As a result, a JC distribution due to a density-dependent negative feedback emerges in the form of a (transient) pattern where conspecific seedling density is highest at intermediate distances away from parent trees. Several studies suggest that the required density-dependent feedbacks behind this pattern could result from interactions between trees and soil-borne pathogens. However, negative plant–soil feedback may involve additional mechanisms, including the accumulation of autotoxic compounds generated through tree litter decomposition. An essential task therefore consists in constructing mathematical models incorporating both effects showing the ability to support the emergence of JC distributions.In this work, we develop and analyse a novel reaction–diffusion-ODE model, describing the interactions within tropical tree species across different life stages (seeds, seedlings, and adults) as driven by negative plant–soil feedback. In particular, we show that under strong negative plant–soil feedback travelling wave solutions exist, creating transient distributions of adult trees and seedlings that are in agreement with the Janzen–Connell hypothesis. Moreover, we show that these travelling wave solutions are pulled fronts and a robust feature as they occur over a broad parameter range. Finally, we calculate their linear spreading speed and show its (in)dependence on relevant nondimensional parameters.

Analysis of Light-Related Visual Images Presented in Elementary School Science Textbooks in Korea, the United States, and Japan

Abstract Visual images are widely used in science textbooks to facilitate the understanding of abstract concept of light. This study aims to compare and analyze elementary school textbooks from Korea, the United States, and Japan, focusing on how visual images are utilized to effectively convey light-related content. The findings reveal that all three countries’ textbooks predominantly employ photographs as visual representations, primarily serving the purpose of providing data. Through a social semiotic perspective analysis, it was observed that science textbooks commonly utilize realistic images with metaphorical functions, presented at eye level angles, with intermediate distances, and frontal angles. Furthermore, the visual images employed various colors and background expressions to create a sense of familiarity for students. These findings suggest that the composition of visual images in science textbooks was designed to facilitate an easy understanding of light-related concepts.

Transport distance influenced the proportion of skin lesions in finishing pigs and negatively affected animal welfare

Transport is a relevant process during pigs’ lives because of its impact on animal welfare. Considering commercial conditions, several factors vary between journeys; therefore, it is important to establish the influence of transport distance on skin lesion scores in finishing pigs, considering weather and vibration conditions. Skin lesion score was assessed in 649 finishing pigs at the farms before loading, with a five-point scale (0= none to 4 = ≥ 16 superficial lesions or > 10 deep lesions), and at the slaughterhouse after unloading. Three transport distances were evaluated (short, intermediate and long), in which microclimatic and vibration conditions were monitored from the vehicle’s compartments. Intermediate distances showed higher proportions of worst score (4) at the front part, whereas long distances presented worst score at the middle and hind quarters. Short distances displayed higher proportions of worst score at ears. Temperatures inside the vehicle were above the thermal comfort limit for pigs, providing a heat stress condition. Vibrations were higher sideways than in the vertical and longitudinal directions. Transport under tropical conditions negatively affected the skin injuries score, indicating a higher incidence of skin wounds at the slaughterhouse than in the farms. Body parts can be affected differently by distance, considering skin lesion scores.

1827. Patients with Serious Injection Related Infections (SIRI) have Limited Access to Community-based Infection Prevention and Treatment in Alabama

Abstract Background The University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital (UABH) provides a large percentage of tertiary care for Alabamians, including treatment of serious injection-related infections (SIRI). Because patients with SIRI frequently utilize our hospital and emergency department, we hypothesized that persons who inject drugs (PWID) in AL have limited access to community-based infection prevention and treatment, including addiction and harm reduction services, that is associated with their rural residence. Sociodemographics, healthcare utilization, infection type, and substance use outcomes of participants. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients hospitalized with SIRI at University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Hospital (2016 to 2021). We queried sociodemographics, healthcare utilization, infection, and substance use outcomes (table 1). We used a standardized telephone survey, to identify and characterize the community services for PWID in AL. We then categorized the distance between self-reported residence, using zip code, and two locations: UAB hospital and community services. Using geospatial mapping, we then evaluated patients’ driving distances to these sites. Results A total of 383 patients with SIRI met inclusion criteria (table 1). We identified 98 sites providing community services (HIV, harm reduction, addiction) for PWID in AL. Patients residing in a community at intermediate distance from UAB (defined as 15-50 miles) had the most limited access to services. They were also significantly more likely to be white, uninsured, rural, have an established diagnosis of opioid use disorder (OUD). Conclusion For patients with SIRI receiving care at UAB Hospital, the proximity of their residence to UAB was associated with access to community services, with those 15 to 50 miles away being most limited. Although this group has access to care when hospitalized, the results highlight the lack of community care available in their hometowns. Clinicians should anticipate this gap in care and arrange for telehealth and other accessible options; integrated infection and addiction telehealth services may help bridge this care gap. More research is needed to understand how the residence of PWID may impact post-hospital ID and addiction outcomes. Disclosures Ellen Eaton, MD, MPH, Gilead: Grant/Research Support|Gilead: Honoraria

Modelling CN Zeeman effect observations of the envelopes of a low-mass protostellar disc and a massive protostar

ABSTRACT We use the polaris radiative transfer code to produce simulated circular polarization Zeeman emission maps of the cyanide (CN) J = 1–0 molecular line transition for two types of protostellar envelope magnetohydrodynamic simulations. Our first model is a low-mass disc envelope system (box length L = 200 au), and our second model is the envelope of a massive protostar (L = 104 au) with a protostellar wind and a CN-enhanced outflow shell. We compute the velocity-integrated Stokes I and V, as well as the implied V/I polarization percentage, for each detector pixel location in our simulated emission maps. Our results show that both types of protostellar environments are in principle accessible with current circular polarization instruments, with each containing swaths of envelope area that yield percentage polarizations that exceed the 1.8 per cent nominal sensitivity limit for circular polarization experiments with the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array. In both systems, high-polarization (≳1.8 per cent) pixels tend to lie at an intermediate distance away from the central star and where the line-centre opacity of the CN emission is moderately optically thin (τLC ∼ 0.1–1). Furthermore, our computed V/I values scale roughly with the density-weighted mean line-of-sight magnetic field strength, indicating that Zeeman observations can effectively diagnose the strength of envelope-scale magnetic fields. We also find that pixels with large V/I are preferentially co-located where the absolute value of the velocity-integrated V is also large, suggesting that locations with favourable percentage polarization are also favourable in terms of raw signal.

Strain and Strain Recovery of Human Hair from the Nano- to the Macroscale.

In this study, in operandi SAXS experiments were conducted on samples of human hair with a varying degree of strain (2% within the elastic region and 10% beyond). Four different features in the SAXS patterns were evaluated: The intermediate filament distance perpendicular to and the distance from the meridional arc in the load direction, as well as the distances of the lipid bilayer peak in and perpendicular to the load direction. From the literature, one concludes that polar lipids in the cuticle are the origin of the lipid peak in the SAXS pattern, and this study shows that the observed strain in the lipids is much lower than in the intermediate filaments. We support these findings with SEM micrographs, which show that the scales in the cuticle deform much less than the cortex. The observed deformation of the intermediate filaments is very high, about 70% of the macrostrain, and the ratio of the transverse strain to the longitudinal strain at the nanoscale gives a Poisson ratio of νnano = 0.44, which is typical for soft matter. This work also finds that by varying the time period between two strain cycles, the typical strain recovery time is about 1000 min, i.e., one day. After this period, the structure is nearly identical to the initial structure, which suggests an interpretation that this is the typical time for the self-healing of hair after mechanical treatment.

Density of dark matter in the Milky Way

Although several discoveries have proved the gravitational effects of dark matter (DM) on various astrophysical objects, its origin remains one of the main puzzles in physics. These observations can be explained by adding a new particle to the Standard Model that is weakly interacting, massive, stable, and non-baryonic. One of the main characteristics of DM in question, beyond its exact particle nature, is its density in the Universe. In this paper, we use the latest data for the local DM density, total DM mass, and rotation curves in the Milky Way to estimate the density profile of these elusive particles in our Galaxy. We find the density profile parameters that match the current data and analyze the density of the stellar bulge and gas and star in the disk. We show that the stellar bulge dominates the Galactic dynamic for distances below a few kiloparsecs (kpc), the disk plays the most important role at intermediate distances, and DM explains rotation data beyond a few tens of kpc. Finally, we settle on a local DM density of about 0.5-0.7 GeV/ to fit the data well, regardless of the exact function we use to model the density profile.

Comparative evaluation of the clinical performance of conventional and extended depth of focus monofocal intraocular lenses (systematic review)

A systematic review was performed in PubMed using the following keywords monofocal IOLs, monofocal IOLs with extended depth of focus (sharpness), EDOF, cataract phacoemulsification, visual acuity, and quality of life. Studies were selected in accordance with the criteria for prospective or retrospective studies. In a comparative analysis of clinical efficacy, the results of binocular IOL implantation and lens material from the same manufacturer were analyzed as the main sources. In total, 234 studies were analyzed using systematic review filters and authors knowledge of the topic. The duration of the retrospective analysis was 8 years (20172023). A total of 234 papers were analyzed over the last 8 years (20172023), further using systematic review filters and the authors knowledge of the topic.
 Data obtained indicated that traditional monofocal IOLs acted like bifocal lenses because they formed two main focal points for far and near vision, which did not provide the required level of visual acuity at an intermediate distance. The basic optical principle of EDOF (extended depth of focus) was to create a focal point for distance vision and an elongated focal point to increase the depth of field near and at intermediate distances. The results of the literature analysis indicated that the use of EDOF (compared with monofocal IOL) was associated with a higher level of visual acuity at intermediate and near distances and comparable distance visual acuity and increased depth of field, which generally provides a more natural range of vision and less use of glasses. Light phenomena, spectacle independence, and patient satisfaction were comparable among EDOF types.
 Given the above advantages, EDOF implantation can be considered a variant of an individual approach to the selection of IOLs, taking into account the possibility of using it in patients whose professional activity is associated with long-term visual work at intermediate distances (e.g., users of personal computers). In the context of the role and place of EDOF in the general system of aphakia correction following cataract phacoemulsification, further accumulation of clinical material is necessary, taking into account the IOL model and patients professional visual activity level.