Angular distributions of H-induced HD and D2 desorptions from the Si(100) surfaces

We measured angular distributions of HD and D2 molecules desorbed via the reactions H+D/Si 100 →HD abstraction ABS and H+D/Si 100 →D2 adsorption-induced-desorption AID , respectively. It was found that the angular distribution of HD molecules desorbed alongABS is broader than that of D2 molecules desorbed along AID, i.e., the former could be fit withcos2.0±0.2 , while the latter with cos5.0±0.5 . This difference of the angular distributions between thetwo reaction paths suggests that their dynamic mechanisms are different. The observed cos2 distribution for the ABS reaction was reproduced by the classical trajectory calculations over theLondon-Eyring-Polanyi-Sato potential-energy surfaces. The simulation suggests that the HDdesorption along the ABS path takes place along the direction of Si–D bonds, but the apparentangular distribution is comprised of multiple components reflecting the different orientations ofD-occupied Si dimers in the 2 1 and 1 2 double domain structures

Modulated hydrogen beam study of adsorption-induced desorption of deuterium from Si(100)-3×1:D surfaces

We have studied the kinetic mechanism of the adsorption-induced-desorption (AID) reaction, H + D/Si(100)D2. Using a modulated atomic hydrogen beam, two different types of AID reaction are revealed: one is the fast AID reaction occurring only at the beam on-cycles and the other the slow AID reaction occurring even at the beam off-cycles. Both the fast and slow AID reactions show the different dependence on surface temperature Ts, suggesting that their kinetic mechanisms are different. The fast AID reaction overwhelms the slow one in the desorption yield for 300 KTs650 K. It proceeds along a first-order kinetics with respect to the incident H flux. Based on the experimental results, both two AID reactions are suggested to occur only on the 3×1 dihydride phase accumulated during surface exposure to H atoms. Possible mechanisms for the AID reactions are discussed

Is bureaucracy being busted in research ethics and governance for health services research in the UK?:Experiences and perspectives reported by stakeholders through an online survey

Acknowledgements: We would like to thank the Board of Trustees of HSRUK for support and advice throughout study. Thank you to all respondents to the survey for contributing their data and views. The HRA and NIHR are also warmly acknowledged for their continued support throughout the study.Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Is bureaucracy being busted in research ethics and governance for health services research in the UK? Experiences and perspectives reported by stakeholders through an online survey

Background: It has long been noted that the chain from identification of need (research gap) to impact in the real world is both long and tortuous. This study aimed to contribute evidence about research ethics and governance arrangements and processes in the UK with a focus on: what works well; problems; impacts on delivery; and potential improvements. Methods: Online questionnaire widely distributed 20th May 2021, with request to forward to other interested parties. The survey closed on 18th June 2021. Questionnaire included closed and open questions related to demographics, role, study objectives. Results: Responses were received from 252 respondents, 68% based in universities 25% in the NHS. Research methods used by respondents included interviews/focus groups (64%); surveys/questionnaires (63%); and experimental/quasi experimental (57%). Respondents reported that participants in the research they conducted most commonly included: patients (91%); NHS staff (64%) and public (50%). Aspects of research ethics and governance reported to work well were: online centralised systems; confidence in rigorous, respected systems; and helpful staff. Problems with workload, frustration and delays were reported, related to overly bureaucratic, unclear, repetitive, inflexible and inconsistent processes. Disproportionality of requirements for low-risk studies was raised across all areas, with systems reported to be risk averse, defensive and taking little account of the risks associated with delaying or deterring research. Some requirements were reported to have unintended effects on inclusion and diversity, particularly impacting Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) and engagement processes. Existing processes and requirements were reported to cause stress and demoralisation, particularly as many researchers are employed on fixed term contracts. High negative impacts on research delivery were reported, in terms of timescales for completing studies, discouraging research particularly for clinicians and students, quality of outputs and costs. Suggested improvements related to system level changes / overall approach and specific refinements to existing processes. Conclusions: Consultation with those involved in Health Services Research in the UK revealed a picture of overwhelming and increasing bureaucracy, delays, costs and demoralisation related to gaining the approvals necessary to conduct research in the NHS. Suggestions for improvement across all three areas focused on reducing duplication and unnecessary paperwork/form filling and reaching a better balance between risks of harm through research and harms which occur because research to inform practice is delayed or deterred

Twelve Tips for Applicants from a Disadvantaged Background Considering a Career in Medicine

A minority of medical school entrants draw from disadvantaged backgrounds, which remain significantly underrepresented within the medical workforce. Whilst multifactorial, this may in part relate to relative lack of information about the admissions process amongst these groups. In this article, Mohammed Abdul Waduud and colleagues offer their twelve essential tips to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds who are considering applying to medical school. The authors, all of whom are from disadvantaged backgrounds, have experience in applying to medical schools within the United Kingdom. The tips within this article should support students from disadvantaged backgrounds to decide whether a career in medicine is right for them and succeed in their applications to study medicine

Twelve Tips for Medical Students starting Clinical Placements in the United Kingdom

Transitioning from the pre-clinical to clinical years at medical school can be challenging and overwhelming. This paper aims to utilise the experience of healthcare professionals to provide tips for medical students to consider in order to maximise their learning opportunities. Before starting a placement, it is highly encouraged that you familiarise yourself with the curriculum, remember to bring your essentials and dress appropriately. During your placement, ensure good attendance keeping, introduce yourself to the team, manage your time well, engage in self-directed learning, ask questions to other doctors, interact with allied health care professionals and follow the patient’s journey from admission to discharge. It is also key to be wary of university requirements, regularly practice history-taking and clinical examination and examination style questions. Prioritise a suitable work-life balance by enjoying hobbies and extra-curricular activities in order to avoid burn-out. These tips should ensure medical students make the most of their clinical placements as well as making it a memorable and enjoyable experience

Ir(III) Diamine Transfer Hydrogenation Catalysts in Cancer Cells

The development of catalytic metallodrugs is an emerging field that may offer new approaches to cancer chemotherapeutic design. By exploiting the unique properties of transition metal complexes, in‐cell catalysis can be applied to modulate the cellular redox balance as part of a multi‐targeting mechanism of action. We describe the synthesis and characterization of six coordinatively unsaturated iridium(III) diamine catalysts that are stable at physiological pH in aqueous solution. Reduction of the colorimetric substrate 2,6‐dichlorophenolindophenol by transfer hydrogenation under biologically compatible conditions achieved turnover frequencies up to 63 ± 2 h−1 and demonstrated that the source of hydride (sodium formate) is the limiting reagent, despite being in a 1000‐fold excess of the catalyst. The catalyst showed low in vivo acute toxicity in zebrafish embryos and modest in vitro potency towards cancer cells. When administered alone, the catalyst generated oxidative stress in cells (an effect that was conserved in vivo), but co‐treatment with a nontoxic dose of sodium formate negated this effect. Co‐treatment with sodium formate significantly enhanced catalyst potency in cancer cells (A2780 ovarian and MCF7 breast cancer cells) and drug‐resistant cells (A2780cis and MCF7‐TAMR1) but not in non‐tumorigenic cells (MRC5), demonstrating that a redox‐targeting mechanism may generate selectivity for cancer cells

Fresh and hardened properties of concrete containing effective microorganisms

Nowadays, concrete is popularly used in many areas and applications in construction industry. If designed and manufactured properly it can be one of the most durable construction materials. However, during the life span of the structure the surrounding environment where the structure is built may pose long-term durability problem to concrete such as cracks and corrosion of steel reinforcement. Thus, researchers around the world continue searching for any possible means to improve concrete qualities. This paper presents study on the effects of Effective Microorganism on fresh and hardened properties of concrete. The percentage of Effective Microorganisms (EM) used in this study was 10% and incorporated in the concrete mix by replacing the water content. In this research work, a number of control and EM concrete cube samples were cast, cured in water and tested at the ages of 3, 7 and 28 days. The workability of fresh concrete was measured through the slump test. The effect of EM on hardened concrete was assessed through compression test and ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) test. The experimental result shows that the workability of concrete with EM was 67% higher than the control concrete. This may indicate that the EM has the potential to be used as workability enhancer. In terms of compressive strength, the EM concrete recorded 8% higher strength at 28 days compared to concrete without EM. In addition, the early strength of EM concrete was found to be higher by 41% and 27% at 3 and 7 days compared to control, respectively. The UPV result for EM concrete also shows higher value than control concrete indicating denser concrete. All experimental results indicated that the use of EM has positive effects on concrete properties

Epidemiology of Mycoplasma genitalium in British men and women aged 16–44 years: evidence from the third National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles (Natsal-3).

BACKGROUND: There are currently no large general population epidemiological studies of Mycoplasma genitalium (MG), which include prevalence, risk factors, symptoms and co-infection in men and women across a broad age range. METHODS: In 2010-–12, we conducted the third National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles (Natsal-3), a probability sample survey in Britain. Urine from 4507 sexually-experienced participants, aged 16–44 years, was tested for MG. RESULTS: MG prevalence was 1.2% [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.7–1.8%] in men and 1.3% (0.9–1.9%) in women. There were no positive MG tests in men aged 16–19, and prevalence peaked at 2.1% (1.2–3.7%) in men aged 25–34 years. In women, prevalence was highest in 16–19 year olds, at 2.4% (1.2–4.8%), and decreased with age. Men of Black ethnicity were more likely to test positive for MG [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 12.1; 95% CI: 3.7–39.4). For both men and women, MG was strongly associated with reporting sexual risk behaviours (increasing number of total and new partners, and unsafe sex, in the past year). Women with MG were more likely to report post-coital bleeding (AOR 5.8; 95%CI 1.4–23.3). However, the majority of men (94.4%), and over half of women (56.2%) with MG did not report any sexually transmitted infection (STI) symptoms. Men with MG were more likely to report previously diagnosed gonorrhoea, syphilis or non-specific urethritis, and women previous trichomoniasis. CONCLUSIONS: This study strengthens evidence that MG is an STI. MG was identified in over 1% of the population, including in men with high-risk behaviours in older age groups that are often not included in STI prevention measures