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

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

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

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

Obesity in pregnancy: a retrospective prevalence-based study on health service utilisation and costs on the NHS.

Objective: To estimate the direct healthcare cost of being overweight or obese throughout pregnancy to the National Health Service in Wales. Design: Retrospective prevalence-based study. Setting: Combined linked anonymised electronic datasets gathered on a cohort of women enrolled on the Growing Up in Wales: Environments for Healthy Living (EHL) study. Women were categorised into two groups: normal body mass index (BMI; n=260) and overweight/obese (BMI>25; n=224). Participants: 484 singleton pregnancies with available health service records and an antenatal BMI. Primary outcome measure: Total health service utilisation (comprising all general practitioner visits and prescribed medications, inpatient admissions and outpatient visits) and direct healthcare costs for providing these services in the year 2011–2012. Costs are calculated as cost of mother (no infant costs are included) and are related to health service usage throughout pregnancy and 2 months following delivery. Results: There was a strong association between healthcare usage cost and BMI ( p<0.001). Adjusting for maternal age, parity, ethnicity and comorbidity, mean total costs were 23% higher among overweight women (rate ratios (RR) 1.23, 95% CI 1.230 to 1.233) and 37% higher among obese women (RR 1.39, 95% CI 1.38 to 1.39) compared with women with normal weight. Adjusting for smoking, consumption of alcohol, or the presence of any comorbidities did not materially affect the results. The total mean cost estimates were £3546.3 for normal weight, £4244.4 for overweight and £4717.64 for obese women. Conclusions: Increased health service usage and healthcare costs during pregnancy are associated with increasing maternal BMI; this was apparent across all health services considered within this study. Interventions costing less than £1171.34 per person could be cost-effective if they reduce healthcare usage among obese pregnant women to levels equivalent to that of normal weight women

Predictors of objectively measured physical activity in 12‐month‐old infants: A study of linked birth cohort data with electronic health records

Physical activity (PA) levels are associated with long-term health, and levels of PA when young are predictive of adult activity levels