Although cattle can synthesize vitamin C (VC) endogenously, stress may increase VC requirements above the biosynthetic threshold and warrant supplementation. This study investigated the effects of a VC injection delivered before or after a long-distance transit event on blood parameters and feedlot performance of beef steers. Fifty-two days prior to trial initiation, 90 newly weaned, Angus-based steers from a single source were transported to Ames, IA, USA. On day 0, 72 steers (356 ± 17 kg) were blocked by BW and randomly assigned to intramuscular injection treatments (24 steers/treatment): saline injection pre- and post-transit (CON), VC (Vet One, Boise, ID, USA; 5 g sodium ascorbate/steer) injection pre-transit and saline injection post-transit (PRE) or saline injection pre-transit and VC injection post-transit (POST). Following pre-transit treatment injections, steers were transported on a commercial livestock trailer for approximately 18 h (1675 km). Post-transit (day 1), steers were sorted into pens with one GrowSafe bunk/pen (4 pens/treatment; 6 steers/pen). Steers were weighed on day 0, 1, 7, 30, 31, 56 and 57. Blood was collected from 3 steers/pen on day 0, 1, 2 and 7; liver biopsies were performed on the same 3 steers/pen on day 2. Data were analyzed as a randomized complete block design (experimental unit = steer; fixed effects = treatment and block) and blood parameters were analyzed as repeated measures. A pre-transit VC injection improved steer average daily gain from day 7 to 31 (P = 0.05) and overall (day 1 to 57; P = 0.02), resulting in greater BW for PRE-steers on day 30/31 (P = 0.03) and a tendency for greater final BW (day 56/57; P = 0.07). Steers that received VC pre- or post-transit had greater DM intake from day 31 to 57 (P = 0.01) and overall (P = 0.02) v. CON-steers. Plasma ascorbate concentrations were greatest for PRE-steers on day 1 and POST-steers on day 2 (treatment × day; P < 0.01). No interaction or treatment effects were observed for other blood parameters (P ≥ 0.21). Plasma ferric-reducing antioxidant potential and malondialdehyde concentrations decreased post-transit (day; P < 0.01), while serum non-esterified fatty acids and haptoglobin concentrations increased post-transit (day; P < 0.01). In general, blood parameters returned to pre-transit values by day 7. Pre-transit administration of injectable VC to beef steers mitigated the decline in plasma ascorbate concentrations and resulted in superior feedlot performance compared to post-transit administration.

Coinfection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and viral hepatitis is associated with high morbidity and mortality in the absence of clinical management, making identification of these cases crucial. We examined characteristics of HIV and viral hepatitis coinfections by using surveillance data from 15 US states and two cities. Each jurisdiction used an automated deterministic matching method to link surveillance data for persons with reported acute and chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections, to persons reported with HIV infection. Of the 504 398 persons living with diagnosed HIV infection at the end of 2014, 2.0% were coinfected with HBV and 6.7% were coinfected with HCV. Of the 269 884 persons ever reported with HBV, 5.2% were reported with HIV. Of the 1 093 050 persons ever reported with HCV, 4.3% were reported with HIV. A greater proportion of persons coinfected with HIV and HBV were males and blacks/African Americans, compared with those with HIV monoinfection. Persons who inject drugs represented a greater proportion of those coinfected with HIV and HCV, compared with those with HIV monoinfection. Matching HIV and viral hepatitis surveillance data highlights epidemiological characteristics of persons coinfected and can be used to routinely monitor health status and guide state and national public health interventions.

Introduction: In order to achieve the best possible outcomes for patients requiring resuscitation (PRRs) in the emergency department (ED), health care providers (HCPs) must provide an efficient, multi-disciplinary and coordinated response. A quality improvement (QI) project was undertaken to improve HCP response to PRRs at two tertiary care hospital EDs in Toronto. Methods: We conducted a before-and-after mixed-method survey to evaluate the perception of the adequacy of HCP response and clarity of HCP role when responding to PRRs. The results were compared using the Chi-square test. Qualitative responses to the first survey were also used to inform the development of the QI project. Through interviews of key stakeholders and with continuous input from front-line ED HCPs, a multi-disciplinary team modified the ED resuscitation protocol. This included standardized pre-hospital communication form with paramedics, ED-wide overhead announcement of ‘Code Resus’, dedicated HCPs assigned to respond to PRRs, and specific duties assigned to each responder. Change initiatives were reinforced through education and posters in the ED. Six months after implementation, a second survey was conducted to evaluate the sustained effects of the intervention. Results: Baseline measures indicated that 16 of 52 (30.8%) nurses surveyed believed their role was often or always apparent to themselves and others when they attended to a PRR (on a 5-point rating scale). This proportion increased to 35 of 55 (63.6%) nurses in the post-implementation survey (p < 0.001). Regarding adequacy of the number of HCPs responding to PRRs, 17 of 39 (43.6%) physicians and 23 of 53 (43.4%) nurses surveyed thought the appropriate number of HCPs responded to PRRs; the remainder thought that there were too few or too many HCPs. In the post-implementation survey, 34 of 41 (82.9%) physicians (p < 0.001) and 36 of 56 (64.3%) nurses (p = 0.029) surveyed felt that the appropriate number of HCPs attended to PRRs. Conclusion: Using a quality improvement approach, we identified and quantified perceived deficiencies in HCP response to PRRs in the ED. Through feedback-based modifications of the ED resuscitation protocol and by engaging HCP stakeholders, change initiatives were implemented to improve HCP response. As a result, this project achieved significant and sustained improvements in HCPs’ perceived response to PRRs.

Interfacial dislocations (IDs) and half-loop arrays (HLAs) present in the epilayers of 4H-SiC crystal are known to have a deleterious effect on device performance. Synchrotron X-ray Topography studies carried out on n-type 4H-SiC offcut wafers before and after epitaxial growth show that in many cases BPD segments in the substrate are responsible for creating IDs and HLAs during CVD growth. This paper reviews the behaviors of BPDs in the substrate during the epitaxial growth in different cases: (1) screw-oriented BPD segments intersecting the surface replicate directly through the interface during the epitaxial growth and take part in stress relaxation process by creating IDs and HLAs (Matthews-Blakeslee model [1] ); (2) non-screw oriented BPD half loop intersecting the surface glides towards and replicates through the interface, while the intersection points convert to threading edge dislocations (TEDs) and pin the half loop, leaving straight screw segments in the epilayer and then create IDs and HLAs; (3) edge oriented short BPD segments well below the surface get dragged towards the interface during epitaxial growth, leaving two long screw segments in their wake, some of which replicate through the interface and create IDs and HLAs. The driving force for the BPDs to glide toward the interface is thermal stress and driving force for the relaxation process to occur is the lattice parameter difference at growth temperature which results from the doping concentration difference between the substrate and epilayer.

A review is presented of Synchrotron X-ray Topography and KOH etching studies carried out on n type 4H-SiC offcut substrates before and after homo-epitaxial growth to study defect replication and strain relaxation processes and identify the nucleation sources of both interfacial dislocations (IDs) and half-loop arrays (HLAs) which are known to have a deleterious effect on device performance. We show that these types of defects can nucleate during epilayer growth from: (1) short segments of edge oriented basal plane dislocations (BPDs) in the substrate which are drawn by glide into the epilayer; and (2) segments of half loops of BPD that are attached to the substrate surface prior to growth which also glide into the epilayer. It is shown that the initial motion of the short edge oriented BPD segments that are drawn from the substrate into the epilayer is caused by thermal stress resulting from radial temperature gradients experienced by the wafer whilst in the epi-chamber. This same stress also causes the initial glide of the surface half-loop into the epilayer and through the advancing epilayer surface. These mobile BPD segments provide screw oriented segments that pierce the advancing epilayer surface that initially replicate as the crystal grows. Once critical thickness is reached, according to the Mathews-Blakeslee model [1], these screw segments glide sideways under the action of the mismatch stress leaving IDs and HLAs in their wake. The origin of the mismatch stress is shown to be associated with lattice parameter differences at the growth temperature, arising from the differences in doping concentration between substrate and epilayer.

LOFT (Large Observatory For X-ray Timing) is one of the four candidate missions currently under assessment study for the M3 mission in ESAs Cosmic Vision program to be launched in 2024. LOFT will carry two instruments with prime sensitivity in the 2–30 keV range: a 10 m2 class large area detector (LAD) with a <1° collimated field of view and a wide field monitor (WFM) instrument. The WFM is based on the coded mask principle, and 5 camera units will provide coverage of more than 1/3 of the sky. The prime goal of the WFM is to detect transient sources to be observed by the LAD. With its wide field of view and good energy resolution of <500 eV, the WFM will be an excellent instrument for detecting and studying GRBs and X-ray flashes. The WFM will be able to detect ~150 gamma ray bursts per year, and a burst alert system will enable the distribution of ~100 GRB positions per year with a ~1 arcmin location accuracy within 30 s of the burst.

Amphiphilic diacetylenes (DAs) can self-assemble into photopolymerizable liposomes that can be used to construct effective pathogen sensors. Here, modified commercial inkjet printers are used to disperse DAs into water, facilitating self-assembly. The liposomes are of similar size, but are significantly less polydisperse than liposomes formed using conventional sonication methods. The process is efficient, readily scalable and tolerant of structural modification. The derivitization of approximately 5% of the DA head groups and the incorporation of fluorophores into the hydrophobic bilayer allows for the preparation of novel multifluorophore PDA sensing systems that can provide enhanced bacterial discrimination in a single experiment by way of a fluorescent fingerprint.

The combined application of section and projection topography carried out using synchrotron white beam radiation can be a powerful tool for the determination of the three-dimensional configurations of defects in single crystals. In this paper, we present examples of the application of this combination of techniques to the analysis of defect configurations in PVT-grown 4H-SiC wafers cut perpendicular and parallel to the growth axis. Detailed correlation between section and projection topography of threading screw dislocations (TSDs) is presented with particular emphasis being laid on the determination of the signs of the dislocations. Further, information can also be determined regarding the position of the dislocations within the crystal depth. In addition, similar correlation is presented for threading edge dislocations (TEDs) and basal plane dislocations (BPDs). The section topography images of dislocations can comprise direct, intermediary and dynamical contrast and all three types are observed. The application to the study of stacking faults will be also discussed in detail.

Synchrotron topography studies are presented of the behavior of growth dislocations and deformation-induced dislocations in 4H-SiC single crystals. The growth dislocations include those in threading orientation with line directions approximately along c with Burgers vectors of a, c, and na+mc (where n and m are integers) while the deformation-induced dislocations include those with line directions confined to the basal plane with Burgers vectors of a and Shockley partial dislocations with Burgers vectors of 1/3<1-100> as well as those with line directions in the {1-100} prismatic planes with Burgers vectors of a. Processes leading to the nucleation of the growth dislocations are discussed as well as their deflection onto the basal plane during crystal growth in a reversible process. This latter process can lead to the conversion of segments of the deflected growth dislocations into deformation induced dislocations. In some cases this can lead to dislocation multiplication via the Hopping Frank-Read source mechanism and in others to the motion of single Shockley partial dislocations leading to Shockley stacking fault expansion. Studies are also presented of interactions between threading growth dislocations with c-component of Burger’s vector facilitated by climb processes which are mediated by interactions with non-equilibrium concentrations of vacancies. This can lead to reactions whereby complete or partial dislocation Burgers vector annihilation occurs.

Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2011 in Nashville, Tennessee, USA, August 7–August 11, 2011.

Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2011 in Nashville, Tennessee, USA, August 7–August 11, 2011.

Aim – To examine the associations of job acquisition and loss in a representative, prospective community sample of people with schizophrenia living in the UK, France and Germany. Method – A representative sample of twelve hundred and eight people with schizophrenia were recruited from selected secondary mental health services in the U.K, France and Germany and followed up for 2 years. Information on demographic details, psychotic symptoms and work status was collected. Results – The odds of getting jobs were increased by being resident in Marseille, Leipzig, Hemer and Heilbronn and by a higher regional general population employment rate. The odds were reduced by living in Lyon, a later illness onset, a longer length of illness, a continuous illness course and more severe negative psychotic symptoms. Previous vocational training reduced the odds of losing employment, whilst living in Lyon or Leipzig, harmful use of alcohol and more positive psychotic symptoms at baseline all increased the odds. Conclusions – In addition to illness related factors, area of residence and local labour market conditions appear to be important in explaining employment status change in people with schizophrenia.

Declaration of Interest: All authors declare there are no conflicts of interest. This study was funded by grants from Lundbeck A/S and from the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research.

Background: Socioeconomic status (SES) has been identified as a possible risk factor for the development of dementia, with low SES shown to be associated with a higher prevalence of dementia, increased psychiatric comorbidity and worse baseline cognitive functioning. Few studies have actually looked at the impact of SES within a clinical population using multiple measures of SES and cognition.

Methods: Data on 217 patients seen in an Inner City Memory Disorders Clinic were analyzed with respect to demographic status, clinical status and SES. Correlations were then examined looking at the relationship of SES to clinical variables and neurocognitive status. Regression analysis was undertaken to examine the relative contribution of individual sociodemographic factors to a diagnosis of dementia.

Results: In general, there was wide variation in the sample examined with respect to most measures of SES. Approximately one third (36%) of the sample had a diagnosis of dementia, the mean age was 66.1 years and the mean Mini-mental State Examination score was relatively high (25.4). There was a strong association between age, individual annual income range, education, medical comorbidity and a diagnosis of dementia, with increased age and medical comorbidity being the strongest predictors.

Conclusion: Increased age, low education, high medical comorbidity and low annual income are all associated with a diagnosis of dementia in an inner city setting. Age and medical comorbidity appear to be more strongly associated with a diagnosis of dementia than SES in an inner city setting.

The immunogenicity and reactogenicity of two preparations of yeast-derived hepatitis B vaccinces were compared in healthy adult populations. The two groups were vaccinated in parallel, but they were not matched for age and sex. All subjects seroconverted, and 9 months after the first vaccine dose, all had anti HBs titres of at least 10 IU/1. The anti-HBs titres were higher in the group of subjects given 20μg vaccine antigen made by Smith Kline & RIT (GMT 2943 at 9 months) compared to those who received 10μg of vaccine made by Merck, S harp & Dohme (GMT 729 at 9 months). Adverse effects were recorded in 32·0 and 44·7% of the participants, but these were limited to minor local and general reactions. In the present study both preparations were safe and efficient.

A study was conducted evaluating the effect of long-term Cu deficiency, with or without high Mn, on growth, gene expression and Cu status of beef cattle. Twenty-one Angus calves were born to cows receiving one of the following treatments: (1) 10 mg supplemental Cu/kg DM (+Cu); (2) no supplemental Cu and 2 mg Mo/kg DM ( − Cu); (3) − Cu diet plus 500 mg supplemental Mn/kg DM ( − Cu+Mn). Calves were weaned at approximately 183 d of age and individually fed throughout the growing and finishing phases. Plasma Cu was lower (P < 0·01) in − Cu calves compared with +Cu calves while high dietary Mn further depressed (P < 0·01) plasma Cu in − Cu+Mn calves v. − Cu calves. Liver Cu concentrations in +Cu calves were greater (P < 0·01) than in − Cu calves, with no differences between − Cu and − Cu+Mn calves. The daily body-weight gain of +Cu calves was greater (P < 0·01) than − Cu calves during the period from birth to weaning, but did not differ during the growing phase. − Cu+Mn calves gained less (P < 0·05) than − Cu calves during the growing phase. DM intake was lower (P < 0·01) in − Cu+Mn calves v. − Cu calves, and did not differ among +Cu and − Cu calves. The relative gene expression of cytochrome c oxidase in the liver was lower (P < 0·05) in − Cu calves compared with +Cu or − Cu+Mn calves. In conclusion, feeding a Cu − deficient diet in combination with high Mn negatively affected the growth and Cu status of beef cattle.

Summary

Background and objective: Previous studies mainly conducted on elective patients recommend doses of 0.9–1.2 mg kg−1 rocuronium to obtain comparable intubation conditions with succinylcholine 1.0 mg kg−1 after 60 s during a rapid-sequence induction. We decided to compare the overall intubating conditions of standard doses of rocuronium 0.6 mg kg−1 and succinylcholine 1.0 mg kg−1 during a strict rapid-sequence induction regimen including propofol and alfentanil. Methods: Male and female patients (ASA I–III) older than 17 yr scheduled for emergency abdominal or gynaecological surgery and with increased risk of pulmonary aspiration of gastric content were randomized to a rapid-sequence induction with succinylcholine 1.0 mg kg−1 or rocuronium 0.6 mg kg−1. Patients with a predicted difficult airway were excluded. A senior anaesthesiologist ‘blinded’ for the randomization performed the intubation 60 s after injection of the neuromuscular blocker. Intubating conditions were evaluated according to an established guideline. Tracheal intubation not completed within 30 s was recorded as failed. Results: 222 patients were randomized. Three patients had their operation cancelled and 10 did not fulfil the inclusion criteria. Clinically acceptable intubation conditions were present in 93.5% and 96.1% of patients in the succinylcholine group (n = 107) and the rocuronium group (n = 102), respectively (P = 0.59). Conclusions: During a rapid-sequence induction with alfentanil and propofol, both rocuronium 0.6 mg kg−1 and succinylcholine 1.0 mg kg−1 provide clinically acceptable intubation conditions in 60 s in patients scheduled for emergency surgery. Under the conditions of this rapid-sequence induction regimen rocuronium may be a substitute for succinylcholine.