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Objectives The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control ( ECDC) supports countries to monitor progress in their response to the HIV epidemic. In line with these monitoring responsibilities, we assess how, and to what extent, the continuum of care is being measured across countries. Methods The ECDC sent out questionnaires to 55 countries in Europe and Central Asia in 2014. Nominated country representatives were questioned on how they defined and measured six elements of the continuum. We present our results using three previously described frameworks [breakpoints; Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/ AIDS ( UNAIDS) 90-90-90 targets; diagnosis and treatment quadrant]. Results Forty countries provided data for at least one element of the continuum. Countries reported most frequently on the number of people diagnosed with HIV infection (37; 93%), and on the number in receipt of antiretroviral therapy ( ART) (35; 88%). There was little consensus across countries in their approach to defining linkage to, and retention in, care. The most common breakpoint (>19% reduction between two adjacent elements) related to the estimated number of people living with HIV who were diagnosed (18 of 23; 78%). Conclusions We present continuum data from multiple countries that provide both a snapshot of care provision and a baseline against which changes over time in care provision across Europe and Central Asia may be measured. To better inform HIV testing and treatment programmes, standard data collection approaches and definitions across the HIV continuum of care are needed. If countries wish to ensure an unbroken HIV continuum of care, people living with HIV need to be diagnosed promptly, and ART needs to be offered to all those diagnosed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In 2013, new regulations for the prevention of sharps injuries were introduced in the UK. All health care employers are required to provide the safest possible working environment by preventing or controlling the risk of sharps injuries. Aims: To analyse data on significant occupational sharps injuries among health care workers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland before the introduction of the 2013 regulations and to assess bloodborne virus seroconversions among health care workers sustaining a blood or body fluid exposure. Methods: Analysis of 10 years of information on percutaneous and mucocutaneous exposures to blood or other body fluids from source patients infected with a bloodborne virus, collected in England, Wales and Northern Ireland through routine surveillance of health care workers reported for the period 2002-11. Results: A total of 2947 sharps injuries involving a source patient infected with a bloodborne virus were reported by health care workers. Significant sharps injuries were 67% higher in 2011 compared with 2002. Sharps injuries involving an HIV-, hepatitis B virus- or hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected source patient increased by 107, 69 and 60%, respectively, between 2002 and 2011. During the study period, 14 health care workers acquired HCV following a sharps injury. Conclusions: Our data show that during a 10-year period prior to the introduction of new regulations in 2013, health care workers were at risk of occupationally acquired bloodborne virus infection. To prevent sharps injuries, health care service employers should adopt safety-engineered devices, institute safe systems of work and promote adherence to standard infection control procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this paper is to outline how the immediate life support (ILS) course was incorporated into an undergraduate nursing curriculum in a university in Northern Ireland. It also reports on how the students perceived the impact of this course on their clinical practice. Rationale and Background: The rationale of the course was to develop the student's ability to recognize the acutely ill patient and to determine the relevance of this to clinical practice. Prior to this, the ILS course was only available to qualified nurses, and this paper reports on the first time undergraduate nursing students were provided with an ILS course. Methods: The ILS course was delivered to 89 third-year nursing students from the adult branch pathway of the BSc (Hons) programme in Nursing Sciences. Each course was taught to 10-12 students and was completed over eight 7·5 h sessions within a 2-week period. Recognized advanced life support (ALS) instructors, in keeping with the UK Resuscitation Council guidelines, taught the students. Results and Conclusion: Student feedback reported that the ILS course helped them understand what constituted the acutely ill patient and the role of the nurse in managing a deteriorating situation. Students also reported that they valued the experience as highlighting gaps in their knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To present the current epidemiology of prevalent diagnosed HIV infections in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland (E, W, & NI) and describe trends over time. Methods: Descriptive analyses of the annual national Survey of Prevalent HIV Infections Diagnosed (SOPHID) for the period 1997 to 2003. Results: In 2003, 34 251 adults (15 years of age or over) were seen for HIV related care in E, W, & NI, representing a 17% increase in the prevalence of diagnosed HIV infections compared with 2002 and a 132% increase compared with 1997. Between 1997 and 2003, as a proportion of total prevalent cases, adults who acquired their infection through heterosexual sex increased from 26% to 49%; black African adults increased from 15% to 35% and diagnosed adults resident in London fell from 62% to 55% of the total. The male to female ratio declined from 5:1 to 2:1. The proportion of adults receiving combination antiretroviral therapy increased from 53% in 1998 to 64% in 2003. Conclusion: There has been a large increase in the number of adults with diagnosed HIV infection seen for care in E, W, & NI since 1997. Changes in the epidemiology of prevalent diagnosed HIV were seen by sex, route of infection, ethnicity, level of antiretroviral therapy, and areas of residence and treatment. In 2003, for the first time, prevalent diagnosed infections acquired through heterosexual sex over-took those acquired through sex between men. These increases have serious implications for the planning and financing of HIV services in the United Kingdom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oilseed crop Camelina sativa (camelina) has lower production costs than oilseed rape in some climates. For this reason, the production of biodiesel-grade methyl ester from camelina oil was evaluated. The evaluation included quality assessment of esters produced in laboratory and pilot plant, an examination of methods of improving ester low-temperature properties, and vehicle trials. Laboratory esterifications gave ester yields similar to rape-seed oil. Six 350 kg batches of unrefined camelina oil with acid values from 3 to 6 were esterified in a pilot plant. Ester-specific properties were satisfactory with one exception; the iodine number of 155 far exceeded the value of 120 required by the relevant EU standard. Fuel-specific properties of the camelina methyl esters were largely within specification, though low-temperature behaviour could be a problem in some climates. This problem could be overcome by the use of suitable pour-point depressants or by blending with diesel oil. In vehicle tests, the reduction in fuel economy with camelina ester was similar to that with biodiesel from other feedstocks. The high iodine number of camelina methyl ester did not lead to a more rapid deterioration of the lubricating oil. However, it was concluded that further engine trials would be needed before the use of camelina ester as an undiluted vehicle fuel could be recommended. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Presents information on a study which examined whether the influence of diet combined with either aerobic or resistance exercise has effects on insulin and glucose levels that are different in obese men. Research design and methods; Results; Conclusions.

Examines high-performance negative central magnetic shear discharges in the DIII-D tokamak. Increases in plasma performance and reactivity resulting from reliable operation of discharges; Noninductive current ranges in the discharges; Toroidal rotation and ion temperature profiles.

Tested the hypothesis that the difference in the dispersal of seeds over infertile-soil sites and fertile ones could be interpreted as a secondary correlate of seed size or of growth form. Forms of dispersal, including ants and fleshy fruits adapted for dispersal by vertebrates; Species with smaller seed mass; Methods of the study; Results; Discussion.

Objectives The aim of the study was to identify and describe the characteristics of persons born in the UK who acquire HIV infection abroad. Methods Analyses using case reports and follow-up data from the national HIV database held at the Health Protection Agency were performed. Results Fifteen per cent (2066 of 13 891) of UK-born adults diagnosed in England, Wales and Northern Ireland between 2002 and 2010 acquired HIV infection abroad. Thailand (534), the USA (117) and South Africa (108) were the countries most commonly reported. As compared with UK-born adults acquiring HIV infection in the UK, those acquiring HIV infection abroad were significantly ( P < 0.01) more likely to have acquired it heterosexually (70% vs. 22%, respectively), to be of older age at diagnosis (median 42 years vs. 36 years, respectively), and to have reported sex with a commercial sex worker (5.6% vs. 1%, respectively). Among men infected in Thailand, 11% reported sex with a commercial sex worker. Conclusions A substantial number of UK-born adults are acquiring HIV infection in countries with generalized HIV epidemics, and in common holiday destinations. Of particular concern is the high proportion of men infected reporting sex with a commercial sex worker. We recommend HIV prevention and testing efforts be extended to include travellers abroad, and that sexual health advice be provided routinely in travel health consultations and in occupational health travel advice packs, particularly to those travelling to high HIV prevalence areas and destinations for sex tourism. Safer sex messages should include an awareness of the potential detrimental health and social impacts of the sex industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A far-infrared polarimeter diagnostic has been added to an existing fifteen chord interferometer on the Microwave Tokamak Experiment (MTX). The polarimeter utilizes a new technique for determination of the Faraday rotation angle based on phase measurements of a rotating polarization ellipse. This technique allows the rotation angle to be determined even in the presence of signal amplitude variations caused by refraction. The implementation of this instrument requires no new detectors and minimal optics, making it quite inexpensive to add on to existing multichord interferometers. The MTX polarimeter has been operating for about a year and has achieved a resolution of ≤0.2° with a bandwidth of ...1 kHz and a chord spacing of 1.5 cm. Typical Faraday rotation angles on MTX are in the range of 5°-15°. To obtain the poloidal field, the line-integrated density and Faraday rotation profiles are inverted in a manner consistent with the Grad-Shafranov equilibrium to first order in the inverse aspect-ratio expansion. Profile measurements during normal ohmic operation are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A significant fraction of the power lost from a confined plasma can be carried by energetic electrons. When such electrons are incident on a probe or limiting surface, they produce thick-target x rays. It is shown that a properly filtered measurement of this x-ray flux is proportional to the electron-power loss, with little dependence on the electron loss mechanism and velocity-space distribution. The diagnostic was successfully implemented to study the radial loss of hot electrons in the Tandem Mirror Experiment-Upgrade. The method provides a very fast measurement of electron loss processes, and could therefore be useful in other areas of plasma research such as magnetic confinement in tokamaks, and inertial-confinement fusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Hummock grasses in the genus Triodia R. Br. were examined at 116 recently burned locations across mainland Australia, and were recorded as regenerating by resprouting, or by seed only. Prior to this survey it was known that the capacity to resprout varies considerably in Triodia, but it was unclear whether some species might be entirely resprouting and other species entirely fire-killed; whether this might be associated with particular traits of species or particular landscape types; or whether resprouting might be more common in particular regions such as the northern monsoonal grasslands. Seven species had both fire-killed and resprouting populations represented among the sites examined. Three species [T. basedowii E. Pritzel, T. marginata N.T. Burbidge and T. melvillei (C.E. Hubbard) Lazarides] were recorded as fire-killed at all sites examined, and five species [T. bynoei (C.E. Hubbard) Lazarides, T. bunicola (S.W.L. Jacobs) Lazarides, T. intermedia Cheel, T. molesta N.T. Burbidge and T. spicata N.T. Burbidge] were recorded as resprouting at all sites. Another seven species were recorded at one site only. There was no clear overall trend for fire-killed populations to be more prevalent in south rather than north, or east vs west, or coastal vs inland parts of the continent. No clear relationships were found between regeneration strategy and site attributes. Considered as a group, resprouting species were more likely to have an open growth form than a dense growth form, whereas the opposite was true for fire-killed species. Given that no trait either of species or of landscape was found to be a consistent correlate of resprouting, a likely inference is that resprouting might vary between different fires, even for a given population at a given site. Against this inference, fire-killed populations had substantial densities of seedlings much more often. Longitudinal studies would be needed to demonstrate directly whether resprouting varied betwee... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we present evidence, in the context of OMEGA cryogenic target implosions, that laser imprint, known to be capable of degrading laser-direct-drive target performance, plays a major role in generating fuel–ablator mix. OMEGA cryogenic target implosions show a performance boundary correlated with acceleration-phase shell stability; for sufficiently low adiabats (where the adiabat is the ratio of the pressure to the Fermi pressure) and high in-flight aspect ratios (IFAR's), the neutron-weighted shell areal density and neutron yield relative to the clean simulated values sharply decline. Direct evidence of Rayleigh–Taylor fuel–ablator mixing was previously obtained using a Si Heα backlighter driven by an ∼20-ps short pulse generated by OMEGA EP. The shadow cast by the shell shortly prior to stagnation, as diagnosed using backlit radiographs, shows a softening near the limb, which is evidence of an ablator–fuel mix region for a low-adiabat implosion (α ∼ 1.9, IFAR = 14) but not for a moderate adiabat implosion (α ∼ 2.5, IFAR = 10). We find good agreement between experimental and synthetic radiographs in simulations that model laser imprint and account for uncertainty in the initial ablator thickness. We further explore the role of other mechanisms such as classical instability growth at the fuel–ablator interface, species concentration diffusion, and long-wavelength drive and target asymmetries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives The aims of the study were (1) to measure the distance required to travel, and the distance actually travelled, to HIV services by HIV-infected adults, and (2) to calculate the proportion of patients who travelled beyond local services and identify socio-demographic and clinical predictors of use of non-local services. Methods The straight-line distance between a patient's residence and HIV services was determined for HIV infected patients in England in 2007. 'Local services' were defined as the closest HIV service to a patient's residence and other services within an additional 5 km radius. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify socio-demographic and clinical predictors of accessing non-local services. Results In 2007, nearly 57000 adults with diagnosed HIV infection accessed HIV services in England; 42% lived in the most deprived areas. Overall, 81% of patients lived within 5 km of a service, and 8.7% used their closest HIV service. The median distance to the closest HIV service was 2.5 km [interquartile range (IQR) 1.5-4.2 km] and the median actual distance travelled was 4.8 km (IQR 2.5-9.7 km). A quarter of patients used a 'non-local' service. Patients living in the least deprived areas were twice as likely to use non-local services as those living in the most deprived areas [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 2.16; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.98-2.37]. Other predictors for accessing non-local services included living in an urban area (AOR 0.77; 95% CI 0.69-0.85) and being diagnosed more than 12 months (AOR 1.48; 95% CI 1.38-1.59). Conclusion In England, 81% of HIV-infected patients live within 5 km of HIV services and a quarter of HIV-infected adults travel to non-local HIV services. Those living in deprived areas are less likely to travel to non-local services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between lice infestation in calves during their first winter and damage to the leather produced was investigated in a trial involving 500 calves, 100 of which were treated with a pour-on endectocide during the first winter. All the calves received routine lice treatment in the second winter and were reared to slaughter weight. The hides were removed at the abattoir, tanned, inspected for lice-related damage, and graded according to their suitability for the production of high quality leather. The untreated group developed natural infestations of the chewing louse (Bovicola bovis) during the first winter but none was observed in the second winter. Hides from cattle infested with lice in their first winter had higher levels of lice damage than hides from those treated with eprinomectin, at both the chrome-tanned and dried dyed-crust stages of leather production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To examine the epidemiology of HIV among block and minority ethnic (BME) men who have sex with men (MSM) in England and Wales (E&W). Methods: Ethnicity data from two national HIV/AIDS surveillance systems were reviewed (1997-2002 inclusive), providing information on new HIV diagnoses and those accessing NHS HIV treatment and care services. In addition, undiagnosed HIV prevalence among MSM offending 14 genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics participating in the Unlinked Anonymous Prevalence Monitoring Programme and having routine syphilis serology was examined by world region of birth. Results: Between 1997 and 2002, 1040 BME MSM were newly diagnosed with HIV in E&W, representing 12% of all new diagnoses reported among MSM. of the 1040 BME MSM, 27% were black Caribbean, 12% black African, 10% black other, 8% Indian/Pakistani/Bangladeshi, and 44% other/mixed. Where reported (n = 395), 58% of BME MSM were probably infected in the United Kingdom. An estimated 7.4% (approximate 95% CI: 4.4% to 12.5%) of BME MSM aged 16-44 in E&W were living with diagnosed HIV in 2002 compared with 3.2% (approximate 95% CI: 2.6% to 3.9%) of white MSM (p<0.001). Of Caribbean born MSM attending GUM clinics between 1997 and 2002, the proportion with undiagnosed HIV infection was 15.8% (95% CI: 11 .7% to 20.8%), while among MSM born in other regions it remained below 6.0%. Conclusions: Between 1997-2002, BME MSM accounted for just over one in 10 new HIV diagnoses among MSM in E&W; more than half probably acquired their infection in the United Kingdom. In 2002, the proportion of BME MSM living with diagnosed HIV in E&W was significantly higher than white MSM. Undiagnosed HIV prevalence in Caribbean born MSM was high. These data confirm the need to remain alert to the sexual health needs and evolving epidemiology of HIV among BME MSM in E&W. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proposes to study the elimination of five daily doses of 5-milligram acepromazine (ACP) in exercise-conditioned/exercised horses. Comparison with the single dosage regimes; Effects of ACP at subclinical levels; Physiological parameters; Determination of whether exercise would affect ACP-induced pharmacodynamic response.

Time dependent changes in 13.5 nm extreme ultraviolet (EUV) reflectivity of Ru mirrors due to variations in surface composition were investigated. The surface properties of Ru films were analyzed in situ by means of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and further verified by Auger electron spectroscopy (AES). Moreover, the impact on EUV reflectivity (EUVR) with time was examined in situ via continuous and/or discrete EUV exposures. The rapid decrease in EUVR was observed in the presence of photoelectrons (PEs) from Ru mirror of the EUV setup, whereas no significant variation was recorded by screening out additional PEs. Detailed XPS and AES analyses suggest that carbon deposition via dissociation of residual hydrocarbons plays a dominant role in the presence of additional PEs, and thus reduces the reflectivity rapidly. Using EUV photoelectron spectroscopy, systematic reduction of the secondary electron yield from the Ru mirror surface was observed in consecutive scans, and therefore supports the formation of carbonaceous Ru surface in the presence of additional PEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A technology that makes use of recently developed high-efficiency, low-power semiconductor detectors for neutron dosimetry is described. Silicon semiconductor material is perforated using plasma etching techniques; the surface is then coated and the perforations are filled with neutron reactive material. These perforated detectors appear to be capable of greater than 40% efficiency when used in a sandwich design. Devices incorporating bare and cadmium-filtered perforated semiconductor detectors with micro-controller hardware to process and readout the detectors can be made small enough to function as portable neutron dosimeters. Monte Carlo modeling that relates the detector responses to phantom dose equivalent at various positions on an elliptical water phantom is discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives: The aim of the study was to measure and compare national continuum of HIV care estimates in Europe and Central Asia in three key subpopulations: men who have sex with men (MSM), people who inject drugs (PWID) and migrants. Methods: Responses to a 2016 European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) survey of 55 European and Central Asian countries were used to describe continuums of HIV care for the subpopulations. Data were analysed using three frameworks: Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) 90‐90‐90 targets; breakpoint analysis identifying reductions between adjacent continuum stages; quadrant analysis categorizing countries using 90% cut‐offs for continuum stages. Results: Overall, 29 of 48 countries reported national data for all HIV continuum stages (numbers living with HIV, diagnosed, receiving treatment and virally suppressed). Six countries reported all stages for MSM, seven for PWID and two for migrants. Thirty‐one countries did not report data for MSM (34 for PWID and 41 for migrants). In countries that provided key‐population data, overall, 63%, 40% and 41% of MSM, PWID and migrants living with HIV were virally suppressed, respectively (compared with 68%, 65% and 68% nationally, for countries reporting key‐population data). Variation was observed between countries, with higher outcomes in subpopulations in Western Europe compared with Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Conclusions: Few reporting countries can produce the continuum of HIV care for the three key populations. Where data are available, differences exist in outcomes between the general and key populations. While MSM broadly mirror national outcomes (in the West), PWID and migrants experience poorer treatment and viral suppression. Countries must develop continuum measures for key populations to identify and address inequalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Irrigation scheduling tools are critical to allow producers to effectively manage water resources for crop production. To be useful, these tools need to be accurate, complete, and relatively reliable. The current work presents an uncertainty analysis and its results for the Mississippi Irrigation Scheduling Tool (MIST) model, showing the margin of error (uncertainty) of the resulting irrigation advice arising solely from the propagation of measurement uncertainty through the MIST calculations. The final relative uncertainty in the water balance value from MIST was shown to be around 9% of that value, which is in the normal range of the margin of error and acceptable for agronomic systems. The results of this research also indicate that accurate measurements of irrigation and rainfall are critical to minimizing errors when using MIST and similar scheduling tools. While developed with data from Mississippi, the results of this uncertainty analysis are relevant to similar tool development efforts across the southern and southeastern United States and other high-rainfall areas, especially for locations lacking high-quality co-located weather stations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the long-term goal of developing a gene-based treatment for osteoarthritis (OA), we performed studies to evaluate the equine joint as a model for adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene transfer to large, weight-bearing human joints. A self-complementary AAV2 vector containing the coding regions for human interleukin-1-receptor antagonist (hIL-1Ra) or green fluorescent protein was packaged in AAV capsid serotypes 1, 2, 5, 8 and 9. Following infection of human and equine synovial fibroblasts in culture, we found that both were only receptive to transduction with AAV1, 2 and 5. For these serotypes, however, transgene expression from the equine cells was consistently at least 10-fold higher. Analyses of AAV surface receptor molecules and intracellular trafficking of vector genomes implicate enhanced viral uptake by the equine cells. Following delivery of 1 × 1011 vector genomes of serotypes 2, 5 and 8 into the forelimb joints of the horse, all three enabled hIL-1Ra expression at biologically relevant levels and effectively transduced the same cell types, primarily synovial fibroblasts and, to a lesser degree, chondrocytes in articular cartilage. These results provide optimism that AAV vectors can be effectively adapted for gene delivery to large human joints affected by OA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the role of prepulse laser wavelength on extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) emission and ionic debris generation. A 6 ns Nd:YAG laser operating at 266 nm was used to generate a pre-plasma that was then reheated by a 35 ns CO laser pumping pulse at 10.6 μm. At an ideal delay time, improvement in EUV conversion efficiency (CE) of up to 30 % was seen compared to the CE from the pumping pulse alone. It was also shown that the most probable Sn ion kinetic energies were reduced significantly with the use of a prepulse, however, ion fluence increased. These results were compared to those obtained using a 1064 nm prepulse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) has transformed the care of people with HIV, but it is important to monitor time trends in indicators of treatment success and antic future changes. Methods We assessed time trends from 2000 to 2007 in several indicators of treatment success in the UK Collaborative HIV Cohort (CHIC) Study, and using national HIV data from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) we developed a model to project future trends. Results The proportion of patients on ART with a viral load <50 HIV-1 RNA copies/mL increased from 62% in 2000 to 84% in 2007, and the proportion of all patients with a CD4 count <200 cells/μL decreased from 21% to 10%. During this period, the number of patients who experienced extensive triple class failure (ETCF) rose from 147 (0.9%) to 1771 (3.9%). The number who experienced such ETCF and had a current viral load >50 copies/mL rose fromz 118 (0.7%) to 857 (1.9%). Projections to 2012 suggest sustained high levels of success, with a continued increase in the number of patients who have failed multiple drugs but a relatively stable number of such patients experiencing viral loads >50 copies/mL. Numbers of deaths are projected to remain low. Conclusions There have been continued improvements in key indicators of success in patients with HIV from 2000 to 2007. Although the number of patients who have ETCF is projected to rise in the future, the number of such patients with viral loads >50 copies/mL is not projected to increase up to 2012. New drugs may be needed in future to sustain these positive trends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because of the increased interest in miscanthus as a new source of biomass for energy production and fibre, in 2007 a field experiment was established to determine the optimum storage conditions for miscanthus in round bale form (1.2m diameter×1.2m long). Miscanthus bales were stored under three treatments, outdoor uncovered, outdoor covered and indoor. The miscanthus bales were selected from three stands at three initial moisture conditions (13%, 32% and 39%) wet basis (wb). The storage trial was arranged in a 3×3 factorial experiment with two replicates laid out as a completely randomised design. Bale percent moisture content was repeatedly measured. Uncovered bales stored outdoors gained on average 24% moisture (wb), with resultant degradation of the material quality. Bales stored outdoors covered or indoors lost on average 4.3% and 6.8% moisture (wb) respectively. The energy content of bales stored outdoors uncovered was considerably lower than that of bales stored outdoors covered or indoors. The average lower heating value (LHV) of bales stored outdoors uncovered was 9.34MJkg−1 compared to a LHV 15.33MJkg−1 for bales under covered storage. It is concluded that miscanthus bales must be stored under cover either indoors or outdoors using plastic or tarpaulins to prevent deterioration of the bales and for drying to occur. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective The aim of the study was to describe the characteristics of young people with vertically acquired HIV diagnosed aged ≥13 years. Methods A retrospective review of HIV diagnoses reported to well-established national paediatric and adult HIV surveillance systems in the United Kingdom/Ireland was conducted. Results Forty-two young people with vertically acquired HIV diagnosed aged ≥13 years were identified; 23 (55%) were female, 40 (95%) were black African and 36 (86%) were born in sub-Saharan Africa. The median age at HIV diagnosis was 14 years (range, 13–20 years). Half of the patients presented with symptoms; the remainder were screened for HIV following diagnosis of a relative. The median CD4 count at diagnosis was 210 cells/μL (range, 0–689 cells/μL), 12 patients (29%) were diagnosed with AIDS at HIV diagnosis or subsequently, and 34 (81%) started combination antiretroviral therapy (ART), most (31 of 34) within a year of diagnosis. Conclusion A small number of young people with vertically acquired HIV survive childhood without ART and are diagnosed at age ≥13 years in the United Kingdom/Ireland. Half of the patients were asymptomatic, highlighting the importance of considering HIV testing for all offspring of HIV-infected women, regardless of age or symptoms. Increased awareness among clinicians and parents is required to reduce delayed presentation with advanced disease and to avoid onward transmission as these young people become sexually active. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study involved an evaluation of the changes in grain yield, nutritive value, ensilability and harvesting losses of intensively managed winter cereals harvested during the advancing stages of ripening. Five cereal crops (barley cv. Regina and wheat cv. Madrigal in 2001; barley cv. Regina, wheat cv. Falstaff and triticale cv. Fidelio in 2002) were assessed. Twenty plots per crop were arranged in a randomised complete block design, with five times of harvest (four for barley in 2002) and four replicate blocks per harvest. Dry matter (DM) yields changed relatively little between harvest dates, but fresh yields declined (P < 0.001) over time due to the moisture loss associated with ripening. Time-course changes in indices of nutritive value, such as concentrations of crude protein, starch and ash, and organic matter digestibility, were relatively small and did not follow a consistent pattern. Ensilability indices, such as DM and water-soluble carbohydrate concentrations and buffering capacity, indicated that satisfactory fermentations were likely if such crops were ensiled; buffering capacity, generally declining with advancing maturity. Harvesting losses were not clearly related to growth stage at harvest. It is concluded that winter cereal grain (barley, wheat and triticale) DM yields and quality were relatively constant as ripening progressed from DM concentrations of around 550 to >800 g/kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laser-produced plasma (LPP) devices have been modeled as the light source for extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography. A key challenge for LPP is achieving sufficient brightness to support the throughput requirements of high-volume manufacturing. An integrated model (HEIGHTS) was applied to simulate the environment of EUV sources and optimize their output. The model includes plasma evolution and magnetohydrodynamic processes in a two-temperature approximation, as well as photon radiation transport determined by the Monte Carlo method. It uses the total variation diminishing scheme for the description of magnetic compression and diffusion in a cylindrical 2-D geometry for the target. Generation of the internal magnetic field with nonparallel density and temperature gradients was also considered. Preliminary results from numerical simulation in hydrodynamics and line radiation output of xenon and tin plasmas are presented for planar and droplet targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary and secondary prevention are essential components of the response to HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). We present findings from nationally implemented HIV/STI prevention interventions. In 2003, of those attending STI clinics at least 64% of men who have sex with men (MSM) and 55% of heterosexuals accepted a confidential HIV test; 88% of all HIV infections in women giving birth in England were diagnosed before delivery; 85% of MSM eligible for hepatitis B vaccination received a first dose of vaccine at their first STI clinic attendance; 74% of STI clinic attendees for emergency appointments, and 20% of those for routine appointments were seen within 48 hours of initiating an appointment; the National Chlamydia Screening Programme in England found a positivity of 10% and 13% among young asymptomatic women and men, respectively. Prevention initiatives have seen recent successes in limiting further HIV/STI transmission. However, more work is required if current levels of transmission are to be reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonideal effects in the optical train of the motional Stark effect diagnostic have been modeled using the Mueller matrix formalism. The effects examined are birefringence in the vacuum windows, an imperfect reflective mirror, and signal pollution due to the presence of a circularly polarized light component. Relations for the measured intensity ratio are developed for each case. These relations suggest fitting functions to more accurately model the calibration data. One particular function, termed the tangent offset model, is found to fit the data for all channels better than the currently used tangent slope function. Careful analysis of the calibration data with the fitting functions reveals that a nonideal effect is present in the edge array and is attributed to nonideal performance of a mirror in that system. The result of applying the fitting function to the analysis of our data has been to improve the equilibrium reconstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To examine trends in rates of diagnoses of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in men who have sex with men (MSM) in England and Wales between 1997 and 2002. Methods: Estimates of the MSM population living in England and Wales, London and the rest of England and Wales were applied to surveillance data, providing rates of diagnoses of HIV and STIs and age group specific rates for HIV and uncomplicated gonorrhoea. Results: Between 1997 and 2002, rates of diagnoses of HIV and acute STIs in MSM increased substantially. Rates in London were higher than elsewhere. Rises in acute STIs were similar throughout England and Wales, except for uncomplicated gonorrhoea and infectious syphilis, with greater increases outside London. Rates of gonorrhoea diagnoses doubled between 1999 and 2001 (661/100 000, 1271/100 000, p<0.001) in England and Wales followed by a slight decline to 1210/100 000 (p=0.03) in 2002—primarily the result of a decline in diagnoses among men aged 25-34 (1340/100 000, 1128/ 100 000, p<0.001} and 35-44 (924/100 000, 863/100 000, p=0.03) in London. HIV was the third most common STI diagnosed in MSM in England and Wales and the second in London, with the highest rate (1286/100 000) found among men aged 35-44 in London in 2002. Conclusions: Rates of diagnosis of HIV and other STIs have increased substantially among MSM in England and Wales. Increases show heterogeneity by infection, geography, and age over time. Rates in London were twice those seen elsewhere, with greatest changes over time. The observed changes reflect concomitant increases in high risk behaviour documented in behavioural surveillance survey programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

: BackgroundClinical trials indicate that electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is the most effective treatment for major depression, but its effectiveness in community settings has not been examined.: MethodsIn a prospective, naturalistic study involving 347 patients at seven hospitals, clinical outcomes immediately after ECT and over a 24-week follow-up period were examined in relation to patient characteristics and treatment variables.: ResultsThe sites differed markedly in patient features and ECT administration but did not differ in clinical outcomes. In contrast to the 70%–90% remission rates expected with ECT, remission rates, depending on criteria, were 30.3%–46.7%. Longer episode duration, comorbid personality disorder, and schizoaffective disorder were associated with poorer outcome. Among remitters, the relapse rate during follow-up was 64.3%. Relapse was more frequent in patients with psychotic depression or comorbid Axis I or Axis II disorders. Only 23.4% of ECT nonremitters had sustained remission during follow-up.: ConclusionsThe remission rate with ECT in community settings is substantially less than that in clinical trials. Providers frequently end the ECT course with the view that patients have benefited fully, yet formal assessment shows significant residual symptoms. Patients who do not remit with ECT have a poor prognosis; this underscores the need to achieve maximal improvement with this modality. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Adequate nutrition is critical during long-term spaceflight, as is the ability to easily monitor dietary intake. A comprehensive nutritional status assessment profile was designed for use before, during and after flight. It included assessment of both dietary intake and biochemical markers of nutritional status. A spaceflight food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was developed to evaluate intake of key nutrients during spaceflight. The nutritional status assessment protocol was evaluated during two ground-based closed-chamber studies (60 and 91 d; n = 4/study), and was implemented for two astronauts during 4-mo stays on the Mir space station. Ground-based studies indicated that the FFQ, administered daily or weekly, adequately estimated intake of key nutrients. Chamber subjects maintained prechamber energy intake and body weight. Astronauts tended to eat 40--50% of WHO-predicted energy requirements, and lost >10% of preflight body mass. Serum ferritin levels were lower after the chamber stays, despite adequate iron intake. Red blood cell folate concentrations were increased after the chamber studies. Vitamin D stores were decreased by > 40% on chamber egress and after spaceflight. Mir crew members had decreased levels of most nutritional indices, but these are difficult to interpret given the insufficient energy intake and loss of body mass. Spaceflight food systems can provide adequate intake of macronutrients, although, as expected, micronutrient intake is a concern for any closed or semiclosed food system. These data demonstrate the utility and importance of nutritional status assessment during spaceflight and of the FFQ during extended-duration spaceflight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The specific size and structure of the edge current profile has important effects on the magnetohydrodynamic stability and ultimate performance of many advanced tokamak (AT) operating modes. This is true for both bootstrap and externally driven currents that may be used to tailor the edge shear. Absent a direct local measurement of j(r), the best alternative is a determination of the poloidal field. Measurements of the precision (0.1°–0.01° in magnetic pitch angle and 1–10 ms) necessary to address issues of stability and control and provide constraints for EFIT are difficult to do in the region of interest (ρ=0.9–1.1). Using Zeeman polarization spectroscopy of the 2S–2P lithium resonance line emission from the DIII-D LIBEAM [D. M. Thomas, Rev. Sci. Instrum. 66, 806 (1995); D. M. Thomas, A. W. Hyatt, and M. P. Thomas, Rev. Sci. Instrum. 61, 340 (1990)] measurements of the various field components may be made to the necessary precision in exactly the region of interest to these studies. Because of the negligible Stark mixing of the relevant atomic levels, this method of determining j(r) is insensitive to the large local electric fields typically found in enhanced confinement (H mode) edges, and thus avoids an ambiguity common to motional Stark effect measurements of B. Key issues for utilizing this technique include good beam quality, an optimum viewing geometry, and a suitable optical prefilter to isolate the polarized emission line. A prospective diagnostic system for the DIII-D AT program will be described. © 2001 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the impurity-induced turbulence suppression and reduced transport in the DIII-D tokamak. Effect of neon seeding of a low confinement mode negative central shear discharge; Use of beam emission spectroscopy; Reduction in growth rate of ion temperature gradient driven modes.

The amplitude and frequency of modes driven in the edge region of tokamak high mode (H-mode) discharges [type I edge-localized modes (ELMs)] are shown to depend on the discharge shape. The measured pressure gradient threshold for instability and its scaling with discharge shape are compared with predictions from ideal magnetohydrodynamic theory for low toroidal mode number (n) instabilities driven by pressure gradient and current density and good agreement is found. Reductions in mode amplitude are observed in discharge shapes with either high squareness or low triangularity where the stability threshold in the edge pressure gradient is predicted to be reduced and the most unstable mode is expected to have higher values of n. The importance of access to the ballooning mode second stability regime is demonstrated through the changes in the ELM character that occur when second regime access is not available. An edge stability model is presented that predicts that there is a threshold value of n for second regime access and that the most unstable mode has n near this threshold. © 2000 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In DIII-D [J. L. Luxon and L. G. Davis, Fusion Technol. 8, 441 (1985)] tokamak plasmas with an internal transport barrier (ITB), the comparison of gyrokinetic linear stability (GKS) predictions with experiments in both low and strong negative magnetic shear plasmas provide improvedunderstanding for electron thermal transport within the plasma. Within a limited region just inside the ITB, the electron temperature gradient (ETG) modes appear to control the electron temperature gradient and, consequently, the electron thermal transport. The increase in the electron temperature gradient with more strongly negative magnetic shear is consistent with the increase in the ETG mode marginal gradient. Closer to the magnetic axis the T3 profile flattens and the ETG modes are predicted to be stable. With additional core electron heating, FIR scattering measurements near the axis show the presence of high k fluctuations (12 cm-1), rotating in the electron diamagnetic drift direction. This turbulence could impact electron transport and possibly also ion transport. Thermal diffusivities for electrons, and to a lesser degree ions, increase. The ETG mode can exist at this wave number, but it is computed to be robustly stable near the axis. Consequently, in the plasmas we have examined, calculations of drift wave linear stability do not explain the observed transport near the axis in plasmas with or without additional electron heating, and there are probably other processes controling transport in this region.. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One promising approach to maintaining stability of high beta tokamak plasmas is the use of a conducting wall near the plasma to stabilize low-n ideal magnetohydrodynamic instabilities. However, with a resistive wall, either plasma rotation or active feedback control is required to stabilize the more slowly growing resistive wall modes (RWMs). Previous experiments have demonstrated that plasmas with a nearby conducting wall can remain stable to the n=1 ideal external kink above the beta limit predicted with the wall at infinity. Recently, extension of the wall stabilized lifetime τL to more than 30 times the resistive wall time constant τw and detailed, reproducible observation of the n=1 RWM have been possible in DIII-D [Plasma Physics and Controlled Fusion Research (International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, 1986), p. 159] plasmas above the no-wall beta limit. The DIII-D measurements confirm characteristics common to several RWM theories. The mode is destabilized as the plasma rotation at the q=3 surface decreases below a critical frequency of 1?7 kHz (˜1% of the toroidal Alfvén frequency). The measured mode growth times of 2?8 ms agree with measurements and numerical calculations of the dominant DIII-D vessel eigenmode time constant τw . From its onset, the RWM has little or no toroidalrotation (ωmode≤τw-1«ωplasma), and rapidly reduces the plasma rotation to zero. These slowly growing RWMs can in principle be destabilized using external coils controlled by a feedback loop. In this paper, the encouraging results from the first open loop experimental tests of active control of the RWM, conducted in DIII-D, are reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUVL) environments, transient plasma dynamics dictate conditions for particle/surface interactions. A critical challenge facing EUVL development is optical component lifetime in both gas-discharge-produced plasmas (DPP) and laser-produced plasma (LPP) devices. Optical components are exposed to impinging fast ions and neutrals, impurities (H, C, O, N) and debris, leading to component degradation and consequently limiting 13.5-nm light reflection intensity. This paper studies Xe+ irradiation-induced mechanisms that affect the performance of EUVL multilayer collector mirror surfaces. Irradiation conditions include: incident particle energies of 1keV and 5keV, Xe+ fluences ranging from about 3×1014–5×1016 Xe+/cm2 and surface temperatures of 273K and 473K. Measurements include in situ quartz crystal microbalance for sputtering rate measurements, ion scattering spectroscopy, X-ray reflectivity and atomic force microscopy. Three distinct erosion regimes for bombardment of MLM with Xe+ are: a low Xe+ fluence regime below ∼5×1014 Xe+/cm2, a moderate regime at fluences between 5×1014 and 5×1016 Xe+/cm2 and a high fluence regime >1017 Xe+/cm2. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]