Background: Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) is a multisystem neurocutaneous disorder. Treatment involves multiple specialists. There are currently no multidisciplinary clinics for adults with NF1 in BC, which impacts communication between subspecialties. We sought perspectives of patients and providers to identify the impact of and solutions to gaps in care. Methods: Focus groups with patients (2 groups; 9 patients) and physicians (10) who see people with NF1 were conducted. Thematic content analysis was applied to the data to derive major themes. Concurrently, quarterly NF multidisciplinary rounds were initiated to enhance coordination of care. Results: Major themes emerged around the need for increased coordination and communication amongst providers. Specifically, physicians identified working in “siloed care structures”, and patients and providers identified lack of awareness of expertise and barriers to accessing care. Conclusions: Focus groups enable inclusion of patient and provider perspectives in developing solutions to gaps in care. The importance of supporting interdisciplinary communication in caring for NF1 patients was confirmed in focus groups. To date, we have held multidisciplinary NF rounds, with 12 cases discussed. Disciplines represented include neurology, pediatrics, radiology, neuro-ophthalmology, neuro-otology, pathology, orthopedic plastic and neurosurgery, medical and radiation oncology, and the hereditary cancer program. Telehealth format enables participation from distributed centres across BC.

Determining the factors that impact the risk for infection with SARS-CoV-2 is a priority as the virus continues to infect people worldwide. The objective was to determine the effectiveness of vaccines and other factors associated with infection among Canadian healthcare workers (HCWs) followed from 15 June 2020 to 1 December 2023. We also investigate the association between antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 and subsequent infections with SARS-CoV-2. Of the 2474 eligible participants, 2133 (86%) were female, 33% were nurses, the median age was 41 years, and 99.3% had received at least two doses of COVID-19 vaccine by 31 December 2021. The incidence of SARS-CoV-2 was 0.91 per 1000 person-days. Prior to the circulation of the Omicron variants, vaccine effectiveness (VE) was estimated at 85% (95% CI 1, 98) for participants who received the primary series of vaccine. During the Omicron period, relative adjusted VE was 43% (95% CI 29, 54), 56% (95% CI 42, 67), and 46% (95% CI 24, 62) for 3, 4, and ≥ 5 doses compared with those who received primary series after adjusting for previous infection and other covariates. Exposure to infected household members, coworkers, or friends in the previous 14 days were risk factor for infection, while contact with an infected patient was not statistically significant. Participants with higher levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG) anti-receptor binding domain (RBD) antibodies had lower rates of infection than those with the lowest levels. COVID-19 vaccines remained effective throughout the follow-up of this cohort of highly vaccinated HCWs. IgG anti-RBD antibody levels may be useful as correlates of protection for issues such as vaccine development and testing. There remains a need to increase the awareness among HCWs about the risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2 from contacts at a variety of venues.

A suite of Georgia kaolinites, ranging from well-ordered to very poorly ordered samples, were studied to explore correlations between degree of structural disorder, geological environment, Fe3+ content, Fe3+ electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrum, and infrared (IR) hydroxyl-stretching band frequencies and bandwidths. Samples from different localities showed a wide range of disorder which appears to be related to differences in their geological environments. High iron content correlated strongly with low degree of order. The areas of both the I and E components of the EPR spectrum and the fractional I area correlated inversely with degree of order. Fourier-transform IR studies of kaolinites and dickites showed that (1) interlayer hydrogen bonding is weaker in dickite than in kaolinite; (2) frequency of the ν11 stretching band of the inner-surface hydroxyls increases sequentially from well-ordered kaolinite through the disordered structures to well-ordered dickite, which is consistent with a model for disorder based on vacancy displacement; and (3) the character and temperature dependence of the inner hydroxyl-stretching band is not compatible with the crystal structures of kaolinite and dickite as refined by Suitch and Young.

Kaolin floc structures of commercial utility are produced by adsorption of hexamethylenediamine. These flocs are largely face-to-face structures with small diameter platelets of colloidal kaolinite aggregated on larger platelets of kaolinite and muscovite. Because of its higher charge density, muscovite is more effective than kaolinite in scavenging colloidal particles.

Although earlier workers have been at odds as to where amines adsorb on kaolinite, the present work indicates that both edge and basal surfaces are involved. Evidence for this contention is two-fold: (1) Face-to-face and edge-to-face flocculation of hexamethylenediamine kaolins has been observed. (2) Polyesters have been observed adsorbed on basal and edge surfaces of ethylenediamine-treated kaolins.

The mechanism by which kaolinite particles are bonded together into floc structures is unclear. Bridging by hexamethylenediammonium ions is a probable mechanism up to satisfaction of the cation-exchange capacity; further amine addition continues to promote flocculation. From this observation it is inferred that, in addition to bridging, hydrogen bonding and, perhaps, van der Waals forces are instrumental in floc formation. Although rheologically inferior to the untreated equivalent, these chemically induced flocs of kaolinite provide loosely packed, randomly oriented structures in paper coatings. Improved brightness, opacity, and printability of paper coatings arise from this structure.

We estimated the extent of respiratory virus transmission over three pre-COVID-19 seasons. Of 16,273 assays, 22.9% (3,726) detected ≥1 respiratory virus. The frequency of putatively hospital-acquired infection ranged from 6.9% (influenza A/B) to 24.7% (adenovirus). The 176 clusters were most commonly associated with rhinovirus/enterovirus (70) and influenza A/B (62).

Shallow firn cores, in addition to a near-basal ice core, were recovered in 2018 from the Quelccaya ice cap (5470 m a.s.l) in the Cordillera Vilcanota, Peru, and in 2017 from the Nevado Illimani glacier (6350 m a.s.l) in the Cordillera Real, Bolivia. The two sites are ~450 km apart. Despite meltwater percolation resulting from warming, particle-based trace element records (e.g. Fe, Mg, K) in the Quelccaya and Illimani shallow cores retain well-preserved signals. The firn core chronologies, established independently by annual layer counting, show a convincing overlap indicating the two records contain comparable signals and therefore capture similar regional scale climatology. Trace element records at a ~1–4 cm resolution provide past records of anthropogenic emissions, dust sources, volcanic emissions, evaporite salts and marine-sourced air masses. Using novel ultra-high-resolution (120 μm) laser technology, we identify annual layer thicknesses ranging from 0.3 to 0.8 cm in a section of 2000-year-old radiocarbon-dated near-basal ice which compared to the previous annual layer estimates suggests that Quelccaya ice cores drilled to bedrock may be older than previously suggested by depth-age models. With the information collected from this study in combination with past studies, we emphasize the importance of collecting new surface-to-bedrock ice cores from at least the Quelccaya ice cap, in particular, due to its projected disappearance as soon as the 2050s.

A field study was conducted in 2017 and 2018 to determine foliar efficacy of halauxifen-methyl, 2,4-D, or dicamba applied alone and in combination with glyphosate at preplant burndown timing. Experiments were conducted near Painter, VA; Rocky Mount, NC; Jackson, NC; and Gates, NC. Control of horseweed, henbit, purple deadnettle, cutleaf evening primrose, curly dock, purple cudweed, and common chickweed were evaluated. Halauxifen-methyl applied at 5 g ae ha−1 controlled small and large horseweed 89% and 79%, respectively, and was similar to control by dicamba applied at 280 g ae ha−1. Both rates of 2,4-D—533 g ae ha−1(low rate [LR]) or 1,066 g ae ha−1 (high rate [HR])—were less effective than halauxifen-methyl and dicamba for controlling horseweed. Halauxifen-methyl was the only auxin herbicide to control henbit (90%) and purple deadnettle (99%). Cutleaf evening primrose was controlled 74% to 85%, 51%, and 4% by 2,4-D, dicamba, and halauxifen-methyl, respectively. Dicamba and 2,4-D controlled curly dock 59% to 70% and were more effective than halauxifen-methyl (5%). Auxin herbicides applied alone controlled purple cudweed and common chickweed 21% or less. With the exception of cutleaf evening primrose (35%) and curly dock (37%), glyphosate alone provided 95% or greater control of all weeds evaluated. These experiments demonstrate halauxifen-methyl effectively (≥79%) controls horseweed, henbit, and purple deadnettle, whereas common chickweed, curly dock, cutleaf evening primrose, and purple cudweed control by the herbicide is inadequate (≤7%).

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: To develop feasible screening methods for activity of the enzyme Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) with point of care applicability. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Current knowledge establishes the relevance of G6PD as a critical therapeutic determinant for effective antimalarial therapy due to the occurrence of mutations that lead to post-treatment severe adverse effects. We present our findings on development of cost effective point-of-care screening methodologies to ascertain G6PD deficiency. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Using Patient Cohort Explorer and data from the Department of Pathology, we established the prevalence of G6PD deficiency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS as high as 11.8% (African-American males in all population, n = 2518). Next, for selection of potential target groups, we set up a protocol for recruitment of volunteers based on ethnic background, parental ethnicity, and medical history. G6PD activity was evaluated using point of care methods [Trinity Biotech test or CareSTART Biosensor], and Gold Standard quantitative spectrophotometric assay (LabCorp). Determinations in >20 subjects have showed comparable concordance. If used with a conservative interpretation of the signal, the Trinity Biotech test showed superior potential for use in the field relative to the CareSTART Biosensor. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: We established the prevalence of G6PD deficiency in our medical center. We have also setup tests for point-of-care assessment of G6PD. Pending evaluation of the relative tests performance, we will be in position to screen individuals and select them for a prospective clinical trial to evaluate the safety of antimalarial agents on scope of G6PD deficiency.

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Feeding preterm infants with mother’s own milk (MOM) lowers rates of sepsis, decreases necrotizing enterocolitis, and shortens hospital stay. Our objective is to determine whether a similar microbial diversity to MOM can be obtained when fresh or frozen MOM is inoculated in donor human milk (DHM). METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Subjects included 12 mothers of infants born 100ml of MOM per day and were excluded if they had taken antibiotics within 3 days of the 1-time pumped MOM sample collection. MOM sample was divided into fresh (processed immediately) and frozen (−20°C) for 24h fractions. MOM was inoculated in DHM [referred to as refaunated milk (RM)] at 10% (RM10) and 30% (RM30) dilutions, then incubated at timepoints: 0h, 2h, 4h at 37°C. At each timepoint, total viable microbial cell counts were performed in differential or selective media along with future 16S rRNA sequencing. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Microbiota expansion was detected in MOM, RM10 and RM30 over time whether fresh or frozen milk was used as the inoculum. Incubated fresh and frozen MOM had similar bacterial loads when tested on nutrient agar (10^5-10^6 CFU/mL), mannitol salt (10^6 CFU/mL), MacConkey (10^2-10^5 CFU/mL), blood agar (10^6 CFU/mL) and MRS (10^4 CFU/mL) plates. Based on these CFU counts, RM30 incubated for 2h and RM10 at 4h showed similar counts to that of MOM at 0h. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: RM, inoculated with fresh or frozen MOM, obtained a similar microbial count compared to MOM at 0h indicates that fresh or frozen MOM can inoculate DHM. 16s rRNA sequencing is ongoing. Future studies are needed to support an inoculation protocol to be used in clinical practice and human milk banking.

Residual strain in electrodeposited Li films may affect safety and performance in Li metal battery anodes, so it is important to understand how to detect residual strain in electrodeposited Li and the conditions under which it arises. To explore this Li films, electrodeposited onto Cu metal substrates, were prepared under an applied pressure of either 10 or 1000 kPa and subsequently tested for the presence or absence of residual strain via sin2(ψ) analysis. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of Li films required preparation and examination within an inert environment; hence, a Be-dome sample holder was employed during XRD characterization. Results show that the Li film grown under 1000 kPa displayed a detectable presence of in-plane compressive strain (−0.066%), whereas the Li film grown under 10 kPa displayed no detectable in-plane strain. The underlying Cu substrate revealed an in-plane residual strain near zero. Texture analysis via pole figure determination was also performed for both Li and Cu and revealed a mild fiber texture for Li metal and a strong bi-axial texture of the Cu substrate. Experimental details concerning sample preparation, alignment, and analysis of the particularly air-sensitive Li films have also been detailed. This work shows that Li metal exhibits residual strain when electrodeposited under compressive stress and that XRD can be used to quantify that strain.

We present a detailed overview of the cosmological surveys that we aim to carry out with Phase 1 of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA1) and the science that they will enable. We highlight three main surveys: a medium-deep continuum weak lensing and low-redshift spectroscopic HI galaxy survey over 5 000 deg2; a wide and deep continuum galaxy and HI intensity mapping (IM) survey over 20 000 deg2 from $z = 0.35$ to 3; and a deep, high-redshift HI IM survey over 100 deg2 from $z = 3$ to 6. Taken together, these surveys will achieve an array of important scientific goals: measuring the equation of state of dark energy out to $z \sim 3$ with percent-level precision measurements of the cosmic expansion rate; constraining possible deviations from General Relativity on cosmological scales by measuring the growth rate of structure through multiple independent methods; mapping the structure of the Universe on the largest accessible scales, thus constraining fundamental properties such as isotropy, homogeneity, and non-Gaussianity; and measuring the HI density and bias out to $z = 6$. These surveys will also provide highly complementary clustering and weak lensing measurements that have independent systematic uncertainties to those of optical and near-infrared (NIR) surveys like Euclid, LSST, and WFIRST leading to a multitude of synergies that can improve constraints significantly beyond what optical or radio surveys can achieve on their own. This document, the 2018 Red Book, provides reference technical specifications, cosmological parameter forecasts, and an overview of relevant systematic effects for the three key surveys and will be regularly updated by the Cosmology Science Working Group in the run up to start of operations and the Key Science Programme of SKA1.

The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) is a planned large radio interferometer designed to operate over a wide range of frequencies, and with an order of magnitude greater sensitivity and survey speed than any current radio telescope. The SKA will address many important topics in astronomy, ranging from planet formation to distant galaxies. However, in this work, we consider the perspective of the SKA as a facility for studying physics. We review four areas in which the SKA is expected to make major contributions to our understanding of fundamental physics: cosmic dawn and reionisation; gravity and gravitational radiation; cosmology and dark energy; and dark matter and astroparticle physics. These discussions demonstrate that the SKA will be a spectacular physics machine, which will provide many new breakthroughs and novel insights on matter, energy, and spacetime.