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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and, where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.

The geometric structures of 7-azaindole−water complexes, (7-AzI)-(H2O) n (n = 1−3), and 7-AzI dimer were investigated by laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) spectroscopy with high resolution (∼0.01 cm-1). For the 7-AzI−(H2O) n complexes (n = 1−3), the LIF spectra show partially resolved rotational structure, which has been analyzed in combination with theoretical calculations. This analysis yields the rotational constants and characterizes the structures. In 7-AzI−(H2O)1, the H2O molecule is located in the molecular plane, forming a six-membered ring with two hydrogen bonds. Analyses for 7-AzI−(H2O)2 and −(H2O)3 show, furthermore, that both the second and the third H2O are located in the molecular plane of 7-AzI, forming a network ring of hydrogen bonds. For the 7-AzI dimer, the LIF spectrum shows an unresolved rotational envelope. The rotational contour has been analyzed, and we discuss the dimer's likely structure.

A surface dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) in atmospheric pressure air was excited either by low frequency (0.3–2 kHz) high-voltage ac or by short, high-voltage pulses at repetition rates from 50 to 600 pulses s−1. The short-pulse excited discharge was more diffuse and did not have the pronounced bright multiple cathode spots observed in the ac excited discharge. The discharge voltage, current and average power deposited into the discharge were calculated for both types of excitation. As a measure of plasma-chemical efficiency, the ozone number density was measured by UV absorption as a function of average deposited power. The density of ozone produced by ac excitation did not increase so rapidly as that produced by short-pulse excitation as a function of average power, with a maximum measured density of ∼3 × 1015 cm−3 at 25 W. The maximum ozone production achieved by short-pulse excitation was ∼8.5 × 1015 cm−3 at 20 W, which was four times greater than that achieved by ac excitation at the same power level.

Summary Introduction:  Patient information leaflets (PILs) remain the most frequently used sources of medical information. There is a concern that the reading age of these leaflets may exceed patient comprehension, thus negating their beneficial effect. The ‘Flesch Reading Ease’ and the ‘Flesch–Kincaid grade level’ are established methods for providing reliable and reproducible scores of readability. Method:  All available hospital PILs (171) were assessed and divided into 21 departments. Microsoft Word was used to provide Flesch and Flesch–Kincaid readability statistics and compared against the national reading age and the recommended level for provision of medical information. Results:  The average Flesch readability of all of the hospital’s PILs is 60, with a Flesch–Kincaid grade of 7.8 (12–13 years old). There is considerable variation in the average readability between departments (Flesch readability 43.8–76.9, Flesch–Kincaid 5.4–10.2). The average scores of two departments have PILs scores suitable for patient information. Conclusion:  Although our PILs were well laid out and easy to read, the majority would have exceeded patient comprehension. The current advice for provision of NHS information does not highlight the importance of a recommended reading level when designing a PIL. Potentially a wide group of patients are being excluded from the benefits of a PIL.