Implementation of DNA Methylation Array Profiling in Pediatric Central Nervous System Tumors: The AIM BRAIN Project: An Australian and New Zealand Children's Haematology/Oncology Group Study

DNA methylation array profiling for classifying pediatric central nervous system (CNS) tumors is a valuable adjunct to histopathology. However, unbiased prospective and interlaboratory validation studies have been lacking. The AIM BRAIN diagnostic trial involving 11 pediatric cancer centers in Australia and New Zealand was designed to test the feasibility of routine clinical testing and ran in parallel with the Molecular Neuropathology 2.0 (MNP2.0) study at Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (German Cancer Research Center). CNS tumors from 269 pediatric patients were prospectively tested on Illumina EPIC arrays, including 104 cases co-enrolled on MNP2.0. Using MNP classifier versions 11b4 and 12.5, we report classifications with a probability score ≥0.90 in 176 of 265 (66.4%) and 213 of 269 (79.2%) cases, respectively. Significant diagnostic information was obtained in 130 of 176 (74%) for 11b4, and 12 of 174 (7%) classifications were discordant with histopathology. Cases prospectively co-enrolled on MNP2.0 gave concordant classifications (99%) and score thresholds (93%), demonstrating excellent test reproducibility and sensitivity. Overall, DNA methylation profiling is a robust single workflow technique with an acceptable diagnostic yield that is considerably enhanced by the extensive subgroup and copy number profile information generated by the platform. The platform has excellent test reproducibility and sensitivity and contributes significantly to CNS tumor diagnosis.

Observation of the effect of gravity on the motion of antimatter

Einstein's general theory of relativity from 19151 remains the most successful description of gravitation. From the 1919 solar eclipse2 to the observation of gravitational waves3, the theory has passed many crucial experimental tests. However, the evolving concepts of dark matter and dark energy illustrate that there is much to be learned about the gravitating content of the universe. Singularities in the general theory of relativity and the lack of a quantum theory of gravity suggest that our picture is incomplete. It is thus prudent to explore gravity in exotic physical systems. Antimatter was unknown to Einstein in 1915. Dirac's theory4 appeared in 1928; the positron was observed5 in 1932. There has since been much speculation about gravity and antimatter. The theoretical consensus is that any laboratory mass must be attracted6 by the Earth, although some authors have considered the cosmological consequences if antimatter should be repelled by matter7-10. In the general theory of relativity, the weak equivalence principle (WEP) requires that all masses react identically to gravity, independent of their internal structure. Here we show that antihydrogen atoms, released from magnetic confinement in the ALPHA-g apparatus, behave in a way consistent with gravitational attraction to the Earth. Repulsive 'antigravity' is ruled out in this case. This experiment paves the way for precision studies of the magnitude of the gravitational acceleration between anti-atoms and the Earth to test the WEP.

Sympathetic cooling of positrons to cryogenic temperatures for antihydrogen production

The positron, the antiparticle of the electron, predicted by Dirac in 1931 and discovered by Anderson in 1933, plays a key role in many scientific and everyday endeavours. Notably, the positron is a constituent of antihydrogen, the only long-lived neutral antimatter bound state that can currently be synthesized at low energy, presenting a prominent system for testing fundamental symmetries with high precision. Here, we report on the use of laser cooled Be+ ions to sympathetically cool a large and dense plasma of positrons to directly measured temperatures below 7 K in a Penning trap for antihydrogen synthesis. This will likely herald a significant increase in the amount of antihydrogen available for experimentation, thus facilitating further improvements in studies of fundamental symmetries.

Short-Term Concerns Primarily Determine Patient Preference for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair

INTRODUCTION

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair may be performed through open or endovascular approaches, but the factors influencing a patient's repair-type preference are not well characterized. Here we performed a qualitative analysis to better understand factors influencing patient preference within the Preference for Open Versus Endovascular Repair of AAA Trial.

METHODS

Open-ended responses regarding primary (n = 21) and secondary (n = 47) factors influencing patient preference underwent qualitative analysis using the constant comparative method with iterative reviews. Codes were used to generate themes and themes grouped into categories, with each step conducted via consensus agreement between three researchers. Relative prevalence of themes were compared to ascertain trends in patient preference.

RESULTS

Patient responses regarding both primary and secondary factors fell into four categories: Short-term concerns, long-term concerns, advice & experience, and other. Patients most frequently described short-term concerns (23) as their primary influence, with themes including post-op complications, hospitalization & recovery, and intraoperative concerns. Long-term concerns were more prevalent (20) as secondary factors, which included themes such as survival, and chronic management. The average age of patients voicing only long-term concerns as a primary factor was 11 years younger than those listing only short-term concerns.

CONCLUSION

Short-term concerns relating to the procedure and recovery are more often the primary factor influencing patient preference, while long term concerns play a more secondary role. Long-term concerns are more often a primary factor in younger patients. Vascular surgeons should consider this information in shared decision making to reach an optimal outcome.

Laser cooling of antihydrogen atoms

The photon-the quantum excitation of the electromagnetic field-is massless but carries momentum. A photon can therefore exert a force on an object upon collision1. Slowing the translational motion of atoms and ions by application of such a force2,3, known as laser cooling, was first demonstrated 40 years ago4,5. It revolutionized atomic physics over the following decades6-8, and it is now a workhorse in many fields, including studies on quantum degenerate gases, quantum information, atomic clocks and tests of fundamental physics. However, this technique has not yet been applied to antimatter. Here we demonstrate laser cooling of antihydrogen9, the antimatter atom consisting of an antiproton and a positron. By exciting the 1S-2P transition in antihydrogen with pulsed, narrow-linewidth, Lyman-α laser radiation10,11, we Doppler-cool a sample of magnetically trapped antihydrogen. Although we apply laser cooling in only one dimension, the trap couples the longitudinal and transverse motions of the anti-atoms, leading to cooling in all three dimensions. We observe a reduction in the median transverse energy by more than an order of magnitude-with a substantial fraction of the anti-atoms attaining submicroelectronvolt transverse kinetic energies. We also report the observation of the laser-driven 1S-2S transition in samples of laser-cooled antihydrogen atoms. The observed spectral line is approximately four times narrower than that obtained without laser cooling. The demonstration of laser cooling and its immediate application has far-reaching implications for antimatter studies. A more localized, denser and colder sample of antihydrogen will drastically improve spectroscopic11-13 and gravitational14 studies of antihydrogen in ongoing experiments. Furthermore, the demonstrated ability to manipulate the motion of antimatter atoms by laser light will potentially provide ground-breaking opportunities for future experiments, such as anti-atomic fountains, anti-atom interferometry and the creation of antimatter molecules.

Understanding Identity Changes in Psychosis: A Systematic Review and Narrative Synthesis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Experiencing psychosis can be associated with changes in how people see themselves as individuals and in relation to others (ie, changes in their identity). However, identity changes receive little attention in treatment, possibly due to a lack of clarity or consensus around what identity change means in people with psychosis. We aimed to create a conceptual framework synthesizing how identity changes are understood in the psychosis literature.

METHODS

Electronic databases were searched up to April 2020. Studies about identity changes among people with psychotic disorders were analyzed using narrative synthesis by a collaborative review team, including researchers from different disciplines, clinicians, and people who have experienced psychosis.

RESULTS

Of 10 389 studies screened, 59 were eligible. Identity changes are understood in 5 ways as (1) characteristics of psychosis, (2) consequences of altered cognitive functioning, (3) consequences of internalized stigma, (4) consequences of lost roles and relationships, and (5) reflections of personal growth. These 5 understandings are not mutually exclusive. Across a heterogeneous literature, identity changes were mostly framed in terms of loss.

CONCLUSIONS

Our conceptual framework, comprising 5 understandings, highlights the complexity of studying identity changes and suggests important implications for practice and research. For clinicians, this framework can inform new therapeutic approaches where the experience and impact of identity changes are acknowledged and addressed as part of treatment. For researchers, the conceptual framework offers a way of locating their understandings of identity changes when undertaking research in this area.

The most influential papers in mitral valve surgery; a bibliometric analysis

This study is an analysis of the 100 most cited articles in mitral valve surgery. A bibliometric analysis is a tool to evaluate research performance in a given field. It uses the number of times a publication is cited by others as a proxy marker of its impact. The most cited paper Carpentier et al. discusses mitral valve repair in terms of restoring the geometry of the entire valve rather than simply narrowing the annulus (Carpentier, J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 86:23–37, 1983). The first successful mitral valve repair was performed by Elliot Cutler at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in 1923 (Cohn et al., Ann Cardiothorac Surg 4:315, 2015). More recently percutaneous and minimally invasive techniques that were originally designed as an option for high risk patients are being trialled in other patient groups (Hajar, Heart Views 19:160–3, 2018). Comparison of percutaneous method with open repair represents an expanding area of research (Hajar, Heart Views 19:160–3, 2018). This study will analyse the top 100 cited papers relevant to mitral valve surgery, identifying the most influential papers that guide current management, the institutions that produce them and the authors involved.

Childhood cancer survivorship: barriers and preferences

Objective

Many survivors are disengaged from follow-up, mandating alternative models of survivorship-focused care for late effects surveillance. We explored survivors’ barriers to accessing, and preferences for survivorship care.

Methods

We invited Australian and New Zealand survivors of childhood cancer from three age groups: <16 years (represented by parents), 16–25 years (adolescent and young adults (AYAs)) and >25 years (‘older survivors’). Participants completed questionnaires and optional interviews.

Results

633 survivors/parents completed questionnaires: 187 parents of young survivors (mean age: 12.4 years), 251 AYAs (mean age: 20.6 years) and 195 older survivors (mean age: 32.5 years). Quantitative data were complemented by 151 in-depth interviews. Most participants, across all age groups, preferred specialised follow-up (ie, involving oncologists, nurses or a multidisciplinary team; 86%–97%). Many (36%–58%) were unwilling to receive community-based follow-up. More parents (75%) than AYAs (58%) and older survivors (30%) were engaged in specialised follow-up. While follow-up engagement was significantly lower in older survivors, survivors’ prevalence of late effects increased. Of those attending a follow-up clinic, 34%–56% were satisfied with their care, compared with 14%–15% of those not receiving cancer-focused care (p<0.001). Commonly reported barriers included lack of awareness about follow-up availability (67%), followed by logistical (65%), care-related beliefs (59%) and financial reasons (57%). Older survivors (p<0.001), living outside major cities (p=0.008), and who were further from diagnosis (p=0.014) reported a higher number of barriers.

Conclusions

Understanding patient-reported barriers, and tailoring care to survivors’ follow-up preferences, may improve engagement with care and ensure that the survivorship needs of this population are met.

Changing from the inside out? Examining relationships between overweight identification, dieting behaviours, and body measurements over time

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether changes in overweight identification were associated with dieting behaviours and body measurements over time.

DESIGN

Longitudinal study with assessments at three time points: before and twice during (i.e., baseline, 6 months, 12 months) a 1-year self-directed weight loss attempt.

METHOD

Eighty individuals with overweight or obesity (classified by BMI ≥ 25) reported their personal (i.e., I see myself as overweight), social (i.e., I identify/feel strong ties with other overweight people), and affective (i.e., I am pleased to be overweight) overweight identification; dieting behaviours (e.g., eat less, exercise, eat more fruit and vegetables); and had their body measurements taken (i.e., weight, height, body fat, waist circumference).

RESULTS

Linear mixed modelling was used to examine between-person differences and within-person changes in overweight identification on dieting behaviours and body measurements over time. Between-person differences mattered for measurements: Higher personal overweight identification was associated with higher BMI, body fat, and waist circumference over time. Higher social overweight identification was associated with higher BMI over time. Within-person changes mattered for behaviours over time: At 12 months, decreases in social overweight identification were associated with increases in a subset of 'Eat Less, Move More' dieting behaviours, but not a subset of 'Healthy' dieting behaviours. At 12 months, decreases in affective overweight identification were also associated with increases in 'Eat Less, Move More' dieting behaviours.

CONCLUSION

Addressing different aspects of overweight identification and how they change over time, may harness an important psychological pathway to support behavioural change and health irrespective of weight loss. Statement of contribution What is already known on this subject? Psychological factors, such as self-concept clarity and weight stigma, are associated with dieting behaviours and body measurements. Qualitative data suggest that identity change may be tied to dieting behaviours and weight loss. What does this study add? New insights into the nature of another psychological factor, overweight identification, among individuals with overweight and obesity attempting to lose weight. The first quantitative evidence that different aspects of overweight identification, and changes in these aspects of overweight identification over time, influence body measurements and dieting behaviours.

Abstract PD6-01: Prevalence and predictors of self-reported memory ability in a large sample of breast cancer survivors

Background: A substantial subset of women previously treated for breast cancer report deficits in cognitive abilities such as memory. Cancer-related cognitive dysfunction (CRCD) has been linked to a variety of factors including chemotherapy. However, the reported prevalence of symptoms is variable and investigations of CRCD correlates in large samples are limited. This study aimed to 1) investigate whether the prevalence of patient-reported memory problems differs as a function of having received chemotherapy and time-since-treatment; and 2) identify additional factors associated with patient-reported memory in a large sample of breast cancer survivors.

Method: In this cross-sectional cohort study, self-administered questionnaires including those assessing memory (Multifactorial Memory Questionnaire) and lifestyle behaviors were mailed to 1500 disease-free breast cancer survivors from three time-since-treatment cohorts (early: 6-18 months, middle: 2-4 years, or late: 5-12 years post-treatment). Demographic and clinical information was collected and confirmed from chart review. The prevalence of clinically significant memory dysfunction was estimated using published normative cut-off scores. We tested whether chemotherapy and time-since-treatment affected memory (analysis of variance), or increased the risk of significant memory dysfunction (odds ratio chi-squared test). Using a forward stepwise regression model, we explored whether patient characteristics (age, education, comorbidities, concussion history, adverse life events), type of treatment (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormonal therapy), or lifestyle behaviors (adherence to a Mediterranean diet, physical activity, sleep efficiency, stress management practices) were associated with patient-reported memory.

Results: 773 questionnaire packages were returned (mean age=60.4±11.7). 436 (56%) survivors had received chemotherapy (Ch+), and 337 (44%) had not (Ch-). 314 (41%) were early survivors, 244 (32%) were middle, and 215 (28%) were late. Ch+ reported poorer memory than Ch- (F(1, 764)=12.752, p&lt;0.001), with no effect of time-since-treatment or interaction. Prevalence of significant memory dysfunction was higher in Ch+ (28%) than in Ch- (15%) (OR=2.130, 95% CI 1.479-3.066). Younger age and history of concussion were significantly associated with worse patient-reported memory (p=0.002, p&lt;0.001). Unlike chemotherapy (p=0.018), neither radiation nor hormonal treatment was a significant predictor of memory symptoms. Increased physical activity (p=0.002) and higher sleep efficiency (p&lt;0.001) were associated with better memory. Survivors reporting greater memory symptoms also reported greater use of stress management techniques (p=0.026).

Conclusion: This large study indicates that chemotherapy doubles the risk of memory symptoms up to at least 10 years post-treatment. Results also point to sleep hygiene and physical activity as potentially meaningful targets for self-management training to reduce CRCD in breast cancer survivors.

Citation Format: Bernstein LJ, D'Amico DN, Richard NM, McCready DR, Howell D, Jones JM, Edelstein K. Prevalence and predictors of self-reported memory ability in a large sample of breast cancer survivors [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PD6-01.

Exploring cancer centres for physical activity and sedentary behaviour support for breast cancer survivors

Background

Up to 90% of breast cancer survivors report low levels of physical activity (pa) and spend approximately 70% of the day in sedentary behaviour. Survivors might not be receiving information about the health benefits of pa and the consequences of sedentary behaviour in the context of their cancer. The primary purpose of the present study was to evaluate cancer centres for pa and sedentary behaviour information and infrastructure. A secondary aim was to evaluate the quality of the information that is accessible to breast cancer survivors in cancer centres.

Methods

A built-environment scan of the 14 regional cancer centres in Ontario and an evaluation of the text materials about pa available at the cancer centres were completed. Data analyses included descriptive statistics, proportions, and inter-rater reliability.

Results

The infrastructure of the cancer centres provided few opportunities for dissemination of information related to pa through signs and printed notices. Televisions were present in all waiting rooms, which could provide a unique opportunity for dissemination of information about pa and sedentary behaviour. Text materials were rated as trustworthy, used some behaviour change techniques (for example, information about the consequences of lack of pa, barrier identification, and setting graded tasks), and were aesthetically pleasing.

Conclusions

These findings represent areas for knowledge dissemination both for the centre and for resources that could be further improved.

Observation of the 1S-2P Lyman-α transition in antihydrogen

In 1906, Theodore Lyman discovered his eponymous series of transitions in the extreme-ultraviolet region of the atomic hydrogen spectrum1,2. The patterns in the hydrogen spectrum helped to establish the emerging theory of quantum mechanics, which we now know governs the world at the atomic scale. Since then, studies involving the Lyman-α line-the 1S-2P transition at a wavelength of 121.6 nanometres-have played an important part in physics and astronomy, as one of the most fundamental atomic transitions in the Universe. For example, this transition has long been used by astronomers studying the intergalactic medium and testing cosmological models via the so-called 'Lyman-α forest'3 of absorption lines at different redshifts. Here we report the observation of the Lyman-α transition in the antihydrogen atom, the antimatter counterpart of hydrogen. Using narrow-line-width, nanosecond-pulsed laser radiation, the 1S-2P transition was excited in magnetically trapped antihydrogen. The transition frequency at a field of 1.033 tesla was determined to be 2,466,051.7 ± 0.12 gigahertz (1σ uncertainty) and agrees with the prediction for hydrogen to a precision of 5 × 10-8. Comparisons of the properties of antihydrogen with those of its well-studied matter equivalent allow precision tests of fundamental symmetries between matter and antimatter. Alongside the ground-state hyperfine4,5 and 1S-2S transitions6,7 recently observed in antihydrogen, the Lyman-α transition will permit laser cooling of antihydrogen8,9, thus providing a cold and dense sample of anti-atoms for precision spectroscopy and gravity measurements10. In addition to the observation of this fundamental transition, this work represents both a decisive technological step towards laser cooling of antihydrogen, and the extension of antimatter spectroscopy to quantum states possessing orbital angular momentum.

Characterization of the 1S-2S transition in antihydrogen

In 1928, Dirac published an equation 1 that combined quantum mechanics and special relativity. Negative-energy solutions to this equation, rather than being unphysical as initially thought, represented a class of hitherto unobserved and unimagined particles-antimatter. The existence of particles of antimatter was confirmed with the discovery of the positron 2 (or anti-electron) by Anderson in 1932, but it is still unknown why matter, rather than antimatter, survived after the Big Bang. As a result, experimental studies of antimatter3-7, including tests of fundamental symmetries such as charge-parity and charge-parity-time, and searches for evidence of primordial antimatter, such as antihelium nuclei, have high priority in contemporary physics research. The fundamental role of the hydrogen atom in the evolution of the Universe and in the historical development of our understanding of quantum physics makes its antimatter counterpart-the antihydrogen atom-of particular interest. Current standard-model physics requires that hydrogen and antihydrogen have the same energy levels and spectral lines. The laser-driven 1S-2S transition was recently observed 8 in antihydrogen. Here we characterize one of the hyperfine components of this transition using magnetically trapped atoms of antihydrogen and compare it to model calculations for hydrogen in our apparatus. We find that the shape of the spectral line agrees very well with that expected for hydrogen and that the resonance frequency agrees with that in hydrogen to about 5 kilohertz out of 2.5 × 1015 hertz. This is consistent with charge-parity-time invariance at a relative precision of 2 × 10-12-two orders of magnitude more precise than the previous determination 8 -corresponding to an absolute energy sensitivity of 2 × 10-20 GeV.

Connecting people with cancer to physical activity and exercise programs: a pathway to create accessibility and engagement

Recent guidelines concerning exercise for people with cancer provide evidence-based direction for exercise assessment and prescription for clinicians and their patients. Although the guidelines promote exercise integration into clinical care for people with cancer, they do not support strategies for bridging the guidelines with related resources or programs. Exercise program accessibility remains a challenge in implementing the guidelines, but that challenge might be mitigated with conceptual frameworks ("pathways") that connect patients with exercise-related resources. In the present paper, we describe a pathway model and related resources that were developed by an expert panel of practitioners and researchers in the field of exercise and rehabilitation in oncology and that support the transition from health care practitioner to exercise programs or services for people with cancer. The model acknowledges the nuanced distinctions between research and exercise programming, as well as physical activity promotion, that, depending on the available programming in the local community or region, might influence practitioner use. Furthermore, the pathway identifies and provides examples of processes for referral, screening, medical clearance, and programming for people after a cancer diagnosis. The pathway supports the implementation of exercise guidelines and should serve as a model of enhanced care delivery to increase the health and well-being of people with cancer.

Similarly Torn, Differentially Shorn? The Experience and Management of Conflict between Multiple Roles, Relationships, and Social Categories

In three studies we examined the experience and management of conflict between different types of multiple identities. Participants described a conflict between pairs of role, relational, or social identities before rating the experience (i.e., magnitude, stress, and growth) and management of conflict on a newly developed scale assessing four strategies: reconciliation, where identities are integrated, realignment, where one identity is chosen over another, retreat, where both identities are avoided, and reflection, where fit (with others, situation) determines identity selection. In general, the types of identities mattered for conflict management but not its experience: Magnitude and growth did not differ, however, stress was greater for role identity conflicts (Study 3 only) and participants endorsed the use of more realignment for role conflicts (Study 2) and more retreat for relational conflicts (Study 3) relative to other types of identity conflicts. Furthermore, findings suggested that the perceived flexibility of identities, not their importance or valence, were associated with realignment and retreat for roles and with retreat for relationships. Experiencing conflicts between multiple identities leaves people similarly torn, but multiple roles and relationships may be differentially shorn to manage conflict.

Socioeconomic status and lifestyle behaviours in cancer survivors: smoking and physical activity

PURPOSE

Smoking cessation and increased physical activity (pa) have been linked to better outcomes in cancer survivors. We assessed whether socioeconomic factors influence changes in those behaviours after a cancer diagnosis.

METHODS

As part of a cross-sectional study, a diverse group of cancer survivors at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (Toronto, ON), completed a questionnaire about past and current lifestyle behaviours and perceptions about the importance of those behaviours with respect to their health. The influence of socioeconomic indicators on smoking status and physical inactivity at 1 year before and after diagnosis were assessed using multivariable logistic regression with adjustment for clinico-demographic factors.

RESULTS

Of 1222 participants, 1192 completed the smoking component. Of those respondents, 15% smoked before diagnosis, and 43% of those smokers continued to smoke after. The proportion of survivors who continued to smoke increased with lower education level (p = 0.03). Of the 1106 participants answering pa questions, 39% reported being physically inactive before diagnosis, of whom 82% remained inactive afterward. Survivors with a lower education level were most likely to remain inactive after diagnosis (p = 0.003). Lower education level, household income, and occupation were associated with the perception that pa had no effect or could worsen fatigue and quality of life (p ≤ 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

In cancer survivors, education level was a major modifier of smoking and pa behaviours. Lower socioeconomic status was associated with incorrect perceptions about pa. Targeting at-risk survivors by education level should be evaluated as a strategy in cancer survivorship programs.

Effects of fludarabine treatment on murine lupus nephritis

BXSB mice, a murine model of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), were treated with two different doses of fludarabine for a four-week period and examined two weeks after the final dose. Control mice were treated with saline or cyclophosphamide. Mice treated with fludarabine had a significant reduction in renal pathology compared to control mice. Fludarabine-treated mice also had an almost 10-fold increase in percentile of CD8+CD25+ T cells in the spleen and a smaller but significant increase in CD4+CD25+ cells. Mice treated with cyclophosphamide had a greater leucopenia compared to the other groups and a significant reduction in percentile of B220+ cells in peripheral blood and spleen. Serum autoantibody levels to dsDNA did not differ significantly among the groups, but were higher in 4/10 mice treated with fludarabine. Although few trials of fludarabine for human SLE have been conducted, additional studies may be warranted.

The use of conservation biomass feedstocks as potential bioenergy resources in the United Kingdom

A number of countries have introduced energy policies to reduce the emission of carbon dioxide which, in the case of bio-heat, has resulted in increased use of small wood burning stoves and boilers, particularly in Europe. There are issues surrounding the supply of sustainable wood feedstock, prompting a desire to utilise local biomass resources. This includes biomass generated through the management of natural woodlands in nature reserves and conservation areas. These management practices can also extend to other areas, such as raised bog wildernesses and estuary Reed beds. We term the biomass from this resource as conservation biomass. This study is concerned with the viability of this resource as a fuel within the United Kingdom, and combustion tests were carried out using a small domestic stove. It was concluded that there is as much as 500kty(-1) that could be used in this way.

Frequency Comparison of [Formula: see text] Ion Optical Clocks at PTB and NPL via GPS PPP

We used precise point positioning, a well-established GPS carrier-phase frequency transfer method to perform a direct remote comparison of two optical frequency standards based on single laser-cooled [Formula: see text] ions operated at the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), U.K. and the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), Germany. At both institutes, an active hydrogen maser serves as a flywheel oscillator which is connected to a GPS receiver as an external frequency reference and compared simultaneously to a realization of the unperturbed frequency of the (2)S1/2(F=0)-(2)D3/2(F=2) electric quadrupole transition in [Formula: see text] via an optical femtosecond frequency comb. To profit from long coherent GPS-link measurements, we extrapolate the fractional frequency difference over the various data gaps in the optical clock to maser comparisons which introduces maser noise to the frequency comparison but improves the uncertainty from the GPS-link instability. We determined the total statistical uncertainty consisting of the GPS-link uncertainty and the extrapolation uncertainties for several extrapolation schemes. Using the extrapolation scheme with the smallest combined uncertainty, we find a fractional frequency difference [Formula: see text] of -1.3×10(-15) with a combined uncertainty of 1.2×10(-15) for a total measurement time of 67 h. This result is consistent with an agreement of the frequencies realized by both optical clocks and with recent absolute frequency measurements against caesium fountain clocks within the corresponding uncertainties.

High Risk Aortic Valve Replacement - The Challenges of Multiple Treatment Strategies with an Evolving Technology

OBJECTIVES

Deciding on the optimal treatment strategy for high risk aortic valve replacement is challenging. Transcatheter Aortic Valve implantation (TAVI) has been available in our centre as an alternative treatment modality for patients since 2008. We present our early experience of TAVI and SAVR (surgical Aortic Valve Replacement) in high risk patients who required SAVR because TAVI could not be performed.

METHODS

The database for Surgical aortic valve and Transcatheter aortic valve replacement referrals was interrogated to identify relevant patients.

RESULTS

Survival to hospital discharge was 95.5% in the forty five patients who had SAVR when TAVI was deemed technically unsuitable. One year survival was 86%.

CONCLUSION

Defining who is appropriate for TAVI or high risk SAVR is challenging and multidisciplinary team discussion has never been more prudent in this field of evolving technology with ever decreasing risks of surgery. The introduction of TAVI at our institution has seen a rise in our surgical caseload by approximately by 25%. Overall, the option of aortic valve intervention is being offered to more patients in general which is a substantial benefit in the treatment of aortic valve disease.

Having a lot of a good thing: multiple important group memberships as a source of self-esteem

Membership in important social groups can promote a positive identity. We propose and test an identity resource model in which personal self-esteem is boosted by membership in additional important social groups. Belonging to multiple important group memberships predicts personal self-esteem in children (Study 1a), older adults (Study 1b), and former residents of a homeless shelter (Study 1c). Study 2 shows that the effects of multiple important group memberships on personal self-esteem are not reducible to number of interpersonal ties. Studies 3a and 3b provide longitudinal evidence that multiple important group memberships predict personal self-esteem over time. Studies 4 and 5 show that collective self-esteem mediates this effect, suggesting that membership in multiple important groups boosts personal self-esteem because people take pride in, and derive meaning from, important group memberships. Discussion focuses on when and why important group memberships act as a social resource that fuels personal self-esteem.

Bone health management in men undergoing ADT: examining enablers and barriers to care

The study determined prostate cancer specialists' knowledge and concordance to guidelines regarding the diagnosis, management, and prevention of androgen deprivation therapy-induced osteoporosis. Despite high knowledge regarding bone health, most respondents did not routinely measure bone mineral density or use fracture risk assessment tools, suggesting a significant gap in the screening/monitoring of bone health.

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study was to determine prostate cancer specialists' knowledge, practices, self-perceived competencies and barriers to providing guideline-concordant care in the diagnosis, prevention, and management of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT)-induced osteoporosis (OP).

METHODS

A number of 73 Canadian radiation oncologists and 83 urologists completed questionnaires assessing (i) knowledge regarding OP and consensus guidelines for bone health management in men receiving ADT, (ii) self-assessed competencies regarding bone health management, (iii) current practices regarding OP prevention and management, and (iv) self-perceived barriers to providing guideline-concordant care.

RESULTS

The majority of respondents were able to correctly identify the guideline-concordant frequency of repeat dual-energy X-Ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans (76.3%), vitamin D (70.3%), and calcium (53.2%) intake and that bisphosphonates/denosumab should always be considered for patients with a history of one low-trauma fracture (57.6%). Just under 1/3 (32.5%) reported routinely measuring bone mineral density (BMD) prior to starting ADT and routinely measuring BMD 1-2 years following the initiation of ADT (36.6%). Only 4.6% of respondents routinely used a validated fracture risk assessment tool. Lowest self-assessed competency levels were reported in providing self-management education to patients to foster the uptake of healthy bone behaviors (HBBs) and managing patients who present with or develop osteopenia and OP. The most significant barriers to providing OP prevention and management were lack of time and lack of supporting structures.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite high knowledge about appropriate bone health care among prostate cancer specialists, there remain significant gaps in screening and monitoring of bone health, suggesting the need to develop innovative strategies to overcome barriers to implementation.

Hydrogen from ethanol reforming with aqueous fraction of pine pyrolysis oil with and without chemical looping

Reforming ethanol ('EtOH') into hydrogen rich syngas using the aqueous fraction from pine bio-oil ('AQ') as a combined source of steam and supplementary organic feed was tested in packed bed with Ni-catalysts 'A' (18wt%/α-Al2O3) and 'B' (25wt%/γ-Al2O3). The catalysts were initially pre-reduced by H2, but this was followed by a few cycles of chemical looping steam reforming, where the catalysts were in turn oxidised in air and auto-reduced by the EtOH/AQ mixture. At 600°C, EtOH/AQ reformed similarly to ethanol for molar steam to carbon ratios (S/C) between 2 and 5 on the H2-reduced catalysts. At S/C of 3.3, 90% of the carbon feed converted on catalyst A to CO2 (58%), CO (30%) and CH4 (2.7%), with 17wt% H2 yield based on dry organic feedstock, equivalent to 78% of the equilibrium value. Catalyst A maintained these outputs for four cycles while B underperformed due to partial reduction.

Frequency ratio of two optical clock transitions in 171Yb+ and constraints on the time variation of fundamental constants

Singly ionized ytterbium, with ultranarrow optical clock transitions at 467 and 436 nm, is a convenient system for the realization of optical atomic clocks and tests of present-day variation of fundamental constants. We present the first direct measurement of the frequency ratio of these two clock transitions, without reference to a cesium primary standard, and using the same single ion of 171Yb+. The absolute frequencies of both transitions are also presented, each with a relative standard uncertainty of 6×10(-16). Combining our results with those from other experiments, we report a threefold improvement in the constraint on the time variation of the proton-to-electron mass ratio, μ/μ=0.2(1.1)×10(-16)  yr(-1), along with an improved constraint on time variation of the fine structure constant, α/α=-0.7(2.1)×10(-17)  yr(-1).

Discussion Group Effectiveness is Related to Critical Thinking through Interest and Engagement

Higher student enrolment at North American tertiary institutions over the last decade has led to a greater reliance on lecturing in large classes (i.e., 50 students or more). The efficiency of lecturing as a method of instruction can sometimes come at the cost of student interaction, engagement, critical thinking and satisfaction. Implementing discussion groups in large lecture classes is one technique that can reverse these costs, however it is not clear what it is about discussion groups that promotes these outcomes. Drawing on social identity theory (Tajfel, 1981), the present study examined the roles of two discussion group characteristics: identification and effectiveness, in predicting course interest and engagement, critical thinking and application, and course satisfaction among psychology students assigned to discussion groups in a large class ( N = 81) over a 12-week period. Findings indicated that discussion group effectiveness, but not discussion group identification, predicted course interest and engagement, critical thinking and application, and course satisfaction. Importantly, the relationships between discussion group effectiveness and critical thinking and application, and discussion group effectiveness and course satisfaction were mediated by course interest and engagement. When discussion groups help students to understand and engage with new ideas and information, this can promote the interest and engagement that can promote positive outcomes. The implications of these findings are discussed.

Perceived control qualifies the effects of threat on prejudice

People sometimes show a tendency to lash out in a prejudiced manner when they feel threatened. This research shows that the relationship between threat and prejudice is moderated by people's levels of perceived control: Threat leads to prejudice only when people feel concurrently low in control. In two studies, terrorist threat was associated with heightened prejudice among people who were low in perceived control over the threat (Study 1; N = 87) or over their lives in general (Study 2; N = 2,394), but was not associated with prejudice among people who were high in perceived control. Study 3 (N = 139) replicated this finding experimentally in the context of the Global Financial Crisis. The research identifies control as an important ingredient in threatening contexts that, if bolstered, can reduce general tendencies to lash out under threat.

Combustion and gasification characteristics of chars from raw and torrefied biomass

Torrefaction is a mild thermal pretreatment (T<300°C) that improves biomass milling and storage properties. The impact of torrefaction on the gasification and oxidation reactivity of chars from torrefied and raw biomass was investigated. Thermogravimetric analysis was used to study the differences in O(2) and steam reactivity, between chars prepared from torrefied and raw willow, under both high- and low-heating-rate conditions. High-heating-rate chars were prepared at 900°C with a residence time of 2s. Low-heating-rate chars were prepared with a heating rate of 33°C/min, a maximum temperature of 850 or 1000°C, and a residence time of 30 min or 1h, respectively, at the maximum temperature. Pretreatment by torrefaction consistently reduced char reactivity. Torrefaction's impact was greatest for high-heating-rate chars, reducing reactivity by a factor of two to three. The effect of torrefaction on a residence time requirements for char burnout and gasification was estimated.

Co-administration of morphine and oxycodone vaccines reduces the distribution of 6-monoacetylmorphine and oxycodone to brain in rats

Opioid conjugate vaccines have shown promise in animal models as a potential treatment for opioid addiction. Individual vaccines are quite specific and each targets only a limited number of structurally similar opioids. Since opioid users can switch or transition between opioids, we studied a bivalent immunization strategy of combining 2 vaccines that could target several of the most commonly abused opioids; heroin, oxycodone and their active metabolites. Morphine (M) and oxycodone (OXY) haptens were conjugated to keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) through tetraglycine (Gly)(4) linkers at the C6 position. Immunization of rats with M-KLH alone produced high titers of antibodies directed against heroin, 6-monoacetylmorphine (6-MAM) and morphine. Immunization with OXY-KLH produced high titers of antibodies against oxycodone and oxymorphone. Immunization with the bivalent vaccine produced consistently high antibody titers against both immunogens. Bivalent vaccine antibody titers against the individual immunogens were higher than with the monovalent vaccines alone owing, at least in part, to cross-reactivity of the antibodies. Administration of a single concurrent intravenous dose of 6-MAM and oxycodone to rats immunized with the bivalent vaccine increased 6-MAM, morphine and oxycodone retention in serum and reduced the distribution of 6-MAM and oxycodone to brain. Vaccine efficacy correlated with serum antibody titers for both monovalent vaccines, alone or in combination. Efficacy of the individual vaccines was not compromised by their combined use. Consistent with the enhanced titers in the bivalent group, a trend toward enhanced pharmacokinetic efficacy with the bivalent vaccine was observed. These data support the possibility of co-administering two or more opioid vaccines concurrently to target multiple abusable opioids without compromising the immunogenicity or efficacy of the individual components.

Neuronal expression of Fig4 is both necessary and sufficient to prevent spongiform neurodegeneration

FIG4 is a ubiquitously expressed phosphatase that, in complex with FAB1/PIKFYVE and VAC14, regulates the biosynthesis of the signaling lipid PI(3,5)P(2). Null mutation of Fig4 in the mouse results in spongiform degeneration of brain and peripheral ganglia, defective myelination and juvenile lethality. Partial loss-of-function of human FIG4 results in a severe form of Charcot-Marie-Tooth neuropathy. Neurons from null mice contain enlarged vacuoles derived from the endosome/lysosome pathway, and astrocytes accumulate proteins involved in autophagy. Other cellular defects include astrogliosis and microgliosis. To distinguish the contributions of neurons and glia to spongiform degeneration in the Fig4 null mouse, we expressed Fig4 under the control of the neuron-specific enolase promoter and the astrocyte-specific glial fibrillary acidic protein promoter in transgenic mice. Neuronal expression of Fig4 was sufficient to rescue cellular and neurological phenotypes including spongiform degeneration, gliosis and juvenile lethality. In contrast, expression of Fig4 in astrocytes prevented accumulation of autophagy markers and microgliosis but did not prevent spongiform degeneration or lethality. To confirm the neuronal origin of spongiform degeneration, we generated a floxed allele of Fig4 and crossed it with mice expressing the Cre recombinase from the neuron-specific synapsin promoter. Mice with conditional inactivation of Fig4 in neurons developed spongiform degeneration and the full spectrum of neurological abnormalities. The data demonstrate that expression of Fig4 in neurons is necessary and sufficient to prevent spongiform degeneration. Therapy for patients with FIG4 deficiency will therefore require correction of the deficiency in neurons.

The role of psychological symptoms and social group memberships in the development of post-traumatic stress after traumatic injury

OBJECTIVES

The costs associated with traumatic injury are often exacerbated by the development of post-traumatic stress symptoms. However, it is unclear what decreases the development of post-traumatic symptoms over time. The aim of the present research was to examine the role of psychological symptoms and social group memberships in reducing the development of post-traumatic stress symptoms after orthopaedic injuries (OIs) and acquired brain injuries (ABIs).

DESIGN AND METHODS

A longitudinal prospective study assessed self-reported general health symptoms, social group memberships, and post-traumatic stress symptoms among participants with mild or moderate ABI (n= 62) or upper limb OI (n= 31) at 2 weeks (T1) and 3 months (T2) after injury.

RESULTS

Hierarchical regressions revealed that having fewer T1 general health symptoms predicted lower levels of T2 post-traumatic stress symptoms after OI but forming more new group memberships at T1 predicted lower levels of T2 post-traumatic stress symptoms after ABI.

CONCLUSION

A focus on acquiring group memberships may be particularly important in reducing the development of post-traumatic stress symptoms after injuries, such as ABI, which result in long-term life changes.

No country for old men? The role of a 'Gentlemen's Club' in promoting social engagement and psychological well-being in residential care

OBJECTIVE

Social isolation is a common problem in older people who move into care that has negative consequences for well-being. This is of particular concern for men, who are marginalised in long-term care settings as a result of their reduced numbers and greater difficulty in accessing effective social support, relative to women. However, researchers in the social identity tradition argue that developing social group memberships can counteract the effects of isolation. We test this account in this study by examining whether increased socialisation with others of the same gender enhances social identification, well-being (e.g. life satisfaction, mood), and cognitive ability.

METHOD

Care home residents were invited to join gender-based groups (i.e. Ladies and Gentlemen's Clubs). Nine groups were examined (five male groups, four female groups) comprising 26 participants (12 male, 14 female), who took part in fortnightly social activities. Social identification, personal identity strength, cognitive ability and well-being were measured at the commencement of the intervention and 12 weeks later.

RESULTS

A clear gender effect was found. For women, there was evidence of maintained well-being and identification over time. For men, there was a significant reduction in depression and anxiety, and an increased sense of social identification with others.

CONCLUSION

While decreasing well-being tends to be the norm in long-term residential care, building new social group memberships in the form of gender clubs can counteract this decline, particularly among men.

Survey of women veterinarians in New Zealand Part I: Patterns of work

A survey was undertaken to ascertain the extent to which women veterinarians in New Zealand were employing their veterinary skills, and to identify some of the factors which affect women;s ability or choice to work full-time in their profession. Replies were received from 115 of 140 women registered by the New Zealand Veterinary Surgeons Board. Women in full-time veterinary employment at the time of the survey made up 63% of the sample, 19% were employed part-time, and 18% were not working. Women with children on average had worked as veterinary surgeons proportionately less time since qualification than either single women or women with no children. Women with children worked in their profession for a significantly greater proportion of time if they had both emotional and physical support in the home. Women who employed paid household help were in a minority in the sample. The distribution of women in different fields of veterinary employment was similar to that of a similar sized sample of men. The main reasons women gave for reducing their work level were pregnancy and lactation, difficulties in combining professional work with family commitments, a desire to spend time with children at home, and difficulty in finding a suitable position.

Dwarfism in Hereford cattle: a genetic morphological and biochemical study

A study of 40 Hereford cattle dwarfs in New Zealand confirmed that dwarfism in this country was morphologically the same as that described in North American Herefords and that its mode of inheritance was as an autosomal recessive trait. The histological architecture of growth plates was essentially normal but palisading columns were shorter and more irregular than in controls. A small proportion of chondrocytes in dwarf cartilage showed increased areas of cytoplasmic metachromasia, which probably coincided with increased cystic dilations of endoplasmic reticulum containing granular material as noted by electronmicroscopy. The above growth-plate abnormalities were neither prominent nor consistent enough to be of diagnostic significance; nor do they currently help understanding of the underlying pathogenic mechanism of dwarfing. Histological and mucopolysaccharide excretion studies unequivocally demonstrated that this disease is not a mucopolysaccharidosis as had previously been reported.

Intestinal lymphangiectasia in a dog

An eight-month-old female crossbred terrier was presented with a short history of diarrhoea, dyspnoea and abdominal distension. Clinical examination revealed thoracic effusion, ascites, and subcutaneous oedema. Hypoalbuminaemia, hypoglobulinaemia and lymphopaenia were all present. Histological examination of a jejunal biopsy confirmed a diagnosis of intestinal Iymphangiectasia. Full clinical recovery followed treatment by dietary management.

Seasonal variation in the chemical composition of the bioenergy feedstock Laminaria digitata for thermochemical conversion

To avoid negative impacts on food production, novel non-food biofuel feedstocks need to be identified and utilised. One option is to utilise marine biomass, notably fast-growing, large marine 'plants' such as the macroalgal kelps. This paper reports on the changing composition of Laminaria digitata throughout it growth cycle as determined by new technologies. The potential of Laminaria sp. as a feedstock for biofuel production and future biorefining possibilities was assessed through proximate and ultimate analysis, initial pyrolysis rates using thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA), metals content and pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Samples harvested in March contained the lowest proportion of carbohydrate and the highest ash and alkali metal content, whereas samples harvested in July contained the highest proportions of carbohydrate, lowest alkali metals and ash content. July was therefore considered the most suitable month for harvesting kelp biomass for thermochemical conversion to biofuels.

Recovering From Strain and Enduring Pain

Recent research suggests that multiple group memberships can be a source of resilience in the face of various life challenges (e.g., illness, injury, life transitions, performance demands). In two studies the authors examined whether multiple group memberships promote resilience in the face of novel physical challenges. They found that belonging to multiple groups was associated with faster heart rate recovery for novice bobsleigh, luge, and skeleton athletes (Study 1) and that the salience of a greater number of group memberships led to greater endurance on a cold-pressor task (Study 2). Importantly, these effects were unchanged when controlling for individual differences in responses to the challenge, challenge perceptions, and group membership importance. The authors argue that multiple group memberships reflect an important psychological resource from which individuals draw strength when faced with life challenges and speculate as to the mechanisms underlying this effect.

Effects of streptococcal cell wall fragments on phagocytosis and tissue culture cells

Group A streptococcal cell wall fragments inhibited phagocytosis of unrelated particles by rabbit polymorphonuclear leukocytes and inhibited the growth of rabbit kidney cells in vitro. Activity was associated with the mucopeptide moiety. Whole streptococci or the cytoplasmic fraction were less effective than cell wall fragments. The cell wall fragments of group D streptococci, Bacillus megaterium, and Escherichia coli were inactive. The inhibition of phagocytosis illustrates one way in which microbial components may influence the immune response. The toxicity for tissue cultures of rabbit kidney cell monolayers was greatest during the phase of active cell division. This appears to be a direct toxic effect of cell wall fragments on mammalian cells and may be related to the in vivo injury previously reported for streptococcal cell walls.

Production of shelf-stable ranch dressing using high-pressure processing

High-pressure processing (HPP) can reduce or eliminate microorganisms of concern in food without deteriorating product quality; however, quality benefits must justify the substantial capital investment for the utilization of this technology. HPP is particularly a beneficial preservation technology for products damaged by thermal treatments or when product quality could be improved by reformulation to raise pH or eliminate chemical preservatives. The primary objectives of this study were to determine the efficacy of HPP to protect premium ranch dressing (pH 4.4) from microbial spoilage and to assess changes in physical, chemical, and sensory attributes throughout the product's shelf life. In inoculated-packages studies, the efficacy of HPP was measured against ranch dressing spoilage organisms: Pediococcus acidilactici, Lactobacillus brevis, and Torulaspora delbrueckii. HPP treatment (600 MPa, 3 min) decreased population of P. acidilactici, the most pressure-resistant spoilage organism tested, by >or= 6.4 log CFU/g. During a shelf-life study of edible product, treating ranch dressing at 600 MPa for 5 min effectively prevented microbial spoilage throughout the storage period (26 wk at 4 and 26 degrees C). The pH and emulsion stability of ranch dressing were not adversely influenced by HPP. Extended storage of HPP product for 16 to 26 wk at 26 degrees C resulted in a decrease in consumer acceptance and significant changes in color and organic acid profile (specifically, increased pyroglutamic acid). These changes were consistent with those expected during extended storage of commercially available products. HPP may be used to produce premium ranch dressing, with defined shelf-life and storage conditions, without significantly changing product attributes.

Long-term follow-up after non-myeloablative transplant of bone and marrow in BXSB mice

We present long-term outcomes of BXSB mice after non-myeloablative bone marrow transplants using major histocompatability complex (MHC)-matched cells. Groups differed in sources of donor lymphocytes or mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC). Unfractionated marrow cells from green fluorescent protein (GFP) transgenic (Tg) mice (BMT group) or from RAG1−/− B6 mice (RAG group) were injected intravenously (i.v.) into irradiated (550 cGy) hosts. As a source of mesenchymal cells, bone chips from GFP-Tg were injected intraperitoneally alone (MSC group) or along with i.v. bone marrow cells (BMT + MSC group). Controls were untreated mice (UnTx) or mice exposed to radiation only (Rad Cont). At 62 weeks post-transplant, surviving mice were harvested for histopathology, flow cytometry and real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The mice from BMT + MSC group had the best outcomes for survival rates (71.4% vs. 43.8%), renal scores (2.9% vs. 28.8% glomerular sclerosis) and percent splenic monocytes (4.2 vs. 11.3%) compared with mice from Rad Cont. Improvement in RAG and BMT groups was less prominent but were comparable with one another. Although MSC alone were not sufficient to control the renal pathology, it limited the expansion of CD4−CD8− T cell populations without a change in Foxp3 expression. The results suggest the importance of the innate immune system in disease pathogenesis and a role for MSC in immunomodulation.

FTIR spectroscopic analysis of sputum: preliminary findings on a potential novel diagnostic marker for COPD

COPD is a common, progressively disabling disease and a major health burden worldwide. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy provides for sensitive analysis of complex biological samples. COPD pathogenesis involves quantitative and qualitative changes in sputum biosynthesis. This first study explores whether FTIR can produce distinct spectral profiles of human sputum, and capture differences between COPD and health. Sputum obtained from 15 COPD patients and 15 healthy volunteers was analysed using FTIR spectroscopy; differences in peak positions, height and configuration were identified and measured. All samples gave reproducible characteristic IR absorption spectra. The most relevant regions identified were the amide and glycogen rich regions, showing crucial spectral differences between health and COPD relating to peak position shifts or intensity alteration. These novel preliminary findings support further exploration of FTIR sputum profiling in a clinical study to determine its potential as a practical method for monitoring COPD.

Classification of macroalgae as fuel and its thermochemical behaviour

A preliminary classification of five macroalgae from the British Isles; Fucus vesiculosus, Chorda filum, Laminaria digitata, Fucus serratus, Laminaria hyperborea, and Macrocystis pyrifera from South America, has been presented in terms of a Van Krevelen diagram. The macroalgae have been characterised for proximate and ultimate analysis, inorganic content, and calorific value. The different options for thermal conversion and behaviour under combustion and pyrolysis have been evaluated and compared to several types of terrestrial biomass including Miscanthus, short rotation Willow coppice and Oat straw. Thermal treatment of the macroalgae has been investigated using thermogravimetry (TGA) and pyrolysis-gc-ms. Combustion behaviour is investigated using TGA in an oxidising atmosphere. The suitability of macroalgae for the different thermal processing routes is discussed. Ash chemistry restricts the use of macroalgae for direct combustion and gasification. Pyrolysis produces a range of pentosans and a significant proportion of nitrogen containing compounds. High char yields are produced.

Detection of astrovirus in the faeces of cats with diarrhoea

Examination by electron microscopy of faeces from two separate cases of young cats with diarrhoea revealed the presence of 28 nm viral particles morphologically consistent with an astrovirus. No visible cytopathic effect was observed when the virus was inoculated into a feline kidney cell culture.