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Ambiguity over the Eocene opening times of the Tasman Gateway and Drake Passage makes it difficult to determine the initiation time of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current. If the Tasman Gateway opened later than Drake Passage, then Australia may have prevented the proto‐ACC from forming. Recent modeling results have shown that only a relatively weak circumpolar transport results under Eocene surface forcing. This leads to warm and buoyant coastal water around Antarctica, which may impede the formation of deep waters and convective processes. This suggests that a change in deep water formation might be required to increase the density contrast across the Southern Ocean and increase circumpolar transport. Here we use a simple reduced gravity model with two basins, to represent the Atlantic and the Pacific. This fixes the density difference between surface and deep water and allows us to isolate the impact of deep water formation on circumpolar transport. With no obstacle on the southern boundary the circumpolar current increases its transport from 82.3 to 270.0 Sv with deep water formation. Placing an Antipodean landmass on the southern boundary reduces this transport as the landmass increases in size. However, circumpolar flow north of this landmass remains a possibility even without deep water formation. Weak circumpolar transport continues until the basin is completely blocked by the Antipodes. When the Antipodes is instead allowed to split from the southern boundary, circumpolar transport recovers to its unobstructed value. Flow rapidly switches to south of the Antipodes when the gateway is narrow. Key Points: Deep water formation in the Southern Ocean enhances Antarctic Circumpolar Current transportCircumpolar transport is possible even with large obstacles to the flowDeep water formation enables transport north of Australia with a narrow Tasman Gateway [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The NA48/2 experiment at CERN reports the first observation of the K± → π0π0μ±ν decay based on a sample of 2437 candidates with 15% background contamination collected in 2003–2004. The decay branching ratio in the kinematic region of the squared dilepton mass above 0.03 GeV2/c4 is measured to be (0.65 ± 0.03) × 10−6. The extrapolation to the full kinematic space, using a specific model, is found to be (3.45 ± 0.16) × 10−6, in agreement with chiral perturbation theory predictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global stratification and circulation, as well as their sensitivities to changes in forcing, depend crucially on the representation of the mesoscale eddy field in a numerical ocean circulation model. Here, a geometrically informed and energetically constrained parameterization framework for mesoscale eddies—termed Geometry and Energetics of Ocean Mesoscale Eddies and Their Rectified Impact on Climate (GEOMETRIC)—is proposed and implemented in three-dimensional channel and sector models. The GEOMETRIC framework closes eddy buoyancy fluxes according to the standard Gent–McWilliams scheme but with the eddy transfer coefficient constrained by the depth-integrated eddy energy field, provided through a prognostic eddy energy budget evolving with the mean state. It is found that coarse-resolution models employing GEOMETRIC display broad agreement in the sensitivity of the circumpolar transport, meridional overturning circulation, and depth-integrated eddy energy pattern to surface wind stress as compared with analogous reference calculations at eddy-permitting resolutions. Notably, eddy saturation—the insensitivity of the time-mean circumpolar transport to changes in wind forcing—is found in the coarse-resolution sector model. In contrast, differences in the sensitivity of the depth-integrated eddy energy are found in model calculations in the channel experiments that vary the eddy energy dissipation, attributed to the simple prognostic eddy energy equation employed. Further improvements to the GEOMETRIC framework require a shift in focus from how to close for eddy buoyancy fluxes to the representation of eddy energetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the collection of ship-based observations, heaving of the vessel may lead to variation in the descent rate of a CTD package. This can result in the package being pulled upward through previously sampled water, leading to difficult to quantify errors due to the complex wake. To reduce this problem to one of manageable stature, we use the simple paradigm of two-dimensional flow past a cylinder. By using a tracer with a gradient along the flow, we quantify the effect of the cylinder on its distribution and the impact of postprocessing. At high Reynolds numbers, over 200, uniform translation leads to a small error in the tracer value. This error is likely negligible at the much higher Reynolds number of the ocean. When the flow is oscillated longitudinally, there are two main sources of error; attached vortices may propagate around the cylinder and/or shed vortices may translate into the path of the cylinder. Postprocessing by removing records from previous pressure levels removes much of the first error, due to it occurring as the package ascends. However, the second source of error is more difficult to remove, due to it occurring when the package is once again descending. In general, results indicate that long-period oscillations are preferable. While the magnitude of the errors are comparable to those from short-period oscillations, they are spread farther apart in time and space and the overall effect is to localize the errors in small regions of the final depth profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An idealized numerical ocean model is used to investigate the sensitivity of the partial pressure of atmospheric carbon dioxide (pCO2) to changes in surface wind stress when mesoscale eddies are permitted in the flow. When wind stress increases, pCO_2 increases, and vice versa. The introduction of mesoscale eddies reduces the overall sensitivity of pCO2 by changing the sensitivity of ocean carbon storage due to the saturation state of carbon dioxide, the net air-sea disequilibrium, soft tissue carbon, and the carbonate pump. However, a full carbon pump decomposition shows different responses for different ocean carbon storage terms. For example, air-sea disequilibrium is actually more sensitive to increased winds at eddy-permitting resolution, whereas soft tissue carbon is much less sensitive to wind changes in an eddy-permitting ocean. Changes in pycnocline depth and the strength of both upper and lower cells of the meridional overturning circulation affect this sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients diagnosed with a life threatening condition like cancer suffer physically, socially and mentally. Their quality of life can be improved by effective communication and good symptom control even when the disease is incurable. Pain is the most common symptom and can be controlled by optimal use of analgesics especially oral morphine if severe. Psychosocial issues like depression and anxiety can be minimized by counseling and use of medicines. Death is more painful than birth but can be minimized by understanding the reality and by honest sharing which will help to minimize unnecessary sufferings. Palliative care is the care of these patients and their family members to make their life comfortable. Modern palliative care has developed around the world since the 1960s and in Nepal, since the beginning of 21st century. Much remains to be done before palliative care can be an integrated part of health care in Nepal. In this context gynaecologist having knowledge and skills in palliative care, have an important role in improving the quality of life of patients with life threatening conditions and their family members. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To synthesize evidence of family members recognizing that their relative is likely to die within the year, and identifying the need for palliative care.Design: A meta-ethnography of studies of family members in multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s disease (PD) and motor neuron disease (MND).Review methods: Systematic search in electronic databases; thematic synthesis guided by the principles of meta-ethnography, which is a method for thematic synthesis of qualitative studies.Results: Nine articles were included. The results of the synthesis identified two key themes. First, family members are intimately aware of changes in their relative’s health and well-being. Sub-themes include family member awareness of different and progressive stages of the disease, noticing deterioration, noticing decline in functional abilities and recognizing that their relative will die. The second key theme is dilemmas of being involved in prognostication. Sub-themes include family member ambivalence toward hearing about prognostication, health professionals not being knowledgeable of the disease and family reluctance to receive palliative care.Conclusions: Family members monitor and recognize changes in their relative with PD, MND and MS and in themselves. Thus, drawing on the expertise of family members may be a useful tool for prognostication. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Conical convergent-divergent (CCD) nozzles represent an important category of supersonic jet-engine nozzles which require variable throat areas and variable exit areas to adapt to a range of operating conditions. CCD nozzles with design Mach numbers of 1.3, 1.5, and 1.65 are examined experimentally over a range of fully expanded Mach numbers from 1.22 to 1.71. The characteristics of the flow and acoustic fields from these nozzles are explored. Shadowgraph, Particle Image Velocimetry, far-field and near-field acoustic surveys are presented. Results of a Monotonically Integrated Large Eddy Simulation are presented for the Mach 1.5 nozzle at an underexpanded condition. The agreement between simulations and measurements is excellent. It is shown that these nozzles differ from traditional smoothly contoured method-of-characteristics nozzles in that they never achieve a shock free condition. Furthermore it is shown that these nozzles produce a 'double diamond' pattern in which two sets of shock diamonds are generated with an axial displacement between them. The cause of this phenomenon is explored. It is further shown that as a consequence they are never free from shock-associated noise even when operated at perfect expansion. In spite of this difference, it is found that CCD nozzles behave like traditional convergent-divergent nozzles in that they produce the same shock-cell size, broadband shock-associated noise peak frequency, and screech frequency as traditional convergent-divergent nozzles. The apparent source regions for mixing noise, broadband shock associated noise and screech are all similar to those from traditional convergent-divergent nozzles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on the measurement of the direct emission (DE) and interference (INT) terms of the K±→ π± π0 γ decay by the NA48/2 experiment at the CERN SPS. From the data collected during 2003 and 2004 about 600k such decay candidates have been selected. The relative amounts of DE and INT with respect to the internal bremsstrahlung (IB) contribution have been measured in the range $0±→ π± π0 γ decays, thus allowing the normalised electric and magnetic amplitudes to be measured, giving X E=(−24±6) GeV−4, and X M=(254±9) GeV−4. In addition, a limit on the CP violating asymmetry in the K+ and K− branching ratios for this channel has been determined to be less than 1.5×10−3 at 90% confidence level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Zoonoses Action Plan (ZAP) Salmonella Programme was established by the British Pig Executive to monitor Salmonella prevalence in quality-assured British pigs at slaughter by testing a sample of pigs with a meat juice enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for antibodies against group B and C1 Salmonella. Farms were assigned a ZAP level (1 to 3) depending on the monitored prevalence, and ZAP 2 or 3 farms were required to act to reduce the prevalence. The ultimate goal was to reduce the risk of human salmonellosis attributable to British pork. A mathematical model has been developed to describe the ZAP sampling protocol. Results show that the probability of assigning a farm the correct ZAP level was high, except for farms that had a seroprevalence close to the cutoff points between different ZAP levels. Sensitivity analyses identified that the probability of assigning a farm to the correct ZAP level was dependent on the sensitivity and specificity of the test, the number of batches taken to slaughter each quarter, and the number of samples taken per batch. The variability of the predicted seroprevalence was reduced . as the number of batches or samples increased and, away from the cutoff points, the probability of being assigned the correct ZAP level increased as the number of batches or samples increased. In summary, the model described here provided invaluable insight into the ZAP sampling protocol. Further work is required to understand the impact of the program for Salmonella infection in British pig farms and therefore on human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the results from a study of the full sample of ∼6.031×107 K±→ π± π0 π0 decays recorded by the NA48/2 experiment at the CERN SPS. As first observed in this experiment, the π0 π0 invariant mass ( M00) distribution shows a cusp-like anomaly in the region around M00=2 m+, where m+ is the charged pion mass. This anomaly has been interpreted as an effect due mainly to the final state charge exchange scattering process π+ π−→ π0 π0 in K±→ π± π+ π− decay. Fits to the M00 distribution using two different theoretical formulations provide the presently most precise determination of a0− a2, the difference between the π π S-wave scattering lengths in the isospin I=0 and I=2 states. Higher-order π π rescattering terms, included in the two formulations, allow also an independent, though less precise, determination of a2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel polyester, poly(glycerol-adipate-co- ω-pentadecalactone) (PGA-co-PL), was conjugated with a model drug, ibuprofen, through the free hydroxyl groups of the former and the free carboxyl group of the latter at various levels of substitution. The conjugated material was processed into microspheres by both emulsion solvent evaporation and spray-drying methods. Samples of conjugated material were also blended with non-conjugated drug and the microspheres produced were evaluated by various methods. Morphologically, the microspheres produced were satisfactory. However, there was some initial burst drug release from all samples, probably due to the presence of non-conjugated drug. Subsequent drug release was very slow due to the relative stability of the covalent bonding of the drug–polyester conjugate. Stability tests showed that storage at high relative humidity resulted in increased burst release. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Improving quality of end-of-life care is a key driver of UK policy. The Gold Standards Framework (GSF) for Palliative Care aims to strengthen primary palliative care through facilitating implementation of systematic clinical and organisational processes. Objectives: To describe the general practices that participated in the GSF programme in 2003–5 and the changes in process and perception of quality that occurred in the year following entry into the programme, and to identify factors associated with the extent of change. Methods: Participating practices completed a questionnaire at baseline and another approximately 12 months later. Data were derived from categorical questions about the implementation of 35 organisational and clinical processes, and self-rated assessments of quality, associated with palliative care provision. Participants: 1305 practices (total registered population almost 10 million). Follow-up questionnaire completed by 955 (73.2%) practices (after mean (SD) 12.8 (2.8) months; median 13 months). Findings: Mean increase in total number of processes implemented (maximum = 35) was 9.6 (95% CI 9.0 to 10.2; p<0.001; baseline: 15.7 (SD 6.4), follow-up: 25.2 (SD 5.2)). Extent of change was largest for practices with low baseline scores. Aspects of process related to coordination and communication showed the greatest change. All dimensions of quality improved following GSF implementation; change was highest for the “quality of palliative care for cancer patients” and “confidence in assessing, recording and addressing the physical and psychosocial areas of patient care”. Conclusion: Implementation of the GSF seems to have resulted in substantial improvements in process and quality of palliative care. Further research is required of the extent to which this has enhanced care (physical, practical and psychological outcomes) for patients and carers. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Ibuprofen was conjugated at different levels to a novel polyester, poly(glycerol-adipate-co-ω-pentadecalactone) (PGA-co-PL), via an ester linkage to form a prodrug. The conjugates were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), infrared (IR), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), ultraviolet (UV), and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The conjugates had a molecular weight between 18 and 24 kDa, and there was a suppression of the free hydroxyl groups within the conjugated polymer. DSC scans showed a lowering of the melting point (Tm) when compared with the polyester alone and a difference in the number and area of Tm peaks. Drug release studies showed an initial burst release (13-18%) followed thereafter by very slow release (maximum 35% after 18 days). Continuous work may produce ester-linked conjugates that are sufficiently labile to allow for complete release of ibuprofen over the time period studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: High quality end-of-life care in the community is achieved with effective multidisciplinary teamwork, interprofessional communication between GPs and district nurses, and early referral of patients to district nurses. These aspects of palliative care are highlighted in the Gold Standards Framework, a programme recently established in UK primary care.Aim: To investigate the extent to which the framework influences interprofessional relationships and communication, and to compare GPs' and nurses' experiences.Design Of Study: Qualitative interview case study.Setting: Fifteen participating practices from three primary care trusts in England.Method: Thirty-eight semi-structured interviews were undertaken with GPs, district nurses, Macmillan nurses, and framework facilitators.Results: Adoption of the framework often resulted in earlier referral of palliative care patients to district nurses. Multidisciplinary team meetings enabled communication for sharing knowledge, discussing management problems, and keeping colleagues informed; however, arranging and maintaining such meetings was often problematic. Nurses particularly valued formal meetings while GPs generally preferred informal ad hoc dialogue. GPs largely maintained control of the mode of multidisciplinary working. The best functioning teams used a mixture of formal and informal meetings with a relatively non-hierarchical working style.Conclusion: Implementing the framework enabled processes of communication associated with high quality palliative care in general practice, but there was marked variation in how this worked in individual teams. In general, hierarchical doctor-nurse relationships persisted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: It is estimated that 8% of cancer patients could benefit from advanced pain management techniques; some 12 000 patients per year in the UK. In 2002, Linklater et al. surveyed palliative medicine consultants to assess their access and attitude to such techniques, finding under-utilization with a lack of formal arrangements for referral. We report a survey of pain specialist anaesthetists on the same topic. Method: Postal questionnaire survey of lead anaesthetists in UK pain clinics. Results: 106 responses were received from 170 questionnaires sent (62%). Referral rates from palliative medicine to pain clinics were low; only 31% of respondents received more than 12 per year. Joint consulting arrangements were rare, but were associated with more referrals. Only 25% of anaesthetists' job plans had time allocated for palliative medicine referrals, but where present this correlated positively with referrals received (P<0.002). Total interventions were estimated at less than 1000 per year. Discussion: There is evidence of under-referral of patients for advanced pain management procedures with a lack of integrated services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Measured ratios of decay rates for ${\mathcal{R}}_{K e 3 / K2\pi}$ , ${\mathcal{R}}_{K \mu3 / K2\pi}$ and ${\mathcal{R}}_{K \mu3 / Ke3}$ are presented. These measurements are based on K± decays collected in a dedicated run in 2003 by the NA48/2 experiment at CERN. The results obtained are ${\mathcal{R}}_{K e 3 / K2\pi} = 0.2496\pm0.0009 ({\text{stat}})\pm0.0004 ({\text{syst}})$ and ${\mathcal{R}}_{K \mu3 / K2\pi} = 0.1637\pm0.0006 ({\text{stat}})\pm0.0003 ({\text{syst}})$ . Using the PDG average for the K±→π±π0 normalisation mode, both values are found to be larger than the current values given by the particle data book and lead to a larger magnitude of the |Vus| CKM element than previously accepted. When combined with the latest particle data book value of |Vud|, the result is in agreement with unitarity of the CKM matrix. In addition, a new measured value of ${\mathcal{R}}_{K \mu3 / Ke3} = 0.656\pm0.003({\text{stat}})\pm0.001({\text{syst}})$ is compared to the semi-empirical predictions based on the latest form factor measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The KL → π+π-e+e- and KS → π+π-e+e- decay modes have been studied in detail using the NA48 detector at the CERN SPS. Based on the data collected during the 1998 and 1999 run periods, a sample of 1162 KL → π+π-e+e- candidates has been observed with an expected background level of 36.9 events, yielding the branching ratio measurement BR(KL → π+π-e+e- = (3.08 ± 0.20) × 10-7. The distribution of events in the sinφ cosφ variable, where φ is the angle between the π+π- and the e+e- decay planes in the kaon centre of mass, is found to exhibit a large CP-violating asymmetry with the value Aφ (14.2 ± 3.6)%. For the KS → π+π-e+e- decay channel, 621 candidates have been identified in the 1999 data sample with an estimated background contribution of 0.7 event. The corresponding branching ratio has been determined to be BR(KS → π+π-e+e-) (4.71 ± 0.32) × 10-5. The combined value of this measurement with the published 1998 result is BR(KS → π+π-e+e-) (4.69 ± 0.30) × 10-5. No asymmetry is observed in this decay mode. Our results are in good agreement with theoretical predictions based on a phenomenological description of radiative kaon decays. The form factor parameters a1 /a2 and gMl in the KL → π+π-e+e- direct emission process as well as the value of the K0 charge radius have been extracted from the data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microspheres of fixed poly(D,L-lactic acid) (PDLLA) composition Resomer R104:R202H (30:70) containing 20% w/w rifampicin have been spray-dried from a range of acetonic, halogenated, and solvent mixtures thereof under constant process conditions to examine the influence of solvent selection on microsphere characteristics. Solubility of the polymer composite in the studied solvents determined the kinetics of polymer deposition during drying. Viscosity studies provided an indirect index of solvent power in ascending order: acetone (ACT) < dichloromethane (DCM) < chloroform (CFM) < halothane (HAL). Accordingly, poorer acetonic solvents produced a more open, porous matrix of increased mean diameter, whereas DCM, CFM and HAL generated more coherent matrices of greater density and elevated glass transition temperature, which significantly retarded drug release. Yield generally increased in parallel with solvent strength and microsphere density consistent with the proposed generalized particle formation mechanism. Residual solvent also increased with particle density, both parameters being interrelated and dictated by the inherent affinity of the polymer composite for individual solvents. In turn, the position of glass transition temperature (Tg) and the quantity of associated polymer stressrelaxation were a direct function of amount and persistence of organic residue. The magnitude of these changes determined the relative rates and extents of microsphere ageing, as measured by drug release studies. In general, rate of drug release increased with Tg, after corrections were made for specific surface area (r2=0.963). Overall, solvent choice for spray-drying has a remarkable influence on microsphere characteristics and, accordingly, technological as well as toxicological considerations should be paid during selection of same. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microspheres containing 20% w/w rifampicin (RIF) with smooth morphology have been readily prepared from combinations of low, R104 (Mw, 2000) and moderate, R202H (Mw, 9000), molecular weight poly(D,L-lactide) (PDLLA) as a means to modulate drug release from either polymer when used alone. These have been characterized with respect to their drug loading, granulometry, in vitro drug release and thermal behaviour. Particle size distributions were Gaussian, whereby mean microsphere diameter was found to increase from 2.11 to 2.98mum as the proportion of more viscous R202H increased, whilst >95% of particles were <10mum, irrespective of the polymer blend used. Use of a reduced inlet temperature for spray-drying gave uncharacteristically high production yields in the range of 55.8-80.7% for the process. Encapsulation efficiencies were quantitative with the weight proportion of drug co-dissolved (p < 0.05), yielding microspheres of high and predictable RIF loading. In vitro drug release revealed a dramatic shift in release profile between 40 and 60% R104. Closer examination in this range showed the predicted pattern of increased release rate as the fraction of more hydrophilic R104 increased. However, disproportionate differences were evident between 44 and 48% R104. From the apparent temperature dependent drug release, the criticality of matrix composition was attributed to the coincidence of matrix softening with the dissolution medium temperature and consequent hydration, which, at a finite composition, resulted in a controlled auto-hydration mechanism. Dramatic dependence of release rate with dissolution methodology was accountable to the fact that drug release was considerably quicker where microspheres remained suspended and individualized with the USP paddle method as opposed to aggregated with the shaking bath methodology. In conclusion, the utility of blending racemic PDLLA to modulate drug release and the convenience of spray-drying as a technique to produce microspheres of predictable character have been demonstrated. The temperature-dependent release exhibited may have application in the site-specific delivery of drugs where local increased biochemical activity promotes drug release in response to an increased pharmacological need. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lung tissue samples from Pneumoconiosis Panel cases comprising workers whose deaths were considered to be asbestos-related and from controls exposed to different levels of urban pollution were examined histologically and analysed for mineral fibre content. The Panel cases had on average about 100 times more amphibole fibres in their lungs than the controls, but the amounts of chrysotile were similar. Considering the much greater industrial usage of chrysotile, this points to lower deposition and/or more rapid elimination of chrysotile from the lungs. There was a clear association between asbestosis grade and amphibole, but not chrysotile, content in the Panel cases; the amount of amphibole was similar for those with mesothelioma, those with lung cancer and those with neither of these tumours. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Multiplicity distributions of charged particles produced in non single-diffractive collisions between protons and antiprotons at centre of mass energies of 200 and 900 GeV are presented. The data were recorded in the UA5 streamer chambers at the CERN Collider, which was operated in a pulsed mode between the two energies. A new method to correct for acceptance limitations and inefficiencies based on the principle of maximum entropy has been used. Multiplicity distributions in full phase space and in intervals of pseudorapidity are presented in tabular form. The violation of KNO scaling in full phase space found by the UA5 group at an energy of 546 GeV is confirmed also at 200 and 900 GeV. The shape of the 900 GeV distribution in full phase space is narrower in the peak region than at 200 GeV but exhibits a pronounced high multiplicity tail. The negative binomial distribution fits data at 200 GeV in all pseudorapidity intervals and in small intervals at 900 GeV. In large intervals at 900 GeV, however, the negative binomial distribution. Fits to the partially coherent laser distribution are also presented as well as comparisons with predictions of the Dual Parton, the Fritiof and the Pythia models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present data on photon production in non single-diffractive p $$\bar p$$ -collisions at c.m. energies of 200 and 900 GeV. Besides the general properties of photon production, i.e. pseudorapidity distribution and average multiplicity, we also investigate photon-charged two-particle pseudorapidity and multiplicity correlations. We find for the average number of photons in non single-diffractive p $$\bar p$$ -collisions 22.2±1.4±2.0 at 200 GeV and 41.4±2.1±3.5 at 900 GeV, where the first error is statistical and the second systematic. The analysis of photon-charged particle multiplicity correlations reveals strong positive correlations between the average number of photons and the number of simultaneously produced charged particles, as expected from FNAL and ISR studies and from our result at 546 GeV. We obtain for the correlation slope 0.95±0.08±0.11 at 200 GeV and 1.09±0.09±0.13 at 900 GeV (first error is statistical and the second systematic). The investigation of photon-charged two-particle pseudorapidity correlations shows that these correlations are of short range and compatible with the observed charged two-particle pseudorapidity correlations. These correlations and the results for the average number of photons as a function of the produced number of charged particles favour the conclusion that photon sources other than π s contribute significantly to the observed photon yield in non single-diffractive p $$\bar p$$ -collisions. For example, if all photons are assumed to come from π s and η mesons, a η/π ratio of about 20% is inferred. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A detailed analysis of K production in $$\bar pp$$ |<2.5 the average transverse momentum is found to be 0.53±0.07 GeV/c at 200 GeV and 0.62±0.08 GeV/c at 900 GeV, which is an increase with respect to data at c.m. energies below 60 GeV. The K production cross sections in inelastic collisions are 29±4 mb at 200 GeV and 63±6 mb at 900 GeV, showing an increase compared to lower energy data. The central kaon density is found to increase as a logarithmic function of energy. At 900 GeV, where statistics are sufficient to allow one to draw conclusions, the average transverse momentum is higher in events with large charged multiplicity than in events with low multiplicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present data on two-particle pseudorapidity and multiplicity correlations of charged particles for non single-diffractive $$p\bar p - collisions$$ at c.m. energies of 200, 546 and 900 GeV. Pseudorapidity correlations interpreted in terms of a cluster model, which has been motivated by this and other experiments, require on average about two charged particles per cluster. The decay width of the clusters in pseudorapidity is approximately independent of multiplicity and of c.m. energy. The investigations of correlations in terms of pseudorapidity gaps confirm the picture of cluster production. The strength of forward-backward multiplicity correlations increases linearly with in s and depends strongly on position and size of the pseudorapidity gap separating the forward and backward interval. All our correlation studies can be understood in terms of a cluster model in which clusters contain on average about two charged particles, i.e. are of similar magnitude to earlier estimates from the ISR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cross-sections for diffractive particle production and pseudorapidity distributions of the decay products of diffractive states are presented. The data were obtained with the UA 5 streamer chamber detector at the CERN pp Collider operated in a new pulsed mode yielding pp interactions at c.m. energies of 900 and 200 GeV. Data recorded with a special trigger designed to select a sample of events enriched in single-diffractive interactions clearly favour a p-limited fragmentation of diffractive states. The cross-section for single-diffractive particle production ϊ was found to be 7.8±0.5±1.1 mb at 900 GeV and 4.8±0.5±0.8 mb at 200 GeV (first error statistical, second systematic). From the pseudorapidity distribution of diffractive states we deduce the average number of charged particles to be 6.5±1.0 at 900 GeV and 4.1±1.1 at 200 GeV. Furthermore we report on our estimates for the cross-section of double-diffractive particle production at both Collider energies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the last 10 years our investigations have confirmed that collagen is not the major protein material in the lesions of progressive massive fibrosis of coal workers. In previous studies it was demonstrated that a substance similar in composition to fibrin was an important component in these masses. We report immunohistochemical studies on the lungs of seven coalworkers which show that the complex extracellular material in six of the lesions of massive fibrosis contains fibronectin. Preliminary observations indicate that fibronectin is also present in the lesions of silicosis and asbestosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A measurement of the form factors of charged kaon semileptonic decays is presented, based on 4.4 × 106K± → π0e±νe (Ke3±) and 2.3 × 106K± → π0μ±νμ (Kμ3±) decays collected in 2004 by the NA48/2 experiment. The results are obtained with improved precision as compared to earlier measurements. The combination of measurements in the Ke3± and Kμ3± modes is also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Staff in the community often work alone for at least some of the time, and both employers and employees have responsibilities in ensuring that risks are assessed and controlled and reasonable care is taken to make lone working as safe as possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dave Munday provides an update of MHNA activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to NHS figures, men who are harassed, bullied and abused or who experience violence while at work appear to be less likely to report it than women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Health and safety considerations are sometimes seen as being dull or unhelpful but they play a key role in helping to protect the wellbeing of employees, and there are many opportunities for members to get involved in promoting them at work [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies `out-of-hours' admissions and community support in specialist palliative care units in Great Britain. Current practices relating to admission of patients and specialist advice; Opinions concerning `open access' admissions for general practitioners; Resources implications for the development of such services.