Search

Electrodiagnostic (EDX) testing is uncommonly utilized in dogs other than for investigation of disorders of the neuromuscular system. In dogs with diseases affecting the spinal cord or cauda equina, EDX testing can provide functional data complementary to imaging information that together can guide therapeutic and management approaches. Additionally, in some clinical scenarios, EDX testing prior to advanced imaging is integral to identifying if there is spinal cord or cauda equina involvement and can aid in determining the appropriate diagnostic path. This review will outline EDX testing methods that have been reported in dogs relating to the diagnosis, monitoring or prognosis of various conditions affecting the spinal cord and cauda equina. The various tests will be briefly outlined regarding how they are performed and what information is provided. The main focus will be on clinical applications including highlighting situations where EDX testing is useful for differentiating between neurologic and non-neurologic presentations. Additional ways these EDX techniques could be incorporated in the management of diseases of the spinal cord and cauda equina in dogs will be presented. • Electrodiagnostic (EDX) testing can be useful for spinal cord disorders in dogs. • EDX testing can be useful for cauda equina disorders in dogs. • EDX tests combined with advanced imaging can aid in diagnosis of various conditions. • EDX monitoring during spinal surgery might be worthy of further development in dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The underwater treadmill (UWTM) is utilized in dogs recovering from thoracolumbar intervertebral disc extrusion (TL-IVDE). Gait scoring is validated for dogs with TL-IVDE walking on the land treadmill (LT) but has not been reported for the UWTM. Our objective was to investigate if LT gait analysis could be applied to the UWTM and if non-ambulatory dogs walking unassisted on the UWTM, at a standardized water level, would be more likely to generate gait scores compared to on the LT. This was a prospective, observational study in dogs with TL-IVDE managed surigcally. At 0, 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks post-operatively, paired video footage of dogs walking on the LT and UWTM (water level at the greater trochanter) was used to generate 0–100 stepping (SS) and coordination (regularity index, RI) scores. Scores were compared between treadmill type and over time. Twenty dogs were enrolled and seventy-eight paired recordings were available for review. Median gait scores increased over time but did not differ by treadmill type (P = 0.262 for SS, P = 0.533 for RI). Combining SS and RI, more recordings received scores of 0 for the LT (n = 58/156; 37.2 %) compared to the UWTM (n = 44/156; 28.2 %; P = 0.043). Scores of 0, at visits when there was at least movement present at multiple joints, was more common on the LT (n = 11/108; 10.2 %) compared to the UWTM (n = 2/108, 1.9 %; P = 0.026). In dogs recovering from TL-IVDE, LT-based gait scoring was feasible in dogs walking on the UWTM and might complement other gait analysis methods, especially for non-ambulatory dogs. • Objective gait scoring was feasible on the underwater treadmill (UWTM) in dogs. • Gait scores increased over time in dogs walking on land and underwater treadmills. • In dogs with motor function, gait scores of zero were less common on the UWTM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The regular and predictable nature of the tide makes the generation of electricity with a tidal lagoon or barrage an attractive form of renewable energy, yet storm surges affect the total water-level. Here, we present the first assessment of the potential impact of storm surges on tidal-range power. Water-level data (2000–2012) at nine UK tide gauges, where tidal-range energy is suitable for development (e.g. Bristol Channel), was used to predict power. Storm surge affected annual resource estimates −5% to +3%, due to inter-annual variability, which is lower than other sources of uncertainty (e.g. lagoon design); therefore, annual resource estimation from astronomical tides alone appears sufficient. However, instantaneous power output was often significantly affected (Normalised Root Mean Squared Error: 3%–8%, Scatter Index: 15%–41%) and so a storm surge prediction system may be required for any future electricity generation scenario that includes large amounts of tidal-range generation. The storm surge influence to tidal-range power varied with the electricity generation strategy considered (flooding tide only, ebb-only or dual; both flood and ebb), but with some spatial and temporal variability. The flood-only strategy was most affected by storm surge, mostly likely because tide-surge interaction increases the chance of higher water-levels on the flooding tide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When selecting suitable sites for tidal stream energy arrays a wide range of factors must be considered, from the magnitude of the tidal stream resource, to realistic oceanographic conditions. Previous computational and laboratory-scale investigations into the impact of waves upon tidal turbines (such as turbine blade loadings) and turbine arrays (such as array configuration) typically assume that waves propagate “ inline ” to the tidal current (waves following or waves opposing the tidal current with a 20° tolerance limit). We investigated the wave climate at typical tidal stream energy sites across the British Isles. The wave climate was simulated at 18 sites using a 7-year (2005–2011) SWAN wave model simulation of the northwest European shelf seas. The principal semi-diurnal lunar constituent (M2) was also estimated at these sites using the three-dimensional ROMS tidal model. A significant proportion of the wave climate (between 49% and 93% of the time), including extreme wave events (>10 m wave heights), was found to be propagating in a direction which was “oblique” to the major axis of tidal flow (i.e. waves which propagate at an angle to the tidal current with a 20° tolerance limit) at all 18 selected sites. Furthermore, the average “ inline ” wave climate was 2.25 m less in height and 2 s less in wave period in comparison to the oblique wave climate. To understand the direct effect of waves upon the tidal stream resource, the dynamically wave-tide coupled COAWST modelling system was applied to an idealized headland case study, which represented the typical tide and wave conditions expected at first generation tidal stream energy sites. Waves were found to alter the simulated tidal velocity profile, which, because tidal stream power is proportional to velocity cubed, reduced the theoretical resource by 10% for every metre increase in wave height ( R 2 94% with 22 degrees of freedom ) – depending upon wave period and direction. Our research indicates that wave angle should be considered when quantifying the impact of waves upon tidal turbines, such as computational fluid dynamic (CFD) studies, or laboratory-scale experiments of wake characteristics and turbine fatigue loading. Further, dynamically coupled tide-wave models may be necessary for a thorough resource assessment, since the complex wave-tide interaction affected the tidal resource; however, in situ observations of tidal velocity profiles during a range of wave events will be essential in validating such modelling approaches in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Obesity surgery is associated with improvement in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Our aim was to examine the effects of biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) on the body mass index, fasting insulin level, glucose level, and insulin resistance in morbidly obese subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The setting was the Department of Surgery, Morriston Hospital (Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom). Methods: A total of 13 morbidly obese patients (7 BPD, 6 LAGB) underwent serial measurements of fasting glucose and insulin at baseline, immediately after surgery (days 1–7), and 1, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. The homeostasis model of assessment–insulin resistance was calculated. Results: In the BPD group, the glucose levels had normalized by day 3 (5.6 ± 1 mmol/L) and the difference was statistically significant at 6 and 12 months postoperatively (5 ± .7 and 4.4 ± .5 mmol/L, respectively). The insulin levels had improved from day 1, and the difference was statistically significant at days 2, 5, 6, and 7 (19 ± 9, 14.2 ± 7, 15.2 ± 8, and 17.4 ± 8 mU/L, respectively). All diabetes medications were stopped on the fourth postoperative day. In the LAGB group, no statistically significant changes were seen in the glucose levels. Statistically significant changes in insulin were seen on days 1 and 2 (19 ± 13 and 13 ± 6.5 mU/L, respectively). The homeostatic model of assessment–insulin resistance had improved in both groups (BPD, 1.6 ± 1.2, P < .01; and LAGB, 4.3 ± 1.4, P < .05). Conclusion: BPD causes immediate remission of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Leptin might play an important role in the early improvement of insulin resistance in fasting states after BPD. In the LAGB group, glucose homeostasis improved, but the patients still required diabetes medications, although the dosages were reduced. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The scaling (fractal) characteristics of electrocardiograms (ECG) provide information complementary to traditional linear measurements (heart rate, repolarisation rate etc.) allowing them to discriminate signal changes induced pathologically or pharmacologically. Under such interventions scaling behaviour is described by multiple local scaling exponents and the signal is termed multifractal. Exercise testing is used extensively to quantify and monitor cardiorespiratory health, yet to our knowledge there has been no previous multifractal investigation of exercise-induced changes in heart rate dynamics. Ambulatory ECGs were acquired from eight healthy participants. Linear descriptive statistics and a parameterisation of multifractal singularity spectra were determined for inter-beat (RR) and intra-beat (QT) time-series before and after exercise. Multivariate analyses of both linear and multifractal measures discriminated between pre- and post-exercise periods and proportionally more significant correlations were observed between linear than between multifractal measures. Variance was more uniformly distributed over the first three principal components for multifractal measures and the two classes of measures were uncorrelated. Order and phase randomisation of the time-series indicated that both sample distribution and correlation properties contribute to multifractalilty. This exploratory study indicates the possibility of using physical exercise in conjunction with multifractal methodology as an adjunctive description of autonomically mediated modulation of heart rate. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Sea Ice Mass Balance in the Antarctic (SIMBA) experiment was conducted from the RVIB N.B. Palmer in September and October 2007 in the Bellingshausen Sea in an area recently experiencing considerable changes in both climate and sea ice cover. Snow and ice properties were observed at 3 short-term stations and a 27-day drift station (Ice Station Belgica, ISB) during the winter–spring transition. Repeat measurements were performed on sea ice and snow cover at 5 ISB sites, each having different physical characteristics, with mean ice (snow) thicknesses varying from 0.6m (0.1m) to 2.3m (0.7m). Ice cores retrieved every five days from 2 sites and measured for physical, biological, and chemical properties. Three ice mass-balance buoys (IMBs) provided continuous records of snow and ice thickness and temperature. Meteorological conditions changed from warm fronts with high winds and precipitation followed by cold and calm periods through four cycles during ISB. The snow cover regulated temperature flux and controlled the physical regime in which sea ice morphology changed. Level thin ice areas had little snow accumulation and experienced greater thermal fluctuations resulting in brine salinity and volume changes, and winter maximum thermodynamic growth of ∼0.6m in this region. Flooding and snow–ice formation occurred during cold spells in ice and snow of intermediate thickness. In contrast, little snow–ice formed in flooded areas with thicker ice and snow cover, instead nearly isothermal, highly permeable ice persisted. In spring, short-lived cold air episodes did not effectively penetrate the sea ice nor overcome the effect of ocean heat flux, thus favoring net ice thinning from bottom melt over ice thickening from snow–ice growth, in all cases. These warm ice conditions were consistent with regional remote sensing observations of earlier ice breakup and a shorter sea ice season, more recently observed in the Bellingshausen Sea. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ice Station Belgica was commenced in late winter 2007 in the Bellingshausen Sea as part of Sea Ice Mass Balance in Antarctica (SIMBA), an IPY 2007 cruise on the research vessel N.B. Palmer. A primary objective was to build on the work of previous Antarctic drift station experiments to geophysically characterize sea ice in terms of thickness, surface and ice bottom morphology, and ultimately area-unitized mass. A 24 day drift station was established at approximately 70°S and 93°W in mixed first-year and multi-year ice with three geophysical study sites selected on a 5km2 floe. A comprehensive time series assessment of elevation-surveyed transects ranging from 100m to 300m in length included snow surface elevation, snow depth, electromagnetic (EM) profiling, and direct drilling for ice draft and ice freeboard. Additional work included a snow surface morphology characterization of a 100m×300m area between the primary time series EM transects. Correlation of EM ice thicknesses with collocated drilled ice thickness yielded equations for the correction of EM underestimation of thick deformed ice, particularly at pressure ridges. Mean ice thickness from corrected EM was compared to isostatic ice thickness calculated from surface elevation, snow depth, ice freeboard and respective snow, slush, ice, and sea water densities. Results were consistent, with mean ice thicknesses for multi-year ice of 2.35m, 2.34m, and 2.41m, with similar variance, for corrected EM, drilling, and buoyancy methods respectively. Additionally, a mean ice thickness of 2.31m was calculated from ASPeCt observations of the ice field associated with the floe, using the method incorporating mean sail heights and fractional coverage of surface deformities or ridging. Temporal series assessment of ice freeboard indicated a slightly negative mean ice freeboard (<0.04m), with clear evidence of new snow-ice formation from the freezing of slush. The three distinct snow and ice regions assessed on the Belgica floe had mean corrected EM ice thickness of 0.52±0.04m (±1 std. deviation), 0.92±0.17m, and 2.35±1.37m, and mean snow depths of 0.08±0.03m, 0.36±0.09m, and 0.68±0.31m respectively. Each ice type represented a sizable fraction of the floe''s total area (∼20%, 40%, and 40% respectively from visual estimates) reflecting a complex dynamic and thermodynamic history of formation, as well as the difficulty in characterizing even a single floe by a single class or mean value for thickness and snow depth. Implications of these results are discussed with regards to the resolution of satellite-based altimetry and snow depth products and efforts to generate and validate satellite sea ice and snow thickness products. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Heart rate variability (HRV) analysis of beat-to-beat RR interval data was performed in 11 asymptomatic young male subjects during a progressive bicycle exercise test. RR interval data (Polar S810) and breath-by-breath respiratory data (rate, minute ventilation and oxygen uptake) (Oxycon Pro) were simultaneously recorded throughout exercise. ‘Ventilation per second’ was defined as , the change (from the previous epoch) in ventilatory volume per second. Power spectral analysis quantified power distribution of RR data within the bandwidths 0.04–0.15Hz (LF), 0.15–0.4Hz (HF0.4), 0.15–1.0Hz (HF1.0), 0.15–2.0Hz (HF2.0) and 0.15 to (). Absolute powers within the LF and all HF bandwidths decreased continuously throughout exercise (exercise intensity range 18±1 to 81±1% ). At mild-to-moderate exercise intensities (18±1 to 55±1% ) there were no significant differences between the LF/HF ratios calculated using each of the band-limited HF components. However, at moderate-to-high intensities (64±1 to 81±1% ) there was a significant difference between LF/HF0.4 and the LF/HF ratios calculated using each of the broader HF bandwidths (P <0.05). In addition, LF/HF1.0 was significantly greater than both LF/HF2.0 and LF/ at the highest exercise intensity (81±1% ). These results suggest that the upper HF bandwidth limit should be extended to dynamically match when quantifying HRV during moderate-to-high intensity exercise. When the simultaneous recording of respiratory data is not practical, an HF bandwidth upper limit of 2.0Hz would be an appropriate choice. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Patients with asthma have exaggerated bronchoconstriction of their airways in response to certain indirect (e.g. cold air, allergens, dust, exercise) or direct (e.g. inhaled methacholine) stimuli. This ‘hyper-reactivity’ usually co-exists with airway inflammation, although the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying these changes are not fully understood. It is likely that this hyper-reactivity is associated with abnormal autonomic nervous system (ANS) control. In particular, the parasympathetic (vagal) component of the ANS appears to be implicated in the pathogenesis of asthma. In addition, several studies have suggested the existence of differential alteration in ANS function following exercise in asthmatics compared with non-asthmatic individuals. Several early studies suggested that the altered autonomic control of airway calibre in asthma might be reflected by a parallel change in heart rate. Cardiac vagal reactivity does indeed appear to be increased in asthma, as demonstrated by the cardiac response to various autonomic functions tests. However, other studies have reported a lack of association between bronchial and cardiac vagal tone, and this is in accord with the concept of system-independent ANS control. This review provides a discussion of cardiovascular–autonomic changes associated with either the pathophysiology of asthma per se or with asthma pharmacotherapy treatment. Previous investigations are summarised suggesting an apparent association between altered autonomic–cardiovascular control and bronchial asthma. The full extent of autonomic dysfunction, and its clinical implications, has yet to be fully determined and should be the subject of future investigation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: Multi-lead ambulatory ECG recording offers recognised advantages for ventricular depolarisation–repolarisation (QT) interval analysis, especially during physical exercise. However, data are usually reported for a single lead and do not quantify between-lead variability, leading to possible misinterpretation. The aim of this study was to quantify between-lead agreement for QT recorded during rest and exercise. Method: Nine males and eight females of similar age and aerobic fitness undertook progressive sub-maximal bicycle exercise. A three-lead ECG was recorded continuously during pre-exercise, exercise and recovery. Beat-to-beat cardiac cycle (RR) and QT data were measured for each sinus beat. Bland–Altman analysis was used to quantify between-lead agreement for RR and QT intervals, and the influence of gender was assessed. Results: Mean between-lead bias was significantly (p <10−6) greater for QT compared with RR, and in males the limits of agreement (LOA) for QT was significantly (p <10−6) greater than for RR. Relative to mean parameter values the between-lead LOA for RR was low, with maximal values (% of mean) of 0.1% (male) and 0.3% (female). Paired-lead bias for RR was also relatively low (5.0% and 6.7%), but paired-lead bias for QT (8.3% and 6.9%) and paired-lead LOA for QT (13.1% and 12.8%) were notably larger. Conclusion: The RR interval can be measured with equivalent accuracy and reliability from any ECG lead that demonstrate good signal quality. However, the between-lead bias and LOA for QT interval data should be quantified when reporting results from a multi-lead ambulatory ECG. Interpretation of the results of such studies should take account of between-lead and between-gender QT differences, and should note the physiological conditions during recording. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: It is known that microinjection of galanin (GAL) intraventricularly or in specific hypothalamic sites increases food consumption and, conversely, the intake of food increases the expression of GAL in hypothalamic sites. Ethanol (EtOH) is a calorie-rich food as well as a drug of abuse. The research reviewed here shows that GAL may play a similar role in alcohol intake. First, experiments in which GAL was microinjected into the third ventricle or the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) showed increases in EtOH consumption. The increase in EtOH consumption occurred during both the light and dark cycles after GAL injection in the third ventricle in rats with limited EtOH access. Injection of GAL did not increase food intake in rats that had been chronically drinking alcohol. GAL receptor blockade reversed these increases. Microinjection of GAL directly into the PVN also increased ad libitum EtOH intake and blockade of these receptors in the PVN inhibited ad libitum EtOH consumption. Secondly, rats administered EtOH showed increases in GAL in the PVN and related hypothalamic sites. EtOH injection and voluntary intake, both ad libitum and limited access, increased GAL gene and peptide expression in the PVN consistently across administration procedures. These experiments show that GAL injection increases alcohol intake and that the intake of alcohol increases GAL, suggesting a positive feedback relationship between alcohol intake and specific hypothalamic GAL systems. Such a relationship may contribute to the motivation to consume excessive alcoholic beverages and the development of alcohol dependence. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Proliferative changes in the normal breast are known to be controlled by female sex steroids. However, only a portion of all breast cancer patients respond to current estrogen based endocrine therapy, and with continued treatment nearly all will become unresponsive and experience relapse. Therefore, ultimately for the majority of breast carcinomas, explanations and treatments based on estrogen are inadequate. Recent observations indicate that 5α-pregnane and 4-pregnene progesterone metabolites may serve as regulators of estrogen-responsive as well as unresponsive human breast cancers. The conversion of progesterone to the 5α-pregnanes is increased while conversion to the 4-pregnenes is decreased in breast carcinoma tissue, as a result of changes in progesterone metabolizing 5α-reductase, 3α-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase (3α-HSO) and 20α-HSO activities and gene expression. The 5α-pregnane, 5α-pregnane-3,20-dione (5αP) stimulates, whereas the 4-pregnene, 3α-hydroxy-4-pregnen-20-one (3αHP), inhibits cell proliferation and detachment, by modulation of cytoskeletal and adhesion plaque molecules via the MAP kinase pathway and involving separate and specific plasma membrane-based receptors. The promotion of breast cancer appears to be related to changes in in situ concentrations of cancer-inhibiting and cancer-promoting progesterone metabolites. New diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities for breast cancer are suggested. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Presents a study that determined the effects prepartum antibiotic treatment of heifers on milk production and milk quality. Method of the study; Results and discussion; Conclusion.

The majority of tidal energy convertors (TECs) currently under development are of a non-yawing horizontal axis design. However, most energetic regions that have been identified as candidate sites for installation of TEC arrays exhibit some degree of directional and magnitude asymmetry between incident flood and ebb flow angles and velocities, particularly in nearshore environments where topographic, bathymetric and seabed frictional effects and interactions are significant. Understanding the contribution of directional and magnitude asymmetry to resource power density along with off axis rotor alignment to flow could influence site selection and help elucidate optimal turbine orientation. Here, 2D oceanographic model simulations and field data were analysed to investigate these effects at potential deployment locations in the Irish Sea; an energetic semi-enclosed shelf sea region. We find that observed sites exhibiting a high degree of asymmetry may be associated with a reduction of over 2% in annual energy yield when deployment design optimisation is ignored. However, at the majority of sites, even in the presence of significant asymmetry, the difference is <0.3%. Although the effects are shown to have less significance than other uncertainties in resource assessment, these impacts could be further investigated and quantified using CFD and 3D modelling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Partitioning of total divalent cations (TDVC) during reverse osmosis (RO), nanofiltration (NF) and ultrafiltration (UF) has been investigated. During RO, there was an increase in TDVC and Ca 2+ , and a reduction in the ethanol stability of RO retentates. During UF of milk at its normal pH, there was an increase in total divalent cations, but only a slight increase in Ca 2+ in the retentate. There was some loss of micellar calcium during UF. However, the ratio of amounts of soluble to total divalent cations in the retentate decreased as concentration factor increased. During NF, a small amount of TDVC was found in the permeate and TDVC rejection was estimated to be about 0.83. During UF of milk, the amount of TDVC in permeate increased significantly as the pH was reduced over the range 6.7–5.1 and the concentration of Ca 2+ also increased both in the retentate and the permeate. However, this was not reversible, as when milk was restored to its original pH, its Ca 2+ remained higher and ethanol stability was lower. In contrast, for whey and for UF permeate, changes in Ca 2+ were reversible, when they were subject to similar pH changes. During UF, TDVC concentration in permeate decreased as temperature increased, due to the lower solubility of calcium phosphate at higher temperature. Ca 2+ in permeate also decreased as UF temperature increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The temperature–time profiles of 22 Australian industrial ultra-high-temperature (UHT) plants and 3 pilot plants, using both indirect and direct heating, were surveyed. From these data, the operating parameters of each plant, the chemical index C ∗, the bacteriological index B ∗ and the predicted changes in the levels of β-lactoglobulin, α-lactalbumin, lactulose, furosine and browning were determined using a simulation program based on published formulae and reaction kinetics data. There was a wide spread of heating conditions used, some of which resulted in a large margin of bacteriological safety and high chemical indices. However, no conditions were severe enough to cause browning during processing. The data showed a clear distinction between the indirect and direct heating plants. They also indicated that degree of denaturation of α-lactalbumin varied over a wide range and may be a useful discriminatory index of heat treatment. Application of the program to pilot plants illustrated its value in determining processing conditions in these plants to simulate the conditions in industrial UHT plants. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Withdrawal from ethanol is aversive. The question is why. As with the withdrawal from morphine, nicotine, diazepam and sugar, the ethanol withdrawal state may involve an increase in nucleus accumbens (NAc) acetylcholine (ACh) causing an alteration of the dopamine (DA)–ACh balance in favor of ACh. Therefore the effects of acute and chronic alcohol (1 gm/kg/day i.p.) treatment on extracellular concentrations of NAc ACh and DA were determined before and after naloxone-precipitated withdrawal. Ethanol initially increased DA to 119% of baseline as measured by microdialysis. This was still the case on the 21st day of ethanol injection when DA increased to 126%. There was no effect of ethanol on ACh. However, naloxone (3 mg/kg s.c.) injected the next day decreased extracellular DA to 83% of baseline and caused a significant rise in ACh to 119%. This state of high ACh combined with low DA may contribute to the aversive aspects of alcohol withdrawal. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The marine renewable energy industry is expanding globally in response to increased energy demands and the desire to curtail greenhouse gas emissions. Within the UK, Wales has the potential for the development of diverse marine renewable technologies, with a strong tidal range resource, areas of high tidal current energy, and a spatially limited wave energy resource. Targets have been set by the Welsh Government to increase the contribution of marine renewable energy to Wales' electricity generation, and the recent introduction of demonstration zones for tidal and wave energy aims to facilitate developers in device deployment. However, uncertainties remain about the potential impacts of devices, particularly for array scale deployments, planned at several sites, and for the extensive structures required to capture the tidal range resource. Here we review present knowledge of potential impacts, including physical, ecological and societal dimensions, and outline research priorities to provide a scientific basis on which to base decisions influencing the trajectory of Welsh marine renewable energy development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Different stabilising salts and calcium chloride were added to raw milk to evaluate changes in pH, ionic calcium, ethanol stability, casein micelle size and zeta potential. These milk samples were then sterilised at 121°C for 15min and stored for 6months to determine how these properties changed. Addition of tri-sodium citrate (TSC) and di-sodium hydrogen phosphate (DSHP) to milk reduced ionic calcium, increased pH and increased ethanol stability in a concentration-dependent fashion. There was relatively little change in casein micelle size and a slight decrease in zeta potential. Sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP) also reduced ionic calcium considerably, but its effect on pH was less noticeable. In contrast, sodium dihydrogen phosphate (SDHP) reduced pH but had little effect on ionic calcium. In-container sterilisation of these samples reduced pH, increased ethanol stability and increased casein micelle size, but had variable effects on ionic calcium; for DSHP and SDHP, ionic calcium decreased after sterilisation but, for SHMP, it remained little changed or increased. Milk containing 3.2mM SHMP and more than 4.5mM CaCl2 coagulated upon sterilisation. All other samples were stable but there were differences in browning, which increased in intensity as milk pH increased. Heat-induced sediment was not directly related to ionic calcium concentration, so reducing ionic calcium was not the only consideration in terms of improving heat stability. After 6months of storage, the most acceptable product, in appearance, was that containing SDHP, as this minimised browning during sterilisation and further development of browning during storage. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper reports a technique for measuring the calibrating resistive input torque of a micro counter and gearbox assembly. The technique presented uses a hairspring (with a quantifiable output torque) to drive the input shaft to a mechanical counter and gearbox assembly in order to determine its resistive torque. The angular displacement of this spring, a parameter needed to compute the torque, is measured using a combination of a laser diode and a monolithic one-dimensional position sensitive device (PSD). This study includes the steps undertaken to develop it from a concept to functional prototype and interpretation of the results it yields. Tests show that in principle the use of a hairspring and PSD is a viable method of measuring micro-torque. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]