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There are many infectious and inflammatory causes for elevated core-body temperatures, though they rarely pass 40 ℃ (104 ℉). The term "quad fever" is used for extreme hyperpyrexia in the setting of acute cervical spinal cord injuries (SCIs). The traditional methods of treating hyperpyrexia are often ineffective and reported morbidity and mortality rates approach 100%. This study aims to identify the incidence of elevated temperatures in SCIs at our institution and assess the effectiveness of using a non-invasive dry water temperature management system as a treatment modality with mortality.A retrospective analysis of acute SCI patients requiring surgical intensive care unit admission who experienced fevers ≥ 40 ℃ (104 ℉) were compared to patients with maximum temperatures40 ℃. Patients ≥18 years old who sustained an acute traumatic SCI were included in this study. Patients who expired in the emergency department; had a SCI without radiologic abnormality; had neuropraxia; were admitted to any location other than the surgical intensive care unit; or had positive blood cultures were excluded. SAS 9.4 was used to conduct statistical analysis.Over the 9-year study period, 35 patients were admitted to the surgical intensive care unit with a verified SCI. Seven patients experienced maximum temperatures of ≥40 ℃. Six of those patients were treated with the dry water temperature management system with an overall mortality of 57.1% in this subgroup. The mortality rate for the 28 patients who experienced a maximum temperature of ≤ 40 ℃ was 21.4% (p = 0.16).The diagnosis of quad fever should be considered in patients with cervical SCI in the presence of hyperthermia. In this study, there was no significant difference in mortality between quad fever patients treated with a dry water temperature management system versus SCI patients without quad fever. The early use of a dry water temperature management system appears to decrease the mortality rate of quad fever.

This work [NERC Grant Ref: NE/K501244/1] was funded with support from the Biodiversity and Ecosystem Service Sustainability (BESS) programme. BESS is a six-year programme (2011-2017) funded by the UK Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) as part of the UK׳s Living with Environmental Change (LWEC) programme. The work was also supported by the UK Ocean Acidification (UKOA) research programme (Grant no. NE/H017488/1). DMP also received funding from the MASTS pooling initiative (The Marine Alliance for Science and Technology for Scotland) and their support is gratefully acknowledged. MASTS is funded by the Scottish Funding Council (grant reference HR09011) and contributing institutions. In the marine environment, the ecosystem service of Waste Remediation (WR) enables humans to utilise the natural functioning of ecosystems to process and detoxify a large number of waste products and therefore avoid harmful effects on human wellbeing and the environment. Despite its importance, to date the service has been poorly defined in ecosystem service classifications and rarely valued or quantified. This paper therefore addresses a gap in the literature regarding the application of this key, but poorly documented ecosystem service. Here we present a conceptual framework by which the ecosystem service of WR can be identified, placed into context within current ecosystem classifications and assessed. A working definition of WR in the marine context is provided as is an overview of the different waste types entering the marine environment. Processes influencing the provisioning of WR are categorised according to how they influence the input, cycling/detoxification, sequestration/storage and export of wastes, with operational indicators for these processes discussed. Finally a discussion of the wider significance of the service of WR is given, including how we can maximise the benefits received from it. It is noted that many methods used in the assessment, quantification and valuation of the service are currently hampered due to the benefits of the service often not being tangible assets set in the market and/or due to a lack of information surrounding the processes providing the service. Conclusively this review finds WR to be an under researched but critically important ecosystem service and provides a first attempt at providing operational guidance on the long term sustainable use of WR in marine environments. Publisher PDF

The dynamics of supraglacial pond development in the Everest region are not well constrained at a glacier scale, despite their known importance for meltwater storage, promoting ablation, and transmitting thermal energy englacially during drainage events. Here, we use fine-resolution (~ 0.5–2 m) satellite imagery to reveal the spatiotemporal dynamics of 9340 supraglacial ponds across nine glaciers in the Everest region, ~ 2000–2015. Six of our nine study glaciers displayed a net increase in ponded area over their observation periods. However, large inter- and intra-annual changes in ponded area were observed of up to 17% (Khumbu Glacier), and 52% (Ama Dablam) respectively. Additionally, two of the fastest expanding lakes (Spillway and Rongbuk) partially drained over our study period. The Khumbu Glacier is developing a chain of connected ponds in the lower ablation area, which is indicative of a trajectory towards large lake development. We show that use of medium-resolution imagery (e.g. 30 m Landsat) is likely to lead to large classification omissions of supraglacial ponds, on the order of 15–88% of ponded area, and 77–99% of the total number of ponds. Fine-resolution imagery is therefore required if the full spectrum of ponds that exist on the surface of debris-covered glaciers are to be analysed.

This work [NERC Grant Ref: NE/K501244/1] was funded with support from the Biodiversity and Ecosystem Service Sustainability (BESS) programme. BESS is a six-year programme (2011–2017) funded by the UK Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) as part of the UK's Living with Environmental Change (LWEC) programme. This work presents the outcomes of independent research funded by the Natural Environment Research Council through the Biodiversity and Ecosystem Service Sustainability (BESS) programme. DMP also received funding from the MASTS pooling initiative (The Marine Alliance for Science and Technology for Scotland) and their support is gratefully acknowledged. MASTS is funded by the Scottish Funding Council (grant reference HR09011) and contributing institutions. The structure and resilience of benthic communities in coastal and estuarine ecosystems can be strongly affected by human mediated disturbances, such as nutrient enrichment, often leading to changes in a food webs function. In this study, we used the Ecopath model (EwE) to examine two case studies where deliberate management actions aimed at reducing nutrient pollution and restoring ecosystems resulted in ecological recovery. Five mass-balanced models were developed to represent pre and post-management changes in the benthic food web properties of the Tamar (1990, 1992, 2005) and Eden (1999, 2015) estuarine systems (UK). The network functions of interest were measures related to the cycling of carbon, nutrients and the productivity of the systems. Specific attention was given to the trophic structure and cycling pathways within the two ecosystems. The network attribute of ascendency was also examined as a proxy for resilience and used to define safe system-level operating boundaries. The results of the resilience metrics ascendancy (A) and its derivatives capacity (C) and overhead (O) indicate that both systems were more resilient and had higher resistance to potential stressors under low nutrient conditions. The less perturbed networks also cycled material more efficiently, according to Finns cycling index (CI), and longer cycling path lengths were indications of less stressed systems. Relative Ascendency (A/C) also proved useful for comparing estuarine systems of different sizes, suggesting the Tamar and Eden systems network structures have remained within their pre-defined “safe operating zones”. Overall, this analysis presents justification that efforts to reduce nutrient inputs into the Tamar and Eden estuaries have had a positive effect on the trophic networks of each system. Moreover, the consensuses of the network indicators in both systems suggest ecological network analysis (ENA) to be a suitable methodology to compare the recovery patterns of ecosystems of different sizes and complexity. Postprint

The results are reported of a detailed investigation into the photoinduced changes that occur in the capacitance–voltage ( C – V ) response of an organic metal–insulator–semiconductor (MIS) capacitor based on the organic semiconductor poly(3-hexylthiophene), P3HT. During the forward voltage sweep, the device is driven into deep depletion but stabilizes at a voltage-independent minimum capacitance, C min , whose value depends on photon energy, light intensity and voltage ramp rate. On reversing the voltage sweep, strong hysteresis is observed owing to a positive shift in the flatband voltage, V FB , of the device. A theoretical quasi-static model is developed in which it is assumed that electrons photogenerated in the semiconductor depletion region escape geminate recombination following the Onsager model. These electrons then drift to the P3HT/insulator interface where they become deeply trapped thus effecting a positive shift in V FB . By choosing appropriate values for the only disposable parameter in the model, an excellent fit is obtained to the experimental C min , from which we extract values for the zero-field quantum yield of photoelectrons in P3HT that are of similar magnitude, 10 −5 to 10 −3 , to those previously deduced for π -conjugated polymers from photoconduction measurements. From the observed hysteresis we deduce that the interfacial electron trap density probably exceeds 10 16 m −2 . Evidence is presented suggesting that the ratio of free to trapped electrons at the interface depends on the insulator used for fabricating the device.

We report the identification of a novel series of human epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) blockers that are structurally distinct from the pyrazinoyl guanidine chemotype found in prototypical ENaC blockers such as amiloride. Following a rational design hypothesis a series of quaternary amines were prepared and evaluated for their ability to block ion transport via ENaC in human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs). Compound 11 has an IC(50) of 200nM and is efficacious in the Guinea-pig tracheal potential difference (TPD) model of ENaC blockade with an ED(50) of 44μgkg(-1) at 1h. As such, pyrazinoyl quaternary amines represent the first examples of a promising new class of human ENaC blockers.

Achievement of at least “good ecological status” in all waterbodies under the EU Water Framework Directive by 2015 will in some cases be a challenge. The twin challenge is to manage expectations of policy makers for such waterbodies as to a realistic length of time required for improvement in water quality. Hence, understanding the source, transformation processes and residence time of nitrate in a hydrological system is an essential part of meeting such challenges. On a dairy farm with 24 shallow groundwater wells, the dual isotopic composition of nitrate (δ 15 N and δ 18 O) was used to clarify nitrate sources, to assess spatial and temporal variability in nitrate concentrations and to determine if and where denitrification was occurring. Vertical travel time was estimated to correlate nitrate concentrations with management practices. Organically derived nitrogen was the predominant source contributing to groundwater nitrate concentrations. Denitrification was identified as prevalent within specific regions of the study site. The distinct low temporal variability in the isotopic data suggests constancy among nitrate sources and processes over time across the study site. Vertical travel times of up to 3 years were estimated on site indicating the influence of recent management practices on nitrate concentrations. Very slow horizontal migration of groundwater (decades) indicates a legacy of older management practices. Stable isotope techniques, together with an understanding of time lag, provide an extra mechanism to test the efficacy of monitoring and mitigation programmes.

We report the first demonstration of the thermo-mechanical stabilisation of a semi-crystalline organic semiconductor by blending with an insulating polymer binder – an important step towards environmentally-robust solution-processible high performance semi-crystalline organic semi-conductors. In this work, organic thin film transistors (TFTs) were fabricated from 1,4,8,11-tetramethyl-6,13-triethylsilylethynyl pentacene (TMTES-pentacene) either directly or blended with isotactic poly(α-vinyl naphthalene) (iPVN). In measurements over the temperature range 353 K down to 153 K, the TMTES-pentacene devices either failed completely or displayed significantly reduced mobility upon warming to room temperature. On the other hand, TFTs formed from the blend showed little degradation during thermal cycling. Detailed analysis suggested that the saturation mobility was dominated by a parasitic resistance in series with the accumulation channel. We conclude that the resistance is associated with the bulk semiconductor between the source-drain contacts and the channel. Reducing this resistance could lead to significantly improved device performance.

We report the synthesis and biological evaluation of a series of novel α-branched pyrazinoyl quaternary amines for their ability to block ion transport via the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) in human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs). Compound 12 g has an IC(50) of 30 nM and is highly efficacious in the Guinea-pig tracheal potential difference (TPD) model of ENaC blockade with an ED(50) of 1 μg kg(-1) at 1h. In addition the SAR results demonstrate for the first time the chiral nature of the binding site of human ENaC. As such, pyrazinoyl quaternary amines represent a promising new class of ENaC blockers for the treatment of cystic fibrosis that are structurally distinct from the pyrazinoyl guanidine chemotype found in prototypical ENaC blockers such as amiloride.

Circulating vascular endothelial growth factor is not increased during relapses of steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome. Background An uncharacterized circulating factor that increases vascular permeability has previously been described in childhood steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS). The aim of this study was to determine whether this factor is vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), the recently described endothelial cell mitogen and enhancer of vascular permeability. Methods Plasma and urine VEGF levels were measured in children with SSNS in both relapse and remission and in normal age- and sex-matched controls. Semiquantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction studies investigating VEGF mRNA expression were performed on peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from children with SSNS in relapse and controls. In two experimental models (one-hour and three-day follow-up postinfusion), Sprague-Dawley rats were intravenously administered 50 μg rVEGF to determine whether this induced either proteinuria or glomerular histologic change. Results Plasma VEGF levels and urine VEGF/creatinine ratios were not elevated in SSNS relapse compared with remission and control samples. Peripheral blood mononuclear cell VEGF mRNA expression was no different in SSNS patients compared with controls. The administration of VEGF to rats induced an acute reversible fall in systemic blood pressure but did not result in the development of either proteinuria or glomerular histologic change. Conclusion Increased circulating VEGF levels are not responsible for the proteinuria observed during relapses of SSNS. Further studies are warranted to investigate intrarenal VEGF expression.

Prothoracicotropic hormones (PTTHs) stimulate synthesis and secretion of ecdysteroids by insect prothoracic glands. In Manduca sexta, PTTH exists as two size variants, small and big PTTH. Experiments were performed to assess the possible role of cyclic AMP in small PTTH signal transduction. cAMP analogs, or agents that increase intracellular cAMP, stimulated ecdysteroidogenesis. Small PTTH enhanced glandular cAMP levels; the rise in cAMP preceded an increase in ecdysteroid secretion. Prothoracic glands accumulated less cAMP when treated with small PTTH than when treated with big PTTH. A phosphodiesterase inhibitor (1-methyl-3-isobutylxanthine) (MIX) increased the amount of cAMP in glands treated with small but not big PTTH, suggesting that glandular phosphodiesterase activity may be elevated in the presence of small PTTH. PTTH-stimulated ecdysteroid secretion was suppressed by a cAMP antagonist (Rp-cAMPS). The effects of small and big PTTH on ecdysteroidogenesis were non-additive. The combined results suggest that cAMP is employed as a second messenger by both prothoracicotropins, and that there may be subtle differences in their respective mechanisms of action.

The mode of action of the immunosuppressant mitoxantrone was examined in murine models of demyelinating disease. The drug has been shown to block antigen induced proliferative activity and to inhibit myelin degradation by leucocytes from paralysed mice. Mitoxantrone blocked myelin breakdown by macrophages although phagocytosis was not affected. Further evidence was obtained to indicate that mitoxantrone acts therapeutically in reducing, or at high dose, preventing signs of EAE developing in mice immunized with spinal cord homogenate and Freund's complete adjuvant. Mitoxantrone also significantly inhibited the incidence of relapse when treatment was initiated during the post-acute remission period.

Copper, nickel and lead boosted-discharge hollow cathode lamps, run at recommended currents, have been compared with a high-powered inductively coupled plasma (ICP) as excitation sources in atomic fluorescence spectrometry (AFS). A similar comparison was made with a copper lamp run at higher currents. It was found that for lead and nickel, the fluorescence spectra differed in the relative intensities of the transitions observed with the two sources. No evidence was found for a difference in radiances between the two sources when the lamp was overrun. Although the lamps gave rise to lower blank standard deviation values, detection limits were worse because of poorer sensitivity due to the inability of the circular source to illuminate the required atom cell volume in the atomiser. It was concluded that the ICP was the better source, when the criterion is detection limits, but the lamps may be more convenient in some circumstances.

An applicator with a rotating sample holder for determining moisture content of grains was developed. Drying curves for corn and grain sorghum using an incidence power of 850 watts at 2·45 GHz, show a decaying exponential-type characteristics. The time required to dry 32·5 g of grain from an initial moisture content of about 35% to about 1% of its initial moisture content is about 12 minutes for corn and 16 minutes for grain sorghum.

Despite advances in the anesthetic pharmacopeia and improved noninvasive monitoring techniques, subjective bias and individual clinical experience remain major determinants of individual practice. Medicolegal pressures have increased in recent years, as has the concept of shared responsibility for surgical and anesthetic complications. New standards of anesthesia monitoring and practice are evolving in response to the need for perioperative risk management and cost-effective surgical care. Continued vigilance and close communication between the otolaryngologist and anesthesiologist remain key elements for safe anesthetic practice.

This paper introduces a pressure transducer based on a diaphragm-type strain gauge for use in complete dentures at the denture base-mucosal interface. Some examples of the type of information that can be obtained are presented using this transducer in one subject whilst chewing two test foods.

Multiple sclerosis is probably an acquired infectious disease with an autoimmune response relating to damage to the white matter of the central nervous system. There is evidence of continued intrathecal synthesis of oligoclonal antibody and there are perivascular inflammatory cell infiltrates close to areas of demyelination in the central nervous system. Following adoptive transfer, cells sensitized to the myelin basic protein can cause demyelinating disease in rodent recipients. Unlike the peripherally-mediated immune changes in the experimental model it is argued that autoaggressive cells are generated within the CNS in multiple sclerosis. The possible mechanism of cellular demyelination is discussed and the implication for therapy is reviewed.

Kenhy tall fescue was inoculated with Drechslera sorokiniana to determine the effects of the fungus on yield and quality of forage. Plants were cultured under greenhouse conditions and were inoculated twice in two environments, using pure cultures of the pathogen. The first environment measured the immediate effect of disease infection, while the second measured the effect of a prolonged exposure to the pathogen. In the first environment, plants were rated for disease development, harvested and analysed for forage quality 1 week after inoculation. In the second environment, plants were maintained under similar conditions, but were maintained for 2 weeks following inoculation. Dry matter yields of infected tall fescue were approximately one-half that of the control treatment in the second harvest of both environments. Infection by D. sorokiniana appeared to reduce the ability of tall fescue to recover from defoliation following reinfection. Disease infection of tall fescue increased dry matter content and acid detergent fibre (ADF). Lignin and hemicellulose increased in the second harvest in both environments, while soluble cell content (SCC) and dry matter digestibility decreased. However, the most dramatic effects on most quality indices occurred when the forage was exposed to pathogen infection for extended periods. These results show that there is an immediate effect on the yield and quality of tall fescue forage infected with D. sorokiniana, but the effect is more pronounced in material that has been infected with the fungus for longer periods.

Incorporation of glycine-2-C 14 into Hb proto and bile bilirubin was studied at short intervals in 2 bile fistula dogs during successive periods of inhibited and then stimulated erythropoiesis (plethora and bleeding in 1 dog and undefined illness and bleeding in another), and in a third dog with bile renal fistula but without disturbed erythropoiesis. Results support the concept of a nonerythropoietic component as a partial source of early-labeled bilirubin. Thus, during the period of inhibited erythropoiesis relatively larger amounts of bilirubin-C 14 were excreted during the first 48 hours. The total amount of this labeling was appreciably greater than that expected from the relatively low labeling of total circulating hemoglobinproto during this period compared to the postbleeding period. The per cent incorporation of glycine-C 14 in total circulating Hb proto during the postbleeding and plethoric periods, respectively, were 5.8 and 0.48 (ratio of 12.1), while the corresponding values for the total 6 day bile bilirubin-C 14 were 0.22 and 0.04 (ratio of 5.5). In an otherwise normal bile fistula dog given ALA-C 14 , 20 per cent of the C 14 administered was recovered as bile bilirubin-C 14 during the following 6 days, with 94 per cent of this amount appearing during the first 2 days. Peak activity at 3–4 hours was 22 × 10 6 dpm/mg./mc. dose. Only 0.26 per cent of the dose was incorporated in circulating Hb proto in contrast to 3.0 per cent in the normal dog given glycine-C 14 . In a second dog studied for only 24 hours, 19.5 per cent of the administered dose of ALA-C 14 was excreted as bile bilirubin-C 14 .

The methods of precipitating clinical and electroencephalographic evidence of the convulsive and allied states are briefly reviewed and evaluated. A suggestion is made for the inclusion of certain of these tests in the electroencephalographic routine.

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