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A patient's personal information can only be disclosed to those involved in his/her care if consent to such disclosure is given. This consent normally extends implicitly beyond medical staff to other professionals who may also be involved in care. It also commonly includes administrative, secretarial and managerial staff as well as healthcare professionals. This constitutes the duty of confidentiality. In certain specified circumstances, a patient's otherwise confidential information may be disclosed without consent to permit benefits to particular others. The legal position is complex, and while doctors should be familiar with most routine situations (e.g. reporting of certain infectious diseases), advice should always be sought if doubt exists.

The term malnutrition is used to describe a deficiency, excess or imbalance of a wide range of nutrients, resulting in measurable adverse effects on body composition, function and clinical outcome.1 As such it can refer to individuals who are either over- or under-nourished although it is frequently used synonymously with undernutrition, as is the case in this article. Although it is well known that malnutrition is common in the developing world, the fact that significant malnourishment occurs in UK society and health settings is not widely appreciated. Malnutrition occurs for psychosocial reasons and as a consequence of disease. It has direct effects on clinical outcomes and is associated with massive healthcare expenditure. Recognition and treatment can have a significant impact on patient care and can reduce costs. Failure to diagnose and manage carries medico-legal risks. It is the responsibility of all doctors to recognize the fundamental importance of proper nutritional care to good clinical practice.2 The focus of this article is predominantly concerned with malnutrition and its consequences in the UK.

Depression is the leading cause of disability globally, and more than one-half of those suffering with depression are not receiving effective treatment. Untreated or undertreated depression poses a significant risk for suicide. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. The emergency room provides an essential opportunity to screen for depression as well as suicide and to provide important and evidence-based interventions. The Basic Suicide Assessment Five-step Evaluation (B-SAFE) model provides a structure for all physicians to assess suicide risk and intervene.

The term malnutrition is used to describe a deficiency, excess or imbalance of a wide range of nutrients, resulting in measurable adverse effects on body composition, function and clinical outcome. As such it can refer to individuals who are either over- or under-nourished, although it is usually used synonymously with undernutrition, as is the case in this article. Although it is well known that malnutrition is common in the developing world, the fact that it occurs quite frequently in UK health settings as a consequence of either psychosocial circumstances or the effects of illness or injury is not widely appreciated. Furthermore, since malnutrition has direct effects on clinical outcomes and is associated with massive healthcare expenditure, better recognition and treatment would result in improved patient outcomes, reduced costs and decreased medico-legal risks. It is therefore the responsibility of all doctors to recognize the fundamental importance of proper nutritional care. The focus of this article is primarily concerned with malnutrition and its consequences in the UK.

A recent workshop was held at the Kavli Royal Society International Centre, Buckinghamshire, 18–19th May 2015, under the auspices of the European Metrology Research Programme (EMRP) (Machin et al., 2014) project “Implementing the new kelvin”. The purpose of the meeting was to take stock of the current state of primary thermometry and identify the research required to: (a) ensure a smooth implementation of the unit following the redefinition in 2018, (b) support the evolving mise en pratique for the definition of the kelvin (MeP-K) and (c) identify requirements for a future temperature scale, the ITSxx, possibly to be established in the mid-2020s. This short communication has been written to give the key findings of the workshop, including future research directions for the field.

a b s t r a c t We report a chemical vapor sensor in which polymer swelling, upon analyte absorption, is used to deform an on-chip silicon Fabry-Perot interferometer (FPI). The magnitude of the deformation, recorded through the resonance wavelength shift, is proportional to the analyte concentration in accordance with a simplified analytical model and with finite element simulations. Conventional and phenyl-doped poly- dimethylsiloxane (PDMS) polymers are used to functionalize different interferometers, which are tested for the detection of two volatile organic compounds, i.e. m-xylene and cyclohexane. The detection of m-xylene concentrations down to 34 ppm—limited by our flow-meter setup—is achieved experimen- tally. Based on the sensitivities and the noise characteristics of the devices, limits of detection (LODs) of 1.6 ppm m-xylene and 6.3 ppm cyclohexane are expected.

In this report, the strategy and outcome of expanding SAR exploration to improve solubility and metabolic stability are discussed. Compound 35 exhibited excellent potency, selectivity over A(1) and improved solubility of >4 mg/mL at pH 8.0. In addition, compound 35 had good metabolic stability with a scaled intrinsic clearance of 3 mL/min/kg (HLM) and demonstrated efficacy in the haloperidol induced catalepsy model.

A novel series of potent zwitterionic uracil GnRH antagonists were discovered that showed reduced liability for CYP3A4 enzyme inhibition.

Incorporation of a carboxylic acid into a series of uracil derivatives as hGnRH-R antagonists resulted in a significant reduction of CYP3A4 inhibitory activity. Highly potent hGnRH antagonists with low CYP3A4 inhibitory liability, such as 8a and 8d, were identified. Thus, 8a had a K(i) of 2.2 nM at GnRH-R and an IC(50) of 36 microM at CYP3A4.

A series of N-pyrimidinyl-2-phenoxyacetamide adenosine A(2A) antagonists is described. SAR studies led to compound 14 with excellent potency (K(i) = 0.4 nM), selectivity (A(1)/A(2A) > 100), and efficacy (MED 10 mg/kg p.o.) in the rat haloperidol-induced catalepsy model for Parkinson's disease.

SAR studies were conducted around lead compound 1 using high-throughput parallel solution and solid phase synthesis. Our lead optimization efforts led to the identification of several CCR2b antagonists with potent activity in both binding and functional assays [Compound 71 CCR2b Binding IC 50 3.2 nM; MCP-1-Induced Chemotaxis IC 50 0.83 nM; Ca 2+ Flux IC 50 7.5 nM].

A series of trans-4-phenylpyrrolidine-3-carboxamides were synthesized and characterized as potent ligands of the human melanocortin-4 receptor. Interestingly, a pair of diastereoisomers 13b displayed potent functional agonist and antagonist activity, respectively. Thus, the 3S,4R-pyrrolidine 13b-1 possessed a Ki of 1.0 nM and an EC50 of 3.8 nM, while its 3R,4S-isomer 13b-2 exhibited a Ki of 4.7 and an IC50 of 64 nM. Both compounds were highly selective over other melanocortin receptor subtypes. The MC4R agonist 13b-1 also demonstrated efficacy in a diet-induced obesity model in rats.

A series of pyrrolidinones derived from phenylalaninepiperazines were synthesized and characterized as potent and selective antagonists of the melanocortin-4 receptor. In addition to their high binding affinities, these compounds displayed high functional potencies. 12a had a Ki of 0.94 nM in binding and IC50 of 21 nM in functional activity. 12a also demonstrated efficacy in a mouse cachexia model.

A novel series of 2-(4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-c]pyridin-3-yl)-ethylamine derivatives were designed and synthesized as GnRH receptor antagonists. SAR studies led to a series of highly active molecules against both the rat and human receptors. Furthermore, one potent compound, 17j, demonstrated dose-dependent LH suppression in castrated rats.

A series of alpha-benzylpropionylpiperazines were synthesized and tested as antagonists of the melanocortin-4 receptor. In addition to its high potency and selectivity, R-11a had desirable pharmacokinetic properties including high brain penetration in mice.

A series of 2-pyridinylpiperazines derived from β-Ala-(2,4-Cl)Phe dipeptide was synthesized for the study of their SARs and possible interactions with the MC4 receptor. Compounds such as 11k (Ki = 6.5 nM) possessed high potency.

Synthesis and structure-activity relationship studies of a series of cyclohexylpiperazines bearing an amide side chain as ligands of the MC4 receptor are discussed. Compounds such as 11i from this series are potent agonists (EC(50)=33nM, IA=96%).

The melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) plays an important role in the regulation of energy homeostasis. Recent studies have shown that blockade of the MC4R reverses tumor-induced weight loss in mice. Herein, we describe the synthesis and identification of potent and selective non-peptide antagonists of the human MC4R from a series of 2-ethoxycarbonylcyclohexyl-piperazines. Compound 12i was found to possess low nanomolar affinity for the MC4R, and exhibit oral bioavailability in rats. More importantly, when administered orally to mice (10 mg/kg), it led to statistically significant increases in food intake over a 24-h period.

Piperazinebenzylamines bearing a small N -(1-methoxy-2-propyl) side chain were found to be potent and selective antagonists of the human melanocortin-4 (MC4) receptor. Compound 7b , having K i values of 6.9 and 2800 nM at the human MC4 and MC3 receptors, respectively, has moderate oral bioavailability in mice, which is improved relative to the arylethyl analogues.

SAR studies of a series of piperazinebenzylamines resulted in identification of potent agonists and antagonists of the human melanocortin-4 receptor. Thus, the 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolin-1-ylacetyl compound 12e and the quinolin-3-ylcarbonyl analogue 12l possessed K(i) values of 6.3 and 4.5 nM, respectively. Interestingly, 12e was a full agonist with an EC(50) value of 31 nM, and 12l was a weak partial agonist (IA=17%) and functioned as an antagonist (IC(50)=300 nM).

Ureas derived from two substituted 3-aminopyrrolidine subunits were prepared as constrained analogs of a linear lead compound and tested as antagonists of the MCH1 receptor. The series was optimized for substitution and stereochemistry to generate a functional antagonist with a Ki of 3.3 nM and IC50 of 12 nM (GTPγS).

SAR studies of a series of piperazinebenzylamines resulted in the discovery of potent antagonists of the human melanocortin-4 receptor. Compounds 11c , 11d , and 11l , which had K i values of 21, 14, and 15 nM, respectively, possessed low efficacy in cAMP stimulation (∼15% of α-MSH maximal level) mediated by MC4R, and functioned as antagonists in inhibition of α-MSH-stimulated cAMP release in a dose-dependent manner ( 11l , IC 50 = 36 nM).

N , N ′-Disubstituted homopiperazine derivatives have been discovered as CC-chemokine receptor 2b (CCR2b) inhibitors with submicromolar activity in the CCR2b binding assay. A 4-substituted benzyl group on one homopiperazine nitrogen was an important moiety for binding affinity to the CCR2b receptor. The SAR for CCR2b binding affinity correlated inversely with the σ factor of the functional group on this benzyl moiety. Introduction of hydroxy groups to appropriate positions in the 3,3-diphenylpropyl group on the other homopiperazine nitrogen increased CCR2b binding activity. The synthesis of an informer library to search for alternative substructures is also described.

The synthesis of a series of ( R )-3-[2-(2-amino)phenethyl]-1-(2,6-difluorobenzyl)-6-methyluracils containing a substituted thiophene or thiazole at C-5 is described. SAR around C-5 of the uracil led to the discovery that a 2-thienyl or (2-phenyl)thiazol-4-yl group is required for optimal receptor binding. The best compound from the series had a binding affinity of 2 nM ( K i ) for the human GnRH receptor. A novel and convenient preparation of N -1-(2,6-difluorobenzyl)-6-methyluracil is also described.

SAR studies on a series of piperazinebenzenes directed toward the human melanocortin-4 receptor resulted in potent MC4R agonists. Replacement of the triazole moiety of an initial lead 4 by a basic nitrogen baring a lipophilic side-chain increased the binding affinities of these compounds. Analogs bearing an additional hetero-atom in the side-chain possessed good agonist potency. Thus, 11h had a Ki of 11 nM, and 13g exhibited an EC50 of 3.8 nM and a Ki of 6.4 nM.

The injection of liquid hydrocarbons directly into an SOFC system is considered for application to hybrid vehicles. The main problem is carbon deposition on the nickel anode when molecules such as ethanol or iso-octane are injected directly. Such carbon deposition has been studied using a microtubular SOFC with a mass spectrometer analysing the product gases to investigate the reaction sequence and also to investigate the deposited carbon by temperature programmed oxidation (TPO). The results show that only two liquids could be injected directly onto nickel cermet anodes without serious carbon blockage, methanol and methanoic acid. Even then, TPO experiments revealed deposition of small amounts of carbon which could be prevented by small additions of air or water to the fuel. Gasoline type molecules like iso-octane killed the SOFC in about 30 min operation, with about 90% of the molecular carbon being deposited on the nickel cermet anode. However, certain mixtures of iso-octane, water, alcohol and surfactant were found to produce beneficial results with remarkably low carbon deposition, less than 1% of the molecular carbon appearing on the anode. Such formulations had octane numbers appropriate to internal combustion engine operation.

Diarylimidazolecarboxamides and diaryltriazolecarboxamides related to SR141716 were synthesized and tested for binding to the human CB(1) receptor. Suitably substituted imidazoles are comparably potent to the clinical candidate, whereas the analogous triazoles are less so due to the absence of an additional substituent on the azole ring.

Increasing mail survey response using monetary incentives is a proven, but not always cost-effective, method in every population. This paper tackles the questions of whether it is worth using monetary incentives and the size of the inducement by testing a regression model of the impact of prepaid monetary incentives on response rates in consumer and organizational mail surveys. The results support their use and show that the inducement value makes a significant impact on the effect size. Importantly, no significant differences were found between consumer and organizational populations.

We are using low- T c multiloop DC SQUIDs with additional positive feedback (APF), operating in a flux-locked loop mode out to several megahertz, to perform nuclear magnetic resonance on low temperature samples. The optimum input configuration depends on the sample under investigation. For systems with short T 2 and low frequencies a broadband input circuit is best, with the NMR pickup coil forming a flux transformer with the input coil of the SQUID. This system has been used to perform NMR on several metals, including UPt 3 in the superconducting state, and on submonolayer 3 He films at low kilohertz frequencies. For systems with narrow lines a tuned input configuration offers improved sensitivity, especially when the pickup coil can be cooled to millikelvin temperatures. Here the NMR pickup coil forms part of a series resonant tank circuit, attached to the input coil of the SQUID. We are presently using such a system, tuned to 880 kHz, to detect signals from thin 3 He films (of thickness 100 nm) adsorbed on a surface area of 1 cm 2 . Cooling these films to below 1 mK will enable the study of superfluidity in 3 He films thinner than the bulk superfluid coherence length.

A new class of small molecule GnRH antagonists, the 1-arylmethyl-3-(1-methyl-2-amino)ethyl-5-aryl-6-methyluracils, was designed and a novel stereoselective synthesis for these compounds was developed. The stereochemical integrities of key intermediates (S)-6 and (R)-6 were confirmed by a combination of X-ray crystallography and chiral HPLC determinations. SAR studies were performed, which allowed the identification of derivatives (R)-9f, (R)-9h and (R)-12 as potent hGnRH antagonists (Ki=20 nM).

The synthesis and SAR studies of thieno[2,3- d ]pyrimidine-2,4-diones as human GnRH receptor antagonists to treat reproductive diseases are discussed. It was found that the 2-(2-pyridyl)ethyl group on the 5-aminomethyl functionality of the core structure was a key feature for good receptor binding activity. SAR study of the 6-(4-aminophenyl) group suggests that hydrophobic substituents were preferred. The best compound from this series had binding affinity ( K i ) of 0.4 nM to the human GnRH receptor.

We are using a low-Tc DC SQUID to perform current-sensing noise thermometry, by measuring the thermal noise currents in a copper resistor. The temperature is obtained from the Nyquist formula. This is a practical thermometer for use from 4.2 K to below 1 mK , with a percentage precision independent of temperature. Using a 0.34 mΩ resistor, the thermometer had an amplifier noise temperature TN of 8 μK . A precision of 1.5% was obtained in 200 s . The thermometer was in good agreement with the PLTS-2000 3 He melting curve scale down to 4.5 mK . We have cooled the thermometer successfully below 1 mK , achieving a minimum electron temperature of 300 μK .

SAR studies of 2-arylimidazolo[1,2- a ]pyrimid-5-ones 10a – m , which were derived from initial lead 3a , resulted in the discovery of a series of potent nonpeptide human GnRH receptor antagonists. Compounds with good potency (e.g., 10e , K i =7.5 nM) were prepared by introduction of a 2-(2-pyridyl)ethyl at the basic nitrogen and a 3-pentyl ester at the 6-position of the bicyclic core.

Methane and other hydrocarbons such as propane and butane are ideal fuels for SOFCs operating in portable devices for domestic or leisure use [J. Power Sources 71 (1998) 268]. This paper addresses the fuel entry conditions necessary for such devices. A gas manifold system was connected to a micro-tubular zirconia cell 2 mm diameter with lanthanum strontium manganite cathode and nickel/zirconia/ceria anode. Wire current collectors were used to obtain electrochemical performance data via a potentiostat system. The reaction products from the anode were analysed by mass spectroscopy to elucidate the reaction mechanism, and temperature programmed oxidation allowed the carbon deposition to be evaluated [Proceedings of the 4th European Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Forum, Luzern, July 2001, p.151]. Carbon deposition was substantial near open circuit voltage, when little oxygen was flowing to the anode. Dilution with inert gas or with CO2 caused a significant change in the reaction mechanism. The conclusion was that diluted methane could be fed directly into the SOFC, and that particular compositions (e.g. biogas at 30% methane and 70% carbon dioxide) gave optimum performance with little carbon fouling.

The benefits of SOFCs are likely to be optimally realised using fuels other than pure hydrogen, which is best employed in PEMFCs. This paper examines a number of plausible fuels including pure alkanes such as methane and iso-octane. Other compounds such as ammonia, methanol and methanoic acid have been shown to react very cleanly when injected directly into the SOFC. More complex fuels, e.g. ethanol and ethanoic acid tend to produce carbon deposits unless the inlet stream is much diluted, e.g. with argon or carbon dioxide. More complex real fuels such as natural gas, landfill gas and gasoline are also mentioned. The experiments involved mixing the fuel with a carrier gas and passing the composition down a zirconia fuel cell tube to examine electrochemical output, while analysing the reaction products using mass spectroscopy. Any carbon deposited was measured by temperature programmed oxidation at the end of the experiment. Windows of operation were found for many of the fuels examined.

In the process of developing GnRH receptor antagonists, a novel base-catalyzed cyclization of compounds 5a–b was discovered, which led to the formation of the 2-aryl pyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrimid-7-one core stuctures 6a–b. These intermediates were further modified at positions 1, 2, 4 and 6 to afford a series of potent GnRH antagonists with low nanomolar Ki values.

Riboswitches are noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression in response to changing concentrations of specific metabolites. Switching activity is affected by the interplay between the aptamer domain and expression platform of the riboswitch. The aptamer domain binds the metabolite, locking the riboswitch in a ligand-bound conformation. In absence of the metabolite, the expression platform forms an alternative secondary structure by sequestering the 3′ end of a nonlocal helix called P1. We use all-atom structure-based simulations to characterize the folding, unfolding, and metabolite binding of the aptamer domain of the S-adenosylmethionine-1 (SAM-1) riboswitch. Our results suggest that folding of the nonlocal helix (P1) is rate-limiting in aptamer domain formation. Interestingly, SAM assists folding of the P1 helix by reducing the associated free energy barrier. Because the 3′ end of the P1 helix is sequestered by an alternative helix in the absence of metabolites, this observed ligand-control of P1 formation provides a mechanistic explanation of expression platform regulation.

Liquid phase parallel synthesis has been developed to synthesize a novel series of iminodiacetic acid derivatives targeting the integrin receptors. This library was synthesized using a four-step reaction sequence. In each step of the sequence, the PEG-bound products were precipitated selectively and the excess reagents and the by-products were removed by simple filtration. The most notable result was that the library members were obtained in high purities (>95% pure).

We have constructed two pulsed NMR spectrometers in which the signal is coupled to the input coil of a low Tc DC SQUID using a superconducting flux transformer, yielding broadband response, with bandwidth determined by the SQUID electronics. A 50 kHz bandwidth commercial system has been used to observe free induction decay signals from platinum powder, bulk platinum, 3He gas and surface monolayers of 3He in the temperature range from 1.4 to 4.2 K and at frequencies from 5 to 40 kHz. The observed signal-to-noise ratio is as calculated with the noise dominated by flux noise in the SQUID in all samples but the bulk metal. A second system, which operates in flux-locked loop mode with bandwidth of 3.4 MHz using a SQUID with additional positive feedback, has been used to observe NMR signals from platinum powder at frequencies from 38 to 513 kHz and at a temperature of 4.2 K. The advantage of this technique in the study of systems with short T2 at frequencies below 1 MHz is discussed. In addition we discuss the benefits of both broadband and tuned input circuits for NMR detection and we describe the performance of a spectrometer with a tuned input circuit which has been used to obtain signals at 1 MHz from platinum powder at 4.2 K and from ∼2 layers of 3He absorbed on a surface area of 0.11 m2 at 1.7 K. The amplifier noise temperature is predicted to be 60 mK in the 3He experiment. This demonstrates the potential of the tuned set-up for measurements at low millikelvin temperatures on systems with low spin density and with T2 greater than several hundred microseconds.

For the UK, the 1980's was Margaret Thatcher's decade; the 1990's may be the decade of Europe. Thatcher's policies and her philosophy still have an impact on social and economic life. An examination is made of demographic changes, economic development, changes in consumption, changes in social attitude and changes in marketing channels that are taking place. Wealth has become more evenly spread throughout society although the bottom is worse off. The UK consumer is becoming more cosmopolitan with increased preference being shown for food and drink from mainland Europe. Another shift is towards increased amounts of both time and money being spent on leisure and in the rapid adoption of new classes of consumer good. There is evidence of the “greening” of the economy but individuals only seem willing to take individual action to “green” their lifestyle for a financial incentive.

Short routes to tetrahydroxylated cyclohexane and cyclopentane α-amino acids with control of the stereochemistry at all 5 carbons bearing functional groups are described from an azidolactone.

The Bruvold-Comer model of mail survey response rates was resred using data from commercial mail surveys. The low predictive ability of the model suggested it should not be used when surveying business people. A new logit model was developed using commercial data and validated with a holdout sample. The new model can be used by researchers as an aid to predicting response from commercial populations for a given survey design and as a test bed to assess the implications of alternative design configurations.

Background Young people remain at highest risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and engaging men in the UK in effective STI screening is challenging. England's national chlamydia screening programme has failed to reach the desired coverage in men. Sports venues might appeal to men as sites of STI screening, although the use of such venues has not been widely explored in the UK. Our recent random probability survey of men's attitudes to STI screening in Britain showed that in men who regularly participate in sport, just over half were willing to access self-completed screening kits at sporting venues. Other work suggests that sporting role models (popular opinion leaders [POLs]) offer potential for successful promotion of health behaviours. Because football is the highest participation team sport in England, we designed the SPORTSMART trial to develop and assess two models for promotion of STI screening in men in football clubs in London. We aimed to develop two replicable interventions for delivering STI screening in football clubs, including screening promoted by POLs; and to assess feasibility and acceptability of these interventions. Methods We undertook a cluster pilot randomised controlled trial with three groups in men aged 18–35 years within six amateur football clubs (clusters) in London recruited between October and December, 2012. Interventions were POL (team captain) and poster-promoted screening; sexual health adviser and poster-promoted screening; and poster-promoted screening only (control). Men were invited to use urine-based self-sampling kits for chlamydia and gonorrhoea, returning their sample to an on-site collection container or mailing it to the study sexual health clinic for routine testing and clinical management. The target was to recruit 200 men to estimate the overall acceptance rate with adequate precision. Six football clubs with two teams each of men aged at least 18 years were grouped by similar characteristics into three pairs and then randomly allocated to the study groups. Participants were unmasked after allocation. Masking of investigators during implementation or assessment was not feasible. A detailed process investigation assessed the extent and quality of intervention delivery and the mechanism, context, and responses of the participants. Robust standard errors acknowledging clustering of participants by team were used for analyses. Ethics approval was granted by the National Research Ethics Service, study 13/SC/0029. Club managers gave consent during the recruitment period. Signed informed consent was provided by team captains (POLs) before the intervention. Football team members opted in to testing by completing the kit offered but could opt out of the intervention at any time. Findings Across the three groups, 153 men received the intervention and 90 accepted the offer of screening (59%, 95% CI 35–79). Although acceptance rates varied substantially by club, they were broadly similar across groups: POL led 28 of 56 (50%); health adviser led 31 of 46 (67%); and control 31 of 51 (61%). Process assessment confirmed that the interventions were delivered in a standardised way across the arms. However, the control group was unintentionally enhanced by some team captains, who actively publicised the screening events. There were no adverse effects reported. Interpretation These findings suggest that young men in football settings find both POL-led and health adviser-led STI screening interventions acceptable and uptake is high compared with existing community testing models. Although the poster-promoted screening control group was intended to be uninfluenced by football club POLs, this intention was not practically possible; many captains were enthusiastic and encouraged their players to participate in screening. This factor resulted in POL influence regardless of group allocation. A health economics assessment is in process. A full-scale randomised controlled trial is needed to examine the broader implications of this approach to men's STI screening in the UK. Funding This research is funded by a National Institute for Health Research programme grant for applied research.

A high precision torsional oscillator has been developed for the detection of two dimensional superfluidity in 3 He films of thickness comparable to the superfluid coherence length, 70 nm at T=0. The mass loading from such a film can be detected with a 0.1% resolution. Measurements on normal films show an unexpected de-coupling from the surface with decreasing temperature, below 60 mK . The frequency shift and dissipation data can be interpreted using a phenomenological interfacial friction model.

Multiple spin exchange leads, according to present understanding, to a variety of magnetically ordered states in solid 3 He , depending on pressure and applied magnetic field. We report the status of experiments to directly determine these structures by neutron scattering. The large neutron absorption cross section, and associated sample heating, impose severe experimental demands on the design of the sample cell. We report on our proposed solution, including details of the sintered heat exchanger necessary to cool the sample, as well as the PrNi5 nuclear demagnetization stage. The use of nmr in parallel experiments to characterise growth of the solid sample within the sinter is also discussed.