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Purpose: Perihaematomal oedema (PHO) formation has gained increasing interest as a therapeutic target after spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH). Whether PHO contributes to poor outcome is unclear. We aimed to determine the association between PHO and outcome in patients with spontaneous ICH. Method: We searched five databases up to 17 November 2021 for studies of ⩾10 adults with ICH reporting the presence of PHO and outcome. We assessed risk of bias, extracted aggregate data and used random effects meta-analysis to pool studies that reported odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Primary outcome was poor functional outcome defined as modified Rankin Scale score of 3–6 at 3 months. Additionally, we assessed PHO growth and poor outcome at any time of follow-up. We prospectively registered the protocol in PROSPERO (CRD42020157088). Findings: We identified 12,968 articles, of which we included 27 studies ( n = 9534). Eighteen studies reported an association between larger PHO volume and poor outcome, six a neutral result and three an inverse relationship. Larger absolute PHO volume was associated with poor functional outcome at 3 months (OR per mL increase of absolute PHO 1.03, 95% CI 1.00–1.06, I2 44%, four studies). Additionally, PHO growth was associated with poor outcome (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.02–1.06, I2 0%, seven studies). Discussion: In patients with spontaneous ICH, larger PHO volume is associated with poor functional outcome at 3 months. These findings support the development and investigation of new therapeutic interventions targeting PHO formation to evaluate if reduction of PHO improves outcome after ICH.

We report a general, catalyst-controlled route to prostaglandin F2

Little information exists about horse-related injury admissions to Level 1 trauma centers in the Western United States. This study describes injury patterns in this population, to reveal potential areas for injury prevention initiatives.A retrospective database review of 512 non-fatal equine-related injuries over a 15-year period was conducted, using a Level 1 hospital trauma registry. To determine patterns of injury, patients injured by riding or being near a horse were classified according to age, sex, helmet use, abbreviated injury score, anatomical region injured, and length of stay.Equine-related injury was more frequent among females than males, the anatomical region most at risk among adults was the lower extremity (including pelvis), and among children and youth, the head. 75% of head-injured patients were not wearing a helmet at the time of injury and those with the most severe head injuries were least likely to be wearing a helmet.Preventable equine-related injuries occur across all ages, are more frequent among females, and affect all regions of the body. Despite head-injury risks associated with horse activities, helmet use was not common among most of the injured. Decreasing the risk of these injuries requires use of appropriate protective equipment and enhanced education campaigns aimed at those in the horse industry and the general public.

The enantioselective azo-based α-amination of an aldehyde followed by a Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons-based vinyl sulfone formation is reported. The thus obtained optically active N,N′-diprotected trans-(phenylsulfonyl)vinyl hydrazine products were then converted into the corresponding N-functionalised trans-(phenylsulfonyl)vinyl amines. Specifically, reaction of 4-phenylbutanal with di-tert-butyl azodicarboxylate (DBAD) in the presence of l- or d-proline, followed by addition of diethyl [(phenylsulfonyl)methyl]phosphonate, gave either enantiomer of di-tert-butyl trans-1-[5-phenyl-1-(phenylsulfonyl)pent-1-en-3-yl]hydrazine-1,2-dicarboxylate. The enantiomeric excesses of the (+)- and (–)-enantiomers prepared in this manner were in the range 86–89%. The conversion of these γ-hydrazino vinyl sulfones into the corresponding γ-amino-substituted compounds was achieved following a Boc deprotection, Zn reduction, N-functionalisation sequence. This three-step sequence was reasonably efficient (approx. 50%) and no erosion of enantiopurity was found to have taken place. The compounds accessed via this process include both enantiomers of tert-butyl trans-[5-phenyl-1-(phenylsulfonyl)pent-1-en-3-yl]carbamate and epimeric dipeptide mimetics including 4-methyl-N-{(S)-1-oxo-3-phenyl-1-[((S,E)-5-phenyl-1-(phenylsulfonyl)pent-1-en-3-yl)amino]propan-2-yl}piperazine-1-carboxamide (also known as K777).

Diol scaffolds have been utilized as highly effective catalysts and ligands in a wide range of catalytic asymmetric transformations. For scaffolds to be successful as broadly used motifs, they should be prepared cheaply through facile routes and be easily handled. Herein, the synthesis of a family of planar chiral diols based on a modular and robust three-step route is described, which yields catalytically active diols in99 % de and99 % ee, with up to seven different chiral elements. These diols have been characterized by X-ray crystallographic analysis, which provides clear evidence for the likely transition state when applied in the asymmetric hetero-Diels-Alder reaction. Without altering the stereochemistry of the catalyst backbone, it is possible to access both enantiomers of the product by varying the substitution of the catalyst at the α-position.

Sedimentary charcoal records are used for understanding fire as an earth system process; however, no standardized laboratory methodology exists. Varying sample volumes and chemical treatments (i.e., type of chemical for length of time) are used for the deflocculation and extraction of charcoal from sediment samples. Here, we present the first systematic assessment of the effect of commonly used chemicals on charcoal area and number of fragments. In modern charcoal the area of fragments was significantly different depending on the chemical treatment. We subsequently applied H2O2 (33%), NaClO (12.5%), and HNO3 (50%) to a late-glacial–early Holocene paleorecord and tested different sample volumes. The effects of the treatments were consistent between modern and fossil experiments, which demonstrates the validity of applying results from the modern experiment to the fossil records. Based on our experiments we suggest (1) H2O2 33%, especially for highly organic sediments; (2) avoidance of high concentrations of NaClO for prolonged periods of time, and of HNO3; and (3) samples of 1 cm3 provided typically consistent profiles. Our results indicate that charcoal properties can be influenced by treatment type and sample volume, thus emphasizing the need for a common protocol to enable reliable multi-study comparisons or composite fire histories.

It is basic to income taxation that each taxpayer should be taxed on his or her economic income and that only taxpayers who suffer economic losses should derive tax benefits therefrom. While these tenets are easily stated, they are difficult to enforce, particularly in the partnership setting where lines between the economic interests of partners are often blurred. The substantial economic effect rules of section 704(b) strive mightily to constrain partners' ability to shift income and losses in a manner inconsistent with the partners' economic arrangement. Nevertheless, when a partner contributes property to a partnership, the possibility exists that some of the gain or loss inherent in that property may be shifted from the contributor to the other partners. No gain or loss is recognized at the time of the contribution, and the partnership, as new owner of the property, takes the contributor's basis. Thus, upon any subsequent sale of the property, the gain or loss, including gain or loss inherent in the property when contributed, is generally treated as that of the partnership entity and, absent a special rule, would be divided amongst the partners.This shifting of gain or loss was tolerated before 1984. Under section 704(c), partners were permitted to agree that the subsequent gain or loss would be reported by the contributing partner, but this treatment was never mandatory. Moreover, the regulations under section 704(c) contained rules constraining that agreement, the most significant of which came to be known as the "ceiling rule," providing that the gain or loss allocated to the contributing partner could not exceed the partnership's entire gain or loss on the sale. When the ceiling rule applied, precontribution gain or loss was effectively shifted to the noncontributing partners in spite of the partners' agreement to the contrary.

Purpose An alliance of schools and researchers formed a collaborative community of practice in order to understand and improve the sensory school environment for pupils on the autistic spectrum, and incorporate the findings into school improvement planning. The paper aims to discuss this issue. Design/methodology/approach Representatives of special and mainstream schools in South London and a team of researchers formed the project team, including an autistic researcher. The researchers and a named staff member from each of the schools met regularly over the course of 18 months in order to work on an iterative process to improve the sensory experience pupils had of the school environment. Each school completed sensory audits and observations, and was visited by members of the research team. Parents were involved via meetings with the research team and two conferences were organised to share findings. Findings Useful outcomes included: developing and sharing of good practice between schools; opportunities for parents of autistic pupils to discuss their concerns, particularly with someone with insider perspective; and exploration of creative ways to achieve pupil involvement and the idea that good autism practice has the potential to benefit all pupils. A resource pack was produced for the schools to access. Plans are in place to revisit the initiative in 12 months’ time in order to ascertain whether there have been long-term benefits. Originality/value Projects building communities of practice involving autistic people as core team members are rare, yet feedback from those involved in the project showed this to be a key aspect of shared learning.

Background Hospital-based studies have reported variable associations between outcome after spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage and peri-hematomal edema volume. Aims In a community-based study, we aimed to investigate the existence, strength, direction, and independence of associations between intracerebral hemorrhage and peri-hematomal edema volumes on diagnostic brain CT and one-year functional outcome and long-term survival. Methods We identified all adults, resident in Lothian, diagnosed with first-ever, symptomatic spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage between June 2010 and May 2013 in a community-based, prospective inception cohort study. We defined regions of interest manually and used a semi-automated approach to measure intracerebral hemorrhage volume, peri-hematomal edema volume, and the sum of these measurements (total lesion volume) on first diagnostic brain CT performed at ≤3 days after symptom onset. The primary outcome was death or dependence (scores 3–6 on the modified Rankin Scale) at one-year after intracerebral hemorrhage. Results Two hundred ninety-two (85%) of 342 patients (median age 77.5 y, IQR 68–83, 186 (54%) female, median time from onset to CT 6.5 h (IQR 2.9–21.7)) were dead or dependent one year after intracerebral hemorrhage. Peri-hematomal edema and intracerebral hemorrhage volumes were colinear ( R2 = 0.77). In models using both intracerebral hemorrhage and peri-hematomal edema, 10 mL increments in intracerebral hemorrhage (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.72 (95% CI 1.08–2.87); p = 0.029) but not peri-hematomal edema volume (aOR 0.92 (0.63–1.45); p = 0.69) were independently associated with one-year death or dependence. 10 mL increments in total lesion volume were independently associated with one-year death or dependence (aOR 1.24 (1.11–1.42); p = 0.0004). Conclusion Total volume of intracerebral hemorrhage and peri-hematomal edema, and intracerebral hemorrhage volume alone on diagnostic brain CT, undertaken at three days or sooner, are independently associated with death or dependence one-year after intracerebral hemorrhage, but peri-hematomal edema volume is not. Data access statement Anonymized summary data may be requested from the corresponding author.

With the ever-present need for novel asymmetric methodologies in organic synthesis to allow chemists to access enantiopure compounds, so too is there a need for new chiral ligands and organocatalysts to affect these transformations. Due to the unique properties of ferrocene and its derivatives, ferrocenyl compounds are unsurprisingly considered privileged structures in asymmetric catalysis. The versatility of the ferrocene moiety gives rise to a vast range of diverse ligand and catalyst motifs which are successful in broad ranges of mechanistically distinct reactions. This review details recent advances in the application of ferrocenyl mono-, bi- and tridentate-ligands and ferrocene-derived organocatalysts in asymmetric catalysis. Given the necessity for the development of new approaches to expand the scope of ferrocenyl ligands and catalysts, this review also illustrates the development of elegant and novel methodologies for the synthesis of ferrocenyl compounds.

Charcoal records are now widely used to reconstruct past burning activity as there is an increasing global interest in understanding the complex interactions between fire, climate, vegetation and human activity. However, this topic has been relatively overlooked in the British Isles, as the region is generally thought to not support natural burning regimes. Here, for the first time, we present a synthesis of previously published charcoal data for 238 sites and demonstrate the widespread occurrence of charcoal in sediments that span the Last Glacial-Interglacial Transition (LGIT; c. 17−8.3 ka cal. BP) in the British Isles. Analysis is based upon a semi-quantitative analysis of the assembled dataset; the common patterns are identified and are considered in relation to independent reconstructions of climate, vegetation and anthropogenic activity. No causal relationships with vegetation are identified, while charcoal is also prominent during periods when archaeological evidence for human occupation of the British Isles is absent or scarce. Climate is very likely to have controlled the fire regimes during the LGIT. We conclude with ten research priorities to further advance our understanding of palaeofire drivers during the Lateglacial-Early Holocene.

Background: Group B Streptococcus [GBS] is a bacterium which transiently colonises the genital tract and can be transmitted from mother to baby at birth. Babies colonised with GBS can develop early-onset group B streptococcus disease [EOGBSD] which can lead to extended hospital stay, disability and death. One of the primary methods for determining which women are most likely to be GBS positive at the time of birth is antenatal universal culture-based screening. Recently Polymerase Chain Reaction [PCR] screening has emerged as a point-of-care method for screening women during the intrapartum period. This study will compare the diagnostic accuracy of this new technology and antenatal culture-based screening at 35 to 37 weeks gestational age, with the reference standard of formal culture-based testing in labour. Methods: This prospective observational study will take place in an Australian hospital. Consecutive women with one or more live fetuses, intending to have a vaginal birth will be asked to participate. Planned screening for GBS colonisation using microbiological culture on a self-collected specimen will occur at 35 to 37 completed weeks gestational age as per our usual hospital policy. A PCR GBS test by Xpert GBS (Cepheid) will be performed on admission to labour ward or at the time of rupture of membranes. The reference standard will be a formal GBS culture on a combined lower vaginal and perianal swab. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and positive and negative likelihood ratios will be estimated for both antenatal screening and the intrapartum Xpert GBS (Cepheid) point-of-care test and compared to the reference standard. Results: It is expected that the study will be completed by mid to late 2020. Conclusion: This study has the potential to improve the accuracy of GBS screening of pregnant women and therefore health outcomes for mothers and babies. There is also the potential for a cost savings to the health system.

International audience; The design and first enantioselective synthesis of a series of chiral ferrocifens and ferrociphenols was realised via enantioselective palladium‐catalysed intramolecular direct C‑H bond activation followed by McMurry coupling. Biological evaluation revealed moderate anticancer activities on breast cancer cells and evidence of chiral discrimination between enantiomers. Treatment of these novel ferrocifens with Ag 2 O revealed that these systems are unable to form a neutral quinone methide, yet still demonstrate marked antiproliferative properties versus both the hormone‐dependent MCF‐7 and hormone‐independent MDA‐MB‐231 cell lines. This bioactivity arises from two mechanisms: Fenton‐type chemistry and the anti‐estrogenic activity associated with the tamoxifen‐like structure.

We would like to share with Journal readers our findings from a local study which highlighted some issues around sexual and reproductive healthcare (SRH) provision after sexual assault which led us to make changes to our local service. People who attend Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) have a variety of acute and longer-term sexual health and contraceptive needs. In Cardiff, we introduced a local policy in 2017 that aimed to ensure high-quality immediate care within the SARC and onwards referral to the local integrated sexual health clinic. Forensic examinations and immediate care in the SARC are the responsibility of Forensic Medical Examiners (FMEs), employed by a private contractor. The policy followed recommendations from national guidelines,1–3 through advising on use of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV, hepatitis B vaccination, provision of …

Objectives: Launched in 1989, the Scottish Motor Neuron Disease Register (SMNDR) has provided a resource for prospective clinical data collection. However, in 2015 we aimed to evolve a system to al...

Scientific progress depends on evidence-based research, and reliance on accurate scholarship is essential when making management decisions for imperiled species. However, erroneous claims are sometimes perpetuated in the scientific and technical literature, which can complicate policy and regulatory judgments. The literature associated with two enigmatic California desert vertebrates, the Panamint alligator lizardElgaria panamintinaand the Inyo Mountains salamanderBatrachoseps campi, exemplifies this problem. We produced a comprehensive threat analysis and status assessment for these species, which are both under review for possible listing under the US Endangered Species Act (ESA). Despite uncertainties and limited data, we find that many sources contain factual errors about the status of these two species, particularly the original petition that advocated for ESA listing. Although localized declines may have gone undetected, no evidence exists of population declines, population extirpation, or population-scale habitat conversion forE. panamintina. However, there is evidence of recent flash flood damage to some occupiedB. campihabitat, which has possibly led to population declines at those localities. Contrary to inaccurate statements by some authors, all known populations of both species occur exclusively on federal lands, and numerous populations have likely benefited from recent federal management targeted at reducing known threats. Of the 12 threats that we identified for one or both species, only three currently appear to be serious: water diversions, climate change, and flash floods. The remaining threats are neither widespread nor severe, despite numerous contrary yet poorly supported statements in the literature. We thus evaluate the contemporary conservation status of both species as relatively secure, althoughB. campiis more at-risk compared toE. panamintina. This conclusion is independently supported by a recent review. Nonetheless, ongoing stewardship of these species in a multi-use context by federal agencies remains vital, and we identify several priority management actions and research needs for both species. We also recommend updated determinations on the IUCN Red List, and the Species of Conservation Concern list of the Inyo National Forest. To maximize the quality and effectiveness of conservation planning, we urge government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and individual scientists to maintain high standards of scholarship and decision-making.

Ultrasonic phased array systems are becoming increasingly popular as tools for the inspection of safety-critical structures within the non-destructive testing industry. The datasets captured by these arrays can be used to image the internal structure of individual components, allowing the location and nature of any defects to be deduced. Although there exist strict procedures for measuring defects via these imaging algorithms, sizing flaws which are smaller than two wavelengths in diameter can prove problematic and the choice of threshold at which the defect measurements are made can introduce an aspect of subjectivity. This paper puts forward a completely objective approach specific to cracks based on the Kirchhoff scattering model and the approximation of the resulting scattering matrices by Toeplitz matrices. A mathematical expression relating the crack size to the maximum eigenvalue of the associated scattering matrix is derived. Analysis of this approximation shows that the method will provide a unique crack size for a given maximum eigenvalue whilst providing a quick calculation method which avoids the need to numerically generate model scattering matrices (the computation time is up to 10^3 times faster). A sensitivity analysis demonstrates that the method is most effective for sizing defects that are commensurate with or smaller than the wavelength of the ultrasonic wave. The method is applied to simulated FMC data arising from finite element calculations where the crack length to wavelength ratios range between 0.6 and 1.9. The recovered objective crack size exhibits an error of 12%.

Correction for ‘Recent developments in the synthesis and applications of chiral ferrocene ligands and organocatalysts in asymmetric catalysis’ by Laura Cunningham et al., Org. Biomol. Chem., 2020, DOI: 10.1039/d0ob01933j.

The Last Interglacial Period (LIP) is often regarded as a good analogue for potential climatic conditions under predicted global warming scenarios. Despite this, there is still debate over the nature, duration and frequency of climatic changes during this period. One particularly contentious issue has been the apparent evidence of climatic instability identified in many marine cores but seemingly lacking from many terrestrial archives, especially within the Arctic, a key region for global climate change research. In this paper, geochemical records from Lake El'gygytgyn, north-eastern Russia, are used to infer past climatic changes during the LIP from within the high Arctic. With a sampling resolution of ~ 20–~ 90 years, these records offer the potential for detailed, high-resolution palaeoclimate reconstruction. This study shows that the LIP commenced in central Chukotka ~ 129 thousand years ago (ka), with the warmest climatic conditions occurring between ~ 128 and 127 ka before being interrupted by a short-lived cold reversal. Mild climatic conditions then persisted until ~ 122 ka when a marked reduction in the sedimentation rate suggests a decrease in precipitation. A further climatic deterioration at ~ 118 ka marks the return to glacial conditions. This study highlights the value of incorporating several geochemical proxies when inferring past climatic conditions, thus providing the potential to identify signals related to environmental change within the catchment. We also demonstrate the importance of considering how changes in sedimentation rate influence proxy records, in order to develop robust palaeoenvironmental reconstructions.

Here we present δ18Odiatom data from two high-latitude lakes; one has short residence time and a water isotopic composition (δ18Olake) that fluctuate due to seasonal variations in precipitation and temperature, and the other has δ18Olake that is influenced by longer lake water residence times and evaporation. The δ18Odiatom records reveal common responses to precipitation forcing over the past millennium. Relatively wet summers are inferred from δ18Odiatom between 1000 and 1080 AD, 1300 and 1440 AD, and during the early 19th century, coincided with periods of high cloud cover inferred from tree-ring carbon isotopes, and other data for high Arctic Oscillation index. While relatively dry summers with increasing influence of winter snow are indicated between 1600 and 1750 AD. The co-response between carbon isotopes in trees and oxygen isotopes in diatoms strengthens the relationship between cloud cover and precipitation and the hypothesis that these changes were the result of significant regional shifts in atmospheric circulation.

The non-destructive testing of austenitic welds using ultrasound plays an important role in the assessment of the structural integrity of safety critical structures. The internal microstructure of these welds is highly scattering and can lead to the obscuration of defects when investigated by traditional imaging algorithms. This paper proposes an alternative objective method for the detection of flaws embedded in austenitic welds based on the singular value decomposition of the time-frequency domain response matrices. The distribution of the singular values is examined in the cases where a flaw exists and where there is no flaw present. A lower threshold on the singular values, specific to austenitic welds, is derived which, when exceeded, indicates the presence of a flaw. The detection criterion is successfully implemented on both synthetic and experimental data. The datasets arising from welds containing a flaw are further interrogated using the decomposition of the time-reversal operator (DORT) method and the total focusing method (TFM), and it is shown that images constructed via the DORT algorithm typically exhibit a higher signal-to-noise ratio than those constructed by the TFM algorithm.

We present a millennial long dendroclimatic reconstruction of spring/summer precipitation for southern-central England. Previous research identified a significant moisture stress signal in ring-width data measured from oak trees growing in southern England. In this study, we build upon this earlier work, specifically targeting south-central England, to derive a well replicated oak ring-width composite chronology using both living and historical material. The data-set includes 352 living trees (AD 1629–2009) and 1540 individual historical series (AD 663–1925). The period expressed by at least 50 trees in any year is AD 980–2009. Calibration experiments identify the optimal seasonal predictand target as March–July precipitation (1901–2007: r2 = 0.33). However, comparison with the long Kew Gardens precipitation record indicates a weakening in tree-growth/climate response from ~1800 to 1920 which we speculate may be related to smoke and sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions at that time which may have also contributed to a decrease in tree productivity. The time-series derived using the regional curve standardisation method to capture lower frequency information shows a mediaeval period with alternating multi-decade-long dry and wet periods, with AD 1153–1172 being the wettest reconstructed 20-year period in the whole record. Drier conditions are prevalent from ~1300 to the early sixteenth century followed by a period of increasing precipitation levels. The most recent four centuries of the record appear similar to the mediaeval period with multiple decade-long dry and wet periods. The late twentieth century is the second reconstructed wettest period. These centennial hydroclimatic trends are in broad agreement with independent regional scale hydroclimatic reconstructions from tree-ring (East Anglia), historical, speleothem and peat water level proxy archives in the United Kingdom and appear coupled with reconstructed sea surface temperature changes in the North Atlantic which in turn influence the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation and westerly airflow across the UK.

Meditation has been studied as a way of reducing stress in counseling clients since the 1960s. Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and new wave behavior therapies incorporate meditation techniques in their programs. This article identifies meditation's curative factors and limitations when using meditation in addiction settings.

Prior to environmental legislation in the 1980s, anthropogenic waste in Antarctica was often deposited into landfill sites or into the sea. This resulted in metal contamination in terrestrial and near-shore marine environments. In this study, we assess the feasibility of using both past and present diatom assemblages to reconstruct and monitor past and future metal contamination. Our dataset included the analyses of both surface sediment samples and sediment cores from a contaminated site near Casey Station, Antarctica. Redundancy analyses indicated a strong relationship between metal concentrations and the composition of diatom communities. Within the surface sediment samples, tin and lead individually explained 43% of the variation observed in the diatom data; copper and iron explained 42% of this variation. In the sediment cores, tin and lead individually explained 53% of the variation in diatom community composition. In the same samples copper explained 47% of this variation, with iron explaining 46% of the observed variation. Once one metal had been selected, incorporating further metal data into the analyses added little extra information. Modern analog technique (MAT) analyses showed a strong correlation between actual and predicted values within one dataset (R2: Cu 0.75; Pb 0.86; Sn 0.89; p

SUMMARY While the number of violent crimes in the United States is decreasing, financial crimes against the elderly are increasing due to the aging of the overall population and greater concentration of wealth among older people. The United States, along with the rest of the world, is experiencing dramatic growth of its senior populace; and financial abuse of the elderly is also dramatically rising. Santa Clara County, California's response to this problem via their model program emphasizing a multi-disciplinary approach to combating financial abuse will be discussed.

The effects of metals and petroleum hydrocarbons on benthic marine diatom communities were assessed using a manipulative field experiment at Casey Station, Antarctica. Uncontaminated, metal contaminated, and petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated sediments were deployed for 11 weeks during the 1999 austral summer. The treatments were deployed at three different locations: Brown Bay, which has elevated levels of anthropogenic contaminants, and two uncontaminated reference locations, O'Brien Bay and Sparkes Bay, the latter of which has naturally occurring high concentrations of some heavy metals. At each location, significant differences between the composition of diatom communities recruiting to control and petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated treatments were observed. Navicula directa (Smith) Ralfs occurred at lower abundances in the petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated treatments than in the control treatments. In contrast, Navicula cancellata Donkin occurred at higher relative abundances in both contaminated treatments relative to the control treatment. Interactions between treatment and location were also observed for several species, including Navicula glaciei Van Heurck. Significant differences in the overall community composition of diatom communities between control and metal contaminated treatments and metal contaminated and petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated treatments were only observed within Brown Bay. The location of deployment also had a significant influence on the composition of diatom communities. Brown Bay had higher abundances of Achnanthes brevipes Agardh but lower abundances of Navicula aff. cincta (Ehrenberg) Van Heurck than either reference locations. This experiment demonstrated that benthic diatom communities are sensitive to sediment contamination and would be suitable for future monitoring work within this and other areas of Antarctica.

A monocotyledonous partial leaf macrofossil from Eocene beds at Nelly Creek near Lake Eyre in Central Australia is described. It is recognised as being close to several extant Australasian species of Dianella Lam. ex Juss. (Hemerocallidaceae), especially the D. odorata Blume / D. bambusifolia Hallier f. complex. However, because it has unique cuticular features relative to extant Hemerocallidaceae, the fossil is assigned to the new genus and species Dianellophyllum eocenicum Conran, Christophel & Cunningham.

Funding was provided by the German Federal Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF; grant no. 03G0586A, B), the German Research Foundation (DFG, JU 465/2-1), FORMAS and Vetenskapsradet. This research was also supported by the Climate Impacts Research Centre (Umea University) who provided salary to Laura Cunningham and Peter Rosen. To date, terrestrial archives of long-term climatic change within the Arctic have widely been restricted to ice cores from Greenland and, more recently, sediments from Lake El'gygytgyn in northeast Arctic Russia. Sediments from this lake contain a paleoclimate record of glacial-interglacial cycles during the last three million years. Low-resolution studies at this lake have suggested that changes observed during Transition IV (the transition from marine isotope stage (MIS) 10 to MIS 9) are of greater amplitude than any observed since. In this study, geochemical parameters are used to infer past climatic conditions thus providing the first high-resolution analyses of Transition IV from a terrestrial Arctic setting. These results demonstrate that a significant shift in climate was subsequently followed by a rapid increase in biogenic silica (BSi) production. Following this sharp increase, bioproductivity remained high, but variable, for over a thousand years. This study reveals differences in the timing and magnitude of change within the ratio of silica to titanium (Si/Ti) and BSi records that would not be apparent in lower resolution studies. This has significant implications for the increasingly common use of Si/Ti data as an alternative to traditional BSi measurements. Publisher PDF

International audience; We undertake the first comprehensive effort to integrate North Atlantic marine climate records for the last millennium, highlighting some key components common within this system at a range of temporal and spatial scales. In such an approach, careful consideration needs to be given to the complexities inherent to the marine system. Composites therefore need to be hydrographically constrained and sensitive to both surface water mass variability and three-dimensional ocean dynamics. This study focuses on the northeast (NE) North Atlantic Ocean, particularly sites influenced by the North Atlantic Current. A composite plus regression approach is used to create an inter-regional NE North Atlantic reconstruction of sea surface temperature (SST) for the last 1000 years. We highlight the loss of spatial information associated with large-scale composite reconstructions of the marine environment. Regional reconstructions of SSTs off the Norwegian and Icelandic margins are presented, along with a larger-scale reconstruction spanning the NE North Atlantic. The latter indicates that the ‘Medieval Climate Anomaly’ warming was most pronounced before ad 1200, with a long-term cooling trend apparent after ad 1250. This trend persisted until the early 20th century, while in recent decades temperatures have been similar to those inferred for the ‘Medieval Climate Anomaly’. The reconstructions are consistent with other independent records of sea-surface and surface air temperatures from the region, indicating that they are adequately capturing the climate dynamics of the last millennium. Consequently, this method could potentially be used to develop large-scale reconstructions of SSTs for other hydrographically constrained regions.

Many aquatic ecosystems in Australia are impacted or threatened by salinisation; however, there is a paucity of records detailing the changes in salinity of individual water bodies that extend beyond a few decades. One way to overcome this issue is the use of inference models, which have typically been based on biological proxies. This pilot project investigates the potential for mid-infrared spectroscopy (MIRS) to provide an alternative method of reconstructing past salinity levels in Australian lakes. A small (19 lakes) calibration dataset was used to develop a MIRS-based lake water salinity inference model (measured vs. inferred salinity, based on leave-one-out cross-validation, R2 = 0.64). This model and a previously published diatom–salinity model were both used to infer salinity levels in Tower Hill Lake in south-eastern Australia, over the last 60 years. Comparisons between these reconstructions and measured salinity data from Tower Hill Lake indicate that salinities inferred by the MIRS model more closely resembled the measured values than those produced using the diatom model, predominantly in terms of the actual values inferred, but also with regard to the trends observed. This supports the hypothesis that MIRS can provide a valuable new tool for reconstructing lake salinity.

Background/introduction HIV diagnoses remain high among men who have sex with men (MSM). Recent studies show promising results with reducing MSM HIV transmission. The PROUD and IPERGAY studies, using daily or ‘on demand’ Truvada as PrEP respectively, showed an 86% HIV transmission reduction. Clinical guidance and funding arrangements for PrEP are in development. We assessed PrEP eligibility amongst MSM attending our sexual health service. Aim(s)/objectives To ascertain the proportion of MSM attending our service eligible for PrEP on clinical grounds and estimate the service and cost implications of introducing PrEP. Methods 97 MSM attending from December 2014 to July 2015 were reviewed, including patients who had attended for post-exposure prophylaxis and STI screening. Patients were assessed against the PROUD study inclusion criteria to identify those who would benefit from PrEP. Results No patients met any of the PROUD exclusion criteria. In a further 21% of notes, the exact number of episodes of UPAI, if any, was unclear although all other criteria were met. This suggests a range of 14–35% eligible for PrEP. We assumed all patients would continue having UPAI, were willing to comply with additional visits and were able to provide consent. The annual cost of Truvada is £356 per year. Further service cost analyses will be described. Discussion/conclusion At least 14–35% of MSM attending our service may benefit from PrEP provision. Additional costs include STI screening, monitoring and care pathways will need to be introduced. However, the overall impact of PrEP may be to reduce new HIV diagnoses and the resultant care costs.

The non-destructive testing of austenitic steel welds using ultrasound is of vital importance for assessing safety critical structures such as those found in the nuclear industry. The internal geometry of these welds is heterogeneous and highly scattering and this makes it dicult to detect and characterise any defects within them. To help overcome these diculties the use of ultrasound transducer arrays and the associated Full Matrix Capture is becoming more widespread. There is a need therefore to develop post-processing algorithms that best utilise the data from such devices. This paper considers the use of a time-frequency domain method known as the Decomposition of the Time Reversal Operator (DORT) method. To develop this method and to demonstrate its ecacy in tackling this problem a series of simulated data sets are used. The simulated data is generated using a finite element method (PZFLEX) with the heterogeneous internal microstructure of the weld being given by previous Electron Backscatter Diraction measurements. A range of artificial flaws are then inserted into this geometry. By varying the flaw size and type a comparison is conducted between the DORT method and the Total Focusing Method (TFM) and their relative ability to perform flaw detection assessed. Importantly, however, the DORT method relies on a Singular Value Decomposition in time and frequency space and this spectral information contains information about the flaw size and shape.

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIRS) can provide detailed information on organic and minerogenic constituents of sediment records. Based on a large number of sediment samples of varying age (0-340 000 yrs) and from very diverse lake settings in Antarctica, Argentina, Canada, Macedonia/Albania, Siberia, and Sweden, we have developed universally applicable calibration models for the quantitative determination of biogenic silica (BSi; n = 816), total inorganic carbon (TIC; n = 879), and total organic carbon (TOC; n = 3164) using FTIRS. These models are based on the differential absorbance of infrared radiation at specific wavelengths with varying concentrations of individual parameters, due to molecular vibrations associated with each parameter. The calibration models have low prediction errors and the predicted values are highly correlated with conventionally measured values (R = 0.94-0.99). Robustness tests indicate the accuracy of the newly developed FTIRS calibration models is similar to that of conventional geochemical analyses. Consequently FTIRS offers a useful and rapid alternative to conventional analyses for the quantitative determination of BSi, TIC, and TOC. The rapidity, cost-effectiveness, and small sample size required enables FTIRS determination of geochemical properties to be undertaken at higher resolutions than would otherwise be possible with the same resource allocation, thus providing crucial sedimentological information for climatic and environmental reconstructions.

A decade of widespread increases in surface water concentrations of total organic carbon (TOC) in some regions has raised questions about longer term patterns in this important constituent of water chemistry. This study uses near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to infer lake water TOC far beyond the decade or two of observational data generally available. An expanded calibration dataset of 140 lakes across Sweden covering a TOC gradient from 0.7 to 24.7 mg L−1 was used to establish a relationship between the NIRS signal from surface sediments (0–0.5 cm) and the TOC concentration of the water mass. Internal cross-validation of the model resulted in an R 2 of 0.72 with a root mean squared error of calibration (RMSECV) of 2.6 mg L−1. The TOC concentrations reconstructed from surface sediments in four Swedish lakes were typically within the range of concentrations observed in the monitoring data during the period represented by each sediment layer. TOC reconstructions from the full sediment cores of four lakes indicated that TOC concentrations were approximately twice as high a century ago.

As advancements in technology continue to revolutionize the field of counseling, certain populations of students still encounter difficulties incorporating technology in the classroom. Non-traditional students, many who possesses years of professional experience, struggle academically due to a lack of technological expertise and knowledge. Low technological expertise potentially decreases students’ self-efficacy, enjoyment, and performance (Baturay & Bay, 2010). Consequently, it is imperative that counselor educators use a variety of strategies with non-traditional students struggling with technology. Thus, the purpose of this article is to propose guidelines encompassing self-efficacy, the evolution of technology and competencies required for assisting students in the classroom.

We demonstrate the use of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIRS) to make quantitative measures of total organic carbon (TOC), total inorganic carbon (TIC) and biogenic silica (BSi) concentrations in sediment. FTIRS is a fast and costeffective technique and only small sediment samples are needed (0.01 g). Statistically significant models were developed using sediment samples from northern Sweden and were applied to sediment records from Sweden, northeast Siberia and Macedonia. The correlation between FTIRS-inferred values and amounts of biogeochemical constituents assessed conventionally varied between r = 0.84–0.99 for TOC, r = 0.85–0.99 for TIC, and r = 0.68–0.94 for BSi. Because FTIR spectra contain information on a large number of both inorganic and organic components, there is great potential for FTIRS to become an important tool in paleolimnology.

The effects of climatic variables on lake-water total organic carbon (TOC) concentrations and benthic and pelagic primary producers during the past 45 yr were assessed using the sediment records of two subarctic lakes, one with mires and one without mires connected to the lake. The lake with a mire showed large and synchronous changes in the planktonic to benthic (P: B) ratio of diatoms and concentrations of TOC inferred from near-infrared spectroscopy. During periods of warm temperatures, high precipitation, and long ice-free conditions, we inferred high TOC in the lake, and the diatom community was dominated by planktonic species. The stable carbon isotopic (δ 13C) values of sediment organic matter were negatively correlated with inferred TOC concentration and P: B ratio. We suggest that the changes in TOC and P: B ratio were a result of changing climate, permafrost degradation, and related changes in the catchment. Terrestrial organic matter, by its strong effect on the penetration of light through the lake water, possibly affected the habitats available for benthic photosynthesis and thus the δ 13C of the sediment organic matter. The large changes in recent times may also be because of unusually long ice-free periods, warmer temperatures, and other associated limnological changes. The lake with no mire next to the lake showed only minor changes in lake-water TOC during the same period and P: B ratio remained almost constant until the past 5 yr, when the P: B ratio increased rapidly. The observed changes in P: B ratio within this lake may be because of complex interactions of several climate-related variables.