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Issue addressed: Enhancing food skills and nutrition knowledge may help promote healthy eating among people who are food insecure. FoodMate® by SecondBite®, an 8‐week nutrition education and food hamper program, focuses on developing food skills and independence among Australians at risk of/experiencing food insecurity. This study aimed to explore participants' perceptions of and experiences with FoodMate® over a long‐term (up to 2 years) follow‐up. Methods: For evaluation purposes, SecondBite® previously collected data from participants prior to (T1) and following completion (T2) of FoodMate®. This paper reports results from semi‐structured telephone interviews conducted in a follow‐up study (2016/2017, T3) among 19 adults enrolled in FoodMate® programs delivered in Victoria and New South Wales within the previous two years. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis of responses to T3 open‐ended questions, and descriptive analysis of closed‐ended question responses (T1 vs T2 vs T3). Results: Major qualitative themes included program enjoyment; perceived positive long‐term program impact on participants' eating and related attitudes and skills; barriers to cooking; suggested program modifications; and impact on others. In descriptive quantitative analyses, participants' diet; confidence to cook using basic ingredients, follow simple recipes and try new foods; cooking and food‐related skills; social engagement and life satisfaction all improved between T1 and T3. Conclusions: Overall, FoodMate® was well‐received and associated with long‐term positive changes in a range of outcomes. Wider implementation among vulnerable groups should be considered. So what?: Future health promotion initiatives could adopt FoodMate® to increase food skills and knowledge among adults experiencing food insecurity. Summary: This study explored participants' perceptions of and experiences with FoodMate® by SecondBite®, a nutrition education program focused on developing food skills and independence among Australians at risk of/experiencing food insecurity. Long‐term positive changes in confidence, cooking and food‐related skills; social engagement; life satisfaction; and dietary intake were observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through-vial impedance spectroscopy (TVIS) is a new approach for characterizing product attributes during freeze-drying process development. In this study, a pair of copper foil electrodes was attached to the external surface of a Type I glass tubing vial, of nominal capacity 10 mL and containing 3.5 g of an aqueous solution of 5% w/v lactose, and the impedance spectrum of the vial and contents recorded during a lyophilization cycle. The cycle included a temperature ramp in the primary drying stage in order to induce a collapse event in the dry layer. Using the peak in the dielectric loss spectrum, associated with the dielectric relaxation of ice, methods were developed to predict the sublimation rate and the ice interface temperature at the sublimation front, from which the dry layer resistance was then calculated. A four-fold increase in sublimation rate and a reduction in the dry layer resistance wereobserved once the ice interface temperature reached −33 °C, which coincides with the onset of the glass transition (as determined by DSC) and the time point at which micro-collapse occurred (as evidenced by SEM images at the end of the cycle). This work suggests a prospective application of impedance measurements in driving process efficiencies by operating the dryer at the highest achievable temperature (i.e. the collapse temperature) whilst avoiding macro-collapse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The African Middle Pleistocene (781–126 ka) is a key period for human evolution, witnessing both the origin of the modern human lineage and the lithic turnover from Earlier Stone Age (ESA) Acheulean bifacial tools to Middle Stone Age (MSA) prepared core and point technologies. This ESA/MSA transition is interpreted as representing changing landscape use with greater foraging distances and more active hunting strategies. So far, these behavioral inferences are mainly based on the extensive stone tool record, with only a minor role for site-based and regional faunal studies. To provide additional insights into these behavioral changes, this paper details a pan-African metastudy of 63 Middle Pleistocene faunal assemblages from 40 sites. A hierarchical classification system identified 26 well-contextualized assemblages with quantitative paleontological and/or zooarcheological data available for detailed comparative analyses and generalized linear mixed modeling. Modeling of ungulate body size classes structured around three dimensions (context, antiquity and technology) illustrates no one-to-one correlation between changes in lithic technology (Acheulean vs. MSA) and changes in prey representation. All assessed faunal assemblages are dominated by medium-sized bovids, and variations between smaller and larger body size classes are linked to site context (cave vs. open-air), with an increase in cave sites during the Middle Pleistocene. Current data do not signal a broadening of the hominin dietary niche during the Middle Pleistocene; no meaningful variation was visible in the exploitation of smaller-sized bovids or dangerous game, with coastal resources exploited when available. Proportions of anthropogenic bone surface modifications, and hence carcass processing intensity, do increase over time although more zooarcheological data is crucial before making behavioral inferences. Overall, this paper illustrates the potential of broad scale comparative faunal analyses to provide additional insights into processes of human behavioral evolution and the mechanisms underlying patterns of technological, chronological and contextual change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Abstract The process of milling often results in amorphization and the physical stability of amorphous phase is linked with its molecular dynamics. This study focuses on a propensity of two disaccharides (lactose and sucrose) to amorphize on ball milling and the stability of the resultant amorphous phase. The amorphous content in milled sugars is estimated by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and the stability was measured in terms of the tendency to recrystallize by Broadband Dielectric Spectroscopy (BDS). The results show that the amorphous content increases with milling time and is greater for lactose than sucrose. At the same degree of amorphization, sucrose recrystallize at temperature ∼15 °C higher than lactose, indicating higher stability. The molecular dynamics (beta relaxation process), suggest that milled sucrose is more stable with higher activation energy (∼9 kJ mol−1) than that of lactose. The moisture content of amorphous phase also impacts its molecular dynamics in terms of increase in activation energy as the moisture decrease with increasing the milling times. The study suggests a greater stability of amorphous sucrose and susceptibility of milled lactose to recrystallize, however, on extended milling when the moisture content decreases, lactose was seen to become relatively more stable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The aim of this study was to enhance the kinetic solubility and dissolution rate of ibuprofen by co-milling with different excipients and to establish the underlying mechanism(s) for such enhancement. In the first-part, two excipients (HPMC and soluplus) were selected from seven, and the optimal ball-milling parameters of speed and time (18 Hz, 15 min) were determined based on solubility-enhancement and flow-ability criteria. In the second-part, co-milling of different weight-ratios of ibuprofen-to-excipient was carried out and solubility and dissolution rates were determined. Mechanisms of biopharmaceutical enhancement were studied by SEM, laser diffraction, DSC, and FTIR analysis of the co-mixtures. Ibuprofen solubility (0.09 mg/mL for un-milled) was increased by factors of 4–5 and 10–20 for HPMC and soluplus, respectively. The weakening of crystals, stabilization of the amorphous phase and an increase in solid-state hydrogen bonding are the likely mechanisms for this enhancement. Reductions in Q70% dissolution time were also observed, by a factor of 4 and 7 for ibuprofen:HMPC and ibuprofen:soluplus co-milled mixtures, respectively. Although, there were similar reductions in particle size, dispersibility and degree of amorphization in both mixtures, the higher dissolution rate for soluplus, over that for HPMC, must be due to the additional solubilization contribution to the kinetic solubility provided by soluplus. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through vial impedance spectroscopy (TVIS) is a product non-invasive process analytical technology which exploits the frequency dependence of the complex impedance spectrum of a composite object (i.e. the freeze-drying vial and its contents) in order to track the progression of the freeze-drying cycle. This work demonstrates the use of a dual electrode system, attached to the external surface of a type I glass tubing vial (nominal capacity 10 mL) in the prediction of (i) the ice interface temperatures at the sublimation front and at the base of the vial, and (ii) the primary drying rate. A value for the heat transfer coefficient (for a chamber pressure of 270 µbar) was then calculated from these parameters and shown to be comparable to that published by Tchessalov (2017). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Two sub-zero relaxation processes were observed in freeze-dried disaccharides. • gamma-process has a positive correlation of its Froehlich parameter vs temperature. • This relationship suggests an anti-parallel arrangement of interacting dipoles. • The degrees of freedom within each sugar increases with temperature or moisture. The purpose of this article is to study the effect of moisture content on the molecular dynamics of freeze-dried disaccharide excipients, in the context of understanding the instability of a pharmaceutical product. Four disaccharides were measured by broad band dielectric spectroscopy, over a wide temperature range (−140 to +80 °C) with increasing moisture content from 1 to 7.5%. The two observed sub-Tg relaxation processes (β and γ) were affected by the moisture content, with a dramatic change in relaxation time of the β-process, but only a moderate effect on the γ-process. A suggestion of the likely arrangement of dipoles, and intra-molecular mobility, was performed in the framework of the free-space theory and based primarily on the analysis of the relaxation times, activation energies and Frohlich parameters. This analysis allows for some speculation concerning the disaccharide moisture buffering in freeze-dried formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Pathology of the biceps tendon can contribute to significant shoulder pain and dysfunction for which biceps tenodesis may be indicated. A variety of techniques tenodesing the biceps tendon have been described. Recently, tenodesis using a uni- or bicortical button has been advocated. This cadaveric study investigates the proximity of the axillary nerve to the position of bicortical drill passages during biceps tenodesis.Methods: Twelve cadaveric shoulder specimens were used. The axillary nerve was marked during a preparatory dissection using wire. Drills were passed through the humerus at the proximal and distal ends of the bicipital groove, and at the superior insertion point of pectoralis major (PM). These were left in situ. The distances between these drills and the axillary nerves were measured using computed tomography imaging.Results: The drill bits placed at the superior insertion of PM were in closest proximity to the axillary nerve (3D distance mean 10.7 mm, 95 % confidence interval 7.2-14.2 mm). A drill placed at the distal end of the bicipital groove was a mean distance of 18.2 mm from the nerve.Conclusions: This study highlights the need for caution when drilling the posterior humeral cortex during biceps tenodesis, particularly during drilling at the superior insertion of PM as this is the location that poses the highest risk to the axillary nerve. To our knowledge, this is the first cadaveric study to radiologically assess the proximity of the axillary nerve to the positions of biceps tenodesis. Surgeons should therefore be cautious when performing bicortical drilling for biceps tenodesis, and a supero-lateral drill trajectory would pose a smaller risk to the axillary nerve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quantification of crystallinity is necessary in order to be able to control the milling process. In this study, the changes in the amount of residual crystallinity of ball-milled anhydrous β-lactose (β-LA), for periods up to 60 min, were evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and by terahertz pulsed spectroscopy. The percentage of residual crystallinity using DSC was estimated by two methods: The first method was based on the measurement of the melting of the crystalline part, while the second was based on the measurement of the devitrification of the amorphous part. Peaks in THz spectra, related to the residual crystalline material were analyzed by two methods: (1) area under peak and (2) partial least square. The milled samples of β-LA show a monotonic decrease in crystallinity with milling time, although the quantitative analysis performed by different techniques reveals very different results. THz technique gives significantly lower estimates for % crystallinity (in the early time period) than that calculated from the DSC data, possibly because of the recrystallization of amorphous form during sample preparation. The comparison of residual crystallinity of β-LA with its hydrated counterpart [i.e., α-lactose monohydrate (α-LMH)] has shown that the amount of amorphous material produced from the α-LMH is 20-30 % greater than from β-LA at extended milling times (i.e. 60 min). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quantification of crystallinity is necessary in order to be able to control the milling process. The use of thermal analysis for this assessment presents certain challenges, particularly in the case of crystal hydrates. In this study, the residual crystallinity on ball milling of lactose monohydrate (LMH), for periods up to 90 min, was evaluated by thermo-analytical techniques (TGA, DSC) and terahertz spectroscopy (THz). In general, the results from one of the DSC analysis and the THz measurements agree showing a monotonous decrease in relative residual crystallinity with milling time (∼80% reduction after 60 min milling) and a slight increase at the 90 min time point. However, the estimates from TGA and two other methods of analyzing DSC curve do not agree with the former techniques and show variability with significantly higher estimates for crystallinity. It was concluded that, the thermal techniques require more complex treatment of the data in the evaluation of changes in crystallinity of a milled material (in particular to account for the de-vitrification and mutarotation of the material that inevitably occurs during the measurement cycle) while the analysis of THz data is more straightforward, with the measurement having no impact on the native state of the material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recurrent presence at Middle Palaeolithic sites of megafaunal remains, such as mammoth, elephant and rhinoceros, together with isotope analyses signalling meat as a prominent protein source, have been used to argue that these species played a central role in Neanderthal diet. Key to this model are the bone heap horizons from La Cotte de St Brelade (Jersey), which were previously interpreted as game drive debris resulting from systematic Neanderthal hunting. However, this hypothesis has never been rigorously tested, neither at a site-scale, incorporating taphonomic and contextual data, nor at a wider European scale. First, this paper provides a contextual reassessment of the faunal remains from La Cotte to fully understand Neanderthal behaviour at the site. Second, a comparative database of 30 well-published Middle Palaeolithic sites with megafauna permits a data-driven, broader spatial (European) and diachronic assessment of the role of megafauna in Neanderthal subsistence behaviour. Results suggest initial Neanderthal occupation at La Cotte was intensive although through time site visits became more infrequent, as highlighted by a reduction in cultural debris concurrent with a rise in carnivore presence. While mammoths, just as other large mammals and occasionally carnivores, were clearly butchered at this locality, their acquisition and role in Neanderthal diet remains ambiguous. Broader comparisons across Western Europe indicate a main focus on a range of large herbivores, with only a minor, opportunistic, role for megafauna. Whilst stable isotope analysis suggests that Neanderthal diet was meat-oriented, zooarchaeological data do not support the inference that megafauna were the major contributor of meat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work was to evaluate the application of through-vial impedance spectroscopy in the measurement of eutectic crystallization during the freezing stage of the lyophilisation cycle. Impedance measurements of various sugar solutions (mannitol 5%, 10% and 15% w/v, sucrose 5% w/v and mannitol 5% w/v, and sucrose 5% w/v solutions) were taken during a freeze-thaw cycle, over a frequency range 10-106 Hz with a scan interval of 1.5 min, using measurement vials with externally attached electrodes connected to a high resolution impedance analyzer. Estimates for the electrical resistance of the mannitol solutions record the exothermic crystallization of mannitol at a temperature of -24 °C during the temperature ramp down stage of the freezing cycle, which is in close agreement with the off-line DSC measurement of -22 °C. The freezing profile of a 5% mannitol solution with 5% sucrose (a component that does not crystallize in the frozen solution) demonstrated the inhibition of mannitol crystallization (with the implication that the product will then require sub-Tg' freezing and drying). The work suggests a role for through-vial impedance spectroscopy in the concurrent development of the product formulation and freeze drying cycle without the uncertainty introduced when using off-line date to define the critical process parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Donors are the key to the core business of Blood Collection Agencies (BCAs). However, historically, they have not been a focus of research undertaken by these organizations. This model is now changing, with significant donor research groups established in a number of countries, including Australia. Donor research in the Australian Red Cross Blood Service (Blood Service) is concentrated in the Donor and Community Research (DCR) team. Cognizant of the complex and ever-changing landscape with regard to optimal donor management, the DCR team collaborates with academics located at universities around Australia to coordinate a broad program of research that addresses both short- and-long term challenges to the blood supply. This type of collaboration is not, however, without challenges. Two major collaborative programs of the Blood Service's research, focusing on i) the recruitment and retention of plasmapheresis donors and ii) the role of the emotion pride in donor motivation and return, are showcased to elucidate how the challenges of conducting collaborative BCA research can be met. In so doing, these and the other research programs described herein demonstrate how the Blood Service supports and contributes to research that not only revises operational procedures but also contributes to advances in basic science. © 2014 S. Karger GmbH, Freiburg [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aims to investigate the impact of annealing hold time and temperature on the primary drying rate/duration of a 10% (w/v) solution of maltodextrin with an emphasis on how the mechanisms of annealing might be understood from the in-vial measurements of the ice crystal growth and the glass transition. The electrical impedance of the solution within a modified glass vial was recorded between 10 and 106 Hz during freeze-drying cycles with varying annealing hold times (1-5 h) and temperatures. Primary drying times decreased by 7%, 27% and 34% (1.1, 4.3 and 5.5 h) with the inclusion of an annealing step at temperatures of −15°C, −10°C and −5°C, respectively. The glass transition was recorded at approximately −16°C during the re-heating and re-cooling steps, which is close to the glass transition ( Tg') reported for 10% (w/v) maltodextrin and therefore indicates that a maximum freeze concentration (∼86%, w/w, from the Gordon- Taylor equation) was achieved during first freezing, with no further ice being formed on annealing. This observation, coupled to the decrease in electrical resistance that was observed during the annealing hold time, suggests that the reduction in the drying time was because of improved connectivity of ice crystals because of Ostwald ripening rather than devitrification. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Rupture of the pectoralis major (PM) tendon is a rare but severe injury. Several techniques have been described for PM fixation, including a transosseus technique, placing cortical buttons at the superior, middle and inferior PM tendon insertion points. The present cadaveric study investigates the proximity of the posterior branch of the axillary nerve to the drill positions for transosseus PM tendon repair. Methods Twelve cadaveric shoulders were used. The axillary nerve was marked during a preparatory dissection. Drills were passed through the humerus at the superior, middle and inferior insertions of the PM tendon and the drill bits were left in situ. The distance between these and each axillary nerve was measured using computed tomography. Results The superior drill position was in closest proximity to the axillary nerve (three-dimensional distance range 0–18.01 mm, mean 10.74 mm, 95% confidence interval 7.24 mm to 14.24 mm). The middle PM insertion point was also very close to the nerve. Conclusions Caution should be used when performing bicortical drilling of the humerus, especially when drilling at the superior border of the PM insertion. We describe ‘safe’ and ‘danger’ zones for the positioning of cortical buttons through the humerus reflecting the risk posed to the axillary nerve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Impedance spectroscopy has been used for the measurement of the glass transition of a 10 % maltodextrin solution contained within a glass vial, with externally attached electrodes. Features of the pseudo-relaxation process, associated with the composite impedance of the glass vial-solution assembly, were characterised by the peak amplitude, , and peak frequency, f peak, of the capacitance spectra and the equivalent circuit elements that model the impedance spectra (i.e. the solution resistance and solution capacitance) and monitored every 3min during re-heating of the solution. The time derivatives of all four parameters studied provided a glass transition in close agreement with DSC measurements (−17°C) and at a precision of ±0.5°C. The temperature dependencies of the solution resistance and peak frequency were then characterised with the Arrhenius and Vogel–Fulcher–Tammann fit functions, at temperatures below and above Tg , respectively. The energy of activation (below Tg ) was estimated at ∼20kJmol−1, and the fragility index (If ) of the glass forming liquid (above Tg ) was estimated at 0.9. The significance of the fragility index to the development, optimisation and control of the freeze-drying cycle is highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The identification of human butchery-signatures on fauna from Lower Palaeolithic sites is well documented and readily identifiable. Such bone surface modifications have the potential to provide not only information about past hominin meat-procurement behaviour but address the wider issue of competition for resources with other carnivore species. To understand and discuss these broader issues both hominin and natural bone surface modifications must be understood and contextualised within a site-specific spatial and temporal framework. This paper presents new results from faunal analysis at two key British Lower Palaeolithic localities: Boxgrove and Swanscombe. It illustrates that different depositional environments and excavation histories have resulted in different scales and resolutions of available data and hence in varying interpretive potentials. At Swanscombe the archaeological record has been disturbed by both fluvial activity and excavation history providing a coarser-grained record of anthropogenic behaviour than previously acknowledged. Conversely, at Boxgrove, a finer-grained, higher resolution record of human behaviours has been preserved; this, combined with both an extensive and intensive excavation strategy, has allowed for a broader discussion of hominin landscape use, resource competition and meat-procurement behaviour. This paper highlights that assessing the specific depositional environment at each site is crucial to understanding Palaeolithic faunal assemblage formation and, consequently, the available data-resolution and behavioural interpretation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose:In the game of golf, players are constantly moving into and out of many different terrains as well as playing on different ground conditions, which may cause the shoe-surface interface to become contaminated with solid debris. The addition of this debris will no doubt alter the shoe-surface interface, potentially altering the golfer's traction and performance during the swing. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the traction of two different types of golf cleats on wet and dry surfaces, while the traction elements were both clean and clogged with debris. Methods:The traction of footwear with two different cleat combinations on wet and dry natural grass, while the traction elements were unclogged and clogged with debris was tested. A robotic testing machine that encompassed six degrees of freedom was used for all traction testing. A normal load of 500 N was applied to the shoe, after which the platform moved at a speed of 75 mm/s, with the horizontal and vertical forces being measured by the load cell during the duration of the movement. Results:Clogging of the cleats significantly reduced traction (F = 63.823, p < 0.001) as did wetting the surface (F = 9.964, p = 0.002). Testing location of the shoe caused a difference in traction measurements with the forefoot having significantly higher traction values than the rearfoot (F = 49.617, p < 0.001). Cleat type did not have a significant effect on traction (F = 1.364, p = 0.247). Conclusion:If footwear is clogged with course contaminants, significant reductions in traction could occur, which may lead to slipping and result in altering the timing or motion of the swing as well as the ability to transfer the required force through the body to the ball. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To identify whether regular aspirin use protects against esophageal adenocarcinoma ( EA) and if so, the effect of the duration and frequency of drug exposure. Methods Studies were selected from five journal/trial databases based on defined inclusion and exclusion criteria; most notably, the provision of multivariate EA odds ratios (ORs) in those taking regular aspirin. A subgroup analysis was then performed by stratifying the results according to the frequency and duration of aspirin use. The reliability of these investigations was assessed by calculating study heterogeneity and observing any elements of publication bias. Results Nine studies were selected for the main analysis, of which five were included in the frequency analysis and three assessed the duration of aspirin use. Data pooling revealed a statistically significant EA OR of 0.671 (95% CI 0.526-0.856, P = 0.001) among all aspirin users, suggesting a protective effect. The results for duration and frequency did not reach statistical significance but nonetheless suggested possible benefits of longer, more frequent drug regimens that may be statistically confirmed by studies of larger sample sizes. Funnel plots and statistical tests demonstrated a minimal impact of publication bias on our results. Conclusion Aspirin use confers a significant protective effect against EA with a suggestion that the degree of protection may be increased by the longer duration and higher frequency of usage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Commonly used methods for assay of haemoglobin A(1c) (HbA(1c)) are susceptible to interference from the presence of haemoglobin variants. In many systems, the common variants can be identified but scientists and pathologists must remain vigilant for more subtle variants that may result in spuriously high or low HbA(1c) values. It is clearly important to recognize these events whether HbA(1c) is being used as a monitoring tool or, as is increasingly the case, for diagnostic purposes. We report a patient with a rare haemoglobin variant (Hb Sinai-Baltimore) that resulted in spuriously low values of HbA(1c) when assayed using ion exchange chromatography, and the steps taken to elucidate the nature of the variant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Commonly used methods for assay of haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) are susceptible to interference from the presence of haemoglobin variants. In many systems, the common variants can be identified but scientists and pathologists must remain vigilant for more subtle variants that may result in spuriously high or low HbA1c values. It is clearly important to recognize these events whether HbA1c is being used as a monitoring tool or, as is increasingly the case, for diagnostic purposes. We report a patient with a rare haemoglobin variant (Hb Sinai-Baltimore) that resulted in spuriously low values of HbA1c when assayed using ion exchange chromatography, and the steps taken to elucidate the nature of the variant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Lynford is the best preserved late Middle Palaeolithic (MIS 3) site in the UK where organic deposits have yielded a large lithic and faunal assemblage. The fauna is dominated by mammoth with various other large-medium-sized species indicative of colder climates (woolly rhino, reindeer, bison, and wolf). The site has been interpreted as evidence of Neanderthal hunting and butchery of mammoth through the absence of long bones and high incidence of pathologies. Detailed taphonomic investigation has highlighted a reduced role for hominins in faunal accumulation at this location. The evidence from Lynford does not support the idea of habitual mammoth hunting at this locale. Instead this paper will document flexible and opportunistic subsistence behaviour by Neanderthals at Lynford. This interpretation has implications for understanding Neanderthal land use, seasonality and environmental awareness. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A means of assessing the relative impact of different renewable energy technologies on global warming has been developed. All power plants emit thermal energy to the atmosphere. Fossil fuel power plants also emit CO2 which accumulates in the atmosphere and provides an indirect increase in global warming via the greenhouse effect. A fossil fuel power plant may operate for some time before the global warming due to its CO2 emission exceeds the warming due to its direct heat emission. When a renewable energy power plant is deployed instead of a fossil fuel power plant there may be a significant time delay before the direct global warming effect is less than the combined direct and indirect global warming effect from an equivalent output coal fired plant – the “business as usual” case. Simple expressions are derived to calculate global temperature change as a function of ground reflectance and conversion efficiency for various types of fossil fuelled and renewable energy power plants. These expressions are used to assess the global warming mitigation potential of some proposed Australian renewable energy projects. The application of the expressions is extended to evaluate the deployment in Australia of current and new geo-engineering and carbon sequestration solutions to mitigate global warming. Principal findings are that warming mitigation depends strongly on the solar to electric conversion efficiency of renewable technologies, geo-engineering projects may offer more economic mitigation than renewable energy projects and the mitigation potential of reforestation projects depends strongly on the location of the projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Candidates for cardiac bypass surgery often experience cognitive decline. Such decline is likely to affect their everyday cognitive functioning. The aim of the present study was to compare cardiac patients' ratings of their everyday cognitive functioning against significant others' ratings and selected neuropsychological tests. Sixty-nine patients completed a battery of standardised cognitive tests. Patients and significant others also completed the Everyday Function Questionnaire independently of each other. Patient and significant other ratings of patients' everyday cognitive difficulties were found to be similar. Despite the similarities in ratings of difficulties, some everyday cognitive tasks were attributed to different processes. Patients' and significant others' ratings were most closely associated with the neuropsychological test of visual memory. Tests of the patients' verbal memory and fluency were only related to significant others' ratings. Test scores of attention and planning were largely unrelated to ratings by either patients or their significant others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The behavioral dynamics underlying the expansion of Homo sapiens into Europe remains a crucial topic in human evolution. Owing to poor bone preservation, past studies have strongly focused on the Initial Upper Paleolithic (IUP) stone tool record. Recent excavations and extensive radiocarbon dating at Bacho Kiro Cave (Bulgaria) pushed back the arrival of IUP H. sapiens into Europe to ca. 45,000 years ago. This site has exceptional bone preservation, and we present the study of 7431 faunal remains from across two IUP layers (I and J) and one Middle Paleolithic layer (K). We identified a shift in site use and occupation intensity through time, marked by increased find density and human modifications in Layer I. Alongside a decrease in carnivore presence and seasonality data demonstrating human presence in all seasons, this indicates a more frequent or prolonged occupation of the site by IUP groups. Contrarily, the dietary focus across the IUP and Middle Paleolithic layers is similar, centered on the exploitation of species from a range of habitats including Bos/Bison , Cervidae, Equidae, and Caprinae. While body parts of large herbivores were selectively transported into the site, the bear remains suggest that these animals died in the cave itself. A distinct aspect of the IUP occupation is an increase in carnivore remains with human modifications, including these cave bears but also smaller taxa (e.g., Canis lupus, Vulpes vulpes). This can be correlated with their exploitation for pendants, and potentially for skins and furs. At a broader scale, we identified similarities in subsistence behavior across IUP sites in Europe and western Asia. It appears that the first IUP occupations were less intense with find densities and human modifications increasing in succeeding IUP layers. Moreover, the exploitation of small game appears to be limited across IUP sites, while carnivore exploitation seems a recurrent strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Models for ice sublimation from a freeze-drying vial rely on the assumption of a planar ice interface up to ~25% loss of ice mass (which is difficult to qualify) whereas single-vial determinations of the sublimation endpoint (by temperature sensors) are based on the point when the observed temperature reaches a plateau, which cannot differentiate between sublimation and desorption-drying. In this work, the real part capacitance of TVIS vial(s) containing frozen water (during sublimation drying) was measured at 100 kHz. This parameter C ′ (100   kHz) was shown to be highly sensitive to the shape and volume of the ice mass and is therefore a useful parameter for monitoring ice sublimation. By placing a digital camera in front of an isolated TVIS vial containing ice, it was possible to relate the changes in the shape of the ice mass with the changes in the trajectory of the time profile of C ′ (100   kHz) and determine the point of deviation from a planar ice interface and ultimately determine the point when the last vestiges of ice disappear. Thereafter, the same characteristics of the C ′ (100   kHz) time-profile were identified for those TVIS vials located out of sight of the camera in a separate full-shelf lyo study, thereby obviating the need for photographic examination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Earth Observation (EO) data is seen as a major source of information to characterise the Earth's surface, but is conventionally analysed using pixel-based approaches that do not incorporate the concept of landscape features or real-world objects. The UK land cover maps to date have been developed in an attempt to exploit landscape features to improve the quality and accuracy of their derived products. For Land Cover Map 2007 (LCM2007) landscape features will be derived from a generalised version of OS MasterMap to capture the required real-world objects. This paper describes the generalisation process that aligns the scale of the landscape features with the information content of high spatial resolution EO data as the first step in the production of LCM2007. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foreclosures of single-family mortgages have increased dramatically in many parts of the US in recent years. Much of this has been tied to the rise of higher-risk subprime mortgage lending. Debates concerning mortgage regulation, as well as around other residential finance policies and practices, hinge critically on the social as well as personal costs of loan default and foreclosure. This paper examines the impact of foreclosures of single-family mortgages on levels of violent and property crime at the neighborhood level. Using data on foreclosures, neighborhood characteristics, and crime, the study found that higher foreclosure levels do contribute to higher levels of violent crime. The results for property crime are not statistically significant. A standard deviation increase in the foreclosure rate (about 2.8 foreclosures for every 100 owner-occupied properties in one year) corresponds to an increase in neighborhood violent crime of approximately 6.7 per cent. The policy implications of these findings are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) is induced by the presence ofHelicobacter pylori(H. pylori) on the gastric mucosa as part of the inflammatory response; this results in the synthesis of prostaglandins that amplify the local inflammatory response. The presence ofH. pyloriinhibits the secretion of ascorbate into the gastric lumen. Interestingly, ascorbate inhibits the growth ofH. pyloriand low dietary levels are associated with an increased risk of gastric adenocarcinoma. We therefore investigated the effect of ascorbate onH. pylorimediated COX-2 induction and prostaglandin productionin vitro.H. pyloriwas cocultured with gastric epithelial cells in the presence of ascorbate at physiological concentrations. The expression of COX-2 was assessed by Western blotting and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) was assessed by ELISA.Ascorbate inhibited gastric cell PGE2 synthesis but not in COX-2 expression in response toH. pylori. In the absence of the organism, ascorbate also reduced PGE2 expression in cells that constitutively express COX-2, again with no reduction of COX-2 protein expression.Physiological concentrations of ascorbate inhibit PGE2 but not COX-2 expression in response toH. pyloriin gastric epithelial cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the early 1990s, there has been a very large growth in mortgages made by so-called subprime lenders, which specialize in lending to borrowers with credit history problems. One reason for concern about this trend is that it has been associated with a large and simultaneous rise in foreclosures, which can entail significant costs not just for those directly affected but also for surrounding neighborhoods and larger communities. This study uses multivariate estimations to quantify the impact of subprime lending on neighborhood foreclosure levels. After controlling for neighborhood demographics and economic conditions, the authors find that subprime loans lead to foreclosures at far greater rates than do prime loans. Moreover, subprime lending appears to account for a substantial share of foreclosure activity in high-foreclosure neighborhoods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrical power consumption in buildings may be reduced considerably by more efficient use of sunlight for indoor lighting. A stack of luminescent solar concentrator sheets has been developed, which utilises three different coloured fluorescent dyes to produce a concentrated near-white light source to be coupled into flexible polymer sheets and transported up to 10 m. Thus in clear sky conditions a remote room with neither walls nor roof in direct contact with the sun, can be illuminated by over 1000 lm of natural light with a luminous efficacy of over 300 lm/W, regardless of the sun''s position. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) is an inducible enzyme that plays a key role in the synthesis of prostaglandins in response to inflammatory stimuli. It is expressed in the gastric mucosa as part of the response to infection with Helicobacter pylori. The specific interaction between H. pylori and the gastric epithelium that results in COX-2 expression has not been identified. In order to investigate the hypothesis that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from H. pylori plays a role in the induction of cyclooxygenase 2 in the stomach, gastric cell lines MKN-7 and MKN-45 were incubated with LPS from either H. pylori NCTC 11637 or Escherichia coli 055:B5. Incubation of cells with live H. pylori NCTC 11637 was also carried out as a positive control. Cells were then analysed for COX-2 protein and mRNA and prostaglandin E2 synthesis. Cyclooxygenase 2 protein and mRNA expression was induced by E. coli LPS and live H. pylori, but not by H. pylori LPS. Prostaglandin E2 synthesis increased in a dose-dependent manner in both cell lines with E. coli but not H. pylori LPS. H. pylori LPS is of low biological activity when compared with E. coli LPS in its ability to induce the expression of cyclooxygenase 2 and synthesis of prostaglandin E2. This may provide one mechanism by which H. pylori minimizes the inflammatory response in the gastric mucosa, allowing chronic infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Prospective and Retrospective Memory Questionnaire (PRMQ; Smith, Della Sala, Logie, & Maylor, 2000) was developed to provide a self-report measure of prospective and retrospective memory slips in everyday life. It consists of sixteen items, eight asking about prospective memory failures, and eight concerning retrospective failures. The PRMQ was administered to a sample of the general adult population ( N = 551) ranging in age between 17 and 94. Ten competing models of the latent structure of the PRMQ were derived from theoretical and empirical sources and were tested using confirmatory factor analysis. The model with the best fit had a tripartite structure and consisted of a general memory factor (all items loaded on this factor) plus orthogonal specific factors of prospective and retrospective memory. The reliabilities (internal consistency) of the Total scale and the Prospective and Retrospective scales were acceptable: Cronbach's alpha was 0.89, 0.84, and 0.80, respectively. Age and gender did not influence PRMQ scores, thereby simplifying the presentation and interpretation of normative data. To ease interpretation of scores on the PRMQ, tables are presented for conversion of raw scores on the Total scale and Prospective and Retrospective scales to T scores (confidence limits on scores are also provided). In addition, tables are provided to allow users to assess the reliability and abnormality of differences between an individual's scores on the Prospective and Retrospective scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper looks at some attempts by advanced learners of English in Hong Kong to identify words while transcribing song lyrics. It includes a number of misinterpretations recently dubbed 'mondegreens'. Although interest in this phenomenon among native speakers has been primarily for its amusement value, the words chosen by second language speakers show evidence of a serious attempt to create order out of the chaos born of an inadequate awareness of the full range of English phonological distinctions. Implications for the teaching of English, especially phonology and listening skills, are explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two experiments investigated the effects of normal aging and dementia on laboratory-based prospective memory (PM) tasks. Participants viewed a film for a later recognition memory task. In Experiment 1, they were also required either to say "animal" when an animal appeared in the film (event-based PM task) or to stop a clock every 3 min (time-based PM task). In both tasks, young participants were more successful than older participants, who were, in turn, more successful than patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). For successful remembering in the time-based task, older participants and AD patients checked the clock more often than did young participants. In Experiment 2, participants were asked to reset a clock either when an animal appeared in the film (unrelated cue-action) or when a clock appeared in the film (related cue-action). Responses were faster in the related condition than in the unrelated condition. Again, there were differences in PM performance between young and older participants, and between older participants and AD patients. The observed deficits were not due to the forgetting of the PM task instructions in either experiment. Retrospective memory (RM) tasks (digit span, sentence span, free recall, and recognition) were more impaired by AD than were the PM tasks. Factor analysis revealed separate factors corresponding to RM and PM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the production and turnover of particulate dimethylsulphoniopropionate (DMSP) within a developing phytoplankton bloom characterized by abundant Emiliania huxleyi. Phytoplankton community composition; Phytoplankton taxonomy and contribution to particulate DMSP; Temporal change and net production of particulate DMSP and phytoplankton.

Most football players and coaches agree that players are capable of learning to use both feet with equal frequency and efficiency – that is, become 'two-footed'. There is also some consensus that two-footed play is associated with skill in individual players. If these assumptions are true, then the world's elite football players should be substantially less 'one-footed' than the rest of the population. To examine this issue, we quantified the pattern of foot use in a sample of 236 players from 16 teams in the 1998 World Cup (France '98). Our findings indicate that World Cup players are as right-footed as the general population (∼79%). The remaining players were largely leftfooted and as biased towards the use of their preferred foot as their right-footed counterparts. Very few players used each foot with equal frequency. Remarkably, both left- and right-footed players were as skilled, on average, with their non-preferred foot as they were with their preferred foot, on the rare occasions when they used it. Therefore, it is unlikely that infrequent use of one foot compared to the other foot can be accounted for by skill differences between the feet. Players were most asymmetrical for set pieces; nevertheless, first touches, passes, dribbles and tackles were rarely performed with the non-preferred foot as well. Our results support a biological model of foot preference and performance, as well as demonstrating the usefulness of soccer for studies of lateral asymmetries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Frequency of prospective memory and retrospective memory failures was rated on a 16-item questionnaire by 862 volunteers, from five groups: patients with Alzheimer Disease (rated by carers), carers of Alzheimer Disease patients, elderly, young, and a group of married couples. Reported memory failures were highest for Alzheimer Disease patients, and lowest for carers, with elderly and young controls in between. More prospective memory than retrospective memory failures were reported in all groups, although the difference was small for Alzheimer Disease patients who were rated near ceiling for both. Prospective memory failures of Alzheimer Disease patients were reported as more frustrating for carers than retrospective memory failures; prospective memory and retrospective memory failures frustrated Alzheimer Disease patients equally. Data from the couples indicated that there were no biases resulting from rating on behalf of someone else. These results suggest that: (1) normal ageing has no greater effect on self-reported retrospective memory than prospective memory failures, (2) the relatively small number of memory failures reported by carers may result from comparing themselves with the Alzheimer Disease patients in their care, and (3) prospective memory failures have a greater impact on the lives of the carers and are therefore more likely to be reported as early indicants of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The important issues in assessment practices for university undergraduates are identified. The way in which assessment can be used to enhance student learning, the impact of external factors on assessment methods and the barriers that inhibit change are discussed. The paper also discusses the various ways in which changes in assessment practices have have been implemented and studies that have been carried out to gauge the effect of different methods of assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a methodology for determination of dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and dimethyl sulfoniopropionate (DMSP) in seawater. Use of deuterated internal standards; Effect of filtration on DMS recovery; Impact of acid additions on DMS concentration over increased storage time; Calibration and precision of DMS and DMSP determination.

Focuses on a programme which was designed to enhance student learning in undergraduate mathematics. Examination of various aspects of the programme; Ways to construct formal examinations; Classification of tasks according to the nature of the activity; Listing of university level examples of alternative approaches to writing examination questions.

Discusses the nature of teaching and testing mathematical proof. Problems in communicating; Methods of assessment in students' choice of learning strategies; Alternatives to rote learning; Use of traditional examination system.

The article presents a list of theses and dissertations on British and Irish labor history. Some of them are: "Public Opinion, Crime and the Police in Preston," by C. Boyle, "Class, Commercialism and Community in the Origins and Development of the Northern Rugby Football Union, 1857-1910," by A. Collins, "Prostitution and Police in London," by F.N. Dabhoiwala, "The Conversion to Socialism: Britain, 1880-1914," by N. Donovan, "Trade Union Superannuation Benefit, 1851-1980," by K. Fukasawa, "Charity, Mutuality and Philanthropy: Voluntary Provision in Bristol, 1800-70," by M. Gorsky, "Electoral Politics in Lancashire, 1702-61," by R. Harrison, "Regional Voting Behaviour in Britain: Explaining the Growing Divide, 1955-92," by S.A. Henig, "Women, Work and Culture on Tyneside, 1900-80," by E. Knox, "Women and Leisure in Bilton in the 20th Century," by E. Oliver, "Structures, Relationships and Attitudes: Coalmining Family Life in the Black Country During the Second Half of the 19th Century," By W.J. Ridgeway.

This section presents a list of theses and dissertations about British and Irish labor history, including The Meaning of Public Housing: A Case Study of E. London, 1945 to the Present, by J. J. Allen.

Several lists of theses and dissertations on labour history are presented. They include "Continuity and change in a South Yorkshire township: Worsborough from the mid-16th century to the mid-19th century," by D. Ashurst, "The politics of female homework, with special reference to Spitalfields 1880-1909," by D. Atkinson, "Recreation and its rationalization with special reference to Rochdale and Oldham," by S. Barlow, and "The politics of meaning in the commemoration of the First World War in Britain, 1914-1939," by A.M. King.

Lists theses and dissertations on British and Irish labor history, which have appeared in other journals. "Christian Brother, Union Brother: A Study of W. T. Miller 1880-1963," by P. B. H. Ackers; "The Effect of the Coming of the Railways on the Towns and Villages of E. Kent 1841-1914," by F. W. G. Andrews; "A Social and Political History of the English Volunteer Movement 1794-1801," by L. B. Anthony.