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Background Plasma concentrations of the anticoagulant dabigatran are correlated with clinical outcomes, and are affected by renal function, intestinal P-glycoprotein (P-gp) activity and stomach acidity. Aims To determine the adherence to dabigatran etexilate renal dosing guidelines, the frequency of co-prescription of potentially interacting drugs in patients on dabigatran, and how these related to dabigatran dosing. Methods A retrospective chart review of 204 patients discharged from a tertiary hospital on dabigatran etexilate over a 12-month period. Creatinine clearance, using the Cockcroft–Gault equation, was used as the surrogate of renal function in the 86 patients where this was calculable. Results Prescribed dabigatran etexilate dose rates in relation to creatinine clearance and the manufacturer's guidelines were classified as ‘standard’, ‘low’ and ‘high’ in 47% (40/86), 49% (42/86) and 5% (4/86) of patients respectively. Co-prescribed drugs that potentially interact with dabigatran etexilate were present in 75% (154/204) of patients and included strong P-gp inhibitors (16%, 32/204), proton-pump inhibitors (46%, 94/204) and anti-platelet drugs (47%, 95/204). Co-prescription of strong P-gp inhibitors was associated with the prescription of ‘low’ dose rates relative to renal function (P = 0.025). Conclusions Few patients were dosed excessively in relation to creatinine clearance. Around 50% was prescribed with ‘low’ dose rates in relation to creatinine clearance, which because of the association with co-prescription of strong P-gp inhibitors may be clinically appropriate. Most patients were co-prescribed with drugs that potentially interact with dabigatran etexilate.

An antibacterial treatment consisting of 1.5% lactic acid plus 1.5% hydrogen peroxide at 40 degrees C for 15 min was effective in reducing foodborne bacterial pathogens on raw apples. However, the effects of this treatment on an apple's sensory characteristics and the extent of consumers' willingness to use the treatment at home were not known. This study was undertaken to determine the sensory acceptability and chemical characteristics (pH, soluble solids, and total acidity) of apples subjected to the sanitizing treatment and to obtain information on consumers' purchase behavior, apple handling and consumption practices, and willingness to use an antibacterial treatment. Untrained consumers (n = 80) evaluated the appearance, color, aroma, flavor, texture, and overall appeal of untreated (control) and treated Red Delicious apples that had been stored at 5 degrees C for 0, 6, and 10 days. Panelists used a nine-point hedonic scale (1 = "dislike extremely"; 5 = "neither like nor dislike"; 9 = "like extremely") to evaluate sensory acceptability. Treatment and storage had no significant effect on the appearance, color, or aroma of the samples. Flavor ratings ranged from 6.2 ("like slightly") to 7.0 ("like moderately"). There was no significant difference among any of the control and treated apples stored for 0 days or among those stored for 6 days. Although apples stored for 10 days received the lowest ratings (6.2 to 6.3), they still had an acceptable flavor (6, "like slightly"), and panelists could not perceive differences between the control samples and the treated samples on day 10. The same trends were noted in texture ratings and in overall liking ratings. Treatment and storage had a minimal effect on pH (range, 3.96 to 4.02), soluble solids (range, 11.8 to 12.9 degrees Brix), and total acidity (range, 0.20 to 0.23% malic acid), which are important for apple flavor. Many consumers (87%) were concerned about fruit safety, and 53.2% were willing to try an antibacterial treatment at home. However, 74% would not be willing to use it if a 15-min heating-and-soaking step were required. Implementation of the treatment may be more feasible in the packinghouse than in the home.

Plasma concentrations of the anticoagulant dabigatran are correlated with clinical outcomes, and are affected by renal function, intestinal P-glycoprotein (P-gp) activity and stomach acidity.To determine the adherence to dabigatran etexilate renal dosing guidelines, the frequency of co-prescription of potentially interacting drugs in patients on dabigatran, and how these related to dabigatran dosing.A retrospective chart review of 204 patients discharged from a tertiary hospital on dabigatran etexilate over a 12-month period. Creatinine clearance, using the Cockcroft-Gault equation, was used as the surrogate of renal function in the 86 patients where this was calculable.Prescribed dabigatran etexilate dose rates in relation to creatinine clearance and the manufacturer's guidelines were classified as 'standard', 'low' and 'high' in 47% (40/86), 49% (42/86) and 5% (4/86) of patients respectively. Co-prescribed drugs that potentially interact with dabigatran etexilate were present in 75% (154/204) of patients and included strong P-gp inhibitors (16%, 32/204), proton-pump inhibitors (46%, 94/204) and anti-platelet drugs (47%, 95/204). Co-prescription of strong P-gp inhibitors was associated with the prescription of 'low' dose rates relative to renal function (P = 0.025).Few patients were dosed excessively in relation to creatinine clearance. Around 50% was prescribed with 'low' dose rates in relation to creatinine clearance, which because of the association with co-prescription of strong P-gp inhibitors may be clinically appropriate. Most patients were co-prescribed with drugs that potentially interact with dabigatran etexilate.

Leprosy is complicated by immunological reactions which can occur before, during and after successful completion of multidrug therapy. Genetic studies have suggested that polymorphisms in toll-like receptors (TLRs) may affect the susceptibility of an individual with leprosy to developing Type 1 reactions.To examine the gene and protein expression of TLRs in the cutaneous lesions of leprosy Type 1 reactions at the onset of reaction and during systemic corticosteroid therapy.Patients who were being treated for leprosy type 1 reactions with corticosteroids as part of a randomized controlled trial of corticosteroid treatment had skin biopsies performed before, during and at the end of treatment. The gene and protein expression of TLR2 and TLR4 were measured.We have demonstrated that the gene hARP-P0 is a suitable control gene for TLR gene expression studies in this population. The gene and protein expression of TLR2 and TLR4 were both reduced significantly during corticosteroid treatment.This is the first study to examine the expression of TLR2 and TLR4 in vivo in individuals experiencing leprosy Type 1 reactions. The data support the possibility of an important role for TLR2 and TLR4 in the pathogenesis of this important complication of leprosy.

Whole-body ultraviolet (UV)A1 (340-400 nm) phototherapy was first introduced 30 years ago, but is currently available in the UK in only three dermatology departments. A workshop to discuss UVA1 was held by the British Photodermatology Group in May 2009, the aim of which was to provide an overview of UVA1 phototherapy and its role in practice, and to identify areas in which further studies are required. The conclusions were that UVA1 phototherapy is an effective treatment in several inflammatory skin diseases, including localized scleroderma and atopic eczema (AE); however, deficiencies and limitations exist in the published evidence base. For most diseases, such as AE, other treatments also exist, which are generally more effective than UVA1. However, for some diseases, particularly morphoea, the evidence of efficacy is stronger for UVA1 than for other treatments. Acute adverse effects of UVA1 are minimal. The risk of long-term adverse effects, particularly skin cancer, is unknown. Medium to high doses of UVA1 are needed for efficacy in most situations, but the equipment to deliver such doses is large, expensive and difficult to install. UVA1 is currently underprovided, and the recommendation of the workshop is that more tertiary centres should have access to UVA1 phototherapy in the UK.

Skin disorders are common in children in Ethiopia, and it is estimated that 92,000 Ethiopian children are infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV infection increases the prevalence of cutaneous disease, but the effect of antiretroviral therapy (ART) on the pattern of skin disease affecting children in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is unclear.To assess the prevalence and nature of skin disorders in HIV-infected children living in a dedicated orphanage in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.Two dermatologists performed a clinical examination, including the skin, hair, nails and oral cavity of all the residents of an orphanage in Addis Ababa. The examiners knew that all the children were infected with HIV, but did not know their treatment or immune status. Diagnoses were made clinically and recorded anonymously, and treatment recommendations were made. Details of the children's treatment and CD4 lymphocyte counts were obtained after the examination had been completed.In total, 84 children [53 male (63%); 31 female (37%); median age 10 years] were examined. Of the 84 children, 57 (68%) were on ART, with 51 (61%) of these on cotrimoxazole prophylaxis. The median CD4 percentage was 27.1%. There were 66 children (79%) with at least one skin disorder; 21 of these had two disorders and 6 had three disorders. The commonest diagnosis was tinea capitis, affecting 39% of children. The other common diagnoses were: molluscum contagiosum (MC) (21%), verruca vulgaris (13%), plane warts (8%) and seborrhoeic dermatitis (7%). There was no significant difference in the prevalence of skin disease between children receiving ART and those who were not. Children with MC had significantly lower recent CD4 counts than children who did not have skin disease.Skin disorders in this population were very common, and the disorders identified were those that commonly affect children without HIV in Ethiopia. However, MC and plane warts appeared to have a higher frequency than would be expected in uninfected children.

A fronte di un'intensa e profonda attività di ricerca, in ambito petrologico, vulcanologico, geochimico e geodinamico, in relazione all'evoluzione e alle caratteristiche del vulcanismo nell'area mediterranea, poco sforzo è stato speso per un'adeguata comprensione dei processi idrotermali che interessano aree estremamente complesse, dal punto di vista geologico, come quella del mar Tirreno meridionale. In quest'area insistono sistemi di bacini di retroarco e sistemi di roll back in corrispondenza di noti seamounts (Marsili, Palinuro, Vavilov), nonché attività magmatica tipica di arco di isole (in corrispondenza del gruppo delle Eolie) con magmatismo assai diverso in evoluzione verso un sistema calcalino alto in potassio. Al fine di individuare potenziali flussi idrotermali in suddetta zona, è stata instaurata una collaborazione tra i ricercatori del nostro Istituto ( IAMC-CNR di Napoli), e dell'Osservatorio Vesuviano (INGV) di Napoli, con il gruppo di ricercatori del NOAA di Seattle e del GNS neozelandese, considerati leader nel campo delle ricerche di plumes idrotermali in aree geodinamicamente attive del pianeta (Arco delle Marianne, Arco Egeo, area di Tonga, etc.). È stata, quindi, pianificata una campagna oceanografica focalizzata su un survey sistematico delle attività idrotermali potenzialmente presenti nell'area meridionale del mar Tirreno.

An 83-year-old diabetic man receiving corticosteroids developed a forearm lesion. Histology confirmed the presence of a dematiaceous fungus, with associated granulomatous inflammation. Culture of a biopsy yielded fungal colonies with branching chains of single-celled, melanised, dry, sympodial conidia, which were identified as Cladophialophora devriesii on the basis of morphology and rDNA gene sequencing. To date, C. devriesii has been a relatively rare cause of human disease. To our knowledge, this is only the second case to be described, and the first report of infection in a UK resident.

Central nervous system (CNS) drainage may occur via connections to the vasculature, but in animal models up to 50% occurs via perivascular, perineural and primitive lymphatic drainage to cervical lymph nodes. We evaluated efflux of particles from the brain to cervical lymph nodes in normal rats, using Combidex iron oxide-based magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) agent. After intracerebral, intraventricular, intracarotid or intravenous injection of Combidex in normal Long Evans rats, particle localization was assessed by MRI and histochemistry for iron and the dextran coat (n = 27). Intraventricular or intracerebral injection, but not intracarotid administration of Combidex (100 micro g), resulted in MRI signal changes in the deep cervical lymph nodes around the carotid artery, and, less strongly, in the superficial cervical nodes. Within 2 h of Combidex administration, iron was histologically localized in cervical lymph nodes, with patched staining of capsule and peripheral sinus consistent with delivery via multiple afferent lymphatic vessels. Lymph node staining in groups receiving CNS Combidex was significantly different from controls (P0.0001) and was significantly localized in the deep vs. superficial cervical lymph nodes (P = 0.0003). The trafficking of the superparamagnetic iron particles from the CNS in the rat could be visualized by MRI and histology. Combidex provides a powerful tool to rapidly assess drainage of virus-sized particles from the CNS.

In Canada, Environmental Effects Monitoring (EEM) programs exist within two regulations: the Pulp and Paper Effluent Regulations and the new Metal Mining Effluent Regulations under the Canadian Fisheries Act. EEM provides a biological, effects-based feedback loop to assess the effectiveness of technology-based regulations in protecting receiving environments. The promulgation of the Pulp and Paper Effluent Regulations, in 1992, represented a significant step forward in the Canadian regulatory approach by incorporating directly into a regulation a requirement to assess the effects of effluent discharges on receiving environments using proven scientific monitoring methodologies. Similarly, an assessment of the aquatic impacts of mines resulted in recommendations to amend the Metal Mining Effluent Regulations, recently promulgated in 2002, and includes an EEM program as a science-based feedback loop. As such, these regulations recognize the possibility that national, technology-based standards may not necessarily protect all receiving environments because of the diversity and variability of both discharges and receiving sites across the country. Since that time, EEM has improved its flexibility by considering both advances in science and the uniqueness of monitoring sites across Canada to allow the most appropriate and cost-effective monitoring approaches at each site while maintaining national consistency. This paper discusses the use of monitoring under two Canadian regulations to assess effects on aquatic ecosystems. As well, the National EEM approach to maintaining up-to-date scientific practices in a national regulatory program is discussed using examples.

A 5 stage, fully interconnected 32/spl times/16 switching network using smart pixel 2/spl times/1 switching nodes is demonstrated. The system was designed to operate with 150 Mbps data rates. >

A current priority for the preservation of the endangered red wolf (Canis rufus) is the development of a sperm-based genome resource bank. The aims of this study were to examine the effects of (i) holding temperature on the motility of spermatozoa over time, and (ii) cooling methods on the characteristics of spermatozoa after cooling and cryopreservation. Electroejaculates (n = 11; fresh) were evaluated for the percentage of motile spermatozoa, cell and acrosome morphology (Spermac (Meditech 1st Canada Inc, Montreal, Ontario) and fluorescein isothiocyanate-labelled Pisum sativum agglutinin lectin (PSA/FITC; Sigma Diagnostics, Oakville, Ontario) staining), and zona penetration. Semen samples were then divided into two equal samples and centrifuged to remove seminal plasma. One half of the ejaculate sample was re-suspended in sperm-Tyrode's albumin lactate pyruvate (TALP), divided into three aliquots and maintained either at room temperature (approximately 21-23 degrees C), 0 degree C or 37 degrees C. Sperm motility was examined at 0.5 and 1.0 h, and subsequently every hour for 10 h. Motility of spermatozoa decreased after 2 h, but was consistently greater at room temperature than at 37 degrees C or 0 degree C. The other half of the ejaculate sample was re-suspended in an egg yolk-based extender and divided into two aliquots. One aliquot was cooled in a refrigerator (5 degrees C) for 30 min, whereas the second aliquot was put into a beaker containing water at 37 degrees C, which was then placed into an ice bath until the sample reached 0 degree C (approximately 120 min). Spermatozoa were evaluated after cooling and after freezing and thawing treatments. No differences were observed between cooling treatments either after cooling or freezing and thawing. However, marked decreases in intact acrosomes, post-thaw motility and normal morphology of spermatozoa after treatment demonstrate that further investigations are necessary to improve cryopreservation methods in this species.

Modulation of glutathione has been proposed as a mechanism to alter the efficacy and toxicity of chemotherapeutic agents. We investigated in vitro cytoenhancement of chemotherapy toxicity by reducing cellular glutathione levels with L-buthionine-[S,R]-sulfoximine (BSO), and chemoprotection with small molecular weight sulfur-containing agents that mimic or replace glutathione. Cytotoxicity, caspase-2 enzymatic activity, and in situ DNA staining for apoptosis were assessed in cultured human small cell lung carcinoma cells and fibroblasts. BSO treatment reduced the half-maximal cytotoxic dose of the alkylating chemotherapeutics melphalan, carboplatin, and cisplatin, and increased the total magnitude of cell death. Melphalan was more sensitive than carboplatin or cisplatin to BSO. The chemoprotective agents sodium thiosulfate, N-acetylcysteine, and glutathione ethyl ester reduced the cytotoxicity of all three alkylating chemotherapeutics regardless of BSO treatment, but D-methionine was effective only against the platinum agents. N-Acetylcysteine was the most effective protectant tested. Chemoprotection against melphalan toxicity was maximally effective only if administered concurrent with chemotherapy, whereas chemoprotection for the platinum agents remained effective if delayed 4 h after chemotherapy. BSO enhancement and N-acetylcysteine chemoprotection for melphalan toxicity occurred at least partially through an apoptotic mechanism. Modulation of glutathione levels will be valuable in the clinical setting if chemotherapy and chemoprotectant can be physically and/or temporally separated. Cytoenhancement and chemoprotection may be particularly useful in the central nervous system where the blood-brain barrier of the cerebral vasculature creates two compartments, for cytoenhancement in brain tumors and systemic chemoprotection.

pH measurements made in and around submerged colonies of Salmonella typhimurium grown within a model gelatin gel system using pH-sensitive micro- and macroelectrodes indicated some pH heterogeneity occurring in and around the bacterial colony. Inoculation density, initial pH and glucose concentration were all found to influence colony diameter and metabolism of Salmonella colonies. Colony growth in the presence of glucose, at pH 7.0 with an inoculation density of 1 cell ml-1 led to a pH fall of 1-2 pH units after 2 d. At pH 5.0, with glucose, colony growth rates were much slower than at pH 7.0, and the pH change varied by less than one pH unit often becoming alkaline. In the absence of glucose, only small pH changes were observed within the medium, although growth rates were similar to those in glucose-containing media. At the higher inoculation density (ca 1000 cells ml-1), isolated pH changes were not observed. Morphological changes, such as the production of annular rings, were noted in stationary phase colonies as was alkali production in colonies. These results are discussed in relation to observations with surface colonies.

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) and periodic limb movements during sleep (PLMS) are sleep disorders that are common and distressing to uremic patients. There are few data regarding effective treatment in this population. Five chronic hemodialysis patients completed a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study using a single bedtime dose of controlled release L-DOPA/carbidopa (100/25 mg) for treatment of RLS and sleep disruption. Leg movements per hour of sleep and percentage of sleep time accompanied by leg movements were decreased with treatment (101.0 +/- 29.1 events/hour on placebo vs. 61.0 +/- 28.3 events per hour on drug, p = 0.006; and 15.1 +/- 4.9% of sleep time with leg movements on placebo vs. 8.6 +/- 4.0% on drug, p = 0.014). In addition, arousals associated with leg movements (mean 209 +/- 49 events on placebo, mean 108 +/- 46 events on drug) and the leg movement arousal index (mean 59 +/- 23 events/hour on placebo, mean 23 +/- 9 events/hour on drug) were decreased by active medication (p = 0.03 and 0.04, respectively). Patients, however, continued to have very disrupted sleep and we could not document consistent subjective or objective improvement in overall sleep except for an increase in slow-wave sleep (SWS) from 9.0% to 22.8% (p = 0.01). The patterns of movements during sleep were not uniform in different patients, and the movements, although often periodic, were much longer than defined for PLMS. Because of this, finding suitable objective parameters to analyze was problematic. Measuring the percentage of sleep time during which there were leg movements was probably the most efficient and reproducible means of quantitating this disorder. Thus, although controlled-release L-DOPA/carbidopa at a dose of 100/25 mg given once nightly reduced leg movements and increased SWS, sleep continued to be disrupted. Whether higher doses or more frequent dosing is effective requires further investigation.

We investigated whether stromelysin activity in the medium of canine articular cartilage explants is associated with proteoglycan degradation in these explants. Cartilage explants were treated with recombinant human interleukin 1 alpha (rh-IL-1 alpha), lipopolysaccharide, or canine monocyte-conditioned medium. Proteoglycan synthesis and degradation were measured. Metalloproteinase activity (inhibitable by tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2) in the culture medium was measured by use of fluorimetry with a quenched fluorescent substrate. Western blots of the medium were probed with polyclonal antibodies to human stromelysin, collagenase, and gelatinase. Neither metalloproteinase activity nor proteoglycan degradation were inducible in canine cartilage explants treated with rh-IL-1 alpha. However, proteoglycan synthesis was significantly (P0.05) decreased by concentrations of 10 and 100 ng of rh-IL-1 alpha/ml. Metalloproteinase activity in the medium accompanied proteoglycan degradation of cartilage treated with lipopolysaccharide and monocyte-conditioned medium. The metalloproteinase released into the medium was identified as prostromelysin by results of western blotting.

We demonstrate a 5 stage, fully interconnected 32×16 switching network using smart pixel 2×1 switching nodes. A 15input, 16 output system configuration was operated at 50 Mb/s per channel.

AT&T's photonics switching technology group has demonstrated a series of prototype systems of increasing complexity to test and illustrate the feasibility of free-space digital optical systems. Computer generated holograms (CGH) were incorporated into a multistage system demonstration (i) to distribute optical power and illuminate an array of optical processors,1and (ii) to form interconnections between stages. A 64 × 64 spot array was generated by illuminating a CGH with a collimated laser beam. The spot array intensity was required to vary by

Practical free-space photonic switches and optical processors require the development of high performance optical and optomechanical systems.1 Desirable attributes include low costs, compact size, ease of alignment, high mechanical and thermal stability, low component count, low wavefront aberration, high optical throughput, modularity for maintenance and repair, and low signal nonuniformity.2 We present an optical and optomechanical system design that addresses these goals. We have demonstrated the cascaded operation of two 64 × 32 arrays of S-SEEDs, providing 4096 optical interconnections between the two arrays. This compact (9 × 13 in.) and stable system is used in implementing of a fully interconnected six-stage banyan network.

We implemented part of a multistage switching networkby optically interconnecting three 16 × 8 symmetric-self-electro-opticeffect-device (S-SEED) arrays. The inputs consisted of 64 data and 64 control signals, which were first converted to differential format, fanned out by 2, and then switched through an array of 64, 2×1 switching nodes. The data inputs were generated by a matrix of 64 fibers and identical control signals were sent to all 64 switch nodes by a control laser and an 8 × 8 binary-phase grating. The S-SEEDs have 5×10µm windows on a 20µm pitch, and they were operated as arrays of NAND and NOR gates. Crossover interconnections were used both between and within switch node stages. Logic-level nonuniformity and noise-margin difficulties that were present in an earlier experiment1 have been reduced, and fully functional, relatively stable operation has been achieved. Details of the architecture, optical hardware, and system performance will be presented.

In a study that focused on patient comfort and ease of performing nursing care activities 10 common pressure-reducing devices were evaluated for cost, stability, dimensions, positioning, temperature, bounce, noise, cleaning, leakage, weight, mechanical reliability, linen displacement, transfers, bathing, feeding, and dressing. Thirteen subjects--six quadriplegic patients, five paraplegic patients, and two patients with cerebrovascular accidents--and three nurses evaluated each device according to a prearranged schedule of daily patient care activity. Each subject tested five devices at least four times during two separate 24-hour periods. The devices were ranked and rated by subjects and nurses. When Kendall rank correlation coefficients were compared, the tau for ranking by subjects and nurses was .82; for rating, .42; and for ranking and rating combined, .73. Subjective comments by subjects and nurses were examined for relevant factors.

An impact noise analyzer has been tested to determine its accuracy and precision. Results showed that peak estimation when corrected by a suitable correction factor were good and the confidence limits on the corrected peak determination were less than +/- 1.0 dB. Determination of pulse duration with the meter proved to be poor. At present it is useful for making only general estimations of duration. For exact pulse duration measurements, it appears that development of a small, portable oscilloscope holds the most promise for a field instrument with the necessary accuracy and precision.

One of the proposed advantages of free-space optics for digital optical computing or for electrooptic interconnections is the potential for large numbers of input/output connections (pin-outs). In this experiment, we demonstrate the parallel operation of a 2-D array of 209 (an 11 X 19 array) symmetric self-electrooptic effect devices (S-SEEDs).1

Meniscoid bodies of the zygapophyseal joints are considered by some to be a cause of the Acute-Locked Back Syndrome. These meniscoid bodies have been identified anatomically and histologically, but not yet in a formal clinical investigation. The authors provide a brief review of the zygapophyseal meniscoid-related literature, present new documentation of histological variations and offer some possible consequences of the presence of mechanically pathological meniscoids. It is herein proposed that an important sequela to the pathophysiology of these structures is that of chronic intersegmental hypomobility. We invite the scientific community to pursue further investigations of these meniscoids. Magnetic resonance imaging is one method suggested to investigate the meniscoid in vivo.

CHABLIS (Chemistry of the Antarctic Boundary Layer and the Interface with Snow) was a collaborative UK research project aimed at probing the detailed chemistry of the Antarctic boundary layer and the exchange of trace gases at the snow surface. The centre-piece to CHABLIS was the measurement campaign, conducted at the British Antarctic Survey station, Halley, in coastal Antarctica, from January 2004 through to February 2005. The campaign measurements covered an extremely wide range of species allowing investigations to be carried out within the broad context of boundary layer chemistry. Here we present an overview of the CHABLIS campaign. We provide details of the measurement location and introduce the Clean Air Sector Laboratory (CASLab) where the majority of the instruments were housed. We describe the meteorological conditions experienced during the campaign and present supporting chemical data, both of which provide a context within which to view the campaign results. Finally we provide a brief summary of highlights from the measurement campaign. Unexpectedly high halogen concentrations profoundly affect the chemistry of many species at Halley throughout the sunlit months, with a secondary role played by emissions from the snowpack. This overarching role for halogens in coastal Antarctic boundary layer chemistry was completely unanticipated, and the results have led to a step-change in our thinking and understanding.

In making oscilloscopic studies of impact noise there is often a problem of coordinating the oscilloscope with the noise event. This paper describes a simple noise trigger that has been used successfully in a number of studies.