A tentative determination of upwelling influence on the paleo-surficial marine water reservoir effect in southeastern Brazil.

Previous work has suggested that seasonal and inter-annual upwelling of deep, cold, radiocarbon depleted waters from the South Atlantic has caused variations in the reservoir effect (R) through time along the southern coast of Brazil. This work aims to examine the possible upwelling influence on the paleo-reservoir age of Brazilian surficial coastal waters based on paired terrestrial/marine samples obtained from archaeological remains. On the Brazilian coast there are hundreds of shell-middens built up by an ancient culture that lived between 6500 to 1500 years ago, but there are few located on open coast with a known upwelling influence. Three archaeological sites located in a large headland in Arraial do Cabo and Ilha de Cabo Frio, southeastern coast of Brazil with open ocean conditions and a well-known strong and large upwelling of the Malvinas/Falkland current were chosen for this study. The 14C age differences between carbonized seed and marine samples varied from 281 ± 44 to 1083 ± 51 14C yr. There are also significant age differences between carbonized seed samples (977 14C yr) and marine samples (200 and 228 14C yr) from the same archaeological layer that cannot be explained by a reservoir effect or an old-wood effect for charcoal. Therefore the present data from the southeastern Brazilian coast are inconclusive for identifying an upwelling effect on R. To do so it would be necessary to more precisely define the present-pre-bomb R in upwelling regions and to analyze paired marine/terrestrial samples that are contemporaneous beyond doubt.

Simulation or measurement: the effect of radio map creation on indoor WLAN-based localisation accuracy

Indoor wireless network based client localisation requires the use of a radio map to relate received signal strength to specific locations. However, signal strength measurements are time consuming, expensive and usually require unrestricted access to all parts of the building concerned. An obvious option for circumventing this difficulty is to estimate the radio map using a propagation model. This paper compares the effect of measured and simulated radio maps on the accuracy of two different methods of wireless network based localisation. The results presented indicate that, although the propagation model used underestimated the signal strength by up to 15 dB at certain locations, there was not a signigicant reduction in localisation performance. In general, the difference in performance between the simulated and measured radio maps was around a 30 % increase in rms error

Effect of Loading, Voltage Difference and Phase Angle on the Synchronisation of a Small Alternator

Synchronisation of small distributed generation, 30 kVA–2 MVA, employing salient-pole synchronous machines is normally performed within a narrow range of tolerances for voltage, frequency and phase angle. However, there are situations when the ability to synchronise with non-ideal conditions would be beneficial. Such applications include power system islanding and rapid generator start-up. The physical process and effect of out-of-phase synchronisation is investigated both through simulation and experimental tests on a salient-pole alternator. There are many factors that affect synchronisation, but particular attention is given to synchronisation angle, voltage difference and, as generators will be loaded during islanding, the load angle. The results suggest that it would be acceptable for the maximum synchronisation angle of distributed generation to exceed that of current practice. Interesting observations on the nature of out-of-phase synchronisation are made, including some specific to small salient-pole synchronous machines. Furthermore, recommendations are made for synchronisation under different system conditions.

Effect of acetonitrile on the solubility of carbon dioxide in 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl) amide

The effect of the addition of acetonitrile on the solubility of carbon dioxide in an ionic liquid, the 1-ethyl-3- methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)amide, [C(2)mim][NTf2], was studied experimentally at pressures close to atmospheric and as a function of temperature between 290 and 335 K. It was observed that the solubility of carbon dioxide decreases linearly with the mole fraction of acetonitrile from a value of 2.6 x 10(-2) in the pure ionic liquid at 303 K to a mole fraction of 1.3 x 10(-2) in the mixture [C(2)mim][NTf2] + CH3CN with x(CH3CN) = 0.77 at the same temperature. The gas solubility decreases with temperature, and the thermodynamic properties of solvation could be calculated. The vapor pressures of the [ C2mim][ NTf2] + CH3CN mixtures were measured in the same temperature range, and strong negative deviations from Raoult's law were obtained: up to 36% for a mixture with x(CH3CN) = 0.46 at 334 K. Negative excess molar volumes of approximately -1 cm(3) mol(-1) at equimolar composition could also be calculated from density measurements of the pure components and of the mixtures. These observations are confirmed by neutron diffraction studies and are compatible with the existence of strong ion-dipole interactions in the mixed liquid solvent.

EFFECT OF SURFACE RESISTOR LOADING ON HIGH-IMPEDANCE SURFACE RADAR ABSORBER RETURN LOSS AND BANDWIDTH

A simple method for the selection of the appropriate choice of surface-mounted loading resistor required for a thin radar absorber based on a high-impedance surface (HIS) principle is demonstrated. The absorber consists of a HIS, (artificial magnetic ground plane), thickness 0.03 lambda(0) surface-loaded resistive-elements interconnecting a textured surface of square patches. The properties of absorber are characterized under normal incident using a parallel plate waveguide measurement technique over the operating frequency range of 2.6-3.95 GHz. We show that for this arrangement return loss and bandwidth are insensitive to +/- 2% tolerance variations in surface resistor values about the value predicted using the method elaborated in this letter, and that better than -28 dB at 3.125 GHz reflection loss can be obtained with an effective working bandwidth of up to 11% at -10 dB reflection loss. (C) 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 1733-1775, 2009; Published online in Wiley Interscience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24454

Effect of Mix Proportions on Rheological and Hardened Properties of Composite Cement Pastes

There is an increasing need to identify the effect of mix composition on the rheological properties of composite cement pastes using simple tests to determine the fluidity, the cohesion and other mechanical properties of grouting applications such as compressive strength. This paper reviews statistical models developed using a fractional factorial design which was carried out to model the influence of key parameters on properties affecting the performance of composite cement paste. Such responses of fluidity included mini-slump, flow time using Marsh cone and cohesion measured by Lombardi plate meter and unit weight, and compressive strength at 3 d, 7 d and 28 d. The models are valid for mixes with 0.35 to 0.42 water-to-binder ratio (W/B), 10% to 40% of pulverised fuel ash (PFA) as replacement of cement by mass, 0.02 to 0.06% of viscosity enhancer admixture (VEA), by mass of binder, and 0.3 to 1.2% of superplasticizer (SP), by mass of binder. The derived models that enable the identification of underlying primary factors and their interactions that influence the modelled responses of composite cement paste are presented. Such parameters can be useful to reduce the test protocol needed for proportioning of composite cement paste. This paper attempts also to demonstrate the usefulness of the models to better understand trade-offs between parameters and compare the responses obtained from the various test methods which are highlighted. The multi parametric optimization is used in order to establish isoresponses for a desirability function of cement composite paste. Results indicate that the replacement of cement by PFA is compromising the early compressive strength and up 26%, the desirability function decreased.

Effect of Mixture Composition on Washout Resistance of Highly Flowable Underwater Concrete

The underwater casting of relatively thin lifts of concrete in water requires the proportioning of highly flowable concrete that can resist water dilution and segregation and spread readily into place. An investigation was carried out to determine the effects of antiwashout admixture concentration, water-cementitious materials ratio, and binder composition on the washout resistance of highly flowable concrete. Two main types of antiwashout admixtures were used: 1) a powdered welan gum at concentrations of 0.07 and 0.15% (by mass of binder); and 2) a liquid-based cellulosic admixture with dosages up to 1.65 L/100 kg of binder. The water-cementitious materials ratios were set at 0.41 and 0.47, corresponding to high-quality underwater concrete. Four binder compositions were used: a standard Canadian Type 10 cement, the same cement with 10% silica fume replacement, the cement with 50% granulated blast-furnace slag replacement, and a ternary cement containing 6% silica fume and 20% Class F fly ash. The concentrations of anti-washout admixture have direct impact on washout resistance. For a given washout loss, greater slump flow consistency can be achieved with the increases in anti-washout admixture concentration and decreases in water-binder ratio. The washout mass loss can be reduced, for a given consistency

Effect of tailored practice and patient care plans on secondary prevention of heart disease in general practice: cluster randomised controlled trial

Objective: To test the effectiveness of a complex intervention designed, within a theoretical framework, to improve outcomes for patients with coronary heart disease. Design: Cluster randomised controlled multicentre trial. Setting: General practices in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, regions with different healthcare systems. Participants: 903 patients with established coronary heart disease registered with one of 48 practices. Intervention: Tailored care plans for practices (practice based training in prescribing and behaviour change, administrative support, quarterly newsletter), and tailored care plans for patients (motivational interviewing, goal identification, and target setting for lifestyle change) with reviews every four months at the practices. Control practices provided usual care. Main outcome measures: The proportion of patients at 18 month follow-up above target levels for blood pressure and total cholesterol concentration, and those admitted to hospital, and changes in physical and mental health status (SF-12). Results: At baseline the numbers (proportions) of patients above the recommended limits were: systolic blood pressure greater than 140 mm Hg (305/899; 33.9%, 95% confidence interval 30.8% to 33.9%), diastolic blood pressure greater than 90 mm Hg (111/901; 12.3%, 10.2% to 14.5%), and total cholesterol concentration greater than 5 mmol/l (188/860; 20.8%, 19.1% to 24.6%). At the 18 month follow-up there were no significant differences between intervention and control groups in the numbers (proportions) of patients above the recommended limits: systolic blood pressure, intervention 98/360 (27.2%) v control, 133/405 (32.8%), odds ratio 1.51 (95% confidence interval 0.99 to 2.30; P=0.06); diastolic blood pressure, intervention 32/360 (8.9%) v control, 40/405 (9.9%), 1.40 (0.75 to 2.64; P=0.29); and total cholesterol concentration, intervention 52/342 (15.2%) v control, 64/391 (16.4%), 1.13 (0.63 to 2.03; P=0.65). The number of patients admitted to hospital over the 18 month study period significantly decreased in the intervention group compared with the control group: 107/415 (25.8%) v 148/435 (34.0%), 1.56 (1.53 to 2.60; P=0.03). Conclusions: Admissions to hospital were significantly reduced after an intensive 18 month intervention to improve outcomes for patients with coronary heart disease, but no other clinical benefits were shown, possibly because of a ceiling effect related to improved management of the disease. Trial registration: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN24081411.

Orbital period variations of hot Jupiters caused by the Applegate effect

Several authors have shown that precise measurements of transit time variations of exoplanets can be sensitive to other planetary bodies, such as exo-moons. In addition, the transit timing variations of the exoplanets closest to their host stars can provide tests of tidal dissipation theory. These studies, however, have not considered the effect of the host star. There is a large body of observational evidence that eclipse times of binary stars can vary dramatically due to variations in the quadrupole moment of the stars driven by stellar activity. In this paper, we investigate and estimate the likely impact such variations have on the transit times of exoplanets. We find in several cases that such variations should be detectable. In particular, the estimated period changes for WASP-18b are of the same order as those expected for tidal dissipation, even for relatively low values of the tidal dissipation parameter. The transit time variations caused by the Applegate mechanism are also of the correct magnitude and occur on time-scales such that they may be confused with variations caused by light-travel time effects due to the presence of a Jupiter-like second planet. Finally, we suggest that transiting exoplanet systems may provide a clean route (compared to binaries) to constraining the type of dynamo operating in the host star.

Systematic review of the effect of diet and exercise lifestyle interventions in the secondary prevention of coronary heart disease.

The effectiveness of lifestyle interventions within secondary prevention of coronary heart disease(CHD)remains unclear.This systematic review aimed to determine their effectiveness and included randomized controlled trials of lifestyle interventions, in primary care or community settings, with a minimum follow-up of three months, published since 1990. 21 trials with 10,799 patients were included; the interventions were multifactorial (10), educational (4), psychological (3), dietary (1), organisational (2), and exercise(1). The overall results for modifiable risk factors suggested improvements in dietary and exercise outcomes but no overall effect on smoking outcomes. In trials that examined mortality and morbidity,significant benefits were reported for total mortality (in 4 of 6 trials;overall risk ratio(RR) 0.75 (95%confidence intervals (CI) 0.65, 0.87)), cardiovascular mortality (3 of 8 trials; overall RR 0.63(95%CI 0.47, 0.84)), and nonfatal cardiac events(5 of 9 trials; overall RR 0.68(95%CI 0.55, 0.84)). The heterogeneity between trials and generally poor quality of trials make any concrete conclusions difficult. However, the beneficial effects observed in this review are encouraging and should stimulate further research.

The effect of pesticides on Byssus formation in the common mussel, Mytilus edulis

Seed mussels (Mytilus edulis) were exposed to a range of pesticides and PCBs, several of which caused a reduction in byssal attachment at higher concentrations. In queen scallops (Chlamys opercularis) byssus formation was similarly affected although this species was more sensitive than M. edulis. The sensitivity of mussels was greater at higher temperatures and decreased with increase in size. Of the compounds tested Endosulfan (organochlorine) was the most toxic, causing a 50% reduction in byssal attachment after 24 h at 0•45 mg/l. Trichlorphon (organophosphate) was the least toxic and did not affect byssal attachment at concentrations up to 30 mg/l. The probable cause of decreased byssal attachment is a reduction in pedal activity, although it is possible that direct interference with the synthesis or combination of byssus components may be involved. It is suggested that byssogenesis tests offer a rapid and convenient technique for the routine screening of potential marine pollutants.

The effects of a volunteer mentoring programme on reading outcomes among eight- to nine-year-old children: A follow up randomized controlled trial

This article presents the findings of a randomized controlled trial evaluation of the effects of a revised version of the volunteer mentoring programme, Time to Read. Participating children received two 30-minute mentoring sessions per week from volunteer mentors who carried out paired reading activities with the children. The current trial involved 512 children aged eight to nine years from 50 primary schools. The programme was found to be effective in improving decoding skills (d=+.15), reading rate (d=+.22) and reading fluency (d=+.14) and there was some evidence of a positive effect in relation to the children’s aspirations for the future (d=+.11). However, no evidence was found of the programme having an effect on reading comprehension or reading confidence and enjoyment of reading. The article concludes by suggesting that mentoring programmes using non-specialist volunteers can be effective in improving foundational reading skills but would appear to be less effective in terms of improving higher-order skills such as comprehension. The article also suggests that such programmes are likely to be most effective if concentrating on core reading activities rather than attempting to address reading outcomes indirectly through improving children’s confidence or wider enjoyment of reading.

Hydrothermal synthesis and characterization of ZSM-5 coatings on a molybdenum support and scale-up for application in micro reactors

A procedure has been developed to grow ZSM-5 crystals in situ on a molybdenum (Mo) support. The high heat conductivity (138 W/mK) and high mechanical stability at elevated temperatures of the Mo support allow the application of ZSM-5 coatings in micro reactors for high temperature processes involving large heat effects. The effect of the synthesis mixture composition on ZSM-5 coverage and on the uniformity of the ZSNI-5 coatings was investigated on plates of 10 X 10 mm(2). Ratios of H2O/Si = 50, SUAI = 25, and TPA/Al = 2.0 were found to be optimal for the formation of uniform coatings of 6 g/m(2) at a temperature of 150 degrees C and a synthesis time of 48 h. Scaling up of the synthesis procedure on 72 Mo plates of 40 x 9.8 x 0.1 mm 3 resulted in a uniform coverage of 14.8 +/- 0.4 g/m(2). The low deviation per individual plate (

Effect of intravenous beta-2 agonist treatment on clinical outcomes in acute respiratory distress syndrome (BALTI-2): a multicentre, randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND:
In a previous randomised controlled phase 2 trial, intravenous infusion of salbutamol for up to 7 days in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) reduced extravascular lung water and plateau airway pressure. We assessed the effects of this intervention on mortality in patients with ARDS.
METHODS:
We did a multicentre, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, randomised trial at 46 UK intensive-care units between December, 2006, and March, 2010. Intubated and mechanically ventilated patients (aged =16 years) within 72 h of ARDS onset were randomly assigned to receive either salbutamol (15 µg/kg ideal bodyweight per h) or placebo for up to 7 days. Randomisation was done by a central telephone or web-based randomisation service with minmisation by centre, pressure of arterial oxygen to fractional inspired oxygen concentration (PaO(2)/F(I)O(2)) ratio, and age. All participants, caregivers, and investigators were masked to group allocation. The primary outcome was death within 28 days of randomisation. Analysis was by intention-to-treat. This trial is registered, ISRCTN38366450 and EudraCT number 2006-002647-86.
FINDINGS:
We randomly assigned 162 patients to the salbutamol group and 164 to the placebo group. One patient in each group withdrew consent. Recruitment was stopped after the second interim analysis because of safety concerns. Salbutamol increased 28-day mortality (55 [34%] of 161 patients died in the salbutamol group vs 38 (23%) of 163 in the placebo group; risk ratio [RR] 1·47, 95% CI 1·03-2·08).
INTERPRETATION:
Treatment with intravenous salbutamol early in the course of ARDS was poorly tolerated. Treatment is unlikely to be beneficial, and could worsen outcomes. Routine use of ß-2 agonist treatment in ventilated patients with this disorder cannot be recommended.

FASCIOLA-HEPATICA - THE EFFECT OF THE MICROTUBULE INHIBITORS COLCHICINE AND TUBULOZOLE-C ON THE ULTRASTRUCTURE OF THE ADULT FLUKE

The effect of the microtubule inhibitors colchicine (1 x 10(-3) M) and tubulozole-C(1 x 10(-6) M) on the ultrastructure of adult Fasciola hepatica has been determined in vitro by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), using both intact flukes and tissue-slice material. With colchicine treatment, the apical membrane of the tegument became increasingly convoluted and blebbed, while accumulations of T1 secretory bodies occurred in the basal region of the syncytium, leading to progressively fewer secretory bodies in the syncytium. In the tegumental cells there were distinct accumulations of Tl secretory bodies around the Golgi complexes, which remained active for up to 12 h incubation. Tubulozole-treated flukes showed more severe effects, with initial accumulations of secretory bodies, both at the tegumental apex and base. This was followed in the later time-periods by the sloughing of the tegumental syncytium. In the underlying tegumental cells, the granular endoplasmic reticulum (GER) cisternae were swollen and disrupted, becoming concentrated around the nucleus. The Golgi complexes were dispersed to the periphery of the cells and gradually disappeared from the cytoplasm. After treatment with both drugs, the cell population in the vitelline follicles was altered, with an abnormally large proportion of stem cells and relatively few intermediate type 1 cells. The nurse cell cytoplasm became fragmented and was no longer in contact with the vitelline cells, while the shell globule clusters within the intermediate type 2 and mature cells were loosely packed. In the mature vitelline cells, 'yolk' globules and glycogen deposits became fewer than normal and lipid droplets were observed. The results are discussed in relation to the different modes of action of the two drugs and potential significance of this to anthelmintic (benzimidazole) therapy.