Electrorheological properties of polypyrrole prepared by the action of mineral acids on pyrrole

Polypyrrole was prepared in high yield by the polymerisation of pyrrole in strongly acidic conditions using hydrofluoric, hydrochloric (at 20°C and 100°C), hydrobromic, nitric and orthophosphoric acids. The polymer products incorporated significant amounts of the anion from the acid used. The particulate morphology of the polymer products chiefly consisted of agglomerated μm-sized spheres. The Theological properties of dispersions of polymers prepared from pyrrole using hydrochloric and hydrobromic acids, suspended in 1-chloronaphthalene-1-bromonaphthalene, were found to be electric-field dependent. Fluids prepared from the polypyrrole products derived from hydrofluoric, nitric and orthophosphoric acids did not exhibit an electrorheological response

Towards 'engagement 2.0': insights from a study of dynamic consent with biobank participants

Web 2.0 technologies have enabled new methods of engagement, moving from static mono-directional sources of information to interactive user-led experiences. Use of Web 2.0 technologies for engagement is gaining momentum within the health sector however this is still in its infancy in biobanking research. This paper reports on findings from focus groups with biobank participants to gauge their views on a Web 2.0 dynamic consent interface. The findings from this study suggest that participants would welcome more interactive engagement with biobanks, and the opportunity to hear more about how their data and samples are being used in research. We propose that by adopting Web 2.0 tools for dynamic consent, we can move towards an ‘Engagement 2.0’ model whereby research participants have the opportunity for more interactive engagement with medical research, setting up a two-way communication channel between participants and researchers, for the benefit of both

The Recognition of STEMI by Paramedics and the Effect of Computer inTerpretation (RESPECT): a randomised crossover feasibility study

Background : The appropriate management of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) depends on accurate interpretation of the 12-lead ECG by paramedics. Computer interpretation messages on ECGs are often provided, but the effect they exert on paramedics’ decision-making is not known. The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of using an online assessment tool, and collect pilot data, for a definitive trial to determine the effect of computer interpretation messages on paramedics’ diagnosis of STEMI. Methods : The Recognition of STEMI by Paramedics and the Effect of Computer inTerpretation (RESPECT) feasibility study was a randomised crossover trial using a bespoke, web-based assessment tool. Participants were randomly allocated 12 of 48 ECGs, with an equal mix of correct and incorrect computer interpretation messages, and STEMI and STEMI-mimics. The nature of the responses required a cross-classified multi-level model. Results : 254 paramedics consented into the study, 205 completing the first phase and 150 completing phase two. The adjusted OR for a correct paramedic interpretation, when the computer interpretation was correct (true positive for STEMI or true negative for STEMI-mimic), was 1.80 (95% CI 0.84 to 4.91) and 0.58 (95% CI 0.41 to 0.81) when the computer interpretation was incorrect (false positive for STEMI or false negative for STEMI-mimic). The intraclass correlation coefficient for correct computer interpretations was 0.33 for participants and 0.17 for ECGs, and for incorrect computer interpretations, 0.06 for participants and 0.01 for ECGs. Conclusions : Determining the effect of computer interpretation messages using a web-based assessment tool is feasible, but the design needs to take clustered data into account. Pilot data suggest that computer messages influence paramedic interpretation, improving accuracy when correct and worsening accuracy when incorrect

Individual burner air/fuel ratio control optical adaptive feedback control system

On cover : Combustion Research Facility.Conventional combustion control systems for multiburner installations which rely on monitoring the average C02 and/or 02 content of the gases have a number of inherent limitations on their ability to maintain efficient plant operation. Air infiltration'into the flue or sampling lines has the same effect as an instrumental error in causing the control system to adjust the stoichiometry to an incorrect level. Even' when the overall stoichiometry of the furnace is correctly and accurately controlled it is still extremely difficult to ensure that no individual burners are operating inefficiently due to local maldistributions of air or fuel, or to poor nozzle spray characteristics. The potential for fuel savings and for'improved limitation of pollutant emissions has provided strong incentive for the development of individual burner fuel/air ratio control systems which would eliminate the shortcomings associated with the global control method. The present report first reviews past attempts to identify some unique property of an individual flame which can be reliably interpreted as an indicator of the flame behavior over a wide range of operating conditions.. Information potentially usable in this manner could be contained in the acoustic characteristics of the flame, in the local distribution of key chemical species, or in the electromagnetic radiation or absorption behavior of regions of the flame. For many reasons the previous studies have tended to concentrate on the optical portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, with particular emphasis on emission from flames over much of the ultraviolet (u.v.), visible and infrared (i.r.) wavelength regions. A brief review is given of the pioneering work of Penzias and his associates, and of the later work carried out at Sheffield University by Smith which led to the development of the LandTM control system. All of these studies dealt with the infrared emission from flames, wilth particular emphasis on the CO2 barnd at 4.3 pm, and on the H0/CO2 binds near 2.8 m. The report then addresses the experimental work carried out at M.I.T under the sponsorship of five utility companies supporting the M.I.T. Energy Laboratory Electric Power Program. This focused initially on attempts to use a Land control system in the Combustion Research Facility (CRF), with limited success in terms of achieving stability and adequacy of control when operating conditions were varied over a moderate range. The experiments in the CRF also yielded very useful data on the intensities and sources of u.v. emission from No. 6 fuel oil flames over a wide range of fuel equivalence ratio. One other set of experiments carried out in the CRF made use of equipment and personnel supplied by the Foxboro Company, and results of this work are discussed. Also included in the report is a summary of measurements carried out on a small methane-fueled burner which add appreciably to the available information on the dependence of the infrared emission on viewing location relative to the flame front and on fuel equivalence ratio. The overall results obtained under this program do not leave the prospect of individual fuel/air ratio controllers within immediate grasp, but they substantially advance the state of knowledge required for attainment of such control. They give a strong indication that satisfactory control could be obtained over a wide range of furnace operating conditions if both i.r. and u.v. signals were monitored and used in the control system

Cancer experience in the relatives of an unselected series of breast cancer patients

First- and second-degree relatives of an unselected series of 402 breast cancer patients have been studied for their cancer experience. In the first-degree relatives an excess of all cancers is seen [overall relative risk (RR) = 1.28, P = 0.002; males RR = 1.26, P = 0.047; females RR = 1.30, P = 0.022). There is a marked excess of sarcoma (RR = 4.26, P = 0.0064); females are at high risk of breast cancer (RR = 2.68, P < 0.0001) and males have an excess of carcinoma of the lip, oral cavity and pharynx (RR = 4.22, P = 0.0032). Second-degree relatives have a non-significant excess of all cancers (RR = 1.14, P = 0.14); females have a borderline excess of breast cancer (RR = 1.53, P = 0.08) and an excess of carcinoma of the kidney (RR = 7.46, P = 0.0012) and males have an excess of carcinoma of the trachea and lung (RR = 1.50, P = 0.032). No excess of prostate or ovarian carcinoma was seen. Relatives are at slightly higher risk if the index patient is diagnosed between the ages of 40 and 49 (first-degree RR = 1.64, P = 0.007; second-degree RR = 1.43, P = 0.02). The excess of cancers, including breast cancers, is not limited to a few high-risk families, but appears to be spread across many. These observations may be accounted for by shared environmental factors within families or a common predisposing gene with low penetrance

Cancer experience in the relatives of an unselected series of breast cancer patients.

First- and second-degree relatives of an unselected series of 402 breast cancer patients have been studied for their cancer experience. In the first-degree relatives an excess of all cancers is seen [overall relative risk (RR) = 1.28, P = 0.002; males RR = 1.26, P = 0.047; females RR = 1.30, P = 0.022). There is a marked excess of sarcoma (RR = 4.26, P = 0.0064); females are at high risk of breast cancer (RR = 2.68, P < 0.0001) and males have an excess of carcinoma of the lip, oral cavity and pharynx (RR = 4.22, P = 0.0032). Second-degree relatives have a non-significant excess of all cancers (RR = 1.14, P = 0.14); females have a borderline excess of breast cancer (RR = 1.53, P = 0.08) and an excess of carcinoma of the kidney (RR = 7.46, P = 0.0012) and males have an excess of carcinoma of the trachea and lung (RR = 1.50, P = 0.032). No excess of prostate or ovarian carcinoma was seen. Relatives are at slightly higher risk if the index patient is diagnosed between the ages of 40 and 49 (first-degree RR = 1.64, P = 0.007; second-degree RR = 1.43, P = 0.02). The excess of cancers, including breast cancers, is not limited to a few high-risk families, but appears to be spread across many. These observations may be accounted for by shared environmental factors within families or a common predisposing gene with low penetrance

Cancer risk in second degree relatives of children with soft tissue sarcoma.

The risk of cancer in the second degree relatives of a population-based series of children with soft tissue sarcoma was studied in relation to (i) various characteristics in these relatives, (ii) certain clinical features in the index children previously identified as risk factors for cancer in their first degree relatives. Overall there was a non-significant deficit of cancers in the second degree relatives (RR = 0.88) and cancer risk was unrelated to type or site of cancer, type of relative, or to risk factors in the index case. The findings indicate that although the families investigated may include a proportion with the Li-Fraumeni cancer family syndrome, the increased cancer risk already reported in the first degree relatives does not extent to second degree relatives in general

Assessment of disk MHD generators for a base load powerplant

Results from a study of the disk MHD generator are presented. Both open and closed cycle disk systems were investigated. Costing of the open cycle disk components (nozzle, channel, diffuser, radiant boiler, magnet and power management) was done. However, no detailed costing was done for the closed cycle systems. Preliminary plant design for the open cycle systems was also completed. Based on the system study results, an economic assessment of the open cycle systems is presented. Costs of the open cycle disk conponents are less than comparable linear generator components. Also, costs of electricity for the open cycle disk systems are competitive with comparable linear systems. Advantages of the disk design simplicity are considered. Improvements in the channel availability or a reduction in the channel lifetime requirement are possible as a result of the disk design

Demonstration of a Bias Tunable Quantum Dots-in-a-well Focal Plane Array

Infrared detectors based on quantum wells and quantum dots have attracted a lot of attention in the past few years. Our previous research has reported on the development of the first generation of quantum dots-in-a-well (DWELL) focal plane arrays, which are based on InAs quantum dots embedded in an InGaAs well having GaAs barriers. This focal plane array has successfully generated a two-color imagery in the mid-wave infrared (i.e. 3–5 μm) and the long-wave infrared (i.e. 8–12 μm) at a fixed bias voltage. Recently, the DWELL device has been further modified by embedding InAs quantum dots in InGaAs and GaAs double wells with AlGaAs barriers, leading to a less strained InAs/InGaAs/GaAs/AlGaAs heterostructure. This is expected to improve the operating temperature while maintaining a low dark current level. This paper examines 320 × 256 double DWELL based focal plane arrays that have been fabricated and hybridized with an Indigo 9705 read-out integrated circuit using Indium-bump (flip-chip) technology. The spectral tunability is quantified by examining images and determining the transmittance ratio (equivalent to the photocurrent ratio) between mid-wave and long-way infrared filter targets. Calculations were performed for a bias range from 0.3 to 1.0 V. The results demonstrate that the mid-wave transmittance dominates at these low bias voltages, and the transmittance ratio continuously varies over different applied biases. Additionally, radiometric characterization, including array uniformity and measured noise equivalent temperature difference for the double DWELL devices is computed and compared to the same results from the original first generation DWELL. Finally, higher temperature operation is explored. Overall, the double DWELL devices had lower noise equivalent temperature difference and higher uniformity, and worked at higher temperature (70 K and 80 K) than the first generation DWELL device

Do RATs save lives? A retrospective analysis of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in an English Ambulance Service

Study aimThis study aims to determine the impact of the red arrest teams (RATs) on survival to 30 days and return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) at hospital.MethodsA retrospective cohort study analysing routinely collected data was undertaken. All adult (≥18 years) OHCAs entered onto the YAS computer aided dispatch (CAD) system between the 1st October, 2015 and 30th September, 2017 were included if the patient was resuscitated, and the cause of the arrest was considered to be medical in origin. Multivariable logistic regression models were created to enable adjustment for common predictors of survival and ROSC.ResultsDuring the 2-year data collection period, 15,151 cardiac arrests that were attended by Yorkshire Ambulance Service. After removing ineligible cases, 5,868 cardiac arrests remained. RATs attended 2,000/5,868 (34.1%) incidents, with each RAT attending a median of 13 cardiac arrests (IQR 7–23, minimum 1, maximum 78).The adjusted odds ratios suggest that a RAT on scene is associated with a slight increase in the odds of survival to 30 days (OR 1.01, 95%CI 0.74–1.38) and odds of ROSC on arrival at hospital (OR 1.13, 95%CI 0.99–1.29), compared to the odds of not having a RAT present, although neither results are statistically significant.ConclusionThe presence of a RAT paramedic was associated with a small increase in survival to 30 days and ROSC on arrival at hospital, although neither were statistically significant. Larger prospective studies are required to determine the effect of roles such as RAT on outcomes from OHC