Response to comment on "solid recovered fuel: Materials flow analysis and fuel property development during the mechanical processing of biodried waste"

Laner and Cencic1 comment on Velis et al. (2013)2 clarifying certain points on the use of the material flow analysis (MFA) software STAN3. We welcome the correspondence and the opportunity this exchange provides to discuss optimal approaches to using STAN. In keeping with Velis et al.2 these physically impossible, and otherwise insignificant, negative flows have enabled improvements to STAN. Here, we elaborate on the practicalities of using STAN in our research and on the correctness and validation of our results, notwithstanding the inclusion of negative flows. We explain the contribution of our approach to solid waste management and resource recovery

Recurring patterns in stationary intervals of abdominal uterine electromyograms during gestation

Abdominal uterine electromyograms (uEMG) studies have focused on uterine contractions to describe the evolution of uterine activity and preterm birth (PTB) prediction. Stationary, non-contracting uEMG has not been studied. The aim of the study was to investigate the recurring patterns in stationary uEMG, their relationship with gestation age and PTB, and PTB predictivity. A public database of 300 (38 PTB) three-channel (S1-S3) uEMG recordings of 30 min, collected between 22 and 35 weeks' gestation, was used. Motion and labour contraction-free intervals in uEMG were identified as 5-min weak-sense stationarity intervals in 268 (34 PTB) recordings. Sample entropy (SampEn), percentage recurrence (PR), percentage determinism (PD), entropy (ER), and maximum length (L MAX) of recurrence were calculated and analysed according to the time to delivery and PTB. Random time series were generated by random shuffle (RS) of actual data. Recurrence was present in actual data (p<0.001) but not RS. In S3, PR (p<0.005), PD (p<0.01), ER (p<0.005), and L MAX (p<0.05) were higher, and SampEn lower (p<0.005) in PTB. Recurrence indices increased (all p<0.001) and SampEn decreased (p<0.01) with decreasing time to delivery, suggesting increasingly regular and recurring patterns with gestation progression. All indices predicted PTB with AUC≥0.62 (p<0.05). Recurring patterns in stationary non-contracting uEMG were associated with time to delivery but were relatively poor predictors of PTB

eReefs modelling suggests Trichodesmium may be a major nitrogen source in the Great Barrier Reef

Trichodesmium can fix nitrogen that is later released into the water column. This process may be a major source of ‘new’ nitrogen in the Great Barrier Reef (GBR), but to date this contribution is poorly resolved. We have estimated the seasonal, spatial and annual contributions of Trichodesmium to the annual nitrogen budget of the GBR using the eReefs marine models. Models were run for the interval December 2010 to November 2012. During this period La Niña conditions produced record rainfalls and widespread flooding of GBR catchments. Model outputs suggest nitrogen fixation by Trichodesmium in the GBR (which covers about 348,000 km2) contributes approximately 0.5 MT/yr, exceeding the total average annual riverine nitrogen loads (0.05–0.08 MT/yr). Nitrogen fixation loads are exceeded by riverine loads only if the comparison is restricted to inshore waters and during the wet season. The river pollution is likely to have impacts in freshwater wetlands, mangroves, seagrasses and in-shore coral reefs; while Trichodesmium blooms are likely to be less intense but more widespread and affect offshore coral reefs and other oceanic ecosystems. Phosphorus and iron are suggested to be potential drivers of Trichodesmium growth and nitrogen fixation. This result is provisional but reinforces the need for more detailed assessment and reliable quantification of the annual nitrogen contribution from nitrogen fixation in the GBR and other coastal waters. Such advances will improve understandings of the role of terrestrial nitrogen loads in the GBR and of terrestrial phosphorus and iron loads which can modulate Trichodesmium abundance. These findings will help to broaden the focus of water quality management programmes and support management to improve GBR water quality

Unemployment and Midlife Suicide Rates in Australia 2001-2015: Implications During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The world is experiencing a massive economic shock from the COVID-19 pandemic. Resulting unemployment and socioeconomic disruption have the potential to lead to a major upswing in the population rate of suicide in Europe and elsewhere. We assessed the association between midlife suicide rates and unemployment for Australia. For the midlife group we found a rapid decrease in the rate from 1970s to 1980s, but a more apparent increase after 2007. The increased male suicide rate coincided with the 2008 global financial crisis. The relationship between worsening employment outcomes, including suicide, is a great tragedy and deserves urgent further investigation

Longitudinally and circumferentially directed movements of the left ventricle studied by cardiovascular magnetic resonance phase contrast velocity mapping

OBJECTIVE: Using high resolution cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR), we aimed to detect new details of left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function, to explain the twisting and longitudinal movements of the left ventricle. METHODS: Using CMR phase contrast velocity mapping (also called Tissue Phase Mapping) regional wall motion patterns and longitudinally and circumferentially directed movements of the left ventricle were studied using a high temporal resolution technique in healthy male subjects (n = 14, age 23 +/- 3 years). RESULTS: Previously undescribed systolic and diastolic motion patterns were obtained for left ventricular segments (based on the AHA segmental) and for basal, mid and apical segments. The summation of segmental motion results in a complex pattern of ventricular twisting and longitudinal motion in the normal human heart which underlies systolic and diastolic function. As viewed from the apex, the entire LV initially rotates in a counter-clockwise direction at the beginning of ventricular systole, followed by opposing clockwise rotation of the base and counter-clockwise rotation at the apex, resulting in ventricular torsion. Simultaneously, as the entire LV moves in an apical direction during systole, the base and apex move towards each other, with little net apical displacement. The reverse of these motion patterns occur in diastole. CONCLUSION: Left ventricular function may be a consequence of the relative orientations and moments of torque of the sub-epicardial relative to the sub-endocardial myocyte layers, with influence from tethering of the heart to adjacent structures and the directional forces associated with blood flow. Understanding the complex mechanics of the left ventricle is vital to enable these techniques to be used for the evaluation of cardiac pathology

Understanding Schools and Schooling. (Book Review)

A review of a book written by Clive Chitty (2002 with a useful focus on issues of equity and social justice, including prejudice, discrimination and bullying in secondary schools. Education policy makers need to explore the extent to which it is important to produce interested, motivated and socially balanced young adults. It is well researched and documented

Effectiveness of an audience response system on orthodontic knowledge retention of undergraduate dental students - a randomised control trial

Objective:: To determine the effect of an audience response system (ARS) on knowledge retention of dental students and to gauge student perceptions of using the ARS. Design:: Randomised control study. Setting:: School of Dentistry, Cardiff University. Participants:: Seventy four second-year dental students were stratified by gender and randomised anonymously to one of two groups. Methods:: One group received a lecture on orthodontic terminology and diagnosis in a traditional didactic format and the other received the same lecture integrated with ARS slides. Students completed an assessment of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) scored out of 20, before and immediately after the lecture. Students were also asked to complete a self-reported questionnaire on their perceptions of ARS. Results:: Both groups had statistically significant increases in MCQ scores post-lecture (ARS mean increase 3.6 SD2.0, 95% CI 2.2–3.5 and Didactic mean increase 2.9 SD2.3, 95% CI 2.8–4.3). A mixed-design analysis of variance showed that ARS led to an improved MCQ score (by 0.8 or 25%) compared to the didactic group, although this effect was not significant (P = 0.15). The effect of gender at baseline (P = 0.49), post-lecture (P = 0.73) and increase in MCQ score split by group (P = 0.46) was also not significant. Students reported that the ARS was easy to use, helped them engage with the lecture and encouraged them to work harder. Conclusion:: The ARS did not lead to a significant increase in short-term orthodontic knowledge recall of students compared with didactic teaching. However, the use of ARS within orthodontic teaching could make lectures more interactive and engaging

Ageing enhances cellular immunity to myeloperoxidase and experimental anti-myeloperoxidase glomerulonephritis

OBJECTIVES: Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis is an autoimmune disease characterised by small blood vessel inflammation, commonly affecting the kidneys and respiratory tract. It is unclear why the incidence of this condition increases with age. Previous studies in a passive antibody transfer system in aged mice have implicated innate effectors. To test the hypothesis that autoimmunity to myeloperoxidase, an autoantigen responsible for ANCA-associated vasculitis, increases with age, anti-myeloperoxidase autoimmunity was studied in murine models of active autoimmunity and disease induced by cellular immunity. METHODS: Young (8 weeks) and aged (either 15 or 22 month) mice were immunised with whole proteins or peptides from ovalbumin, as a model foreign antigen, or myeloperoxidase protein or peptides. Mice were subjected to a model of active anti-myeloperoxidase glomerulonephritis. Cellular and humoral immune responses and tissue inflammation were assessed. RESULTS: While cellular immunity to ovalbumin was diminished in aged mice, cellular autoimmunity to myeloperoxidase and its immunodominant CD4+ and CD8+ T cell epitopes was increased after immunization with either MPO peptides or whole MPO protein, assessed by peptide and antigen specific production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interferon-γ and interleukin-17A. MPO-ANCA titres were not increased in aged mice compared with young mice. In experimental anti-MPO glomerulonephritis, cell mediated injury was increased, likely due to CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, innate immunity and the increased vulnerability of aged kidneys. CONCLUSION: Heightened cellular immunity to MPO develops with ageing in mice and may contribute to the increased incidence and severity of ANCA-associated vasculitis in older people

Objectively measured physical activity during pregnancy: A study in obese and overweight women

Background Obese and overweight women may benefit from increased physical activity (PA) during pregnancy. There is limited published data describing objectively measured PA in such women. Methods A longitudinal observational study of PA intensity, type and duration using objective and subjective measurement methods. Fifty five pregnant women with booking body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m2 were recruited from a hospital ultrasound clinic in North East England. 26 (47%) were nulliparous and 22 (40%) were obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2). PA was measured by accelerometry and self report questionnaire at 13 weeks, 26 weeks and/or 36 weeks gestation. Outcome measures were daily duration of light, moderate or vigorous activity assessed by accelerometry; calculated overall PA energy expenditure, (PAEE), and PAEE within four domains of activity based on self report. Results At median 13 weeks gestation, women recorded a median 125 mins/day light activity and 35 mins/day moderate or vigorous activity (MVPA). 65% achieved the minimum recommended 30 mins/day MVPA. This proportion was maintained at 26 weeks (62%) and 36 weeks (71%). Women achieving more than 30 mins/day MVPA in the first trimester showed a significant reduction in duration of MVPA by the third trimester (11 mins/day, p = 0.003). Walking, swimming and floor exercises were the most commonly reported recreational activities but their contribution to estimated energy expenditure was small. Conclusion Overweight and obese pregnant women can achieve and maintain recommended levels of PA throughout pregnancy. Interventions to promote PA should target changes in habitual activities at work and at home, and in particular walking.The study was supported jointly by Newcastle University and the Directorate of Women’s Services, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK

HLA and kidney disease: from associations to mechanisms

Since the first association between HLA and diseases of native kidneys was described almost 50 years ago, technological and conceptual advances in HLA biology and typing, together with better case ascertainment, have led to an improved understanding of HLA associations with a variety of renal diseases. A substantial body of evidence now supports the existence of HLA genetic associations in the field of renal disease beyond the role of HLA in allogeneic responses in transplant recipients. Allomorphs of HLA have emerged as important risk factors in most immune-mediated renal diseases, which, together with other genetic and environmental factors, lead to loss of tolerance and autoimmune-mediated renal inflammation. HLA associations have also been described for renal diseases that are less traditionally seen as autoimmune or immune-mediated. Here, we review essential concepts in HLA biology and the association of HLA with diseases of the native kidneys, and describe the current understanding of the epistatic and mechanistic bases of HLA-associated kidney disease. Greater understanding of the relationship between HLA and kidney function has the potential not only to further the understanding of immune renal disease at a fundamental level but also to lead to the development and application of more effective, specific and less toxic therapies for kidney diseases