An eye for an eye - Anthony Trollope's gothic novel?

This article examines Anthony Trollope's novel An Eye for an Eye in the context of the author's complex relationship with Ireland. It looks in particular at how Trollope both deploys and disrupts stock features of the Gothic to recommend a not just the continuance but the reinforcement of the Union between Britain and Ireland in the nineteenth century

The origin of fault scarps & fissures on moorland plateaux & in the vicinity of landslides, in the South Wales Coalfield, UK

Fault scarps and fissures occur on moorland plateaux and in the vicinity of deep-seated landslides in the South Wales Coalfield, UK. These scarps may reach about 4 m in height and 3-4 km in length. The ages of the fault scarps and fissures are difficult to determine. Their relatively fresh and unweathered appearance would seem to suggest they were generated during subsidence as a result of coal mining which has taken place for some 150 years. However, their large magnitude, which make them dramatic features of the landscape, sets them apart from the much lesser features generated during coal mining subsidence in other UK coalfields. Some fault scarps seem to pre-date Ordnance Survey and British Geological Survey maps from the late 1800s-early 1900s. As total extraction (longwall) methods associated with fault reactivation had yet to develop widely at that time it is probable that mining subsidence alone could not have generated such distinct topographic features. The paper reviews the evidence of analogous non-mining fault steps and fissuring, mine abandonment plans and recent fissure treatment works to cast new light on the origin and development of these features. A conceptual model to demonstrate the causative mechanisms and evolution of fissures is also presented. The paper concludes that some fault steps and fissures developed in response to stress relief caused by deglaciation and periglacial activity and have subsequently undergone a later phase of development as a consequence of differential mining subsidence

De la formulation de cas à la prévention de rechute : une thérapie cognitive systématique de la schizophrénie

Cet article discute du statut actuel de la recherche sur la thérapie cognitive (TC) de la schizophrénie. Après avoir passé en revue l'étendue des recherches indiquant l'efficacité de la thérapie cognitive pour ce trouble, on présente le processus thérapeutique typique. Les techniques clés en thérapie cognitive de la schizophrénie sont décrites de même que des exemples typiques de cas et des mises en garde contre des blocages éventuels en thérapie. Les techniques clés ici décrites sont l'engagement dans la relation thérapeutique, le développement d'explications, l'introduction du doute, le questionnement périphérique, les devoirs d'expérimentation comportementale, les approches axées sur les schémas, et la prévention de la rechute. La TC de la schizophrénie est considérée comme acceptable, efficace et solide en complémentarité avec les neuroleptiques et d'autres interventions de nature psychosociale.This paper discusses the current status of cognitive therapy research in schizophrenia. After reviewing the extent of the evidence base indicating the efficacy of CT in this disorder, the typical process of therapy is outlined. The key techniques of CT in schizophrenia are described along with typical case examples and caveats concerning possible blocks in therapy. The key techniques described are engaging, developing explanations, introducing doubt, peripheral questioning, behavioural homework experiments, schema focussed approaches and relapse prevention. CT for schizophrenia is proposed as an acceptable, effective and safe adjunct to neuroleptic and other psychosocial interventions.Este articulo discute del estatuto actual de la investigaciôn sobre la terapia cognoscitiva (TC) de la esquizofrenia. Después de haber pasado en revista la vastedad de investigaciones que indican Io eficaz de la terapia cognoscitiva de este desorden, se présenta el proceso terapéutico tïpico. Se describen las técnicas claves de la terapia cognoscitiva de la esquizofrenia con ejemplos de casos tipicos y con advertencias contra los eventuales bloqueos durante la terapia. las técnicas claves que se describen son el compromiso en la relaciôn terapéutica, el desarrollo de explicaciones, la introduccion de la duda, el interrogarse periférico, las tareas de experimentacion del comportamiento, los enfoques centrados en los esquemas, la prevencion de la recaîda. LaTC de la esquizofrenia es considerada como algo aceptable, solido y eficaz que se comple-menta con los neurolépticos y con otras intervenciones de naturaleza psicosocial

MHC-linked and un-linked class I genes in the wallaby

Background: MHC class I antigens are encoded by a rapidly evolving gene family comprising classical and non-classical genes that are found in all vertebrates and involved in diverse immune functions. However, there is a fundamental difference between the organization of class I genes in mammals and non-mammals. Non-mammals have a single classical gene responsible for antigen presentation, which is linked to the antigen processing genes, including TAP. This organization allows co-evolution of advantageous class Ia/ TAP haplotypes. In contrast, mammals have multiple classical genes within the MHC, which are separated from the antigen processing genes by class III genes. It has been hypothesized that separation of classical class I genes from antigen processing genes in mammals allowed them to duplicate. We investigated this hypothesis by characterizing the class I genes of the tammar wallaby, a model marsupial that has a novel MHC organization, with class I genes located within the MHC and 10 other chromosomal locations. Results: Sequence analysis of 14 BACs containing 15 class I genes revealed that nine class I genes, including one to three classical class I, are not linked to the MHC but are scattered throughout the genome. Kangaroo Endogenous Retroviruses (KERVs) were identified flanking the MHC un-linked class I. The wallaby MHC contains four non-classical class I, interspersed with antigen processing genes. Clear orthologs of non-classical class I are conserved in distant marsupial lineages. Conclusion: We demonstrate that classical class I genes are not linked to antigen processing genes in the wallaby and provide evidence that retroviral elements were involved in their movement. The presence of retroviral elements most likely facilitated the formation of recombination hotspots and subsequent diversification of class I genes. The classical class I have moved away from antigen processing genes in eutherian mammals and the wallaby independently, but both lineages appear to have benefited from this loss of linkage by increasing the number of classical genes, perhaps enabling response to a wider range of pathogens. The discovery of non-classical orthologs between distantly related marsupial species is unusual for the rapidly evolving class I genes and may indicate an important marsupial specific function

Survey of ultrasound practice amongst podiatrists in the UK

Background: Ultrasound in podiatry practice encompasses musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging, vascular hand-held Doppler ultrasound and therapeutic ultrasound. Sonography practice is not regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), with no requirement to hold a formal qualification. The College of Podiatry does not currently define ultrasound training and competencies. This study aimed to determine the current use of ultrasound, training received and mentorship received and/or provided by podiatrists using ultrasound. Methods: A quantitative study utilising a cross-sectional, on-line, single-event survey was undertaken within the UK. Results: Completed surveys were received from 284 podiatrists; 173 (70%) use ultrasound as part of their general practice, 139 (49%) for musculoskeletal problems, 131 (46%) for vascular assessment and 39 (14%) to support their surgical practice. Almost a quarter (n=62) worked for more than one organisation; 202 (71%) were employed by the NHS and/or private sector (n=118, 41%). Nearly all (93%) respondents report using a hand-held vascular Doppler in their daily practice; 216 (82%) to support decisions regarding treatment options, 102 (39%) to provide diagnostic reports for other health professionals, and 34 (13%) to guide nerve blocks. Ultrasound imaging was used by 104 (37%) respondents primarily to aid clinical decision making (n=81) and guide interventions (steroid injections n=67; nerve blocks n=39). Ninety-three percent stated they use ultrasound imaging to treat their own patients, while others scan at the request of other podiatrists (n=28) or health professionals (n=18). Few use ultrasound imaging for research (n=7) or education (n=2). Only 32 (11%) respondents (n=20 private sector) use therapeutic ultrasound to treat patients presenting with musculoskeletal complaints, namely tendon pathologies. Few respondents (18%) had completed formal post-graduate CASE (Consortium for the Accreditation of Sonographic Education) accredited ultrasound courses. Forty (14%) respondents receive ultrasound mentorship; the majority from fellow podiatrists (n=17) or medical colleagues (n=15). Over half (n=127) who do not have ultrasound mentorship indicated they would like a mentor predominantly for ultrasound imaging. Fifty-five (19%) report they currently provide ultrasound mentorship for others. Conclusions: Understanding the scope of ultrasound practice, the training undertaken and the requirements for mentorship will underpin the development of competencies and recommendations defined by the College of Podiatry to support professional development and ensure safe practice.</p

Teaching fundamental British values in primary schools : project summary

This project developed out of academic research carried out by Alison Struthers into the practice of Fundamental British Values (FBV) and Human Rights Education (HRE) in English primary schools. In this research, the author explored the problems with the Government’s FBV agenda, and argued that because human rights values are rooted in universality, couching FBV in this broader framework would be likely to contribute to societal cohesion to a far greater extent than the potentially discriminatory FBV guidance. This project sought to action these findings by showing how teaching about FBV can be linked effectively to broader human rights values

Improving habitat heterogenity on coastal defence structures

Sea level rise and higher storm frequency is increasing the need for hard coastal defences worldwide. The majority of these structures lack optimal habitats for intertidal species, resulting in low diversity. Here, we evaluate low-cost enhancement techniques which increase habitat heterogeneity and surface texture on different rock types. Arrays of holes and grooves inspired by ‘blast features’ produced during the quarrying process were created on both granite rock armour and limestone rock groynes in two locations in England. After 12 months the treatments were successful at attracting new species to the defence structures and increasing the overall diversity and abundance of organisms. Mobile fauna including crabs and fish were recorded utilising the holes and grooves. Non -native species were recorded in grooves at one site but in no greater abundance than control areas. At the southern site, species known to be spreading in response to climate changes were found in both treatments but not in controls. The cost of these treatments was low in relation to that of the defence scheme and could be easily replicated either during or after construction. Through evaluatio n of the use of these ecological enhancement techniques on coastal structures, we suggest that they have considerable potential to enhance local patterns of biodiversity when used within large -scale defence projects

Acute adaptations and subsequent preservation of strength and speed measures following a Nordic hamstring curl intervention: a randomised controlled trial

This randomised controlled trial investigated changes in eccentric hamstring strength, 10 m sprint speed, and change-of-direction (COD) performance immediately post Nordic hamstring curl (NHC) intervention and following a 3-week detraining period. Fourteen male team sports athletes were randomised to a do-as-usual control group (CG; n = 7) or to a NHC intervention group (NHC; n = 7). Isokinetic dynamometry at 180°/s evaluated eccentric hamstring strength immediately post-intervention as the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcomes included 10 m sprint time and COD. Each outcome was measured, pre, immediately post-intervention and following a 3-week detraining period. Immediately post-intervention significant group differences were observed in the NHC group for eccentric hamstring strength (31.81 Nm-1 vs. 6.44 Nm-1, P = 0.001), COD (-0.12 s vs. 0.20 s; P = 0.003) and sprint (- 0.06 s vs. 0.05 s; P = 0.024) performance. Performance improvements were maintained following a detraining period for COD (-0.11 s vs. 0.20 s; P = 0.014) and sprint (-0.05 s vs. 0.03 s, P = 0.031) but not eccentric hamstring strength (15.67 Nm-1 vs. 6.44 Nm-1, P = 0.145) These findings have important implications for training programmes designed to reduce hamstring injury incidence, whilst enhancing physical qualities critical to sport

The effects of uterine artery embolisation and surgical treatment on ovarian function in women with uterine fibroids

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare both ovarian function and menstrual characteristics following uterine artery embolisation (UAE) and surgery. Design Subgroup of women from a randomised controlled trial. Setting Gynaecology and radiology units in Scotland, UK. Population Ninety-six women from the randomised controlled trial comparing embolisation with surgery as a treatment for fibroids (REST), which recruited 157 patients (106 UAE; 51 surgery). Methods Seventy-three women undergoing UAE and 23 women undergoing surgery (with ovarian conservation) had serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) measurements taken on day 3 of the menstrual cycle prior to treatment, and at 6 and 12 months post-treatment. Data on menstrual cycle characteristics was also collected. Main outcome measures Ovarian failure, as defined by an FSH level of &gt; 40 iu/l, and change in duration of menses and length of menstrual cycle. Results There was no significant difference in the rate of ovarian failure at 12 months between UAE (11%) and surgical patients (18%) (P = 0.44). This finding was not influenced by age. The mean duration of menstrual flow decreased significantly, from baseline to 12 months, by 1.7 days (SD 3.8), (95% CI 0.8-2.6). There was no statistically significant change in mean cycle length at 12 months (0.7 days [SD 4.9]; 95% CI [-0.5, 1.9]). Conclusions There is no evidence for UAE accelerating a deterioration in ovarian function at 1 year, when compared with surgery. UAE is associated with a decrease in the duration of menstrual flow at 1 yea