Examining the relationship between environmental change and human activities at the dryland-wetland interface during the Late Upper Palaeolithic and Mesolithic in Southeast England

This thesis investigates environmental change across the Late Glacial and Early Holocene boundary in southeast England, and places these results within their archaeological setting. This has developed our understanding of vegetation change during a period of climatic variability, and enhanced our knowledge of environmental change and the environmental context of human activities. The County of Surrey formed the research focus because of the diverse assemblages of Upper Palaeolithic and Mesolithic archaeology, and preliminary studies suggested a relationship with human activities at the ecotonal boundary between wetland and dryland. The research focused on palaeoenvironmental investigations from four sites: Thursley Bog, Ockley Bog, Elstead Bog B and Langshot Bog, studied using sedimentological, pollen, stable isotope and microscopic charcoal analyses to generate high-resolution reconstructions of climate change, vegetation succession and fire histories. The results have provided important contributions to our understanding of climatic change and vegetation succession, with evidence for a downturn in climate during the Loch Lomond Stadial. Evidence also indicates the presence of Corylus, Alnus and Pinus at earlier dates than previously observed within southeast England. Analyses of archaeological data suggest that sites at the wetland/dryland interface are likely to have been frequently visited by Late Upper Palaeolithic and Mesolithic groups. The archaeological and palaeoenvironmental records suggest that people exploited their environment for hunting and gathering during the Late Upper Palaeolithic and Early Mesolithic. During the Later Mesolithic there is some evidence for the anthropogenic use of fire to create or maintain woodland clearings to attract animals for hunting. Overall, this research has resulted in a greater picture of human activities and environmental change during the Late Glacial and Early Holocene in Surrey. It is likely that people interacted with the environment during the Late Upper Palaeolithic and Mesolithic, but this was predominantly comprised of environmental exploitation rather than large-scale manipulation

From findspot to site: a spatial examination of the Mesolithic resource in Surrey

Surrey has a diverse range of Mesolithic occupation evidence, spanning the Early Mesolithic, Horsham period and the Later Mesolithic. This paper collates these data and then quantitatively analyses the relationships between the geographical distributions of Mesolithic material and a range of environmental characteristics. The distribution of material is also analysed using a GIS to understand where ‘hotspots’ (and ‘coldspots’) of activity may be located and takes into account variations in collecting activity and modern discovery opportunities. There is evidence that the environment may have been important in determining the spatial extent of Mesolithic hunter-gatherer behaviour, and this is assessed through comparison of the Mesolithic resource and a range of environmental variables. The record shows a prevalence of hunting-type assemblages in the south-west of the county, where the majority of microliths and points were identified, together with sites with evidence for occupation (often excavated as such, or with evidence for domestic activities such as burning). There was also evidence that records identified on higher elevations and steeper slopes appeared to represent items used, discarded or lost on hunting trips and potentially highlighted the importance of these regions as lookout or observation locations; however, there was a lack of occupation sites based near these optimal viewing locations. The majority of occupation sites were located across an east--west Greensand band, and situated within 5km of the Clay-with-Flints outcrops. These were wet/dry marginal regions, probably conducive to settlement owing to the benefits these locations may have had for hunting and gathering. A lower density of records from north-west and south-east Surrey appear to indicate these areas were used primarily for the processing of material while people were moving across the landscape. The overall high proportion of findspots and scatters within the dataset may result from the nature of hunter-gatherer living, with high levels of mobility within the landscape alongside ephemeral occupation and activity sites

New insights into late Devensian late glacial and early Holocene environmental change: two high-resolution case studies from SE England

The Late Devensian Lateglacial to early Holocene transition across north-west Europe was characterized by a rapid shift in climate from the cold, harsh conditions of the Loch Lomond Stadial to the warmer climate of the early postglacial. However, our knowledge of this transition in south-east England has been hampered by the paucity of mires with sedimentary records spanning this period. We present two new high-resolution paleoenvironmental records from Langshot Bog and Elstead Bog B (Surrey, UK), which provide a clear signature of vegetation succession and fire history. Organic sedimentation at Langshot Bog commenced prior to 12,640–12,410 cal. BP (95% probability) and continued until 8430–8350 cal. BP (95% probability). Providing a robust chronology for Elstead Bog B proved to be problematic, although available dates suggest sediment accumulation commenced prior to 11,820–11,400 cal. BP (WM-168, 2σ). The sites are characterized by similar vegetation records, indicating a regional signal from locations over 20 km apart. Scrubby tundra-style vegetation is characteristic of cold conditions associated with the Lateglacial. The identification of Alnus and Corylus, taxa not normally associated with this period, indicates that microclimates may have permitted the survival of these species. Expansion of Betula followed by Pinus dates to the onset of the Holocene, forming mixed coniferous-deciduous woodland, during a period which is punctuated by short climatic events identified from stable isotope analysis. Subsequent expansion of thermophilous taxa Corylus, Ulmus and Quercus results in the formation of deciduous woodland. A rise in micro-charcoal, heathland and herbaceous taxa indicates development of heathy-scrubby clearings within this Holocene landscape

Clinical application of autologous technetium-99m-labelled eosinophils to detect focal eosinophilic inflammation in the lung.

This is the final version of the article. It first appeared from the BMJ Group via http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/thoraxjnl-2015-207156The detection of focal eosinophilic inflammation by non-invasive means may aid the diagnosis and follow-up of a variety of pulmonary pathologies. All current methods of detection involve invasive sampling, which may be contraindicated or too high-risk to be performed safely. The use of injected autologous technetium-99m (Tc-99m)-labelled eosinophils coupled to single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) has been demonstrated to localise eosinophilic inflammation in the lungs of a patient with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-positive vasculitis. Here, we report on the utility of this technique to detect active eosinophilic inflammation in a patient with focal lung inflammation where a biopsy was contraindicated.The authors thank all the staff at the Department of Nuclear Medicine at Addenbrooke’s Hospital and the Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility, Cambridge; Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre Core Biochemistry Assay Laboratory; and the National Institute for Health Research, through the Comprehensive Clinical Research Network. This work was supported by Asthma-UK [08/11], the Medical Research Council [grant number MR/J00345X/1], the Wellcome Trust [grant number 098351/Z/12/Z], and Cambridge NIHR Biomedical Research Centre. Written informed consent was obtained in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. The study was approved by Cambridgeshire Research Ethics Committee (09/H0308/119) and the Administration of Radioactive Substances Advisory Committee of the United Kingdom (83/3130/25000)

21st century fisheries management: a spatio-temporally explicit tariff-based approach combining multiple drivers and incentivising responsible fishing

Abstract Kraak, S. B. M., Reid, D. G., Gerritsen, H. D., Kelly, C. J., Fitzpatrick, M., Codling, E. A., and Rogan, E. 2012. 21st century fisheries management: a spatio-temporally explicit tariff-based approach combining multiple drivers and incentivising responsible fishing. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 69: 590–601. Traditionally fisheries management has focused on biomass and mortality, expressed annually and across large management units. However, because fish abundance varies at much smaller spatio-temporal scales, fishing mortality can potentially be controlled more effectively if managed at finer scale. The ecosystem approach requires more indicators at finer scales as well. Incorporating ecosystem targets would need additional management tools with potentially conflicting results. We present a simple, integrated, management approach that provides incentives for “good behaviour”. Fishers would be given a number of fishing-impact credits, called real-time incentives (RTIs), to spend according to spatio-temporally varying tariffs per fishing day. RTI quotas and tariffs could be based on commercial stocks and ecosystem targets. Fishers could choose how to spend their RTIs, e.g. by limited fishing in high-catch or sensitive areas or by fishing longer in lower-catch or less sensitive areas. The RTI system does not prescribe and forbid, but instead allows fishers to fish wherever and whenever they want; ecosystem costs are internalized and fishers have to take them into account in their business decisions. We envisage no need for traditional landings or catch quotas for the fleets while operating under the scheme. The approach could facilitate further devolution of responsibility to industry.</jats:p

Center for Interdisciplinary Remotely-Piloted Aircraft Studies (CIRPAS)

A remotely piloted aircraft research facility is described that will provide new capabilities for atmospheric and oceanographic measurements. The aircraft can fly up to 24 h over remote ocean regions, at low or high altitude, and in various other challenging mission scenarios. The aircraft will fly research missions at speeds of 40 m s^(−1) and provide high spatial resolution measurements. Data will be transmitted in real time to a ground station for analysis and decision-making purposes. The facility will expand the opportunities for universities to participate in field measurement programs

Climate and vegetation dynamics of the northern Apennines (Italy) during the late Pleistocene and Holocene

This study reconstructs the regional vegetation and climate dynamics between the upper Late Pleistocene and Holocene around Pian del Lago, a coastal mountain marshland located at 831 m asl in western Liguria (NW-Italy), based on the pollen analysis of a 13 m-long sediment core. The record provided a unique opportunity to study a poorly documented period in northern Italy and across many parts of southwestern Europe. We propose an event stratigraphy based upon the identification of seven interstadials (NAI-7 to NAI-1) spanning the upper Late Pleistocene. The correlation with other terrestrial records in Italy, and with Mediterranean marine sequences and the Greenland ice cores, permitted a coherent reconstruction of main environmental changes from >∼43,000 cal. BP. Significantly, the pollen record indicates the persistence of a mesophilous mountain vegetation cover, mainly composed of Quercus (deciduous and evergreen), Abies, Fagus and Alnus over the whole time period recorded. At the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and during the Late Würm Lateglacial, despite the presence of steppic vegetation composed of Artemisia, woodlands dominated by Pinus, with Abies, Picea, Fagus, Alnus and Betula are present. This forest composition provides an important insight into the history of Picea in southern Europe and Late Pleistocene refugia for mesophilous species. During the Early Holocene, Pinus is first replaced by Abies and then by deciduous Quercus and mixed temperate species as the dominant forest component. Both arboreal and herbaceous anthropogenic pollen indicators only make their appearance during the Late Holocene, attesting to the increasing importance of human activities

Adaptive capacity of farming communities to climate change in the Peruvian Andes: past, present and future (preliminary findings of the ACCESS project)

Climate variability has had a marked influence on water availability, traditional farming (agro-pastoral) practices, and therefore the livelihood of human communities in the Peruvian Andes since at least the Middle Horizon cultural period (AD 600-1000). Current global climate warming poses a more significant threat, however, enhancing vulnerability and creating a greater risk to all assets. To better understand the challenges faced by rural communities living with climate variability, as well as the opportunities afforded through appropriate adaptive strategies, a research pilot project (ACCESS) was conducted in the Cordillera Blanca and Cordillera Negra, Ancash region. The preliminary findings reveal that variability in precipitation over the past 1500 years was coincident with major cultural changes and advancement in water management practices, although the precise temporal relationships remain uncertain. Nevertheless, the construction of canals and reservoirs, as well as agricultural terraces, clearly indicates that past cultures in the Ancash region recognised the need to enhance resilience and for the sustainable management of natural resources. At the present day, our data indicate that local communities in both Cordilleras are experiencing the effects of climate change, especially water shortages, increasing temperatures and glacier retreat, soil degradation, and greater problems with crop pests. These concerns are worsened by a shortage of agricultural land, conflict between communities and a lack of state intervention. Adaptive strategies proposed by communities include improved water management, economic diversification, greater community collaboration and state investment. The concerns over water availability are in agreement with the preliminary hydrological and crop-water modelling findings of the project, which indicate that with rising temperatures and variable precipitation patterns, improved water management in both cordilleras will be required to maintain effective levels of irrigation for sustainable farming and economic development. Finally, we highlight the importance of restoration of ancient water management and agricultural infrastructure, as well as the significance of indigenous knowledge amongst local communities, as a means of enhancing adaptive capacity in the face of climate change

Measuring spirometry in a lung cancer screening cohort highlights possible underdiagnosis and misdiagnosis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Introduction: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is underdiagnosed, and measurement of spirometry alongside low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening for lung cancer is one strategy to increase earlier diagnosis of this disease. // Methods: Ever-smokers at high risk of lung cancer were invited to the Yorkshire Lung Screening Trial for a Lung Health Check (LHC) comprising LDCT screening, pre-bronchodilator spirometry and smoking cessation service. In this cross-sectional study we present data on participant demographics, respiratory symptoms, lung function, emphysema on imaging and both self-reported and primary care diagnoses of COPD. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified factors associated with possible underdiagnosis and misdiagnosis of COPD in this population, with airflow obstruction (AO) defined as FEV1/FVC ratio <0.70. // Results: Of 3,920 LHC attendees undergoing spirometry, 17% had undiagnosed AO with respiratory symptoms, representing potentially undiagnosed COPD. Compared to those with a primary care COPD code, this population had milder symptoms, better lung function, and were more likely to be current smokers (p≤0.001 for all comparisons). Of 836 attendees with a primary care COPD code who underwent spirometry, 19% did not have AO, potentially representing misdiagnosed COPD, although symptom burden was high. // Discussion: Spirometry offered alongside LDCT screening can potentially identify cases of undiagnosed and misdiagnosed COPD. Future research should assess the downstream impact of these findings to determine if any meaningful changes to treatment and outcomes occurs, and also to assess the impact on co-delivering spirometry on other parameters of LDCT screening performance such as participation and adherence. Additionally, work is needed to better understand the aetiology of respiratory symptoms in those with misdiagnosed COPD, to ensure this highly symptomatic group receive evidence-based interventions

Yorkshire Lung Screening Trial (YLST): protocol for a randomised controlled trial to evaluate invitation to community-based low-dose CT screening for lung cancer versus usual care in a targeted population at risk

© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2020. Re-use permitted under CC BY. Published by BMJ. INTRODUCTION: Lung cancer is the world's leading cause of cancer death. Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening reduced lung cancer mortality by 20% in the US National Lung Screening Trial. Here, we present the Yorkshire Lung Screening Trial (YLST), which will address key questions of relevance for screening implementation. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Using a single-consent Zelen's design, ever-smokers aged 55-80 years registered with a general practice in Leeds will be randomised (1:1) to invitation to a telephone-based risk-assessment for a Lung Health Check or to usual care. The anticipated number randomised by household is 62 980 individuals. Responders at high risk will be invited for LDCT scanning for lung cancer on a mobile van in the community. There will be two rounds of screening at an interval of 2 years. Primary objectives are (1) measure participation rates, (2) compare the performance of PLCOM2012 (threshold ≥1.51%), Liverpool Lung Project (V.2) (threshold ≥5%) and US Preventive Services Task Force eligibility criteria for screening population selection and (3) assess lung cancer outcomes in the intervention and usual care arms. Secondary evaluations include health economics, quality of life, smoking rates according to intervention arm, screening programme performance with ancillary biomarker and smoking cessation studies. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study has been approved by the Greater Manchester West research ethics committee (18-NW-0012) and the Health Research Authority following review by the Confidentiality Advisory Group. The results will be disseminated through publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals, presentation at conferences and on the YLST website. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS: ISRCTN42704678 and NCT03750110