Showing papers by "Edinburgh Napier University published in 2008"

Nanomaterials in the environment: Behavior, fate, bioavailability, and effects

Abstract: The recent advances in nanotechnology and the corresponding increase in the use of nanomaterials in products in every sector of society have resulted in uncertainties regarding environmental impacts. The objectives of this review are to introduce the key aspects pertaining to nanomaterials in the environment and to discuss what is known concerning their fate, behavior, disposition, and toxicity, with a particular focus on those that make up manufactured nanomaterials. This review critiques existing nanomaterial research in freshwater, marine, and soil environments. It illustrates the paucity of existing research and demonstrates the need for additional research. Environmental scientists are encouraged to base this research on existing studies on colloidal behavior and toxicology. The need for standard reference and testing materials as well as methodology for suspension preparation and testing is also discussed.

Carbon nanotubes introduced into the abdominal cavity of mice show asbestos-like pathogenicity in a pilot study.

Abstract: Carbon nanotubes have distinctive characteristics, but their needle-like fibre shape has been compared to asbestos, raising concerns that widespread use of carbon nanotubes may lead to mesothelioma, cancer of the lining of the lungs caused by exposure to asbestos. Here we show that exposing the mesothelial lining of the body cavity of mice, as a surrogate for the mesothelial lining of the chest cavity, to long multiwalled carbon nanotubes results in asbestos-like, length-dependent, pathogenic behaviour. This includes inflammation and the formation of lesions known as granulomas. This is of considerable importance, because research and business communities continue to invest heavily in carbon nanotubes for a wide range of products under the assumption that they are no more hazardous than graphite. Our results suggest the need for further research and great caution before introducing such products into the market if long-term harm is to be avoided.

The minimum information about a genome sequence (MIGS) specification.

Abstract: With the quantity of genomic data increasing at an exponential rate, it is imperative that these data be captured electronically, in a standard format. Standardization activities must proceed within the auspices of open-access and international working bodies. To tackle the issues surrounding the development of better descriptions of genomic investigations, we have formed the Genomic Standards Consortium (GSC). Here, we introduce the minimum information about a genome sequence (MIGS) specification with the intent of promoting participation in its development and discussing the resources that will be required to develop improved mechanisms of metadata capture and exchange. As part of its wider goals, the GSC also supports improving the 'transparency' of the information contained in existing genomic databases.

Application areas of AIS: The past, the present and the future

Abstract: After a decade of research into the area of artificial immune systems, it is worthwhile to take a step back and reflect on the contributions that the paradigm has brought to the application areas to which it has been applied. Undeniably, there have been a lot of successful stories-however, if the field is to advance in the future and really carve out its own distinctive niche, then it is necessary to be able to illustrate that there are clear benefits to be obtained by applying this paradigm rather than others. This paper attempts to take stock of the application areas that have been tackled in the past, and ask the difficult question ''was it worth it ?''. We then attempt to suggest a set of problem features that we believe will allow the true potential of the immunological system to be exploited in computational systems, and define a unique niche for AIS.

A decade on: what have we learnt about supporting women with intellectual disabilities through the menopause?

Abstract: Carr and Hollins highlighted the paucity of research on the menopause in women with intellectual disabilities and, 10 years on, this area still remains poorly researched. Work exploring the age of onset of the menopause has suggested that the menopause is earlier in this group of women, but studies exploring what women with intellectual disabilities understand and experience during the menopause are limited. In this study 15 women with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities were interviewed using a semi-structured interview on a one-to-one basis about their knowledge and understanding of the menopause. Findings revealed limited accessible information about the menopause and a paucity in the women's knowledge and understanding about the menopause. This suggests a need for more accessible information, in order to increase understanding and awareness of the menopause in these women.

Ant Colony Optimization for Optimal Control of Pumps in Water Distribution Networks

Abstract: Reducing energy consumption of water distribution networks has never had more significance than today. The greatest energy savings can be obtained by careful scheduling of operation of pumps. Schedules can be defined either implicitly, in terms of other elements of the network such as tank levels, or explicitly by specifying the time during which each pump is on/off. The traditional representation of explicit schedules is a string of binary values with each bit representing pump on/off status during a particular time interval. In this paper a new explicit representation is presented. It is based on time controlled triggers, where the maximum number of pump switches is specified beforehand. In this representation a pump schedule is divided into a series of integers with each integer representing the number of hours for which a pump is active/inactive. This reduces the number of potential schedules (search space) compared to the binary representation. Ant colony optimization (ACO) is a stochastic meta-heuristic for combinatorial optimization problems that is inspired by the foraging behavior of some species of ants. In this paper, an application of the ACO framework was developed for the optimal scheduling of pumps. The proposed representation was adapted to an ant colony Optimization framework and solved for the optimal pump schedules. Minimization of electrical cost was considered as the objective, while satisfying system constraints. Instead of using a penalty function approach for constraint violations, constraint violations were ordered according to their importance and solutions were ranked based on this order. The proposed approach was tested on a small test network and on a large real-world network. Results are compared with those obtained using a simple genetic algorithm based on binary representation and a hybrid genetic algorithm that uses level-based triggers.

Education and talent management: implications for the hospitality industry

Abstract: Purpose – The aim of this paper is to explore one of the biggest issues and challenges now faced by hospitality education and the hospitality industry: that of how to attract and retain a critical group of talented people.Design/methodology/approach – A review of the literature highlights the key studies that have investigated the nature of hospitality employment amongst new recruits in the hospitality industry and reports on thoughts of soon to graduate hospitality students. The paper reviews the current state of employment issues in the hospitality industry. It discusses contemporary attitudes toward the generation undertaking hospitality education and making career decisions. This paper also considers the current generation's specific attitudes toward education and careers and the potential consequences this will have for the hospitality industry in the future.Findings – The paper argues that educators require to be more fully aware of the consequences of reducing the practical and vocational nature of...

Concordance between in vitro and in vivo dosimetry in the proinflammatory effects of low-toxicity, low-solubility particles: the key role of the proximal alveolar region.

Abstract: We previously demonstrated the importance of the surface area burden as the key dose metric in the elicitation of inflammation in rat lungs by low-solubility, low-toxicity particles (LSLTP). We have now explored the dosimetry of LSLTP in vitro using epithelial cell interleukin (IL)-8 gene expression as a surrogate for potential of particles to cause inflammation. The proximal alveolar region (PAR) of the lung has been identified as a key site for the retention of respirable particles, as it receives high deposition but has slow clearance compared to the larger airways. For these reasons, a few days after exposure to particles the residual dose is concentrated in the PAR region. Re-expressing our rat lung data as particle surface area burden per unit of PAR surface area we obtained a threshold value for onset of inflammation of 1 cm2/cm2. We carried out dose responses in vitro for onset of IL-8 gene expression with the same particles as we had used in vivo. When we expressed the in vitro dose as surface ar...

Centile charts for birthweight for gestational age for Scottish singleton births

Abstract: Centile charts of birthweight for gestational age are used to identify low birthweight babies. The charts currently used in Scotland are based on data from the 1970s and require updating given changes in birthweight and in the measurement of gestational age since then. Routinely collected data of 100,133 singleton births occurring in Scotland from 1998–2003 were used to construct new centile charts using the LMS method. Centile charts for birthweight for sex and parity groupings were constructed for singleton birth and compared to existing charts used in Scottish hospitals. Mean birthweight has been shown to have increased over recent decades. The differences shown between the new and currently used centiles confirm the need for more up-to-date centiles for birthweight for gestational age.

‘That was my old life; it's almost like a past-life now’: Identity crisis, loss and adjustment amongst people living with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Abstract: Individual in-depth interviews were conducted with 14 people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) The interviews centred on the experience of living with the condition from the participants’ own perspectives All interviews were transcribed verbatim and were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Three inter-related themes were presented: ‘Identity crisis: agency and embodiment’; ‘Scepticism and the self’ and ‘Acceptance, adjustment and coping’ Participants reported an ongoing sense of personal loss characterised by diminishing personal control and agency An inability to plan for the future and subsequent feelings of failure, worthlessness and insignificance ensued Scepticism in the wider social environment only heightened the consequential identity crisis The importance of acceptance for adjusting to a life with CFS was highlighted The findings are discussed in relation to extant literature and issues for health psychology are raised

The experiences of adults with intellectual disabilities and their carers in general hospitals: a focus group study

Abstract: Background People with intellectual disabilities (ID) have higher levels of health needs compared with the general population, many of which are unrecognised and unmet. While there has been interest and research into the primary health provision for this group, there has been a more limited focus on addressing their care received in general hospitals. Access to health care has predominated in the literature, with less attention being paid to the experiences of people with ID as users of general hospital care. Method A qualitative focus group methodology was used. Eleven adults with ID, nine parents and five paid carers of adults with ID participated. The focus groups were audiotaped and transcriptions were analysed using principles of grounded theory. Results The analysed data highlighted key themes identified from the experiences of participants. These were the interrelated issues of feelings, particularly anxiety and fear, communication and behaviour problems; the practicalities of being in or attending hospitals, including the role played by carers; and issues around perceived discrimination and negative comments. Conclusions The experiences of participants in this study concur with and add to concern expressed in recent reports and published research. Wide ranging implications are discussed for further research, wider policy development, clinical practice, local health service provision and education of health professionals.

Parental presence during resuscitation in the PICU: the parents’ experience

Abstract: Aim and objective. To provide in-depth understanding of the meaning for parents who were present or absent during a resuscitation attempt on their child in the PICU. Background. Family presence during resuscitation remains a topic of debate with both benefits and disadvantages identified, yet few studies have asked parents of children in PICU to describe their experiences of being present or absent during this resuscitation and what this means to their understanding and coping. Additionally, minimal research has investigated parental presence during a successful resuscitation. Design. A qualitative design was used based upon van Manen’s interpretative phenomenological approach. Methods. Fourteen parents of critically ill children from one paediatric intensive care unit in Australia, who had either survived or died following a resuscitation attempt were interviewed. Results. Four main themes were identified: (1) being only for a child; (2) making sense of a living nightmare; (3) maintaining hope in the face of reality; (4) living in a relationship with staff. Conclusions. The findings underpin the inherent need for parents to choose to be present during resuscitation to make sense of the situation. Memories of the resuscitation were not long-lasting and distress was for the potential death of a child, rather than the resuscitation scene. Parents who did not witness their child’s resuscitation were more distressed than those who did. Having the opportunity to make the decision to stay or leave was important for parents. Support during the resuscitation was best provided by experienced clinical nurses. Relevance to practice. Recognition of the parents’ compelling need to stay will improve nurses’ understanding of how witnessing this event may assist family coping and functioning. Ways in which parents may be better supported in making the decision to stay or leave during resuscitation are identified.

Specialist breast care nurses for supportive care of women with breast cancer

Abstract: Background Breast Care Nurses (BCNs) are now established internationally, predominantly in well resourced healthcare systems. The role of BCNs has expanded to reflect the diversity of the population in which they work, and the improvements in survival of women with breast cancer. Interventions by BCNs aim to support women and help them cope with the impact of the disease on their quality of life. Objectives To assess the effectiveness of individual interventions carried out by BCN's on quality of life outcomes for women with breast cancer. Search methods We searched the Cochrane Breast Cancer Group Specialised Register and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (15 January 2007). We also searched MEDLINE (1966 to September 2006), CINAHL (1982 to September 2006), EMBASE (1980 to September 2006), British Nursing Index (1984 to September 2006), CancerLit (1961 to September 2006), PsycInfo (1967 to September 2006), Library and Info Science Abstracts (LISA) (1969 to September 2006), Dissertation Abstracts International (only available 2005 to September 2006). We contacted authors as appropriate. Selection criteria Randomised controlled trials assessing the effects of interventions carried out by BCN's on quality of life outcomes, for women with breast cancer. Data collection and analysis Two authors independently assessed relevant studies for inclusion and undertook data extraction and quality assessment of included studies. Main results We included five studies, categorised into three groups. Three studies assessing psychosocial nursing interventions around diagnosis and early treatment found that the BCN could affect some components of quality of life, such as anxiety and early recognition of depressive symptoms. However, their impact on social and functional aspects of the disease trajectory was inconclusive. Supportive care interventions during radiotherapy was assessed by one study which showed that specific BCN interventions can alleviate perceived distress during radiotherapy treatment, but did not improve coping skills, mood or overall quality of life. One study assessed nurse-led follow-up interventions in which no statistically significant difference was identified for main demographic variables, satisfaction with care, access to medical care or anxiety and depression. Authors' conclusions There is limited evidence at this time to support the contention that interventions by BCNs assist in the short-term with the recognition and management of psychological distress for women with breast cancer. Further research is required before the impact of BCNs on aspects of quality of life for women with breast cancer can be known.

Senescent T-lymphocytes are mobilised into the peripheral blood compartment in young and older humans after exhaustive exercise.

Abstract: Senescent T-lymphocytes are antigen-experienced cells that express the killer-cell lectin-like receptor G1 (KLRG1) and/or CD57; fail to clonally expand following further antigenic stimulation and prevail in the resting blood of older adults compared to the young. Physical exercise mobilises T-lymphocytes into the bloodstream and is therefore a model with which to compare age-related phenotypes of blood-resident T-cells with those T-cells entering the blood from peripheral lymphoid compartments. Eight young (Y; Age: 21+/-3 years) and 8 older (O; Age: 56+/-3 years) healthy males completed a maximal treadmill exercise protocol. Blood lymphocytes isolated before, immediately after and 1h after exercise were assessed for cell surface expression of KLRG1, CD57, CD28, CD45RA, CD45RO, CD62L and lymphocyte subset markers using three-colour flow cytometry. Lymphocyte subset numbers (CD3+, CD3+/CD4+, CD3+/CD8 and CD3-/CD56+) increased with exercise (p<0.05) but were not different between Y and O. At rest and immediately after exercise, the percentage of CD3+/CD8+ T-lymphocytes expressing KLRG1 and CD45RO was greater in O than Y, whereas Y had a greater expression of CD45RA and CD62L than O. The percentage of all CD3+/CD8+ and CD3+/CD4+ T-lymphocytes expressing KLRG1 and CD57 increased after exercise, but the magnitude of change was not age-dependent. In conclusion, there is a greater proportion of senescent CD3+/CD8+ T-lymphocytes in the blood of older adults compared to young at rest and immediately after exhaustive exercise, indicating that the greater frequency of KLRG1+/CD8+ T-lymphocytes in older humans is ubiquitous and not localised to the peripheral blood.

Where are we now? A review of management development issues in the hospitality and tourism sector: Implications for talent management

Abstract: Purpose – This paper seeks to explore the range of research that has been published in the field of hospitality management development and discuss the implications of findings for the field of talent management.Design/methodology/approach – The paper provides a literature review into factors influencing and components of management development. It encompasses literature that addresses management learning, management development and career progression as these are seen to impact on talent management. Secondary research into articles published under the broad heading of “management development in the hospitality industry” in management, hospitality and tourism journals from 2000‐2007 was conducted. After this initial trawl the author themed these into categories to aid presentation and discussion of findings.Findings – There are four key areas which emerge from this review. First, there is research which focuses on factors which influence management development; second, there is a focus on hospitality manag...

Managing the talent management pipeline: Towards a greater understanding of senior managers' perspectives in the hospitality and tourism sector

Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to explore managers' views on the challenges and opportunities around the talent management (TM) pipeline in a range of hospitality and tourism organisations. The paper seeks to focus on drawing out key issues and suggesting practical actions arising from these.Design/methodology/approach – The paper draws primarily on a number of in‐depth interviews with senior managers representing a wide range of sectors in the industry. Managers’ views are summarised and quotes used to illustrate key themes.Findings – Each stage of the TM pipeline is explored and the findings reveal a number of contextual, strategic and operational concerns around the implementation of TM policy and processes. Findings indicated clear commitment towards the value of TM, but revealed that some policy areas were felt to be underdeveloped. Approaches to TM were organisation specific, and driven by internal expertise and available resources. Organisations would fit and tailor their TM approach to their own contex...

Use of a Phytoplankton Community Index to assess the health of coastal waters

Abstract: Tett, P., Carreira, C., Mills, D. K., van Leeuwen, S., Foden, J., Bresnan, E., and Gowen, R. J. 2008. Use of a Phytoplankton Community Index to assess the health of coastal waters. - ICES Journal of Marine Science, 65: 1475-1482.Monitoring of marine-ecosystem status and health requires indicators of community structure and function. As a structural indicator, we propose a Phytoplankton Community Index (PCI) based on the abundance of “life-forms” such as “pelagic diatoms” or “medium-sized autotrophic dinoflagellates”. To calculate the PCI, data showing seasonal variation in these abundances are plotted in “life-form space” of two or more dimensions. Data from a “type-specific reference condition” are then enclosed within a reference envelope. Comparison data are plotted into the same coordinate system, and the PCI is the proportion (between 0 and 1) of these new data that fall within the reference envelope. Results from initial applications of this method are shown for UK coastal waters in the northern North Sea (near Stonehaven), a Scottish fjord (Loch Creran), and the eastern Irish Sea (including Liverpool Bay). The Stonehaven data (1997-2005) were used to compare values obtained from weekly sampling with those from monthly sampling. A spatial comparison between more- and less-nutrient-enriched waters in the eastern Irish Sea (1991-2003) showed little difference in phytoplankton community structure. Loch Creran has experienced a large change in the “balance of organisms”, and hence a reduction in the PCI, between 1979-1981 and 2006/2007, associated with a decrease in chlorophyll but no apparent change in nutrients. These results are discussed in relation to the intended uses of the PCI as an index of biological quality for the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and an index of ecosystem health in the context of eutrophication. Although the method only measures change, it can also be used as an indicator of biological quality if the reference conditions are those defined for a WFD waterbody, and as an indicator of health if appropriately calibrated. Suggestions are made for further development.

The reduction in the fibre saturation point of wood due to chemical modification using anhydride reagents: A reappraisal

Abstract: The data from a previous study of the moisture adsorption of Corsican pine modified with linear chain carboxylic acid anhydrides, (acetic, propionic, butyric, valeric, hexanoic), has been reanalysed so that moisture content is reported as a percentage of cell wall mass only. As part of this work, the change in fibre saturation point (FSP, determined from fits of the Hailwood Horrobin model) of the modified wood has been determined as a function of weight percentage gain (WPG). The change in FSP is not determined by the extent of hydroxyl substitution of the cell wall, but is related to WPG only (as reported previously). This is also true for the relationship between monolayer water, polylayer water, molecular weight per sorption site at saturation and WPG. However, there is no simple linear relationship between calculated FSP and WPG. When the FSP was determined by solute exclusion methods, the reduction thereof could be simply explained as due to bulking of the cell wall by the bonded acyl substituents. This is not the case when the FSP is determined from adsorption isotherms. This result is interpreted as an ambiguity of determination of FSP from projections of sorption isotherms. Differences in FSP determined by the two methods (sorption versus solute exclusion) are considered to be due to incomplete wetting of the lignocellulosic material when absorbing moisture from the initial dry state.

Optimal sizing and life cycle assessment of residential photovoltaic energy systems with battery storage

Abstract: This paper presents the optimal sizing and life cycle assessment of residential photovoltaic (PV) energy systems. The system consists of PV modules as the main power producer, and lead–acid batteries as the medium of electricity storage, and other essential devices such as an inverter. Five-parameter analytic PV cell model is used to calculate the energy production from the modules. Electrical needs for a family living under normal conditions of comfort are modelled and used within simulation of the system performance, with an average daily load of approximately 9·0 kWh. The system's performance simulations are carried out with typical yearly solar radiation and ambient temperature data from five different sites in Turkey. The typical years are selected from a total of 6 years data for each site. The life cycle cost of the PV system is analysed for various system configurations for a 20-year system life. The role of the batteries in PV energy systems are analysed in terms of the cost and power loss. The system performance is analysed as a function of various parameters such as energy production and cost. It is shown that these change substantially for different system configurations and locations. The life cycle assessment of the energy system described was also carried out to determine the environmental impact. It was found that, with the conservative European average electricity mix, energy pay back time (EPBT) is 6·2 years and CO2 pay back time is 4·6 years for the given system. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Place and Technology in the Home

Abstract: The home is a complex environment, designed for general use but shaped by individual needs and desires. It is a place often shared by several people with different demands and requirements. It is a place embedded with technologies utilised at various times by people in diverse ways. Until recently most home technologies have been primarily functional; aimed at easing domestic chores such as cooking, washing and cleaning. In the last few years information and communication technologies have added to the technological complexity of the home. Entertainment technologies have become increasingly dominant, as the simple TV has given way to video, DVD and satellite or cable services. Technologies converge and diverge to create new hybrid experiences; a trend which we see continuing. Moreover in the future ubiquitous and ambient computing devices and functions will become hidden and communications between devices will become more complex. It is against this background that we undertook a number of studies into the place of technologies and technology use in the home. We studied the placement and use of existing technologies in five homes in Scotland using a novel, multi-part, naturalistic methodology. Transcripts from the studies were analysed using a grounded theory approach in an attempt to draw out key, recurring concepts concerning technology use at home. Eight concepts --- place, learning, utility, interaction, control, cost, lifecycle and privacy --- emerged from this analysis. Additionally, four types of space were identified in homes; communication, work, leisure (private) and leisure (public). In this paper we focus on these four spaces and how they fit in with previous work on places and spaces in the home. We present a contextually grounded method of investigation of home technologies, the technology tour, and show how the four spaces in the home can be understood and represented as maps of the home layout that are often different for different members of the household. This understanding of place can be set alongside an understanding of technology where the themes of utility, interaction, cost and lifecycle are most important. General design issues that cross place and technology in the home are discussed in the final section of the paper. These can be used to sensitise designers of both artefacts and physical spaces to the needs of people and their use of technologies at home.

Modification of the inverse association between dietary vitamin D intake and colorectal cancer risk by a FokI variant supports a chemoprotective action of Vitamin D intake mediated through VDR binding

Abstract: Vitamin D has anticarcinogenic properties and might influence colorectal cancer (CRC) risk, but the epidemiological evidence is inconsistent. Many mechanisms of action for vitamin D have been proposed, with some of them initiating via its binding to the vitamin D receptor (VDR). Using a large Scottish case-control study, we investigated (i) main associations between CRC, vitamin D and calcium dietary intake and 4 VDR single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs10735810, rs1544410, rs11568820, rs7975232) and (ii) interaction associations between the VDR variants, vitamin D and calcium intakes. Inverse and dose-dependent associations were found between CRC risk, dietary [Odds ratio (OR) = 0.77, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.63, 0.92, p-trend = 0.012] and total vitamin D (OR = 0.80, 95% CI 0.65, 0.98, p-trend = 0.014) intake in multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models, whereas neither calcium intake nor any of the VDR variants were associated with CRC. Additionally, we observed statistically significant interactions (case-control, case-only designs) between vitamin D and calcium intake and rs10735810 (p-interaction 0.02, 0.006, respectively). We conducted meta-analyses of cohort, case-control and serum studies that also showed an inverse association between dietary vitamin D intake and CRC (serum studies: combined OR = 0.70, 95% CI 0.56, 0.87). The evidence of interaction we report here further supports the inverse association between vitamin D mediated through binding to the VDR.

World Heritage: Exploring the Tension Between the National and the ‘Universal’

Abstract: The complex issues of conservation, politics, tourism management and ownership have emerged as critical issues within the World Heritage debate and specifically within heritage tourism research. Within this context, this paper focuses on issues of ownership and belonging and argues that there exists a link between the conceptual inconsistencies inherent in the World Heritage idea and the tensions between the national and the ‘universal’ evident at a number of World Heritage Sites. That is, heritage sites that are deemed to be of ‘outstanding universal value’ and are bestowed with the World Heritage accolade are consequently no longer expected to be perceived as symbols of particular national identities, but as heritage belonging to all humankind. This, of course, provokes a series of debates over the issues of ownership and belonging of such heritage, namely between the national and the ‘universal’ suggesting that it is possible to perceive World Heritage as synonymous with contested heritage. The paper explores these issues of ownership and focuses on the Acropolis, symbol of the World Heritage idea, as a case study utilising an exploratory semiotic analysis of the promotional material released by the Greek National Tourism Organisation over the last five years.

Shoulder and hip roll changes during 200-m front crawl swimming

Abstract: Purpose: To determine accurately the magnitude and changes in shoulder roll (SR) and hip roll (HR) throughout a 200-m maximum front crawl swim and whether SR and HR were associated with swimming velocity (V). Bilateral roll asymmetries and timing differences between SR and HR were also investigated. Methods: Ten male swimmers of national/international level performed a maximum 200-m front crawl swim. Performance was recorded with four below- and two above-water synchronized cameras and four nonbreathing stroke cycles (SC) were analyzed (one for each 50 m). SR and HR were calculated separately. Results: Swimmers rolled their shoulders significantly more than their hips (P < 0.001). V generally decreased during the test, and HR was significantly higher in SC4 than in SC1 (P = 0.001). SR had a negative and significant correlation with V in each SC (-0.663 <= r <= -0.634, 0.037 <= P <= 0.049), with the exception of SC4. Although several roll profiles existed, left-side SR dominance was identified, with swimmers rolling their shoulders significantly more to the left than to the right side (0.000 <= P <= 0.022). Despite individual differences in the timings of maximum SR and HR to the left and right sides, no consistent pattern was found for the group. Conclusion: Separate calculation is required for SR and HR to explore their influence on front crawl swimming. Faster swimmers tended to roll their shoulders less than slower swimmers. The increase in HR as the test progressed is possibly associated with a decrease in stroke frequency and increase in SC duration. Given that all swimmers were right-handed and that SR was significantly greater to the left than to the right side, it seems that factors related to handedness might affect SR symmetry in swimming

Reflexology for symptom relief in patients with cancer.

Abstract: Complementary therapies are increasingly being used in hospices and hospitals alongside orthodox treatments in an attempt to improve patients' emotional, spiritual, psychological, and physical well-being. An average of 31% of UK patients with cancer use some form of complementary therapy. Many UK cancer centers, out-patient units, and hospices are providing complementary services. There is strong anecdotal evidence that complementary therapies assist in the palliation of physical and psychological symptoms. This systematic review examines the research evidence base for the effectiveness of reflexology in cancer care. The study reports the results of a systematic review following the Cochrane principles of systematic reviewing. No meta-analysis was possible. Studies were retrieved from a comprehensive search of electronic databases from their start dates. An initial search was carried out in 2003 and updated in 2005 to 2006. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials, controlled before and after studies, and interrupted time-series studies. Participants were adults with a diagnosis of cancer, receiving care in any healthcare setting. Interventions were limited to reflexology carried out by a qualified therapist as distinguished from another healthcare professional carrying out a reflexology intervention. Outcome measures were patient-reported levels of physical and psychological indices of symptom distress and quality of life (measured using validated assessment tools).

Inter-agency cooperation and new approaches to employability.

Abstract: This article examines the role of inter-agency cooperation, which is one form of ‘partnership’, in new approaches to employability in the UK. The article articulates a ‘model for effective partnership working’ on employability. This model is applied first in a general review of employability policy and then to discuss case study research on the recent ‘Pathways to Work’ and ‘Working Neighbourhoods’ pilots. It is argued that successful partnerships need a clear strategic focus based on a necessity for inter-agency cooperation and institutional arrangements that allow for shared ownership, trust and mutualism, and flexibility in resource-sharing. While some of these factors are apparent in UK employability services, an over-reliance on contractualism and centralized organizational structures may undermine partnership-based approaches. Many of the success factors associated with effective partnership working appeared to be in place, even though the role of the Public Employment Service was fundamentally different in each case (as a key actor in implementing the first pilot, but largely withdrawing from the implementation role in the second). The article concludes by outlining the relevance of this model and the case study findings to discussions of the future development of employability policies and related partnership working.

Interspecific variations in responses of mangrove seedlings to two contrasting salinities

Abstract: The growth performance of seedlings of seven species of true mangroves (Avicennia marina, A. officinalis, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, B. sexangula, Rhizophora apiculata, R. mucronata, and Sonneratia caseolaris) in response to two contrasting salinity regimes, low (i.e., 3–5) and medium (i.e., 25–27), was studied. Species represented all categories relevant to vivipary (i.e., true viviparous species, cryptoviviparous species and non-viviparous species), and included closely related pairs as well as species commonly used in replanting in Sri Lanka. Species could be ranked in descending order of salinity tolerance as A. marina > R. mucronata > R. apiculata >B. gymnorrhiza > A. officinalis > B. sexangula > S. caseolaris, hence taxonomically similar species and those sharing vivipary characteristics may be distant in salinity tolerance.

Total lymphocyte CD8 expression is not a reliable marker of cytotoxic T-cell populations in human peripheral blood following an acute bout of high-intensity exercise.

Abstract: Cytotoxic T-lymphocytes co-express the T-cell receptor, CD3 and the MHC I restricted antigen CD8. Although total CD8 expression is often used to identify CD8+ T-cells in blood, errors are associated with this method as some CD3 negative natural killer (NK)-cells are known to express CD8. As greater relative proportions of NK-cells are found in the blood compartment after exercise, these errors are likely to be amplified in post exercise blood samples. To test this, isolated blood lymphocytes obtained from aerobically trained male subjects before, immediately after and 1 h after an exhaustive treadmill-running protocol were surface stained for CD3, CD4, CD8, CD16, and CD56 and analysed by multi-colour flow cytometry. It was found that 25.4 ± 16.9% of all CD8+ cells at rest were CD3 negative, CD8dim+ and expressed the NK-cell markers CD16 and CD56. The magnitude of this error increased to 40.8 ± 20.7% immediately after exercise due to an influx of CD8dim+ NK-cells. Although all CD8bright+ cells expressed CD3, gating around the CD8bright+ cells only identified 79.2 ± 8.7% of the total CD3+/CD8+ T-cell population; however, the magnitude of this error did not change after exercise despite the altered proportions of CD8bright+ and CD8dim+ cells. In conclusion, total lymphocyte expression of CD8 should not be used as a single antigenic marker to identify CD8+ T-cells after an acute bout of exercise. Although there are errors associated with using CD8bright+ as a single antigenic marker to identify CD3+ T-cells, these are not amplified in response to exercise.