scholarly journals Characterisation and source identification of biofluorescent aerosol emissions over winter and summer periods in the United Kingdom

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 1665-1684 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Forde ◽  
Martin Gallagher ◽  
Virginia Foot ◽  
Roland Sarda-Esteve ◽  
Ian Crawford ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United Kingdom ◽  
Relative Humidity ◽  
Aerosol Particles ◽  
Fungal Spores ◽  
Laboratory Data ◽  
Fungal Spore ◽  
Complete Analysis ◽  
Published Data ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Fluorescent Particles

Abstract. Primary biological aerosol particles (PBAPs) are an abundant subset of atmospheric aerosol particles which comprise viruses, bacteria, fungal spores, pollen, and fragments such as plant and animal debris. The abundance and diversity of these particles remain poorly constrained, causing significant uncertainties for modelling scenarios and for understanding the potential implications of these particles in different environments. PBAP concentrations were studied at four different sites in the United Kingdom (Weybourne, Davidstow, Capel Dewi, and Chilbolton) using an ultraviolet light-induced fluorescence (UV-LIF) instrument, the Wideband Integrated Bioaerosol Spectrometer (WIBS), versions 3 and 4. Using hierarchical agglomerative cluster (HAC) analysis, particles were statistically discriminated. Fluorescent particles and clusters were then analysed by comparing to laboratory data of known particle types, assessing their diurnal variation and examining their relationship to the meteorological variables temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and wind direction. Using local land cover types, sources of the suspected fluorescent particles and clusters were then identified. Most sites exhibited a wet discharged fungal spore dominance, with the exception of one site, Davidstow, which had higher concentrations of bacteria, suggested to result from the presence of a local dairy factory and farm. Differences were identified as to the sources of wet discharged fungal spores, with particles originating from arable and horticultural land at Chilbolton, and improved grassland areas at Weybourne. Total fluorescent particles at Capel Dewi were inferred to comprise two sources, with bacteria originating from the broadleaf and coniferous woodland and wet discharged fungal spores from nearby improved grassland areas, similar to Weybourne. The use of the HAC method and a higher fluorescence threshold (9 standard deviations instead of 3) produced clusters which were considered to be biological following the complete analysis. More published data and information on the reaction of different speciated biological particle types to fluctuations in meteorological conditions, such as relative humidity and temperature, would aid particle type characterisation in studies such as this.

scholarly journals Characterisation of biofluorescent aerosol emissions over winter and summer periods in the United Kingdom

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Forde ◽  
Martin Gallagher ◽  
Virginia Foot ◽  
Roland Sarda-Esteve ◽  
Ian Crawford ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United Kingdom ◽  
Relative Humidity ◽  
Aerosol Particles ◽  
Fungal Spores ◽  
Ultra Violet ◽  
Fungal Spore ◽  
Complete Analysis ◽  
Hierarchical Agglomerative Cluster ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Fluorescent Particles

Abstract. Primary biological aerosol particles (PBAP) are an abundant subset of atmospheric aerosol particles which comprise viruses, bacteria, fungal spores, pollen, and fragments such as plant and animal debris. The abundance and diversity of these particles remain poorly constrained, causing significant uncertainties for modelling scenarios and for understanding the potential implications of these particles in different environments. PBAP concentrations were studied at four different sites in the United Kingdom (Weybourne, Davidstow, Capel Dewi, and Chilbolton) using an ultra-violet light induced fluorescence (UV-LIF) instrument, the Wideband Integrated Bioaerosol Spectrometer (WIBS), versions 3 and 4. Using hierarchical agglomerative cluster (HAC) analysis, particles were statistically discriminated between. Fluorescent particles and clusters were then analysed by assessing their diurnal variation and their relationship to the meteorological variables, temperature and relative humidity, and wind speed and direction. Using local land cover types, sources of the suspected fluorescent particles and clusters were then identified. Most sites exhibited a wet discharged fungal spore dominance, with the exception of one site, Davidstow, which had higher concentrations of bacteria, suggested to result from the presence of a local dairy factory. Differences were identified as to the sources of wet discharged fungal spores, with particles originating from arable and horticultural land at Chilbolton, and improved grassland areas at Weybourne. Total fluorescent particles at Capel Dewi were inferred to comprise two sources, with bacteria originating from the broadleaf and coniferous woodland and wet discharged fungal spores from nearby improved grassland areas, similar to Weybourne. The use of HAC and a higher fluorescence threshold (9SD) produced clusters which were considered to be biological following the complete analysis. More knowledge of the reaction of speciated biological particles to differences in meteorology, such as relative humidity and temperature would aid characterisation studies such as this.

scholarly journals Regional-scale simulations of fungal spore aerosols using an emission parameterization adapted to local measurements of fluorescent biological aerosol particles

2015 ◽  
Vol 15 (11) ◽  
pp. 6127-6146 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Hummel ◽  
C. Hoose ◽  
M. Gallagher ◽  
D. A. Healy ◽  
J. A. Huffman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Aerosol Particles ◽  
Regional Scale ◽  
Fungal Spores ◽  
Fungal Spore ◽  
Specific Humidity ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Area Index ◽  
Reactive Trace Gases ◽  
Mean Square Errors ◽  
Biological Aerosol Particles

Abstract. Fungal spores as a prominent type of primary biological aerosol particles (PBAP) have been incorporated into the COSMO-ART (Consortium for Small-scale Modelling-Aerosols and Reactive Trace gases) regional atmospheric model. Two literature-based emission rates for fungal spores derived from fungal spore colony counts and chemical tracer measurements were used as a parameterization baseline for this study. A third, new emission parameterization for fluorescent biological aerosol particles (FBAP) was adapted to field measurements from four locations across Europe. FBAP concentrations can be regarded as a lower estimate of total PBAP concentrations. Size distributions of FBAP often show a distinct mode at approx. 3 μm, corresponding to a diameter range characteristic for many fungal spores. Previous studies for several locations have suggested that FBAP are in many cases dominated by fungal spores. Thus, we suggest that simulated FBAP and fungal spore concentrations obtained from the three different emission parameterizations can be compared to FBAP measurements. The comparison reveals that simulated fungal spore concentrations based on literature emission parameterizations are lower than measured FBAP concentrations. In agreement with the measurements, the model results show a diurnal cycle in simulated fungal spore concentrations, which may develop partially as a consequence of a varying boundary layer height between day and night. Temperature and specific humidity, together with leaf area index (LAI), were chosen to drive the new emission parameterization which is fitted to the FBAP observations. The new parameterization results in similar root mean square errors (RMSEs) and correlation coefficients compared to the FBAP observations as the previously existing fungal spore emission parameterizations, with some improvements in the bias. Using the new emission parameterization on a model domain covering western Europe, FBAP in the lowest model layer comprise a fraction of 15% of the total aerosol mass over land and reach average number concentrations of 26 L−1. The results confirm that fungal spores and biological particles may account for a major fraction of supermicron aerosol particle number and mass concentration over vegetated continental regions and should thus be explicitly considered in air quality and climate studies.

Can increasing expenditure on research and development really be justified?

1997 ◽  
Vol 211 (2) ◽  
pp. 87-96
Author(s):  
R. A. Bryson
Keyword(s):  
United Kingdom ◽  
Research And Development ◽  
Adam Smith ◽  
The United States ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Sales Growth ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Development Expenditure ◽  
Commercial Research ◽  
National Economies

Economists since Adam Smith have recognized the contribution of innovation to profitability and growth. The relationship between corporate research and development and subsequent sales growth, both across and within industries, has been examined by many authors. Results have been varied showing at best no more than the suggestion of a causal relationship between research and development input and growth. These results are reviewed together with the various theories which have been developed in an attempt to explain the connection between technical innovation and growth. Starting with an examination of various national economies, the rate of commercial research and development expenditure has been compared to the rate of national growth. A number of industries in the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan and the United States of America were also examined, taking the automotive industry as a particular case. In addition to using published data a survey of smaller vehicle manufacturers in the United Kingdom was conducted. Although positive correlation was found at an international and industry level, no association between research and development expenditure and sales growth was found at a company or project level in the United Kingdom.

scholarly journals Regional-scale simulations of fungal spore aerosols using an emission parameterization adapted to local measurements of fluorescent biological aerosol particles

2014 ◽  
Vol 14 (7) ◽  
pp. 9903-9950 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Hummel ◽  
C. Hoose ◽  
M. Gallagher ◽  
D. A. Healy ◽  
J. A. Huffman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Western Europe ◽  
Aerosol Particles ◽  
Regional Scale ◽  
Fungal Spores ◽  
Measurement Data ◽  
Fungal Spore ◽  
Atmospheric Model ◽  
Emission Rates ◽  
Area Index ◽  
Biological Aerosol Particles

Abstract. Fungal spores as a prominent type of primary biological aerosol particles (PBAP) have been incorporated into the COSMO-ART regional atmospheric model, using and comparing three different emission parameterizations. Two literature-based emission rates derived from fungal spore colony counts and chemical tracer measurements were used as a parameterization baseline for this study. A third, new emission parameterization was adapted to field measurements of fluorescent biological aerosol particles (FBAP) from four locations across Northern Europe. FBAP concentrations can be regarded as a lower estimate of total PBAP concentrations. Size distributions of FBAP often show a distinct mode at approx. 3 μm, corresponding to a diameter range characteristic for many fungal spores. Previous studies have suggested the majority of FBAP in several locations are dominated by fungal spores. Thus, we suggest that simulated fungal spore concentrations obtained from the emission parameterizations can be compared to the sum of total FBAP concentrations. A comparison reveals that parameterized estimates of fungal spore concentrations based on literature numbers underestimate measured FBAP concentrations. In agreement with measurement data, the model results show a diurnal cycle in simulated fungal spore concentrations, which may develop partially as a consequence of a varying boundary layer height between day and night. Measured FBAP and simulated fungal spore concentrations also correlate similarly with simulated temperature and humidity. These meteorological variables, together with leaf area index, were chosen to drive the new emission parameterization discussed here. Using the new emission parameterization on a model domain covering Western Europe, fungal spores in the lowest model layer comprise a fraction of 15% of the total aerosol mass over land and reach average number concentrations of 26 L−1. The results confirm that fungal spores and biological particles may account for a major fraction of supermicron aerosol particle number and mass concentration over vegetated continental regions and should thus be explicitly considered in air quality and climate studies.

The Crimean War and Irish Society

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Huddie
Keyword(s):  
United Kingdom ◽  
Ottoman Empire ◽  
British Empire ◽  
Home Front ◽  
Complete Analysis ◽  
Irish Society ◽  
Crimean War ◽  
Military Interventions ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Holy Places

The book is essentially a ‘home front’ study of Ireland during the Crimean War, or more specifically Irish society’s responses to that conflict. It complements the existing research on Irish servicemen’s experiences during and after the campaign, and also substantially develops the limited work already undertaken on Irish society and the conflict. It primarily encompasses the years of the conflict, from its origins in the 1853 dispute between Russia and the Ottoman Empire over the Holy Places, through the French and British political and later military interventions in 1854-5, to the victory, peace and homecoming celebrations in 1856. Additionally, it extends into the preceding and succeeding decades in order to contextualise the events and actors of the wartime years and to present and analyse the commemoration and memorialisation processes. The approach of the study is systematic with the content being correlated under six convenient and coherent themes, which are analysed through a chronological process. The book covers all of the major aspects of society and life in Ireland during the period, so as to give the most complete analysis of the various impacts of and people’s responses to the war. This study is also conducted, within the broader contexts not only of the responses of the United Kingdom and broader British Empire but also Ireland’s relationship with those political entities, and within Ireland’s post-Famine or mid-Victorian and even wider nineteenth-century history.

scholarly journals Use of febuxostat in the management of gout in the United Kingdom

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 55-64 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arabella Waller ◽  
Kelsey M. Jordan
Keyword(s):  
United Kingdom ◽  
Renal Impairment ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Serum Urate ◽  
Phase Iii ◽  
Fixed Dose ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitor ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
The Uk

Gout is the most common cause of inflammatory arthritis worldwide. Despite clinical cure being achievable and multiple evidence-based guidelines having been published, the incidence and prevalence continues to increase and the condition remains undertreated. Concerns regarding allopurinol have limited its use in those with renal impairment. Febuxostat, a novel xanthine oxidase inhibitor requiring no dose adjustment in mild−moderate renal impairment was launched in the United Kingdom (UK) in 2010. We review published data on the efficacy, safety and tolerability of febuxostat and provide an opinion on its place in the management of gout in the UK in the context of other published guidelines. One phase II trial, multiple phase III trials [febuxostat versus allopurinol controlled trial (FACT), APEX, CONFIRMS] and two open-label extension trials have demonstrated febuxostat given at the doses commonly used in UK practice (80 mg, 120 mg) to reduce serum urate more effectively than those receiving fixed-dose allopurinol. Overall adverse event rates were comparable across treatment groups aside from gout flare (more common in febuxostat-treated patients) and concerns regarding cardiovascular toxicity are being further evaluated in two large trials. If the outcomes of these are favourable, we would anticipate a marked increase in the use of febuxostat in the UK market. We would advocate the use of febuxostat to target a serum urate < 0.3 mmol/l (5 mg/dl) as a second-line urate-lowering therapy in patients with hyperuricaemia, and clinical gout in those intolerant of allopurinol, or in those in whose renal function precludes optimal dose escalation to achieve target serum urate. We would advise prophylaxis against gouty flare with colchicine, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or Cyclo-oxygenase-2 selective NSAID (COXIB) after febuxostat initiation.

scholarly journals Ambient measurements of biological aerosol particles near Killarney, Ireland: a comparison between real-time fluorescence and microscopy techniques

2014 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 3875-3915 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. A. Healy ◽  
J. A. Huffman ◽  
D. J. O'Connor ◽  
C. Pöhlker ◽  
U. Pöschl ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Aerosol Particles ◽  
Fungal Spores ◽  
Fungal Spore ◽  
Cascade Impactor ◽  
Poor Correlation ◽  
Sampling Location ◽  
Natural Environments ◽  
The Real ◽  
Biological Aerosol Particles

Abstract. Primary biological aerosol particles (PBAP) can contribute significantly to the coarse particle burden in many environments, may thus influence climate and precipitation systems as cloud nuclei, and can spread disease to humans, animals, and plants. Measurements of PBAP in natural environments taken at high time- and size- resolution are, however, sparse and so large uncertainties remain in the role that biological particles play in the Earth system. In this study two commercial real-time fluorescence particle sensors and a Sporewatch single-stage particle impactor were operated continuously from 2 August to 2 September 2010 at a rural sampling location in Killarney National Park in south western Ireland. A cascade impactor was operated periodically to collect size-resolved particles during exemplary periods. Here we report the first ambient comparison of the waveband integrated bioaerosol sensor (WIBS-4) with the ultraviolet aerodynamic particle sizer (UV-APS) and also compare these real-time fluorescence techniques with results of fluorescence and optical microscopy of impacted samples. Both real-time instruments showed qualitatively similar behaviour, with increased fluorescent bioparticle concentrations at night when relative humidity was highest and temperature was lowest. The fluorescent particle number from the FL3 channel of the WIBS-4 and from the UV-APS were strongly correlated and dominated by a 3 μm mode in the particle size distribution. The WIBS FL2 channel exhibited particle modes at approx. 1 and 3 μm, and each were correlated with the concentration of fungal spores commonly observed in air samples collected at the site (ascospores, basidiospores, Ganoderma spp.). The WIBS FL1 channel exhibited variable multi-modal distributions turning into a broad featureless single mode after averaging and exhibited poor correlation with fungal spore concentrations, which may be due to the detection of bacterial and non-biological fluorescent particles. Cladosporium spp., which are among the most abundant fungal spores in many terrestrial environments, were not correlated with any of the real-time fluorescence channels, suggesting that the real-time fluorescence instruments are insensitive to PBAP classes with dark, highly absorptive cell walls. Fluorescence microscopy images of cascade impactor plates showed large numbers of coarse mode particles consistent with the morphology and weak fluorescence expected of sea salt. Some of these particles were attached to biological cells, suggesting that a marine source influenced the PBAP observed at the site and that the ocean may be an important contributor to PBAP loadings in coastal environments.

Clinical Experience with Icodextrin in Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis Patients

1994 ◽  
Vol 14 (2_suppl) ◽  
pp. 51-54 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Stein ◽  
Elizabeth Peers ◽  
Jane Hattersley ◽  
Kevin Harris ◽  
John Feehally ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United Kingdom ◽  
Clinical Experience ◽  
Laboratory Data ◽  
Liver Function Tests ◽  
Sodium Concentration ◽  
Compassionate Use ◽  
Dialysis Patients ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Bone Biochemistry ◽  
Retrospective Multicenter Study

Objectives To review the clinical experience in the United Kingdom with icodextrin (Ic). Design A retrospective multicenter study. Patients (1) the MICAS 1 patients who received Ic and elected to continue using it (called MICAS 2 patients), and (2) patients started on Ic on a named-patient basis (called compassionate use patients). Nearly all this latter group had ultrafiltration (UF) failure and were approaching hemodialysis (HC). Interventions The institution of one Ic bag, as the overnight exchange, usually in addition to three glucose bags. Results (1) MICAS 2: Of the 67 patients who received Ic and completed MICAS 1, 48 (72%) patients from eight units in the United Kingdom wished to continue Ic. Forty two percent of MICAS 2 patients were well on Ic after approximately 30 months of study (including the 6 months on MICAS 1). The main reasons for withdrawal were transplantation (21 %), death (17%), or transfer to HC for reasons other than UF failure (10%). There were no significant changes in laboratory data, including hematology, simple biochemistry, bone biochemistry, liver function tests, serum osmolality, and maltose levels. The adverse events reported were incidental to Ic. (2) Compassionate use: 30/63 (48%) patients remain well on Ic after 10 months of study. Eight patients (12%) went on to experience UF failure (again) after 13 months on Ic, requiring transfer to HC. The other main outcomes were death (11 %), transplantation (11 %), or transfer to HC for reasons unrelated to Ic (16%), usually intractable peritonitis. The serum sodium concentration decreased from 136.6±3.8 to 134.4±4.2 mmol/L (p < 0.05). There were no other significant changes in hematology or biochemistry measurements. Conclusion In MICAS 2 Ic probably maintained its effects, since there were no withdrawals due to UF failure. The compassionate use program has shown that a single Ic exchange is useful in UF failure, being able to prevent or delay transfer to hemodialysis. In both studies the safety and efficacy of Ic has been demonstrated in a large group of patients. A total of 192 patient-years of experience (including MICAS 1) has been accumulated to date. Properly controlled studies are needed to determine whether Ic, in its present form, should remain a “special needs” product (for UF failure) or whether it could replace glucose as the treatment of choice for CAPC patients.

The Challenges of Managing Older Patients with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

2015 ◽  
pp. e343-e351 ◽  
Author(s):  
David I. Marks
Keyword(s):  
United Kingdom ◽  
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia ◽  
Older Patients ◽  
Lymphoblastic Leukemia ◽  
Therapeutic Modality ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Curative Intent ◽  
Cell Therapies ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Therapeutic Decisions

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), predominantly a disease of children, has a second incidence peak in older adults. Patients older than age 50 but younger than age 65 may be included in trials of intensive treatment with curative intent, but their outcome is poor with high nonrelapse mortality (NRM), high relapse rates, and low overall survival. Using limited published data from the United Kingdom ALL XII and HOVON trials, this manuscript explores the reasons for the high transplant-related mortality (TRM) and presents early data from the United Kingdom ALL 60+ and United Kingdom ALL XIV studies. Factors affecting therapeutic decisions for older patients are discussed. A case study illustrates some of the issues involved in managing these patients and the need to individualize therapy and consider all options. There may be a role for reduced intensity allografting in selected, fitter patients older than age 50; this article presents preliminary transplant data from United Kingdom ALL XIV that prospectively assesses this therapeutic modality. Detailed discussion of tyrosine kinase inhibitors and the potential place of novel targeted antibodies and immune T-cell therapies will be not discussed in detail. Finally, there is a description of the major outstanding issues and the trials that are needed to inform decision making and improve outcome in this challenging group of patients.

scholarly journals Evolution and Accuracy of Surface Humidity Reports*

2013 ◽  
Vol 30 (9) ◽  
pp. 2025-2043 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruce Ingleby ◽  
David Moore ◽  
Chris Sloan ◽  
Robert Dunn
Keyword(s):  
United Kingdom ◽  
Relative Humidity ◽  
Water Supply ◽  
Measurement Technique ◽  
Natural Variation ◽  
Capacitive Sensors ◽  
Operational Conditions ◽  
Error Characteristics ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
A Site

Abstract Until recently surface humidity was predominantly measured using psychrometers (wet- and dry-bulb thermometers). In some countries, often in conjunction with increased automation, the measurement technique has changed—usually to capacitive sensors. The scale of the change in instrumentation and the error characteristics of the operational instruments have not been well documented. This paper provides an overview of these operational instruments and their error characteristics, intended to be useful for climate and forecast users of the data. It also includes detailed results from comparisons of psychrometers and capacitive sensors with a chilled mirror reference instrument at a site in the United Kingdom under (near) operational conditions. The psychrometers performed well near saturation but underread at lower humidities; any large errors tended to be positive because of insufficient water supply to the wet bulb. New capacitive sensors perform well but they usually drift to higher values during deployment (except in arid climates); they perform best at lower humidities and need regular adjustment and recalibration. The natural variation of relative humidity and the differences between instruments are larger in daytime than at night. Changes in the U.K. synoptic network are described in order to put the intercomparisons into context. The instruments used in selected other countries are surveyed. There is a need for better documentation and real-time exchange of metadata on the instruments used and any changes. Capacitive sensors are also used on some radiosondes and aircraft; relevant studies are briefly reviewed and some parallels with surface usage are drawn.

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