The stellar winds of hot stars have an important impact on both stellar and galactic evolution, yet their structure and internal processes are not fully understood in detail. One of the best nearby laboratories for studying such massive stellar winds is the O4I(n)fp star ζ Pup. After briefly discussing existing X-ray observations from Chandra and XMM, we present a simulation of X-ray emission line profile measurements for the upcoming 840 kilosecond Chandra HETGS observation. This simulation indicates that the increased S/N of this new observation will allow several major steps forward in the understanding of massive stellar winds. By measuring X-ray emission line strengths and profiles, we should be able to differentiate between various stellar wind models and map the entire wind structure in temperature and density. This legacy X-ray spectrum of ζ Pup will be a useful benchmark for future X-ray missions.

Alkali feldspar phenocrysts (bulk composition Or75.0Ab24.6An0.4) in the subsolvus Shap granite comprise a fine-scale mixture of subregular pristine crypto- and micro-perthites with altered, micropore-rich feldspar with irregular microstructures. The regular perthites are strain-controlled intergrowths of Albite and/or Periclinetwinned albite exsolution lamellae within tweed orthoclase. The microperthites formed at ⩽ 590°C by heterogeneous nucleation of thin albite films which coarsened to > 1 µm length. Cryptoperthites developed at < 400°C by homogeneous nucleation of sub-µm long platelets between films. Platelets are coherent, but the coarser microperthite lamellae are semi-coherent, with pairs of misfit dislocations sub-regularly spaced along the albite-orthoclase interface. As much as 30% of any one feldspar crystal is turbid, a result of the formation of numerous µm to sub-µm sized micropores during deuteric alteration. In some areas, deuteric fluids gained access to the interior of feldspar crystals by exploiting semi-coherent film lamellae. Albite was selectively dissolved and micropore-rich irregular microcline was reprecipitated in its place. In other parts of the feldspars deuteric recrystallization completely cross-cuts the pristine microtextures and patch perthites have formed. These are coarse, incoherent to semi-coherent intergrowths of irregular microcline (replacing tweed orthoclase) and Albite-twinned albite. The deuteric reactions occurred at < 400°C; the main driving force for dissolution and reprecipitation was decrease in the elastic strain energy at the coherent interfaces of crypto-and micro-perthite lamellae, and the recrystallization of tweed orthoclase to irregular microcline.

The kinetics and reaction mechanisms of chlorite breakdown have been studied in a series of experiments at conditions similar to those achieved during contact metamorphism (T = 600-725°C P = 1 kbar). Cores of chlorite schist were used as starting material in order to simulate natural metamorphic systems and preserve reaction textures. Reaction products were analysed by electron microprobe, scanning- and transmission-electron microscopy (SEM, TEM). Although the texture of the original chlorite was preserved in experiments run below 680°C talc had replaced chlorite. Olivine and spinel formed along grain boundaries, indicating long-range diffusion of aluminium. Above 680°C the chlorite was replaced by patches of disordered, aluminous pyroxene. Olivine and spinel grew both within the pyroxene and along what are believed to be former chlorite grain-boundaries. Reactions relevant to the observed textures and assemblages are:

Thermodynamic calculations show that both of these reactions are metastable in the FeO-MgO-Al2O3-SiO2-H2O system in the P-T range of our experiments. In addition, previous experimental studies and our calculations indicate that the stable reaction is:

The absence of cordierite in the run products, and the formation of talc and orthopyroxene while thermodynamically metastable, show that the ease of nucleation of these phases controlled the reaction mechanisms in the early stages.

Greenhouse studies were conducted to determine the relative salinity tolerance of foxtail barley and seven desirable pasture grasses. Grass species were reed canarygrass, timothy, altai wildrye, tall fescue, tall wheatgrass, orchardgrass, creeping meadow foxtail, and foxtail barley. Grasses were exposed to increasing electrical conductivity levels of NaCl and CaCl2 salt solution over time. Grass species were compared using a cumulative value of salt exposure (ECdays), which was calculated to account for the electrical conductivity (EC) and the time a plant was exposed at that level of conductivity. Salinity tolerance varied among grass species. Increasing EC significantly reduced plant biomass of all species. All grass species experienced a 50% biomass reduction (GR50) between 271 and 512 ECdays in 2008 and between 297 and 575 ECdays in 2009. Foxtail barley was among the most salt tolerant (GR50 = 512 and 525 ECdays), requiring the highest salt exposure in 2008 and the second-highest exposure in 2009 to reduce biomass 50%. Grass mortality increased with increasing EC levels. Reed canarygrass and timothy were most susceptible to increasing salinity, with 50% mortality (LD50) of both grass species occurring between 983 and 1,186 ECdays. Moderate salinity tolerance was exhibited by orchardgrass, which required 1,977 and 1,844 ECdays; creeping foxtail, which required 1,998 and 2,431 ECdays; and tall fescue, which required 2,501 and > 2,840 ECdays to LD50 in 2008 and 2009, respectively. Foxtail barley, altai wildrye, and tall wheatgrass were most tolerant of salinity and persisted with little mortality occurring at 3,033 and 2,840 ECdays in 2008 and 2009, respectively. All grass species with higher growth rates than foxtail barley and altai wildrye were more susceptible to salinity, with the exception of tall wheatgrass. Growth rates of foxtail barley and altai wildrye were less than they were for other grasses, suggesting that slower growth rates may aid in salinity tolerance.

SN 1987A has been observed with a combined high energy γ-ray (50-500 MeV) and hard X-ray (15-150 keV) payload during a balloon flight on 5 April 1988 from Alice Springs, Australia. The γ-ray observations, along with our earlier ones on 19 April 1987 are the only such observations of the supernova to date. The γ-ray detector characteristics are described. The preliminary results of the recent flight and their implications in terms of the known supernova parameters are discussed.

The binary X-ray source GX 1 + 4 was observed during a balloon flight in 1986, November. The source was in a relatively high intensity state. Time analysis of the data shows that the pulsation period was 111.8 ± 1.0 s indicating that one or more episodes of spin-down occurred between 1980 and 1986. Folded pulse profiles are very broad with an indication of a notch at the peak. Evidence has been found for a correlation between hard X-ray intensity and phase of the proposed 304 day orbital period. The time averaged intensity since 1980 is an order of magnitude lower than during the 1970’s. A survey of the post 1980 data shows that several reversals of the period derivative have occurred. Spin-up at the rates typical of the 1970’s has been followed by a dramatic spin-down episode with dP/dt>2.4 × 10−7 s/s.

Calcium is considered important in buffering excess stomach acid in mammals, including horses. Control of stomach acid is important in preventing the development of ulcers within the stomach lining, which, in horses, are considered to be caused by acid splashing. Algae supplements contain various minerals which are in natural form, as seen in all plant and feedstuffs. The current trial was conducted to examine if a high calcium algae supplement had any impact on gastric ulceration in horses, which may be due to buffering stomach acid, reducing the pH in a gradual manner, without resorting to medication. Ten horses, of either thoroughbred, standardbred or sport horse breed, were selected on the basis of the presence of ulcers in their stomach, as ascertained by endoscopy. The average ulceration score before algae supplementation was 2.2 ± 0.75 according to the EGUC scoring system. The horses were then maintained on their normal diet (unchanged from the initial ulcer scoring) by the owner with the addition of 40 g per day of the high calcium, algae based Maxia Complete® (Seahorse Supplements Ltd, Christchurch, NZ) for thirty days (T30). All horses were then re endoscoped to assess any change in ulceration score. All horses showed a significant improvement in ulcer score, with seven having a score of zero (fully healed, no evidence of further ulceration) and two with a score of one (some residual inflammation or keratinosis in areas of healed ulcers). This resulted in a mean score of 0.3 ± 0.48 (P < 0.0001: T0 versus T30) at the end of the study. This trial demonstrated that feeding an organic form of high calcium from algae reduced ulceration in horses.

A number of studies have demonstrated that consuming almonds increases satiety but does not result in weight gain, despite their high energy and lipid content. To understand the mechanism of almond digestion, in the present study, we investigated the bioaccessibility of lipids from masticated almonds during in vitro simulated human digestion, and determined the associated changes in cell-wall composition and cellular microstructure. The influence of processing on lipid release was assessed by using natural raw almonds (NA) and roasted almonds (RA). Masticated samples from four healthy adults (two females, two males) were exposed to a dynamic gastric model of digestion followed by simulated duodenal digestion. Between 7·8 and 11·1 % of the total lipid was released as a result of mastication, with no significant differences between the NA and RA samples. Significant digestion occurred during the in vitro gastric phase (16·4 and 15·9 %) and the in vitro duodenal phase (32·2 and 32·7 %) for the NA and RA samples, respectively. Roasting produced a smaller average particle size distribution post-mastication; however, this was not significant in terms of lipid release. Light microscopy showed major changes that occurred in the distribution of lipid in all cells after the roasting process. Further changes were observed in the surface cells of almond fragments and in fractured cells after exposure to the duodenal environment. Almond cell walls prevented lipid release from intact cells, providing a mechanism for incomplete nutrient absorption in the gut. The composition of almond cell walls was not affected by processing or simulated digestion.

A proximity sensor using a mechanical contact principle is under development for robotic applications. Good discrimination between contact loads and inertial windage loads is essential. Rugged design and easy replacement of sensing elements is also necessary. The sensor is under consideration for use on the feet of the Adaptive Suspension Vehicle.

A 2.5 ha open area excavation at South Hornchurch, Essex (London Borough of Havering) has revealed an extensive Late Bronze Age settlement on the Thames terrace gravels. The site is particularly significant because of the association of a circular ditched enclosure or ringwork with a contemporary field system, as well as clusters of enclosed and unenclosed circular structures. Two enclosures were formed by rings of pits or large post-holes. Placed pottery deposits and unurned cremation burials were found, mostly associated with structures and entranceways. Other finds include both plain and decorated Post Deverel-Rinibury pottery, burnt flint, spindle whorls, possible loomweights, perforated clay slabs, and a bivalve clay sword mould. The entire site was subsequently sealed by a buried colluvial ploughsoil which almost certainly represents the final phase of Late Bronze Age activity. The site's spatial structure, environmental context, and regional significance are discussed.

Serious complications resulting from the use of fast neutrons to treat head and neck malignancies are reported in 38 patients. The average interval between treatment and onset of complications was 5.5 years. Significant airways obstruction, requiring a tracheostomy, occurred in two patients, and a gastrostomy or pharyngostomy was performed for intractable dysphagia in six. Eight patients developed osteoradionecrosis; carotid artery rupture occurred in three patients following surgery for residual or recurrent disease.

Our experience suggests that complications following fast neutron therapy for head and neck tumours are more severe, more common and occur after a longer time interval than those seen following conventional radiotherapy. Subsequent surgery in the irradiated area is compromised by severely impaired wound healing. When radical surgery is necessary for residual or recurrent disease the entire volume of irradiated tissue must be removed if healing is to be achieved.