The effect of acute ventilation-perfusion mismatch on respiratory heat exchange in a porcine model.

Background: Respiratory heat exchange is an important physiological process occurring in the upper and lower respiratory tract and is usually completed when inspired gases reach the alveoli. Animal and human studies demonstrated that heat exchange can be modulated by altering pulmonary ventilation and perfusion. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of acute ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) mismatch on respiratory heat exchange.

Development and preliminary validation of the testable assumptions questionnaire--eating disorders (TAQ-ED).

Background: While cognitive formulations of eating disorders emphasise the role of dysfunctional assumptions regarding eating, weight and shape (EWS), less is known about the role of dysfunctional assumptions that are unrelated to EWS and those linking beliefs about EWS with negative beliefs about the self or the world. The present study aimed to develop a brief measure of dysfunctional assumptions in the eating disorders and to validate it clinically. Given that cognitive-behavioural therapy frequently involves the testing of patients' assumptions with the help of behavioural experiments, the measure was designed specifically to assess assumptions that can be addressed using such techniques.

Atmospheric entry simulations of Mars lander bioload--experiments in support of Beagle 2.

Simulations of the temperature and vacuum effects of Martian atmospheric entry upon Bacillus atrophaeus (formerly Bacillus subtilis var niger; 8058; NCIMB) endospores were carried out inside a purpose-built vacuum chamber. The work formed part of the study in support of planetary protection for the Beagle 2 Mars lander and investigated to what extent the outer surface of the lander's back heat shield would be sterilised during Mars atmospheric entry. The spores were heated to peak temperatures up to 300 degrees C over 30 s under vacuum conditions (10(-3) mbar).