In November 2023, the Department of Health and Social Care published guidance, entitled ‘Baroness Hollins’ Final Report: My Heart Breaks – Solitary Confinement in Hospital Has no Therapeutic Benefit for People with a Learning Disability and Autistic People’. The report's commendable analysis of the problems and identification of the areas where practice should be improved is unfortunately not matched by many of its recommendations, which appear to be contrary to evidence-based approaches. The concerns are wide-ranging, from the use of the term ‘solitary confinement’ for current long-term segregation (LTS) and seclusion, to presumption that all LTS and seclusion is bad, to holding clinicians (mainly psychiatrists) responsible for events beyond their locus of control. Importantly, there is a no guidance on how to practically deliver the recommendations in an evidence-based manner. This Feature critically appraises the report, to provide a comprehensive summary outlining potential positive impacts, identifying specific concerns and reflecting on best practice going forward.

Addition of aluminium to the ferrous sulphate mother solution used to synthesize lepidocrocite, γ FeOOH, yielded a substituted, though excessively hydrous (Fe,Al)OOH structure. Apart from reducing X-crystallinity, the main effect of isomorphous incorporation of aluminium in the lepidocrocite lattice was a shift, to higher values, in the temperature at which the lepidocrocite dehydration to maghemite was complete. Increased thermal stability of this substituted lepidocrocite, deduced from measurements of magnetic attraction made after serial heating, was consistent with the presence of a boehmitic component in solid solution. Magnetic susceptibility data for an oxisol indicated that a similar ferri-aluminous complex had developed pedogenically in the upper solum. This constituent was, however, amorphous to X-rays.

The occurrence of MnO exsolution in periclase host crystals from Långban, Sweden, is described. The composition of the periclase is Mg0.942 Mn0.046Zn0.012O, and it coexists with exsolved manganosite crystals with a composition of Mn0.909Mg0.082Zn0.008O. Crystals of hausmannite are also present, indicating fO2 conditions approaching the MnO–Mn3O4 equilibrium.

Activity-composition data for the system MgO–MnO is critically reviewed. The data obtained from solid electrolyte measurements are rejected because of the unrealistic calculated equilibration temperatures and the large deviations from the gas equilibration Mn-Pt activity measurements. The large errors associated with the gas equilibration measurements, especially at large XMnO, also introduces uncertainties associated with the asymmetric interaction parameters. The non-parametric ‘jack-knife’ method was used to determine the asymmetric interaction parameters and their standard deviations from the data of Wood et al. (1994) and Tsai and Muan (1992). These were calculated as WMnO = 21.2 kJ/mol, σWMnO = 2.5 kJ/mol and WMgO = 8.2 kJ/mol, σWMgO = 3.3 kJ/mol.

Using the asymmetric interaction parameters, WMnO = 19.9 kJ/mol and WMgO = 13.7 kJ/mol for the system MgO–MnO as determined by Wood et al. (1994) and the equations for two-phase equilibrium as formulated by Thompson (1967), equilibration temperatures of 334°C and 466°C were calculated. The difference between the calculated temperatures is ascribed to inaccuracies in the experimentally determined interaction parameters.

The period variations of rotating, pulsating and eclipsing variable stars bear valuable astrophysical information about the presence of companions, evolutionary effects, and the inner structure of the stars. This talk described a universal method for de-trending and re-scaling precise photometric data (Kepler, MOST, CoRoT, OGLE, …) appropriate for period-change diagnostics of periodic variables. We demonstrated the potential of the method by analysing the period variability of one of the newly-identified Kepler magnetic chemically-peculiar (mCP) stars. We showed that, surprisingly, our target star displays near-sinusoidal changes in its observed light-variations, with a period of 2.85(6) years, which is apparently the result of the presence of a nearby stellar companion. The expected long-term changes of the rotational period, as have been observed in several mCP stars, have not been identified among the sample of Kepler mCP stars.

The quantification of disparity is an important aspect of recent macroevolutionary studies, and it is usually motivated by theoretical considerations about the pace of innovation and the filling of morphospace. In practice, varying protocols of data collection and analysis have rendered comparisons among studies difficult. The basic question remains, How sensitive is any given disparity signal to different aspects of sampling and data analysis? Here we explore this issue in the context of the radiation of the echinoid order Spatangoida during the Cretaceous. We compare patterns at the genus and species levels, with time subdivision into subepochs and into stages, and with morphological sampling based on landmarks, traditional morphometrics, and discrete characters. In terms of temporal scale, similarity of disparity pattern accrues despite a change in temporal resolution, and a general deceleration in morphological diversification is apparent. Different morphometric methods also produce similar signals. Both the landmark analysis and the discrete character analysis suggest relatively high early disparity, whereas the analysis based on traditional morphometrics records a much lower value. This difference appears to reflect primarily the measurement of different aspects of overall morphology. Disparity patterns are similar at both the genus and species levels. Moreover, inclusion or exclusion of the sister order Holasteroida and the stem group Disasteroida in the sampled morphospace did not affect proportional changes in spatangoid disparity. Similar results were found for spatangoid subclades vis-à-vis spatangoids as a whole. The relative robustness of these patterns implies that the choice of temporal scale, morphometric scheme, and taxonomic level may not affect broad trends in disparity and the representation of large-scale morphospace structure.

A species in the Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) complex was detected in Kenya during 2003 and classified as Bactrocera invadens Drew, Tsuruta & White. Having spread rapidly throughout Africa, it threatens agriculture due to crop damage and loss of market access. In a recent revision of the B. dorsalis complex, B. invadens was incorporated into the species B. dorsalis. The potential distribution of B. dorsalis has been previously modelled. However, previous models were based on presence data and did not incorporate information on the seasonal phenology of B. dorsalis, nor on the possible influence that irrigation may have on its distribution. Methyl eugenol-baited traps were used to collect B. dorsalis in Africa. Seasonal phenology data, measured as fly abundance throughout the year, was related to each location's climate to infer climatic growth response parameters. These functions were used along with African distribution records and development studies to fit the niche model for B. dorsalis, using independent global distribution records outside Africa for model validation. Areas at greatest risk of invasion by B. dorsalis are South and Central America, Mexico, southernmost USA, parts of the Mediterranean coast, parts of Southern and Eastern Australia and New Zealand's North Island. Under irrigation, most of Africa and Australia appear climatically suitable.

Class II methanol masers are thought to trace the brief phase in the evolution of a massive YSO, where outflows are expected to occur. Molecular line maps of the CO isotopes of a subset of 6.7 GHz sources from the MMB catalogue were observed with the JCMT telescope. Utilising optically thick 12CO, a search was done to detect broadened line wings (initially only on the source G20.08-0.13). The physical parameters of these detected lobes were then calculated.

The mechanism of formation of hemozoin, a detoxification by-product of several blood-feeding organisms including malaria parasites, has been a subject of debate; however, recent studies suggest that neutral lipids may serve as a catalyst. In this study, a model system consisting of an emulsion of synthetic lipid bodies, resembling their in vivo counterpart in composition and size, was employed to investigate the formation of β-hematin, synthetic hemozoin, at the lipid-water interface. The introduction of heme (Fe(III)PPIX) to this synthetic neutral lipid bodies system under biomimetic conditions (37°C, pH 4.8) produced beta-hematin with apparent first order kinetics and an average half life of 0.5 min. TEM of monoglycerides (MPG) extruded through a 200 nm filter with heme produced beta-hematin crystals aligned and parallel to the lipid/water interface. TEM data suggests that beta-hematin crystallizes via epitaxial nucleation at the lipid-water interface through interaction of Fe(III)PPIX with the polar head group and elongation occurs parallel this interface.

RCW 34 is a special star-forming region with a few stars showing an infrared excess, but seems as if it has an uncommon abundance in T Tauri stars. This possibility was confirmed by (i) clustering of classical T Tauri (CTT) stars in the two-color diagram, (ii) clustering of pre-main-sequence stars in the color–magnitude diagram, as well as (iii) the significant clustering at dimensions larger than the image-frame size, indicated by the second ‘bump’ in the two-point correlation analysis. A possible explanation for the above features could be the existence of an underlying wide CTT cluster with a smaller cluster centered around the massive star. The Ks-band luminosity function (α = 0.31) of RCW 34 shows that it is indeed a region of low stellar masses with an age of about of 1 Myr. Spectroscopic confirmation of such an underlying T Tauri cluster is necessary before any definite conclusions can be reached.

Clear air turbulence (CAT) at high altitude remains a hazard to aviation which can result in passenger injury and aircraft damage. Two limited surveys of CAT events over South Africa, 1993-1995 (inclusive) and 1998, are used to illustrate the most likely synoptic conditions under which CAT can be expected. A case study of CAT associated with an upper-air trough and a mountain wave is presented. The study also evaluates the effectiveness of the Ellrod Turbulence Index (ETI) derived from model data provided by the UK Met. Office. A forecast of ETI derived from the Global Spectral Model of the United States National Center for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) is also reviewed.

Bilateral facial nerve palsies are rare. This article details the Cape Townexperience of 24 patients with this condition seen over the past 20 years and highlights the three main groups in which these bilateral facial nerve palsies occurred. These are Bell's palsy, fracture of the temporal bones and sclerosteosis. Avariety of other rare causes was also found. Bell's palsy remains a diagnosis of exclusion though there has been some evidence to suggest implication of the Herpes simplex virus. The mechanism whereby temporal bone fractures cause bilateral facial nerve palsies is discussed. The clinical presentation and management of sclerosteosis is also discussed

Mucocoeles, mucopyocoeles and empyemas of the sphenoid sinus are rare, but potentially dangerous. Their occurrence is accompanied by a multitude of clinical symptoms and signs, which confuse the diagnosis and may lead to its mismanagement. The treatment of this condition is surgical and in its early states essentially simple.

At Groote Schuur Hospital over a 6-year period (1972–1977) 6 patients with mucocoeles, mucopyocoeles or abscesses of the sphenoid sinuses have been seen. Their clinical presentation, radiological findings and surgical treatment are described and discussed. Correctly managed this condition should completely resolve; however, there is a mortality associated with delay or misdiagnosis.

In this paper M. Villiers, Ingénieur en Chef de la navigation aerienne, and M. de Barbeyrac, of the Société d'Etudes des Systèmes d'Automation, discuss the application of a satellite monitoring system to A.T.C. procedures.

The paper first discusses control of lateral separation under the headings of present navigation accuracy over the North Atlantic and by a satellite monitoring system. It goes on to discuss control of longitudinal separation with and without monitoring, and finally discusses intervention procedures and aids.

The writers conclude that it is possible with a mathematical model to establish a general relationship between the performance of aircraft navigation systems and a monitoring system on the one hand, and the lateral and longitudinal separation of aircraft and the mode of A.T.C. action on the other. From this relationship the number of A.T.C. interventions can be computed and it appears that the reduction of separations resulting from a satellite monitoring system will fit such a system to the forecast air traffic beyond 1975. In addition, the requirement for voice communication, specific to A.T.C., would be extremely limited. The paper was presented to the S.S.T. Working Group, sponsored jointly by the French, German and British Institutes of Navigation.

As a general rule the navigational function is aimed at determining the position of the aircraft in order to resolve three types of problem:

(1) To subject the aircraft's flight path to an optimum trajectory calculated before departure or progressively adapted in course of flight to the circumstances encountered.

(2) To choose at each point of the selected flight path the flight system best adapted to the safety and economy of the flight.

(3) Taking into account the presence of other aircraft in the airspace, to know and make known the actual position and the information allowing provision to be made for future positions, so as to permit effective air traffic control.

Departures of the actual from the chosen flight path penalize the flight by a lowering of economy (in flying time or fuel consumption). It does not seem, however, that the problems raised from this point of view by S.S.T. are by nature or in difficulty any different from those which affect conventional aircraft. Taking into account the present-day precision of navigational aids there is every reason to believe that departures of the actual flight path from the optimum flight path will introduce a penalization which it is possible to ignore when compared with the penalization due to the inaccuracy of the knowledge of the elements (winds, temperatures, pressures) which have, in fact, served to determine this optimum flight path.

The monoamineoxidase inhibitor drugs are now widely used in the treatment of depression, and complications occurring in patients so treated have been reported with varying frequency. The drugs most frequently implicated have been tranylcypromine (Parnate), tranylcypromine plus trifluoperazine (Parstelin) and phenelzine (Nardil) in decreasing order of frequency. These complications may be divided into three symptom-complexes which may merge one into the other, as they have the common basis of rapid elevation of systemic blood pressure.

During 1960 the French civil and military authorities decided to coordinate their efforts and to step up the programme of research and practical tests on landing in poor visibility. They felt that they could best contribute to the development of air transport in this vital field by adding their own vigorous and intensive efforts to the considerable body of work already undertaken by other countries. Numerous automatic landings had already been made in the U.S.A., and the British Blind Landing Experimental Unit had made several thousand. Yet, in spite of the results obtained, many problems still remained unsolved and many questions unanswered. There was evidently still room for much more practical work and theoretical research.