bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LABORATORY POWER SUPPLY ARRANGEMENTS
Authors: Baldwin C.T.
Published: November 2014

The principal criteria one needs to keep in mind when arranging laboratory power supplies are fairly obvious — but nevertheless worth stating. They can be expressed in brief as: convenience in use, safety, flexibility, and economy.
USSR TECHNICAL TEACHER TRAINING
Authors: Longden J.
Published: November 2014

If you have come into technical teaching in the olde worlde British way, it may come as a bit of a shock to learn what your opposite number in Russia will have gone through — compulsorily — to reach the same status. This is the fifth article in Mr Longden's series. Next month he describes the teaching and training techniques he saw in the USSR
UNSOUND QUESTIONS IN GCE PHYSICS EXAMINATIONS … 2
Authors: Warren J.W.
Published: November 2014

In 1960 the University of Durham Advanced‐Level examination included the question, “An oil drop, carrying one electronic charge (i.e. 4·8 × 10–10 e.s.u.) is held stationary midway between two parallel horizontal plates maintained at a potential difference of 500 volts and 1 cm. apart. Calculate the mass of the drop. If the field between the plates is reversed calculate the time taken for the drop to reach the appropriate plate”. No information is given about the medium between the plates, hence the time taken by the drop cannot be calculated.
A PROGRAMME FOR PROGRAMMED INSTRUCTION
Authors: Harry McLaughlin G.
Published: November 2014

BRITAIN'S NEWEST industry is now going full‐speed ahead — towards the rocks! Hardware manufacturers fight to sell teaching machines — many without programmes, and very few with facilities for accepting other manufacturers' programmes. Publishing firms try to rush programmed books on to the market. Journals of all kinds print the same introductory survey of programmed instruction, though, admittedly, the authors sometimes vary. Every day more people become members of the Association for Programmed Learning (qualifications: an interest in the subject, and half a guinea a year). Anyone who has had anything to do with preparing programmes is deluged with calls for his expert advice.
4 VIBRATIONS EXPERIMENTS
Authors: of the Staff of the Mechanical Engineering Department Members
Published: November 2014

The section of laboratory work which involves vibrations is often confined to simple spring‐mass systems, the vibrations being counted and timed by stopwatch. This must leave many questions in the student's mind concerning the timing and analysis of frequencies of higher orders.
15 THE IMPROVEMENT OF LABORATORY WORK
Authors: Easton W.A.G.
Published: November 2014

From the very beginning of a course, students must be made aware of the necessity for practical experiment and observation as part and parcel of the scientific method. The first few weeks must include an exposition of the aims and objects of the work to be carried out in the laboratory. In the early stages of G.l and G, it is desirable that an adequate introduction be given to the way in which laboratory work should be written up — conveniently by the traditional method of ‘Title, Object, Apparatus, Method, Results and Conclusions’. It must be emphasised, however, that at the HNC and HND stages, this method should lead on to a write‐up which is rather in the form of a technical report, more appropriate to students of an advanced level. Otherwise, the work and write‐up can become stereotyped.
DRAWING GRAPHS OF TRANSIENTS
Authors: Palmer T.
Published: November 2014

THE TREATMENT described here is intended only for elementary students. For many, the method described in Dr Hughes' ‘Principles of Electricity in M.K.S. Units’ (page 140) may be more suitable; but it involves the use of algebra to show that the time constant of a circuit containing inductance and resistance is given by L/R; and no reference is made to the graph of induced e.m.f., nor to the graph for the decay of the current (only the growth of current is discussed). For an elementary class which had seen the waveforms described last month, a treatment was required which would be arithmetical rather than algebraic, and would be adapted to the circuit of. Figure. 1, which differs slightly from that to which Dr Hughes' treatment applies.
THE LANGUAGE LABORATORY
Authors: Friedmann H.
Published: November 2014

Most booths in use today are fixed installations that cannot be moved — or at least not easily — once installed. Most have a transparent front panel facing the teacher (or the back of the student in front). The booths' functions are three‐fold: sound‐insulation from booth to booth, protection of microphone from unwanted room noise within the booth, and the psychological isolation or privacy of the student. A variety of interesting designs are being offered, however, and it must not be thought that a folding or portable or collapsible booth is inferior. Indeed, many of the problems arising when layout is being considered can find a satisfactory solution if the possibility of a non‐fixed booth design is taken into account.
THE LANGUAGE LABORATORY
Authors: Friedmann H.
Published: November 2014

OTHER TYPES OF LANGUAGE LABORATORY 1. Laboratories without student recording facilities. To this category belong the various types of ‘milking machine’. The programme is fed to the students from the master tape recorder (or other source) via (‘audio‐active’) headsets with feed‐back from the students' microphones to their ears, although in the simplest form of this type of installation the student only possesses his headphones.
Symposium Part 2 Electronic and control laboratories
Authors: Gray B.F. , Widdicks J.A.
Published: November 2014

During the last two or three years there has been a growing recognition within technical education of the inadequacy of traditional laboratory procedures.
CONFLICT STYLES AND OUTCOMES IN A NEGOTIATION WITH FULLY‐INTEGRATIVE POTENTIAL
Authors: Butler John K.
Published: November 2014

This study investigated the causal effects of conflict styles on outcomes of a negotiation with fully‐integrative (win‐win) potential. Participants were 444 graduate and undergraduate students who enacted a negotiating role play. While negotiators using the integrating style were more effective than those using the dominating style, they were no more effective than those using the obliging or avoiding style. There were no differences in either equality or equity of outcomes across all four styles. Integrating‐style negotiators were the most efficient, but there were no differences in efficiency across the other three styles. Pursuit of self‐interest and pursuit of other‐interest interacted in their prediction of effectiveness. Pursuit of self‐interest led to equality, and pursuit of self‐ and other‐interest enhanced efficiency.
STYLES OF MANAGING INTERPERSONAL WORKPLACE CONFLICT IN RELATION TO STATUS AND FACE CONCERN: A STUDY WITH ANGLOS AND CHINESE
Authors: Brew Frances P. , David
Published: November 2014

Ting‐Toomey's (1988) face‐negotiation theory of conflict predicts that choice of conflict style is closely associated with face‐negotiation needs, which vary across cultures. This study investigated this prediction in a workplace setting involving status and face‐concern with a sample of 163 Anglo‐Australian and 133 Chinese university students who were working full or part‐time. The association of type of communication (direct or cautious) according to type of face‐threat (self or other) and work status (subordinate, co‐worker or superior) with preferences for three conflict management styles (control, solution‐oriented, non‐confrontational) was examined for the two cultural groups. The results showed that: (1) as predicted by the individualist‐collectivist dimension, Anglo respondents rated assertive conflict styles higher and the non‐confrontational style lower than their Chinese counterparts; (2) overall, both Anglo and Chinese respondents preferred more direct communication strategies when self‐face was threatened compared with other‐face threat; (3) status moderated responses to self and other‐face threat for both Anglos and Chinese; (4) face‐threat was related to assertive and diplomatic conflict styles for Anglos and passive and solution‐oriented styles for Chinese. Support was shown for Ting‐Toomey's theory; however the results indicated that, in applied settings, simple predictions based on only cultural dichotomies might have reduced power due to workplace role perceptions having some influence. The findings were discussed in relation to areas of convergence and the two cultural groups; widening the definition of “face”; and providing a more flexible model of conflict management incorporating both Eastern and Western perspectives.
FUND RAISING BY STRATEGIC DESIGN
Authors: Clay Edwin S.
Published: November 2014

In a scene from Alice in Wonderland, the White Rabbit waits nervously to testify before the Red Queen. Explaining that he has never given testimony before, the Rabbit asks for help in how to proceed. “It's simple,” replies the Red Queen. “Begin at the beginning. Go to the middle. Come to the end. Then stop!” The same kind of logic applies to library fund raising from the private sector.
Performance Estimation of Civil Jet Aircraft
Authors: Edwards Alun D.
Published: November 2014

There are a variety of ways in which an aircraft can be safely landed and brought to rest. There are, however, two techniques of gliding‐in which are more or less straightforward that do not resort to side‐slipping or doing S‐turns in order to lose height after crossing the aerodrome boundary.
A New Version of a Famous Transport Aeroplane
Authors: Evans Stanley H.
Published: November 2014

IN the Douglas Super DC‐3 twin‐engined commercial transport, now being demonstrated throughout North and South America, may be seen an instructive example of what has come to be known in the aircraft industry as ‘bread‐and‐butter engineering’—the extension of the normal life‐span of a well‐tried design by rebuilding to modern operational and airworthiness standards. The ubiquitous DC‐3, from which the ‘super’ version is derived, has itself long been the bread‐and‐butter work‐horse of the air transport world, but its days are numbered under promulgated I.C.A.O. regulations which become operative in 1953. By rebuilding and modernizing the DC‐3 to international civil airworthiness standards, Douglas are out to show operators that the Super DC‐3 is the logical post‐war replacement in the twin‐engined short‐haul category.
Fuel Testing in Gas‐Turbines
Authors: Mackenzie K.J. , Boddy J.H.
Published: November 2014

THE performance of a gas turbine fuel can be estimated most conveniently by using a single combustion chamber test unit. Such fuel testing has often shown a lack of repeatability that is difficult to ascribe to normal experimental errors only. In reviewing possible sources of error, the uncontrolled variable of atmospheric humidity has been considered. From past records the average specific humidity in the British Isles is 0·006 lb. water per lb. of dry air while the maximum on any day is unlikely to exceed 0·020 lb. water per lb. of dry air.
The Semi‐articulated Multi‐wheel Bogie Undercarriage
Authors: Person P. , Perdue J.
Published: November 2014

THE trend towards larger and heavier aircraft operating at higher speeds has brought with it a number of new requirements regarding both runway and landing gear design. For such aircraft prepared runways are now essential, and the necessity to spread the tyre‐loading over as large a surface as possible is of paramount importance in keeping the operational weight of aircraft at a maximum for a given runway. In consequence, main under‐carriage design for the tricycle layout has evolved from the single wheel to the twin‐wheel and finally to the multi‐wheel tandem arrangement in which the wheels can be conveniently mounted on a bogie. The last arrangement achieves the maximum spreading of the tyre loading on the runway but at the same time introduces fresh landing, taxying, braking and stowage problems.
The Critical Flow of a Gas Through a Convergent Nozzle
Authors: Naylor V.D.
Published: November 2014

The object of this paper is to consider the critical flow conditions in a convergent nozzle when internal friction is taken into account. The whole of the work throughout the paper refers to frictional flow, but the corresponding formulae for frictionless flow can be not from the results obtained by replacing η∞ by 1, η by γ. Variations of pressure, density and velocity across any transverse section are ignored, so that only the case of one dimensional flow is considered.
The Application of Plastic Theory to Bending
Authors: Ish‐Horowicz M.
Published: November 2014

IN modern structural design the maximum carrying capacity of a member under non‐uniform static stress at normal temperatures is not necessarily the load which gives a maximum stress equal to that at the limit of proportionality. All experiments have shown the ultimate strength of beams to exceed the value predicted on the basis of the elastic theory. This applies to simply supported and redundant beams made of steel and wrought iron, as well as to beams constructed from other metals such as cast iron, aluminium, magnesium, etc. Investigators differ, however, in the interpretation of this increased strength and in their methods of a more advantageous use of the material. These are usually based on specific experiments and apply to certain conditions only, without embracing all materials and all possible load distributions and types of structures.
Water Systems in Civil Aircraft
Authors: Cumberland C.H. , Bowey G.S.
Published: November 2014

Water systems in civil aircraft, stimulated by passenger comfort needs, have grown to be a comprehensive and important part of aircraft engineering. In this article, following a review of the system types, the design features arc discussed in detail and emphasis has been placed on the functional and hygiene requirements, and on the need for simplicity and weight conservation. Attempts have been made to augment air‐borne water supplies by reclamation means, but these have not been too successful. Investigations should therefore continue into the ways and means of improving the utilization of existing ‘fixed’ capacity systems. Installation safety aspects are also discussed.
Aero‐Engine Oil Systems for Cold Climates
Authors: Sharp N.
Published: November 2014

The various factors affecting the proper functioning of both piston and gas‐turbine engine oil systems, intended for use in cold climates, are not always appreciated during the design stage because of the lack of readily available information. In this article, therefore, the design and functioning of oil systems suitable for use in arctic weather are discussed in the light of experience gained in service and in testing several installations.
Creep Under Complex Stress Systems at High Temperatures
Authors: Johnson A.E.
Published: November 2014

DURING the last few years a programme of creep tests under general stress systems at high temperatures has been carried out at the N.P.L., using four metallic alloys which were chosen as being representative of basic groups of materials used in practice in machinery operating at high temperatures. This work, it was hoped, would fulfil, at least partly, the great need for experimental data in this field, as opposed to the comparative abundance of theoretical work available, and also enable a critical examination of the merits of this theoretical work to be made. The materials chosen in order of examination were a cast 0–17 per cent carbon steel, an aluminium alloy (R.R. 59), a magnesium alloy (containing 2 per cent aluminium), and a nickel‐chromium alloy (Nimonic 75). Each material was tested at temperatures lying within the normal working range of the material in question. Thus the 0–17 per cent carbon steel was tested at 350, 450 and 550 dcg. C. (662, 842 and 1,022 deg. F.), the aluminium alloy at 150 and 200 deg. C. (302 and 392 dcg. F.), the magnesium alloy at 20 and 50 deg. C. (68 and 122 dcg. F.), and the nickel‐chromium alloy at 550 and 650 dcg. C. (1,022 and 1,202 deg. F.).
Thermal Shock Tests on Gas Turbine Materials
Authors: Bentele M. , Lowthian C.S.
Published: November 2014

UNDER steady load conditions, materials in gas turbines are subject to various forms of static and alternating stresses. Changes in the operating conditions such as starting, load variations and shut down cause additional thermal stresses which limit the permissible rate of these changes in service. In stationary plants these effects can be minimized by adjustment of the starting and shut down procedure or by protection of the sensitive parts with a cooling flow. In gas turbines for propulsion purposes load changes are governed by external conditions, are more frequent and take place at a higher rate. The consequent thermal stresses are then referred to as thermal shocks. Various methods for testing the resistance of materials to thermal shocks have already been suggested and applied. However, they differ very widely, and no quantitative, or even comparable figures are available as yet.
The Rate of Climb of Turbo‐Jet Aircraft
Authors: Whittley D.C.
Published: November 2014

CORRECTION of night test climb data to account for departure of the variables from standard or specified conditions presents a major problem owing to the large number of parameters involved. Atmospheric conditions invariably depart from standard I.C.A.N., and seldom do values of aircraft weight, speed and r.p.m. agree with those specified in a theoretical consideration of the problem. This article describes a method used to analyse climb data whereby climb performance of an aircraft may be established for specified conditions, speed for best rate of climb determined and comparison made with theoretical estimates. Rigid flying procedure is not required, and flying time is reduced to a minimum.
Aeronautics and the Flexible Pipe
Authors: Chorley Percy E.
Published: November 2014

AN attempt has been made to include most of the major aspects of the subject and to provide material for discussion by both maker and user of flexible pipe assemblies. Such an assembly is a complete unit consisting of both hose and end couplings for conveying liquids and gases between component parts of an airframe or engine under widely varying conditions.
Design and Development Aspects of the Princess
Authors: Brennan M.J.
Published: November 2014

IN 1937, when Imperial Airways and Pan American were conducting their flight surveys of the North Atlantic route with developed Empire boats and Sikorsky 42's respectively, and later, in 1939, when Pan American had just opened up their first scheduled Transatlantic Service with Boeing 314's, the design staff of Saunders‐Roe were engaged on the study of a flying‐boat to meet the same requirements.
European TriStars
Authors: Ford T.E.
Published: November 2014

THE first TriStar for British Airways was handed over to the European Division in October and is being followed by two more in a matter of weeks. The second and third aircraft will have been used for the training of flight crews prior to delivery to the airline. Three more TriStars are scheduled before the start of the 1975 summer services next April and the remainder of the initial order for nine will be completed in 1976. A further nine aircraft are on option with six of these about to be converted to firm orders.
Specialised Rubber Moulding at Weybridge
Authors: Bird W.J. , Cox E.E. , Paull P.
Published: November 2014

THE increasing demand for specialised rubber mouldings for advanced aircraft application in recent years has resulted in the development of a unique facility and expertise at Weybridge which is now also providing specialised elastomeric components for a wide range of industrial uses. This paper summarises progress to date.
The Agile ‘Hawk’
Authors: Ford T.C.
Published: November 2014

DECISION on a replacement for Royal Air Force training types that would provide a jet aircraft capable of the complete duty cycle awaited a basically simple design inherently able to fulfil a wide spectrum of handling and weaponry. In the late 1960's work to define an operational requirement that fitted these needs was carried out as part of a review of the whole structure of flying training.
Horizon
Authors: Garbett G.H.
Published: November 2014

Smiths Industries is to supply the head‐up display system for the Sea Harrier. The company will design, develop and make the electronic head‐up display and weapon aiming computer system for the latest version of the HS Harrier which will operate from Royal Navy ships.
The role of technology in air transport—2000AD
Authors: Wilkinson Kenneth G.
Published: November 2014

Subsonic jet transport has been with us now for about a quarter of a century. There are young people starting their careers today who have never known a sky without jet noise and the V‐wing silhouette of a passenger carrying aircraft. Indeed, it must seem to them as permanent a feature of our world as the steam train between the world wars to people such as myself; the big difference is, as I hope to show, that air transport has not yet reached a development plateau.
The Arrow Wing
Authors: Chacksfield J.E.
Published: November 2014

Whilst all published information on the arrow wing concept for future Supersonic Transport designs has, in general, placed considerable importance on the benefits of this particular layout, we should now be investigating ways and means in which the theorising and experimenting may be supplanted by active in‐flight research.
Total quality management and servicing users through remote access technology
Authors: DiMattia Ernest A.
Published: November 2014

For as long as libraries and information centers have existed, the services they have offered to their constituents have been provided, utilized and monitored on a person‐to‐person basis. This individual and direct interaction has ensured an active vendor/consumer dialog which has not only fostered a successful transfer of information but also provided a forum through which to evaluate user needs and service quality. This one‐on‐one communication flow has been of invaluable assistance to the professional in assuring that clients and customers receive accurate, clear, concise, complete and timely responses to information inquiries. In addition, it has affected a critical check‐in‐balance on the value and viability of collections and databases in meeting service demands. It was through this traditional reference and information interview that direct user impact on the service process could be guaranteed and a high degree of quality achieved.
Pre‐tinning and Flux Considerations on the Reliability of Solder Surfaces
Authors: Sunwoo A.J. , Morris J.W. , Lucey G.K.
Published: November 2014

The kinetics of wetting were studied on several different prepared surfaces of copper (Cu) to simulate the microstructure observed in pre‐tinned Cu‐clad printed circuit boards. The results illustrate the effectiveness of pre‐tinning in maintaining the solderability of Cu surfaces. Pre‐tinning with Pb‐rich solder (95Pb‐5Sn) is particularly effective since solderability is preserved even after a relatively long ageing treatment. On the other hand, pre‐tinning with eutectic solder risks the loss of solderability during ageing or baking due to surface exposure of an ε‐phase intermetallic with poor wetting properties. The results also confirm the presence of carbon in pre‐tinned specimens due to the use of flux. The effect of carbon on solderability is not yet known.
DEFINITION, PERSPECTIVES, AND UNDERSTANDING OF INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIVENESS: A QUEST FOR A COMMON GROUND
Authors: Waheeduzzaman A.N.M. , Ryans John K.
Published: November 2014

Competitiveness is one of the most misunderstood concepts of the 1990s. It has drawn substantial attention from the government and business communities during the last 25 years. Morrisson et al. (1988) noted that between 1983 and 1987, the term competitiveness appeared more than 5700 times in the titles of newspapers and magazine articles. The growth of importance and interest can also be observed from the increase in the bibliographical entries in ABI/Inform database. From 1981 to 1986, the topic “international competitiveness” increased by about 26 listings per year (a total of 159 in 6 years) and the rate increased to 45 listings per year from 1987 to 1993. Academic interest in the area has also increased and as a result, new developments contemplating conceptualization and understanding of competitiveness are taking place. However, to no one's surprise, writers from different disciplines offer a variation in perspective when describing the concept, understanding, and postulation of competitiveness.
THE EAGLE SOARS: A COMMENT ON WALLERSTEIN'S “THE EAGLE HAS CRASH LANDED”
Authors: Hardy James D. , Hochberg Leonard J.
Published: November 2014

This comment examines a recent application of world‐system analysis, a neo‐Marxist theory of global historical change. In a recent essay appearing in Foreign Policy, Immanuel Wallerstein (2002), the sociologist who initially proposed and then advanced world‐system analysis in the 1970s and 1980s, predicted that the United States would soon cease to be a hegemonic power. We claim that his interpretation of post‐World War II history and his assessment of contemporary events in the Persian Gulf do more to advance his theory than to honor the facts.
THE FUTURE OF ASLIB
Authors: WILSON LESLIE
Published: November 2014

It must fall to few people to make the first public address of their lives not only in the distinguished company which does me the honour of its attendance this morning, but within the walls of such a revered house of learning as this noble university which is extending to us the generous hand of hospitality this week‐end. Nor, Sir, if you will permit this modest and totally inadequate reference to yourself, can there be many who can, on such an occasion, have as their friend and supporter one who in a busy professional and public life has nevertheless found the time to contribute so generously and in such a worth‐while and practical manner to the cause in which we all believe. I am, therefore, doubly gratified that I have been given this opportunity of, as it were, thinking aloud for a few minutes on this question of the future development of our great Association.
COSTING INFORMATION SERVICES
Authors: HANSON C.W.
Published: November 2014

In the absence of published data which would make possible an examination of the costs and value of a large group of information services, attention is concentrated in this paper on a single organization—the Information Department of the British Scientific Instrument Research Association.
TANGENT FORCES IN TRANSFORMER WINDINGS AT SHORT‐CIRCUIT
Authors: Lurie A.I. , Zenova V.P. , Panibratetz A.N.
Published: November 2014

The tangent forces can arise during the interaction of the current, flowing in axial and radial direction, with magnetic inductance components. The tangent forces, acting on the whole winding, its sections tangent forces of power autotransformer are given.
Emulsions and lubrication
Authors: BRANCKER
Published: November 2014

WHEN a substance composed of microscopic particles is subjected to chemical or mechanical disintegration wherein the dimensions of the particles approach the range of 2—100μμ or if the aggregation of molecularly dispersed particles is arrested within this range, a colloidal condition is attained. In most types of emulsification encountered in lubricating practice the former of these two conditions operates and microscopic droplets of water are formed which undergo by chemical and mechanical processes a reduction in size to colloidal dimensions. For certain steam cylinder oils and soluble cutting oils the formation of stable oil‐water emulsions is desirable, but can be detrimental in the case of steam turbine lubricants where it is essential to employ an oil which shows rapid demulsification.
FRICTIONAL PROPERTIES OF POLYTETRAFLUORETHYLENE
Authors: P.E.R.A.
Published: November 2014

SOME interesting experiments recently carried out by the Production Engineering Research Association of Great Britain, at Melton Mowbray, during a private research carried out on behalf of Messrs. H. W. Kearns & Co. Ltd., are concerned with problems of friction between sliding surfaces of machine tools.
Foreign Exchange Rates and FDI Behavior of Multinational Enterprises: Comparative Analysis Before and After the 1997 Korean Financial Crisis
Authors: Min Byung S.
Published: November 2014

This paper investigates whether the investment strategies of multinational enterprises (MNEs) have changed as a result of the 1997 financial crisis in Korea. Estimation results using balanced panel data indicate that the investment decisions of global MNEs seem to have changed following the crisis. The crisis seems to have served as a “cold shower” for MNEs making investment decisions, as they have taken exchange rate “volatility” into account to a greater extent following the crisis. In contrast, there is no robust evidence that the investment decisions of foreign investors are closely correlated with the level of exchange rate, either before or after the crisis.
Japanese Materialism: A Comparison Between the New Breed and Second Baby‐boomer Age‐cohorts
Authors: Osajima Kumiko , Sternquist Brenda , Manjeshwar Sonia
Published: November 2014

Japanese materialistic behavior and consumption trends are examined by comparing age‐cohort differences between the Japanese “new breed” and “second baby‐boomer age‐cohorts”. Price perception, brand loyalty, and shopping‐information sources of the two age‐cohorts are also assessed. Results suggest that the Japanese new breed is more materialistic, sensitive to prestige, brand loyal, and likely to use media as their shopping information source as compared to second baby‐boomer. On the other hand, second baby‐boomers are less materialistic, value conscious, less brand loyal, and more likely to rely on word‐of‐mouth communication as their information sources as compared to the Japanese new breeds.
The values of ‘anarchy’: moral autonomy among Tubu‐speakers in northern Chad
Authors: Scheele Judith
Published: November 2014

The Tubu of northern Chad have long been described as ‘anarchic’, in first travellers' accounts as much as in colonial sources and the (scant) academic literature. The term ‘anarchy’, as used throughout descriptions, is of little use analytically, however, as it tends both to conflate an absence of political institutions with a general unpredictability of social relations, and to define political relations by what they are not. This article suggests that a focus on value might provide a more fruitful and less normative way of understanding Tubu imaginings of the social.
Development of a Lexicon for Caviar and Its Usefulness for Determining Consumer Preference
Authors: Baker Allison K. , Vixie Beata , Rasco Barbara A. , Ovissipour Mahmoudreza , Ross Carolyn F.
Published: November 2014

Although caviar is a premium product which offers nutritional benefits, few studies have characterized its sensory properties. As such, this study sought to develop a lexicon for sensory evaluation of caviar appearance, texture, aroma, and flavor/taste and to relate these attributes to consumer acceptance. A trained panel identified 16 sensory attributes for evaluation along a 15‐cm scale and used CATA (check all that apply) methodology to indicate the less frequently encountered off‐aromas, appearance traits, and persistent flavors. Using this lexicon, the trained panel described differences among caviar samples harvested from sturgeon fed varying diets. Acceptance of the caviar was also evaluated by a consumer panel. As evaluated by the trained panelists, analysis of variance (ANOVA) results indicated differences among caviar in the sensory attributes of tactile firmness, mustard color, egg size, in‐mouth firmness, seafood fresh flavor, fresh butter flavor, earthy flavor, yeasty flavor, and bitterness (P < 0.05). Logistic regression of CATA responses indicated that caviar varied by diet in several aroma and aftertaste attributes, and marbled appearance (P < 0.05). Using partial least squares analysis on the consumer and trained panel data, overall consumer acceptance of caviar was driven by tactile firmness, sea fresh flavor, fresh butter flavor, and black color. This overall acceptance was highly correlated with acceptance of texture (r = 0.867) and flavor/taste (r = 0.999). Overall, this lexicon allows for standardized sensory evaluation of caviar using a common set of descriptors. This lexicon and information regarding the drivers of caviar acceptance can be used by industry professionals to ensure optimal caviar quality.
Increasing the chance of successful translocation of a threatened lizard
Authors: McCoy E. D. , Osman N. , Hauch B. , Emerick A. , Mushinsky H. R.
Published: November 2014

Many reptile translocations fail, and they fail largely because the translocated individuals are faced with low habitat quality at the recipient site and/or disperse away from it. At least some failures may be forestalled by developing clear goals and success criteria, having a better understanding of the species' biology and the threats it faces, ensuring the quality of the site to which individuals are being moved and following through with long‐term monitoring. We incorporated these considerations into a translocation that moved more than 500 individuals of the threatened Florida sand skink Plestiodon reynoldsi Stejneger from a site slated for mining to an apparently suitable, but unoccupied site. Translocated individuals were placed into enclosures at the recipient site at densities similar to those at the donor site. Environmental conditions were varied within the enclosures in a replicated design, to tease out the conditions that promote successful colonization by translocated individuals. Overall success of the translocation will be judged by population viability, but we also set two benchmarks (initial survival and reproduction; completion of the life cycle through subsequent recruitment of offspring) to monitor progress. So far, we have monitored the translocated individuals long enough to determine that they have survived and are reproducing. Modeling of the influence of the environment on successful establishment suggests that soil and light conditions are important influences, but in a complex way that implicates the overriding importance of habitat heterogeneity. The Florida sand skink appears to be a resilient species that exploits the available habitat heterogeneity to find suitable microhabitats, and we suggest that these characteristics of the habitat and species contributed to its successful meeting of the first benchmark. These characteristics may contribute to successful translocation of xeric reptiles in general.
Ecosystem risk assessment for Gnarled Mossy Cloud Forest, Lord Howe Island, Australia
Authors: Auld Tony D. , Leishman Michelle R.
Published: November 2014

Gnarled Mossy Cloud Forest is a globally unique ecosystem, combining floristic elements from Australia, New Zealand and New Caledonia. It is restricted to a very small area (28 ha) at elevations above 750 m on the summits of two mountains on Lord Howe Island in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 570 km off the east coast of Australia. Moisture derived from clouds is a key feature of the ecosystem. We assessed the conservation status of this ecosystem using the International Union for the Conservation of Nature Red List criteria for ecosystems. There has been no historical clearing of the ecosystem, but declines (with large uncertainty bounds) were estimated for two abiotic variables that are important in maintaining the component species (cloud cover and rainfall). Overall, we found the ecosystem to be Critically Endangered based on a restricted geographic distribution combined with continuing decline (criterion B1aii, iii, B1b, B1c and B2aii, iii, B2b, B2c). Decline was inferred from: a loss of moisture from declining rainfall and cloud cover due to climate change (affecting disturbance regimes, gap formation and species survival and recruitment); ongoing exotic rat predation on seeds and seedlings of several sensitive species that are structural components of the ecosystem (affecting survival and recruitment); and the fact that the ecosystem is considered to exist at only one location. This mirrors similar threats from exotic species and climate change to other Pacific island cloud forests. Eradication of rats from Lord Howe Island will reduce the immediate risk to this ecosystem; however, only global mitigation of greenhouse gases could alleviate risk from declining cloud cover and moisture availability.
Diadenosine pentaphosphate modulates glomerular arteriolar tone and glomerular filtration rate
Authors: Patzak A. , Carlström M. , Sendeski M. M. , Lai E. Y. , Liu Z. Z. , Sällström J. , Flöge J. , Heintz B. , Jankowski J. , Jankowski V.
Published: November 2014

Introduction

Mechanisms and participating substances involved in the reduction of glomerular filtration (GFR) in contrast‐induced acute kidney injury (CI‐AKI) are still matter of debate. We hypothesized that diadenosine polyphosphates are released by the action of contrast media on tubular cells and may act on glomerular arterioles and reduce GFR.

Methods

Freshly isolated rat tubules were treated with the contrast medium iodixanol (47 mg iodine per mL) at 37 °C for 20 min. The content of ApnA (n = 3–6) in the supernatant of treated tubules and in the plasma of healthy persons and patients with AKI was analysed using reversed‐phase chromatography, affinity chromatography and mass spectrometry. GFR was obtained in conscious mice by inulin clearance. Concentration response curves for ApnA (n = 3–6, 10−12–10−5 mol L−1) were measured in isolated perfused glomerular arterioles.

Results

Iodixanol treatment of tubules significantly increased the concentration of ApnA (n = 3–5) in the supernatant. Ap6A was below the detection limit. AKI patient shows higher concentrations of ApnA compared to healthy. Application of Ap5A significantly reduced the GFR in conscious mice. Ap5A reduced afferent arteriolar diameters, but did not influence efferent arterioles. The constrictor effect on afferent arterioles was strong immediately after application, but weakened with time. Then, non‐selective P2 inhibitor suramin blocked the Ap5A‐induced constriction.

Conclusion

The data suggest that Ap5A plays a role in the pathophysiology of CI‐AKI. We show a contrast media‐induced release of Ap5A from tubules, which might increase afferent arteriolar resistance and reduce the GFR.
Unfamiliar face matching: Pairs out‐perform individuals and provide a route to training
Authors: Dowsett Andrew J. , Burton A. Mike
Published: November 2014

Matching unfamiliar faces is known to be difficult. Here, we ask whether performance can be improved by asking viewers to work in pairs, a manipulation known to increase accuracy for low‐level visual discrimination tasks. Across four experiments we consistently find that face matching accuracy is higher for pairs of viewers than for individuals. This ‘pairs advantage’ is generally driven by adopting the response of the higher scoring partner. However, when the task becomes difficult, both partners' performance is improved by working in a pair. In two experiments, we find evidence that working in a pair can lead to subsequent improvements in individual performance, specifically for viewers whose accuracy is initially low. The pairs' technique therefore offers the opportunity for substantial improvements in face matching performance, along with an added training benefit.
Obesity, adipokines and cancer: an update
Authors: Lee C.H. , Woo Y.C. , Wang Y. , Yeung C.Y. , Xu A. , Lam K.S.L.
Published: November 2014

Obesity causes dysfunction of adipose tissue, with resultant chronic inflammation and adverse interplay of various adipokines, sex steroids and endocrine hormones. All these drive tumourigenesis and explain the epidemiological link between obesity and cancer. Over the past decade, the associations among obesity, adipokines and cancer have been increasingly recognized. Adipokines and their respective signalling pathways have drawn much research attention in the field of oncology and cancer therapeutics. This review will discuss the recent advances in the understanding of the association of several adipokines with common obesity‐related cancers and the clinical therapeutic implications.
Biological invasions, climate change and genomics
Authors: Chown Steven L. , Hodgins Kathryn A. , Griffin Philippa C. , Oakeshott John G. , Byrne Margaret , Hoffmann Ary A.
Published: November 2014

The rate of biological invasions is expected to increase as the effects of climate change on biological communities become widespread. Climate change enhances habitat disturbance which facilitates the establishment of invasive species, which in turn provides opportunities for hybridization and introgression. These effects influence local biodiversity that can be tracked through genetic and genomic approaches. Metabarcoding and metagenomic approaches provide a way of monitoring some types of communities under climate change for the appearance of invasives. Introgression and hybridization can be followed by the analysis of entire genomes so that rapidly changing areas of the genome are identified and instances of genetic pollution monitored. Genomic markers enable accurate tracking of invasive species’ geographic origin well beyond what was previously possible. New genomic tools are promoting fresh insights into classic questions about invading organisms under climate change, such as the role of genetic variation, local adaptation and climate pre‐adaptation in successful invasions. These tools are providing managers with often more effective means to identify potential threats, improve surveillance and assess impacts on communities. We provide a framework for the application of genomic techniques within a management context and also indicate some important limitations in what can be achieved.
Sp1 and the ‘hallmarks of cancer’
Authors: Beishline Kate , Azizkhan‐Clifford Jane
Published: November 2014

For many years, transcription factor Sp1 was viewed as a basal transcription factor and relegated to a role in the regulation of so‐called housekeeping genes. Identification of Sp1's role in recruiting the general transcription machinery in the absence of a TATA box increased its importance in gene regulation, particularly in light of recent estimates that the majority of mammalian genes lack a TATA box. In this review, we briefly consider the history of Sp1, the founding member of the Sp family of transcription factors. We review the evidence suggesting that Sp1 is highly regulated by post‐translational modifications that positively and negatively affect the activity of Sp1 on a wide array of genes. Sp1 is over‐expressed in many cancers and is associated with poor prognosis. Targeting Sp1 in cancer treatment has been suggested; however, our review of the literature on the role of Sp1 in the regulation of genes that contribute to the ‘hallmarks of cancer’ illustrates the extreme complexity of Sp1 functions. Sp1 both activates and suppresses the expression of a number of essential oncogenes and tumor suppressors, as well as genes involved in essential cellular functions, including proliferation, differentiation, the DNA damage response, apoptosis, senescence and angiogenesis. Sp1 is also implicated in inflammation and genomic instability, as well as epigenetic silencing. Given the apparently opposing effects of Sp1, a more complete understanding of the function of Sp1 in cancer is required to validate its potential as a therapeutic target.
Connecting carbon and nitrogen storage in rural wetland soil to groundwater abstraction for urban water supply
Authors: Lewis David Bruce , Feit Sharon J.
Published: November 2014

We investigated whether groundwater abstraction for urban water supply diminishes the storage of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and organic matter in the soil of rural wetlands. Wetland soil organic matter (SOM) benefits air and water quality by sequestering large masses of C and N. Yet, the accumulation of wetland SOM depends on soil inundation, so we hypothesized that groundwater abstraction would diminish stocks of SOM, C, and N in wetland soils. Predictions of this hypothesis were tested in two types of subtropical, depressional‐basin wetland: forested swamps and herbaceous‐vegetation marshes. In west‐central Florida, >650 ML groundwater day−1 are abstracted for use primarily in the Tampa Bay metropolis. At higher abstraction volumes, water tables were lower and wetlands had shorter hydroperiods (less time inundated). In turn, wetlands with shorter hydroperiods had 50–60% less SOM, C, and N per kg soil. In swamps, SOM loss caused soil bulk density to double, so areal soil C and N storage per m2 through 30.5 cm depth was diminished by 25–30% in short‐hydroperiod swamps. In herbaceous‐vegetation marshes, short hydroperiods caused a sharper decline in N than in C. Soil organic matter, C, and N pools were not correlated with soil texture or with wetland draining‐reflooding frequency. Many years of shortened hydroperiod were probably required to diminish soil organic matter, C, and N pools by the magnitudes we observed. This diminution might have occurred decades ago, but could be maintained contemporarily by the failure each year of chronically drained soils to retain new organic matter inputs. In sum, our study attributes the contraction of hydroperiod and loss of soil organic matter, C, and N from rural wetlands to groundwater abstraction performed largely for urban water supply, revealing teleconnections between rural ecosystem change and urban resource demand.
Geographies of UK flooding in 2013/4
Authors: Thorne Colin
Published: November 2014

Between December 2013 and February 2014, an extreme storm surge, a series of intense storms, and the cumulative effects of heavy and persistent rainfall caused widespread flooding throughout the UK, prompting renewed public and scientific debates on who, or what, might be to blame. The public divided fairly evenly into two diametrically opposed groups, the first blaming the government (who initially responded by trying to shift blame to their expert advisors), attributing the mounting flood losses and prolonged misery to lack of investment in flood defences and river dredging. The second group blamed farmers for over‐intensive agriculture in upstream catchments, inappropriate development in floodplains, and poor judgement on the part of the victims in choosing to live, work or farm in areas vulnerable to inundation. The floods resulted from a protracted sequence of deep, Atlantic depressions that followed a more southerly track than usual due to the position and configuration of the planetary jet stream. This prompted a second, no less polarised, scientific debate concerning whether the meteorological characteristics of the floods provided evidence that climate change has started to influence not only the probability of UK flooding, but also its nature, spatial distribution and duration. Both debates are intrinsically geographical, and this commentary sets out how understanding the geographies of flooding can help frame and inform them. This is addressed through consideration of these geographies, characterised as physical, rural, urban, social, economic and political. While an individual event (or even a sequence clustered of floods) cannot alone prove anything, the winter floods reinforce the conclusions of the Government's Flood Foresight study, which was commissioned in response to the 2000 (Millennium) Floods and updated following nationwide floods in summer 2007.