bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CAPABILITY PATERNALISM
Authors: Claassen Rutger
Published: March 2014

A capability approach prescribes paternalist government actions to the extent that it requires the promotion of specific functionings, instead of the corresponding capabilities. Capability theorists have argued that their theories do not have much of these paternalist implications, since promoting capabilities will be the rule, promoting functionings the exception. This paper critically surveys that claim. From a close investigation of Nussbaum's statements about these exceptions, it derives a framework of five categories of functionings promotion that are more or less unavoidable in a capability theory. It argues that some of these categories may have an expansionary dynamic; they may give rise to widespread functionings promotion, which would defeat the capabilitarian promise that paternalist interventions will be exceptions to the rule of a focus on capabilities. Finally, the paper discusses three further theoretical issues that will be decisive in holding this paternalist tendency in check: how high one sets threshold levels of capability protection, how lengthy one's list of basic capabilities is, and how one deals with individual responsibility for choices resulting in a loss of one's capabilities.
The significance of reed beds on siltation in the Tay Estuary
Authors: Alizai S. A. K. , McManus J.
Published: March 2014

Synopsis

The Phragmites communis marshes occupy 250–330 hectares bordering the northern tidal flats of the Tay Estuary. The outer edge of the marsh forms a step up to 50 cm in height. Reed stems grow with densities of 90–150/m2 and break to produce upward facing cylinders which entrap sediments. Measured daily accretion rates in broken stems varied from 001 g to 0.07 g. Sedimentation was greatest during spring tides, but decreased with falling tidal range. Accretion of 16 g per stem is normal and many stem plugs have greater weight. Annual rates of contribution from instem accumulation vary between 0.9 and 2.6 kg/m2 on the marsh margin. Stem fall provides cylindrical sedimentary lumps to the marsh sediments, whose internal structure reveals nodules and thin laminae juxtaposed.
Quantitative studies on the marine phycomycetes, chytrids and higher mycelial fungi of the upper Tay Estuary
Authors: Gaertner Alwin
Published: March 2014

Synopsis

At ten stations in the upper Tay Estuary, surface water, bottom water and sediment samples were taken on 25 March 1976, 5/6 May 1977, 11 April 1978 and 6 June 1978, and investigated quantitatively for the presence of lower marine fungi, chytrids and higher mycelial fungi by means of the water-culture baiting method with pine pollen. The distribution of fungi is discussed as a function of the physical characteristics of the estuary.
Phragmites performance in reed beds in the Tay Estuary
Authors: Ingram H. A. P. , Barclay A. M. , Coupar A. M. , Glover J. G. , Lynch B. M. , Sprent Janet I.
Published: March 2014

Synopsis

An extensive reed bed on the north shore of the inner Tay Estuary is briefly described. Studies in the summers of 1975, 1976 and 1978 showed it to comprise monodominant stands of Phragmites communis Trin. The standing crop of shoots was sampled at the end of the season of vegetative growth and analysed by simple biometrical methods. Certain important spatial and architectural characteristics of the community varied in a regular manner with position in the bed. Estimates of the above ground productivity of intact stands ranged from 100 to 150 tonnes/ha in a poor growing season. Commercial harvesting operations, conducted since 1975, produced an immediate and consistent decrease in shoot stature, apparently followed by a slow increase in density and productivity. The behaviour of the downshore edge of the bed and the details of its annual development above and below ground require further study.
Chytrids in the estuary of the River Tay
Authors: Ulken Annemarie
Published: March 2014

Synopsis

The occurrence of chytridiaceous fungi was investigated during 10 trips along the River Tay between October 1975 and September 1978. The fungi isolated were: Rhizophlyctis harderi Uebelmesser, Phlyctochytrium reinboldtae Persiel, Rhizophydium utriculare Uebelmesser, ? Podochytrium chitinophilum Willoughby, ? Chytriomyces hyalinus Karling, ? Rhizophydium halophilum Uebelmesser and Rhizophydium sp. No seasonal fluctuations could be observed.
Anaerobic bacteria as indicators of faecal pollution
Authors: Wheater D. W. F. , Mara D. , Opara A. , Singleton P.
Published: March 2014

Synopsis

In several well-authenticated instances intestinal pathogens, includingSalmonellaspecies, have been isolated from water in the absence of bacteria, such asEscherichia coli,commonly used to detect faecal pollution. The present study examines certain anaerobic, non-sporing commensals of the intestinal tract as alternative ‘indicator’ bacteria. The numbers of bifidobacteria andBacteroides fragilisrecovered from faecal specimens were between 109 and 1010 per gram while the Gram-positive, anaerobic cocci numbered only about 106per gram. In sewage, this numerical difference was eliminated by a rapid loss of viability of bifidobacteria andB. fragilisso that the counts of all three types of bacteria approximated to those ofE. coli.Storage tests with aerated and non-aerated sewage established that further loss of viability of bifidobacteria andB. fragilisoccurred only fairly slowly. In samples of water from the Dighty Water and River Tay Estuary, shown to be faecally polluted, the three anaerobic types of bacteria were recovered in numbers roughly equal to those ofE. coliand their persistence in the surface of the bed of the Dighty Water was also at least equal to that ofE. coli.

These results demonstrated that, in spite of their strictly anaerobic growth requirements, Bifidobacteria,B. fragilisand the Gram-positive, anaerobic cocci persist in aerobic, aqueous environments. If their habitat can be shown to be reasonably restricted to the intestinal tract they are likely, under special circumstances, to be useful indicators of faecal pollution.
Present knowledge of the non-marine invertebrate fauna of the Outer Hebrides
Authors: Waterston A.R.
Published: March 2014

Synopsis

The Outer Hebrides, because of their apparent isolation, attracted zoologists in the past who looked for new species and subspecies and some sought to explain the origin of the invertebrate fauna by exotic land connections in preglacial times. These expectations were largely unfulfilled and the speculations are unsupported by geologists or geomorphologists. The non-marine invertebrate fauna is examined from published records, museum collections and special field surveys and the lists total over 2500 species, of which approximately one-third are of general occurrence in the Outer Hebrides. Three species of mites are new to the British fauna and over 700 species, mainly insects, are additions to the Hebridean fauna. The fauna is impoverished compared with the mainland and this may be due to climate and the lack of variety of habitats and the low structure of the vegetative cover. Upland species occur on the moors and some descend to sea level, possibly on account of the low mean temperature in summer. Species with a north western distribution occur in the Odonata, Hemiptera, Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera and Diptera. Species with a discontinuous distribution are discussed and it is suggested that some reached the islands by natural means and others by human agency and there is no evidence of refugia for a glacial relict fauna. Examples are given of insects with a south western distribution arriving by sea in driftwood and five amphiatlantic species, including a freshwater sponge, which may have been brought by migrating birds, a wrack-fly, two strand-line beetles and a mite, which may have been distributed by the Gulf Stream and the North Atlantic Drift.

There are no endemic species, but a few so-called subspecies of insects may be restricted to the Outer Hebrides. Changes in the fauna are traceable in a stratified Flandrian shell deposit in Harris, where two species have become extinct, and some insects have also become extinct in St Kilda during the last century. Some of the most conspicuous land snails have arrived in historic times and the most rapid coloniser has been a brackish-water snail which has spread throughout the islands since 1933.
Bracken and cancer
Authors: Jarrett W. F. H.
Published: March 2014

Synopsis

There is a high incidence of cancer in beef cows in certain sharply localised geographic calf-rearing areas in Britain and also in cattle in several other parts of the world. The tumours occur on farms which are highly infested with bracken fern and which have a history of bracken poisoning. Bracken is known to cause intestinal and bladder cancer in rats and recently the flavonol, quercetin, has been shown to be a mitogen and to be carcinogenic in rats. Bracken contains large amounts of quercetin. In addition the animals have a high incidence of papillomas of the alimentary tract and these transform to malignant tumours. A new and unique papilloma virus has been isolated from these tumours. Studies using genetic engineering and DNA hybridisation techniques have shown that both alimentary and urinary bladder tumours contain viral DNA sequences. The relationship between bracken, quercetin and viral DNA sequences is under investigation both in cattle and at the molecular biology level as two possible stages in a multi-stage process in the aetiology of a high incidence naturally occurring cancer.
Studies on the mode of action of asulam in bracken (Pteridium aquilinumL. Kuhn)
Authors: Kirkwood R. C. , Veerasekaran P. , Fletcher W. W.
Published: March 2014

Synopsis

The efficiency of bracken control using foliage-applied translocated herbicides depends upon the accumulation of a potentially lethal concentration of the active ingredient at the sites of action, the rhizome buds. There is evidence that the level of herbicide accumulation at these target sites is determined by a number of factors including the efficiency of cuticle penetration, absorption, translocation, metabolism and activity at the enzyme target sites. The level of metabolic activity of the rhizome/frond buds may be critical, dormant buds possibly receiving a sublethal dose. These buds may later become active and act as foci for reinfestation.

The nature of these problems is discussed with particular reference to studies carried out on the mode of action of [14C]asulam.
Viral erythrocytic necrosis in fish: a review
Authors: Smail D. A.
Published: March 2014

Synopsis

Viral erythrocytic necrosis (VEN) in fish is prevalent in a wide variety offish species. It has been detected in both wild and captive fish populations. The infection prevalence in wild populations of some fish species is correlated inversely with the age of the fish. VEN is characterised by cytoplasmic inclusions in circulating erythrocytes of infected fish; nuclear necrosis of erythrocytes may also be evident by light microscopy. The stage and degree of infection affect the type of cytology seen in VEN infections of different fish species. By electron microscopy, infected erythrocytes show spherical virions within the cytoplasm and the virion size is characteristic of the host erythrocytes infected. To date, knowledge of VEN viruses in fish is restricted to virus morphology and propagation in vivo, although preliminary studies have indicated the type of blood parameters which VEN can affect. No such virus has been fully isolated and characterised and all of Koch's postulates have not been fulfilled.
Monoclonal antibodies in clinical chemistry
Authors: Hunter W. M.
Published: March 2014

Synopsis

Immunoassays have markedly enlarged the armamentarium of the clinical chemist during the last twenty years. Radioimmunoassays and their variants, in particular, now provide evidence which is central to diagnosis and patient management in endocrinology and certain other disorders. Currently used methods employ labelled antigens in the radioimmunoassay (RIA) method first described for insulin by Yalow and Berson. The advent of monoclonal antibodies seems to remove the one major barrier to the use of methods based upon labelled antibodies–the immunoradiometric (IRMA) method as proposed by Miles and Hales. These procedures offer advantages of speed, sensitivity, working range, specificity and robustness which strongly suggest that they will replace RIA for the microdetermination of specific proteins. Nevertheless, their specificity is based upon the recognition of a single epitope on the antigen and thorough testing on varied patient material will be required before they can safely be adopted for routine use.
Pleistocene history of Betula with special reference to the British Isles
Authors: Dickson J. H.
Published: March 2014

Synopsis

Betula is well represented in the Pleistocene deposits of the British Isles; B. nana is often recovered from glacial sediments and tree Betula flourished early and late in the interglacial periods. In western and northern Britain, tree Betula has remained important in the forests since the last glacial period.
Nutrient cycles in birchwoods
Authors: Miller Hugh G.
Published: March 2014

Synopsis

Birch has a long-established reputation as a soil-improver, a characteristic often presumed to result from some aspect of the nutrient cycle peculiar to this species. However, models for the cycles of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium by age in slow-growing birch based on data from the literature for biomass development, nutrient levels and rates of decomposition suggest that nutrient cycling in birchwoods is comparable to that in forests of other species with similar rates and patterns of growth.
Physiological studies in birch
Authors: Longman K. A.
Published: March 2014

Synopsis

Aspects of whole-plant physiology of birch are reviewed, and previously unpublished research is presented. Seasonal cycles of shoot growth and bud dormancy are discussed, with environmental and hormonal factors affecting the rate and duration of shoot extension and leaf production. Also covered are variability in branching patterns, aspects of cambial activity, onset of the reproductive phase, factors affecting flowering and sex ratio, and seed viability and dormancy. Finally, the regenerative capacity of birch is described, and its future roles are mentioned.
Man's use of birch—past and present
Authors: Lines Roger
Published: March 2014

Synopsis

Man has found a diversity of uses for birch at least since Mesolithic times. In the mediaeval period, it was used for all kinds of domestic and agricultural purposes and it is remarkable how early its beneficial effects in silviculture were appreciated. Similarly, its amenity value has been appreciated for centuries in the rural scene and today it is employed in urban improvement too. Its importance for fuel and charcoal goes back into the distant past. Its bark is unique, with a range of end products from trinket boxes in northern Europe to large canoes in Canada. The trade in birch products is very large in eastern North America, while in Finland the plywood industry is also important. Birch will continue to play a significant role in British Forestry, both as a nurse species and as the main amenity species for poor and exposed sites.
The seaweed potential of Orkney waters
Authors: Johnston C. S.
Published: March 2014

Synopsis

Marine resources, including seaweeds, have always played an important role in the history of the Orkney Islands, particularly over the period of the ‘kelp’ industry between 1719 and the 1930s. Recent studies confirm the presence of major sub-tidal seaweed forests dominated by the brown seaweed Laminaria hyperborea.

In this paper, consideration is given to the possible revitalisation of the seaweed industry in Orkney, involving major developments of both harvesting and processing technology. This is seen as a logical component of an integrated inshore marine resource management strategy for the Islands.
Development of mass blooms of photosynthetic bacteria on sheltered beaches in Scapa Flow, Orkney Islands
Authors: Herbert R. A.
Published: March 2014

Synopsis

Mass blooms of purple sulphur bacteria belonging to the generaThiocapsaandChromatium(> 108viable cells/g dry wt sediment) develop in localised areas at the sand/air interface on a number of sheltered beaches in Scapa Flow each summer. These anaerobic bacteria grow phototrophically using H2S as e−donor and develop in association with other groups of phototrophic and heterotrophic bacteria. Oxygen consumption by the heterotrophs is greater than O2production by the algae and diffusion from the surface and this rapidly leads to anaerobic conditions in the sub-surface sediments (0–10 mm depth). Under these conditions, significant populations of sulphate reducing bacteria develop (circa 105viable cells/g dry wt sediment) and reduce SO2−/4 to S2−during the anaerobic oxidation of low molecular weight organic substrates. Sulphide generated in this process is used as the e−donor in photosynthesis by the purple sulphur bacteria and in turn is re-oxidised to SO2−/4. Sulphate reduction is dependent upon the availability of oxidisable low molecular organic substrates which are produced, as metabolic end-products, during the microbial decomposition of algal detritus. Blooms ofThiocapsaandChromatiumspp. were most pronounced on beaches such as Scapa, Waulkmill and Swanbister, which in localised areas, have high total organic carbon contents (5–12% w/w). The factors regulating the development of these localised mass developments of anaerobic phototrophic bacteria in apparently aerobic environments are discussed.
Seals in Orkney
Authors: McConnell Bernie
Published: March 2014

Synopsis

Grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) and common seals (Phoca vitulina) both occur in Orcadian waters. In previous centuries they formed an important resource for both domestic use and export.

Annual grey seal pup production has more than doubled since 1964. Productivity on individual islands is influenced by human activity. Total population size is estimated to have risen from around 10,000 in 1964 to around 20,000 in 1982 despite a management policy of culling originally intended to stop population growth. Grey seals tagged in Orkney have been recovered around most parts of the North Sea, Norway, the Faeroes and south to Ireland.

Considerably less is known about the biology of common seals in Orkney. A boat survey in 1979 counted 2653 adults and 420 pups.
Marine pollution in Orkney
Authors: Davies I. M.
Published: March 2014

Synopsis

This paper briefly reviews the legal framework of pollution control in Orkney, and discusses the occurrence of the main categories of contaminants there.

There is no indication of elevated concentrations of organohalogen compounds in Orkney shellfish. The main potential source of hydrocarbon contamination is thoroughly monitored, and no major adverse effect has been noted.

High concentrations (up to 62 μg/g wet wt) of cadmium occur in edible crab hepatopancreas from Orkney, Shetland and surrounding areas. A consideration of cadmium concentrations in a range of species suggests a regional geochemical anomaly for cadmium, affecting biota perhaps through solid phases.
Introduction
Authors: Atwell John
Published: March 2014

Excluding brewing and distilling, the food and beverages sector of the Scottish economy is estimated to employ about one in six of the manufacturing workforce and has a gross added value of just over £1000m per annum. These industries also have a strong link with suppliers of machinery and packaging equipment within the local economy, and of course with Scottish agriculture which provides an important part of the raw material used. On the conservative assumption that Scotland is responsible for about 10% of the U.K. exports of unprocessed and processed foods, which total just short of £3000m per annum and that exports depend on high quality standards in choice of raw material for processing, Scotland should be uniquely placed to contribute to the government-backed 'Food from Britain' campaign which is now getting under way.
The contribution of the Scottish Central Institutions to food studies
Authors: Richardson G. A. , Anderton A. , Chalmers R. J. , Cochran S. , Letton P. , Macritchie C. A. , Pepper A. W.
Published: March 2014

Synopsis

This paper looks at the contribution made by the Central Institutions sector in general, and The Queen's College, Glasgow in particular, to the teaching of food studies and the development of related research in Scotland. It traces briefly the developments in food studies over the last 100 years in home economics, dietetics and catering and discusses current concepts in food studies in these disciplines.

The food studies teaching that now forms an integral part of the work of students on higher diploma, degree and postgraduate courses continues to develop due to the growth of staff research investigations and student project work. An important research tradition is being established in the Central Institutions and of particular note is the impressive number of research projects related to food studies.

Course syllabuses are constantly being reviewed and updated in the light of recent developments and changes in society, industry, technology and research. The work at The Queen's College, Glasgow is an example of the developments in food studies at other Central Institutions and illustrates the commitment to the continued development of vocational courses by this sector of education.
Fish processing
Authors: Hardy R.
Published: March 2014

Synopsis

This paper gives a brief description of the United Kingdom's fish processing industry and possible future trends. Although the consumption offish in the United Kingdom is relatively modest, about 100 species are used to satisfy this demand. Processing such a diverse resource is difficult and this is exacerbated by uncertainties of supply, seasonal quality fluctuations and the rapid spoilage changes that occur when fish are kept at ambient temperatures.

The food market is highly competitive, which means that processors must make the best possible use of the resource to reduce costs and yet stimulate demand by improving the end product. This is often difficult to do using traditional practices, and so the industry has had to develop novel processing methods to make both conventional products and new ones that will stimulate demand. In the past the specialist retailer, the fishmonger, could be depended upon not only to encourage the purchase of fish but also to provide the finishing touches and to give some instruction on how to cook it. Stimulation of interest and assistance cannot be given so readily in retailing through supermarkets, and so the processor has had to give more attention to presentation, packaging and ensuring that the product can be cooked with little further preparation.
Introduction: early investigations in the Rockall Channel
Authors: Currie R. I.
Published: March 2014

It seems probable that the existence of Rockall has been known for a very long time but the first recorded landing we have is of a party from H.M.S.Endymion,with Lt Basil Hall, in 1811 (Fisher 1956). Records at that time of good fishing in its vicinity are frequent but the true extent of Rockall Bank was not known until 1831 when it was surveyed by Captain Alexander Thomas Emeric Vidal on H.M.S.Pike(Wigley 1831). The tiny prominence of rock bore little relation to the enormous extent of the shallow bank from which it protruded above the waves, more often than not, because of its white cap, mistaken for a ship under sail.
Geology of the Hebridean margin of the Rockall Trough
Authors: Jones E. J. W. , Perry R. G. , Wild J. L.
Published: March 2014

Synopsis

The geological structure and history of the Rockall Trough margin to the west of the Outer Hebrides (57°N-59°N) has been inferred from the analysis of bottom samples, seismic, sonar, magnetic, satellite altimeter and surface-ship gravity observations. Much of the continental shelf consists of a shallow platform of Precambrian Lewisian basement, covered by a thin (<300m) blanket of Cenozoic sediments. Apart from areas near the shelf break and immediately west of Lewis, the basement has not undergone the large-scale subsidence typical of many regions adjacent to the Rockall Trough. Beneath the outer shelf, the Lewisian dips steeply towards the deeper water and is covered by a westwardthickening succession (>3km) of Mesozoic and Cenozoic sediments.

The eastern margin of the Rockall Trough appears to have been well established as a site of deposition by the end of the Triassic. Further subsidence occurred during the late Jurassic and continued into the Cretaceous when the axial province of the Rockall Trough off the Hebrides was invaded by basic volcanic material. Subsequently, the region was profoundly affected by early Cenozoic igneous activity. The long-term buoyancy of the Lewisian basement under the Outer Hebridean platform and early-formed structural discontinuities within it have influenced the overall pattern of sediment accumulation and the distribution of volcanic activity along the margin. During the later stages of deposition, sedimentation was closely controlled by the presence of early Cenozoic volcanics, by bottom currents and by glacial processes.
Seismic investigations of sedimentary structure in the northern Rockall Trough—a synopsis
Authors: Whittington R. J. , Dobson M. R.
Published: March 2014

Single channel, analogue, seismic reflection profiles using Sparker and small capacity Air gun sources were used to investigate late Tertiary and Quaternary sedimentation both around the margins and on the floor of the north Rockall Trough. The data complement, by being intermediate in penetration and resolution, previous seismic studies; particularly, they allow the upper 500 m of the sediment sequence to be examined in greater detail than hitherto.
Distribution of morphogroups of Recent agglutinating Foraminifera in the Rockall Trough—a synopsis
Authors: Jones R. W.
Published: March 2014

Synopsis

The basic premise that foraminiferal test morphology is related to function, in this case life position and feeding strategy, and thus indirectly to habitat, is detailed in Jones & Charnock (in press). The following account is based on that work but is in the form of a summary since a detailed description will be published elsewhere. The information used in this paper is from Pearce (1980) who examined Foraminifera in semi-quantitative multiple cores collected in a series of transects running approximately perpendicular to the axis of the Rockall Trough. The Foraminifera were from the surface sections, 0-2 cm, of the cores.
A review of the ecology of the deep-water pelagic fauna of the Rockall Trough
Authors: Mauchline J.
Published: March 2014

Synopsis

A brief historical account of the early faunal investigations is given. Modern studies concentrate on qualitative and quantitative description and interpretation of the processes taking place within the Rockall Trough. Demographic analyses are feasible on a variety of species allowing estimation of growth and production rates. The pelagic fauna impinges on the benthopelagic environments of the slope regions of the Trough. There it is predated by populations of demersal fish. Advection of fauna takes place to the north and northeast, probably primarily in the slope current.
An investigation into the causes of small scale variation in sediment community oxygen consumption in the Rockall Trough
Authors: Patching J. W. , Raine R. C. T. , Barnett P. R. O.
Published: March 2014

An attempt was made to interpret the core to core variation in oxygen uptake observed during anin situdetermination of sediment community oxygen consumption (SCOC) at a station in the Rockall Trough using the “suspended core” technique. No direct relationships between macrofaunal abundance or biomass and SCOC were observed. The results obtained suggested that the use of experimental chambers of small cross-sectional area (26.2cm2) allow for greater influence on SCOC of the activity of individual organisms which would otherwise be averaged out by larger, grab-type enclosures. The possible significance of other components of the benthos is discussed.
Some aspects of the sediment chemistry of Sullom Voe, Shetland
Authors: Stanley S. O. , Grantham B. E. , Leftley J. W. , Robertson N.
Published: March 2014

Synopsis

Determinations of dissolved oxygen and nutrients in the water overlying the sediments, of sedimentation rates, and of redox values, acidity, dissolved sulphide, carbon, nitrogen and cellulose values at different levels in the sediments themselves have been carried out in various parts of Sullom Voe. The effects of oxygen depletion following intermittent stagnation of the bottom water in the inner basin on carbon cycling in the sediments are discussed and contrasted with the chemistry of oxygen-rich sediments elsewhere in the voe.
Some observations on the distribution of heavy metals in Sullom Voe
Authors: Coackley P. , Bache D. H. , Smith P. G.
Published: March 2014

Synopsis

Data is presented to provide a baseline for assessing heavy metal pollution in Sullom Voe.

Procedures are described for the measurement of concentrations of zinc, chromium, copper, lead, cadmium and nickel in sediment samples and in specimens of Modiolus modiolus (L.).

Analysis showed that the concentration values in Modiolus were similar to those measured in specimens obtained from the Irish Sea.

In the sediment samples, it appeared that the distribution of metals was independent of the concentration and type of metal. The distribution of the metals which were analysed also showed significant dependence on the sediment composition.
Problems in ecological monitoring in Port Valdez, Alaska
Authors: Cowell E. B. , Monk D. C.
Published: March 2014

Synopsis

The technical and scientific problems of ecological monitoring at Port Valdez, Alaska are discussed. Particular attention is given to the problems created by lack of understanding of the processes of the Alaskan Rocky Shore ecosystem and the paucity of data on the natural stresses controlling temporal and spatial variation in populations. In addition, taxonomic difficulties, particularly in the littoral macroalgae, further compound survey problems.

The paper suggests some possible approaches that could be applied and is illustrated by data taken on baseline surveys made in 1977. Particular attention is given to unexpected age size distributions in the limpet Collisella pelta.
Mutations, apical cells, and vegetative reproduction
Authors: Klekowski Edward J.
Published: March 2014

Synopsis

The fixation or loss of somatic mutations is considered in terms of apical initials and apical meristem organisation. Two general kinds of apical meristems are mathematically modelled: structured and stochastic. Structured apices have permanent apical initials whereas stochastic apices are more dynamic systems with apical initials randomly selected from an apical cell pool. With regard to neutral or completely recessive mutations, the probabilities of fixation or loss of mutations are identical for both structured and stochastic apices. For mutations which have a disadvantageous effect in heterozygous cells, diplontic selection occurs. In such cases, stochastic apices are purged of mutations more effectively than structured apices.

The majority of ferns have highly structured apices based upon single apical cells. Since such apices are the least able to be purged of disadvantages mutations, mutational load may be a significant aspect of the biology of these plants. Ferns that exhibit primarily asexual reproduction (either apogamy or vegetative reproduction) may also exhibit strong linkage disequilibrium between loci due to mutation.
Towards an appreciation of fern edaphic niche requirements
Authors: Petersen Raymond L.
Published: March 2014

Synopsis

This assessment of selected literature on pteridophyte edaphic adaptation is presented in three parts: (1) pH and general soil nutrient background, (2) growth responses to specific inorganic ions and frond mineral content, and (3) collected works onPteridium aquilinumedaphic adaptations. In this report, a case is made for the overriding effect of both soil pH and inorganic ion content in determining pteridophyte occurrence. Recommendations are made for more field and laboratory co-ordinated studies, especially as they pertain to the determination of species-specific amplitudes of adaptation, and for the initiation of physiological and metabolic investigations into the basis of these edaphic adaptations.
Advances in Chinese research on Azolla
Authors: Lumpkin Thomas A.
Published: March 2014

Synopsis

The aquatic fern Azolla has a symbiotic relationship with an N2-fixing cyanobacterium. Fanners in China and Vietnam have used Azolla for centuries as a green manure for rice and as fodder for pigs, ducks and fish. Chinese researchers have been studying Azolla since the early 1950's but many of their achievements are unknown outside China because of language and other communication problems. This article reviews current Chinese Azolla research and focuses on the impact of newly introduced Azolla species in the areas of field application, use of spores, and isolation of the N2-fixing symbiont.
Solar-powered N2fixation in ferns: theAzolla-Anabaenasymbioses
Authors: Peters G. A. , Kaplan D. , Calvert H. E.
Published: March 2014

Synopsis

The heterosporous aquatic ferns in the genusAzollacontain a heterocystous cyanobacterium,Anabaena azollae, as a symbiont. TheAnabaenaoccupies cavities formed in the aerial dorsal leaf lobes of the ferns and can provide the symbiotic associations with their total N requirement via the fixation of atmospheric nitrogen. The photosynthetic pigments of the fern and cyanobacterium are complementary. Photosynthesis is of course the source of energy for growth and the ultimate source of the ATP and reductant required for N2fixation in the light or dark. However, nitrogen fixation is maximal in the light and the phycobili-proteins of theAnabaenaare as effective as its chlorophyll in driving this photosystem I-linked process.

The partners exhibit a coordinated pattern of development with theAzollaexerting a control over theAnabaena, affecting both its metabolism and differentiation.Anabaenafilaments associated with the fern apices lack heterocysts. As cavities are formed and occupied by theAnabaena, it differentiates a high proportion of heterocysts and exhibits nitrogenase activity. In mature cavities, theAnabaenareceives fixed carbon from theAzollaand releases fixed N2as ammonium. The ammonium is assimilated and/or transported by theAzollatoward its stem apices. Special epidermal cavity trichomes, which are intimately associated with theAnabaenaat all stages in the ontogeny of the association, may facilitate metabolite exchange between the fern and cyanobacterium.
Speciation in relation to edaphic factors in theAsplenium adiantum-nigrumgroup
Authors: Sleep Anne
Published: March 2014

Synopsis

An unusual form ofAsplenium adiantum-nigrumfrom Scottish and European serpentine sites has been grown for several years under uniform conditions of culture alongsideA. adiantum-nigrumof nonserpentine origin, and has been found to retain its characteristic features. The morphological distinctiveness of both types, apparent in juvenile as well as adult plants, has been maintained through successive generations.

Transplant experiments were carried out in order to determine whether serpentine and non-serpentine plants differed also in their physiological response to soil factors. The results suggest that serpentine soils are unfavourable to the growth of non-serpentine A.adiantum-nigrum, particularly at germination and during the early development of the sporophyte. Soil analysis data are presented and briefly discussed.

The experimental evidence presented here, combined with the constancy of the diagnostic differences leading to ease of recognition of the serpentine forms at all ages, suggests that evolution leading to the establishment of ecologically adapted divergent strains is actively in progress.
Factors limiting the contribution of pteridophytes to a local flora
Authors: Grime J. P.
Published: March 2014

Synopsis

A vegetation survey comprising all major habitats has been used to examine the ecological range of pteridophytes in an area of varied geology, climate and land-use in northern England.

Pteridophytes occur most commonly in coniferous plantations, scrub, cliffs and acidic woodlands and are also frequent in broadleaved plantations, in unshaded mire and on walls and river banks. In marked contrast to the herbaceous angiosperms of the region, pteridophytes have failed to exploit habitats subject to high intensities of disturbance (e.g. arable fields, spoiled land, paths) and are relatively unsuccessful in herbaceous vegetation experiencing moderate intensities of orderly disturbance (pastures, meadows, road verges).

Strategy concepts have been applied to compare the range of ecological specialisation displayed by the pteridophytes with that of the herbaceous angiosperms within the area of study. It is concluded that the contribution of pteridophytes is restricted by the absence of ephemeral and vernal life-forms, the scarcity of shoot systems resilient under defoliation, the low relative-growth rates of many species and the susceptibility of gametophytes, and young sporophytes to competition from herbaceous angiosperms and to submergence by leaf litter from deciduous trees. Whilst some of these features are of recent importance in that increasingly they limit the capacity to survive current changes in land-use, others appear to have restricted the ecological amplitude of the Pteridophyta throughout their history.
Conservation of pteridophytes
Authors: Gómez-P. Luis D.
Published: March 2014

Synopsis

The conservational vulnerability of tropical pteridophytes, which make up 80% of the known species, is outlined. Especially threatened are the areas of the world with high percentages of endemism.
Epilogue—pteridophyte biology: the biology of the amphibians of the plant world
Authors: Page C. N.
Published: March 2014

Synopsis

It is proposed that the Pteridophyta are in many ways the plant kingdom's equivalent of the Amphibia. The biology of these two groups is compared from points which have arisen in this Symposium on the Biology of Pteridophytes. Some areas of possible future development in pteridophyte biology are then suggested.
Comment on the defence system of the mammalian epidermis
Authors: Matoltsy A. Gedeon
Published: March 2014

I would like to recall that in 1957 Selby noted in thin sections of mammalian epidermis (Selby 1957) granules smaller than the keratohyalin granules. In subsequent studies these granules, called membrane-coating granules (MCG), were shown to migrate toward the plasma membrane and discharge their lammelar content into the intercellular spaces (Matoltsy and Parakkal 1965). The lamellae which spread over the surface of granular cells have been noted to reassemble into bileaflets and to form broad sheets in the intercellular spaces of the horny layer (Matoltsy 1976) as illustrated in Fig. 1. Since histochemical studies have indicated the presence of lipids in MCG-s (Breathnach and Wyllie 1966; Hashimoto 1971), and tracer studies (Elias and Friend 1975; Squier and Hopps 1976) have revealed that ferratin, lanthanum, ruthenium red and horseradish peroxidase do not pass through the horny layer it is reasonable to postulate that lipids derived from MCG-s form an important part of the defence system of the mammalian epidermis and control the flow of hydrophilic substances across the stratum corneum.
Composition and formation of flame cell caps: A substratum for the attachment of micro-organisms to sea horse epidermis
Authors: Bereiter-Hahn J. , Richards K. S. , Elsner L. , Voth M.
Published: March 2014

Synopsis

The epidermis of the sea horseHippocampus kudais characterised by flame cone cells, each of which protrudes 20-40 μm above the surface and is covered by a prominent mucous cap. Unlike normal surface cells, the mucoid caps can support epiphytic microbial growth.

Histochemically the mucous cap is a neutral mucopolysaccharide-protein complex possessing 1,2 glycol groups and SH-groups; acid mucopolysaccharides are absent. The acid mucopolysaccharide glycocalyx of unmodified surface cells is absent from the mucous cap surface.

Ultrastructurally two types of vesicle can be distinguished in flame cells. Type I is oval (0·3 × 0·6 um) with contents of medium electron density and occurs principally in mature flame cells. Type II, seen only in developing cells, is spherical (0·4 μm) and contains rod-like subunits characteristic of the cap mucous. Secretion is mediated by channels formed by smooth endoplasmic reticulum. Unmodified surface cells also secrete their vesicular contents, which resemble the Type I vesicles of flame cells and are similar to the goblet mucous vesicles of other fish, through similar channels.

Flame cell mucous caps, by virtue of their histochemistry, possible provide a suitable substratum for the adhesion and growth of epiphytes which in turn may afford protection against cnidarian nematocysts.
Mouthparts of ectoparasites and host damage
Authors: Smith H. V. , Titchener R. N.
Published: March 2014

Synopsis

Photographs were displayed of the mouthparts of some important arthropod parasites of British livestock as viewed with a scanning electron microscope. Ectoparasites included in the demonstration were Damalinia ovis, the body louse of sheep; Haematopinus eurysternus, the short-nosed cattle louse; Ceratophyllus gallinae, the hen flea; Melophagus ovinus, the sheep ked and Ixodes ricinus, the sheep tick. Photographs of livestock infested with these parasites were also displayed.
The spider fauna of Shetland and its zoogeographic context
Authors: Ashmole N. Philip
Published: March 2014

Synopsis

The spider fauna of Shetland is described on the basis of collections made in 1974–75 and earlier published and unpublished data. The number of species recorded is increased from 35 to 90. Work on Ronas Hill and elsewhere has shown that Shetland has a substantial array of montane spiders, many of them occurring at much lower elevations than is normal in mainland Britain: a height of 400 m on Shetland is roughly equivalent—in terms of the spider community—to one of 900 m in the Cairngorms. Shetland appears to lack, however, a number of the arctic-alpine species present at high levels in mainland Scotland and the Faroes. The spider fauna of moorland in Shetland is shown to have closely similar composition to that of a moorland area in the Pennines, although the latter has more species. Other habitats discussed include sand dunes in South Mainland and serpentine heaths in Unst.

The new information permits for the first time assessment of the spider fauna of Shetland in its zoogeographic context. Almost all of the species found in Shetland, the Faroes and Iceland are present in both Scotland and Fennoscandia; however, only two-thirds of the Faroes species and less than half of the Iceland species are also found in Shetland.

Consideration of the Pleistocene history of the area permits analysis of the origins of the faunas. Some species adapted to arctic conditions may have survived through the last glacial episode in Iceland, where there were ice-free areas, but such survival is most unlikely for the Faroes and Shetland: for Orkney the picture is unclear. There was no subsequent overland immigration to Iceland or the Faroes and little or none to Shetland, but Orkney may have received rather more of its species in this way. The rapid postglacial rise in sea level ensured that the bulk of the species in all these faunas had to colonise over water. Some species were transported by man and a few may have travelled on natural rafts, but the majority seem to have immigrated by ballooning.

Orkney probably received all its colonists from mainland Scotland and Shetland could also have done so. Immigration from Fennoscandia, however, was undoubtedly important in the case of Iceland, significant in the Faroes and possibly also contributed to the Shetland fauna. Only Iceland can be shown to have received species from Greenland.

In an Appendix the spider species recorded from Orkney, Shetland, the Faroes and Iceland are tabulated and the occurrence of these species on the Scottish mainland and in Fennoscandia and Greenland is indicated.
Forestry
Authors: Matthews J. D.
Published: March 2014

Anderson (F.R.S.E. 1952), in A History of Scottish Forestry (1967), pieced together from many varied historical sources a picture of the natural indigenous woodlands of Scotland, which has been confirmed by scientific studies based on pollen counts and botanical analysis (McVean 1964; Durno 1973; Godwin 1975). The species composition of these natural indigenous woodlands was closely associated with geology, soil and elevation. Around the coast and in the lower parts of the river valleys, the moist, fertile mineral soils carried deciduous woodland comprising oak (Quercus robur and Q. petraea), Wych elm (Ulmus glabra), ash (Fraxinus excelsior) and Black alder (Alnus glutinosa). On the drier soils, there was less ash and elm but more birch (Betula pendula and B. pubescens) along with the oak. Above the oak-ash-elm woodlands, on the lower and middle slopes of hills composed of igneous and rich metamorphic rocks, the woodlands included birch, alder, aspen (Populus tremuld), rowan (Sorbus aucuparia), willow (Salix species) and hazel (Corylus avellana). Above this zone were short scrubby stands of birch and willow.
Microbiology, including virology
Authors: Selwyn S. , Wardlaw A. C.
Published: March 2014

It is customary for textbooks on the history of science or of medicine to trace the origins of microbiology to the last quarter of the nineteenth century in France and Germany. Apart from mentioning Leeuwenhoek's observations in the 1670s, they virtually ignore the considerable amount of work which extends back to the sixteenth century. Much of this was, in fact, British, with Scots at home or abroad figuring prominently in the story (Selwyn 1974, 1976).
Zoology: A natural history of natural historians
Authors: Laverack M. S.
Published: March 2014

‘The appreciation and study of the Natural Sciences appear to have been of tardy growth in the North of Scotland’ (Traill 1906).

The origins of the study of zoology in the Universities of Scotland are reminiscent of evolutionary events. A shadowy beginning, periods of apparent stagnation, sudden transition into more active states, and latterly, a reversion and regrouping under modern financial pressures. Not a smooth progression, but rather a lurching progress and cladistic development!
Diet of Antarctic toothfish (Dissostichus mawsoni) from the continental slope and oceanic features of the Ross Sea region, Antarctica
Authors: Stevens Darren W. , Dunn Matthew R. , Pinkerton Matthew H. , Forman Jeff S.
Published: March 2014

The diet of Dissostichus mawsoni captured by bottom longline in the Ross Sea region was examined during 2003, 2005 and 2010. The diet of sub-adult toothfish was similar to adult toothfish, comprising mainly benthic fishes and cephalopods. Sub-adult toothfish ate a greater variety of smaller prey than adults, including smaller fish and prawns. Grenadiers (Macrourus spp.) were the most important fish and overall prey species. On the continental slope, icefish (Channichthyidae) and eel cods (Muraenolepididae) were also important fish prey, while Psychroteuthis glacialis was the most important cephalopod prey. On oceanic features, toothfish fed mainly on Macrourus spp. but also fed on Antimora rostrata, cephalopods and the occasional mesopelagic to epipelagic fish. Diet varied significantly with toothfish size and location on northern parts of the Mawson and Iselin banks of the Ross Sea continental slope. There was no significant temporal change in diet composition.