bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Socioeconomic Status and Proactive Personality on Career Decision Self‐Efficacy
Authors: Hsieh Hui‐Hsien , Huang Jie‐Tsuen
Published: March 2014

This study investigated the relationship of family socioeconomic status and proactive personality to career decision self‐efficacy in a sample of 336 Taiwanese college students. The results of the partial least squares path modeling analysis showed that both socioeconomic status and proactive personality were positively associated with career decision self‐efficacy. These findings support person input variables as being predictive of career decision self‐efficacy and provide career counselors with insight into how to design career interventions for improving college students’ career decision self‐efficacy. Implications for career counseling and suggestions for future research are discussed.
QSARINS‐chem: Insubria datasets and new QSAR/QSPR models for environmental pollutants in QSARINS
Authors: Gramatica Paola , Cassani Stefano , Chirico Nicola
Published: March 2014

A database of environmentally hazardous chemicals, collected and modeled by QSAR by the Insubria group, is included in the updated version of QSARINS, software recently proposed for the development and validation of QSAR models by the genetic algorithm‐ordinary least squares method. In this version, a module, named QSARINS‐Chem, includes several datasets of chemical structures and their corresponding endpoints (physicochemical properties and biological activities). The chemicals are accessible in different ways (CAS, SMILES, names and so forth) and their three‐dimensional structure can be visualized. Some of the QSAR models, previously published by our group, have been redeveloped using the free online software for molecular descriptor calculation, PaDEL‐Descriptor. The new models can be easily applied for future predictions on chemicals without experimental data, also verifying the applicability domain to new chemicals. The QSAR model reporting format (QMRF) of these models is also here downloadable. Additional chemometric analyses can be done by principal component analysis and multicriteria decision making for screening and ranking chemicals to prioritize the most dangerous. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Do Manualized Treatments for Depression Reduce Insomnia Symptoms?
Authors: Yon Adriana , Scogin Forrest , DiNapoli Elizabeth A. , McPherron Jesse , Arean Patricia A. , Bowman Daniel , Jamison Christine S. , Karpe Jennifer A. , Latour David , Reynolds Charles F. , Rohen Noelle , Pardini Jamie E. L. , Thompson Larry W.
Published: March 2014

Objective

Researchers evaluated the effect of manualized treatments for depression on comorbid symptoms of insomnia.

Method

Hierarchical linear modeling was used to analyze archival data collected from 14 studies (N = 910) examining the efficacy of psychological treatments for depression in adults.

Results

Participants receiving a psychological treatment for depression experienced significantly more relief from symptoms of insomnia with overall, early‐, middle‐, and late‐night sleep than those not receiving such treatment.

Conclusion

Symptoms of insomnia in those with an average (or lower) level of depression can be reduced through psychological treatment for depression. However, more severe depressive symptoms do not receive great relief from sleep disturbance and may require an additional treatment component targeting symptoms of insomnia.
Ultrascale and microscale growth dynamics of the cidaroid spine of Phyllacanthus imperialis revealed by 26Mg labeling and NanoSIMS isotopic imaging
Authors: Gorzelak Przemysław , Stolarski Jarosław , Dery Aurélie , Dubois Philippe , Escrig Stéphane , Meibom Anders
Published: March 2014

Growth dynamics of the primary spine of the cidaroid sea urchin Phyllacanthus imperialis was assessed for the first time using pulsed 26Mg‐labeling and NanoSIMS isotopic imaging. The sea urchin was incubated twice (for 48 h) in artificial seawater with elevated level of 26Mg. After each labeling event, the sea urchin was returned for 72 h to seawater with natural isotopic abundance of 26Mg. NanoSIMS ion microprobe was subsequently used to visualize the labeled regions of the spine with submicrometer lateral resolution. The growth of the new skeleton was restricted to the distalmost and peripheral portions of the spine. Skeletogenesis involved mostly the deposition of continuous thickening layers and lateral growth involving bridges between previously formed trabeculae. The timescale of formation of individual thickening layers (ca. 1 µm in width) on the stereom trabeculae was on the order of 1 day. Longitudinal growth occurred mainly at the periphery in the form of small portions of the thickening deposits or more massive microspines that appeared to branch and fuse with those above and below. These microspines were found to grow at about 10 µm/day. These results reveal that the skeletal growth of a juvenile cidaroid spine is complex and highly heterogeneous, with different extension rates depending on the stage of the stereom development and/or direction of the growth fronts. The growth pattern observed here at the submicrometer scale provides direct evidence supporting the earlier suggestions that the lamellar structure of echinoderm stereom is formed by periodic deposition of continuous mineral layers. J. Morphol. 275:788–796, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Microporous Poly(Schiff Base) Constructed from Tetraphenyladamantane Units for Adsorption of Gases and Organic Vapors
Authors: Li Guiyang , Zhang Biao , Wang Zhonggang
Published: March 2014

A new microporous poly(Schiff base) (PSN‐3) is constructed from 1,3,5,7‐tetrakis(4‐formylphenyl)adamantane and 1,3,5,7‐tetrakis(4‐aminophenyl)adamantane through an A4‐A4′ reaction. The surface and internal morphologies of porous PSN‐3 are examined by FE‐SEM and HR‐TEM. PSN‐3 exhibits a BET surface area of 865 m2 g−1 with a major pore size around 0.6 nm. Moreover, PSN‐3 can uptake 1.32 wt% H2 (77 K/1 bar), 13.6 wt% CO2 (273 K/1 bar), 80.5 wt% benzene, and 63.7 wt% cyclohexane (298 K/0.9 bar). The adsorption selectivities for CO2/N2, CO2/CH4, benzene/N2, and benzene/H2O are 88, 16, 267, and 19, respectively. The high adsorption capacities and selectivities for gases and vapors make PSN‐3 a promising candidate for H2 storage, CO2 capture, and recovery of organic pollutants.

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Nesfatin‐1 increases energy expenditure and reduces food intake in rats
Authors: Wernecke Kerstin , Lamprecht Ingolf , Jöhren Olaf , Lehnert Hendrik , Schulz Carla
Published: March 2014

Objective

Energy homeostasis results from a balance of food intake and energy expenditure, accomplished by the interaction of peripheral and central nervous signals. The recently discovered adipokine nesfatin‐1 is involved in the central control of food intake, but whether it also participates in the regulation of thermogenesis is unknown.

Methods

Nesfatin‐1 was administered intracerebroventricularly to freely moving, male Wistar rats and direct calorimetry was performed to assess its effects on thermogenesis. Furthermore, food intake was measured and hypothalamic and N. tractus solitarius (NTS) neuropeptide expression was determined by quantitative real‐time polymerace chain reaction. Leptin, which is involved in both the regulation of food intake and thermogenesis, was used as positive control.

Results

For the first time it was shown that central nervous administration of nesfatin‐1 profoundly increases thermogenesis in rats to a similar extent as leptin and the role of both peptides in the control of food intake was confirmed. Nesfatin‐1 significantly downregulated neuropeptide Y (NPY) mRNA expression in both hypothalamus and NTS.

Conclusions

The results strongly support the prominent role of nesfatin‐1 for both energy expenditure and food intake and NPY neurons appear to be involved in this effect.
Flame retardant polystyrene copolymers: preparation, thermal properties, and fire toxicities
Authors: Hu Weizhao , Zhan Jing , Hong Ningning , Hull T. Richard , Stec Anna A. , Song Lei , Wang Jian , Hu Yuan
Published: March 2014

A new phosphorous‐ and nitrogen‐containing reactive monomer, DMPMA, was first synthesized by nucleophilic substitution reaction of 2‐(6‐oxido‐6H‐dibenz[c,e][1,2]oxaphos‐phorin‐6‐yl) methanol, N‐hydroxymethyl acrylamide and methyldichlorophosphate. The copolymer of styrene (St) and DMPMA (poly(St‐co‐DMPMA)) was prepared and then characterized by Fourier transform infrared, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), microscale combustion calorimeter and steady‐state tube furnace (SSTF). The results proved that poly(St‐co‐DMPMA) was well synthesized, while the glass transition temperature of the copolymer was decreased with increasing DMPMA content. The TGA results showed that the initial degradation temperature of poly(St‐co‐DMPMA) decreased, but its char yield and decomposition temperature improved compared to that of pure polystyrene. After incorporating DMPMA, the fire performance of the copolymer was significantly improved. The results obtained from the SSTF indicated that the carbon monoxide and smoke yield density were increased due to the incomplete combustion of the copolymer. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polysaccharide biomaterials for drug delivery and regenerative engineering
Authors: Shelke Namdev B. , James Roshan , Laurencin Cato T. , Kumbar Sangamesh G.
Published: March 2014

Polymers derived from plant (polysaccharides) and animal (proteins) kingdoms have been widely used for a variety of biomedical applications including drug delivery and tissue regeneration. These polymers due to their biochemical similarity with human extracellular matrix components are readily recognized and accepted by the body. Natural polymers inherit numerous advantages including natural abundance, relative ease of isolation, and room for chemical modification to meet varying technological needs. In addition, these polymers undergo enzymatic and/or hydrolytic degradation in biologic environments into non‐toxic degradation byproducts. Polysaccharides (carbohydrates) are often isolated and purified from renewable sources including plants, animals, and microorganisms. Majority of these polymers are found in the extracellular matrix components of organisms and participate in inter and intracellular cell signaling and contribute to their growth. All these features offer polysaccharide‐based biomaterials much desired biological recognition, biocompatibility, and bioactivity. In spite of many merits as biomaterials, these polysaccharides suffer from drawbacks including variations in material properties based on source, microbial contamination, uncontrolled water uptake, poor mechanical strength, and unpredictable degradation patterns. These inconsistencies have limited the usage of polysaccharides and biomedical application related technology development. Many of these polysaccharides have been chemically modified to achieve consistent physicochemical properties including mechanical stability, degradation, and bioactivity and processed into microparticles, hydrogels, and 3D porous structures for tissue regeneration applications. Presence of multiple functionalities on the polymer backbone allows easy structure modifications for the required application. The current article focuses on the application of polysaccharide‐based materials in regenerative engineering and delivery. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of green fluorescent proteins by 193 nm ultraviolet photodissociation mass spectrometry
Authors: Cannon Joe R. , Kluwe Christien , Ellington Andrew , Brodbelt Jennifer S.
Published: March 2014

We investigate the utility of 193 nm ultraviolet photodissociation (UVPD) in comparison to CID, higher energy CID (HCD), and electron transfer dissociation (ETD) for top down fragmentation of highly homologous green fluorescent proteins (GFP) in the gas phase. Several GFP variants were constructed via mutation of surface residues to charged moieties, demonstrating different pIs and presenting a challenge for identification by mass spectrometry. Presented is a comparison of fragmentation techniques utilized for top down characterization of four variants with varying levels of surface charge. UVPD consistently resulted in identification of more fragment ions relative to other MS/MS methods, allowing higher confidence identification. In addition to the high number of fragment ions, the sites of fragmentation were more evenly spread throughout the protein backbone, which proved key for localizing the point mutations.
Optimizing capillary electrophoresis for top‐down proteomics of 30–80 kDa proteins
Authors: Li Yihan , Compton Philip D. , Tran John C. , Ntai Ioanna , Kelleher Neil L.
Published: March 2014

The direct analysis of intact proteins via MS offers compelling advantages in comparison to alternative methods due to the direct and unambiguous identification and characterization of protein sequences it provides. The inability to efficiently analyze proteins in the “middle mass range,” defined here as proteins from 30 to 80 kDa, in a robust fashion has limited the adoption of these “top‐down” methods. Largely, a result of poor liquid chromatographic performance, the limitations in this mass range may be addressed by alternative separations that replace chromatography. Herein, the short migration times of CZE‐ESI‐MS/MS have been extended to size‐sorted whole proteins in complex mixtures from Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA01. An electrokinetically pumped nanospray interface, a coated capillary, and a stacking method for on‐column sample concentration were developed to achieve high‐loading capacity and separation resolution. We achieved full width at half maximum of 8–16 s for model proteins up to 29 kDa and identified 30 proteins in the mass range of 30–80 kDa from P. aeruginosa PA01 whole cell lysate. These results suggest that CZE‐ESI‐MS/MS is capable of identifying proteins in the middle mass range in top‐down proteomics.
Highlights of B/D‐HPP and HPP Resource Pillar Workshops at 12th Annual HUPO World Congress of Proteomics
Authors: Aebersold Ruedi , Bader Gary D. , Edwards Aled M. , van Eyk Jennifer , Kussman Martin , Qin Jun , Omenn Gilbert S.
Published: March 2014

At the 12th Annual HUPO World Congress of Proteomics in Japan, the Human Proteome Project (HPP) presented 16 scientific workshop sessions. Here we summarize highlights of ten workshops from the Biology and Disease‐driven HPP (B/D‐HPP) teams and three from the HPP Resource Pillars. Highlights of the three Chromosome‐centric HPP sessions appeared in the many articles of the 2014 C‐HPP special issue of the Journal of Proteome Research .
2″‐4″ diameter GaN‐on‐sapphire substrates free of wafer bow at all temperatures
Authors: Preble Edward A. , Leach Jacob H. , Metzger Robert , Shishkin Eugene , Udwary Kevin A.
Published: March 2014

A heteroepitaxial GaN‐on‐sapphire template growth strategy is presented that eliminates wafer bow in the final structure at both room temperature and at high crystal growth temperatures. The technology is demonstrated here on 2″ and 4″ substrate sizes with GaN epitaxy thicknesses up to 150 µm with a sub‐nm, epi‐ready, final surface roughness. Wafer bow vs. temperature measurements for (a) 15 µm of GaN on 4″ 650 µm thick sapphire showing 280 µm bow shift, (b) 10 µm GaN film on 2″ 430µm thick sapphire showing 120 µm bow shift, and (c) and (d), 15 µm of FLAAT GaN on 2″ and 4″ sapphire, respectively, each showing less than 30 µm of bow shift. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Modelling the effects of land–sea contrast on tropical cyclone precipitation under environmental vertical wind shear
Authors: Li Yubin , Cheung Kevin K. W. , Chan Johnny C. L.
Published: March 2014

The precipitation pattern of a landfalling tropical cyclone (TC) with and without a weak environmental vertical wind shear (VWS) is investigated using WRF/NCAR model simulations under idealized conditions. In the simulations without VWS, results show that for the outer band (r ∼ 100–300 km), the cold and dry air originating over smooth land is advected offshore, reduces the stability and develops a band of rainfall on the eastern side of the TC, while the rough land surface tends to trigger more rainfall to the west. For the inner core (r< 100 km), there is only small rainfall asymmetry when the land surface is smooth and dry, but with a rough land surface, the rainfall asymmetry becomes evident and generally stronger rainfall is found over the land areas to the west. Further experiments are performed to compare the effects from weak environmental VWS and land–sea contrast. It is found that the storm‐scale (within 400 km from TC centre) VWS changes continuously in direction and magnitude due to asymmetric diabatic heating and accompanying upper‐level winds. The rainfall pattern in the inner‐core region follows closely the storm‐scale VWS with a downshear‐left relationship regardless of the surface properties, while in the outer‐band region, rainfall distribution is first strongly affected by the surface roughness before landfall and by the environmental VWS afterwards. Therefore, an evolving rainfall–VWS (both environmental and due to storm‐scale dynamics) relationship during TC landfall results.
Utilization of real‐time electrospray ionization mass spectrometry to gain further insight into the course of nucleotide degradation by intestinal alkaline phosphatase
Authors: Kaufmann Christine M. , Graßmann Johanna , Treutter Dieter , Letzel Thomas
Published: March 2014

RATIONALE

Related with its ability to degrade nucleotides, intestinal alkaline phosphatase (iAP) is an important participant in intestinal pH regulation and inflammatory processes. However, its activity has been investigated mainly by using artificial non‐nucleotide substrates to enable the utilization of conventional colorimetric methods. To capture the degradation of the physiological nucleotide substrate of the enzyme along with arising intermediates and the final product, the enzymatic assay was adapted to mass spectrometric detection. Therewith, the drawbacks associated with colorimetric methods could be overcome.

METHODS

Enzymatic activity was comparatively investigated with a conventional colorimetric malachite green method and a single quadrupole mass spectrometer with an electrospray ionization source using the physiological nucleotide substrates ATP, ADP or AMP and three different pH‐values in either methodological approach. By this means the enzymatic activity was assessed on the one hand by detecting the phosphate release spectrometrically at defined time points of enzymatic reaction or on the other by continuous monitoring with mass spectrometric detection.

RESULTS

Adaption of the enzymatic assay to mass spectrometric detection disclosed the entire course of all reaction components – substrate, intermediates and product – resulting from the degradation of substrate, thereby pointing out a stepwise removal of phosphate groups. By calculating enzymatic substrate conversion rates a distinctively slower degradation of AMP compared to ADP or ATP was revealed together with the finding of a substrate competition between ATP and ADP at alkaline pH.

CONCLUSIONS

The comparison of colorimetric and mass spectrometric methods to elucidate enzyme kinetics and specificity clearly underlines the advantages of mass spectrometric detection for the investigation of complex multi‐component enzymatic assays. The entire course of enzymatic substrate degradation was revealed with different nucleotide substrates, thus allowing a specific monitoring of intestinal alkaline phosphatase activity. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Examination of implementing a neural network on a parallel computer — NEOCOGNITRON on NCUBE
Authors: Ito Takayuki , Fukushima Kunihiko , Miyake Sei
Published: March 2014

The parallel computer based on the parallel operation of a large number of CPU is now available as a means of realizing a high‐speed computer. Especially, the loosely coupled parallel computer is considered to be interesting as a tool for realizing the neural network model, since it is related closely to the idea of the group of neurons. In such a computer, the efficiency is affected greatly by the assignment of functions to CPU.

From such a viewpoint, this paper discusses the realization of a high‐speed neural network model on a loosely coupled parallel computer. The neocognitron is considered as the neural network model; and the structure of the model, together with the feasibility of parallel operation, is discussed. By utilizing the feature of the loosely coupled parallel computer with hypercubic connection, an efficient CPU assignment is considered. Based on those results, a recognition system for handwritten numerals by the neocognitron is realized on the parallel computer NCUBE, and the recognition speed of eight characters/s is realized.

Finally, the data transfer method and the load balancing among CPU are discussed, aiming at the realization of an exhaustive connection, which is required, in general, in the neural network model.
Fuzzy majority functions
Authors: Yamamoto Yoshinori , Fujita Shiro
Published: March 2014

This paper proposes a new class of functions, i.e., fuzzy majority functions, based on the fuzzy logic which takes any value in the interval [0, 1] as the truth value of its proposition. Fuzzy majority functions are characterized by weights and thresholds, and may be represented by a logic formula involving constants. Specifically, the proposed class intersects with the well‐known fuzzy logic functions but is not a subset of them. On the other hand, the logic formula of a fuzzy majority function has a close relation with binary threshold functions. From this viewpoint, a theoretical limit in the utility of the fuzzy majority functions is discussed.
Robust three‐factor remote user authentication scheme with key agreement for multimedia systems
Authors: Li Xiong , Niu Jianwei , Khan Muhammad Khurram , Liao Junguo , Zhao Xiaoke
Published: March 2014

As the fast growth of multimedia information, the security of multimedia systems is becoming a rather important topic nowadays. Multimedia systems are often suffering attacks when users access the information and online services. Because of the excellent features of the biometric, many biometric‐based three‐factor remote user authentication schemes have been proposed to provide high level of security for different network‐based application systems. Recently, An pointed out the weaknesses of Das's three‐factor remote user authentication scheme and proposed an improved biometric‐based three‐factor remote user authentication scheme. An's scheme improves the security problems of previous schemes while keeping the efficiency. However, after detailed analysis, we find that An's scheme exists some weaknesses such as vulnerable to denial‐of‐service attack and forgery attack, cannot detect unauthorized login quickly, and does not provide session key agreement. In order to provide high level of security for multimedia systems, we design a robust three‐factor remote user authentication scheme with key agreement using elliptic curve cryptosystem. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Toward a Greater Understanding of Entrepreneurship and Strategy in the Informal Economy
Authors: Webb Justin W. , Ireland R. Duane , Ketchen David J.
Published: March 2014

The informal economy consists of business activities that occur outside of formal institutional boundaries but within the boundaries of informal institutions. A large gap exists between the significant importance of the informal economy to commerce around the world and the small amount of informal economy research with which entrepreneurship and strategic management scholars have been involved. As a step toward filling this gap, this special issue includes four articles with the potential to significantly advance our understanding of business activities within the informal economy. In introducing these four articles, we discuss the myriad activities that fall within the boundaries of the informal economy and distinguish between the institutional foundations of informality in developed versus developing economies. The articles included within the special issue each offer a unique understanding of how entrepreneurs are influenced by and manage their institutional contexts in various informal economy settings, providing contributions that should give rise to a series of promising future research questions. Copyright © 2014 Strategic Management Society.
Gold Binary‐Structured Arrays Based on Monolayer Colloidal Crystals and Their Optical Properties
Authors: Liu Guangqiang , Li Xinhua , Wang Wenbo , Zhou Fei , Duan Guotao , Li Yue , Xu Zongke , Cai Weiping
Published: March 2014

A simple and flexible route is presented to fabricate a gold binary‐structured ordered array by one step based on non‐shadow deposition on a plasma etching‐induced dualistic monolayer colloidal crystal. Such a Au binary‐structure array is built of hexagonally arranged nanoshells and nanorings which stand between two adjacent nanoshells. Six gold nanorings surround each nanoshell. The obtained arrays exhibit both the controllable surface‐plasmon‐resonance (SPR) properties of Au nanoshells and the strong electromagnetic‐field‐enhancement effects of Au nanorings, with the high structural stability of ordered arrays, and show promising potential as the substrate of surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)‐based devices. The method could also be suitable for fabrication of other material binary‐structured arrays. This study is important in designing and fabricating basal materials for the next generation of multifunctional nanostructured devices.
History and Evolution of Active Learning Spaces
Authors: Beichner Robert J.
Published: March 2014

This chapter examines active learning spaces as they have developed over the years. Consistently well‐designed classrooms can facilitate active learning even though the details of implementing pedagogies may differ.
Conclusion: Advancing Active Learning Spaces
Authors: Whiteside Aimee L.
Published: March 2014

This concluding chapter helps us look toward the future of active learning spaces as they enter the mainstream.
Constructions of Five Noncovalent‐bonded Supramolecules from Reactions of Cadmium(II) and Zinc(II) with Imidazole/benzimidazole and Carboxylate Ligands
Authors: Jin Shouwen , Luo YiTing , Wang Daqi , Shi Jiazhong , Li SiWei , Shen ShaoHua , Xu YiJie
Published: March 2014

Five imidazole/benzimidazole‐based metal complexes, Cd(bim)2(L1)2 (1) [L1 = 2‐methyl‐2‐phenoxypropionate, bim = benzimidazole], Zn(im)2(L2)2 (2) [L2 = 3‐(4‐methoxyphenyl)acrylate, im = imidazole], Zn(im)2(L3)2 (3) [L3 = 3,4‐(methylenedioxy)benzoate], [Cd(im)2(L3)2]2·4H2O (4), and Cd(Bim)2(L4)·CH3CH2OH·H2O (5) (L4 = 1,4‐cyclohexanedicarboxylate), were obtained by the introduction of the carboxylates as coligands and are structurally characterized by different techniques including elemental analysis, IR spectra, TG, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. The X‐ray crystal structure analyses reveal that these complexes display mononuclear to dinuclear structures with tetrahedral coordination spheres around each central zinc atom, and octahedral coordination sphere around each central cadmium atom. The imidazole ligands in all compounds are coordinated only in a monodentate fashion with their neutral nitrogen groups. The carboxylates coordinate to the metal in monodentate, chelating bidentate, and bridging bidentate fashions. The N–H···O hydrogen bonds from the NH donor of the neutral imidazole were found in all compounds. On the basis of X‐ray crystallographic study the rich intra‐ and intermolecular noncovalent interactions (including classical hydrogen bonds, C–H···O, CH2···O, CH3···O, CH2–N, C–H···π, CH3–π, O–H···π, and π–π interactions) are analyzed. The various nonbonding interactions in these compounds are responsible for different structures such as 3D network, 3D prismatic layer network, and 3D layer network structure.
Estimating wave heights from pressure data at the bed
Authors: Constantin A.
Published: March 2014

We provide some estimates for the wave height of a two-dimensional travelling gravity water wave from pressure measurements at the flat bed. The approach is applicable without limitations on the wave amplitude. It improves the classical estimates available if one relies on the hydrostatic approximation or on the linear theory of waves of small amplitude.
John Flamsteed and the turn of the screw: mechanical uncertainty, the skilful astronomer and the burden of seeing correctly at the Royal Observatory, Greenwich
Authors: SPIEGEL RICHARD J.
Published: March 2014

Centring on John Flamsteed (1646–1719), the first Astronomer Royal, this paper investigates the ways in which astronomers of the late seventeenth century worked to build and maintain their reputations by demonstrating, for their peers and for posterity, their proficiency in managing visual technologies. By looking at his correspondence and by offering a graphic and textual analysis of the preface to his posthumousHistoria Coelestis Britannica(1725), I argue that Flamsteed based the legitimacy of his life's work on his capacity to serve as a skilful astronomer who could coordinate the production and proper use of astronomical sighting instruments. Technological advances in astrometry were, for Flamsteed, a necessary but not a sufficient condition for the advancement of astronomy. Technological resources needed to be used by the right person. The work of the skilful astronomer was a necessary precondition for the mobilization and proper management of astronomical technologies. Flamsteed's understanding of the astronomer as a skilled actor importantly shifted the emphasis in precision astronomical work away from the individual observer's ability to see well and toward the astronomer's ability to ensure that instruments guaranteed accurate vision.
New optimized grey derivative models for grain production forecasting in China
Authors: LIU L. , WANG Y. , WU J. , WANG J. , XI C.
Published: March 2014

Although the grey forecasting model has been successfully employed in various fields and demonstrates promising results, the literature shows that its performance could still be improved. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to continue the investigation and derive three hybrid models to predict grain production in China by combining particle swarm optimization (PSO) with the grey linear power index model, the grey logarithm power model and the grey parabola power model. In grey modelling, the use of PSO had the ability to search optimum grey parameters to construct three improved derivative grey models. The results concluded that the improved optimization models with high precision were superior to the traditional models, and PSO contributed more to precision improvement of the three grey models. Furthermore, results from the experiments demonstrated that the optimized models were reliable and valid.
VIII.—Estuarine Development and Sediment Distribution, with particular reference to the Tay
Authors: McManus J.
Published: March 2014

Synopsis

Estuarine development was contemporaneous with the onset of glaciation. In the Tay estuary fluvial erosion dominated the downcutting, with minor glacial modification; in the Forth estuary glacial scouring dominated the erosion of rockhead.

Extensive subsurface exploration in connection with road improvement and foundations for bridge building and electricity pylon construction have yielded information on the fill of the Tay and Earn valleys. In addition to geophysical investigations the surveys include boreholes along a 20 km long section from Kinfauns to Longforgan, revealing deposition of lodgement tills followed by Arctic Clays, believed to have been deposited partly from floating ice. Above it are coarse sands and gravels, perhaps outwash deposits. Both were deeply dissected during a fall of sea level associated with a channel cut to − 37 m O.D. at Dundee.

Erosion and marine planation during lowered sea levels produced laterally extensive buried gravels.

A rise of sea level led to burial of the eroded surface by early estuarine sediments which become finer upwards and terminate in peats, dated at 8500 b.p. Further erosion was followed by a second phase of estuarine sedimentation. This produced the carse deposuts whose terminal peats accumulated at 5500 b.p.

The modern estuarial deposits partly bury those of the two preceding estuaries, which exert a major control on the migrations and depth of the modern channels.
XII.—The Quality of the Forth Estuary (2)
Authors: Covill R.W.
Published: March 2014

Synopsis

The introduction indicates the legal position relative to the control of discharges to the Forth estuary. Details are given of the volumes of the known sources of pollution, in 1958; chemical, bacteriological and biological data then follow relative to a survey carried out in August and September of that year. The conclusions, drawn from the 1958 Survey, emphasised the gross pollution existing at that time, and suggested methods whereby the pollution might be reduced. Section 4 of the paper discusses the results of chemical, biological, bacteriological and hydrographical surveys carried out since 1962. The results stress the deterioration in conditions in the estuary compared with the earlier survey, and in particular, the lower dissolved oxygen concentration in inshore waters and the increase in the Coliform and Escherichia coli counts in certain areas. Isolation of Salmonella species implies the possible health hazards existing at the present time. Work so far carried out in respect of the determination of heavy metal concentrations in core samples taken in the intertidal zone along the shore has indicated relatively high concentrations of certain metals and their effect on the ecology of the estuary has yet to be fully assessed. Float tests made over a period emphasise the tendency for the sewage discharges to be confined to inshore waters, resulting in the gross pollution of certain beaches. Present information stresses the need for the continuance of the monitoring programme.
The Distribution of Medusae in the Scottish Area
Authors: Fraser J. H.
Published: March 2014

Synopsis

The distribution of about 80 species of medusae from the Scottish and neighbouring areas over the periods 1935–1939 and 1946–1968 is given. A method of charting has been adopted to give an average picture over the 28-year period so as to reduce as far as possible the effects of variations in annual and seasonal sampling intensity. When the occurrence of a species has, in any one year, been particularly different from the average this has been noted in the text and it is hoped that the average picture given here can be used as a basis for comparison in future years.
The Structure and Physical Environment of Loch Leven, Scotland
Authors: Smith I. R.
Published: March 2014

Synopsis

This paper describes the environment, structure and internal physical conditions of the loch. The first section deals with structure, land use and climate of the catchment area. The structure of the loch itself is then considered together with a brief description of the sediments. The bulk of the paper is devoted to the effect of sun, rain and wind on the loch, e.g., radiation and water temperature, water balance and hydraulic conditions. It ends with a summary of the influence of environmental factors on phytoplankton production and higher trophic levels.
Waterfowl at Loch Leven, Kinross
Authors: Allison A. , Newton I.
Published: March 2014

Synopsis

A large water surface, suitable islands for nesting, extensive shallows, rich adjoining farmland and comparative peace help to make Loch Leven internationally important for waterfowl. It has long held the largest concentration of breeding ducks in Britain, consisting in 1966–72 mainly of tufted duck (500–600 pairs) and mallard (400–450 pairs), but also of gadwall (20–30 pairs), wigeon (25–30 pairs), shelduck (5–18 pairs), shoveller (up to 10 pairs) and teal (up to 10 pairs). In winter, it was important for mallard, teal, pochard and in some years for shoveler, and held good numbers of wigeon and goldeneye. These various species differed in the proportion of their food which they obtained from the loch itself. The loch also acted as a winter roost for up to 5000 greylag geese, up to 12 500 pinkfeet and up to 430 whooper swans, all of which fed entirely in nearby fields. The numbers of most species underwent regular seasonal fluctuations, with peaks and troughs in the same months each year; but different species reached peak numbers in different months. In general, waterfowl numbers were greatest in autumn, when the loch held up to 20 000 birds.

The status of several species at the loch has changed markedly during the last 100 years. Some such changes were linked with general changes in the ranges and status of the species concerned, but other (more recent) ones with the reduction in macrophytes following eutrophication.
IV.—The Storage of Red Cells
Authors: Blagdon J.
Published: March 2014

In 1967 when Tullis opened a discussion on ‘Methods and standards of blood transfusion’ he said that the discovery of citrate, which made it possible to store blood for a few days before transfusion, was perhaps the worst step that ever took place, because it made it possible for clinicians to abuse blood. Now they could collect it in a bottle, put it in a refrigerator for a few days and fully inactivate many labile components such as platelets, anti-haemophilic globulin, leucocytes and lipoproteins [1].

When blood is stored prior to transfusion there is a deterioration in the viability of the red cell in addition to other components. This has been assessed mainly on the post-transfusion survival, but in recent years more interest has been shown in the oxygen-carrying capacity.
IX.—Clinical Uses of Albumin
Authors: Davison Alex. M.
Published: March 2014

Plasma fractionation has provided a number of materials which may be used to treat conditions in which whole blood would be of little or no value. It was in 1944 that Cohn and his co-workers published a series of papers on plasma fractionation (Cohn et al. 1944) and in the same year Janeway and his colleagues first suggested the use of albumin in hypoproteinaemic states (Janeway et al. 1944). Since then many accounts of the treatment of generalised oedema have mentioned the employment of salt-poor albumin as an adjunct to therapy (Chamberlain et al. 1966; Garnet and Webber 1967; Silverberg and Kjellstrand 1968; Snashall 1971), but no attempt has been made recently to evaluate the place of albumin in such patients.
A new computation method for the force-closure workspace of cable-driven parallel manipulators
Authors: Ouyang Bo , Shang Wei-Wei
Published: March 2014

For cable-driven parallel manipulators (CDPMs), it is known that maintaining positive cable tension is critical in constraining the moving platform. Hence, the force-closure workspace of CDPMs represents a set of poses where the cable tensions can balance arbitrary external wrench applied on the moving platform, proposed by researchers. A new computation method for the force-closure workspace of CDPMs is developed in this paper, and the new method is realized by calculating the null space of the structure matrix and solving the linear matrix inequalities. The detailed calculation procedures of the force-closure workspace for the incompletely restrained, completely restrained, and redundantly restrained CDPMs are given, respectively, and the advantages of the new method are analyzed according to the time complexity. The simulation experiments of the force-closure workspace computation are implemented on a six-degree of freedom (6-DOF) CDPM with eight cables, and then the superiority of the new method over the existing algorithm is studied.
Feedback control for compass-like biped robot with underactuated ankles using transverse coordinate transformation
Authors: Yan Gangfeng , Tang Chong , Lin Zhiyun , Malloci Ivan
Published: March 2014

This paper deals with the walking control problem of a compass-like biped robot with underactuated ankles in the framework of hybrid control systems. The compass-like biped robot is equipped with a constraint mechanism to lock the hip angle when the swing leg retracts. First, based on the Poincare return map, a limit cycle gait is obtained, and the stability of the gait is also checked. Then, a method based on transverse coordinate transformation is introduced to transform the problem of tracking a desired limit cycle into the stabilization problem of a linear time-invariant impulsive system. A feedback control design for stabilizing the walking gait is then presented. Finally, comparisons to several existing approaches for the similar model are provided to demonstrate the advantages of our proposed approach.
A comparison of the patterns of movement between indigenous and displaced brown trout (Salmo trutta L) in a small shallow loch
Authors: Tytler P. , Machin D. , Holliday F. G. T. , Priede I. G.
Published: March 2014

Synopsis

The patterns of movements of indigenous and displaced trout (Salmo trutta) in a small loch were obtained by ultrasonic tracking techniques. Comparisons of these were made by developing stochastic simulations of their movements based on an analysis of the frequency distributions of step lengths, angles of turn and the percentage time spent actively swimming.

The dispersal and escape of displaced fish from an unfamiliar area of the loch can be explained principally in terms of random turning. Nose plugging appears to influence the distribution of the angles of turn without significantly altering the time taken to escape and return home.

Indigenous trout show a strong preference for turns of 180°, indicating a tendency to turn in their tracks. Although a simulation of the indigenous fish shows slower dispersion than displaced fish, it is insufficient to explain the containment of movement within a home range. It is probable that successive steps are not independent and there may be some association between step lengths and subsequent angles of turn. The implications of their autocorrelation are discussed.
Energy flow in the flora and meiofauna of sandy beaches
Authors: Munro A. L. S. , Wells J. B. J. , McIntyre A. D.
Published: March 2014

Synopsis

Investigation of a temperate and tropical beach has shown that, based on chlorophyllaanalyses, an epipsammic diatom population present in the temperate beach is absent in the tropical beach. Comparison of community respiration rates for the two beach populations excluding macrofaunal respiration shows that the tropical beach rates (which were constant over the period January-March) were about 9 times the winter rates of the temperate beach and about twice the summer rates. Annual microbial production is estimated at 15 gC/m2for the temperate beach and 72 gC/m2for the tropical beach. The greatly increased rate of production in the tropical beach was considered to be a function of increased water flow into that beach. In comparison, meiofauna and macrofauna biomass are less in the tropical beach and their respective production likely to be at most no more than in the temperate beach. It is proposed from experimental studies that the failure of animal populations fully to utilise microbial production in sandy beaches is due to the relative degree of exposure stripping significant quantities of microbial growth from this system. This proposal is discussed as a means of explaining mechanisms of control of animal production in sandy beaches.
Seaducks in the Moray Firth: a review of their current status and distribution
Authors: Campbell L. H. , Barrett J. , Barrett C. F.
Published: March 2014

Synopsis

Five species of seaduck were counted in the Moray Firth in 1981/82 and 1982/83. Over 20,000 seaducks were recorded each winter, using at least four different main sites. With the exception of long-tailed duck the majority were found within 5 km of the shore. A review of available data showed that the relative importance of each site varied from year to year and it is argued that the whole firth should be considered as a single large site. This site is shown to hold the largest numbers of seaduck in Britain and to be of international importance for three different species. The vulnerability of seaduck flocks to oil pollution in this area may be greater than that of other seabirds.
Pollution control and environmental planning for the Beatrice Oilfield and Nigg Oil Terminal
Authors: Shaw D. M. , Batt S.
Published: March 2014

Synopsis

The Beatrice Field development presented particular challenges in the area of environmental protection. Planning and development consents were greatly dependent on the development of a viable and credible environmental protection plan. The overall plan was based on an impact study followed by baseline environmental studies which formed the basis for a continuing monitoring programme. The scope of this is summarised and the scope and extent of plans for pollution prevention and control described.
Hydrocarbon and pollutant levels in the Cromarty Firth
Authors: Brown J. S.
Published: March 2014

Synopsis

Data on hydrocarbon levels in sediments and waters of the Cromarty Firth are presented for samples collected during the period 1979–81. Use of this data as a baseline for subsequent studies on hydrocarbon levels in the firth is discussed. Data are presented on organic pollution of the firth by industrial and domestic wastes and on a chronic pollution incident involving polychlorinated biphenyls. In general, hydrocarbon levels are low and have remained low with increasing industrial expansion on the shores of the firth. Organic pollution is localised but significant. Pollution from polychlorinated biphenyls appears to be diminishing but requires further investigation.
Changes in hepatitis C virus genotype distribution in Japan
Authors: TOYODA H. , KUMADA T. , TAKAGUCHI K. , SHIMADA N. , TANAKA J.
Published: March 2014

Genotypes are associated with the natural course of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and response to antiviral therapy for HCV. HCV genotype 1b has been the dominant genotype in Japan, where the prevention of HCV transmission through blood transfusion or nosocomial infection has been established since 1990. The distribution of HCV genotype was investigated based on patient's birth year in 5515 HCV-infected Japanese individuals at three institutions from different areas of Japan. At all three institutions, the proportion of HCV genotype 1b decreased and was <50% in individuals born after 1970. By contrast, the percentage of HCV genotype 2b increased in subsequent birth cohorts after 1920–1929. Significant changes in HCV genotype distribution were observed across Japan regardless of area.