Digital surface models are not always representative of former glacier beds: palaeoglaciological and geomorphological implications

Quantitative palaeoglaciological studies that use digital surface models (DSMs) may be subject to error because former glacier beds are not always accurately represented. This is because the Earth's surface may have changed significantly since deglaciation. This paper evaluates some of the potential errors caused by postglacial sedimentation, by comparing the results of physical palaeoglaciological reconstructions and bedform morphometric analyses in parts of Scotland, using both the modern land surface and interpolated former glacier beds derived from borehole data. For a former terrestrial outlet glacier, removal of postglacial sediments increases the modelled ice surface elevation and ice thickness by 0.7% and 5%, respectively, over a 27-km flow line. For a former tidewater glacier, the reconstructed steady state ice flux is increased by 250% when the modern land/seabed surface is replaced with an interpolated former glacier bed. In a classical drumlinised landscape, removal of postglacial sediments affects bedform morphometrics, with an increase in measured drumlin length, width, relief, and volume. The cases presented in this paper are from environments known to have experienced postglacial sedimentation. They provide situational examples of the degree of error that can be introduced when the modern land surface is used to represent former glacier beds in these environments. In some regions, sufficient subsurface data exists over large areas to create improved topographic representations of former glacier beds; these could form important inputs to the next generation of palaeo-ice-sheet and palaeo-glacier simulations

Characterisation of phosphodiesterase 11 in Drosophila melanogaster

The PDE 11 family of dual specificity phosphodiesterases was first identified in 2000, and has not been well characterised, although mutations in the gene have been linked to multiple disorders, including major depressive disorder, and cancer. DmPDE11 is a dual specificity phosphodiesterase, which shows 96% similarity with the catalytic domain of HsPDE11A, and around 40% similarity along the length of the protein. The focus of this project was to characterise this important enzyme using the model organism Drosophila melanogaster. The resources available to Drosophila researchers are unrivalled, and include a sequenced genome, unparalleled transgenic technology, of which stocks are freely available, and Homophila, a database of human disease genes and their Drosophila orthologues. Drosophila is genetically tractable to an extent not seen in any other multicellular organisms. The genetic dissection of gene function in Drosophila has allowed the identification and characterisation of numerous cell signalling genes. For example, mutations to Dunce were shown to affect olfactory learning. This allowed the identification and cloning of the mammalian dnc homologue PDE4. cAMP (and cGMP) were subsequently shown to modulate learning and memory in mammals. The 5.8 kb expressed sequence tag (EST) SD13096 had previously been shown to contain sequence present in the incomplete PDE11 RA ESTs previously released by Flybase, but also incorporating a 5’ UTR, and an in-frame start codon within two novel 5’ exons. A Northern blot of DmPDE11 RA produced one band of approximately 5.8kb; as this matches the size of the DmPDE11 RA ORF, was accepted that SD13096 encodes the entire PDE11 RA ORF (Day, unpublished). Expression of this EST in S2 cells revealed that the construct produced a protein of the accepted size, and the protein localised to the cytoplasm. However, PDE assays of S2 cell lysate revealed that the enzyme did not appear to encode an enzyme with either cA- or cG-PDE activity. DmPDE11 RA was replaced on Flybase by the new isoforms DmPDE11 RB and DmPDE11 RC, which had two key changes to the RA isoform. Both new isoforms had different N termini, sharing a second exon, with distinct first exons. Furthermore, exon 11 of the RA exon is not present in the newly predicted isoforms. These new isoforms were verified by reverse transcriptase- polymerase chain reaction analysis. In the course of this verification, two further novel isoforms were identified, which shared the novel N termini with the RB and RC isoforms, but include a novel exon/exon boundary within the original exon 19, which results in a truncated isoform. As such the four isoforms were named DmPDE11 RB long, DmPDE11 RB short, DmPDE11 RC long, and DmPDE11 RC short. The open reading frames of these isoforms were cloned from Drosophila cDNA using high-fidelity DNA polymerase and sequenced for fidelity. The open reading frames were tagged with YFP, and this tag was used to verify expression of these isoforms. Each isoform expressed a protein of the predicted size when expressed in Drosophila. DmPDE11 B and C proteins show distinct localisation in the Malpighian tubule, where the long and short isoforms of each isoform display indistinguishable localisations. DmPDE11 B localises to the apical and basolateral membranes, and DmPDE11 C localises to an unknown organelle, or to vesicles. All 4 isoforms were verified as dual specificity cA- and cG- PDEs. The previous finding (Day, unpublished) that DmPDE11 co-immunoprecipitates with cGMP dependent protein kinase activity, and that cGMP dependent protein kinases co-immunoprecipitate with cG-PDE activity, and thus that cG-PDE(s) interact with at least one cGMP dependent protein kinase, directly or indirectly, was investigated. DmPDE11 C long and short were co-transfected in Schneider 2 cells with the cGKs DG1, DG2P1 and DG2P2. Co-immunoprecipitation of these showed that both the long and short isoforms of DmPDE11 C interact with every cGK screened. Time did not permit the application of this protocol to screen DmPDE11 B interaction with the cGKs. Whether this interaction is direct or indirect was screened by peptide array. Peptide arrays were generated representing the sequence of DmPDE11, DG1, and DG2, and proteins were generated fusing fragments of these proteins with HIS6 and Glutathione-S-Transferase tags. These were expressed in E. coli, and verified by western blotting. HIS6 tagged protein expression was shown to be of higher quality, and was thus affinity purified, and used to overlay and probe the peptide arrays for putative direct interactions. When the PDE11 array was overlaid with tagged protein representing the C terminal half of DG1, and the N and C terminal halves of DG2, a putative direct interaction was identified between DG1 and PDE11 on two separate regions of the PDE11 array, which both fell within the sequence of PDE11 represented by the Middle-HIS6 fragment. As such, this was used to probe the PDE11 array. A reciprocal putative interaction was identified on three regions of the DG1 array, representing sequence in both DG1N-HIS6 and DG1C-HIS6 fragments. Unfortunately, although DG1-HIS6 was verified by western blotting at the analytical stage, attempts to affinity purify the protein failed. Time did not permit the probing of the array with DG1N-GST fusion protein, and so further putative interaction sites on PDE11 may remain. The generation of alanine substitution arrays, and subsequent mutagenesis analysis with yeast two hybrid or co-immunoprecipitation would be necessary to confirm this direct protein-protein interaction as bona-fide. The investigation into a putative direct interaction between PDE11 and DG2 did not yield conclusive data, and so further investigation is required. The role of DmPDE11 in immunity was investigated by the use of DmPDE11 RNAi and deletion lines. The DmPDE11 deletion line showed a qualitative reduction in survival in individual survival assays, but when these data were merged a significant decrease in survival compared to controls was seen. However, fly numbers did not permit the inclusion of all of the necessary controls, and so these assays should be repeated with these. However, upon immune challenge, progeny from a DmPDE11 RNAi (line 9) x Act5c (a ubiquitous GAL4 driver line) cross did not show a decrease in survival compared to parental lines. Transgenic Drosophila expressing H. sapiens PDE11A3 were generated. The protein localised to the nucleus at low levels of protein; increased expression led to nuclear exclusion, and localisation to the basolateral and especially apical membranes, with cytosolic localisation also. The work has provided the tools needed to further research PDE11. The implication of this gene as a tumour suppressor gene, and its role in other processes, means that it is of the utmost importance that this enzyme is further characterised

Glacial conditioning and paraglacial sediment reworking in Glen Croe (the Rest and be Thankful), western Scotland

Glen Croe, located near the western edge of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, is a well-known landslide hazard site in Scotland. Debris flows have repeatedly closed the A83 Rest and be Thankful road that passes through the valley, and considerable investment has been directed towards hazard risk reduction. However, little research has focused on the former glaciation and paraglacial response that have played an important role in governing current landscape processes at the site. This paper addresses the knowledge gap by investigating the glacial processes that have shaped and conditioned Glen Croe, and pathways that have characterised subsequent paraglacial sediment transfer. The large-scale valley form results from watershed breaching and interaction between glacier erosion and paraglacial rock slope failures. The distribution of thick glacigenic sediment is conditioned by deposition at former lateral ice margins, which was influenced by topography. Sediment reworking has resulted in accumulation of debris cones and alluvial fans in the upper part of the catchment, and growth of a delta at the outlet. Spatial connectivity mapping supports an interpretation whereby upper Glen Croe is poorly connected to the valley outlet, influencing sediment storage. In contrast, slopes in the lower part of Glen Croe are well connected. Sediment distribution in Glen Croe fits within the context of glaciated valley and paraglacial landsystems, allowing an understanding of sources and transport pathways. In upland infrastructure corridors this type of information is potentially helpful for understanding how landscapes might be affected by renewed sediment reworking under altered threshold conditions

US Arms for China-- A New Look

In the fall of 1975 Michael Pillsbury, an analyst with the Rand Corporation, authored an article in Foreign Affairs that examined the feasibility and advisability of initiating US military assistance and arms sales to the People\u27s Republic of China ( PRC) .1 This article produced a plethora of scholarly debate and, as could be expected, a strong and negative reaction from the Soviet Union.

Ice dynamics and sediment movement : last glacial cycle, Clyde Basin, Scotland

The nature and behaviour of sediment beneath glaciers influences how they flow and respond to changing environmental conditions. The difficulty of accessing the bed of current glaciers is a key constraint to studying the processes involved. This paper explores an alternative approach by relating sediments under the beds of former mid-latitude ice sheets to changing ice behaviour during a glacial cycle. The paper focuses on the partly marine-based Pleistocene British-Irish ice sheet in the Clyde basin, Scotland. A three-dimensional computation of subsurface glacial sediment distribution is derived from 1260 borehole logs. Sediment distribution is linked to an empirically based reconstruction of ice-sheet evolution, permitting identification of distinctive phases of sedimentation. Maximum sediment mobilization and till deposition (∼0.04 m a-1) occurred during ice advance into the basin from adjacent uplands. Transport distances were generally short. Subglacial processes were influenced locally by the relative stiffness of pre-existing sediments, the permeability of the sub-till lithology, and topography; the resulting mean till thickness is 7.7 m with a high standard deviation of 7.0 m. In places, focused till deposition sealed pre-existing permeable substrates, promoting lower effective pressures. Sediment remobilization by meltwater was a key process as ice margins retreated through the basin

The feasibility and acceptability of using the Mother-Generated Index (MGI) as a Patient Reported Outcome Measure in a randomised controlled trial of maternity care

Background: Using patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) to assess Quality of Life (QoL) is well established, but commonly-used PROM item-sets do not necessarily capture what all respondents consider important. Measuring complex constructs is particularly difficult in randomised controlled trials (RCTs). The Mother-Generated Index (MGI) is a validated antenatal and postnatal QoL instrument in which the variables and scores are completely respondent-driven. This paper reports on the feasibility and acceptability of the MGI in an RCT, and compares the resulting variables and QoL scores with more commonly used instruments. Methods: The single-page MGI was included at the end of a ten page questionnaire pack and posted to the RCT participants at baseline (28-32 weeks' gestation) and follow-up (six weeks postnatal). Feasibility and acceptability were assessed by ease of administration, data entry and completion rates. Variables cited by women were analysed thematically. MGI QoL scores were compared with outcomes from the EQ-5D-3 L; Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale; Satisfaction With Life Scale; and State Trait Anxiety Inventory. Results: Six hundred and seventy eight pregnant women returned the pack at baseline; 668 completed the MGI (98.5 %); 383/400 returns at follow up included a completed MGI (95.7 %). Quantitative data were scanned into SPSS using a standard data scanning system, and were largely error-free; qualitative data were entered manually. The variables recorded by participants on the MGI forms incorporated many of those in the comparison instruments, and other outcomes commonly used in intrapartum trials, but they also revealed a wider range of issues affecting their quality of life. These included financial and work-related worries; moving house; and concerns over family illness and pets. The MGI scores demonstrated low-to-moderate correlation with other tools (all r values p &lt;.01). Conclusions: Without face-to-face explanation and at the end of a long questionnaire, the MGI was feasible to use, and acceptable to RCT participants. It allowed individual participants to include issues that were important to them, but which are not well captured by existing tools. The MGI unites the explanatory power of qualitative research with the comparative power of quantitative designs, is inexpensive to administer, and requires minimal linguistic and conceptual translation. Trial registration: ISRCTN27575146 (date assigned 23 March 2011)</p

A risk-based approach to shelter resilience following flood and typhoon damage in rural Philippines

The Philippines is exposed to numerous typhoons every year, each of which poses a potential threat to livelihoods, shelter, and in some cases life. Flooding caused by such events leads to extensive damage to land and buildings, and the impact on rural communities can be severe. The global community is calling for action to address and achieve disaster risk reduction for communities and people exposed to such events. Achieving this requires an understanding of the nature of the risks that flooding and typhoons pose to these communities and their homes. This paper presents the findings from a field based case study assessment of three rural settlements in the Philippines, where typhoons and associated flooding in recent years has caused significant damage to houses and livelihoods, leading to the reconstruction of homes that more often than not reproduce similar structural vulnerabilities as were there before these hazards occurred. This work presents a methodology for risk assessment of such structures profiling the flood and wind hazards and measuring physical vulnerability and the experience of communities affected. The aim of the work is to demonstrate a method for identifying risks in these communities, and seeks to address the challenge faced by practitioners of assisting communities in rebuilding their homes in more resilient ways. The work set out here contributes to the discussion about how best to enable practitioners and communities to achieve the sought for risk reduction and especially highlights the role that geoscience and engineering can have in achieving this ambition

Geomorphology and dynamics of the British-Irish Ice Sheet in western Scotland

Predicting the long-term behaviour of present-day ice sheets is hampered by the short timescales of our observations and restricted knowledge of the subglacial environment. Studying palaeoice sheets can help by revealing the nature and amplitude of past centennial- to millennial-scale ice sheet change. This thesis uses glacial sediments and landforms to examine the evolution of the partly marine-based British-Irish Ice Sheet (BIIS) and its bed, in western Scotland. Three zones of the former BIIS are considered: ranging from a mountain ice cap, to a core area of the ice sheet, to a peripheral marine-terminating sector. The topography of the subglacial landscape was an important in uence on the location of dynamic and stable components of the ice sheet. At an ice cap scale, zones of glacier inception and retreat were linked to catchment elevation and size. At the ice sheet scale, the migration of ice divides and thermal boundaries were focused through corridors of low relief subglacial topography. The main west-east ice divide of the BIIS in central Scotland migrated by 60 km, 10% of the ice sheet's width, through one such corridor during the glacial cycle. A major change in the ow regime of the BIIS in western Scotland accompanied the development of a marine-based sector on the Malin Shelf. As the BIIS advanced to the shelf edge, ice ow was drawn westwards { orthogonal to the earlier, geologically controlled, ow pattern. Retreat of the BIIS from the shelf edge occurred at an average rate of 10 m a-1, but was punctuated by at least one episode of accelerated retreat at 100 m a-1. In each zone of the BIIS examined, a rich palimpsest landscape is preserved and the role of earlier glaciations in conditioning or priming the landscape is highlighted. Western Scotland in particular is dominated by features relating to a 'restricted' mountain ice sheet, suggested to have been the prevailing ice sheet mode during the Early and Middle Quaternary. Where the last BIIS was underlain by soft sediments, glacier movement at the bed was facilitated by a combination of basal sliding and a localised mosaic of shallow deforming spots, allowing landform and sediment preservation. In places, till deposition was focused over permeable substrates acting to seal the bed, promote lower e ective pressures, and enhance motion by basal sliding. The modern land surface in western Scotland provides an approximation for the relief of the former glacier bed, and can be used for conceptual palaeoglaciological reconstructions. Areas of focused postglacial deposition have, however, obscured parts of the ice sheet bed, with demonstrable implications for quantitative palaeoglaciological analyses. Methods to improve the representation of former ice sheet bed in these areas are discussed and may be pertinent to future palaeo-ice sheet modelling exercises

Fully Point-wise Convolutional Neural Network for Modeling Statistical Regularities in Natural Images

Modeling statistical regularity plays an essential role in ill-posed image processing problems. Recently, deep learning based methods have been presented to implicitly learn statistical representation of pixel distributions in natural images and leverage it as a constraint to facilitate subsequent tasks, such as color constancy and image dehazing. However, the existing CNN architecture is prone to variability and diversity of pixel intensity within and between local regions, which may result in inaccurate statistical representation. To address this problem, this paper presents a novel fully point-wise CNN architecture for modeling statistical regularities in natural images. Specifically, we propose to randomly shuffle the pixels in the origin images and leverage the shuffled image as input to make CNN more concerned with the statistical properties. Moreover, since the pixels in the shuffled image are independent identically distributed, we can replace all the large convolution kernels in CNN with point-wise ($1*1$) convolution kernels while maintaining the representation ability. Experimental results on two applications: color constancy and image dehazing, demonstrate the superiority of our proposed network over the existing architectures, i.e., using 1/10$\sim$1/100 network parameters and computational cost while achieving comparable performance.Comment: 9 pages, 7 figures. To appear in ACM MM 201

Experiments with regulations & markets linking upstream tree plantations with downstream water users

Land-use change in upper catchments impact downstream water flows. As trees use large amounts of water the expansion of upstream plantations can substantially reduce water availability to downstream users. There can also be impacts on downstream salinity due to reduced dilution flows. In some jurisdictions afforestation requires the purchase of water rights from downstream holders, while in others it does not, effectively handing the water rights to the upstream landholders. We consider the economic efficiency and equity (profitability and distributional) consequences of upstream land use change in the presence of a water market under alternate property rights regimes and different salinity scenarios.experimental-economics, tree-plantations, environmental-services, urban, irrigation, stock & domestic, water use, land use,