History-sensitive accumulation rules for life-time prediction under variable loading

This is the post-print version of the article. The official published version can be obtained from the link below - Copyright @ 2011 SpringerA general form of temporal strength conditions under variable creep loading is employed to formulate several new phenomenological accumulation rules based on the constant-loading durability diagram. Unlike the well-known Robinson rule of linear accumulation of partial life-times, the new rules allow to describe the life-time sensibility to the load sequence, observed in experiments. Comparison of the new rules with experimental data shows that they fit the data much more accurately than the Robinson rule

Penumbra: Doctoral support as drama: From the ‘lightside' to the ‘darkside'. From front of house to trapdoors and recesses

Much international doctoral learning research focuses on the personal, institutional and learning support provided by supervisors through supervisory dialogues, managed relationships, and the ‘nudging' of robust, conceptual, critical and creative work. Other work focuses on the stresses experienced in both supervisor-student relationships and the doctoral journey itself. Some considers formal and informal learning communities supporting students on their research journeys, and roles played by families, friends and others, sometimes offering encouragement and sometimes an added stress. However, little has yet been explored, exposed and shared concerning the often unofficial, largely unrecognised range of meaningful others in students' ‘life-worlds', variously supporting their doctoral learning journeys in terms of research, writing and editing. Research, based in experience and interviews with doctoral students and supervisors from UK and international contexts, reveals a wide range of support (termed ‘the penumbra'), both university sanctioned (‘lightside'), as well as less well recognised often unsanctioned support (‘darkside') on the doctoral research and writing learning journey, opening up questions about doctoral student needs, and the range of support provided, both legitimately and well known, and perhaps less legitimately and less well known. This work concentrates in the main on the ‘darkside'

Not playing any more: A qualitative investigation of why amateur musicians cease or continue membership of performing ensembles

The benefits and pleasures of musical participation are reasonably well known, and yet the number of adults engaging in these activities is only a small proportion of those who learn instruments and participate during their school years. This article reports on three linked studies that investigated the experiences of ‘lapsed’ participants: those who had sought out opportunities for playing in adulthood, before deciding to withdraw for a range of reasons. These reasons are explored through the profiles of the ‘enthusiastic returner’, ‘reluctant retiree’, ‘stressed withdrawer’, ‘tired outsider’ and ‘contented reminiscer’, using qualitative data from participant observation, focus groups, questionnaires and interviews with two amateur ensembles in the North Midlands of England. Implications are considered for lifelong musical engagement, ensemble leadership, and future research into musical participation, identity and learning

The JNCC terrestrial biodiversity surveillance schemes: an assessment of coverage

Biodiversity information is needed to provide a sound evidence base for decision-making, including operational needs, statutory reporting requirements and strategic needs. In this study we sought to assess aspects of coverage so as to identify gaps in taxonomic, thematic (habitat) and spatial coverage which might need to be addressed in future

Conformationally restricted calpain inhibitors

The cysteine protease calpain-I is linked to several diseases and is therefore a valuable target for inhibition. Selective inhibition of calpain-I has proved difficult as most compounds target the active site and inhibit a broad spectrum of cysteine proteases as well as other calpain isoforms. Selective inhibitors might not only be potential drugs but should act as tools to explore the physiological and pathophysiological roles of calpain-I. α-Mercaptoacrylic acid based calpain inhibitors are potent, cell permeable and selective inhibitors of calpain-I and calpain-II. These inhibitors target the calcium binding domain PEF(S) of calpain-I and -II. Here X-ray diffraction analysis of co-crystals of PEF(S) revealed that the disulfide form of an α-mercaptoacrylic acid bound within a hydrophobic groove that is also targeted by a calpastatin inhibitory region and made a greater number of favourable interactions with the protein than the reduced sulfhydryl form. Measurement of the inhibitory potency of the α-mercaptoacrylic acids and X-ray crystallography revealed that the IC50 values decreased significantly on oxidation as a consequence of the stereo-electronic properties of disulfide bonds that restrict rotation around the S–S bond. Consequently, thioether analogues inhibited calpain-I with potencies similar to those of the free sulfhydryl forms of α-mercaptoacrylic acids

A subset of malignant mesothelioma tumors retain osteogenic potential

Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is an aggressive serosal tumor associated with asbestos exposure. We previously demonstrated that mesothelial cells differentiate into cells of different mesenchymal lineages and hypothesize that osseous tissue observed in a subset of MM patients is due to local differentiation of MM cells. In this study, the capacity of human and mouse MM cells to differentiate into osteoblast-like cells was determined in vitro using a functional model of bone nodule formation and in vivo using an established model of MM. Human and murine MM cell lines cultured in osteogenic medium expressed alkaline phosphatase and formed mineralized bone-like nodules. Several human and mouse MM cell lines also expressed a number of osteoblast phenotype markers, including runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), osteopontin, osteonectin and bone sialoprotein mRNA and protein. Histological analysis of murine MM tumors identified areas of ossification within the tumor, similar to those observed in human MM biopsies. These data demonstrate the ability of MM to differentiate into another mesenchymal cell type and suggest that MM cells may contribute to the formation of the heterologous elements observed in MM tumors

Ten principles of citizen science

Citizen science, the active participation of the public in scientific research projects, is a rapidly expanding field in open science and open innovation. It provides an integrated model of public knowledge production and engagement with science. As a growing worldwide phenomenon, it is invigorated by evolving new technologies that connect people easily and effectively with the scientific community. Catalysed by citizens’ wishes to be actively involved in scientific processes, as a result of recent societal trends, it also offers contributions to the rise in tertiary education. In addition, citizen science provides a valuable tool for citizens to play a more active role in sustainable development. This book identifies and explains the role of citizen science within innovation in science and society, and as a vibrant and productive science-policy interface. The scope of this volume is global, geared towards identifying solutions and lessons to be applied across science, practice and policy. The chapters consider the role of citizen science in the context of the wider agenda of open science and open innovation, and discuss progress towards responsible research and innovation, two of the most critical aspects of science today

A comprehensive study of the SX Phoenicis star BL Camelopardalis

Astronomy and Astrophysics, v. 451, p. 999-1008, 2006. http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361:20053841International audienc