The association of cobalt with iron and manganese (oxyhydr)oxides in marine sediment.

Formation and dissolution of authigenic Fe and Mn (oxyhydr)oxides influence cycling of trace metals in oxic/suboxic surface sediments.We used the diffusive gradients in thin films technique (DGT) to estimate the association of cobalt with iron and manganese oxides. We compared Co, Fe and Mn maxima measured by DGT in the pore waters of fresh and aged marine sediment cores and estimated the Co/Fe and Co/Mn ratios in the metal oxides. A Mn maximum was not visible in DGT concentration profiles of freshly collected sediment cores, but after ageing the sediment we observed a distinct Mn peak, presumably due to broadening of the depth range over which the various electron acceptors occur. Estimated Co/Mn ratios from both experiments are within the range of literature values for marine sediments, but the value from the aged experiment is at the lower end of the range. This is attributed to stimulation of sulphate reduction and precipitation of cobalt sulfides. The good correlation between Co and Fe maxima in the fresh sediments is attributed to the similarity of their reactions with sulphide rather than Co being released during authigenic Fe oxide reduction

The measurement of the natural potential of sites in the Eastern Highlands of Scotland for downhill skiing

SIGLEAvailable from British Library Document Supply Centre- DSC:D66382/86 / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreGBUnited Kingdo

A Comparison of Predation Rates on Real and Artificial Nests of Grassland Birds

I compared rates of predation between real and artificial nests of grassland birds in order to test the impact of nest type, nest position, and egg size on predation rates. I distributed wicker avicultural baskets and realistic grass nests baited with a clay egg and either northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) or house sparrow (Passer domesticus) eggs in four Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) grasslands in east-central Illinois. Nest success averaged 86.5% for 12 days of exposure for artificial nests. For real nests, nest success was markedly lower; averaging 39% over the entire nesting cycle and 59% during approximately 12 days of incubation. Wicker nests were depredated more often than realistic grass artificial nests (18% versus 8%), and nests baited with house sparrow eggs were depredated more often than nests baited with quail eggs (22% versus 9%). Elevated and ground nests were depredated at the same rate. No edge effects were detected for real or artificial nests at road, rowcrop, or wooded edges. Patterns of nest predation on wicker nests were markedly different from depredation patterns on real nests over time and among fields. In contrast, patterns of nest predation on realistic grass artificial nests corresponded much more closely with predation rates of real nests over time and among fields. I suggest that future artificial nest studies use nests and eggs that mimic as closely as possible the real nests and eggs of target species. Use of unrealistic artificial nests and eggs, at least in grasslands, may result in patterns of predation that do not accurately reflect the variation in predation rates over time and locations for real nests

The Narrative of Flippy Johnson: The Three Act Structure - Criticisms and Alternatives Script and Script Analysis

In this feature screenplay, I have incorporated the complexities of an intertwining multi-strand narrative, while manipulating the materials of time and space. This has enabled me to begin my exploration into finding a suitable structure in which to tell a story that features a number of characters, all of whom are intended to represent some of human nature's darkest emotions. I have attempted to distinguish my script from the standard three-act structure. However, I do believe it is a fundamental requirement to know all the rules of a classical three-act structure in order to subvert its conventions. The three-act structure has long been a successful model for transmitting a story to the screen. It has provided the basis for many a film where a character triumphs over adversity; where good defeats bad and heroes fall in love. But what about characters that are not heroes? Protagonists who cannot be defined under the even broadest definition of heroism? Can these people thrive within the strict guidelines of a three-act structure, with its strong reliance on a hero's journey? Is there an alternative structure that can deal with these characters, a structure that can incorporate them in a narrative? This MA will attempt to answer these questions, while also investigating if the materials of time and space can be manipulated and understood when working outside the guidelines of a formulaic structure. The materials of time and space are unique to all films and they are both dealt with in different ways by screenwriters and filmmakers alike. Temporal and spatial characteristics have been studied in depth by many critics including, of particular importance to this MA, David Bordwell. Bordwell has used time and space as a way of making sense of narrative and of engaging with a film. This is something that I am attempting to achieve in the following script and commentary. Furthermore, I will try to articulate the manipulation of time and space, with the challenges of multiple strands of narrative and multiple protagonists

Predation Rates on Real and Artificial Nests of Grassland Birds

We estimated nesting success at real and artificial nests of grassland birds to test the influence of nest type, nest position, and egg size on predation rates. We distributed wicker nests and realistic woven-grass nests baited with a clay egg and either a Northern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) egg or a House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) egg in four grasslands that were part of the Conservation Reserve Program in east-central Illinois. Nesting success averaged 86.5% for 12 days of exposure for artificial nests. For real nests, nesting success was markedly lower, averaging 39% over the entire nesting cycle and 59% during approximately 12 days of incubation. Wicker nests were depredated more often than wovengrass artificial nests (18% vs. 8%), and nests baited with House Sparrow eggs were depredated more often than nests baited with Northern Bobwhite eggs (22% vs. 9% ). Elevated and ground nests were depredated at the same rate. Patterns of nest predation on wicker nests were markedly different from depredation patterns on real nests over time and among fields. In contrast, patterns of nest predation on realistic woven-grass nests corresponded much more closely with predation rates of real nests over time and among fields. We suggest that future artificial nest studies use nests and eggs that mimic as closely as possible the real nests and eggs of target species. Use of unrealistic artificial nests and eggs, at least in grasslands, may result in patterns of predation that do not accurately reflect those of real nests. Artificial nests of any type appear to underestimate predation rates on nests of grassland birds, possibly because of a lack of snake predation on artificial nests

Blood pressure variability following ischaemic stroke

Variability in blood pressure (BP) may influence ischaemic stroke outcomes in addition to mean BP. However, how best to measure BP variability (BPV) and whether different measurements are equivalent is unknown, as is whether treatment can reduce BPV. This thesis aimed to investigate relationships between BP and BPV measurements from different devices in patients with ischaemic cerebrovascular disease, relationships between BPV and stroke severity, and whether antihypertensive medications can reduce BPV. Three trials that recruited patients following an ischaemic cerebrovascular event provided data. Correlations and limits of agreement between mean BP and BPV from different measurement devices were assessed. Relationships between baseline BPV and stroke severity were investigated, along with differences in baseline BPV in those treated with calcium channel blockers (CCB) or renin-angiotensin system inhibitors. A feasibility trial was developed to compare the effects of these medication classes on reduction of BPV post stroke. BP from daytime ambulatory monitoring was significantly lower than home BP monitoring and BPV values from different devices were unrelated. There was an inverse relationship between baseline BPV and stroke severity, with BPV increased in lacunar infarction. There was no difference in baseline BPV with the medication regimens specified above. Recruitment to the feasibility trial was insufficient due to patient ineligibility, but a reduction in BPV over three month follow-up was demonstrated. In patients with ischaemic cerebrovascular disease, BP and BPV recorded using different devices are not equivalent. Work to standardise BPV measurement and establish if any method is clinically superior is required. Treatment to reduce BPV may particularly benefit certain stroke patients, yet establishing that it is possible to target BPV, and doing so improves outcomes, is prerequisite. The feasibility trial in this thesis requires modification to be scaled up, but a definitive trial could be successful if recruitment were improved

Blood pressure differences between home monitoring and daytime ambulatory values and their reproducibility in treated hypertensive stroke and TIA patients

Background: Guidelines recommend ambulatory or home blood pressure monitoring to improve hypertension diagnosis and monitoring. Both these methods are ascribed the same threshold values, but whether they produce similar results has not been established in certain patient groups. Methods: Adults with mild/moderate stroke or transient ischemic attack (N = 80) completed 2 sets of ambulatory and home blood pressure monitoring. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure values from contemporaneous measurements were compared, and the limits of agreement were assessed. Exploratory analyses for predictive factors of any difference were conducted. Results: Daytime ambulatory blood pressure values were consistently lower than home values, the mean difference in systolic blood pressure for initial ambulatory versus first home monitoring was −6.6 ± 13.5 mm Hg (P≤.001), and final ambulatory versus second home monitoring was −7.1 ± 11.0mm Hg (P≤.001). Mean diastolic blood pressure differences were −2.1 ± 8.5mm Hg (P=.03) and −2.0 ± 7.2mm Hg (P=.02). Limits of agreement for systolic blood pressure were −33.0 to 19.9mm Hg and −28.7 to 14.5mm Hg for the 2 comparisons and for DBP were −18.8 to 14.5mm Hg and −16.1 to 12.2mm Hg, respectively. The individual mean change in systolic blood pressure difference was 11.0 ± 8.3mm Hg across the 2 comparisons. No predictive factors for these differences were identified. Conclusions: Daytime ambulatory systolic and diastolic blood pressure values were significantly lower than home monitored values at both time points. Differences between the 2 methods were not reproducible for individuals. Using the same threshold value for both out-of-office measurement methods may not be appropriate in patients with cerebrovascular disease

Randomised controlled trial of a Calcium Channel or Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitor/Angiotensin Receptor Blocker Regime to Reduce Blood Pressure Variability following Ischaemic Stroke (CAARBS): a protocol for a feasibility study

Introduction Raised blood pressure (BP) is common after stroke and is associated with a poor prognosis, yet trials of BP lowering in the immediate poststroke period have not demonstrated a benefit. One possible explanation for this may be that BP variability (BPV) rather than absolute levels predicts outcome, as BPV is increased after stroke and is associated with poor outcomes. Furthermore, there is evidence of distinct antihypertensive class effects on BPV despite similar BP-lowering effects. However, whether BPV in the immediate poststroke period is a therapeutic target has not been prospectively investigated. The objectives of this trial are to assess the feasibility and safety of recruiting patients following an acute ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA) to an interventional randomised controlled trial comparing the effects of two different antihypertensive drug classes on BPV. Secondary exploratory objectives are to assess if different therapeutic strategies have diverse effects on levels of BPV and if this has an impact on outcomes. Methods 150 adult patients with first-ever ischaemic stroke or TIA who require antihypertensive therapy for secondary prevention will be recruited within 7 days of the event from stroke services across three sites. After baseline assessments they will be randomly assigned to treatment with a calcium channel blocker or ACE inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker-based regimen and followed up for a period of three months. Ethics and dissemination Ethical and regulatory approvals have been granted. Dissemination is planned via publication in peer-reviewed medical journals and presentation at relevant conferences. Trial registration number ISRCTN10853487