Behavioural effects of hypersaline exposure on the lobster Homarus gammarus (L) and the crab Cancer pagurus (L)

There is scarce existing information in the literature regarding the responses of any marine species, especially commercially valuable decapod crustaceans, to hypersalinity. Hypersaline discharges due to solute mining and desalination are increasing in temperate areas, hence the behavioural responses of the edible brown crab, Cancer pagurus, and the European lobster, Homarus gammarus, were studied in relation to a marine discharge of highly saline brine using a series of preference tests. Both species had a significant behavioural response to highly saline brine, being able to detect and avoid areas of hypersalinity once their particular threshold salinity was reached (salinity 50 for C. pagurus and salinity 45 for H. gammarus). The presence of shelters had no effect on this response and both species avoided hypersaline areas, even when shelters were provided there. If the salinity of commercial effluent into the marine environment exceeds the behavioural thresholds found here, it is likely that adults of these species will relocate to areas of more favourable salinity. In management terms it is advisable to ensure that any hypersaline discharges are limited to the lowest tolerance of all the economically valuable species in the area to avoid loss of revenue in fishery areas

Extended atmospheres of outer planet satellites and comets

In the third year of this 3-year project, research accomplishments are discussed and related to the overall objective. In the area of the distribution of hydrogen in the Saturn system, new Voyager UVS data have been discovered and are discussed. The data suggest that both Titan's hydrogen torus and Saturn's hydrogen corona play a major role in the circumplanetary gas source. Modeling analysis of this new data establishes a strong basis for continuing studies to be undertaken in a new NASA-sponsored project. In the area of the cometary atmospheres, observational data for H, O, C, and OH acquired with the Pioneer Venus Orbiter are evaluated and preliminary modeling analysis for some of the hydrogen Lyman-alpha data is presented. In addition, the importance of collisional thermalization in spatial properties and structure of the inner and extended comae of comets has been demonstrated using the recently developed particle trajectory model. The successful simulation by this model of the hydrogen Lyman-alpha image for Comet Kohoutec near perihelion, an extreme case for collisional thermalization, is particularly noteworthy

DIY networking as a facilitator for interdisciplinary research on the hybrid city

DIY networking is a technology with special characteristics compared to the public Internet, which holds a unique potential for empowering citizens to shape their hybrid urban space toward conviviality and collective awareness. It can also play the role of a “boundary object” for facilitating interdisciplinary interactions and participatory processes between different actors: researchers, engineers, practitioners, artists, designers, local authorities, and activists. This position paper presents a social learning framework, the DIY networking paradigm, that we aim to put in the centre of the hybrid space design process. We first introduce our individual views on the role of design as discussed in the fields of engineering, urban planning, urban interaction design, design research, and community informatics. We then introduce a simple methodology for combining these diverse perspectives into a meaningful interdisciplinary collaboration, through a series of related events with different structure and framing. We conclude with a short summary of a selection of these events, which serves also as an introduction to the CONTACT workshop on facilitating information sharing between strangers, in the context of the Hybrid City III conference

Chiefdom Ecodynamics and Muisca Cosmology in the Valley of Leiva, Highland Colombia

e of Colombia have been the subject of much speculation and fanciful interpretation for over four centuries Not until recently however has systematic archaeological investigation identified El Infiernito as an astronomicalmeteorological observatory of the ancient Muisca culture Modern surveys have begun to reconstruct the settlement history of the Leiva Valley but little is known about the actual chiefdom community ranked kinship society for the stone observatory or how the it related to other communities in the region Argued to have functioned as a calendar monument recording solar cycles celestial alignments and forecasting weather many alternative interpretations are often uncritically accepted and fuel speculation for a local tourist industry as well as pseudoscientific fantasy No serious study has attempted to ascertain if these monuments connect to anything tangible on the natural and cultural landscapes such as actual water features and specific celestial events In an environment where effective rainfall is often insufficient or inconveniently timed for farming and alluvial farmland subject to intense erosion caused by periodic drought and flooding the cosmological importance of fertility both agricultural and human tied to vital water sources and beneficial rainfall must have been of primary concern to Muisca leaders A tangible response by a chiefly elite to such unpredictable conditions would include engineering a hydraulic landscape linked to intangible religious cosmology embodied in central stone monuments such as the monolithic observatory temple structures and artistic depictions of fertility This report discusses the subsistence and ritual roles of water at El Infiernito based on recent climate change and human ecodynamic socio-ecological dynamics of coupled human and natural systems research Recently an engineered hydraulic landscape consisting of irrigation canals check dams and drainage conduits as well as potential raise

The tools designers use: what do they reveal about design thinking?

This paper investigates the nature and use of existing tools during a design task as a means of gathering information concerning practitioners' conception of that activity. Two case studies are reported which focus on the final year projects of undergraduate designers enrolled on a BA in Interior Design. Based on these studies a number of conclusions are drawn concerning the nature of design tools and in particular the interdependencies revealed between drawing, modelling and CAD. The role of visualisation within design is considered in the context of its support by these tools and critically how the various techniques developed by the designers impact on their conception of the design activity. The paper concludes by outlining a number of nascent requirements for the design of technology aimed at supporting the early creative phase of design

Supporting design exploration

The aim of this research was to investigate strategies for the support of design exploration, in particular, how computer based technology could contribute to this activity during the early phase of design. The research comprised of the design and development of three software prototypes, the later versions of which enabled discussions with design professionals concerning the underpinning approach of the work. Three case studies of design practice were undertaken. These focused on the interdependencies between freehand drawing, physical modelling and CAD. Based on the research it was concluded that computer based support for exploration during the early phase of design was viable and that the generation of alternative solutions played a key role in the process. Furthermore, the approach offered by shape grammars provided a generative mechanism that was both grounded in the discipline of design and amenable to representation in a computer based system. Finally, it was concluded that the introduction of a 'controlled irregularity' into the resulting design alternatives increased their likelihood of encouraging design exploration

A synaptic nidogen: developmental regulation and role of nidogen-2 at the neuromuscular junction

Background: The skeletal neuromuscular junction is a useful model for elucidating mechanisms that regulate synaptogenesis. Developmentally important intercellular interactions at the neuromuscular junction are mediated by the synaptic portion of a basal lamina that completely ensheaths each muscle fiber. Basal laminas in general are composed of four main types of glycosylated proteins: laminins, collagens IV, heparan sulfate proteoglycans and nidogens (entactins). The portion of the muscle fiber basal lamina that passes between the motor nerve terminal and postsynaptic membrane has been shown to bear distinct isoforms of the first three of these. For laminins and collagens IV, the proteins are deposited by the muscle; a synaptic proteoglycan, z-agrin, is deposited by the nerve. In each case, the synaptic isoform plays key roles in organizing the neuromuscular junction. Here, we analyze the fourth family, composed of nidogen-1 and -2.Results: In adult muscle, nidogen-1 is present throughout muscle fiber basal lamina, while nidogen- 2 is concentrated at synapses. Nidogen-2 is initially present throughout muscle basal lamina, but is lost from extrasynaptic regions during the first three postnatal weeks. Neuromuscular junctions in mutant mice lacking nidogen-2 appear normal at birth, but become topologically abnormal as they mature. Synaptic laminins, collagens IV and heparan sulfate proteoglycans persist in the absence of nidogen-2, suggesting the phenotype is not secondary to a general defect in the integrity of synaptic basal lamina. Further genetic studies suggest that synaptic localization of each of the four families of synaptic basal lamina components is independent of the other three.Conclusion: All four core components of the basal lamina have synaptically enriched isoforms. Together, they form a highly specialized synaptic cleft material. Individually, they play distinct roles in the formation, maturation and maintenance of the neuromuscular junction

Laser Ionisation Spectroscopy of Alkalis: Applications to Resonance Ionisation Mass Spectrometry

Resonance ionisation spectroscopy (RIS) at Glasgow University began as a result of the need to calibrate large gas-filled multiwire proportional counters (MWPCs) currently being built at CERN, specifically the ALEPH time projection chamber. From this work the direction shifted towards the development of laser ionisation as an analytical tool, with the design of two resonance ionisation time of flight mass spectrometers. The two instruments have slightly different remits. One is particularly suited to surface analysis, the other to trace element detection. The work outlined in this thesis was intended to help in the design of these time of flight mass spectrometers, by highlighting difficulties likely to be encountered in the resonant ionisation and detection of small numbers of atoms. In order to prove the potential of resonance ionisation, and also to gain experience in the experimental techniques applicable to resonance ionisation mass spectrometry, initial experiments were carried out on elemental caesium and rubidium in a simple proportional counter. Chapter 1 outlines the basic theory behind the resonance ionisation technique, and shows its wide applicability to elemental ionisation and detection. A brief historical outline of previous experimental and theoretical work on resonance ionisation traces the development of RIS as an analytical tool, leading to the design and construction of a resonance ionisation time of flight mass spectrometer at Glasgow. Chapter 2 is a brief description of some of the theoretical aspects of resonance ionisation. A simple population rate equation model is used to derive expressions for the ion yields for a two level atom as a function of atomic and laser parameters. A semi-classical model of the atom-radiation interaction is given, leading to the model of Rabi oscillations between electronic states in an intense laser field. Transitions involving more than one photon are qualitatively described. The laser systems used for resonance ionisation are described in chapter 3, along with the ion detectors used. Descriptions of the proportional counter, and quadrupole and time of flight mass spectrometers are given. Chapter 3 concludes with a discussion of the reasoning behind the decision to use caesium and rubidium for the initial experiments with these detectors. Chapter 4 begins with a brief survey of previous work on the resonance ionisation of alkali metals. The electronic structure of atomic and molecular caesium and rubidium is summarised, and energy level diagrams for these systems are presented. Experimental work conducted at Glasgow to investigate the background ionisation in proportional counters is reported in chapter 5. These results were deemed important in that they suggested that, at wavelengths below 300 nm, the ionisation of organic impurities in proportional counters, or any ionisation spectrometer, could swamp the resonant ionisation signal of interest, particularly at trace concentration levels. The ionisation of these impurities might therefore be a limiting factor to the sensitivity of resonance ionisation at these UV wavelengths. Two impurities were identified in the proportional counter, phenol and toluene. The origin of phenol was traced to plastic piping used to introduce the buffer gas to the proportional counter. The origin of toluene was not determined. Chapter 6 reports on the resonance ionisation spectroscopy of caesium and rubidium. Early work concentrated on using a specially designed proportional counter, which was both robust and free from contaminants. One and two photon transitions were investigated. The collisional enhancement of the ionisation of photoexcited Rydberg levels was investigated using a simple model of the process. The proportional counter was also incorporated into a quadrupole mass spectrometer for an early attempt at the resonant ionisation mass spectroscopy of atomic and molecular rubidium. With the completion of the construction of the time of flight mass spectrometer, the experimental work switched to this instrument. Preliminary results are presented in chapter 7. These have mainly been obtained to date, (due to technical difficulties with the ion gun), with a fairly simple technique of pulsed laser ablation/ionisation of a sample, ions being formed in the ablation process itself and by the nonresonant ionisation of ablated neutrals. Not surprisingly the selectivity of this process is limited although resonant transitions can be distinguished. A brief calculation of the projected sensitivity of the instrument, when operating in its normal mode of pulsed ion bombardment with resonant ionisation, is also presented, and ways in which the sensitivity may be increased are explored. The conclusion draws together the results from the work with the proportional counter/quadrupole mass spectrometer, and suggests future experiments, both spectroscopic and analytical, which could be carried out in this instrument, with the addition of a low temperature oven to atomise samples. Experiments could be done to investigate the collisional ionisation of highly excited states, search for autoionisation states in multielectron atoms, investigate the potential of field ionisation as a substitute for photoionisation and also determine the validity of population rate equations to describe resonance ionisation. Experiments to determine the sensitivity of the time of flight mass spectrometer will shortly be conducted. This instrument promises to revolutionise the detection of trace elements, particularly in surface analysis

Prehospital recognition of sepsis by ambulance clinicians (PRoSAiC)

Context: Prehospital recognition of adult patients with sepsis may inform scene management by ambulance clinicians, improve decisions concerning both appropriate hospital destination and urgency of transport, as well as facilitate early intervention before arriving at hospital. Objective: To develop a prehospital sepsis screening tool, derived from prehospital data, for use by ambulance clinicians. Design: The thesis comprises a systematic review of sepsis among adult patients in the prehospital environment, followed by the derivation and validation of a sepsis screening tool, utilising a retrospective data cohort comprising data from West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) and the Emergency Department at University Hospital North Staffordshire (UHNS). This is followed by a comparison with alternate screening tools. Patients: Consecutive patients transported by WMAS (n=38483) to UHNS between 01 July 2013 and 30 June 2014. Records were linked using LinkPlus® software. Successful linkage was achieved in 33289 cases (86%). Eligible patients included adult, non-trauma, non-mental health, non-cardiac arrest cases. Of 33289 linked cases, 22945 cases were eligible. The eligible cases were randomly divided into derivation (n=16063, 70%) and validation (n=6882, 30%) cohorts. Outcome Measure: High risk of sepsis, as defined by the 2016 National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Sepsis guideline (NG51). Results: High risk of sepsis was present in 3.7% of both derivation (n=593) and validation (n=254) cohorts. The Screening to Enhance PrehoSpital Identification of Sepsis (SEPSIS) tool is composed of the following variables: age, respiratory rate, peripheral oxygen saturations, heart rate, systolic blood pressure, temperature and level of consciousness (p<0.001 for all variables). Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.87 (95%CI 0.85-0.88) for the derivation cohort, and 0.86 (95%CI 0.84-0.88) for the validation cohort. Applying a cut-off of 3 or higher, sensitivity for the SEPSIS screening tool was 0.80 (95%CI 0.74-0.84), specificity was 0.78 (95%CI 0.77-0.79), positive predictive value was 0.12 (95%CI 0.10-0.14), negative predictive value was 0.99 (95%CI 0.99-0.99), positive likelihood ratio was 3.56 (95%CI 3.30-3.85), negative likelihood ratio was 0.26 (95%CI 0.21-0.34) and the diagnostic odds ratio was 13.5 (95%CI 9.9-18.4). Conclusion: The SEPSIS screening tool was significantly associated with high risk of sepsis status on arrival at the Emergency Department. It performs marginally better than both the UK Sepsis Trust “Red Flag” algorithm and National Early Warning Score (NEWS≥5) in an undifferentiated, adult, medical population. The SEPSIS screening tool requires external validation, in clinical practice by ambulance clinicians, in an independent population