Digital Commons Network^™

Collective Cognition In Humans: Groups Outperform Their Best Members In A Sentence Reconstruction Task, Romain J.G. Clément, S Krause, Nikolaus Von Engelhardt, Jolyon J. Faria, J Krause, Ralf H.J.M. Kurvers

School of Biological and Marine Sciences

No abstract provided.

Fingerprinting Polychlorinated Biphenyls In Environmental Samples Using Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography With Time-Of-Flight Mass Spectrometry, David Megson, Robert Kalin, Paul J. Worsfold, Caroline Gauchotte-Lindsay, Pdg Jr, Maeve C. Lohan, Sean Comber, Thomas A. Brown, Gwen O'Sullivan

School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

No abstract provided.

On The Electrodynamics Of Neural Networks, Pb Graben, S Rodrigues

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

We present a microscopic approach for the coupling of cortical activity, as resulting from proper dipole currents of pyramidal neurons, to the electromagnetic field in extracellular fluid in presence of diffusion and Ohmic conduction. Starting from a full-fledged three-compartment model of a single pyramidal neuron, including shunting and dendritic propagation, we derive an observation model for dendritic dipole currents in extracellular space and thereby for the dendritic field potential that contributes to the local field potential of a neural population. Under reasonable simplifications, we then derive a leaky integrate-and-fire model for the dynamics of a neural network, which facilitates comparison …

The Serum Resistome Of A Globally Disseminated Multidrug Resistant Uropathogenic Escherichia Coli Clone, Minh Duy Phan, Kate M. Peters, Sohinee Sarkar, Samuel W. Lukowski, Luke P. Allsopp, Danilo Gomes Moriel, Maud E.S. Achard, Makrina Totsika, Vikki M. Marshall, Mathew Upton, Scott A. Beatson, Mark A. Schembri

School of Biomedical Sciences

Author Summary

The emergence and rapid dissemination of new bacterial pathogens presents multiple challenges to healthcare systems, including the need for rapid detection, precise diagnostics, effective transmission control and effective treatment. E. coli ST131 is an example of a recently emerged multidrug resistant pathogen that is capable of causing urinary tract and bloodstream infections with limited available treatment options. In order to increase our molecular understanding of E. coli ST131, we developed a high-throughput transposon mutagenesis system in combination with next generation sequencing to test every gene for its essential role in growth and for its contribution to serum resistance. …

Sowfia Project - Work Package 3 Final Report, D Conley, D Magagna, D Greaves, E Aires, Leitao J Chambel, M Witt, C Embling, Bj Godley, A Bicknell, J-B Saulnier, T Simas, Am O’Hagan, J O’Callaghan, B Holmes, J Sundberg, Y Torre-Enciso, D Marina

School of Biological and Marine Sciences

No abstract provided.

Enabling Wave Power: Streamlining Processes For Progress, D Greaves, C Perez-Collazo, D Magagna, D Conley, I Bailey, T Simas, B Holmes, Am O'Hagan, J O'Callagahn, Encirso Y Torre, D Marina, Olivares C Huertas, Crom I Le, Jb Saulnier, J Sundberg, C Embling, M Witt, B Goodley, Leitão J Chambel

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

No abstract provided.

Generation Of Baroclinic Tides Over An Isolated Underwater Bank, Vasiliy Vlasenko, Nataliya Stashchuk, Matthew R. Palmer, Mark E. Inall

School of Biological and Marine Sciences

The interaction of stratified tidal flow with an isolated bank (Jones Bank in the Celtic Sea) was investigated numerically and using observational data collected during the 25th research cruise of the R/V James Cook in July 2008. Two scenarios of observed wave generation, one with pure tidal forcing and another with an extra background current, were reproduced numerically and compared against the observational data. It was found that the tidal currents alone produced subcritical conditions for the first-mode internal wave generation and supercritical flow for the second-mode waves. Under these conditions, the first-mode waves with amplitudes up to 10 m …

Above-Ground Biomass And Structure Of 260 African Tropical Forests, Simon L. Lewis, Bonaventure Sonké, Terry Sunderland, Serge K. Begne, Gabriela Lopez-Gonzalez, Der Heijden Gmf Van, Oliver L. Phillips, Kofi Affum-Baffoe, Timothy R. Baker, Lindsay Banin, Jean François Bastin, Hans Beeckman, Pascal Boeckx, Jan Bogaert, Cannière C De, Eric Chezeaux, Connie J. Clark, Murray Collins, Gloria Djagbletey, Marie Noël K. Djuikouo, Vincent Droissart, Jean Louis Doucet, Cornielle E.N. Ewango, Sophie Fauset, Ted R. Feldpausch, Ernest G. Foli, Jean François Gillet, Alan C. Hamilton, David J. Harris, Terese B. Hart, Haulleville T De, Annette Hladik, Koen Hufkens, Dries Huygens, Philippe Jeanmart, Kathryn J. Jeffery, Elizabeth Kearsley, Miguel E. Leal, Jon Lloyd, Jon C. Lovett, Jean Remy Makana, Yadvinder Malhi, Andrew R. Marshall, Lucas Ojo, Kelvin S.H. Peh, Georgia Pickavance, John R. Poulsen, Jan M. Reitsma, Douglas Sheil, Murielle Simo, Kathy Steppe, Hermann E. Taedoumg, Joey Talbot, James R.D. Taplin, David Taylor, Sean C. Thomas, Benjamin Toirambe, Hans Verbeeck, Jason Vleminckx, Lee J.T. White, Simon Willcock, Hannsjorg Woell, Lise Zemagho

School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

We report above-ground biomass (AGB), basal area, stem density and wood mass density estimates from 260 sample plots (mean size: 1.2 ha) in intact closed-canopy tropical forests across 12 African countries. Mean AGB is 395.7 Mg dry mass ha −1 (95% CI: 14.3), substantially higher than Amazonian values, with the Congo Basin and contiguous forest region attaining AGB values (429 Mg ha −1 ) similar to those of Bornean forests, and significantly greater than East or West African forests. AGB therefore appears generally higher in palaeo- compared with neotropical forests. However, mean stem density is low (426 ± 11 stems …

Juvenile King Scallop, Pecten Maximus, Is Potentially Tolerant To Low Levels Of Ocean Acidification When Food Is Unrestricted, Mb Sanders, Tp Bean, Th Hutchinson, Quesne Wjf Le

School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

No abstract provided.

Predicting Free-Space Occupancy On Novel Artificial Structures By An Invasive Intertidal Barnacle Using A Removal Experiment, Sa Bracewell, La Robinson, Lb Firth, Am Knights

School of Biological and Marine Sciences

Artificial structures can create novel habitat in the marine environment that has been associated with the spread of invasive species. They are often located in areas of high disturbance and can vary significantly in the area of free space provided for settlement of marine organisms. Whilst correlation between the amount of free space available and recruitment success has been shown in populations of several marine benthic organisms, there has been relatively little focus on invasive species, a group with the potential to reproduce in vast numbers and colonise habitats rapidly. Invasion success following different scales of disturbance was examined in …

A Novel Bioassay Using Root Re-Growth In Lemna, A Park, Y-J Kim, E-M Choi, Mt Brown, T Han

School of Biological and Marine Sciences

A new phytotoxicity test method based on root elongation of three Lemna species (Lemna gibba, L. minor, and L. paucicostata) has been developed. Tests with aquatic plants have, typically, favored measurements on fronds (e.g. frond number, area, biomass) rather than on roots, due, in part, to issues associated with handling fragile roots and the time-consuming procedures of selecting roots with identical root lengths. The present method differs in that roots were excised prior to exposure with subsequent measurements on newly developed roots. Results show that there were species-specific difference in sensitivity to the five metals tested (Ag, Cd, Cr, Cu …

Jamming The Machine: The Personal-Political In Annabel Nicolson’S Reel Time, K Parker

School of Art, Design and Architecture

No abstract provided.

Benthic Foraminifera Show Some Resilience To Ocean Acidification In The Northern Gulf Of California, Mexico., L. R. Pettit, M. B. Hart, A. N. Medina-Sánchez, C. W. Smart, R. Rodolfo-Metalpa, J. M. Hall-Spencer, R. M. Prol-Ledesma

School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

Extensive CO2 vents have been discovered in the Wagner Basin, northern Gulf of California, where they create large areas with lowered seawater pH. Such areas are suitable for investigations of long-term biological effects of ocean acidification and effects of CO2 leakage from subsea carbon capture storage. Here, we show responses of benthic foraminifera to seawater pH gradients at 74-207m water depth. Living (rose Bengal stained) benthic foraminifera included Nonionella basispinata, Epistominella bradyana and Bulimina marginata. Studies on foraminifera at CO2 vents in the Mediterranean and off Papua New Guinea have shown dramatic long-term effects of acidified seawater. We found living …

Influence Of Sediment Redox Conditions On Uranium Mobilisation During Saline Intrusion, Jane Eagling, Paul J. Worsfold, William H. Blake, Miranda J. Keith-Roach

School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

No abstract provided.

Assessing The Exposure Risk And Impacts Of Pharmaceuticals In The Environment On Individuals And Ecosystems, Ke Arnold, Aba Boxall, Ar Brown, Rj Cuthbert, S Gaw, Th Hutchinson, S Jobling, Jc Madden, Cd Metcalfe, V Naidoo, Rf Shore, Je Smits, Ma Taggart, Hm Thompson

School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

The use of human and veterinary pharmaceuticals is increasing. Over the past decade, there has been a proliferation of research into potential environmental impacts of pharmaceuticals in the environment. A Royal Society-supported seminar brought together experts from diverse scientific fields to discuss the risks posed by pharmaceuticals to wildlife. Recent analytical advances have revealed that pharmaceuticals are entering habitats via water, sewage, manure and animal carcases, and dispersing through food chains. Pharmaceuticals are designed to alter physiology at low doses and so can be particularly potent contaminants. The near extinction of Asian vultures following exposure to diclofenac is the key …

Model For (A)Synchronous/Spontaneous Release, Applied To Cck-Positive Interneuron Synapses, S Rodrigues, M Desroches, M Krupa, J Cortes, A Afia

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

Asynchronous and spontaneous neurotransmitter release remain elusive and constitute topics of considerable research both from the experimental and modeling perspective. This study proposes a parsimonious model that accounts for all modes of vesicle exocytosis and Short-Term Synaptic Plasticity (STSP). The modeling novelty is based on principles of slow-fast dynamical systems theory. The model's validity is shown by its good agreement with experimental data obtained from in vitro electrophysiological dual whole-cell recordings between local cholecystokinin (CKK)-positive, Schaffer collateral associated (SCA) interneurons in the CA1 region of rat hippocampus~\cite{AfiaAli2007,AfiaAli2010}. These unitary synapses display asynchronous release, governed by the retrograde release of endocannabinoid …

Metaphors Of Health And Disease In Nazi Film Propaganda, Melanie Wright

School of Law, Humanities and Social Sciences Theses

This study examines how propaganda imagery was used to reveal metaphors of health and disease in Nazi Germany from 1933 to 1945. Specifically, it explores how German medical and political authorities of this period entrenched biological explanations for social ills through medico-political discourses of disease, criminality and deviancy, in their efforts to exterminate particular populations. This propaganda was conversed with the idealised and beautified German Volk who, in turn, were graphically elevated to the realms of a supreme master race. I use a methodology composed of compositional and discourse analysis, and a theoretical framework that develops the work of Erving …

A Core Human Primary Tumor Angiogenesis Signature Identifies The Endothelial Orphan Receptor Eltd1 As A Key Regulator Of Angiogenesis, M Masiero, Fc Simões, Hd Han, Et Al

School of Biomedical Sciences

Limited clinical benefits derived from anti-VEGF therapy have driven the identification of new targets involved in tumor angiogenesis. Here, we report an integrative meta-analysis to define the transcriptional program underlying angiogenesis in human cancer. This approach identified ELTD1, an orphan G-protein-coupled receptor whose expression is induced by VEGF/bFGF and repressed by DLL4 signaling. Extensive analysis of multiple cancer types demonstrates significant upregulation of ELTD1 in tumor-associated endothelial cells, with a higher expression correlating with favorable prognosis. Importantly, ELTD1 silencing impairs endothelial sprouting and vessel formation in vitro and in vivo, drastically reducing tumor growth and greatly improving survival. Collectively, these …

Modelling Mental Rotation In Cognitive Robots, K Seepanomwan, D Caligiore, G Baldassarre, A Cangelosi

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

Mental rotation concerns the cognitive processes that allow an agent mentally to rotate the image of an object in order to solve a given task, for example to say if two objects with different orientations are the same or different. Here we present a system-level bio-constrained model, developed within a neurorobotics framework, that provides an embodied account of mental rotation processes relying on neural mechanisms involving motor affordance encoding, motor simulation and the anticipation of the sensory consequences of actions (both visual and proprioceptive). This model and methodology are in agreement with the most recent theoretical and empirical research on …

Her Dark Materials: Conjuring The Feminine Imaginary In Practice, K Parker

School of Art, Design and Architecture

My paper explores film-making ‘as (a) woman’, an audiovisual form of écriture féminine, a term used by Hélène Cixous and others to denote ‘feminine writing’, the transformative practices that come through the body, with reference to Maya Deren’s theorisation of cinema and her ethnographic study of Haitian voodoo belief systems. In creative practice, I take the feminine position through an embodied layering of consciousness, entering a trance or dream state, which for Freud was, "the threshold between life and death ... a space of uncertainty in which boundaries blur between rational and the supernatural, the animate and the inanimate" (Mulvey, …

Investigating The Relationship Between Non-Vascular Epiphytes And Age Structures Within Phorophytes On Quercus Robur And Pinus Sylvestris, At Dundreggan, Scotland, Jessica Jaffa

The Plymouth Student Scientist

The focus of this research project was to analyse the effects of different age structures within the host phorophyte on non-vascular epiphytes in a fragmented, semi-natural forest stand in Dundreggan. Two tree species were investigated Pinus sylvestris, Scots pine and Quercus robur, oak, analysing the effect a specific tree has on epiphyte abundance and diversity. Such research is important to understand the relationship epiphytes have with different tree species, focusing on patterns of epiphytic distribution at different spatial scales, which can be later implemented into management techniques. Epiphytic functional groups were stratified vertically within the tree in three height zones, …

Nitric Oxide Mediated Vasodilation: Effects Of Inhibition Of The Mitochondrial Electron Transport Chain, Euan Gunn

The Plymouth Student Scientist

Background and purpose Nitric oxide (NO) has been well documented as a potent, endogenous vasodilator. The effects of NO within the pulmonary and systemic vasculature have been investigated to some degree but the mechanisms behind its regulation are not fully understood. Mitochondria have been shown to regulate potassium channels that are important in the regulation of vascular tone. This study aims to observe the effects of mitochondrial inhibition of the electron transport chain at different complexes and within different vascular tissues to further elucidate this system. Experimental approach I examined the effects of mitochondrial transport chain inhibitors rotenone (inhibition at …

Visitor Effects On Zoo Animals, Camille Sade

The Plymouth Student Scientist

It is extremely useful to know if the presence of visitors has an effect on zoo animals and what that might be (Hosey, 2000). The three foremost reasons for this being, firstly, as an instrument to ensure welfare, secondly to apply the insight when providing a positive ‘zoo experience’ for guests and lastly, so that any research conducted within a zoo can be accurately assessed (Hosey, 2005). When confronted with the knowledge that approximately 26 billion animals, covering ten thousand species, are held in captivity (Mason, 2010) it becomes especially important. The first studies performed in order to appreciate this …

The Effect Of The Probiotic Pediococcus Acidilactici On The Gut Microbiota Ecology Of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus Mykiss Walbaum) Analysed Using Dgge, Alice Anderson

The Plymouth Student Scientist

The microbiota of the gastrointestinal tract heavily influences the health, growth and survival of fish. Probiotics have proved effective in improving fish productivity in aquaculture. Research suggests that probiotics, supplemented in the feed, may elicit these benefits by altering the ecology of the gastrointestinal microbiota. The probiotic Pediococcus acidilactici has been successfully used for terrestrial animals and humans but its use in aquatic organisms has been less researched. In the present study, rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum) were fed a diet that contained Ped. Acidilactici, or a control diet. Analysis of the posterior digesta bacteria, using a non-culture dependant technique, …

The Habitat Preferences Of Web Building Spiders, Nicola Glover

The Plymouth Student Scientist

Habitat selection is an important decision to make by most species as consequences such as loss of fitness or even death can result if wrong choices are made. Web building spiders are ubiquitous species, and can be found in almost any type of environment from alpine forests to desert terrains. Factors influencing their choice of habitat is, however, still relatively unknown and has been observed to differ between populations, species and even individuals. This review will outline the main factors influencing the habitat selection of web building spiders, as well as potential constraints that may prohibit colonisation. Spiders are important …

Expression Of Protease-Activated Receptor 3 In The Trigeminal And Dorsal Root Ganglion Of Adult Rats Using Immunohistochemistry, Joshua Press

The Plymouth Student Scientist

Protease-activated receptors (PARs) have been implicated in a variety of human physiological and pathophysiological processes, including; nociception, neuroinflammation, neuroprotective and neurodegenerative pathways (Peters and Henry, 2009; Adams et al. 2011). PAR3 was discovered as a second thrombin receptor in 1997, and since then few papers have been published which assess its expression in the nervous system (Ishihara et al. 1997). This paper investigates the expression of PAR3 in sensory neurons of the trigeminal ganglion (TG) and dorsal root ganglion (DRG) of naïve adult rats. Immunohistochemistry showed PAR3 to be strongly expressed in non-neuronal cells of both the TG and DRG. …

The Dorsal Organ: What Is It And What Is It For?, Stuart Robertson

The Plymouth Student Scientist

Scientific literature concerning the development of arthropods, in particular crustaceans, is littered with references to structures that have been given the name ‘dorsal organ’. However, the majority of these structures although homologous in name seem to differ, to varying degrees, in their structure or function. The two main references to a dorsal organ concern either the cuticular or sensory dorsal organ found externally on post-embryonic crustaceans, predominantly worked on by Laverack (1988, 1990, 1992), or the embryonic dorsal organ (Fioroni, 1980) particularly well documented in the Peracarida (Strömberg, 1972; Meschenmoser, 1989; Martin & Laverack, 1992) but also documented within the …

The Effects Of Focus Of Attention When Imitating A Professional Darts Player, Matthew Goodhead

The Plymouth Student Scientist

This current study investigates the effects of imitating a video of a professional darts player. Participants were asked to focus on, and then replicate either internal or external factors of a professional darts player’s throw. Contrary to previous research, it was found that participants performed best in the control condition, followed by the internal condition, with the external condition provoking the worst score in study 1. However, when instructions were changed in study 2, the control condition performed better than the external condition, followed by the internal condition: the differences in scores were shown to be significant by a one-way …

The Effect Cognitive Load Has On Eye Blinking, Hayley Ledger

The Plymouth Student Scientist

The present study investigates the theory that blink rate decreases as cognitive load increases. 30 subjects participated in one of two experiments, containing four conditions: Condition A involved four blank screens, B was the presentation of one object, C involved the presentation of 24 household objects paired with congruent audio files and D was similar but objects were paired with incongruent audio files. Experiment two differed from experiment one by including longer audio files. The results were that blink rate significantly differed across the conditions in both experiments, p<.05. Condition A produced a significantly higher blink rate in both experiments, p<.05. Findings showed that manipulation of the lowest cognitive load produced the highest blink rate which supports existing research.

The Therapeutic Effects Of Honey, Annie Knight

The Plymouth Student Scientist

Honey has been used as a traditional folk medicine since ancient times, both externally on wounds to the epidermis and internally for respiratory and gastrointestinal tract infections (Mandal et al., 2010; Lusby et al., 2005; Kwakman et al., 2010; Ayaad et al., 2010). Honey has a proven anti-microbial effect, and due to an increasing level of bacterial resistance to antibiotics, new research is looking into the clinical application of honey as an alternative to conventional antibiotics. Most research analyses honey for application as a wound dressing, as it has several mechanisms that aid in the healing process other than an …