4 - A Flexible Model for Investigating the Properties of Starspots: Comparison of Model Predictions to Observed Data

Accurate age estimates provide a wealth of information about the mechanisms of different astrophysical phenomenon. However, current methods of applying stellar evolution models to obtain these estimates has proven to be flawed, with models having little consistency. It has been speculated the source of this inconsistency may arise from deviations in stellar properties due to the presence of dark blemishes, starspots, present on young cool stars (Feiden, 2016). Using predictions of expected properties from the flexible starspot model to observed properties of various open clusters, we aim to define what starspot properties bring model predictions into agreement with observed data. The clusters of interest include the Pleiades (~125 Myr), and Praesepe (~700 Myr). Further, we aim to define which properties are required for different mechanisms of starspot formation. These mechanisms explain how a star may react to a starspot depending on where the starspot forms and include; the star inflating to redistribute flux trapped beneath the spot, the star’s photosphere heating to redistribute the trapped flux, and the star merely appearing dimmer and redder given the starspot exists for a short enough time period. Thus far, results have demonstrated the inability of models assuming a heated photosphere to mimic the data. Results for the inflationary models and short timescale models have been difficult to distinguish, with the short timescale models being more consistent with expected temperature contrast values, but the inflationary models generally providing lower surface coverage (Berdyugina, 2005). Our work demonstrates starspots can improve the accuracy of predictions from stellar evolution models. Future efforts to define a mechanism of starspot formation will continue to improve stellar age estimates, and as such, provide a more complete understanding of the planetary formation perio

Confirmation of a unique species of Giardia, parasitic in the quenda (Isoodon obesulus)

AbstractThe ‘quenda genotype’ of Giardia was first identified in quenda (syn. southern brown bandicoots, Isoodon obesulus) in Western Australia in 2004. We aimed to formally describe this genotype as a species of Giardia, Giardia peramelis. Seventy five faecal samples positive for G. peramelis were obtained from quenda within the Statistical Division of Perth, Western Australia. These samples were used in morphological and molecular characterisation of G. peramelis. PCR amplification and sequencing was most successful at the 18S rRNA and ITS1-5.8s-ITS2 loci. Phylogenetic analyses placed G. peramelis external to the ‘Giardia duodenalis species complex’ and Giardia microti. This confirmed the uniqueness of G. peramelis, warranting classification as a separate species of Giardia. Study findings suggest quenda are a natural host for G. peramelis

Brain involvement in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: a role for dystrophin isoform Dp71 in cell migration and proliferation

Intelligence of individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is lower than the general population. Cognitive impairment, epilepsy, autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are prevalent. Mounting evidence links these symptoms to the loss of dystrophin in the brain; yet central nervous system involvement in DMD has been largely ignored. The most predominant dystrophin isoform in the brain is the smaller Dp71 isoform expressed in neurons and glia. Distal DMD mutations affecting Dp71 expression are linked to cognitive impairment. The function(s) of Dp71 and how its absence can lead to cognitive and behavioural symptoms are not well understood. We are modelling the loss of Dp71 both endogenously in DMD patient-derived fibroblasts (which, in controls, naturally express Dp71) and with siRNA in neuronal and glial cell lines. Four patient fibroblast cell lines, each harbouring a different DMD gene mutation that naturally results in the loss of Dp71 are being studied. Accompanying clinical data confirms these patients display cognitive and/or behavioural symptoms, which is severe for two individuals. Our preliminary findings highlight a role for Dp71 in cell migration and proliferation; alterations in these processes are associated with psychiatric disorders prevalent in DMD such as autism. We will present would healing and proliferation assay data exploring these role(s) and discuss potential molecular mechanisms behind the cognitive and behavioural symptoms observed in DMD. The high risk of neuropsychiatric syndromes in Duchene warrants early intervention to achieve the best possible quality of life; our findings have significant potential to inform ongoing drug development in this area

A conversation about implicit bias

Explicit bias reflects our perceptions at a conscious level. In contrast, implicit bias is unintentional and operates at a level below our conscious awareness. Implicit stereotypes shaping implicit biases are widely studied in criminal justice, medicine, CEO selection at Fortune 500 companies, etc. However, the problem of unconscious bias remains. E.g., while women constitute an increasing proportion of all STEM undergraduates, they still make up only a small proportion of faculty members at research universities, and they are substantially under-represented in organizational leadership and as recipients of professional awards and prizes. Can we afford to have unintentional perceptions continue to hinder the success and advancement of women and other underrepresented groups? Can we afford to continue to underuse human capital in science? This session at the 2015 Joint Statistical Meetings (JSM) aimed to illuminate what statisticians need to know and do to break the glass ceiling of implicit bias

Promoting smoking cessation in Bangladeshi and Pakistani male adults: design of a pilot cluster randomised controlled trial of trained community smoking cessation workers

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of smoking is higher among Pakistani and Bangladeshi males than among the general population. Smokers who receive behavioural support and medication quadruple their chances of stopping smoking, but evidence suggests that these populations do not use National Health Service run stop smoking clinics as frequently as would be expected given their high prevalence of smoking. This study aims to tackle some of the main barriers to use of stop smoking services and adherence to treatment programmes by redesigning service delivery to be more acceptable to these adult male populations. The study compares the effectiveness of trained Pakistani and Bangladeshi smoking cessation workers operating in an outreach capacity ('clinic + outreach') with standard care ('clinic only') to improve access to and success of National Health Service smoking cessation services. METHODS/DESIGN: This is a pilot cluster randomised controlled trial based in Birmingham, UK. Super output areas of Birmingham will be identified in which more than 10% of the population are of Pakistani and/or Bangladeshi origin. From these areas, 'natural geographical communities' will be identified. Sixteen aggregated agglomerations of super output areas will be identified, separating areas from each other using buffer regions in order to reduce potential contamination. These natural communities will be randomised to 'clinic + outreach' (intervention) or 'clinic only' (control) arms. The use of stop smoking services and the numbers of people quitting smoking (defined as prolonged self-reported abstinence at four weeks, three months and six months) will be assessed in each area. In addition, we will assess the impact of the intervention on adherence to smoking cessation treatments and patient satisfaction

Integrating social science into conservation planning

A growing body of literature has highlighted the value of social science for conservation, yet the diverse approaches of the social sciences are still inconsistently incorporated in conservation initiatives. Building greater capacity for social science integration in conservation requires frameworks and case studies that provide concrete guidance and specific examples. To address this need, we have developed a framework aimed at expanding the role for social science in formal conservation planning processes. Our framework illustrates multiple ways in which social science research can contribute to four stages of such processes: 1) defining the problem and project team; 2) defining goals; 3) identifying impact pathways and designing interventions; and 4) developing and evaluating indicators of success (or failure). We then present a timely case study of wolf reintroduction in Colorado, U.S.A., to demonstrate the opportunities, challenges, and complexities of applying our framework in practice

The SOS-framework (Systems of Sedentary behaviours): an international transdisciplinary consensus framework for the study of determinants, research priorities and policy on sedentary behaviour across the life course: a DEDIPAC-study.

BACKGROUND: Ecological models are currently the most used approaches to classify and conceptualise determinants of sedentary behaviour, but these approaches are limited in their ability to capture the complexity of and interplay between determinants. The aim of the project described here was to develop a transdisciplinary dynamic framework, grounded in a system-based approach, for research on determinants of sedentary behaviour across the life span and intervention and policy planning and evaluation. METHODS: A comprehensive concept mapping approach was used to develop the Systems Of Sedentary behaviours (SOS) framework, involving four main phases: (1) preparation, (2) generation of statements, (3) structuring (sorting and ranking), and (4) analysis and interpretation. The first two phases were undertaken between December 2013 and February 2015 by the DEDIPAC KH team (DEterminants of DIet and Physical Activity Knowledge Hub). The last two phases were completed during a two-day consensus meeting in June 2015. RESULTS: During the first phase, 550 factors regarding sedentary behaviour were listed across three age groups (i.e., youths, adults and older adults), which were reduced to a final list of 190 life course factors in phase 2 used during the consensus meeting. In total, 69 international delegates, seven invited experts and one concept mapping consultant attended the consensus meeting. The final framework obtained during that meeting consisted of six clusters of determinants: Physical Health and Wellbeing (71% consensus), Social and Cultural Context (59% consensus), Built and Natural Environment (65% consensus), Psychology and Behaviour (80% consensus), Politics and Economics (78% consensus), and Institutional and Home Settings (78% consensus). Conducting studies on Institutional Settings was ranked as the first research priority. The view that this framework captures a system-based map of determinants of sedentary behaviour was expressed by 89% of the participants. CONCLUSION: Through an international transdisciplinary consensus process, the SOS framework was developed for the determinants of sedentary behaviour through the life course. Investigating the influence of Institutional and Home Settings was deemed to be the most important area of research to focus on at present and potentially the most modifiable. The SOS framework can be used as an important tool to prioritise future research and to develop policies to reduce sedentary time

The IPBES Conceptual Framework - connecting nature and people

The first public product of the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) is its Conceptual Framework. This conceptual and analytical tool, presented here in detail, will underpin all IPBES functions and provide structure and comparability to the syntheses that IPBES will produce at different spatial scales, on different themes, and in different regions. Salient innovative aspects of the IPBES Conceptual Framework are its transparent and participatory construction process and its explicit consideration of diverse scientific disciplines, stakeholders, and knowledge systems, including indigenous and local knowledge. Because the focus on co-construction of integrative knowledge is shared by an increasing number of initiatives worldwide, this framework should be useful beyond IPBES, for the wider research and knowledge-policy communities working on the links between nature and people, such as natural, social and engineering scientists, policy-makers at different levels, and decision-makers in different sectors of society