QCD and strongly coupled gauge theories : challenges and perspectives

We highlight the progress, current status, and open challenges of QCD-driven physics, in theory and in experiment. We discuss how the strong interaction is intimately connected to a broad sweep of physical problems, in settings ranging from astrophysics and cosmology to strongly coupled, complex systems in particle and condensed-matter physics, as well as to searches for physics beyond the Standard Model. We also discuss how success in describing the strong interaction impacts other fields, and, in turn, how such subjects can impact studies of the strong interaction. In the course of the work we offer a perspective on the many research streams which flow into and out of QCD, as well as a vision for future developments.Peer reviewe

Deciphering osteoarthritis genetics across 826,690 individuals from 9 populations

Osteoarthritis affects over 300 million people worldwide. Here, we conduct a genome-wide association study meta-analysis across 826,690 individuals (177,517 with osteoarthritis) and identify 100 independently associated risk variants across 11 osteoarthritis phenotypes, 52 of which have not been associated with the disease before. We report thumb and spine osteoarthritis risk variants and identify differences in genetic effects between weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing joints. We identify sex-specific and early age-at-onset osteoarthritis risk loci. We integrate functional genomics data from primary patient tissues (including articular cartilage, subchondral bone, and osteophytic cartilage) and identify high-confidence effector genes. We provide evidence for genetic correlation with phenotypes related to pain, the main disease symptom, and identify likely causal genes linked to neuronal processes. Our results provide insights into key molecular players in disease processes and highlight attractive drug targets to accelerate translation

Song plasticity over time and vocal learning in clay-colored thrushes

Songbirds have been traditionally classified into close-ended or open-ended learning species according to the length of the sensitive period during which birds are able to memorize new vocalizations. Closed-ended learners are generally not capable of changing their song after the first year of life, while open-ended learners show song plasticity as adults. A few Turdus species have been sug- gested to be open-ended learners, but no long-term study has been conducted to investigate their song plasticity over time. We analyzed the songs of clay-colored thrushes, T. grayi, over four successive breeding seasons to assess song plasticity in their syllable repertoires within and between breeding seasons. A total of 16,262 syllables were classi- fied through visual inspection of spectrograms and multi- dimensional scaling analysis based on spectrogram correlations. On average, 563 ± 153 (SD) syllables per male per breeding season were analyzed. Male repertoire size was 9–20 syllable types. Males were capable of modifying their syllable repertoire between the initial and final periods of the breeding season. Song plasticity within breeding seasons may be associated with imitation between neighboring males, suggesting song learning in males that were C2 years old. This short-term plasticity is not enough, however, to explain the high proportion of change (mean = 65 % syllable types) in repertoire composition between breeding seasons in adult males. Song plasticity resulting from annual changes in repertoire composition could be explained by open-ended learning, but another mechanism, extended memory and re-expression, could also explain long-term plasticity. Experimental studies controlling the acoustic environment are needed to determine which mechanism is responsible for such a high level of song plasticity.UCR::Vicerrectoría de Docencia::Ciencias Básicas::Facultad de Ciencias::Escuela de Biologí

Statistical and integrative system-level analysis of DNA methylation data

Epigenetics plays a key role in cellular development and function. Alterations to the epigenome are thought to capture and mediate the effects of genetic and environmental risk factors on complex disease. Currently, DNA methylation is the only epigenetic mark that can be measured reliably and genome-wide in large numbers of samples. This Review discusses some of the key statistical challenges and algorithms associated with drawing inferences from DNA methylation data, including cell-type heterogeneity, feature selection, reverse causation and system-level analyses that require integration with other data types such as gene expression, genotype, transcription factor binding and other epigenetic information

Bioelectrostatics

This book incorporates all the applications and interactions of electrostatics in biological systems, ranging from biomacromolecules through cells to whole organisms. The broad scope of topics covered include, electrostatic crop spraying - although this a well-established technique, it is still undergoing active development in the area of electrostatic pollination. Other topics are more recent concepts, for example, corona sterilisation and electrostatic manipulation of macromolecules, with significant potential for development as these technologies advance. This book will be a useful reference for teaching and for research both in a higher education setting and within industry

Decontamination of surface borne bacteria by ionized antimicrobial vapours

A cold plasma discharge, such as a corona discharge generates biologically reactive ionized species that are lethal to a range of microorganisms. A number of workers have reported log number reductions in bacteria seeded onto solid surfaces, fabrics and agar media when in close proximity to the ions source (1-4). The aim of this research was to investigate and compare the antimicrobial efficacy of two sources of ionisation – a corona discharge and a flame. The use of antimicrobial volatile compounds to increase the antibacterial efficacy for these ionisation sources was also investigated. Paraffin wax candles and an ion wind generator delivering an air flow of 0.6 m/second were used as ion sources and dispersal methods for the volatile β-pinene. Experiments were conducted in enclosed test booths. The results demonstrated that the combination of an ionising source, such as a corona discharge or a candle flame, with a bactericidal volatile have a greater effect on surface-borne bacteria than either treatment alone. These effects could arise through the direct vapour adsorption onto microorganisms being promoted through the impingement and action of ions

Interaction of air ions and bactericidal vapours to control microorganisms’

Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the antibacterial activity of candles containing specific antibacterial compounds, such as essential oils and their constituent compounds. The importance of the ionization products from the flame and the aerial concentration of the volatile compounds were investigated. Methods and Results: Agar plates inoculated with Escherichia coli (DH5α) (E. coli) or Staphylococcus aureus (NCTC strain number 8532) (S. aureus) were exposed in a large air-tight chamber to candle flames combined with the volatile bactericidal compounds β-pinene and orange oil. A steady decline in E. coli numbers was observed over time due to the effect of a candle flame. This was significantly increased by the addition of volatile oils. The number of S. aureus colonies was not reduced by a plain candle, but significant reductions were caused following exposure to β-pinene and orange oil candles. As aerial concentration of the volatiles was increased the viability of E. coli and S. aureus declined. Ionization products from the flame made a significant contribution to the observed effects, as intercepting the ions on a grounded grid over the agar plates allowed at least 20% more cells to survive. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the antibacterial properties of ionization products from a candle flame, and that this effect can be significantly increased by the addition of specific antibacterial compounds, such as orange oil and β-pinene. The role of both the ionization products from the candle flame and the concentration of volatiles released are important to the effect. Significance and impact: The technique described here offers a new and novel technique for reducing the concentration of bacteria on surfaces