Three-dimensional extinction mapping using Gaussian random fields

We present a scheme for using stellar catalogues to map the three-dimensional distributions of extinction and dust within our Galaxy. Extinction is modelled as a Gaussian random field, whose covariance function is set by a simple physical model of the ISM that assumes a Kolmogorov-like power spectrum of turbulent fluctuations. As extinction is modelled as a random field, the spatial resolution of the resulting maps is set naturally by the data available; there is no need to impose any spatial binning. We verify the validity of our scheme by testing it on simulated extinction fields and show that its precision is significantly improved over previous dust-mapping efforts. The approach we describe here can make use of any photometric, spectroscopic or astrometric data; it is not limited to any particular survey. Consequently, it can be applied to a wide range of data from both existing and future surveys.Comment: 16 pages, 12 figures. Submitted for publication in MNRAS. Text revise

The Hyracoidea

Volume: XXII

The Habitat of the Rock Hyrax

Volume: XX

Letter from J. Sale to James B. Finley

Rev. John Sale (appointed to Wilmington Circuit, Scioto District) writes to inform Finley about the recent death of his brother John P. Finley, president of Augusta College in Kentucky. [Death occurred on May 8, 1825]. He then rails against Rev. John Collins, currently serving as Presiding Elder of the Miami District, where Sale actually lives. Sale is serving an unpleasant circuit, Wilmington, to which he was appointed by Collins. He is astonished at the poor conduct of Collins and believes that the bishops yield to him regarding appointments. From such a man, good Lord, deliver me and the church. Finally, Sale reports that Radicalism has gained a few advocates in Wilmington, but the worst is now over. Abstract Number - 47https://digitalcommons.owu.edu/finley-letters/1046/thumbnail.jp

Marginal likelihoods of distances and extinctions to stars: computation and compact representation

We present a method for obtaining the likelihood function of distance and extinction to a star given its photometry. The other properties of the star (its mass, age, metallicity and so on) are marginalised assuming a simple Galaxy model. We demonstrate that the resulting marginalised likelihood function can be described faithfully and compactly using a Gaussian mixture model. For dust mapping applications we strongly advocate using monochromatic over bandpass extinctions, and provide tables for converting from the former to the latter for different stellar types.Comment: 14 pages, 12 figures. Accepted for publication in MNRAS. Source code is available at https://github.com/stuartsal

A New four-toed mongoose from Kenya, Bdeogale Crassicauda Nigrwscens, ssp. nov.

Volume: XXVII

PrimPol is required for replicative tolerance of G quadruplexes in vertebrate cells

G quadruplexes (G4s) can present potent blocks to DNA replication. Accurate and timely replication of G4s in vertebrates requires multiple specialized DNA helicases and polymerases to prevent genetic and epigenetic instability. Here we report that PrimPol, a recently described primase-polymerase (PrimPol), plays a crucial role in the bypass of leading strand G4 structures. While PrimPol is unable to directly replicate G4s, it can bind and reprime downstream of these structures. Disruption of either the catalytic activity or zinc-finger of PrimPol results in extreme G4-dependent epigenetic instability at the BU-1 locus in avian DT40 cells, indicative of extensive uncoupling of the replicative helicase and polymerase. Together, these observations implicate PrimPol in promoting restart of DNA synthesis downstream of, but closely coupled to, G4 replication impediments

Female physiology–endocrinology: education is lacking and innovation is needed!

Throughout their lifespans, women undergo unique endocrinological changes relative to their reproductive hormones. The influence of how the female sex steroid hormones have nonreproductive actions is a trending topic of great interest in the exercise–sports sciences, especially among women of reproductive age. Herein, we present several key points on our perspective for moving the study of this topic forward in the future. These are (a) encouraging researchers to pursue high-quality research on female physiology–endocrinology in the exercise–sports science setting, (b) the need for exercise–sports science educational curriculums at the university level to embrace the study of female physiology–endocrinology area, and (c) the need for innovation in the study of this topic. As such, we propose using research design models involving supraphysiological hormonal states in vivo, that is, pregnancy and in vitro fertilization treatment, to gain new insights on sex steroid hormonal actions in women. Herein, we provide the rationale for our recommendations as well as a brief physiological overview of these clinical states. We acknowledge, exercise sports sciences need more studies on women! But there is a need to “think outside the box” on this topic, and we encourage researchers to be unconventional, be bold, think creatively, and contemplate whether these supraphysiological hormonal states might give them insightful information on female physiology and ovarian sex steroid hormones actions