Clustering of 2PIGG galaxy groups with 2dFGRS galaxies

Prompted by indications from QSO lensing that there may be more mass associated with galaxy groups than expected, we have made new dynamical infall estimates of the masses associated with 2PIGG groups and clusters. We have analysed the redshift distortions in the cluster-galaxy cross-correlation function as a function of cluster membership, cross-correlating z<0.12 2PIGG clusters and groups with the full 2dF galaxy catalogue. We have made estimates of the dynamical infall parameter beta and new estimates of the group velocity dispersions. We first find that the amplitude of the full 3-D redshift space cross-correlation function, xi_{cg}, rises monotonically with group membership. We use a simple linear-theory infall model to fit xi(sigma, pi) in the range 5<s<40h^{-1}Mpc. We find that the beta versus membership relation for the data shows a minimum at intermediate group membership n~20 or L~2x10^11h^-2Lsun, implying that the bias and hence M/L ratios rise by a significant factor (~5x) both for small groups and rich clusters. However, the mocks show a systematic shift between the location of the beta minimum and the M/L minimum at L~10^10h^-2Lsun given by direct calculation using the known DM distribution. Our overall conclusion is that bias estimates from dynamical infall appear to support the minimum in star-formation efficiency at intermediate halo masses. Nevertheless, there may still be significant systematic problems arising from measuring beta~1/b using large-scale infall rather than M/L using small-scale velocity dispersions.Comment: 20 pages, 32 figures, 9 table

Integrating genomic information and productivity and climate-adaptability traits into a regional white spruce breeding program

Tree improvement programs often focus on improving productivity-related traits; however, under present climate change scenarios, climate change-related (adaptive) traits should also be incorporated into such programs. Therefore, quantifying the genetic variation and correlations among productivity and adaptability traits, and the importance of genotype by environment interactions, including defense compounds involved in biotic and abiotic resistance, is essential for selecting parents for the production of resilient and sustainable forests. Here, we estimated quantitative genetic parameters for 15 growth, wood quality, drought resilience, and monoterpene traits for Picea glauca (Moench) Voss (white spruce). We sampled 1,540 trees from three open-pollinated progeny trials, genotyped with 467,224 SNP markers using genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS). We used the pedigree and SNP information to calculate, respectively, the average numerator and genomic relationship matrices, and univariate and multivariate individual-tree models to obtain estimates of (co)variance components. With few site-specific exceptions, all traits examined were under genetic control. Overall, higher heritability estimates were derived from the genomic- than their counterpart pedigree-based relationship matrix. Selection for height, generally, improved diameter and water use efficiency, but decreased wood density, microfibril angle, and drought resistance. Genome-based correlations between traits reaffirmed the pedigree-based correlations for most trait pairs. High and positive genetic correlations between sites were observed (average 0.68), except for those pairs involving the highest elevation, warmer, and moister site, specifically for growth and microfibril angle. These results illustrate the advantage of using genomic information jointly with productivity and adaptability traits, and defense compounds to enhance tree breeding selection for changing climate.Instituto de Recursos BiológicosFil: Cappa, Eduardo Pablo. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de Recursos Biológicos; ArgentinaFil: Cappa, Eduardo Pablo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Klutsch, Jenifer G. University of Alberta; Department of Renewable Resources; CanadaFil: Sebastian-Azcona, Jaime. University of Alberta; Department of Renewable Resources; CanadaFil: Ratchiffe, Blaise. University of British Columbia. Faculty of Forestry. Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences; CanadáFil: Xiaojing, Wei. University of Alberta; Department of Renewable Resources; CanadaFil: Da Ros, Letitia. University of British Columbia. Faculty of Forestry. Department of Wood Science; CanadáFil: Yang, Liu. University of British Columbia. Faculty of Forestry. Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences; CanadáFil: Chen, Charles. Oklahoma State University. Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Estados UnidosFil: Benowicz, Andy. Alberta Agriculture and Forestry. Forest Stewardship and Trade Branch; CanadáFil: Sadoway, Shane. Blue Ridge Lumber Inc.; CanadáFil: Mansfield, Shawn D. University of British Columbia. Faculty of Forestry. Department of Wood Science; CanadáFil: Erbilgin, Nadir. University of Alberta; Department of Renewable Resources; CanadaFil: Thomas, Barb R. University of Alberta; Department of Renewable Resources; CanadaFil: El-Kassaby, Yousry A. University of British Columbia. Faculty of Forestry. Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences; Canad

Perceptions of Antenatal Exercise in Pregnant Females and the Impact of COVID-19.

Exercise during pregnancy presents many benefits for the mother and baby. Yet, pregnancy is characterised by a decrease in exercise. Studies have reported barriers to antenatal exercise. The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic may have further exacerbated barriers to antenatal exercise as pregnant females faced many challenges. Rich, in-depth exploration into pregnant female's perceived barriers to antenatal exercise during COVID-19 is imperative. Questionnaires reporting physical activity levels were completed by all participants (n = 14). Semi-structured interviews were conducted between November 2020 and May 2021 in the UK. Interviews were analysed using thematic analysis and revealed four main themes: 'Perceptions of being an active person shaping activity levels in pregnancy', 'How do I know what is right? Uncertainty, seeking validation and feeling informed', 'Motivators to antenatal exercise' and 'A process of adaptations and adjustment'. Findings indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated barriers to antenatal exercise and highlight the importance of direct psychosocial support and clear, trustworthy information. Findings also support the fundamental need for better education amongst healthcare professionals regarding antenatal exercise

Semi-Analytic Modelling of Galaxy Formation: The Local Universe

Using semi-analytic models of galaxy formation, we investigate galaxy properties such as the Tully-Fisher relation, the B and K-band luminosity functions, cold gas contents, sizes, metallicities, and colours, and compare our results with observations of local galaxies. We investigate several different recipes for star formation and supernova feedback, including choices that are similar to the treatment in Kauffmann, White & Guiderdoni (1993) and Cole et al. (1994) as well as some new recipes. We obtain good agreement with all of the key local observations mentioned above. In particular, in our best models, we simultaneously produce good agreement with both the observed B and K-band luminosity functions and the I-band Tully-Fisher relation. Improved cooling and supernova feedback modelling, inclusion of dust extinction, and an improved Press-Schechter model all contribute to this success. We present results for several variants of the CDM family of cosmologies, and find that models with values of $\Omega_0 \simeq 0.3$--0.5 give the best agreement with observations.Comment: 26 pages, LaTeX, MNRAS format, 23 inlined postscript figures. Accepted for publication in MNRAS. Revised version contains substantial changes including improved models. High resolution figures, original version, and summary of changes may be found at http://www.fiz.huji.ac.il/~rachels/papers/sp.htm

Community Preferences for the Allocation &Donation of Organs - The PAraDOx Study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Transplantation is the treatment of choice for people with severe organ failure. However, demand substantially exceeds supply of suitable organs; consequently many people wait months, or years to receive an organ. Reasons for the chronic shortage of deceased organ donations are unclear; there appears to be no lack of 'in principle' public support for organ donation.</p> <p>Methods/Design</p> <p>The PAraDOx Study examines community preferences for organ donation policy in Australia. The aims are to 1) determine which factors influence decisions by individuals to offer their organs for donation and 2) determine the criteria by which the community deems the allocation of donor organs to be fair and equitable. Qualitative and quantitative methods will be used to assess community preferences for organ donation and allocation.</p> <p>Focus group participants from the general community, aged between 18-80, will be purposively sampled to ensure a variety of cultural backgrounds and views on organ donation. Each focus group will include a ranking exercise using a modified nominal group technique. Focus groups of organ recipients, their families, and individuals on a transplant waiting list will also be conducted.</p> <p>Using the qualitative work, a discrete choice study will be designed to quantitatively assess community preferences. Discrete choice methods are based on the premise that goods and services can be described in terms of a number of separate attributes. Respondents are presented with a series of choices where levels of attributes are varied, and a mathematical function is estimated to describe numerically the value respondents attach to different options. Two community surveys will be conducted in approximately 1000 respondents each to assess community preferences for organ donation and allocation. A mixed logit model will be used; model results will be expressed as parameter estimates (β) and the odds of choosing one option over an alternative. Trade-offs between attributes will also be calculated.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>By providing a better understanding of current community preferences in relation to organ donation and allocation, the PAraDOx study will highlight options for firstly, increasing the rate of organ donation and secondly, allow for more transparent and equitable policies in relation to organ allocation.</p

Baubles, Bangles, and Biotypes: A Critical Review of the use and Abuse of the Biotype Concept

Pest species of insects are notoriously prone to escape the weapons deployed in management efforts against them. This is particularly true in herbivorous insects. When a previously successful tactic fails the insect population has apparently adapted to it and is often considered to be a new or distinct entity, and given the non-formal category ‘biotype’. The entities falling under the umbrella term ‘biotype’ are not consistent either within or between biotypes, and their underlying genetic composition and origins, while generally unknown, are likely heterogeneous within and variable between biotypes. In some cases race or species may be more appropriate referents. Some examples of applications of the concept in the context of host plant resistance are discussed. It is argued here that the term ‘biotype’ and its applications are overly simplistic, confused, have not proved useful in current pest management, and lack predictive power for future management