Flight speed and performance of the wandering albatross with respect to wind

Background Albatrosses and other large seabirds use dynamic soaring to gain sufficient energy from the wind to travel large distances rapidly and with little apparent effort. The recent development of miniature bird-borne tracking devices now makes it possible to explore the physical and biological implications of this means of locomotion in detail. Here we use GPS tracking and concurrent reanalyzed wind speed data to model the flight performance of wandering albatrosses Diomedea exulans soaring over the Southern Ocean. We investigate the extent to which flight speed and performance of albatrosses is facilitated or constrained by wind conditions encountered during foraging trips. Results We derived simple equations to model observed albatross ground speed as a function of wind speed and relative wind direction. Ground speeds of the tracked birds in the along-wind direction varied primarily by wind-induced leeway, which averaged 0.51 (± 0.02) times the wind speed at a reference height of 5 m. By subtracting leeway velocity from ground velocity, we were able to estimate airspeed (the magnitude of the bird’s velocity through the air). As wind speeds increased from 3 to 18 m/s, the airspeed of wandering albatrosses flying in an across-wind direction increased by 0.42 (± 0.04) times the wind speed (i.e. ~ 6 m/s). At low wind speeds, tracked birds increased their airspeed in upwind flight relative to that in downwind flight. At higher wind speeds they apparently limited their airspeeds to a maximum of around 20 m/s, probably to keep the forces on their wings in dynamic soaring well within tolerable limits. Upwind airspeeds were nearly constant and downwind leeway increased with wind speed. Birds therefore achieved their fastest upwind ground speeds (~ 9 m/s) at low wind speeds (~ 3 m/s). Conclusions This study provides insights into which flight strategies are optimal for dynamic soaring. Our results are consistent with the prediction that the optimal range speed of albatrosses is higher in headwind than tailwind flight but only in wind speeds of up to ~ 7 m/s. Our models predict that wandering albatrosses have oval-shaped airspeed polars, with the fastest airspeeds ~ 20 m/s centered in the across-wind direction. This suggests that in upwind flight in high winds, albatrosses can increase their ground speed by tacking like sailboats

Suppression of the NF-κB cofactor Bcl3 inhibits mammary epithelial cell apoptosis and, in breast tumours, correlates with poor prognosis

Background Several transcription factors have been shown to play important roles in the regulation of apoptosis at the onset of murine mammary involution. These include LIF-activated STAT3, c/ebpdelta, Ap-1 and IKK/NF-κB-mediated regulation of death receptor ligands. A study of STAT3 and STAT5 transcriptional targets in mammary epithelial cells in vitro showed that both c/ebpdelta and c-fos (a component of Ap-1) were upregulated by STAT3, suggesting a degree of interdependence between these transcription factor pathways in mediating their apoptotic effects. Interestingly, while no NF-κB or IKK genes were significantly regulated by STATs, the NF-κB cofactor gene, Bcl3, was found to be a principal transcriptional target of STAT3. This factor plays a role in altering the transcriptional capacity of specific NF-κB subunits and has previously been described as an oncogene in B-cell lymphomas. In this study we set out to establish whether Bcl3 had a role in regulating the cell fate of mammary epithelial cells either in the normal mammary gland or in mammary/breast cancer. Methods Archived material representing a range of tumour grades and types was collected from breast cancer patients immediately after surgery (tumour tissues = 122, normal tissues = 32). The median follow-up of the patients was 120 months (range 12 to 156 months). QRT-PCR for Bcl3 was performed and this information was used to determine statistically significant correlations with the clinical data on breast pathology. MCF7, T47D and MDA-MB231 human breast cancer cell lines were subjected to Bcl3-specific siRNA knockdown and subsequently assessed for cell motility characteristics using ECIS technology. Bcl3-knockout mice were assessed histologically for alterations in apoptosis rate during the adult pregnancy cycle. Western blots, quantitative PCR and DNA binding assays were used to determine the activity of molecular markers of apoptosis in these animals. Bcl3-deficient animals were crossed with mmtv-neu (c-erbB2) mice to establish the role of Bcl3 in primary (neu-dependent) mammary tumour growth, and magnetic resonance imaging was performed on tumour-bearing animals, to establish metastasis rates in the presence/absence of Bcl3. Results An analysis of 122 human breast cancer tissues showed that Bcl3 gene expression was suppressed in a significant proportion of invasive tumours, which correlated with poor prognosis. This also correlated with a significant decrease in Bcl3 gene expression in human breast cancer cell lines exhibiting increased motility characteristics. The effects of siRNA-mediated knockdown of Bcl3 are ongoing. In the mouse mammary gland, Bcl3 expression was restricted to epithelial cells during the first 24 hours of involution. Bcl3 deficiency resulted in a transient delay in the appearance of apoptotic bodies in the early involuting mammary gland in Bcl3-/- mice, while pSTAT3 levels were unchanged compared with equivalent timepoints in control animals. The activities of initiator/executor caspases of both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways were significantly decreased in Bcl3-/- tissues at this time, which correlated with decreases in the expression of key regulators of intrinsic/extrinsic apoptosis. Results from the ongoing magnetic resonance imaging study of tumour incidence/progression in mmtv-neu/Bcl3-/- mice will be presented. Conclusion These observations suggest that Bcl3 promotes apoptosis in the mammary gland and provides preliminary evidence of cross-talk between STAT3 and NF-κB pathways, both of which have been implicated in breast cancer. Our current data on Bcl3 in primary breast tumours and breast cancer cell lines contrasts with other studies, to suggest that Bcl3 suppresses the metastatic progression of primary breast cancer and has a neutral role in breast cancer incidence or primary tumour growth

Dinosaur tracks from the Kilmaluag Formation (Bathonian, Middle Jurassic) of Score Bay, Isle of Skye, Scotland, UK

Tracks of a juvenile theropod dinosaur with footprint lengths of between 2 and 9 cm as well as adults of the same ichnospecies with footprints of about 15–25 cm in length were found in the Bathonian (Middle Jurassic) Kilmaluag Formation of Score Bay, northwestern Trotternish Peninsula, Isle of Skye, Scotland, UK. Two footprint sizes occur together on the same bedding plane in the central portion of Score Bay, both in situ and on loose blocks. Another horizon containing footprints above this was also identified. The footprints from the lowest horizon were produced in a desiccated silty mud that was covered with sand. A close association of both adults and juveniles with similar travel direction indicated by the footprints may suggest post-hatching care in theropod dinosaurs. Other footprints, produced on a rippled sandy substrate, have been found on the slightly higher bedding plane at this locality. Loose blocks found 130 m to the northeast in the central part of Score Bay have not been correlated with any in situ sediments, but were preserved in a similar manner to those from the higher bedding plane. These tracks represent the youngest dinosaur remains yet found in Scotland

Parent perceptions of their child’s and their own physical activity after treatment for childhood cancer

Purpose: Parents are important facilitators of physical activity for children, yet little is known about the perceptions of parents of childhood cancer survivors. We investigated parent perceptions of their own and their child’s physical activity levels after cancer treatment and examined associations with clinical, demographic, and psychosocial factors. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 125 parents and 125 survivors. Parents reported on the perceived importance of their child being physically active and concerns regarding exercising after cancer treatment. Results: Parents and survivors self-reported median (range) of 127.5 (0–1260) and 220 (0–1470) min/week of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Most parents (n = 109, 98%) believed that physical activity was highly important for their child. Some parents (n = 19, 17%) reported concerns, most commonly regarding exercise safety (n = 7, 22%). Parents were more likely to perceive that their child should increase physical activity if their child was an adolescent and had high body fat percentage. Conclusions: Physical activity levels varied widely among survivors, reflecting factors including parents’ lifestyles, limited understanding of exercise benefits and perceptions of risk. Given survivors’ insufficient physical activity levels and sedentary behaviour among families, embedding physical activity promotion into health systems and follow-up support could benefit the entire family unit

Diet of non-breeding leach’s storm-petrels ( Hydrobates leucorhous ) in the sub-polar frontal zone of the North Atlantic

In order to understand the drivers of the distribution and abundance of pelagic seabirds it is necessary to know what they eat, yet there remains little detailed, geo-referenced information on the diets of pelagic seabird. In particular, due to sampling difficulties, information is lacking for non-breeding stages, smaller species, such as storm-petrels, and remote oceanic areas, which may include important diversity hotspots. In this study, we aimed to characterize the trophic ecology of Leach’s storm-petrels foraging in the vicinity of the North Atlantic Current and Evlanov Seamount Marine Protected Area using a combination of survey methods. On a cruise undertaken in June 2017 to characterize the distribution and ecology of seabirds in the region, nineteen Leach’s storm-petrels were caught, sampled and released unharmed. Regurgitations and faecal samples were collected, as well as blood and feather tissues for stable isotope analyses. Of the 12 males, 6 females and 1 unsexed bird, 84% were in active flight feather moult, suggesting they were non-breeders. Prey species, assayed via molecular metabarcoding, were dominated by mesopelagic fish, principally lanternfishes (Myctophidae) and hatchetfishes (Sternoptychidae), but also included cephalopods and crustaceans. Additionally, almost half of the birds had microplastics in their regurgitates. Stable isotopic ratios did not differ significantly between sexes. Our results, combined with those of previous studies, suggest that within the oceanic North Atlantic, Leach’s storm-petrels feed at a similar trophic level to much larger seabirds, targeting mesopelagic fishes that are a key component of the North Atlantic pelagic food web

Territorial Tactics: The Socio-spatial Significance of Private Policing Strategies in Cape Town

This paper analyses the policing strategies of private security companies operating in urban space. An existing literature has considered the variety of ways that territory becomes of fundamental importance in the work of public police forces. However, this paper examines territory in the context of private security companies. Drawing on empirical research in Cape Town, it examines how demarcated territories become key subjects in private policing. Private security companies are responsible for a relatively small section of the city, while in contrast the public police ultimately have to see city space as a whole. Hence, private policing strategy becomes one of displacement, especially of so-called undesirables yielding a patchworked public space associated with private enclaves of consumption. The conclusions signal the historical resonances and comparative implications of these political-legal-security dynamics. © 2013 Urban Studies Journal Limited

A Digital Educational Intervention With Wearable Activity Trackers to Support Health Behaviors Among Childhood Cancer Survivors: Pilot Feasibility and Acceptability Study

Background: Childhood cancer survivors are at increased risk of cardiometabolic complications that are exacerbated by poor health behaviors. Critically, many survivors do not meet physical activity guidelines. Objective: The primary aim was to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of iBounce, a digital health intervention for educating and engaging survivors in physical activity. Our secondary aims were to assess the change in survivors’ physical activity levels and behaviors, aerobic fitness, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) after participating in the iBounce program. Methods: We recruited survivors aged 8 to 13 years who were ≥12 months post cancer treatment completion. The app-based program involved 10 educational modules, goal setting, and home-based physical activities monitored using an activity tracker. We assessed objective physical activity levels and behaviors using cluster analysis, aerobic fitness, and HRQoL at baseline and after the intervention (week 12). Parents were trained to reassess aerobic fitness at home at follow-up (week 24). Results: In total, 30 participants opted in, of whom 27 (90%) completed baseline assessments, and 23 (77%) commenced iBounce. Our opt-in rate was 59% (30/51), and most (19/23, 83%) of the survivors completed the intervention. More than half (13/23, 57%) of the survivors completed all 10 modules (median 10, IQR 4-10). We achieved a high retention rate (19/27, 70%) and activity tracker compliance (15/19, 79%), and there were no intervention-related adverse events. Survivors reported high satisfaction with iBounce (median enjoyment score 75%; ease-of-use score 86%), but lower satisfaction with the activity tracker (median enjoyment score 60%). Parents reported the program activities to be acceptable (median score 70%), and their overall satisfaction was 60%, potentially because of technological difficulties that resulted in the program becoming disjointed. We did not observe any significant changes in physical activity levels or HRQoL at week 12. Our subgroup analysis for changes in physical activity behaviors in participants (n=11) revealed five cluster groups: most active, active, moderately active, occasionally active, and least active. Of these 11 survivors, 3 (27%) moved to a more active cluster group, highlighting their engagement in more frequent and sustained bouts of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity; 6 (56%) stayed in the same cluster; and 2 (18%) moved to a less active cluster. The survivors’ mean aerobic fitness percentiles increased after completing iBounce (change +17, 95% CI 1.7-32.1; P=.03) but not at follow-up (P=.39). Conclusions: We demonstrated iBounce to be feasible for delivery and acceptable among survivors, despite some technical difficulties. The distance-delivered format provides an opportunity to engage survivors in physical activity at home and may address barriers to care, particularly for regional or remote families. We will use these pilot findings to evaluate an updated version of iBounce

Academic Achievement and School Resources

This chapter examines the national and local trends in educational policy, focusing in particular on Nevada’s academic achievement, standardized test performance, available school resources, and unmet needs. The discussion begins with the concept of academic achievement and the ways it is measured. After that, we analyze the policies impacting academic achievement, most notably the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act. Next, we suggest the strategies to improve academic performance in the Nevada K12 System and make recommendations to increase parental involvement in education and encourage culturally competent policies of bringing together children, families, and schools. Finally, we discuss the resources needed to raise academic performances in Nevada schools

Self‐reported sleep quality is more closely associated with mental and physical health than chronotype and sleep duration in young adults: A multi‐instrument analysis

Sleep and circadian rhythms are considered to be important determinants of mental and physical health. Epidemiological studies have established the contribution of self‐reported sleep duration, sleep quality and chronotype to health outcomes. Mental health and sleep problems are more common in women and men are more likely to be evening types. Few studies have compared the relative strength of these contributions and few studies have assessed these contributions separately in men and women. Furthermore, sleep and circadian characteristics are typically assessed with a limited number of instruments and a narrow range of variables is considered, leaving the understanding of the relative contribution of different predictors somewhat fractionary. We compared sleep quality, sleep duration and chronotype as predictors for self‐reported mental and physical health and psychological characteristics in 410 men and 261 women aged 18 to 30. To ascertain that results were not dependent on the use of specific instruments we used a multitude of validated instruments including the Morningness‐Eveningness‐Questionnaire, Munich‐ChronoType‐Questionnaire, Pittsburgh‐Sleep‐Quality‐Index, British‐Sleep‐Survey, Karolinska‐Sleep‐Diary, Insomnia‐Severity‐Index, SF‐36‐Health Survey, General‐Health‐Questionnaire, Dutch‐Eating‐Behaviour‐Questionnaire, Big‐Five‐Inventory, Behaviour‐Inhibition‐System‐Behaviour‐Activation‐System, and the Positive‐Affect‐Negative‐Affect‐Schedule. Relative contributions of predictors were quantified as local effect sizes derived from multiple regression models. Across all questionnaires, sleep quality was the strongest independent predictor of health and in particular mental health and more so in women than in men. The effect of sleep duration and social jetlag was inconspicuous. A greater insight into the independent contributions of sleep quality and chronotype may aid the understanding of sleep‐health interactions in women and men