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Modelling tree survival for investigating climate change effects
Get PDFUsing German forest health monitoring data we investigate the main drivers leading to tree mortality and the association between defoliation and mortality; in particular (a) whether defoliation is a proxy for other covariates (climate, soil, water budget); (b) whether defoliation is a tree response that mitigates the effects of climate change and (c) whether there is a threshold of defoliation which could be used as an early warning sign for irreversible damage. Results show that environmental drivers leading to tree mortality differ by species, but some are always required in the model. The defoliation effect on mortality differs by species but it is always strong and monotonic. There is some evidence that a defoliation threshold exists for spruce, fir, and beech. We model tree survival with a smooth additive Cox model allowing for random effects taking care of dependence between neighboring trees and nonlinear functions of spatial time varying and functional predictors on defoliation, climate, soil and hydrology characteristics. Due to the large sample size and large number of parameters, we use parallel computing combined with marginal discretization of covariates. We propose a “boost forward penalize backward” scheme based on combining component-wise gradient boosting with integrated backward selection. Supplementary materials for this article are available online, including a standardized description of the materials available for reproducing the work.</p
Thin Film Composite Mixed-Matrix Membranes based on Matrimid and Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks for CO2/N2 separation performance
No full textMembrane-based gas separation processes are a technology in continuous evolution. Various types of polymer membranes have been developed, many exhibiting high CO2 permeability and selective properties over competing gases such as N2 and CH4. In order to be competitive, membranes must be cheaper, more stable, more efficient and their production must be scalable. One solution is to develop thin film composites with mixed matrix membranes (TFC_MMM) that have the potential to boost productivity while maintaining low costs. In this work, TFC_MMMs containing Matrimid(r) mixed with 12%wt of ZIF-94 were prepared by kiss coating on a porous support. The SEM analysis showed that defect-free membranes with a 3 mm selective layer have been obtained. At 1 bar, the addition of ZIF resulted in the improved the separation performance for the CO2/N2 pair, with CO2 permeance of 4 GPU and CO2/N2 selectivity of 40, surpassing neat TFC-Matrimid (CO2 permeance~3 GPU, CO2/N2 selectivity~29). The use of ZIF-94 also had a stabilising effect on the membranes against CO2 plasticisation at high pressure
Patient derived cancer-associated fibroblasts from non-small cell lung cancer undergo phenotypic drift in culture
No full textNanostring nCounter targeted RNA Seq. data of fibroblast cells isolated from human non-cancerous lung tissue and non-small cell lung cancer tumour tissue as well as fibroblasts maintained for three passages in culture from both origins as shown in Mathieson et al. (submission) "Patient derived cancer-associated fibroblasts from non-small cell lung cancer undergo phenotypic drift in culture". Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the predominant cell type in the stroma of many solid organ malignancies, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). They are widely studied and represent a diverse population of cells presenting with different phenotypes and functions. CAF research often relies on propagation and culture in vitro for functional assay and co-culture experimentation. In this study we investigated the phenotype of CAFs from NSCLC patients compared to non-cancerous lung fibroblasts by tracking changes in CAF subset marker expression levels by flow cytometry. We demonstrate that CAFs from NSCLC undergo phenotypic drift in culture, and that of the previously defined subsets there is a convergence to a phenotype predominantly upregulated in non-cancerous lung when CAFs are maintained in standard culture conditions. Together we show the phenotype, transcriptome and function of fibroblasts converge between CAFs and fibroblasts from non-cancerous lung, suggesting that standard culture conditions promote this phenotype. We highlight the need to understand and monitor the culture phenotype during functional studies with CAFs, as the heterogeneity found in the tumour microenvironment is rapidly lost in cultured cells
Making a good start: Differential Impacts of Teaching Methods for Promoting Motor Performance and Understanding Among 6–7 Year Old Children
No full textBackground: A good start and early success with motor skills is an important feature of primary education when promoting lifelong physical activity. Notably, however, empirical guidance on optimal teaching methods is limited, especially when considering between genders. To address this paucity, we compared across several teaching methods that were informed by different skill acquisition approaches (i.e., cognitive and ecological) in children when practicing an age-appropriate interception task. We also tested for gender differences. Methods: Five groups of 14 Kuwaiti children (N = 70) practiced a bowling task under different teaching conditions, namely: Solo; Social learning; Demonstrations; Questioning, and; Verbal instructions. Performance outcome scores, participants’ understanding and teacher observations were used to evaluate the conditions’ impact. Results: ANOVA showed significant effects for teaching method on performance outcome scores. Post-hoc analyses found verbal instruction was significantly better than solo and social learning. Analyses of near misses found significant differences for gender, with males outperforming females. Assessment of participants’ understanding revealed a higher level for males and those receiving verbal instruction compared with social and solo practice. Conclusion: Different teaching methods generate different practice outcomes and levels of understanding in children. Offering more direct guidance can support necessary early success
Experiencing the executive:Gender, ministers and institutions in Scotland
No full textWomen are historically under-represented amongst government ministers. While most research on gender and executives concentrates on who gets to (and stays at) the 'top', we examine the executive as a gendered institution, investigating how ministers experience the 'heart of the machine' once they get there. Using documentary sources and interviews with former ministers, we explore these dynamics through a case study of the early years of the (then) Scottish Executive (1999-2007), examining how men and women ministers navigated the complex rules and relationships of government in a 'new' institution, and moving the research agenda on gender and the executive in the UK beyond Westminster and Whitehall. While we find evidence of both nominal and substantive change - in terms of ministerial recruitment, portfolio allocation and different ways of working - our findings highlight the continuing 'drag' of the Westminster model on the 'making' of the Scottish Executive, limiting possibilities for innovation
Interpersonal reasoning: A philosophical psychology of testimonial trust
Get PDFAnscombe famously said, “It is an insult and it may be aninjury not to be believed.” But what is it to believe some-one? My aim is to show that understanding what it is tobelieve someone requires a conception of a distinctive kindof interpersonal reasoning. To do so, I develop an analogybetween interpersonal reasoning and an Anscombean con-ception of practical reasoning. I suggest that the distinctive‘form’ of interpersonal reasoning is recognition. I further-more argue that this is to be understood as a primarily logi-cal, rather than epistemological point. In concluding, Iexplain why a notion of interpersonal reasoning makesavailable an ethics of thought and, specifically, an accountof testimonial injustice
Intersectionality in good faith:Beyond normative claims and towards practical integration in energy justice research
Get PDFThe concept of intersectionality is increasingly referenced in energy justice research, requiring critical reflection on the value of intersectionality theory for the energy justice framework and research agenda. Conceptually, its incorporation seems intuitive – intersectionality theory, it is argued, can better integrate, or even transcend, often westernised justice conceptualisations, including through attention to feminist, anti-racist, Indigenous, and postcolonial justice theories. Methodologically, however, intersectionality theory integration into practice is less intuitive and the energy justice literature is currently lacking tangible recommendations. Indeed, the use of intersectionality is methodologically complex, requiring understanding of and attention to its core guiding principles, which must be applied appropriately in research from design to analysis and outputs in order to support its ambitious and politicised aims. This is especially true in the context of energy justice, where outputs are typically intended to inform future decision-making. In this perspective, we present the key literature to integrate intersectionality theory into energy justice research, then we highlight that there have been, so far, two different ways to integrate intersectionality: implicitly and explicitly. We then defend and support the explicit integration of intersectionality theory in energy justice work by providing recommendations to facilitate integration in research. Finally, we call for a politicised, radical research agenda informed by intersectionality theory in future academic work linked to the energy transition injustices
‘Enemy of the state’:Citizenship deprivation and the problem of returning foreign terrorist fighters
Get PDFThis paper analyses the UK’s law and practice of citizenship deprivation as a counterterrorism measure to deal with returning foreign terrorist fighters. What used to be an “exceptional” measure has become increasingly institutionalised to give the executive broad powers even at the risk of making an individual stateless. The paper shows how the construction of the terrorist “other” and the resulting politics of fear lead to a productive relationship between law and securitisation: the executive is using law as a tool to justify its decisions in the process of securitisation, and securitisation becomes the driver for legal changes that institutionalises the executive’s power over its citizens. The paper uses the case of Shamima Begum and her attempts to return to argue that citizenship has become a securitised and racialised concept that is conditional on ill-defined criteria of what it means to be a “good” British citizen. Citizenship has shifted from being a right to being a privilege, contingent on the Home Secretary’s assessment of whether an individual adheres to “British values”. The fact that this only affects those of foreign heritage, means that there are different classes of citizenship which raises important questions of fairness and equality.</p
BioAsteroid_metabolomics
No full textMetabolomics analysis of the liquid fractions of samples from the BioAsteroid experiment, performed onboard the International Space Station between 2020 and 2021. It includes both ground and space samples
Outcomes of medical abortion with an intrauterine device in situ: a retrospective review
Get PDFBackgroundThere is a lack of evidence on the outcomes of medical abortion with an intrauterine device (IUD) in situ. Guidelines recommend IUD removal prior to medical abortion, but retrieval is not always possible. This study examines the outcomes of medical abortion (< 12 weeks) in women where the IUD was removed prior to abortion and those where it remained in situ.MethodsA retrospective review of medical abortion outcomes < 12 weeks (complete abortion, incomplete abortion and ongoing pregnancy) at a single abortion service in Scotland over five years (2020–2024). Outcomes were compared for those with IUD removed pre abortion and those with the IUD left in situ.ResultsOf 18,436 cases presenting for abortion, 98 (0.53%) reported that they had an IUD in situ. Of these, there were 61 cases (76%) who had a medical abortion (< 12 weeks) in whom the IUD was visible on a pre abortion ultrasound. In 46/61 (75%), the IUD was removed pre abortion and in 15/61 (25%) it was not retrievable. Complete abortion occurred in all cases where the IUD was removed and in 14/15 cases (93%) with the IUD left in situ. There was one ongoing pregnancy (IUD in situ group).ConclusionMedical abortion with an IUD in situ appears safe and effective showing comparable success and low complication rates to cases where the IUD is removed pre abortion. This supports clinical practice of proceeding to medical abortion in cases where the IUD cannot be retrieved.SHORT CONDENSATIONLimited data indicate that medical abortion with an IUD in situ is safe and effective, showing comparable success rates and low complication rates to when an IUD is removed pre abortion
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