Layn, a natural ingredients company headquartered in Shanghai, China, has adopted monk fruit (Siraitia grosvenorii) through the American Botanical Council’s (ABC’s) Adopt-an-Herb Program.

ABC ADVISORY AUSTIN, Texas (October 12, 2017) — Through its adoption, Layn helps ABC expand its nonprofit educational mission and keep its unique HerbMedPro database updated with the latest scientific and clinical research on monk fruit. HerbMedPro is a comprehensive, interactive online database that provides access to important scientific and clinical research data on the uses and health effects of approximately 250 medicinal and aromatic plants. “We are honored to adopt monk fruit through the Adopt-an-Herb Program,” said Shaun Richmond, vice president of Layn USA, which is based in Newport Beach, California. “We look forward to working with ABC to help advance the research and provide more education about this important botanical.” “Monk fruit has been used for centuries both for its sweet flavor and for its medicinal properties,” Richmond continued. “We are excited to help bring more information to light about its unique compounds, applications, benefits, and sustainable agricultural practices.” ABC Founder and Executive Director Mark Blumenthal added: “At a time when consumers are seeking safe, natural, non-caloric sweeteners, monk fruit has entered the market as an additional option to help satisfy the large public demand. ABC is grateful to Layn for its adoption of monk fruit on ABC’s HerbMedPro database. Layn’s adoption provides the funding to help ABC keep up with the published scientific literature, thereby helping to make the science on this botanical more readily available to researchers and the public.” About Monk Fruit Monk fruit, or luo han guo in Chinese, is a perennial vine in the Cucurbitaceae (gourd) botanical family that is grown primarily in the autonomous region of Guangxi in southern China, mostly in the mountains near the city of Guilin. The plant is prized for its fruits, which are used for medicinal purposes and contain compounds used as natural, low-calorie sweetening agents. The sweet taste of monk fruit comes primarily from mogrosides, a group of triterpene glycosides. (The compound mogroside V is approximately 250 times sweeter than sucrose, or common table sugar.) Monk fruit also contains high amounts of amino acids, fructose, vitamins, and minerals. In traditional Chinese medicine, the dried fruit and leaf of monk fruit are used to treat a variety of respiratory conditions. Monk fruit’s adoption page can be found here. The HerbMedPro record on monk fruit is available here. About Layn Layn is a global leader in the vertically integrated production of premium-quality natural sweeteners, flavors, and botanicals. For more than two decades, Layn has led the natural sweetener industry with innovative ingredients designed to meet the specific needs of global food, beverage, and pharmaceutical manufacturers. Layn’s portfolio of monk fruit, stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) extracts, and other functional botanicals delivers superior taste profiles, according to the company, with a focus on sustainability and proprietary formulations to best satisfy a broad range of customer-specific applications. Layn’s long-term relationships with its farmers and its support for local communities are an integral part of the company’s success. More information is available at www.layncorp.com. About Adopt-an-Herb and HerbMedPro Layn is one of 50 companies that have supported ABC’s educational efforts to collect, organize, and disseminate reliable, traditional, science-based, and clinical information on herbs, medicinal plants, and other botanical- and fungal-based ingredients through the Adopt-an-Herb Program. This program encourages companies, organizations, and individuals to “adopt” one or more specific herbs for inclusion and ongoing maintenance in the HerbMedPro database. To date, 56 herbs have been adopted. Each adopted herb is continuously researched for new articles and studies, ensuring that its HerbMedPro record stays current and robust. The result is an unparalleled resource not only for researchers, health professionals, industry, and consumers, but for all members of the herbal and dietary supplements community. HerbMedPro is available to ABC members at the Academic level and higher. Its “sister” site, HerbMed, is free and available to the general public. In keeping with the ABC’s position as an independent research and education organization, herb adopters do not influence the scientific information that is compiled for their respective adopted herbs.

past conference - Harry Potter 20. Conferência Internacional de Um Dia. Portugal

Harry Potter 20. International One-Day Conference. Portugal 20 de Outubro Biblioteca Nacional Organização: Centre for English, Translation and Anglo-Portuguese Studies (CETAPS), NOVA FCSH; Biblioteca Nacional de Portugal; Centro de Investigação “Didática e Tecnologia na Formação de Formadores” (CIDTFF), Universidade de Aveiro; Instituto de Educação, Universidade do Minho; Liter21. Grupo de Investigación da Universidade de Santiago de Compostela; Elos. Asociación Galego-Portuguesa de Investigación en Literatura Infantil e X/Juvenil. Organizador: Rogério Miguel Puga (NOVA FCSH) PROGRAMA 14.00: Sessão de abertura 1. Painel em inglês: 14.10h 14.10 - Fran Pheasant-Kelly (Universidade de Wolverhampton, Grã-Bretanha): “A Stranger in a Strange Land: Assimilating Difference in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (Yates, 2016)” 14.30 - Gabriela M. Steinke (Universidade de Wolverhampton, Grã-Bretanha): “The Right Book at the Right Time? Harry Potter in Context” 14.50 - Cheryl Lans (Institute for Ethnobotany & Zoopharmacognosy, Holanda): “What Does the Harry Potter Series, its Fans and its Critiques Reveal about Social Behaviour?” 15.10-15.20: Q&A 15.20 - Sara Reis (Universidade do Minho): “Harry Potter e a Pedra Filosofal: Alguns (Re)Encontros Visuais” 15.40 - Gisela Silva (Universidade do Minho, investigadora independente): “O Mundo Fantástico de Harry Potter na Construção Identitária do Herói” 16:00-16:10: Q&A 2. Painel “Beyond the Canon”: 16.10 16.10 - Alice Gonçalves (Universidade do Porto): “Heterotópico e/ou Distópico: As Dicotomias da Escola de Hogwarts na Série Harry Potter” 16.30 - Juliana Lopes (Universidade do Porto): “Dobby é um Elfo Livre? Questões de Servidão e Identidade nos Elfos Domésticos” 16.50 - João Santos (Universidade do Porto): “J. K. Rowling Revisitada: Mapeando a Saga Harry Potter” 17.10-17.20: Q&A 17.20-17.40 - Emília Ferreira (IHA, NOVA FCSH): “Harry Potter, a Ética como Caminho” 17.40-18.00 - “Experiências Potterianas em Portugal”: Mesa-redonda com alunos de NOVA FCSH sobre a série Harry Potter e o estímulo à leitura. Moderador: Rogério Miguel Puga (NOVA FCSH) 18.00-18.10: Q&A

Ginkgo biloba in the treatment of tinnitus: An updated literature review

Int Tinnitus J. 2017 Jun 1;21(1):58-62. doi: 10.5935/0946-5448.20170011. Mahmoudian-Sani MR1, Hashemzadeh-Chaleshtori M2, Asadi-Samani M3, Yang Q4. Author information 1 Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran. 2 Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran. 3 Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran. 4 Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany. Abstract INTRODUCTION: Tinnitus is one of the common diseases of the ear that is associated with numerous physical and mental disorders. One of the known mechanisms in the tinnitus area with unknown reason is oxidative events. Based on the prevalence and economic costs and physical- psychological side effects caused by tinnitus and the importance of finding a suitable solution for its prevention and treatment, the need for further studies becomes more obvious in this context. This review article aimed to review studies on the effectiveness of Ginkgo biloba as a medicinal plant on patients with tinnitus. EVIDENCE ACQUISITIONS: Google Scholar, Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), PubMed, LISTA (EBSCO) and Web of Science have been searched. RESULTS: There are many studies on the therapeutic effect of Ginkgo biloba on patients with tinnitus. Most findings are in contrast with each other so that some of studies reported that Ginkgo biloba is effective in the treatment of tinnitus and other studies referred to it as ineffective herbal medicine. Generally, according to the previous studies and the present study, it can mention that the Ginkgo biloba may somewhat improve tinnitus. CONCLUSION: Since tinnitus is multifactorial, it is recommended to evaluate patients individually based on the cause of tinnitus, treatment formulas, and different doses of Ginkgo biloba at the more extensive level in future studies. KEYWORDS: Ginkgo biloba; drug discovery; ear disorders; tinnitus PMID: 28723603 DOI: 10.5935/0946-5448.20170011

Incidence of Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids in Herbal Medicines from German Retail Markets: Risk Assessments and Implications to Consumers

Phytother Res. 2017 Sep 28. doi: 10.1002/ptr.5935. [Epub ahead of print] Letsyo E1, Jerz G1, Winterhalter P1, Lindigkeit R2, Beuerle T2. Author information 1 Institute of Food Chemistry, Technische Universitat Carolo Wilhelmina zu Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Niedersachsen, Germany. 2 Institute of Pharmaceutical Biology, Technische Universitat Carolo Wilhelmina zu Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Niedersachsen, Germany. Abstract The occurrence of potentially toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) in herbal medicines (HMs) is currently intensely being discussed in Europe. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids, particularly the 1,2-unsaturated PAs, are undesired compounds in HMs due to their potential hepatotoxic and carcinogenic properties. In this study, 98 widely patronized HMs from six popular German retail supermarkets/drugstores, as well as from pharmacies, were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry for the presence of PAs. The results showed that about 63% of the HMs were PA positive, whereas the average PA concentration of the samples was 201 μg/kg, the highest concentration of PAs (3270 μg/kg) was attributed to a product that was purchased from the pharmacy and contained Hypericum perforatum L. (St. John's Wort) as an active ingredient. In addition, H. perforatum-containing products were frequently contaminated with PAs from Echium spp., while both Cynara cardunculus L. products and fixed-combination products of Gentiana lutea L., Rumex acetosa L., Verbena officinalis L., Sambucus nigra L., and Primula veris L. products were commonly contaminated with PAs of Senecio spp. The study showed that H. perforatum, C. cardunculus, Urtica dioica L., and fixed-combination products were frequently contaminated with PA levels above the recommended values of both the German and European Medicines Agencies. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. KEYWORDS: Cynara cardunculus; Europe; HPLC-ESI-MS/MS; Hypericum perforatum (St. John's Wort); herbal medicine; pyrrolizidine alkaloid PMID: 28960556 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.5935

Acupuncture for Small Animal Neurological Disorders

Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2017 Oct 13. pii: S0195-5616(17)30092-X. doi: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2017.08.003. [Epub ahead of print] Roynard P1, Frank L2, Xie H3, Fowler M4. Author information 1 Neurology/Neurosurgery Department, Long Island Veterinary Specialists, 163 South Service Road, Plainview, NY 11803, USA; Fipapharm, 26 rue du marais, Mont-Saint-Aignan 76130, France. 2 Physical Rehabilitation and Acupuncture Service, Long Island Veterinary Specialists, 163 South Service Road, Plainview, NY 11803, USA. 3 Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Florida, 2089 Southwest 16th Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA. 4 Acupuncture and Holistic Veterinary Services, 105 Lilith Lane, Summerville, SC 29485, USA; The Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, 9650 West Highway 318, Reddick, FL 32686, USA. Electronic address: drmpfowler@gmail.com. Abstract Modern research on traditional Chinese veterinary medicine (TCVM), including herbal medicine and acupuncture, has made evident the role of the nervous system as a cornerstone in many of the mechanisms of action of TCVM. Laboratory models and clinical research available are supportive for the use of TCVM in the management of neurologic conditions in small animals, specifically in cases of intervertebral disk disease, other myelopathies, and painful conditions. This article is meant to help guide the use of TCVM for neurologic disorders in small animals, based on available information and recommendations from experienced TCVM practitioners. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. KEYWORDS: Acupuncture; Cervical spondylomyelopathy (CSM); Dog; Electroacupuncture (EA); Herbal; Intervertebral disk disease (IVDD); Pain; Traditional Chinese veterinary medicine (TCVM) PMID: 29037432 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2017.08.003

The Flower Tea Coreopsis tinctoria Increases Insulin Sensitivity and Regulates Hepatic Metabolism in Rats Fed a High-Fat Diet

Endocrinology. 2015 Jun;156(6):2006-18. doi: 10.1210/en.2015-1015. Epub 2015 Mar 16. Jiang B1, Le L, Wan W, Zhai W, Hu K, Xu L, Xiao P. Author information 1 Institute of Medicinal Plant Development (B.J., L.L., W.W., W.Z., K.H., L.X., P.X.), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100194, China; and Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine (B.J., W.W., L.X., P.X.), Ministry of Education, Beijing 100194, China. Abstract An infusion of Coreopsis tinctoria (CT) flowering tops is traditionally used in Portugal to control hyperglycemia; however, the effects of CT protection against high-fat diet (HFD)-induced hepatic insulin resistance have not been systematically studied and the precise mechanism of action is not clear. The metabolomic profiles of insulin-resistant rats fed a HFD and a CT-supplemented diet (HFD supplemented with CT drinking) for 8 weeks were investigated. Serum samples for clinical biochemistry and liver samples for histopathology and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-based metabolomic research were collected. Western blot and quantitative real-time PCR analyses were further used to measure the expression of several relevant enzymes together with perturbed metabolic pathways. Using analysis software, the CT treatment was found to significantly ameliorate the disturbance in 10 metabolic pathways. Combined metabolomic, Western blot, and quantitative real-time PCR analyses revealed that CT treatment significantly improved the glucose homeostasis by, on the one hand, through inhibiting the expression of gluconeogenic pathway key proteins glucose-6-phosphatase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and, on the other hand, via regulating the mRNA or protein levels of the Krebs cycle critical enzymes (citrate synthase, succinate dehydrogenase complex, subunit A, flavoprotein, and dihydrolipoamide S-succinyltransferase). These results provide metabolic evidence of the complex pathogenic mechanism involved in hepatic insulin resistance and that the supplementation with CT improves insulin resistance at a global scale. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-based metabolomics approaches are helpful to further understand diabetes-related mechanisms. PMID: 25774555 DOI: 10.1210/en.2015-1015

Contribution of Light and Electron Microscopy to Identification of Bark from Frangula azorica, an Azorean Medicinal Plant

Microsc Microanal. 2015 Oct;21(5):1296-303. doi: 10.1017/S1431927615014944. Epub 2015 Sep 9. Malmir M1, Curica C1, Gomes ET1, Serrano R1, Silva O1. Author information 1 Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy,Universidade de Lisboa,Av. Professor Gama Pinto,1649-003 Lisbon,Portugal. Abstract Frangula azorica V. Grubow is a Macaronesian flora medicinal plant, endemic from Azores islands and inscribed on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. This species, known as "sanguinho," belongs to the family Rhamnaceae, the same as Frangula alnus Mill. and Frangula purshiana (DC.) J. G. Cooper, two widely used official laxative herbal medicines of the western Pharmacopoeias constituted by the dried barks of each species. Morphological and chemical studies on F. azorica dried bark are scarce although it is potentially recognized as a Portuguese laxative herbal medicine. Macroscopically, the bark occurs in quills or nearly flat pieces. A channeled external surface with transversely elongated lenticels is characteristic. When the outer phellem layer is removed, a bright purple inner phellem layer is disclosed. Light and electron microscopy observations revealed flattened phellem cells with slightly thickened walls, cortical parenchyma with secretory ducts and groups of sclereids, phloem with groups of fibers and sheaths of parenchymatous cells containing druses or more frequently prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate, and parenchymatous medullary rays one to three cells wide with spherical starch grains. Observation of these botanical characteristics must be included in quality monographs of F. azorica bark herbal medicine. KEYWORDS: Frangula azorica; Rhamnaceae; botanical identification; herbal medicines; light microscopy; scanning electron microscopy PMID: 26350278 DOI: 10.1017/S1431927615014944

Assistant Professor – Plant and/or Microbial Systems Biology by Monica McSheim Full TimeTorontoPosted 1 month ago University of Toronto WebsiteUniversity of Toronto The Department of Cell & Systems Biology at the University of Toronto invites applications for a tenure-stream appointment in the field of plant and/or microbial systems biology at the rank of Assistant Professor beginning July 1, 2018. The successful candidate will be nominated for a Canada Research Chair (tier II). We will consider all outstanding applicants with a track record of demonstrated excellence in applying systems biology approaches to address basic biological questions that will complement the strengths of the Department of Cell & Systems Biology in plant and microbial biology, comparative genomics, chemical genomics, proteomics, and bioinformatics. Evidence for strong academic and/or industry collaboration will be considered an asset. The successful candidate must have a Ph.D. in Biology or related field (e.g., Systems Biology, Synthetic Biology, Molecular & Cellular Biology, Genome Biology, Genetics, Microbiology, Plant Biology, etc.), and substantial postdoctoral experience. The candidate will be expected to pursue a vigorous internationally recognized research program. Evidence of excellence in research will be demonstrated by publications in top ranked and field relevant academic journals, presentations at significant conferences, awards and accolades, and strong endorsements by referees of high standing. In addition, we expect a strong commitment to excellence in teaching and mentoring of undergraduate and graduate students. This can be demonstrated by strong endorsements from referees of top international stature, teaching statement, teaching accomplishments highlighted as part of the application, as well as any additional evidence. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. All qualified candidates are invited to apply online at http://uoft.me/3Ey. Please see submission guidelines at http://uoft.me/how-to-apply. All application materials should be submitted online by the closing date, November 30, 2017, 11:59 p.m. (EST). Application materials should be combined into a single PDF file in the following order: cover letter, curriculum vitae, a statement outlining current and future research interests and a statement of teaching philosophy and experience. If you have questions about the position please contact csbsearch@utoronto.ca. Applicants should ask at least three referees to send letters directly to the Chair of the department via email to: csbsearch@utoronto.ca by the closing date, November 30, 2017. Please ensure the candidate’s name is included in the subject line and that letters are on department letterhead and signed by the referee. For more information about the Department of Cell & Systems Biology, including genomics, bioinformatics, plant growth facilities, and microscopy resources, please visit: www.csb.utoronto.ca. The University of Toronto and its affiliated institutions represent an outstanding world-class scientific environment with a highly interactive community of researchers. Our department has strong links to a network of leading academic research hospitals (www.uhn.ca; www.sunnybrook.ca; www.sickkids.ca) and institutes (www.tdccbr.med.utoronto.ca; www.lunenfeld.ca) in the city. Toronto is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city, one of the most desirable in the world in which to work and live. The University of Toronto is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from racialized persons / persons of colour, women, Indigenous / Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. As part of your application, you will be asked to complete a brief Diversity Survey. This survey is voluntary. Any information directly related to you is confidential and cannot be accessed by search committees or human resources staff. Results will be aggregated for institutional planning purposes. For more information, please see http://uoft.me/UP. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. https://csb.utoronto.ca/job/assistant-professor-plant-andor-microbial-systems-biology/

International Society of Ethnobiology (ISE) seeking mentors

Dear colleagues of the International Society of Ethnobiology (ISE), The student representatives of the ISE are organising the pre-congress workshop for emerging ethnobiologists at the ISE Congress in Belém. The Congress will take place in the city of Belém from August 7-10, and the pre-congress workshop will be held in a number of traditional Amazonian communities near Belém the week prior. We are now seeking workshop mentors and members of the advisory committee to help carry out the workshop. ISE and SBEE members who are on the ground in Brazil would be especially helpful, as well as those who have experience running similar events. Workshop mentors don’t necessarily have to be part of the advisory committee, and vice versa, although it would be helpful if some are. We hope to find a diverse set of mentors and advisors, including academics of various research specialties, professionals with experience in NGOs, government agencies or ethics committees, and indigenous peoples. We will be seeking funding to pay travel expenses for mentors who are not funded by an institution. If you are interested in either or both roles, please respond to Jennie Harvey at jennie.harvey@canterbury.ac.uk and Michel Rapinksi at rapinski@gmail.com by Wednesday, November 15th. Please share this call widely on list-serves and social media, and contact us if you have questions. We looking forward to seeing you in Belém! Jennie and Michel ISE Student Representatives

One or more postdoctoral fellowships in Economics are being offered through Columbia University under the supervision of Professor Joseph E. Stiglitz.

JOE Listings (Job Openings for Economists) August 1, 2017 - January 31, 2018 Columbia University Economics Postdoctoral Fellowship JOE ID Number: 2017-02_111459131 Date Posted: 10/25/2017 Position Title/Short Description Title: Postdoctoral Fellowship Section: US: Other Academic (Visiting or Temporary) Location: New York, New York, UNITED STATES JEL Classification: 00 -- Default: Any Field Keywords: Economics Inequality Macroeconomics AI Columbia University Joseph Stiglitz Full Text of JOE Listing: One or more postdoctoral fellowships in Economics are being offered through Columbia University under the supervision of Professor Joseph E. Stiglitz. The fellowships will focus on the topics of: • Inequality -- analyzing its dimensions and causes (including the role of rent-seeking), its consequences, and policy responses; • Macroeconomics -- with a particular focus on advancing our understanding of the causes of deep downturns, including the role of structural transformations and slow recovery; • Macro-economic externalities -- including analyses of the consequences of rigidities, non-rational expectations, credit and other market interlinkages, etc; • Sovereign debt crises resolution; • Artificial intelligence and its effects on macroeconomic dynamics and long-run growth. The term of each fellowship is one year with the option to extend to two, and the appointments are scheduled to begin as early as June 2018. Application Requirements: Application Instructions Below Application deadline: 12/05/2017 Application Instructions: The salary and other benefits for the position will be competitive with other postdoctoral fellowships and commensurate with experience. For consideration submit your CV, cover letter, job market paper, and three references to cupostdoc2014@gmail.com. The deadline for applications is December 5, 2017. Selected candidates will be interviewed in the 2018 ASSA Meetings in Philadelphia, January 5-7. Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer; people of color, people with disabilities, women, and LGBTQI candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

How we learn to accept art that hates women

https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/feminism/2017/10/how-we-learn-accept-art-hates-woman

Canadian Science Policy Fellowship

https://www.mitacs.ca/en/programs/policy-fellowship/how-to-apply The fellowship application process occurs in two stages: Stage one: a potential host submits a policy project, appropriate for the advanced expertise of a PhD level researcher, to Mitacs no later than November 30, 2017. Eligible projects are then posted on the Mitacs website. Stage two: potential fellows (postdocs or Canadian faculty members) review and select the projects and submit their applications to Mitacs (deadline TBD). What to expect as a prospective fellow (PDF) Applications must be submitted through the fellow web form. One letter of support should address comments around the quality of your research work and experience. The other letter should focus more on your suitability for the program (for example, leadership experience and potential, communication skills, capacity to make connections between scientific research and broader economic, social, or political issues). If your references wish to submit their letters of support directly, they must email policyfellowship(at)mitacs.ca (deadline TBD). If you choose this option, ensure your references are aware of the deadline so that your application is complete and eligible for consideration. Adjudication and matching Mitacs administers the fellowship adjudication and matching through the following process: Reviewing eligibility of host and fellow applicants Providing a short list of applicants to host departments, who then interview and rank candidates Upon receipt of hosts’ rankings, matching applicants and hosts Fellowship cycle September–November: call for host department applications November–January: call for fellow applications February–April: Mitacs adjudicates applications and creates short list for hosts’ review May: Mitacs confirms fellowship placements and fellows prepare to relocate, if applicable September: fellowships begin, Mitacs hosts orientation session, and training program begins Twenty-one academic researchers participating in Canadian Science Policy Fellowship 10/25/2017 PhDs to support evidence-informed decision making in federal and provincial governments Ottawa, ON — Mitacs, a national not-for-profit research and training organization, announces this year’s recipients of the Canadian Science Policy Fellowship. The initiative fosters relationships between government decision makers and academic researchers to help support policy challenges facing Canada. The Canadian Science Policy Fellowship sees accomplished PhD holders receive hands-on policy training while contributing their unique scientific expertise to government policymaking in 17 Ottawa and Victoria host offices starting this fall. The recipients of the 2017–18 Canadian Science Policy Fellowship: Federal cohort, Ottawa Steven Alexander, University of Waterloo Host: Fisheries and Oceans Canada Project: Exploring mechanisms of incorporating traditional and local ecological knowledge with science to understand aquatic ecosystems Daniel Cortés-Vargas, Université de Montréal Host: International Development Research Centre Project: Conducting strategic analysis for informing technology and innovation programming April Killikelly, New York University Host: Canadian Food Inspection Agency Project: Implementing a strategic framework for the international coordination of infectious disease emergencies Kelsey Lucyk, University of Calgary Host: Employment and Social Development Canada Project: Proposing and designing innovative approaches to promoting the Canada Learning Bond among low-income Canadians Catherine Middleton, Ryerson University Host: Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission Project: Optimizing evidence in communications policy Vivian Nguyen, Carleton University Host: Natural Resources Canada Project: Developing tools to support communicating science results that achieve public policy objectives Mohamed Rhouma, Université de Montréal Host: Canadian Food Inspection Agency Project: Developing a risk assessment model for hatchery premises related to human health Denys Shumakov, McMaster University Host: Health Canada Project: Investigating regulatory challenges surrounding the medical uses of 3D printing technology Cary Soares, University of Ottawa Host: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Project: Identifying and understanding what data skills can be used to enhance the management of scientific data Sherry Wasilow, Carleton University Host: Defence Research and Development Canada Project: Reviewing enhanced automation, artificial intelligence, robotics, and autonomous decision making in military systems Provincial cohort, Victoria Noémie Boulanger-Lapointe, University of British Columbia Host: Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development Project: Informing strategies and best practices for gathering and incorporating First Nations traditional ecological knowledge into decision-making frameworks Jessica Carriere, University of Toronto Host: Ministry of Children and Family Development Project: Ensuring the academic literature and best practice information is reflected in the planning and actions associated with achieving organizational culture shift Sara Elder, University of British Columbia Host: Ministry of Agriculture Project: Identifying opportunities to improve agricultural resilience to climate change in BC Maria Giammarco, University of Guelph Host: Public Service Agency Project: Applying behavioural sciences to public policy through the Behavioural Insights Group Emily Gray, University of British Columbia Hosts: Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing and Emergency Management BC Project: Exploring how BC communities can better prepare for and mitigate the effects of emergency events through land use planning Kathryn Jastremski, University of Waterloo Host: Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development Project: Developing improved tools for integrated resource decision making Natalie Linklater, Carleton University Host: Ministry of Agriculture Project: Investigating water infrastructure storage solutions for farmers in the face of climate change Duncan Low, Simon Fraser University Host: Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training Project: Improving methodology and consistency for reporting on student financial aid Caelan Marrville, University of Alberta Host: Ministry of Jobs, Trade and Technology Project: Generating insights from integrated data analysis to inform cross-sector policy issues Gillman Payette, University of Calgary Host: Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training Project: Researching the expansion of non-degree credential programs for the BC post-secondary education system Jyoti Upadhyaya, University of Windsor Host: Emergency Management BC Project: Developing best practices for response actions to enact from an earthquake early warning alert Quotes: Alejandro Adem, CEO and Scientific Director, Mitacs “Through our Canadian Science Policy Fellowship, these researchers will have opportunities to experience first-hand the communication, collaboration, and capacity found in evidence-informed policy-making, while cultivating mutually beneficial relationships with their government hosts.” Loren Matheson, Science Advisor, Office of the Chief Science Operating Officer, Canadian Food Inspection Agency “It is with pleasure that CFIA is hosting two Canadian Science Policy fellows. This program is a fantastic opportunity for federal departments and agencies, not only to contribute to training highly qualified personnel as future evidence-informed policymakers, but also to create a versatile talent pipeline that can drive Canada’s innovation agenda.” Quick facts: The Canadian Science Policy Fellowship is made possible thanks to Professor Sarah Otto, Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia; the Government of Canada and the Government of British Columbia; the University of Ottawa’s Institute for Science, Society and Policy; the University of Victoria; and the Canadian Science Policy Fellowship Advisory Council. Mitacs is a national not-for-profit organization led by Canadian universities that has designed and delivered research and training programs in Canada for more than 17 years. Working with 60 universities, thousands of companies, and federal and provincial governments, Mitacs builds partnerships that support industrial and social innovation in Canada. Links: To learn more about the Canadian Science Policy fellows, read the biographies of the Ottawa cohort and Victoria cohort. For information about Mitacs and our programs, see mitacs.ca/newsroom

Check out "Anna Dumitriu: Artist's Talk" BioArt and Bacteria

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/anna-dumitriu-artists-talk-tickets-38575496348?utm-medium=discovery&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&aff=estw&utm-source=tw&utm-term=listing @EventbriteUK DESCRIPTION Anna Dumitriu joins us to talk about the current special exhibition and her work exploring infectious diseases and emerging technologies through art. Part of the special exhibition Anna Dumitriu: BioArt and Bacteria DATE AND TIME Thu 2 November 2017 18:00 – 19:00 GMT Add to Calendar LOCATION Museum of the History of Science Broad Street Oxford OX1 3AZ United Kingdom

Brian Stonehouse: from British spy to American Vogue – in pictures

https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/gallery/2017/oct/25/brian-stonehouse-from-british-spy-to-american-vogue-in-pictures?CMP=share_btn_tw&page=with:img-1#img-1

Request for women for research study on sexual assault

[Forwarded from the CSJ newsletter - Jennifer] Were you sexually assaulted in university? Has it shaped your life and the things you do? I'm interested in hearing your story. My study explores life after sexual assault in university; specifically, how an experience of sexual assault in university shapes the activities that women do in their everyday lives. I am looking to speak with women who experienced sexual assault while enrolled in a university program (undergraduate or graduate) to participate in my study. In particular, I am looking to speak to women who are 30 years of age or older and who live in the Greater Toronto Area, or surrounding areas. This study will involve two interviews of approximately 60 minutes. To thank you for your participation, you will receive two $25 VISA gift cards. Your participation is completely voluntary and your anonymity will be protected. More information about the study can be found at: https://sites.google.com/site/thelifestorystudy/ This study is voluntary and confidential. If you are interested in participating, or if you would like to know more, please do not hesitate to contact me (Katherine Stewart) by email at ke.stewart@mail.utoronto.ca. This study was approved by the University of Toronto Research Ethics Board. Protocol Reference #: 33623.

Oct 27, 2017 - Life on the line: Women Strike at Eaton's 1984-85

When: Friday, October 27th, 2pm Where: Fred Thury Studio Theatre, Vanier College, York University Life on the Line, a play by Patricia McDermott with Vrenia Ivonoffski, follows the course of a six-month strike by Eaton's workers in 1984-85. The play engages wider themes of precarity, class exploitation, gendered work, and racialization in the retail sector. The strike highlighted the need to reform first contract legislation and was an integral episode in the struggle to form unions in the service sector, themes which have continuing relevance today. All are welcome. Admission is free. Seating is limited. Please RSVP via EventBrite: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/life-on-the-line-women-strike-at-eatons-1984-85-tickets-38812416984

Graduate survey: A love–hurt relationship

NATURE | NATUREJOBS | FEATURE https://www.nature.com/naturejobs/science/articles/10.1038/nj7677-549a Chris Woolston Nature550,549-552(2017)doi:10.1038/nj7677-549aPublished online25 October 2017 This article was originally published in the journal Nature Nature's 2017 PhD survey reveals that, despite many problems with doctoral programmes, PhD students are as committed as ever to pursuing research careers. Science PhD students love what they do — but many also suffer for it. That's one of the top findings from Nature's survey of more than 5,700 doctoral students worldwide. The survey is the latest in a biennial series that aims to explore all aspects of PhD students' lives and career aspirations. Respondents indicated high levels of satisfaction with PhD programmes overall, but also revealed significant levels of worry and uncertainty: more than one-quarter listed mental health as an area of concern, and 45% of those (or 12% of all respondents) said that they had sought help for anxiety or depression caused by their PhD studies (see 'A challenging road'). Many said that they find their work stressful, worry about their futures and wonder whether their efforts will pay off in earning them a satisfying and well-compensated career. For some, it's almost too much to handle. “Every university should have a special room reserved for graduate students to get some crying time in when they are feeling overwhelmed,” said an ecology student at a US university, in the survey's comment section. Responses also uncovered a strong, perhaps crucial, connection between a well-matched PhD adviser and the student's success. Good mentorship was the main factor driving satisfaction levels. Most respondents were happy with their adviser, but nearly one-quarter said they would switch advisers if they could. Students can survive and thrive during a PhD programme — challenges and all — but they generally can't do it alone. “I'm a happy PhD student,” a genetics student from South Africa wrote in the comments. “This life is difficult but it's what I've wanted to do my whole life, so it's worth it. I also have a fantastic supervisor who is understanding, helpful and ready to push me to the next level.” Widespread struggles The respondents to the 2017 survey came from diverse scientific fields and from most parts of the world. Asia, Europe and North America were all strongly and equally represented. The survey was advertised through links on nature.com, in Springer Nature digital products and through e-mail campaigns. The data (which are available in full at go.nature.com/2kzo89o) were fleshed out by interviews with a small group of respondents who had indicated that they were willing to be contacted. There were many positives. Overall, more than three-quarters of respondents were at least somewhat satisfied with their decision to do a PhD, a strong endorsement for such a massive commitment. That result closely mirrors those from other surveys of PhD students, says Katia Levecque, an industrial-relations specialist at Ghent University in Belgium. “About 80% of PhD students are satisfied or very satisfied,” she says. “It's a consistent finding in most universities.” The fact that 12% of respondents sought help for anxiety or depression caused by their PhD underscores the stresses of the graduate student life, Levecque says. “You're expected to take responsibility, but you aren't given control over a lot of issues,” she points out. And because the 12% includes only people who sought help for their distress, it almost certainly understates the prevalence of anxiety and depression among all respondents to the survey. The Nature survey also found that students with anxiety don't always have an easy time getting help. Of those who sought assistance, only 35% said that they found helpful resources at their own institution. Nearly 20% said they tried to find help at their home institution but didn't feel supported.“There are so many cultural and financial barriers to seeking help,” says Levecque. In the Nature survey, nearly 50% of students who reported seeking help for anxiety or depression said that they were still satisfied or very satisfied with their doctoral programme. Kate Samardzic, who studies pharmacology at the University of Technology Sydney in Australia, was one of the hundreds of respondents who live with that apparent paradox. She's satisfied with her programme, but she is also under considerable stress. “There's a lot of uncertainty in becoming a researcher,” she says. “You're under pressure to please your adviser and do everything in a certain time frame. And you don't know what kind of job you'll get at the end of the day. I'm halfway through and I still don't know where it's going to lead.” Samardzic knows that she isn't the only one going through this. She had read a study published in March by Levecque and colleagues (K. Levecque et al. Res. Pol. 46, 868–879; 2017) showing that PhD students were about 2.5 times more likely than highly educated people in the general population to be at risk of depression and other common psychiatric disorders. To tackle this problem, Samardzic, a student representative who serves as liaison to the university board, helped to form Research Resilience, a university group that holds regular seminars designed to help students cope with the emotional toll of PhD studies. “I sensed that there wasn't enough support for people who are feeling anxious or upset about their PhD programmes,” she says. “That should be more of a priority.” Research Resilience holds monthly seminars that draw 30–40 students. Recent topics have included tips on mindfulness and the pitfalls of impostor syndrome — the pervasive feeling that one doesn't really belong with the rest of the PhD crowd (go.nature.com/2gtufgt). “We're all high-achieving individuals, which makes us even more prone to those sorts of feelings,” Samardzic says. Indeed, nearly one in four respondents to the survey listed impostor syndrome as one of the difficulties they face. Among them was Andrew Proppe, who studies physical chemistry at the University of Toronto in Canada. Like Samardzic, he is satisfied with his PhD, despite hefty doses of anxiety. For him, feelings of alienation were exacerbated by the fact that, for a while, he also felt physically out of place. Proppe had started a PhD programme at Princeton University in New Jersey, but left after about a year and a half because, despite having an excellent adviser, he didn't feel fully prepared for the programme or the town. He had grown up in culture-rich, populous Montreal, and felt disoriented in the relatively small town of Princeton. “It was no fun at all,” he says. “I hadn't factored in how important the environment would be to me. I gave up everything I had back at home to go out there, and it didn't seem worth it. I was unhappy.” Proppe's current adviser, Ted Sargent at the University of Toronto, was eager to add Proppe to his team. “He was working with one of the world's best physical chemists at Princeton, so he had some skills that were a clear benefit to my group.” Proppe was also able to provide some insight into how his previous adviser ran his lab. “I asked him to engage in academic espionage,” Sargent jokes. “You might think that after 20 years I have this completely figured out, but it's still an evolving process.” Returning to Canada helped Proppe to regain his footing, but it didn't completely remove the anxiety of PhD work. “I was running the day through my head,” he says. “At three in the morning, I'd be thinking about data sets.” Having never had to deal with much stress or anxiety before in his life, it took him a while to recognize the problem. Once he realized how much his PhD worries were affecting his life, he started to make changes. “I stopped trying to stay at work until 11, to instead make more time to play guitar, exercise and be with my girlfriend,” he says. A worthwhile commitment PhD anxiety can have a variety of causes. Among other issues, the survey uncovered widespread concerns about future employment. Only 31% of respondents said that their programme was preparing them well or very well for a satisfying career. But more than three-quarters agreed or strongly agreed that it was preparing them well for a research career, suggesting that many see a significant distinction between a research career and a “satisfying” career. And although two-thirds of respondents said that a doctoral degree would “substantially” or “dramatically” improve their future job prospects, one-third had a more tepid outlook. Not all respondents are certain that the labour and stress of their programme will pay off. Hannah Brewer, a data scientist at the Institute for Cancer Research in London, says that she second-guesses herself whenever she Googles job openings in her field. “A lot of those jobs only require a master's degree, so I don't know if a PhD is going to help in any way,” she says. Still, she's happy with her decision to get a doctorate. “I wouldn't do it differently if I could go back,” she says. “I appreciate the level of skill that I'm working at, and I'm excited about my research.” Important advice Mentorship contributed more to respondents' overall satisfaction with their PhD programme than did any other factor. Specifically, guidance from, and recognition by, an adviser proved to be the top determinant. Yet, a sizeable proportion of survey respondents are unhappy with the mentoring they receive. Beyond the 23% who said they would swap advisers if they could, nearly one-fifth of respondents, or 18%, said that they do not have useful conversations about careers with their advisers — the person who is uniquely well positioned to help doctoral students to identify their ideal career path and learn how to pursue it. Respondents said that conversations with their supervisor about non-academic careers are notably absent. “My adviser looks down on non-academic jobs and thinks they're only suitable for people who aren't very motivated,” wrote a chemistry student in the United States in the comments. Around 30% disagreed or strongly disagreed with the statement that their supervisor has useful advice for non-academic careers, about the same proportion as in Nature's 2015 survey of graduate students. Slightly more than half of respondents in this year's survey agreed that their supervisor was open to their pursuing a degree outside of academia, which also echoes findings from the 2015 survey. Sensing an institutional indifference towards career development, Samardzic and other students have started organizing careers events in which graduates and other experts talk about their options. She helped to arrange a recent talk by a PhD student who had gone overseas for a workshop on entrepreneurship and biomedical innovation. “There needs to be more of that,” she says. “I feel like I don't know about half of the jobs that exist out there.” The survey responses suggest that many PhD students lack a clear vision of their future. Nearly 75% of respondents said that they would like a job in academia as an option after they graduate, whereas 55% said that they would like to work in industry. That might partly be down to indecision: nearly half of respondents indicated that they were likely or very likely to pursue a career in either sector. The strong interest in academia echoes findings from the 2015 survey in which 78% of respondents said that they were likely or very likely to pursue a career in academia despite a lack of job opportunities. The dearth was highlighted in an analysis published in 2015 (N. Ghaffarzadegan et al. Syst. Res. Behav. Sci. 23, 402–405; 2015), which estimated that in the United States, there are on average 6.3 PhD graduates in biomedical sciences for every tenure-track academic job opening. Doctoral studies don't seem to be prompting large numbers of students to rethink their commitment to research. Nearly 80% said that the likelihood that they will pursue a research career has grown or remained unchanged since they launched their PhD programme — up from 67% in the 2015 survey. With an already tough academic job market getting tougher, many hopefuls will need guidance. But that's not always easy to come by. Only 15% of respondents said that they found useful career resources at their institution, down from 18% in the 2015 survey. To a large extent, students are serving as their own career counsellors. When asked how they arrived at their current career decision, almost two-thirds chalked it up at least in part to their own research on the topic. Just 34% credited advice from their adviser. Laying some groundwork with an adviser early on can go a long way towards improving the PhD experience, Proppe says. After leaving Princeton for Toronto, he immediately had a direct talk with Sargent, his new adviser. “I asked all of the questions I wished I had asked when I first started graduate school,” he says. By the end of the conversation, he had a good idea about how the lab operated, how often he'd see his adviser and how much supervision he could expect. Alberto Brandl, a student in aerospace engineering at the Polytechnic Institute of Turin in Italy, knew his co-supervisors before he started his PhD programme. “I hoped they would be great mentors, and I'm very satisfied,” he says. It helped that his advisers were very accommodating when his daughter was born, early in the PhD process. “They said it was a beautiful thing,” he says. “I didn't take much time off, but they told me to take as much as I needed.” He feels that his advisers give him just enough guidance to make his own decisions, instead of dictating every step. “It's the difference between a boss and a leader,” he says. Brandl counts himself fortunate. “I know people who have abandoned their PhDs because of their mentors.” Survey responses can only go so far, and sometimes there's a deeper story beneath the data. Yissue Woo, a microbiologist at the Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, gave his adviser high marks, but says that he and his supervisor have had no career-related discussions. For now, Woo is too preoccupied with his studies and research to broach the subject with his adviser. He also rated his PhD experience highly, but that's partly because he's learnt to take failures in stride. “I'm not new to research,” he says, “so I'm not surprised by setbacks. When things don't work, I know that's just how it is.” " I'm not new to research, so I'm not surprised by setbacks. When things don't work, I know that's just how it is. " Perhaps one student, who studies medicine in Israel, summarized it best. “Doing a PhD is hard and frustrating,” wrote the student in the comment section. “But the small successes are worth it all.” Author information Author informationRelated links Affiliations Chris Woolston is a freelance writer in Billings, Montana.

Effect of Foeniculum vulgare (fennel) vaginal cream on vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women: A double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial

Masomeh Yaralizadeh, Parvin Abedi'Correspondence information about the author Parvin AbediEmail the author Parvin Abedi, Shahnaz Najar, Foroogh Namjoyan, Amal Saki DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.maturitas.2015.11.005 | Abstract Highlights •The age of menopause in Iranian women is lower than that in other countries. •The life-expectancy of Iranian women increased to 72 years during recent years. •Vaginal atrophy is one of the main concerns during menopause. •The Foeniculum vulgare (fennel) is a herb that can alleviate the symptoms of vaginal atrophy (itching, burning, dryness and dyspareunia). •Fennel vaginal cream can improve the pH and cytology of vagina. •Using this cream is recommended in women who have contraindication for hormone therapy or not willing to use hormone because of its risk factors. Abstract Objective Vaginal atrophy is one of the main concerns of postmenopausal women. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of fennel vaginal cream on vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women in Ahvaz, Iran. Materials and methods This double-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted on 60 postmenopausal women (45–65 years of age) in Ahvaz, Iran. The study participants were randomly divided into one of two groups, receiving either a placebo (n = 30) or fennel 5% vaginal cream (n = 30) administered as one application per day (5 g/day) for 8 weeks. Main outcome The vaginal pH and maturation vaginal index (MVI) were measured at baseline and 8 weeks after the intervention, while the vaginal atrophy symptoms was measured at baseline and at 2, 4, and 8 weeks after the intervention. The data were analyzed using the independent t-test, chi-square test, paired sample t-test, and the generalized estimating equation. Results The number of superficial cells increased significantly in the fennel group after 8 weeks compared to the control group (76.1 ± 15.3 vs. 11.8 ± 8, p < 0.001). The number of intermediate and parabasal cells decreased significantly in the fennel group compared to the control group (p < 0.001). The vaginal pH decreased significantly at the 8-week follow-up in the fennel group compared to the control group (100% vs. 7.4%, p < 0.001). All women in the fennel group had an MVI of 65–100 at the 8-week follow-up, whereas almost half (40.7%) of the women in the control group had an MVI of 50–64 (p < 0.001). Conclusion According to results of this study, fennel is an effective means to manage the symptoms of vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women and is devoid of side effects. Larger studies are necessary to confirm the positive impact of fennel for vaginal conditions occurring among postmenopausal women. Keywords: Fennel vaginal cream, Foeniculum vulgare, Vaginal atrophy, Menopausal women

Successful Pregnancy after Treatment with Chinese Herbal Medicine in a 43-Year-Old Woman with Diminished Ovarian Reserve and Multiple Uterus Fibrosis: A Case Report.

Medicines (Basel). 2017 Feb 9;4(1). pii: E7. doi: 10.3390/medicines4010007. Teng B1,2, Peng J3,4, Ong M5, Qu X6. Author information 1 School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia. tengbq@mail.sysu.edu.cn. 2 Department of Obstetrics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou 510630, China. tengbq@mail.sysu.edu.cn. 3 School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia. PengJie528@outlook.com. 4 Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Suzhou Wuzhong People's Hospital, Suzhou 215128, China. PengJie528@outlook.com. 5 School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia. Madeleine.L.Ong@student.uts.edu.au. 6 School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia. Xianqin.Qu@uts.edu.au. Abstract OBJECTIVE: To highlight a natural approach to coexisting oligomenorrhea, subfertility, luteal phase insufficiency and multiple fibroids cohesively when in vitro fertilisation (IVF) has failed. CASE PRESENTATION: A 43-year-old woman with diminished ovarian reserve and multiple uterine fibroids had previously been advised to discontinue IVF treatment. According to Chinese Medicine diagnosis, herbal formulae were prescribed for improving age-related ovarian insufficiency as well as to control the growth of fibroids. After 4 months of treatment, the patient's menstrual cycle became regula r and plasma progesterone one week after ovulation increased from 10.9 nmol/L to 44.9 nmol/L. After 6 months, she achieved a natural conception, resulting in a live birth of a healthy infant at an estimated gestational age of 40 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: The successful treatment with Chinese Herbal Medicine for this case highlights a natural therapy to manage infertility due to ovarian insufficiency and multiple fibroids after unsuccessful IVF outcome. KEYWORDS: Chinese herbal medicine; uterus fibrosis; diminished ovarian reserve; infertility; in vitro fertilization PMID: 28930223 PMCID: PMC5597078 DOI: 10.3390/medicines4010007 Free PMC Article

The Mold in Science's Bathroom

https://theoryb.org/2017/10/20/the-mold-in-sciences-bathroom/ via @junhyongkim