Capacity development is critical to long-term conservation success, yet we lack a robust and rigorous understanding of how well its effects are being evaluated. A comprehensive summary of who is monitoring and evaluating capacity development interventions, what is being evaluated and how, would help in the development of evidence-based guidance to inform design and implementation decisions for future capacity development interventions and evaluations of their effectiveness. We built an evidence map by reviewing peer-reviewed and grey literature published since 2000, to identify case studies evaluating capacity development interventions in biodiversity conservation and natural resource management. We used inductive and deductive approaches to develop a coding strategy for studies that met our criteria, extracting data on the type of capacity development intervention, evaluation methods, data and analysis types, categories of outputs and outcomes assessed, and whether the study had a clear causal model and/or used a systems approach. We found that almost all studies assessed multiple outcome types: most frequent was change in knowledge, followed by behaviour, then attitude. Few studies evaluated conservation outcomes. Less than half included an explicit causal model linking interventions to expected outcomes. Half of the studies considered external factors that could influence the efficacy of the capacity development intervention, and few used an explicit systems approach. We used framework synthesis to situate our evidence map within the broader literature on capacity development evaluation. Our evidence map (including a visual heat map) highlights areas of low and high representation in investment in research on the evaluation of capacity development.

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Natural killer (NK) cells are a potential cancer therapeutic but expanding NK cells efficiently in vitro is difficult. Natural killer cell deficiency (NKD), a primary immune deficiency affecting only NK cells, is caused by defects in several DNA replication proteins. By studying NKD we will achieve better NK cell in vitro differentiation. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: One patient with NKD has a compound heterozygous mutation in the essential DNA replication protein MCM10. We hypothesize that in individuals with NKD, dramatic telomere erosion from abnormal DNA replication leads to premature senescence and the loss of NK cells. To test our hypothesis, we will knockout one allele of MCM10 or over express MCM10 in NK cells isolated from blood. We will then monitor telomere length, expansion and cytotoxic activity of these NK cells. To understand the role of MCM10 in early stages of NK cell development we will deplete MCM10 in induced pluripotent stem cells and differentiate these cells into NK cells. During this differentiation we will monitor progression through NK cell developmental stages as well as telomere length and senescence markers. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Telomeres insulate chromosomes and induce permanent growth arrest (senescence) when they are critically short. We have demonstrated that depletion of a DNA replication protein causes telomere erosion and increases senescence markers. NK cells have shorter telomeres and lower telomerase expression than other immune cells. We predict, this relatively poor telomere maintenance sensitizes NK cells to telomere loss upon depletion of replication proteins. During in vitro differentiation, we expect NK cell precursors to undergo premature senescence secondary to telomere shortening. Furthermore, we expect supplementation of DNA replication proteins will enhance NK cell expansion and maturation. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: NKD patients have provided the scientific community with clues as to what proteins NK cells rely on for their development. This project aims not only to understand why these proteins are critical, but to harness that information for cellular anti-cancer therapeutics.

The mental health of adult extremely low birth weight (ELBW) (<1000 g) survivors is poorer than their normal birth weight (NBW) peers. An understanding of the modifiable factors that affect this risk could provide targets for intervention. We set out to determine the extent to which a maternal history of mental health problems influenced mental health in ELBW and NBW offspring in adulthood. A total of 85 ELBW and 88 NBW individuals born between 1977 and 1982 in central west Ontario, Canada self-reported on internalizing (depression, anxiety) and externalizing (attention-deficit hyperactivity and antisocial) problems using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) scales of the Young Adult Self-Report at ages 22–26 and 30–35. They also reported on their mother’s maternal mental health using the Family History Screen. An interaction was found between birth weight status and maternal history of an anxiety disorder such that ELBW survivors showed a greater increase in internalizing scores than NBW participants at 22–26 (β = 10.27, p = 0.002) and at 30–35 years of age (β = 12.65, p = 0.002). An interaction was also observed between birth weight and maternal history of mood disorder, with higher externalizing scores in ELBW survivors than NBW adults at 22–26 (β = 7.21, p < 0.0001). ELBW adults appear to be more susceptible to the adverse mental health effects of exposure to maternal mood and anxiety disorders than those born at NBW. These links further highlight the importance of detecting and treating mental health problems in the parents of preterm survivors as a means of attempting to reduce the burden of psychopathology in this population.

Astrophysics Telescope for Large Area Spectroscopy Probe is a concept for a National Aeronautics and Space Administration probe-class space mission that will achieve ground-breaking science in the fields of galaxy evolution, cosmology, Milky Way, and the Solar System. It is the follow-up space mission to Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope (WFIRST), boosting its scientific return by obtaining deep 1–4 μm slit spectroscopy for ∼70% of all galaxies imaged by the ∼2 000 deg2 WFIRST High Latitude Survey at z > 0.5. Astrophysics Telescope for Large Area Spectroscopy will measure accurate and precise redshifts for ∼200 M galaxies out to z < 7, and deliver spectra that enable a wide range of diagnostic studies of the physical properties of galaxies over most of cosmic history. Astrophysics Telescope for Large Area Spectroscopy Probe and WFIRST together will produce a 3D map of the Universe over 2 000 deg2, the definitive data sets for studying galaxy evolution, probing dark matter, dark energy and modifications of General Relativity, and quantifying the 3D structure and stellar content of the Milky Way. Astrophysics Telescope for Large Area Spectroscopy Probe science spans four broad categories: (1) Revolutionising galaxy evolution studies by tracing the relation between galaxies and dark matter from galaxy groups to cosmic voids and filaments, from the epoch of reionisation through the peak era of galaxy assembly; (2) Opening a new window into the dark Universe by weighing the dark matter filaments using 3D weak lensing with spectroscopic redshifts, and obtaining definitive measurements of dark energy and modification of General Relativity using galaxy clustering; (3) Probing the Milky Way’s dust-enshrouded regions, reaching the far side of our Galaxy; and (4) Exploring the formation history of the outer Solar System by characterising Kuiper Belt Objects. Astrophysics Telescope for Large Area Spectroscopy Probe is a 1.5 m telescope with a field of view of 0.4 deg2, and uses digital micro-mirror devices as slit selectors. It has a spectroscopic resolution of R = 1 000, and a wavelength range of 1–4 μm. The lack of slit spectroscopy from space over a wide field of view is the obvious gap in current and planned future space missions; Astrophysics Telescope for Large Area Spectroscopy fills this big gap with an unprecedented spectroscopic capability based on digital micro-mirror devices (with an estimated spectroscopic multiplex factor greater than 5 000). Astrophysics Telescope for Large Area Spectroscopy is designed to fit within the National Aeronautics and Space Administration probe-class space mission cost envelope; it has a single instrument, a telescope aperture that allows for a lighter launch vehicle, and mature technology (we have identified a path for digital micro-mirror devices to reach Technology Readiness Level 6 within 2 yr). Astrophysics Telescope for Large Area Spectroscopy Probe will lead to transformative science over the entire range of astrophysics: from galaxy evolution to the dark Universe, from Solar System objects to the dusty regions of the Milky Way.

There has been an explosion of within-profession studies examining standings on gender representation in advancement, publication patterns, and conference presentations. However, industrial and organizational (I-O) psychology has yet to take such an introspective look and fully join these conversations. This manuscript aims to initiate and encourage such discussion. Through a brief review of relevant background information and the collection and analysis of recent archival data, we seek to examine where we have been with regard to gender representation, where we currently stand, and what steps are needed moving forward. We aim to stimulate continued examinations on this topic while recommending appropriate action items relevant to achieving equity in representation in our field.

Introduction: In an effort to better understand why cognitively normal patients were referred to a memory clinic, we sought to identify features of “worried well” patients to better identify those more likely to be cognitively normal. Methods: In total, 375 consecutive patients referred by primary care practitioners to a Rural and Remote Memory Clinic were categorized into two groups based on their neurologic diagnosis, “worried well” (cognitively normal, N=81) or “other” (patients with any neurologic diagnosis, N=294). Data collected included: age, sex, years of formal education, Mini-Mental Status Examination score from initial visit, Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale score, Self-Rating of Memory Scale, alcohol consumption, marital status, hours per week of work, past medical history, sleep concerns, and family history of memory concerns. The two groups were compared using t-tests and χ2 tests. The same comparison was done between the same set of “worried well” patients (cognitively normal, N=81) and the subgroup of patients with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (N=146) from the “other” group. Results: Significant differences included younger age, more formal education, more frequently having previous psychiatric diagnosis and more self-reported alcohol consumption in the “worried well” group. The “worried well” and “Alzheimer’s disease” comparison had the same significant differences as the “worried well” and “other” comparison. Conclusion: We observed a pattern of differences unfold between the “worried well” patients and those with cognitive disease. No one variable was pathognomonic of a “worried well” patient. However, taking all the above into account when evaluating a patient may help clinically.

Many agricultural systems around the world are challenged by declining soil resources, a dry climate and increases in input costs. The cultivation of plants that are better adapted than current crop species to nutrient poor soils, a dry climate and low-input agricultural systems would aid the continued profitability and environmental sustainability of agricultural systems. This paper examines herbaceous native Australian legumes for their capacity to be developed as grain crops adapted to dry environments. The 14 genera that contain herbaceous species are Canavalia, Crotalaria, Cullen, Desmodium, Glycine, Glycyrrhiza, Hardenbergia, Indigofera, Kennedia, Lotus, Rhynchosia, Swainsona, Trigonella and Vigna. A number of these genera (e.g., Glycine, Crotalaria, Trigonella and Vigna) include already cultivated exotic grain legumes. Species were evaluated based on the extent to which their natural distribution corresponded to arid and semi-arid climatic regions, as well as the existing information on traits related to harvestability (uniformity of ripening, propensity to retain pod, pod shattering and growth habit), grain qualities (seed size, chemistry, color and the absence of toxins) and fecundity. Published data on seed yield were rare, and for many other traits information was limited. The Australian species of Vigna, Canavalia and Desmodium mainly have tropical distributions and were considered poorly suited for semi-arid temperate cropping systems. Of the remaining genera Glycyrrhiza and Crotalaria species showed many suitable traits, including an erect growth habit, a low propensity to shatter, flowers and fruits borne at the end of branches and moderate to large seeds (5 and 38 mg, respectively). The species for which sufficient information was available that were considered highest priority for further investigation were Glycine canescens, Cullen tenax, Swainsona canescens, Swainsona colutoides, Trigonella suavissima, Kennedia prorepens, Glycyrrhiza acanthocarpa, Crotalaria cunninghamii and Rhynchosia minima.

Hybrid macromolecules composed of two or more covalently connected segments have the ability to self-assemble into nanostructured materials. These fascinating materials are used in applications ranging from footwear to bitumen modification to microelectronics. The number of technologies that utilize or could benefit from multiphase polymers is expanding at a rapid rate. This growth is due to the development of simple scalable synthetic technologies, a deeper understanding of their structure-property relationships, and their effectiveness as low-level additives. As industrial uses of self-assembled polymers become more prevalent, there will be a heightened focus on alternative preparative approaches that do not rely on petroleum feedstocks. Therefore the development of biorenewable multiphase polymers is an important research endeavor. In this article, we will explore the synthesis, self-assembly, and properties of renewable block and graft copolymers that contain aliphatic polyesters, as well as bio-sourced segmented polyurethanes. These two classes of multiphase polymers are the most promising and practical candidates for implementation in the next generation of sustainable materials.

The food consumption of oats has increased in recent years due to a perceived association with a range of health benefits. Oats are unusual in that the bran is not as physically distinct as in other cereals. This provides a possible benefit in providing a high β-glucan content of the grains. However, oats contain many other phytochemicals including a range of antioxidants that may be associated with health benefits, although the evidence for such benefits is largely indirect and often confusing and contradictory. Nevertheless, the consumption of oats as part of a balanced diet does seem a reasonable approach.