QCD and strongly coupled gauge theories : challenges and perspectives

We highlight the progress, current status, and open challenges of QCD-driven physics, in theory and in experiment. We discuss how the strong interaction is intimately connected to a broad sweep of physical problems, in settings ranging from astrophysics and cosmology to strongly coupled, complex systems in particle and condensed-matter physics, as well as to searches for physics beyond the Standard Model. We also discuss how success in describing the strong interaction impacts other fields, and, in turn, how such subjects can impact studies of the strong interaction. In the course of the work we offer a perspective on the many research streams which flow into and out of QCD, as well as a vision for future developments.Peer reviewe

Population ecology of the sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) as an invasive species in the Laurentian Great Lakes and an imperiled species in Europe

The sea lamprey Petromyzon marinus (Linnaeus) is both an invasive non-native species in the Laurentian Great Lakes of North America and an imperiled species in much of its native range in North America and Europe. To compare and contrast how understanding of population ecology is useful for control programs in the Great Lakes and restoration programs in Europe, we review current understanding of the population ecology of the sea lamprey in its native and introduced range. Some attributes of sea lamprey population ecology are particularly useful for both control programs in the Great Lakes and restoration programs in the native range. First, traps within fish ladders are beneficial for removing sea lampreys in Great Lakes streams and passing sea lampreys in the native range. Second, attractants and repellants are suitable for luring sea lampreys into traps for control in the Great Lakes and guiding sea lamprey passage for conservation in the native range. Third, assessment methods used for targeting sea lamprey control in the Great Lakes are useful for targeting habitat protection in the native range. Last, assessment methods used to quantify numbers of all life stages of sea lampreys would be appropriate for measuring success of control in the Great Lakes and success of conservation in the native range

Strategies to enhance recruitment of female participants to cardiovascular research: a joint British Cardiovascular Societies’ consensus document in collaboration with the British Heart Foundation Clinical Research Collaborative

Despite significant progress in cardiovascular pharmacotherapy and interventional strategies, cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among females in the UK and worldwide. This might be due to lack of robust evidence in the best care of females with CVD related to under-representation of females in clinical trials (females accounting for <30% of trial participants). Recently, the British Cardiovascular Society (BCS), together with the affiliated societies, put together a consensus document specifically describing the current status on the sex differences in each of the major disease areas and proposed strategies/actionable points to overcome the barriers in access to diagnosis and treatment of CVD among females. In order to address the disparities, several research organisations, including the UK National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), have produced guidance to diversify research participation and representation. The UK government has developed a Women’s Health Strategy for England. In the present consensus, we evaluate the barriers to research participation of female participants across the CVD spectrum and describe specific strategies/actionable points to enhance female involvement in clinical cardiovascular research. It is hoped that this document will stimulate a multifaceted approach to address disparities, including raising awareness and undertaking sex/gender-based research. We aim to improve the current status of management in various disease areas among females by collaboration across different affiliations within the BCS, the British Heart Foundation Clinical Research Collaborative and the NIHR to collectively work towards improving the health and well-being of females with CVD