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Sylvia's blog > My Academic Publications
This is a list of my academic publications, where possible with links to the publisher and archived versions. My publication list can also be found on my Google Scholar profile and in the appendix of my CV. Most of my publications in philosophy are available on my PhilPapers profile and the most recent publications are also available via the KU Leuven repository Lirias.
Visual overview of my publications and citations (last update January 26, 2016).
S. Wenmackers, "The Snow White problem," Synthese, Forthcoming.
The Snow White problem is introduced to demonstrate how learning something of which one could not have learnt the opposite (due to observer selection bias) can change an agent's probability assignment. This helps us to analyse the Sleeping Beauty problem, which is deconstructed as a combinatorial engine and a subjective wrapper. The combinatorial engine of the problem is analogous to Bertrand's boxes paradox and can be solved with standard probability theory. The subjective wrapper is clarified using the Snow White problem. Sample spaces for all three problems are presented. The conclusion is that subjectivity plays no irreducible role in solving the Sleeping Beauty problem and that no reference to centered worlds is required to provide the answer.
S. Wenmackers, "Infinitesimal probabilities," in Open Handbook of Formal Epistemology, J. Weisberg and R. Pettigrew, Eds., PhilPapers Foundation, 2019, p. 199–265.
Even taken separately, both infinitesimals and probabilities constitute major topics in philosophy and related fields. Infinitesimals are numbers that are infinitely small or extremely minute. The history of non-zero infinitesimals is a troubled one: although they played a crucial role in the development of the calculus by Leibniz and–-to a lesser extent–-by Newton, they were long believed to be based on an inconsistent concept. For probabilities, the interplay between objective and subjective aspects of the concept has led to many puzzles and paradoxes. Viewed in this way, considering infinitesimal probabilities combines two possible sources of complications. This chapter aims to elucidate the concept of infinitesimal probabilities, covering philosophical discussions and mathematical developments (in as far as they are relevant for the former). The introduction briefly describes what it means for a number to be infinitesimal or infinitely small and it addresses some key notions in the foundations of probability theory. The remainder of the chapter is devoted to interactions between these two notions. It is divided into three parts, dealing with the history, the mathematical framework, and the philosophical discussion on this topic, followed by a brief epilogue on methodological pluralism. The appendices introduce some technical concepts from non-standard analysis and relevant definitions of filters.
S. Wenmackers, "Lost in Space and Time: A Quest for Conceptual Spaces in Physics," in Concepts and Their Applications, M. Kaipainen, A. Hautamäki, P. Gärdenfors, and F. Zenker, Eds., Springer, 2019, vol. 405, p. 127–149.
In this chapter, I investigate whether dimensions in physics are analogous to quality dimensions (in the sense of Gärdenfors, 2000; 2004) and whether phase spaces are to be considered as conceptual spaces (as proposed by Masterton \textit{et al}., 2017). To this end, I focus on the domain of force in classical physics and on the dimension of time from classical to relativistic physics. Meanwhile, I comment on the development of abstract spaces with non-spatial dimensions, such as conceptual spaces, which is itself part of a long history of conceptual development.
S. Wenmackers, "Demystifying the Mystery Room," Thought, vol. 8, p. 86–95, 2019.
The Mystery Room problem is a close variant of the Mystery Bag scenario (due to Titelbaum). It is argued here that dealing with this problem requires no revision of the Bayesian formalism, since there exists a solution for it in which indexicals or demonstratives play no essential role. The solution does require labels, which are internal to the probabilistic model. While there needs to be a connection between at least one label and one indexical or demonstrative, that connection is external to the probabilistic model that is used to determine the relevant conditional probability; hence, it does not complicate the update procedure.
R. Meester, B. Preneel, and S. Wenmackers, "Reply to Lucas & Henneberg: Are human faces unique?," Forensic science international, vol. 297, p. 217–220, 2019.
This paper offers a response to the 2015 article of Lucas and Henneberg "Are human faces unique?" (Forensic Sci. Int. 257, 514.e1–514.e6), as well as to the subsequent popularization thereof. In the first part, we assess the probabilistic claims made by the authors and find crucial parts to be unsupported. In particular, the authors offer no probabilistic model on which to base their conclusions. Even if we disregard the errors identified in the first part, we find a troubling discrepancy between the published findings and the popular summary.
V. Benci, L. Horsten, and S. Wenmackers, "Infinitesimal probabilities," British Journal for the Philosophy of Science,, vol. 69, p. 509–552, 2018.
Non-Archimedean probability functions allow us to combine regularity with perfect additivity. We discuss the philosophical motivation for a particular choice of axioms for a non-Archimedean probability theory and answer some philosophical objections that have been raised against infinitesimal probabilities in general.
S. Wenmackers, "Do Infinitesimal Probabilities Neutralize the Infinite Utility in Pascal's Wager?," in Classic Arguments in the History of Philosophy: Pascal's Wager, P. Bartha and L. Pasternack, Eds., Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2018.
In the ``Infinity – nothing'' passage of Pensées (1966 [1670], L418/S680), Pascal considers wagering for or against the existence of God, taking into account both probability (``chance'') and utility (``happiness,'' ``gain''). Jordan (2006) reconstructs the passage as presenting four related arguments: the first is based on weak dominance, the second is based on maximizing expected utility assuming the same probability for or against the existence of God, the third allows these probabilities to be different, and the fourth is based on strong dominance. Jordan calls the third part, which is the most discussed in contemporary philosophy, the ``Canonical Wager.'' It is only in the context of this Canonical Wager (henceforth simply referred to as ``the Wager'') that bringing up infinitesimal probabilities is relevant. Pascal explicitly excluded this possibility, assuming that there is ``one chance of winning against a finite number of chances of losing,'' so that ``there are not infinite chances of losing against that of winning'' (1966 [1670], L418/S680). In this chapter, we investigate whether Pascal was right in excluding infinitesimal probabilities. In other words: can infinitesimal probabilities be used to neutralize the infinite utility in the Wager, blocking the conclusion stating that it's prudent to wager for the existence of God? We will study this using a formal framework that enables us to represent both infinitesimal probabilities and infinite utilities and to combine them algebraically.
S. Wenmackers, "Herkansing voor infinitesimalen?," Algemeen Nederlands Tijdschrift voor Wijsbegeerte, vol. 110, p. 491–510, 2018.
This article discusses the connection between the Zenonian paradox of magnitude and probability on infinite sample spaces. Two important premises in the Zenonian argument are: the Archimedean axiom, which excludes infinitesimal magnitudes, and perfect additivity. Standard probability theory uses real numbers that satisfy the Archimedean axiom, but it rejects perfect additivity. The additivity requirement for real-valued probabilities is limited to countably infinite collections of mutually incompatible events. A consequence of this is that there exists no standard probability function that describes a fair lottery on the natural numbers. If we reject the Archimedean axiom, allowing infinitesimal probability values, we can retain perfect additivity and describe a fair, countable infinite lottery. The article gives a historical overview to understand how the first option has become the current standard, whereas the latter remains 'non-standard'.
S. Wenmackers, "On infinitesimals and the world below," in Laat ons niet ernstig blijven: Huldeboek voor Jean Paul Van Bendegem, V. B. Kerkhove, K. François, S. Ducheyne, and P. Allo, Eds., Ghent, Belgium: Academia Press, 2018, p. 321–326.
This short paper comments on Van Bendegem's (1987) proposal for a discrete and finitary structure underlying Euclidean geometry. The first two sections contrast his guiding idea with a Leibnizean heuristic and liken it to renormalization group methods in physics. The last two sections show how infinitesimals, from non-standard models of the reals, may help to flesh out the proposal and offer a viewpoint that may make this approach more acceptable to a finitist.
S. Wenmackers, "Book review: Ten great ideas about chance," Tijdschrift voor Filosofie, vol. 80, p. 398–400, 2018.
Review in Dutch of the book by Persi Diaconis and Brian Skyrms (2017, Princeton UP).
I. Douven and S. Wenmackers, "Inference to the best explanation versus Bayes's rule in a social setting," British Journal for the Philosophy of Science, vol. 68, p. 535–570, 2017.
This article compares inference to the best explanation with Bayes's rule in a social setting, specifically, in the context of a variant of the Hegselmann–Krause model in which agents not only update their belief states on the basis of evidence they receive directly from the world, but also take into account the belief states of their fellow agents. So far, the update rules mentioned have been studied only in an individualistic setting, and it is known that in such a setting both have their strengths as well as their weaknesses. It is shown here that in a social setting, inference to the best explanation outperforms Bayes's rule according to every desirable criterion.
I. Douven, S. Wenmackers, Y. Jraissati, and L. Decock, "Measuring graded membership: the case of color," Cognitive Science, vol. 41, p. 686–722, 2017.
This paper considers Kamp and Partee's account of graded membership within a conceptual spaces framework and puts the account to the test in the domain of colors. Three experiments are reported that are meant to determine, on the one hand, the regions in color space where the typical instances of blue and green are located and, on the other hand, the degrees of blueness/greenness of various shades in the blue–green region as judged by human observers. From the locations of the typical blue and typical green regions in conjunction with Kamp and Partee's account follow degrees of blueness/greenness for the color shades we are interested in. These predicted degrees are compared with the judged degrees, as obtained in the experiments. The results of the comparison support the account of graded membership at issue.
S. Wenmackers, "Children of the Cosmos," in Trick or Truth?, A. Aguirre, B. Foster, and Z. Merali, Eds., Springer, 2016, p. 5–20.
S. Wenmackers and J. -W. Romeijn, "New theory about old evidence; A framework for open-minded Bayesianism," Synthese, vol. 193, p. 1225–1250, 2016.
We present a conservative extension of a Bayesian account of confirmation that can deal with the problem of old evidence and new theories. So-called open-minded Bayesianism challenges the assumption–-implicit in standard Bayesianism–-that the correct empirical hypothesis is among the ones currently under consideration. It requires the inclusion of a catch-all hypothesis, which is characterized by means of sets of probability assignments. Upon the introduction of a new theory, the former catch-all is decomposed into a new empirical hypothesis and a new catch-all. As will be seen, this motivates a second update rule, besides Bayes' rule, for updating probabilities in light of a new theory. This rule conserves probability ratios among the old hypotheses. This framework allows for old evidence to confirm a new hypothesis due to a shift in the theoretical context. The result is a version of Bayesianism that, in the words of Earman, ``keep[s] an open mind, but not so open that your brain falls out''.
S. Wenmackers, "Ballonnen boven de filosofische freesmachine," Algemeen Nederlands Tijdschrift voor Wijsbegeerte, vol. 108, p. 145–149, 2016.
S. Wenmackers, "`Dat kan geen toeval zijn!' Waarschijnlijkheid: over objectieve kansen en subjectieve graden van overtuiging," in In verscheidenheid verenigd, P. d'Hoine and B. Pattyn, Eds., Leuven, Belgium: UP Leuven, 2016, vol. 22, p. 255–286.
S. Wenmackers, "Zekerheid in de waarschijnlijkheidsleer," Algemeen Nederlands Tijdschrift voor Wijsbegeerte, vol. 107, p. 167–172, 2015.
S. Wenmackers, D. E. P. Vanpoucke, and I. Douven, "Rationality: a social epistemology perspective," Frontiers in Psychology, vol. 5, 2014.
Both in philosophy and in psychology, human rationality has traditionally been studied from an ``individualistic'' perspective. Recently, social epistemologists have drawn attention to the fact that epistemic interactions among agents also give rise to important questions concerning rationality. In previous work, we have used a formal model to assess the risk that a particular type of social-epistemic interactions lead agents with initially consistent belief states into inconsistent belief states. Here, we continue this work by investigating the dynamics to which these interactions may give rise in the population as a whole.
L. Decock, I. Douven, C. Kelp, and S. Wenmackers, "Knowledge and approximate knowledge," Erkenntnis, vol. 79, p. 1129–1150, 2014.
Traditionally, epistemologists have held that only truth-related factors matter in the question of whether a subject can be said to know a proposition. Various philosophers have recently departed from this doctrine by claiming that the answer to this question also depends on practical concerns. They take this move to be warranted by the fact that people's knowledge attributions appear sensitive to contextual variation, in particular variation due to differing stakes. This paper proposes an alternative explanation of the aforementioned fact, one that allows us to stick to the orthodoxy. The alternative applies the conceptual spaces approach to the concept of knowledge. With knowledge conceived of spatially, the variability in knowledge attributions follows from recent work on identity, according to which our standards for judging things (including concepts) to be identical are context-dependent. On the proposal to be made, it depends on what is at stake in a context whether it is worth distinguishing between knowing and being at least close to knowing.
K. Krzyżanowska, S. Wenmackers, and I. Douven, "Rethinking Gibbard's riverboat argument," Studia Logica, vol. 102, p. 771–792, 2014.
According to the Principle of Conditional Non-Contradiction (CNC), conditionals of the form ``If $p$, $q$'' and ``If $p$, not $q$'' cannot both be true, unless $p$ is inconsistent. This principle is widely regarded as an adequacy constraint on any semantics that attributes truth conditions to conditionals. Gibbard has presented an example of a pair of conditionals that, in the context he describes, appear to violate CNC. He concluded from this that conditionals lack truth conditions. We argue that this conclusion is rash by proposing a new diagnosis of what is going on in Gibbard's argument. We also provide empirical evidence in support of our proposal.
J. Peijnenburg and S. Wenmackers, "Infinite regress in decision theory, philosophy of science, and formal epistemology," Synthese, vol. 191, p. 627–628, 2014.
Infinite regresses have had a mixed reception in philosophy. On the one hand, they are often quickly brushed aside as being unreasonable and even preposterous. If a position or a theory is shown to engender an infinite regress, that pretty well means the end of it: an argumentum ad infinitum is as good as a reductio ad absurdum. On the other hand, the alleged absurdity of infinite regresses has been a source of inspiration and the ground for far-reaching conclusions. It led to the requirement that a regress should come to a stop and thence to the verdict that there exist such things as a Prime Mover, a First Cause, a Highest Good, or a Causa Sui. Infinite regresses have been discussed in practically all branches of philosophy, not only in metaphysics and epistemology, but also in ethics, philosophy of mind, logic, and argumentation theory. In recent years, they have spurred a lively debate in traditional epistemology, where `infinitism' (the idea that an infinite chain of epistemic justification is not prima facie absurd) is on its way to becoming a mature alternative to the traditional positions, foundationalism and coherentism. The papers in the present volume are about infinite regress in decision theory, philosophy of science, and formal epistemology. We are fortunate to have brought together a number of renowned philosophers and promising young scholars.
S. D. Pop, K. Hinrichs, N. Esser, S. Wenmackers, C. Cobet, and D. R. T. Zahn, "DNA structures on silicon and diamond," in Ellipsometry of Functional Organic Surfaces and Films, K. Hinrichs and K. -J. Eichhorn, Eds., Berlin, Germany: Springer, 2014, vol. 52, p. 47–59.
In the design of {DNA}-based hybrid devices, it is essential to have knowledge of the structural, electronic and optical properties of these biomolecular films. Spectroscopic ellipsometry is a powerful technique to probe and asses these properties. In this chapter, we review its application to biomolecular films of single {DNA} bases and molecules on silicon and diamond surfaces characterized in the spectral range from the near-infrared (NIR) through the visible (Vis) and toward the vacuum ultraviolet (VUV). The reported optical constants of various {DNA} structures are of great interest, particularly in the development of biosensors.
S. Wenmackers, "Ultralarge lotteries: Analyzing the lottery paradox using non-standard analysis," Journal of Applied Logic, vol. 11, p. 452–467, 2013.
A popular way to relate probabilistic information to binary rational beliefs is the Lockean Thesis, which is usually formalized in terms of thresholds. This approach seems far from satisfactory: the value of the thresholds is not well-specified and the Lottery Paradox shows that the model violates the Conjunction Principle. We argue that the Lottery Paradox is a symptom of a more fundamental and general problem, shared by all threshold-models that attempt to put an exact border on something that is intrinsically vague. We propose application of the language of relative analysis–-a type of non-standard analysis–-to formulate a new model for rational belief, called Stratified Belief. This contextualist model seems well-suited to deal with a concept of beliefs based on probabilities `sufficiently close to unity' and satisfies a moderately weakened form of the Conjunction Principle. We also propose an adaptation of the model that is able to deal with beliefs that are less firm than `almost certainty'. The adapted version is also of interest for the epistemicist account of vagueness.
S. Wenmackers and L. Horsten, "Fair infinite lotteries," Synthese, vol. 190, p. 37–61, 2013.
This article discusses how the concept of a fair finite lottery can best be extended to denumerably infinite lotteries. Techniques and ideas from non-standard analysis are brought to bear on the problem.
V. Benci, L. Horsten, and S. Wenmackers, "Non-Archimedean probability," Milan Journal of Mathematics, vol. 81, p. 121–151, 2013.
We propose an alternative approach to probability theory closely related to the framework of numerosity theory: non-Archimedean probability (NAP). In our approach, unlike in classical probability theory, all subsets of an infinite sample space are measurable and only the empty set gets assigned probability zero (in other words: the probability functions are regular). We use a non-Archimedean field as the range of the probability function. As a result, the property of countable additivity in Kolmogorov's axiomatization of probability is replaced by a different type of infinite additivity.
K. Krzyżanowska, S. Wenmackers, and I. Douven, "Inferential conditionals and evidentiality," Journal of Logic, Language and Information, vol. 22, p. 315–334, 2013.
Many conditionals seem to convey the existence of a link between their antecedent and consequent. We draw on a recently proposed typology of conditionals to argue for an old philosophical idea according to which the link is inferential in nature. We show that the proposal has explanatory force by presenting empirical results on the evidential meaning of certain English and Dutch modal expressions.
S. Wenmackers, D. E. P. Vanpoucke, and I. Douven, "Probability of inconsistencies in theory revision; a multi-agent model for updating logically interconnected beliefs under bounded confidence," European Physical Journal B, vol. 85, 2012.
We present a model for studying communities of epistemically interacting agents who update their belief states by averaging (in a specified way) the belief states of other agents in the community. The agents in our model have a rich belief state, involving multiple independent issues which are interrelated in such a way that they form a theory of the world. Our main goal is to calculate the probability for an agent to end up in an inconsistent belief state due to updating (in the given way). To that end, an analytical expression is given and evaluated numerically, both exactly and using statistical sampling. It is shown that, under the assumptions of our model, an agent always has a probability of less than 2\% of ending up in an inconsistent belief state. Moreover, this probability can be made arbitrarily small by increasing the number of independent issues the agents have to judge or by increasing the group size. A real-world situation to which this model applies is a group of experts participating in a Delphi-study.
S. Wenmackers and D. E. P. Vanpoucke, "Models and simulations in material science: two cases without error bars," Statistica Neerlandica, vol. 66, p. 339–355, 2012.
We discuss two research projects in material science in which the results cannot be stated with an estimation of the error: a spectroscopic ellipsometry study aimed at determining the orientation of {DNA} molecules on diamond and a scanning tunneling microscopy study of platinum-induced nanowires on germanium. To investigate the reliability of the results, we apply ideas from the philosophy of models in science. Even if the studies had reported an error value, the trustworthiness of the result would not depend on that value alone.
V. Benci, L. Horsten, and S. Wenmackers, "Axioms for Non-Archimedean Probability (NAP)," in Future Directions for Logic; Proceedings of PhDs in Logic III, J. De Vuyst and L. Demey, Eds., London, UK: College Publications, 2012, vol. 2.
In this contribution, we focus on probabilistic problems with a denumerably or non-denumerably infinite number of possible outcomes. Kolmogorov (1933) provided an axiomatic basis for probability theory, presented as a part of measure theory, which is a branch of standard analysis or calculus. Since standard standard analysis does not allow for non-Archimedean quantities (i.e. infinitesimals), we may call Kolmogorov's approach `Archimedean probability theory'. We show that allowing non-Archimedean probability values may have considerate epistemological advantages in the infinite case.
S. Wenmackers, "Ultralarge and infinite lotteries," in Logic, Philosophy and History of Science in Belgium II; Proceedings of the Young Researchers Days 2010, B. Van Kerkhove, T. Libert, G. Vanpaemel, and P. Marage, Eds., Belgium, Brussels: Koninklijke Vlaamse Academie van België voor Wetenschappen en Kunsten, 2012, p. 59–66.
K. Krzyżanowska, S. Wenmackers, I. Douven, and S. Verbrugge, "Conditionals, inference, and evidentiality," in Proceedings of the Logic & Cognition Workshop at ESSLLI 2012; Opole, Poland, 13–17 August, 2012, J. Szymanik and R. Verbrugge, Eds., , 2012, vol. 883, p. 38–47.
At least many conditionals seem to convey the existence of a link between their antecedent and consequent. We draw on a recently proposed typology of conditionals to revive an old philosophical idea according to which the link is inferential in nature. We show that the proposal has explanatory force by presenting empirical results on two Dutch linguistic markers.
S. Wenmackers, "Philosophy of Probability: Foundations, Epistemology, and Computation," , 2011.
S. Wenmackers, "How to track reality," in Inception and Philosophy; Ideas to die for, T. Botz-Bornstein, Ed., Chicago, IL: Open Court, 2011, vol. 62, p. 3–23.
D. T. Tran, V. Vermeeren, L. Grieten, S. Wenmackers, P. Wagner, J. Pollet, K. P. F. Janssen, L. Michiels, and J. Lammertyn, "Nanocrystalline diamond impedimetric aptasensor for the label-free detection of human IgE," Biosensors and Bioelectronics, vol. 26, p. 2987–2993, 2011.
Like antibodies, aptamers are highly valuable as bioreceptor molecules for protein biomarkers because of their excellent selectivity, specificity and stability. The integration of aptamers with semiconducting materials offers great potential for the development of reliable aptasensors. In this paper we present an aptamer-based impedimetric biosensor using a nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) film as a working electrode for the direct and label-free detection of human immunoglobulin E (IgE). Amino (NH_2)-terminated IgE aptamers were covalently attached to carboxyl (COOH)-modified NCD surfaces using carbodiimide chemistry. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was applied to measure the changes in interfacial electrical properties that arise when the aptamer-functionalized diamond surface was exposed to IgE solutions. During incubation, the formation of aptamer–IgE complexes caused a significant change in the capacitance of the double-layer, in good correspondence with the IgE concentration. The linear dynamic range of IgE detection was from 0.03 $\mu$g/mL to 42.8 $\mu$g/mL. The detection limit of the aptasensor reached physiologically relevant concentrations (0.03 $\mu$g/mL). The NCD-based aptasensor was demonstrated to be highly selective even in the presence of a large excess of IgG. In addition, the aptasensor provided reproducible signals during six regeneration cycles. The impedimetric aptasensor was successfully tested on human serum samples, which opens up the potential of using EIS for direct and label-free detection of IgE levels in blood serum.
V. Vermeeren, L. Grieten, N. Vanden Bon, N. Bijnens, S. Wenmackers, S. D. Janssens, K. Haenen, P. Wagner, and L. Michiels, "Impedimetric, diamond-based immmunosensor for the detection of C-Reactive Protein," Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical, vol. 157, p. 130–138, 2011.
The high prevalence of cardiovascular diseases ({CVD}) demands a reliable and sensitive risk assessment technique. In order to develop a fast and label-free immunosensor for C-reactive protein (CRP), a risk factor for this condition, anti-CRP antibodies were physically adsorbed to the hydrogen (H)-terminated surface of nanocrystalline diamond (NCD). An Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA) reference technique showed that this was a suitable substrate for antibody–antigen recognition reactions. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) was used to electronically detect CRP recognition. The specificity of the immunosensor was demonstrated by incubation with CRP and plasminogen as reference molecule. A different impedance behavior was observed in real-time after CRP addition as compared to plasminogen addition: the impedance increased only during CRP incubation. Fitting the data showed that this corresponded with a decrease in capacitance of the molecular layer due to its increased thickness by specific CRP recognition. Sensitivity experiments in real-time showed a clear discrimination between 1 $\mu$M, 100 nM, and 10 nM of CRP after 10 min at 100 Hz. Since, 10 nM of CRP was still clearly distinguishable from buffer solution, our CRP-directed immunosensor prototype reaches a sensitivity that is within the physiologically relevant concentration range of this biomarker in healthy controls and {CVD} patients. Moreover, this prototype displayed real-time discriminating power between spiked and unspiked serum, and thus also shows its applicability in this biological matrix.
V. Vermeeren, N. Bijnens, L. Grieten, S. Wenmackers, N. Vanden Bon, K. Haenen, P. Wagner, and L. Michiels, "Diamond-based biosensors with an impedimetric and label-free read-out," in Nanotechnology 2010: Bio Sensors, Instruments, Medical, Environment and Energy, NSTI, 2010, vol. 3, p. 23–26.
Healthcare and diagnostics is slowly moving towards molecular medicine and point-of-care diagnosis. Electronic biosensors can offer opportunities in this area that the current state-of-the-art, such as denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) for mutation analysis and ELISA for abnormal protein detection, is unable to fulfill. We developed an electronic {DNA}- and immunosensor based on nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) and electrochemical impedance spectroscope (EIS). During {DNA} hybridization and denaturation, a difference is observed for 1-mismatch target {DNA} and complementary target {DNA} in real-time. Our immunosensor was made to detect C-reactive Protein (CRP), a risk marker for cardiovascular diseases. The specificity of the immunosensor was demonstrated by the incubation with CRP and the non-specific plasminogen. Since 10 nM of CRP was still clearly distinguishable from buffer, our prototype reached a sensitivity that is in the clinically relevant concentration ranges.
M. Bäcker, A. Poghossian, M. H. Abouzar, S. Wenmackers, S. D. Janssens, K. Haenen, P. Wagner, and M. J. Schöning, "Capacitive field-effect (bio-)chemical sensors based on nanocrystalline diamond films," Mater. Res. Soc. Symp. Proc., vol. 1203, p. J17-31, 2010.
Capacitive field-effect electrolyte-diamond-insulator-semiconductor (EDIS) structures with O-terminated nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) as sensitive gate material have been realized and investigated for the detection of pH, penicillin concentration, and layer-by-layer adsorption of polyelectrolytes. The surface oxidizing procedure of NCD thin films as well as the seeding and NCD growth process on a Si-SiO_2 substrate have been improved to provide high pH-sensitive, non-porous thin films without damage of the underlying SiO_2 layer and with a high coverage of O-terminated sites. The NCD surface topography, roughness, and coverage of the surface groups have been characterized by SEM, AFM and XPS methods. The EDIS sensors with O-terminated NCD film treated in oxidizing boiling mixture for 45 min show a pH sensitivity of about 50 mV/pH. The pH-sensitive properties of the NCD have been used to develop an EDIS-based penicillin biosensor with high sensitivity (65-70 mV/decade in the concentration range of 0.25-2.5 mM penicillin G) and low detection limit (5 $\mu$M). The results of label-free electrical detection of layer-by-layer adsorption of charged polyelectrolytes are presented, too.
R. Vansweevelt, A. Malesevic, M. Van Gompel, A. Vanhulsel, S. Wenmackers, J. D'Haen, V. Vermeeren, M. Ameloot, L. Michiels, C. Van Haesendonck, and P. Wagner, "Biological modification of carbon nanowalls with DNA strands and hybridization experiments with complementary and mismatched DNA," Chemical Physics Letters, vol. 485, p. 196–201, 2010.
Carbon nanowalls (CNWs) are functionalized with short {DNA} strands. CNWs are a network of upstanding carbon flakes consisting of 4–6 graphene layers packed together. The biological modification of these structures is carried out via the photochemical attachment of an unsaturated fatty acid linker molecule, followed by an EDC-mediated reaction to bind amino-modified {DNA} strands to the linker. Hybridization experiments are done using complementary and mismatch {DNA} strands. Fluorescence microscopy shows a clear difference between EDC-negative and EDC-positive samples, supporting the covalent nature of the {DNA} attachment. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the hybridization is highly selective and reproducible.
S. Wenmackers, V. Vermeeren, M. vandeVen, M. Ameloot, N. Bijnens, K. Haenen, L. Michiels, and P. Wagner, "Diamond-based DNA sensors: surface functionalization and read-out strategies," physica status solidi (a), vol. 206, p. 391–408, 2009.
This article reviews the current state-of-the-art of diamond-based {DNA} sensors. Some general concepts involved in biosensors are introduced and applied to {DNA} sensors. The properties of chemically vapor deposited ({CVD}) diamond relevant for this application are summed up, with special attention for the stability and bio-compatibility of the material. Several routes to functionalize the diamond surface are considered. The physical properties of the obtained {DNA} layers are discussed in terms of surface density and molecular conformation. Possible read-out strategies are evaluated, including optical and electronic sensing. With diamond-based {DNA} sensors, real-time and label-free sensing is achieved.
N. Bijnens, V. Vermeeren, M. Daenen, L. Grieten, K. Haenen, S. Wenmackers, O. A. Williams, M. Ameloot, M. vandeVen, L. Michiels, and P. Wagner, "Synthetic diamond films as a platform material for label-free protein sensors," physica status solidi (a), vol. 206, p. 520–526, 2009.
In the framework of developing a fast and label-free immunosensor for C-reactive protein (CRP) detection, H-terminated nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) was functionalised with anti-CRP antibodies that were physically adsorbed to the surface. Impedance spectroscopy was used to electronically detect real-time CRP recognition. Different impedance behaviours were observed after CRP addition as compared to after FITC-labelled ss{DNA} addition at low (100 Hz) as well as at high frequencies (1 MHz). Physical interpretations of the observed impedance changes were obtained by fitting the data to an equivalent electrical circuit. Concentrations of 1 $\mu$M CRP were recognised with a reaction time of 30 minutes.
Z. Remes, A. Kromka, H. Kozak, M. Vanecek, K. Haenen, and S. Wenmackers, "The infrared optical absorption spectra of the functionalized nanocrystalline diamond surface," Diamond and Related Materials, vol. 18, p. 772–775, 2009.
We propose a new method of detecting the functional groups at the NCD surface based on the interfrence-free infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy of p-polarized IR light at Brewster's angle of incidence (BA-IRRAS). We report IR absorbance spectra of a linker molecule monolayer (10-undecenoic acid) covalently bonded to the NCD surface with and without {DNA} fragments coupled to it, and IR spectra of organosilane polymer coatings deposited on NCD surface by the spin coating technology. The homogeneity of the surface coatings was monitored by fluorescence microscopy.
V. Vermeeren, S. Wenmackers, P. Wagner, and L. Michiels, "DNA sensors with diamond as a promising alternative transducer material," Sensors, vol. 9, p. 5600–5636, 2009.
Bio-electronics is a scientific field coupling the achievements in biology with electronics to obtain higher sensitivity, specificity and speed. Biosensors have played a pivotal role, and many have become established in the clinical and scientific world. They need to be sensitive, specific, fast and cheap. Electrochemical biosensors are most frequently cited in literature, often in the context of {DNA} sensing and mutation analysis. However, many popular electrochemical transduction materials, such as silicon, are susceptible to hydrolysis, leading to loss of bioreceptor molecules from the surface. Hence, increased attention has been shifted towards diamond, which surpasses silicon on many levels.
N. Smisdom, I. Smets, O. A. Williams, M. Daenen, S. Wenmackers, K. Haenen, M. Nesládek, J. D'Haen, P. Wagner, J. -M. Rigo, M. Ameloot, and M. vandeVen, "Chinese hamster ovary cell viability on hydrogen and oxygen terminated nano- and microcrystalline diamond surfaces," physica status solidi (a), vol. 206, p. 2042–2047, 2009.
Transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells were cultured on bare uncoated chemical vapor deposited thin nano- and microcrystalline diamond surfaces, hydrophobic hydrogen- and hydrophilic oxygen-terminated. Optical and biochemical analyses show that compared to glass controls, growth and viability were not significantly affected (one-way-analysis of variance, ANOVA). Based on twoway ANOVA analyses, neither grain size nor surface termination had a significant influence until 5 days post-seeding.
S. Wenmackers, S. D. Pop, K. Roodenko, V. Vermeeren, O. A. Williams, M. Daenen, O. Douhéret, J. D'Haen, A. Hardy, V. M. K. Bael, K. Hinrichs, C. Cobet, M. vandeVen, M. Ameloot, K. Haenen, L. Michiels, N. Esser, and P. Wagner, "Structural and optical properties of DNA layers covalently attached to diamond surfaces," Langmuir, vol. 24, p. 7269–7299, 2008.
Label-free detection of {DNA} molecules on chemically vapor-deposited diamond surfaces is achieved with spectroscopic ellipsometry in the infrared and vacuum ultraviolet range. This nondestructive method has the potential to yield information on the average orientation of single as well as double-stranded {DNA} molecules, without restricting the strand length to the persistence length. The orientational analysis based on electronic excitations in combination with information from layer thicknesses provides a deeper understanding of biological layers on diamond. The $\Pi–\Pi^\ast$ transition dipole moments, corresponding to a transition at 4.74 eV, originate from the individual bases. They are in a plane perpendicular to the {DNA} backbone with an associated $n–\Pi^\ast$ transition at 4.47 eV. For 8–36 bases of single- and double-stranded {DNA} covalently attached to ultra-nanocrystalline diamond, the ratio between in- and out-of-plane components in the best fit simulations to the ellipsometric spectra yields an average tilt angle of the {DNA} backbone with respect to the surface plane ranging from 45$\deg$ to 52$\deg$. We comment on the physical meaning of the calculated tilt angles. Additional information is gathered from atomic force microscopy, fluorescence imaging, and wetting experiments. The results reported here are of value in understanding and optimizing the performance of the electronic readout of a diamond-based label-free {DNA} hybridization sensor.
V. Vermeeren, S. Wenmackers, M. Daenen, K. Haenen, O. A. Williams, M. Ameloot, M. vandeVen, P. Wagner, and L. Michiels, "Topographical and functional characterisation of the ssDNA probe layer generated through EDC-mediated covalent attachment to nanocrystalline diamond using fluorescence microscopy," Langmuir, vol. 24, p. 9125–9134, 2008.
The covalent attachment method for {DNA} on nanocrystalline diamond ({NCD}), involving the introduction of COOH functionalities on the surface by photoattachment of 10-undecenoic acid (10-UDA), followed by the 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-carbodiimide (EDC)-mediated coupling to NH_2-labeled ss{DNA}, is evaluated in terms of stability, density, and functionality of the resulting biological interface. This is of crucial importance in {DNA} biosensor development. The covalent nature of {DNA} attachment will infer the necessary stability and favorable orientation to the ss{DNA} probe molecules. Using confocal fluorescence microscopy, the influence of buffer type for the removal of excess 10-UDA and ss{DNA}, the probe ss{DNA} length, the probe ss{DNA} concentration, and the presence of the COOH-linker on the density and functionality of the ss{DNA} probe layer were investigated. It was determined that the most homogeneously dense and functional {DNA} layer was obtained when 300 pmol of short ss{DNA} was applied to COOH-modified NCD samples, while H-terminated NCD was resistant for {DNA} attachment. Exploiting this surface functionality dependence of the {DNA} attachment efficiency, a shadow mask was applied during the photochemical introduction of the COOH-functionalities, leaving certain regions on the NCD H-terminated. The subsequent {DNA} attachment resulted in a fluorescence pattern corresponding to the negative of the shadow mask. Finally, NCD surfaces covered with mixtures of the 10-UDA linker molecule and a similar molecule lacking the COOH functionality, functioning as a lateral spacer, were examined for their suitability in preventing nonspecific adsorption to the surface and in decreasing steric hindrance. However, purely COOH-modified NCD samples, patterned with H-terminated regions and treated with a controlled amount of probe {DNA}, proved the most efficient in fulfilling these tasks.
S. Wenmackers, "Morphology, functionality and molecular conformation study of CVD diamond surfaces functionalised with organic linkers and DNA," , 2008.
V. Vermeeren, N. Bijnens, S. Wenmackers, M. Daenen, K. Haenen, O. A. Williams, M. Ameloot, M. vandeVen, P. Wagner, and L. Michiels, "Towards a real-time, label-free diamond-based DNA sensor," Langmuir, vol. 23, p. 13193–13202, 2007.
Most challenging in the development of {DNA} sensors is the ability to distinguish between fully complementary target ss{DNA} (single-strand {DNA}) and 1-mismatch ss{DNA}. To deal with this problem, we performed impedance spectroscopy on {DNA}-functionalized nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) layers during hybridization and denaturation. In both reactions, a difference in behavior was observed for 1-mismatch target {DNA} and complementary target {DNA} in real-time. During real-time hybridization, a decrease of the impedance was observed at lower frequencies when the complementary target {DNA} was added, while the addition of 1-mismatch target ss{DNA} caused no significant change. Fitting these results to an electrical circuit demonstrates that this is correlated with a decrease of the depletion zone in the space charge region of the diamond. During real-time denaturation, differentiation between 1-mismatch and complementary target {DNA} was possible at higher frequencies. Denaturation of complementary {DNA} showed the longest exponential decay time of the impedance, while the decay time during 1-mismatch denaturation was the shortest. The real-time hybridization and denaturation experiments were carried out on different NCD samples in various buffer solutions at temperatures between 20 and 80$\deg$C. It was revealed that the best results were obtained using a Microhyb hybridization buffer at 80$\deg$C and 10$\times$ PCR buffer at 30$\deg$C for hybridization and 0.1 M NaOH at temperatures above 40$\deg$C for denaturation. We demonstrate that the combination of real-time hybridization spectra and real-time denaturation spectra yield important information on the type of target. This approach may allow a reliable identification of the mismatch sequence, which is the most biologically relevant.
P. Christiaens, V. Vermeeren, S. Wenmackers, M. Daenen, K. Haenen, M. Nesládek, M. vandeVen, M. Ameloot, L. Michiels, and P. Wagner, "EDC-mediated DNA attachment to nanocrystalline CVD diamond films," Biosensors and Bioelectronics, vol. 22, p. 170–177, 2006.
Chemical vapour deposited ({CVD}) diamond is a very promising material for biosensor fabrication owing both to its chemical inertness and the ability to make it electrical semiconducting that allows for connection with integrated circuits. For biosensor construction, a biochemical method to immobilize nucleic acids to a diamond surface has been developed. Nanocrystalline diamond is grown using microwave plasma-enhanced chemical vapour deposition ({MPECVD}). After hydrogenation of the surface, 10-undecenoic acid, an $\omega$-unsaturated fatty acid, is tethered by 254 nm photochemical attachment. This is followed by 1-ethyl-3-[3-dimethylaminopropyl]carbodiimide (EDC)-mediated attachment of amino (NH_2)-modified ds{DNA}. The functionality of the covalently bound ds{DNA} molecules is confirmed by fluorescence measurements, PCR and gel electrophoresis during 35 denaturation and rehybridisation steps. The linking method after the fatty acid attachment can easily be applied to other biomolecules like antibodies and enzymes.
S. Wenmackers, P. Christiaens, M. Daenen, K. Haenen, M. Nesládek, M. vandeVen, V. Vermeeren, L. Michiels, M. Ameloot, and P. Wagner, "DNA attachment to nanocrystalline diamond films," physica status solidi (a), vol. 202, p. 2212–2216, 2005.
A biochemical method to immobilize {DNA} on synthetic diamond for biosensor applications is developed. Nanocrystalline diamond is grown using microwave plasma-enhanced chemical vapour deposition. On the hydrogen-terminated surface 10-undecenoic acid is tethered photochemically under 254 nm illumination, followed by 1-ethyl-3-[3-dimethylaminopropyl]carbodiimide crosslinker-mediated attachment of amino modified {DNA}. The attachment is functionally confirmed by comparison of supernatant fluorescence and gel electrophoresis. The linking procedure allowed for 35 denaturation and rehybridisation steps.
S. Wenmackers, P. Christiaens, W. Deferme, M. Daenen, K. Haenen, M. Nesládek, P. Wagner, V. Vermeeren, L. Michiels, M. vandeVen, M. Ameloot, J. Wouters, L. Naelaerts, and Z. Mekhalif, "Head-on immobilization of DNA fragments on CVD-diamond layers," Materials Science Forum, vol. 492–493, p. 267–272, 2005.
Synthetic diamond is regarded as a promising material for biosensors: it forms a stable platform for genetic assays and its biocompatibility opens the possibility for in vivo sensing. In this study the use of a thymidine linker for covalent {DNA} attachment was evaluated. Contact angle measurements provided a qualitative test of the initially oxidized surface. X-ray photoemission spectroscopy was used for further analysis of the oxides and for monitoring the effect of subsequent chemical treatments. The presence of {FITC}-labelled {DNA} was confirmed by confocal fluorescence microscopy. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assays indicated that this {DNA} was merely adsorbed on the diamond surface instead of covalently bound.
M. vandeVen, S. Wenmackers, K. Haenen, M. Nesládek, P. Wagner, L. Michiels, and M. Ameloot, "Spectral confocal imaging and patterning effects of surface modified polycrystalline diamond films," Biophysical Journal (a), vol. 86, p. 608A–609A, 2004.
S. Wenmackers, K. Haenen, M. Nesládek, P. Wagner, L. Michiels, M. vandeVen, and M. Ameloot, "Covalent immobilization of DNA on CVD diamond films," physica status solidi (a), vol. 199, p. 44–48, 2003.
Chemical vapour deposited ({CVD}) diamond is used in {DNA} immobilization experiments for its high stability and versatility. In this study a double-stranded, 250 base pairs long {DNA} fragment of the human PKU gene was covalently bound to {CVD} diamond films. Thymidine was used as a linker molecule for the binding in head-on configuration. The presence of surface-bound {FITC}-labelled {DNA} was confirmed by confocal fluorescence microscopy. In denaturation experiments the second, unlabelled strand of each pair was removed resulting in a loss of fluorescence. The possibility of non-specific binding of {DNA} to diamond can be excluded.
Welkom, ik ben Sylvia Wenmackers. Hier schrijf ik over alles wat me fascineert: wetenschap, filosofie, kunst en het leven zelf. Ik werk als onderzoeksprofessor in de wetenschapsfilosofie aan de KU Leuven. Ik woon samen met mijn man Danny en onze zoon.
Als het hier wat stil is, dan ben ik vast buiten aan het spelen, op Twitter @SylviaFysica. :)
English, please?
Welcome, I am Sylvia Wenmackers, philosopher of science at KU Leuven. Let me guide you to some pages in English:
– my academic publication list (with download links);
– some blog posts are in English;
– about half of my tweets: @SylviaFysica.
PS: My significant other is a computational material scientist, who blogs in English.
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Blog van Swinkels "Een blog met teksten over filosofie, wetenschap, politiek, sport, kunst en de nodige flauwekul"
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Zandrekenaar Recent blog over wetenschap en maatschappij
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Het copyright van teksten en foto's op dit blog behoort toe aan Sylvia Wenmackers.


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Data Coalition Applauds the Creation of an Occupational Series for Data Science
Wednesday, Dec 15, 2021 By: Corinna Turbes
Today, Congress passed the FY 2022 National Defense Authorization Act which directs the Office of Personnel Management to establish an occupational series for digital careers, including data science and data management. On behalf of Data Coalition Initiative members, Data Foundation Policy Director Corinna Turbes offered the following statement:
"We are thrilled to see Congress take this important step in creating a federal workforce that is equipped to manage and leverage data across federal agencies. The Data Coalition Initiative has been a strong advocate for the creation of a data science occupational series in government. Improving the recruiting and retention of top talent in the federal government's workforce is crucial to creating data literate organizations that can fully realize the benefits of leveraging data for evidence-informed decision making."
The Data Coalition is an initiative of the non-profit Data Foundation. The membership-based initiative facilitates a strong national data community and advocates for responsible policies to make government data high-quality, accessible, and usable. The Data Coalition's work unites the data communities that focus on data science, management, evaluation, statistics, and technology, including individuals in companies, nonprofit organizations, and academia.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Home » Racing »
1957 Jaguar D-Type Le Mans Winner in 1:8 Scale by Amalgam
JAGUAR D-TYPE ECURIE ECOSSE 1957 LE MANS WINNER
Designed specifically to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the exemplary Jaguar D-Type was extremely successful in its mission, becoming one of the most dominant Le Mans cars in history. Victorious in three of the four years it competed, the D-Type inspired the legendary E-Type road car and eventually became the road-going XKSS.
Produced between 1954 and 1956, the D-Type shared the same basic straight 6 XK engine and many mechanic components as its elder sister, the C Type, but was structurally entirely different. The aviation industry inspired monocoque construction and aerodynamic efficiency was a marked departure from the C-Types space frame chassis and softer body design and was considered revolutionary at the time.
In its debut season in 1954, the D-Type, driven by Duncan Hamilton and Tony Rolt fell short of winning Le Mans to Ferrari by just a single lap. The following year, Mike Hawthorn and Ivor Bueb took the chequered flag, giving the D-Type its maiden Le Mans title. The event, however, was marred by the deadliest accident in the history of motorsport that not only prompted their closest competitors Mercedes-Benz to retire from the race, but caused them to leave motorsport altogether for at least two decades. In 1956 Jaguar claimed another victory, as the small Edinburgh-based Ecurie Ecosse team saw their D-Type, driven by Ninian Sanderson and Ron Flockhart, pip the pursuing Aston Martin, piloted by Stirling Moss and Peter Collins, to the chequered flag by a single lap. Jaguar pulled out of motorsport as a works team at the end of the season, but privateer teams still represented the D-Type and Ecurie Ecosse won again in 1957, sealing a D-Type hattrick, raced by previous winners Flockhart and Bueb. They were convincingly victorious, finishing eight laps ahead of their sister car driven by Sanderson and John Jock Lawrence. D-Types dominated the leaderboard that year, suffering no retirements and taking five of the top six places, cementing its place in Le Mans history as one of the most successful cars.
This model is a perfect 1:8 scale recreation of the 1957 Le Mans winning D-Type, as raced to victory by British duo Ron Flockhart and Ivor Bueb. It has been handcrafted and finished in our workshops with the co-operation and assistance of Jaguar regarding original finishes, materials, archive imagery and drawings. The use of supremely accurate digital scanning of the original car has allowed us to perfectly recreate every detail at scale. Furthermore, it has undergone detailed scrutiny by both engineering and design teams to ensure complete accuracy of representation.
The Jaguar XKD Le Mans is limited to only 99 editions.


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Sunborn London affords outstanding views across The Thames towards the O2 Arena – the yacht hotel makes the perfect base for visitors looking to combine a trip to the iconic venue with a luxury stay in a convenient location.
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Situated on the Greenwich Peninsula in London's south east, the arena, one of the sites of the 2012 Summer Olympics, has been a huge tourist draw for years. And as it is at the hub of the O2, a robust and hyper-energetic entertainment center, guests visiting this region of the city never run out of things to do.
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In the evening, you will be dazzled by the lights of London at night. Retire to quarters that are appointed with only the finest in décor, linens and boast essentially everything to make your stay a phenomenal one. We are not just another one of the run-of-the-mill hotels near the o2 arena, we are in a class far above. Our goal is to make our clientele feel completely pampered and relaxed.
And being oriented directly next to the O2 and consequently the O2 arena, we know that your stay at the Sunborn will be an action-packed, fun-filled one. Whether you're searching for a fine dining restaurant, a neighborly pub, a night of musical entertainment, or perhaps a quieter evening of taking in the latest movie, the O2 certainly accommodates. An up and coming area in the city, it is highly convenient to a number of other popular London destinations as well. Visit historic Greenwich and the Royal Observatory, or perhaps you might stroll through Greenwich Park then check out St. Katherine's Dock, a newly revitalized area of London that maintains its historic roots while embodying a more hip, modern day vibe.
Certainly, all of London is at your fingertips as our accommodation near O2 arena is extremely convenient to the Tube and bus stations. And of course the Sunborn makes it very easy to spend the day exploring all that the area has to offer. So when considering hotels near the o2 arena London, you're going to want your first stop to be the Sunborn. Making your vacation stay even more amazing, our floating yacht experience will certainly enhance your overall enjoyment of the O2 London.
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As many churches all across the map join us in using our Faces of our Faith materials, we wanted to offer a creative way to help you name the faces of our your own faith communities.
As a team, we crafted this simple art installation using found objects in less than two hours, so we think you can create something like it too. Just follow the steps below or adapt them based on your own materials and ideas—the possibilities are endless!


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2nd Avenue
yoga, writing, cooking, and whatever else catches my fancy
Arctic adventure
It was about 5°C in Vancouver this morning and I was complaining about how cold it was. Just a few days ago, I was calling the -2°C temperatures in Yellowknife balmy. A shift in perspective, for sure!
It was an amazing experience visiting the Arctic. In talking about the trip afterwards, I almost feel like I should be working for the Northern Canada Tourism Board!
We didn't take many photos because we completely forgot to bring a real camera and had to rely on iPhones, which struggled with the incredibly bright sunlight. Click on the images below to see the full-size pictures.
Laura and the museum moose – click on the image for a larger image
We flew into Yellowknife in the afternoon and after picking up cold weather gear and checking into the Explorer Hotel, we headed out to see the sights. Our first stop was the underwhelming Northern Frontier Visitors Centre. At least they had a map of where to find the museum!
The Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre (aka the museum) was highly recommended and did not disappoint. In addition to a display about how locally mined minerals are used in technology (mostly to strengthen steel!) and some great wildlife dioramas, there were also samples of fur from most of the animals on display.
Not surprisingly, polar bear fur is really thick and dense! Quite surprisingly (at least to me), musk ox fur is quite soft.
Seeing how variable caribou hide is when tanned, cured, or left natural was fascinating. It's a truly versatile material and I now totally understand how valuable the herds are to locals.
Even though the museum opened in 1979, the inside of the building felt modern. Beautiful use of wood and lots of windows meant that it was bright and airy.
Given that it's named after him, the giant portrait of Prince Charles and the crazy jewelled sword made sense, but they still felt out of place amongst the taxidermied animals and rock samples. It was particularly strange to see a younger Prince Charles… and that he still looks pretty much the same.
After getting a little too warm in the museum (it was about -20°C and we were dressed for outdoors!), we walked downtown.
The path we took from the museum is part of the Trans Canada Trail, which prompted one of those surreal moments of realization for me. There are two sections of the Trail within walking distance of our condo in North Vancouver and they're connected to the path in the Northwest Territories. It hit me that this is all Canada and that Canada is REALLY BIG! (I already knew that from the Arrogant Worms song, but experiencing the sheer length of the Trans-Canada Trail drove that point home.)
The Snowking castle and remaining ice sculptures
Needing an afternoon snack, we stopped at Sushi North for a couple of rolls and some arctic char nigiri. Hopefully that won't be our last experience with arctic char sushi – it was delicious!
Despite it being fairly cold, we were dressed for it and continued walking from downtown into Old Town after stopping to buy scarves from Erasmus Apparel. Quick stops at a couple shops to look at local art and beautiful furs (I'm not usually pro-fur, but I totally understand it in the Arctic) were followed by a longer linger at Weaver & Devore. It's an outfitting store that stocks pretty much everything from food and toiletries to incredibly expensive Canada Goose gear and axes. It was like a high-class dollar store on steroids 😉
After polishing off a couple chocolate bars, we wandered down to the entirely-frozen lake and happened upon the remnants of the Snowking Winter Festival. Ice sculptures, a snow castle, and snow walls – all amongst brightly-painted houseboats!
It was quite something standing on the lake looking down through the ice. Things don't freeze that solid in the Lower Mainland!
I really started to notice the cold after leaving the novelty of a snow castle behind and it was a chilly walk back to the hotel. We were impressed with how many people were walking home from work and even more impressed with the number of cyclists. Yellowknife seems like an active town and I suspect the adventurous souls who call it home aren't about to let sub zero temperatures deter them.
We certainly had different reactions to the polar bear in the Explorer lobby!
Coming from Vancouver, where most residents are politely hostile to strangers, it was refreshing to have the people we walked past smile or nod in acknowledgement. Friendliness might be one of the benefits of having a population of about 19,000 instead of +1 million!
While in Old Town, we came across the famed Bullock's Bistro. It's know for eclectic decor (diners are encouraged to draw on the walls), great fish and chips, and exorbitant prices. We elected to not venture out to Bullock's for dinner and went to Trader's Grill in our hotel.
We couldn't resist posing with the large, stuffed polar bear in the hotel lobby… I can't deny how much I enjoy good taxidermy!
Dinner featured some local fish and meats: smoked arctic char, musk ox dumplings, grilled boar. And it was all really good!
I debated whether to try and stay up to see Northern Lights when dinner had wrapped up… but sleep won out pretty fast!
I'm guessing that the tourist-laden buses that left the hotel at about 10:30pm were full of more dedicated Northern Lights seekers 🙂
Dressed for the weather! Or for sitting on a plane…
We had a relatively late flight to site, so had the luxury of sleeping in and having a leisurely breakfast. The logistics company picked us up at 10am and we carted all of our gear to the Yellowknife airport.
All passengers on winter flights are required to wear full winter gear (snow pants & coat, gloves/mittens, boots), which is a hell of a lot of clothing for small airplanes! Thankfully, the logistics company arranged for pants, jackets, and boots for both of us so we didn't have to purchase them ourselves.
That being said, the gear was certainly not designed for women and wasn't anything I would have bought myself. Size small was still pretty big and I ended up looping the straps of the pants around the back of my neck to shorten them and get them to stay up!
Being without winter gear was certainly not an option, though, and I wound up growing kind of attached to the outfit. The boots were awesomely warm and my toes never got cold. I was actually sad to let them go!
The real purpose of the trip was to visit two camps in the Back River area of Nunavut. The first site we went to (Goose Lake, Nunavut) is about 500km east of Yellowknife. It took about 90 minutes on the Dash-8 and it was fascinating to watch the terrain change below us.
The trees and all visible vegetation disappeared not far outside Yellowknife (apparently the treeline ends around 80km out of the city) and then there was nothing but the whiteness of ice and snow.
Herc on the ice runway at Goose Lake
We landed on an ice runway and were whisked into camp. The concept of an ice runway is pretty foreign and mildly terrifying to me (the plane is landing on the lake!), but it's the norm in the north.
Even though the ice was around 6 feet thick and more than solid enough to hold a plane, it still felt surreal!
The ice runway is so solid that it can handle even larger planes than the Dash-8 we came in on. Later in the day, a Herc came in with supplies. Everything arrives at the sites via plane: fuel for helicopters and heating the buildings, food, machinery, building supplies. There is no other way to access these remote locations.
Existence in the north is heavily reliant on weather and environmental conditions. Cold temperatures, precipitation, and fog all restrict the ability for air travel… and if aircraft can't land or take off, that means nothing and nobody is going in or out of camp.
The thought of being trapped in camp by weather in itself is enough to bring on a little bit of panic and cabin fever… and then the thought that most of the staff do rotations of 2-4 weeks in camp (with every day being a work day) and 1-4 weeks out, makes me feel even more trapped!
The area around Goose Lake was markedly empty. The view to every side was flat and it made me think the jokes about being able to watch your dog run aways for days in Saskatchewan. In this part of Nunavut, it was flat enough to be able to watch a hare run away for days!
The buildings at Goose Lake camp are all separate, which means going outside for everything. Want a cup of tea from the dining hall? Bundle up and head outside! Need to use the bathroom? First you have to go out into the cold! Have to see someone in a different office? Put on your coat!
Our sleeping quarters were at the far edge of camp, which made any consideration of getting up to go pee in the middle of the night extremely unpleasant!
Thankfully, the buildings themselves were toasty warm and after just a couple days I stopped bundling up quite so tightly for the three minute trek from our cabin to the dining hall or offices.
The remainder of the day passed quickly as we talked to geologists and geo techs (geos), toured the camp, and visited a drill site. Goose Lake has a number of drills that operate pretty much 24/7 and there's also a project to create an all-season runway so larger planes can come in throughout the year rather than being confined to the ice runway.
The food at camp is top-notch, which is more than incredible considering the conditions. The kitchen staff works hard to keep everyone happy and I was amazed at the variety and quality of offerings. They also have to accomodate differing schedules as half the drillers start their workdays at night.
Wolverine tracking near Goose & George Lakes
The second day we were at Goose Lake, I got to help out with a wolverine survey. There's a fair amount of wildlife around camp (arctic hares, wolverines, wolves, caribou) and the company wants to monitor the environmental impact of their mineral exploration and development activities as well as enable better understanding of local animals.
Our day was delayed as the morning temperature was -37°C and it needed to be warmer than -30°C for the helicopter to take off. So much for a 7am start!
The temperature warmed up enough around noon and I headed out with an environmental tech and the helicopter pilot. We stopped quickly at the George Lake site to drop off a couple passengers and then carried on with our wildlife-based mission.
I'd only been on commercial helicopter flights between Vancouver and Victoria before, so this was a very new experience. The helicopter set down at about a dozen sites and the enviro guy and I hopped out to collect samples and re-bait.
Each post was wrapped in barbed wire and topped with a piece of fish. The animals would climb the post to get the fish and the barbed wire would trap bits of their hair that could then be sent for DNA analysis.
After removing any hair samples, the enviro nailed a new piece of fish to the post and then covered it in wolverine scent and seal oil. Very smelly stuff. The high winds whipping around us certainly didn't make our task any easier. At the windiest site, I didn't even get out of the helicopter and the poor enviro got splattered with seal oil 🙁
Thankfully, we saw no live wolverines. The stuffed one at the museum was scary enough for me! We did see a falcon and an arctic hare from the helicopter. Both of them were moving damn fast!
We spent about four hours in the helicopter and it was a much more exciting ride than going between Vancouver and Victoria. The pilot swooped and turned in order to spot the posts and at points I realized that the ground was no longer below us… it was beside us!
Even though the two sites are quite close to each other (30 minutes by helicopter, roughly 70km) the terrain around them is different. Goose Lake is flat – really, really flat. The area around George Lake has hills and exposed rock and visibly coloured lakes. Even when frozen, I could see the aqua and deep blue of the water near George.
The landscape reminded me of a beach, but with snow instead of sand and no ocean in sight. It was so vast that it seemed endless.
We got back to camp around 5:30pm, just in time to get a prime viewing location for the blasting. In order to level the all-season runway at George, they're making their own gravel at site by blasting the ground and then using a crusher (a huge expensive piece of machinery) to create smaller rocks. The gravel will then be used to fill the low spots in the runway and will continue to be used to expand camp as the project moves towards being a producing gold mine.
Another delicious dinner (bison roast!) and then a fairly early night. Yellowknife and the Back River camps are on mountain time (like Edmonton) and it felt as though the sun rose and set earlier than in Vancouver. The sunsets were crazy long with light remaining along the horizon for at least a couple hours after the sun had dropped out of site. But when it did get dark… it got really dark.
Standing outside our cabin with just the lights of camp behind us, the world felt enormous and empty. The camp lights made it a little harder to see the stars, but it was obvious that the sky in the arctic is somehow bigger than in Southern BC.
The next day we were scheduled to go from Goose Lake to George, but the weather had other plans. Low-lying fog and blowing snow created near white-out conditions that made it impossible for planes to come in and dangerous for the helicopter to fly.
We spent a low-key day at Goose Lake. The highlight for me was discovering amazing homemade almond roca and becoming slightly addicted to the decadent treat! I reasoned that a 90 minute yoga practice off-set the chocolate and nuts a little bit 😉
The weather the next day was warmer (ranging from -19°C to -11°C), but the visibility was still terrible. A plane flew out from Yellowknife and made it to Goose Lake, but couldn't land as the pilot couldn't see the runway and had to go back to Yellowknife. We could just barely see the plane through the fog and everyone on the ground was very disappointed that the conditions had forced the flyover.
Views over the tundra from our 'tent'
While Goose Lake was fogged in with terrible visibility, the George Lake camp was bright and sunny. Around 4pm, the helicopter pilot determined that conditions were good enough to get us over to George and bring back a few people who had been stuck at the smaller camp through the bad weather.
When we took off, the ceiling was around 300 feet and visibility was seriously limited. I was glad that I'd done the wolverine tracking with the pilot and felt really comfortable that he had the skills and experience to fly safely. About five minutes into the trip, the clouds and fog disappeared entirely and we were treated to bright sunshine.
Staring out across the tundra again brought on the sensation of vastness. The arctic is huge and it just a part of a planet that is really enormous and full of amazement.
Clockwise from top left: our cabin at Goose Lake, the outside of our 'tent' at George Lake, frost on the inside of the cabin door hinges at George
Roughly 30 minutes after departing Goose Lake, we arrived at the George Lake camp. George is substantially smaller than Goose and many of the buildings are connected – yay not always needing to walk outside! Sadly, the women's washrooms and our 'tent' were among the unconnected buildings. At least it had warmed up substantially. I even got the camp tour without needing a coat! My sweater, jeans, and, now-beloved snow boots were warm enough.
While walking to the women's washroom from our 'tent,' I spotted a moving flash of white – an arctic hare! It dashed away pretty quick, but it was still pretty neat to see one from just a couple metres away.
If it's possible, the food at George is even better than at Goose. After another great dinner (I feel like I did little more than eat while in camp – for very good reason!), we sat in on the weekly safety meeting.
Another wander around camp (it takes little more than 10 minutes to walk the footprint of the George site) and we returned to our 'tent.' There was still light on the horizon at 10pm and we saw a hare prance from the sleeping tents across camp. Huge white fluffy coat – tiny little legs! I imagine they're crazy lean under all that fur.
I managed to stay awake until 1am and we bundled up in hopes of catching a show.
We had excellent timing and watched the Northern Lights for about 20 minutes. I've seen them before in Northern Alberta, but the experience in the Arctic was so different.
The darkness of the sky seemed bigger and higher. If the sky feels 100km away in Vancouver, it felt like 150km in Northern Alberta, and it was 1,000km away in the arctic. Huge, enormous, endless.
The Northern Lights swept from horizon to horizon, peaking right above us and towards the right. They were mostly white, with hints of green and yellow and a little purple. Pastels appropriate for spring. The soft brilliance of the light reminded me of the colours that filter through stained glass in sunlight and diffuse across the floor.
There are a lot of sights that cameras can't capture and that words can't express. As we stared up at the lights, all I could say was "Wow." Vocabulary failed me. "Wow."
After our ears adjusted to the constant hum of the generator, we could hear the Northern Lights. I've heard them crackle before, but this was a softer sound. More like the rustle of a taffeta ballgown than the snap and pop of a campfire.
The lights shifted and swayed. And I needed to remind myself that they were not CG. No one had designed them using a software program, they were just happening.
Just as the cold started to become too much, the activity began to die down. We retreated to bed and I slept soundly, feeling exceptionally lucky to have caught the Northern Lights on our last arctic night.
Several planes were supposed to go through Goose Lake the day we went to George, but only one was able to land around 10pm that night. Thankfully, all of the staff who were supposed to leave on Monday (generally, people go in and out of site on Mondays and Thursdays) were able to get back to Yellowknife and continue their journeys home.
We left George Lake on a Dornier (an aircraft I had never heard of before), fully clad in winter gear and feeling more than a little squished in the small plane. On the 120-minute flight to Yellowknife we passed over two diamond mines: Diavik and Ekati. It was pretty neat to see where Canadian diamonds actually come from.
We arrived in Yellowknife several hours before our flight south. After depositing our winter gear with the logistics company, we headed to the Black Knight Pub for lunch and a couple pints.
Both camps are entirely liquor-free (which is pretty standard for remote locations) and having the option to have a beer in Yellowknife felt a bit foreign – as did getting the cheque at the end of the meal! We'd gotten pretty used to having great food in camp simply provided 😉
A quick cab ride to the airport from downtown and we were headed back to Edmonton. The bright clear weather continued until just outside of Edmonton and provided incredible views of Great Slave Lake and all the little lakes that dot the landscape. Minnesota may be the land of ten thousand lakes, but the Northwest Territories seems like the land of a million lakes!
We were in the arctic for just five days (one night in Yellowknife, three at Goose Lake, and one at George), but I felt like I adjusted quickly. The tremendous brightness of the blue skies, blazing sun, and reflection off the snow stopped being so dazzling and the cold felt more manageable. I certainly would love to see what the areas like in the summer and this trip sparked my interest in visiting Whitehorse and comparing the mountainous terrain there with the vast tundra of Yellowknife.
I knew that the trip would be unlike anything I'd experienced before. I didn't realize that it would change my ideas of what Canada is and that I would be so impressed by the arctic.
Author LauraPosted on April 13, 2013 January 16, 2014 Categories ramblings, travelTags adventure, arctic, my life
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Ashgood Classic and Sportscars take delivery of their new / old delivery van.
Ashgood Classic & Sportscars New Website!
We're pleased to announce that our new website is live. The updated site includes friendly changes to navigation and more important is now mobile friendly!!!


These blueberry colored Dutch Blue Poppy Seeds look beautiful in soaps and are wonderful to include in exfoliating products such as soaps and scrubs. Add about 1/2 tablespoon of Dutch Blue Poppy Seeds per pound of soap.
Comments: Really liked these for making melt and pour bar soap. You need to use a suspension soap though, like goats milk or olive oil. The seeds are heavy enough to settle somewhat in glycerin. Visually, these look best in opaque soap.


We have won, through hard work for our clients and justice, over 1 billion dollars in record setting verdicts and settlements on behalf of injury victims and their families.
We are a law firm dedicated to helping families and victims of Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury, Wrongful Death, Serious Injury Accidents, Nursing Home Negligence, Insurance Bad Faith, and Medical Malpractice. A perennial powerhouse, Trial Lawyers for Justice has obtained over $1.5 billion in wins for injury victims & their families.
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Over 100 years of combined legal experience, led by Nicholas Rowley, one of the most respected and accomplished personal injury attorneys in the country.
Trial Lawyers for Justice accepts cases throughout the midwest, west coast, and beyond.


and he shared the recipe.
at their home in Asheville, NC.
sauteed zucchini and bell peppers.
Place 2 cups of the black beans in the bowl of a food processor and pulse until chunky. Transfer to a large mixing bowl. Add remaining whole black beans, plus panko, eggs, scallions, fresh herbs, garlic, cumin, oregano and red pepper flakes and mix until well combined. Form into patties about 1-inch thick (about three inches in diameter.) If you have the time (you'll be glad you did) chill patties for 15 minutes so they can set up.
When ready to cook, remove patties from refrigerator and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place a cast-iron skillet over high heat, without any fat; when it is hot but not smoking, add burgers to dry pan. Cook for about four minutes on first side or until well seared and with a flipping spatula, turn onto second side and allow to cook for an additional five minutes, over medium heat.
Makes four to six burgers.
Make the Black Bean Burgers, the Tomatilla Sauce, fry the sausage, saute the vegetables and keep warm. Crumble the cheese and chop the fresh cilantro. Fry the eggs last.
Of course, at Sunny Point Cafe, they serve each guest's plate. We like to put plates and bowls with all the components on the table, and serve family style so that everyone can build their own. It's a lot of fun. Fun too, if guests can join you in the kitchen chopping and cooking!
Much of this wonderful dish can be grown or purchased locally. Producers in Oklahoma sell locally-grown and produced Chorizo Sausage through the Oklahoma Food Coop. There too, you can find locally grown and produced Feta Cheese and Eggs. Vegetables, herbs and eggs can also be purchased at local farmers markets. Consider growing your own herbs. One of our favorite sources for locally-grown food, even in the winter, is our friend Paulette Rink's Rowdy Stickhorse Market Bus. She brings several Oklahoma producers' fresh products to Enid, Fairfax, Stillwater and Oklahoma City, weekly — all winter long. Thank you, Paulette!


text:
3 Republicans eyeing Rep. Zwiener's blue seat in Central Texas
Nicole Cobler, ncobler@statesman.com
Three Republicans are facing off for a shot to take back a blue Texas House district south and west of Austin that had trended red over the past several years.
Carrie Isaac, Kent "Bud" Wymore and Austin Talley are running in the March 3 GOP primary in District 45, which encompasses Hays and Blanco counties.
State Rep. Erin Zwiener, D-Driftwood, beat Republican Ken Strange last year to become the first Democrat to take the seat in eight years.
Zwiener was one of 12 Democrats who flipped GOP-held House seats in 2018.
But Republicans say this time will be different, attributing the 2018 losses in part to the "Beto effect," when former U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke, D-El Paso, ran a surprisingly close race against incumbent U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas.
Democrats are looking to flip 22 GOP-held seats and Republicans are targeting 12 Democratic seats, creating a wide-open battleground map, ranging from Corpus Christi to North Texas, but centered in the suburbs of Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and Austin.
"We have raised more money, recruited more candidates, hired more staff, and instituted more efforts than at this point in any prior cycle. We are not just talking about winning Texas, we're putting in the work to keep Texas red," GOP party chairman James Dickey said in a statement.
Isaac and Wymore have proven to be strong fundraisers in the district, indicating that it could be a competitive primary.
Isaac, a Wimberley resident and wife of former District 45 state Rep. Jason Isaac, reported $94,300 in cash on hand, surpassing both Wymore and Talley, according to the latest campaign finance reports filed in October with the Texas Ethics Commission. Wymore, who lives in Driftwood, reported $61,200 cash on hand, while Talley — a Kyle resident who did not return requests for comment — reported $10,500 cash on hand.
READ MORE: With redistricting in the offing, battle for the Texas House heats up
Zwiener will face Liliana Posada in the Democratic primary. Posada, a bookkeeper, filed to run on Dec. 9, but does not have an online campaign presence or fundraising data. She did not return requests for comment.
Focus on Zwiener
Isaac, 49, is the executive director of the Digital Education and Work Initiative of Texas and said she decided to run for the seat when she saw Zwiener's "extreme agenda."
She pointed to Zwiener's support for policies that include the expansion of Medicaid, stricter gun laws and protection of abortion rights.
"That's why I'm doing this," Isaac said. "She talks about the 'all in y'all,' but really she means y'all, unless y'all are a taxpayer, student, gun owner, Christian or unborn child."
Isaac, who lists more than 200 endorsements from state and local leaders on her website, said she has her eyes on a general election race against Zwiener and will spend her time highlighting Zwiener's record in the Legislature.
She says she's best suited to flip the seat back to red.
"I do believe I have better name ID than the Republican at that time," Isaac said, referring to Strange and adding that her time helping her husband campaign in the district will help her election bid. "I've been campaigning in this district for 10 years. I'm known."
Party leader
For his part, Wymore attributed Zwiener's 2018 victory to Republican control in Washington, D.C.
"When you have a newly elected president and the president's party controls both the House and Senate, the next election is historically bad for (that) party," he said, adding that the best GOP candidate should have deep roots in the community.
Wymore, 37, is former chairman of the Hays County Republican Party and current general counsel for the group. He also operates Wymore Law Firm.
Wymore released a list of more than 170 endorsements in November, which included Republican Hays County Commissioners Mark Jones and Walt Smith, Texas Parks and Wildlife Commissioner Dick Scott and Strange.
Wymore said he'll focus on issues such as eliminating the recapture system in public education that shifts property tax revenue from wealthy districts to poor ones, keeping property taxes low and striking "the right balance between growth and quality of life."
"Our representative needs to have strong relationships with the county," he said.


In South, Central and North America projects in 6 countries engage with disadvantaged communities from displaced people in Colombia, indigenous peoples in Ecuador and Mexico, to low income urban communities in USA. Activities range from protection of and education about the environment, to small scale income generation, to health protection and nutrition education, to care for underprivileged children and youth, to violence prevention, to arts and creativity.
The project covers three main areas: education, integrated health services and sustainable development projects.
This project aims to help vulnerable communities find their own answers to their problems in Uruguay.


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text:
Peaty signs on as ambassador for new International Swimming League
By David Owen at the Four Seasons Hotel in London
Adam Peaty has been confirmed as a key member of a London swimming team which will compete in the inaugural season of the privately-financed International Swimming League (ISL).
The reigning men's Olympic 100 metres breaststroke champion put in an appearance today at one of the UK capital's more luxurious hotels to sign an agreement with Konstantin Grigorishin, the ISL's financier and head advisor, to act as an official ambassador for the league.
"For me as an athlete it is a very important time," Peaty said.
"The world of sport is changing."
The five-time world champion argued that a league was needed to "keep people interested" between the sport's marquee events such as the Olympics and World Championships.
"The Olympics will still be the pinnacle of what I do," Peaty said.
"But this is an amazing thing to be part of."
The swimmer is spearheading a campaign to name the London team via a competition on social media.
Grigorishin described Peaty as "a superstar of swimming".
Revealing that contracts had also been signed with Federica Pellegrini of Italy and Hungary's Katinka Hosszu, he said Peaty was "the first brave boy".
The first ISL season will involve eight teams, comprising a maximum of 32 athletes each, 16 men and 16 women.
Four will be based in Europe and four in the United States.
The London team will include, in addition to Peaty, Kyle Chalmers, Australia's reigning men's Olympic 100m freestyle champion, Australian sisters Cate and Bronte Campbell, and Emma McKeon, another Australian, who won four medals at Rio 2016.
Adam Peaty said the event was needed to "keep people interested" ©Getty Images
Rob Woodhouse, a bronze medallist, again for Australia, at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles and now a prominent sports agent, will act as the London outfit's general manager.
With this year's aquatics World Championships scheduled for July in South Korea, the league will be run relatively late in the year, with events in October and November leading up to a grand final in Las Vegas in December.
A London event is set for November 23 and 24, although with hosts able to choose between a 25m and a 50m pool, insidethegames understands that the venue for this UK leg has yet to be finalised.
This year's swimming calendar is starting to look very crowded, with the International Swimming Federation (FINA) having announced a new three-leg Champions Swim Series in April, May and June.
Peaty declared last month that he would not participate in this series, "due to focussing my preparation on the World Championships and beyond", while describing it as "definitely a step in the right direction for the sport".
Next year, of course, is Olympic year, but ISL representatives emphasised in London that they fully intend to make 2020 their second season, with events timed for after the Tokyo Games have taken place.
Whether or not both new competitions prove sustainable in the long run, among the chief short-term beneficiaries will be the athletes.
FINA has said that the total prize purse for the Champions Swim Series would be nearly $4 million (£3 million/€3.5 million); ISL is budgeting $6-7 million (£4.5-5 million/€5-6 million) for appearance and prize money for its swimmers.
The latest developments in this outbreak of competition in one of the Olympic Games's most popular and prominent sports comes in a week when a report by the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations urged International Federations (IFs) to "develop a more proactive, creative, commercially driven and collaborative mind set, re-evaluating their role and strategies in favour of increased partnership and collaboration with the private sector".
February 2019: FINA claim top swimmers backing Champions Swim Series by confirming participation
January 2019: Guangzhou, Budapest and Indianapolis confirmed as hosts of FINA Champions Swim Series events
January 2019: ISL urge FINA to cooperate as claim confirmation swimmers free to compete at independent events is admission of guilt
January 2019: FINA reiterate that athletes who compete at independent events will not face bans amid dispute with ISL
January 2019: China, Hungary and United States expected to host FINA Champions Swim Series events
David Owen Chief Columnist
Follow @dodo938
David Owen worked for 20 years for the Financial Times in the United States, Canada, France and the UK. He ended his FT career as sports editor after the 2006 World Cup and is now freelancing, including covering the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the 2010 World Cup and London 2012.
Read more of David's articles
Follow @dodo938 on Twitter
Hosts Qatar to compete in qualifying for 2022 World Cup
Beijing 2022 to show off new technology that will minimise Olympic carbon footprint


The Shakers head to Bloomfield Road in a confident mood following Saturday's 3-1 win v Bradford City, and from going a goal down in the early stages. Though two goals in the space of a minute worked wonders in transforming the fortunes of the side, the result and performance has brought those confidence levels back to near where they should be.
Saturday's result should send a warning to the rest of the league that we are finally where the pre-season hype had us. Firing on all cylinders, winning games and putting teams to the sword. Hopefully, Saturday's result – and the result at Blackburn last week - has set the fire burning in their bellies.
Tom Aldred for one will be keen to impress against his former employers this evening. His departure from Blackpool was the worst kept secret in football, joining Bury the day before pre-season actually started. The former skipper, whose last act as a Blackpool player was lifting the Play-Off winning trophy, should get a decent reception as he makes his first return to Bloomfield Road.
Chris Humphrey was replaced early on Saturday and may miss out with Saturday's game at Southend United in mind. Options are available to fill the void should he miss the game.
Michael Smith's work rate, running, hold up play, clever flicks, and performances, in general, have been excellent. Goals added to his work rate will increase his confidence.
Blackpool boss Gary Bowyer could make changes for his side's Sky Bet League One clash with Bury this evening. Armand Gnanduillet is set to increase the Seasiders' options up front provided he passes a late test on a thigh injury.
Viv Solomon-Otabor will also hope to have earned a start after coming off the bench to score the equaliser at Walsall on Saturday. Jim McAlister continues to close in on a first-team return after resuming full training following a leg break.
Bury climbed into the League One play-off places after beating Blackpool.
A brace from Danny Rose gave the Shakers an early 2-0 lead but the visitors replied when keeper Daniel Bachmann miscontrolled a backpass, allowing Mark Cullen a tap-in.
Chris Hussey and Tom Soares made it 4-1 before Clark Robertson headed home to reduce the arrears before the break.
Jack Redshaw scored a late penalty after Danny Pugh was adjudged to have pulled back Martin Paterson.
Bury's first win in five lifts them up one place to sixth in the table, while Blackpool are one point above the bottom four.
"We knew they were a form team in the league, we knew they were coming here full of confidence.
"What I wanted them to feel was the force of us first half and what we're about, some real aggression and dynamic running, and we got that a million percent.
"I wanted a fast, hard, strong start and we got that, and I think it sort of blew them away.
"The most disappointing part, in what was nearly 100 minutes in the end, was their second goal just before half-time. If they'd been three down, I think there'd have been no recovery."
So far this season, Anthony has taken charge of 12 games – showing 36 yellow cards and five red cards. His last game was on Saturday 7 October when he took charge of the EFL Sky Bet League Two game between Morecambe & Crawley. Crawley won the game 1-0 with four yellow cards and one red card shown.
His last game involving the Shakers was last month when he took charge of the 0-0 draw with Plymouth Argyle at the Energy Check Stadium at Gigg Lane. The game finished 0-0 and two yellow cards were shown.
Head to Head: This evening's game is the 62nd such meeting between the two sides. Of the previous 61 games, Bury have won 27 with Blackpool winning 19 games. The remaining 15 games have finished all square.
During these 61 games, the Shakers have scored 89 goals against the Seasiders, whilst they have managed to find the back of the net on 91 occasions. Bury's best result against Blackpool was a 5-0 win at Gigg Lane in the 99/00 season, whilst they can boast a 6-0 victory back in the 68/69 season.


The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts National Defence Academy & Naval Academy (NDA & NA) twice a year. The selection process for NDA & NA consists of written examination and SSB interview. Candidates who qualify in the objective-type written examination are only eligible for an interview. The written exam of the NDA & NA consists of two subjects namely, Mathematics and General Ability Test.