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It is increasingly recognized that fisheries management should take a more holistic approach toward full spectrum sustainability that includes ecological, social, and economic considerations. The Canadian Fisheries Research Network (CFRN) has developed an evaluation framework for comprehensive fisheries management, derived from Canadian policy and international commitments. In the changing landscape of resource management, third party market certification has grown where there are perceived management gaps and increasingly exerts pressure on management considerations. Increasingly, there is a need to integrate coastal management and to consider consistent management objectives across sectors. In this study, the CFRN framework is used as a lens with which to compare certification schemes (fisheries, aquaculture, and forestry) of relevance to activities in southwest New Brunswick. This analysis reveals (1) that the three certification schemes differ in the scope of their objectives; (2) that a number of CFRN framework elements are not addressed in the certification schemes; and (3) that the certification scheme that most closely matches the CFRN framework is from the forestry sector and that the Marine Stewardship Council certifications scheme for fisheries is most different from the CFRN because it lacks consideration of social and economic aspects. We are thus challenged to consider why fisheries management and certification continue to fall behind in the consideration of a broad spectrum of management objectives and we are provided with an opportunity to learn from the strengths of other sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Canadian Fisheries Research Network (CFRN) was a collaboration among fish harvesters, academic researchers, and government scientists that undertook research between 2010 and 2016 on questions about fisheries that were identified by fish harvesters and pertinent to management objectives. This paper provides a synthesis of the scope and results of the CFRN. It explores the link between the increasing challenges to fisheries sustainability and the need for increased research capacity and for a collaborative approach. It documents the creation of the collaboration, the research it accomplished, and its benefits and explores the need for ongoing collaboration. The papers in this special issue on the CFRN demonstrate the benefits of collaborative fisheries research that are of relevance internationally and support the need for a permanent collaborative platform to conduct research to support fisheries management capacity and decision-making in Canada. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An interdisciplinary team of academics and representatives of fishing fleets and government collaborated to study the emerging requirements for sustainability in Canada's fisheries. Fisheries assessment and management has focused on biological productivity with insufficient consideration of social (including cultural), economic, and institutional (governance) aspects. Further, there has been little discussion or formal evaluation of the effectiveness of fisheries management. The team of over 50 people (i) identified a comprehensive set of management objectives for a sustainable fishery system based on Canadian policy statements, (ii) combined objectives into an operational framework with relevant performance indicators for use in management planning, and (iii) undertook case studies that investigated some social, economic, and governance aspects in greater detail. The resulting framework extends the suite of widely accepted ecological aspects (productivity and trophic structure, biodiversity, and habitat–ecosystem integrity) to include comparable economic (viability and prosperity, sustainable livelihoods, distribution of access and benefits, regional–community benefits), social (health and well-being, sustainable communities, ethical fisheries), and institutional (legal obligations, good governance structure, effective decision-making) aspects of sustainability. This work provides a practical framework for implementation of a comprehensive approach to sustainability in Canadian fisheries. The project also demonstrates the value of co-construction of collaborative research and co-production of knowledge that combines and builds on the strengths of academics, industry, and government. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metazoans contain two homologs of the Gcn5-binding protein Ada2, Ada2a and Ada2b, which nucleate formation of the ATAC and SAGA complexes, respectively. In Drosophila melanogaster, there are two splice isoforms of Ada2b: Ada2b-PA and Ada2b-PB. Here, we show that only the Ada2b-PB isoform is in SAGA; in contrast, Ada2b-PA associates with Gcn5, Ada3, Sgf29 and Chiffon, forming the Chiffon histone acetyltransferase (CHAT) complex. Chiffon is the Drosophila ortholog of Dbf4, which binds and activates the cell cycle kinase Cdc7 to initiate DNA replication. In flies, Chiffon and Cdc7 are required in ovary follicle cells for gene amplification, a specialized form of DNA re-replication. Although chiffon was previously reported to be dispensable for viability, here, we find that Chiffon is required for both histone acetylation and viability in flies. Surprisingly, we show that chiffon is a dicistronic gene that encodes distinct Cdc7- and CHAT-binding polypeptides. Although the Cdc7-binding domain of Chiffon is not required for viability in flies, the CHAT-binding domain is essential for viability, but is not required for gene amplification, arguing against a role in DNA replication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Fisheries sustainability is recognized to have four pillars: ecological, economic, social (including cultural) and institutional (or governance). Although international agreements, and legislation in many jurisdictions, call for implementation of all four pillars of sustainability, the social, economic and institutional aspects (i.e., the “human dimensions”) have not been comprehensively and collectively addressed to date. This study describes a framework for comprehensive fisheries evaluation developed by the Canadian Fisheries Research Network (CFRN) that articulates the full spectrum of ecological, economic, social and institutional objectives required under international agreements, together with candidate performance indicators for sustainable fisheries. The CFRN framework is aimed at practical fisheries evaluation and management and has a relatively balanced distribution of elements across the four pillars of sustainability relative to 10 alternative management decision support tools and indicator scorecards, which are heavily focused on ecological and economic aspects. The CFRN framework has five immediate uses: (a) It can serve as a logic frame for defining management objectives; (b) it can be used to define alternate management options to achieve given objectives; (c) it can serve as a tool for comparing management scenarios/options in decision support frameworks; (d) it can be employed to create a report card for comprehensive fisheries management evaluation; and (e) it is a tool for practical implementation of an integrated social–ecological system approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been growing international attention in recent years to the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries, Ecologically Sustainable Development, and similar initiatives that demand a comprehensive evaluation of the social, economic, and ecological performance of fisheries. However, the practical integration and application of these aspects continue to present a significant challenge for management. Progress to date has been limited by gaps in governance, objectives, disciplinary breadth, and methods. In this study, we develop an inventory of the methods that have been proposed to be able to incorporate ecological, economic, and social objectives and to provide a more comprehensive evaluation of fisheries and management. Our inventory includes both a description of the range of methods, and an evaluation against a set of criteria related to their utility in an applied, decision support context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of the ‘unique myocardial band’, which proposes that the ventricular myocardial cone is arranged like skeletal muscle, provides an attractive framework for understanding haemodynamics. The original idea was developed by Francisco Torrent-Guasp. Using boiled hearts and blunt dissection, Torrent-Guasp created a single band of ventricular myocardium extending from the pulmonary trunk to the aortic root, with the band thus constructed encircling both ventricular cavities. Cooked hearts can, however, be dissected in many ways. In this review, we show that the band does not exist as an anatomical entity with defined borders. On the contrary, the ventricular cardiomyocytes are aggregated end to end and by their branching produce an intricate meshwork. Across the thickness of the left ventricular wall, the chains of cardiomyocytes exhibit a gradually changing helical angle, with a circumferential zone formed in the middle. There is no abrupt change in helical angle, as could be expected if the wall was constructed of opposing limbs of a single wrapped band, nor does the long axis of the cardiomyocytes consistently match with the long axis of the unique myocardial band. There are, furthermore, no connective tissue structures that could be considered to demarcate its purported boundaries. The unique myocardial band should be consistent with evolution, and although the ventricular wall of fish and reptiles has one or several distinct layers, a single band is not found. In 1965, Lev and Simpkins cautioned that the ventricular muscle mass of a cooked heart can be dissected almost at the whim of the anatomist. We suggest that the unique myocardial band should have ended there. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While international agreements and legislation call for incorporation of four pillars of sustainability, the social (including cultural), economic and institutional aspects (the 'human dimension') have been relatively neglected to date. Three key impediments have been identified: a relative lack of explicit social, economic and institutional objectives; a general lack of process (frameworks, governance) for routine integration of all four pillars of sustainability; and a bias towards biological considerations. Practical integration requires a 'systems' approach with explicit consideration of strategic and operational aspects of management; multidisciplinary or transdisciplinary evaluations; practical objectives for the four pillars of sustainability; appropriate participation; and a governance system that is able to integrate these diverse considerations in management. We challenge all involved in fisheries to immediately take five practical steps toward integrating ecological, economic, social and institutional aspects: (1) Adopt the perspective of the fishery as a 'system' with interacting natural, human and management elements; (2) Be aware of both strategic and operational aspects of fisheries assessment and management; (3) Articulate overarching objectives that incorporate all four pillars of sustainability; (4) Encourage appropriate (and diverse) disciplinary participation in all aspects of research, evaluation and management; and (5) Encourage development of (or emulate) participatory governance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The anatomical substrate for the mid-mural ventricular hyperechogenic zone remains uncertain, but it may represent no more than ultrasound reflected from cardiomyocytes orientated orthogonally to the ultrasonic beam. We sought to ascertain the relationship between the echogenic zone and the orientation of the cardiomyocytes. Methods We used 3D echocardiography, diffusion tensor imaging, and microcomputed tomography to analyze the location and orientation of cardiomyocytes within the echogenic zone. Results We demonstrated that visualization of the echogenic zone is dependent on the position of the transducer and is most clearly seen from the apical window. Diffusion tensor imaging and microcomputed tomography show that the echogenic zone seen from the apical window corresponds to the position of the circumferentially orientated cardiomyocytes. An oblique band seen in the parasternal view relates to cardiomyocytes orientated orthogonally to the ultrasonic beam. Conclusions The mid-mural ventricular hyperechogenic zone represents reflected ultrasound from cardiomyocytes aligned orthogonal to the ultrasonic beam. The echogenic zone does not represent a space, a connective tissue sheet, a boundary between ascending and descending limbs of a hypothetical helical ventricular myocardial band, nor an abrupt change in cardiomyocyte orientation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fishers' knowledge research (FKR) aims to enhance the use of experiential knowledge of fish harvesters in fisheries research, assessment, and management. Fishery participants are able to provide unique knowledge, and that knowledge forms an important part of "best available information" for fisheries science and management. Fishers' knowledge includes, but is much greater than, basic biological fishery information. It includes ecological, economic, social, and institutional knowledge, as well as experience and critical analysis of experiential knowledge. We suggest that FKR, which may in the past have been defined quite narrowly, be defined more broadly to include both fishery observations and fishers "experiential knowledge" provided across a spectrum of arrangements of fisher participation. FKR is part of the new and different information required in evolving "ecosystem-based" and "integrated" management approaches. FKR is a necessary element in the integration of ecological, economic, social, and institutional considerations of future management. Fishers' knowledge may be added to traditional assessment with appropriate analysis and explicit recognition of the intended use of the information, but fishers' knowledge is best implemented in a participatory process designed to receive and use it. Co-generation of knowledge in appropriately designed processes facilitates development and use of fishers' knowledge and facilitates the participation of fishers in assessment and management, and is suggested as best practice in improved fisheries governance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dispersion during the larval phase is of central importance in the dynamics of marine fish and invertebrate populations. Rapid transport or dispersion of larvae may contribute to connectivity and mixing, whereas spatial persistence (retention) is hypothesized to favour stock complexity and local subpopulations. Larval retention, while rarely quantified, may be defined in species with protracted spawning by the spatial co-occurrence of larvae of different sizes or ages. The spatial distributions of larval Atlantic herring ( Clupea harengus) were examined from 22 annual autumn surveys (1975-1998) and 9 spring surveys (1975-1984) from the Bay of Fundy, a region with large tides and residual flow. Larvae of all sizes (3-27 mm in length, from hatch to nearly 4 months post-hatch) were observed each year in two major aggregations; one off southwestern Nova Scotia, and the other in the mid-inner Bay of Fundy off the northwestern shore of Nova Scotia. Two similar aggregations were evident over 5 months later from 9 spring surveys (1975-1984), despite the residual flow that would have swept the larvae from the region within 1 month. Larval retention was apparent from overlapping centres of mass of different size (=age) classes of larvae, and tested using a size diversity index, based on the co-occurrence of 1-mm-size categories, derived from protracted spawning of several weeks. Geospatial 'hot spots' ( G i* statistic) of four size (age) classes were evident at specific stations in the 50-100 m bathymetric zone and not elsewhere. These metrics provide quantitative measures of retention that may be applied to many ichthyoplankton data sets. One of the three main spawning areas collapsed during the study period after a period of intense fishing and failed to rebuild, but there was no substantial change in the location of larval hotspots in subsequent years. While larval retention does not directly relate to each spawning location, larval retention in the Bay of Fundy contributes to the complex 'metapopulation' structure of herring stocks in the western Atlantic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cdc7 is a serine-threonine kinase that phosphorylates components of the pre-replication complex during DNA replication initiation. Cdc7 is highly conserved, and Cdc7 orthologs have been characterized in organisms ranging from yeast to humans. Cdc7 is activated specifically during late G1/S phase by binding to its regulatory subunit, Dbf4. Drosophila melanogaster contains a Dbf4 ortholog, Chiffon, which is essential for chorion amplification in Drosophila egg chambers. However, no Drosophila ortholog of Cdc7 has yet been characterized. Here, we report the functional and biochemical characterization of a Drosophila ortholog of Cdc7. Co-expression of Drosophila Cdc7 and Chiffon is able to complement a growth defect in yeast containing a temperature-sensitive Cdc7 mutant. Cdc7 and Chiffon physically interact and can be co-purified from insect cells. Cdc7 phosphorylates the known Cdc7 substrates Mcm2 and histone H3 in vitro, and Cdc7 kinase activity is stimulated by Chiffon and inhibited by the Cdc7-specific inhibitor XL413. Drosophila egg chamber follicle cells deficient for Cdc7 have a defect in two types of DNA replication, endoreplication and chorion gene amplification. However, follicle cells deficient for Chiffon have a defect in chorion gene amplification but still undergo endocycling. Our results show that Cdc7 interacts with Chiffon to form a functional Dbf4-dependent kinase complex and that Cdc7 is necessary for DNA replication in Drosophila egg chamber follicle cells. Additionally, we show that Chiffon is a member of an expanding subset of DNA replication initiation factors that are not strictly required for endoreplication in Drosophila. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction to the journal is presented in which the authors discuss various reports within the issue on topics including linkages of reproductive traits and nutritional condition for gadoid stocks, their life history characteristics, and spawning behavior.

Abstract: Successful infection by the opportunistic pathogen Legionella pneumophila requires the collective activity of hundreds of virulence proteins delivered into the host cell by the Dot/Icm type IV secretion system. These virulence proteins, also called effectors modulate distinct host cellular processes to create a membrane-bound niche called the Legionella containing vacuole (LCV) supportive of bacterial growth. We found that Ceg14 (Lpg0437), a Dot/Icm substrate is toxic to yeast and such toxicity can be alleviated by overexpression of profilin, a protein involved in cytoskeletal structure in eukaryotes. We further showed that mutations in profilin affect actin binding but not other functions such as interactions with poly-l-proline or phosphatidylinositol, abolish its suppressor activity. Consistent with the fact the profilin suppresses its toxicity, expression of Ceg14 but not its non-toxic mutants in yeast affects actin distribution and budding of daughter cells. Although Ceg14 does not detectably interact with profilin, it co-sediments with filamentous actin and inhibits actin polymerization, causing the accumulation of short actin filaments. Together with earlier studies, these results reveal that multiple L. pneumophila effectors target components of the host cytoskeleton. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Sex frequency, defined here as the number of oral or anal sex acts with the most recent partner in the past year, is a potential driver of risk for sexually transmitted infections. However, few data on sex frequency have been reported for men who have sex with men (MSM). Data from an Internet survey of MSM were used to describe sex frequency with most recent main and casual male partners and to estimate factors associated with higher sex frequency. Among 5,193 MSM, higher sex frequency was associated with younger age, shorter relationship duration, and reporting a main (vs. casual) partner; and lower sex frequency with male partners was associated with heterosexual or bisexual (vs. homosexual) identity or Black race (vs. non-Hispanic White). Secondary analyses of estimates of sex frequency from 2 publicly available nationally representative datasets comprised of primarily heterosexual survey respondents (the 2008 General Social Survey and the 1992 National Health and Social Life Survey) were performed. Sex frequency among MSM respondents was similar to that reported by heterosexuals. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: Black men who have sex with men (MSM) in the Southeastern United States are disproportionately affected by HIV. Black MSM are more likely to have unrecognized HIV infection, suggesting that testing may occur later and/or infrequently relative to current recommendations. The objective of this qualitative study was to explore the HIV testing behaviors of Black MSM in Atlanta, Georgia, who were participants in the HIV Prevention Trials Network Brothers Study (HPTN 061). Methods and Findings: We conducted 29 in-depth interviews and four focus groups with a community-recruited sample. Modified grounded theory methodologies were used to guide our inductive analysis, which yielded a typology comprised of four distinct HIV testing patterns. Participants could be categorized as: (1) Maintenance Testers, who tested regularly as part of routine self-care; (2) Risk-Based Testers, whose testing depended on relationship status or sexual behavior; (3) Convenience Testers, who tested irregularly depending on what testing opportunities arose; or (4) Test Avoiders, who tested infrequently and/or failed to follow up on results. We further characterized these groups with respect to age, socioeconomic factors, identity, stigma and healthcare access. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the heterogeneity of HIV testing patterns among Black MSM, and offer a framework for conceptualizing HIV testing in this group. Public health messaging must account for the diversity of Black MSM's experiences, and multiple testing approaches should be developed and utilized to maximize outreach to different types of testers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The general anatomy of the cardiac conduction system (CCS) has been known for 100 years, but its complex and irregular three-dimensional (3D) geometry is not so well understood. This is largely because the conducting tissue is not distinct from the surrounding tissue by dissection. The best descriptions of its anatomy come from studies based on serial sectioning of samples taken from the appropriate areas of the heart. Low X-ray attenuation has formerly ruled out micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) as a modality to resolve internal structures of soft tissue, but incorporation of iodine, which has a high molecular weight, into those tissues enhances the differential attenuation of X-rays and allows visualisation of fine detail in embryos and skeletal muscle. Here, with the use of a iodine based contrast agent (I2KI), we present contrast enhanced micro-CT images of cardiac tissue from rat and rabbit in which the three major subdivisions of the CCS can be differentiated from the surrounding contractile myocardium and visualised in 3D. Structures identified include the sinoatrial node (SAN) and the atrioventricular conduction axis: the penetrating bundle, His bundle, the bundle branches and the Purkinje network. Although the current findings are consistent with existing anatomical representations, the representations shown here offer superior resolution and are the first 3D representations of the CCS within a single intact mammalian heart. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: We reviewed the imaging studies of patients with known metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in order to more accurately assess where retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy occurs. Methods: The database of patients with metastatic RCC was reviewed and 101 patients were found from 2002 to 2006. Each patient''s CT scans were then reviewed. Twenty-seven retroperitoneal sections were defined for each patient, with 3 positions in each of the x-, y-, and z-axis. Lymph nodes greater than 1 cm were then counted for each section. Results: Of the 101 patients, 31, of whom 28 qualified, were found to have retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy of a least 1 cm or greater. Two-thirds of nodes (87 out of 124) exhibited a suprahilar, intra-aortocaval, and retro-aortocaval trend of lymph node enlargement. Three patients (11%) had isolated infrahilar nodes, while 8 patients (29%) exhibited a skip lesion pattern by imaging criteria. Only 4 patients (14%) were noted to have lymph nodes that were confined to the ipsilateral (paraaortic or paracaval) nodes in the perihilar and infrahilar region, which would be readily accessible during renal surgery. Conclusions: Lymphatic drainage in RCC is ill-defined, likely due to multiple lymphatic outflow channels. However, after a review of retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy imaging in patients with known metastatic RCC, there does seem to be a cephalad, posterior, and medial drainage pattern. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We illustrate here microCT images in which contrast between muscle and connective tissue has been achieved by means of staining with iodine. Enhancement is shown to be dependent on the concentration of iodine solution (I2KI), time in solution and specimen size. Histological examination confirms that the arrangement of individual muscle fibres can be visualised on the enhanced microCT images, and that the iodine accumulates in the muscle fibres in preference to the surrounding connective tissues. We explore the application of this technique to describe the fibrous structure of skeletal muscle, and conclude that it has the potential to become a non-destructive and cost-effective method for investigating muscle fascicle architecture, particularly in comparative morphological studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stephenson, R. L., Melvin, G. D., and Power, M. J. 2009. Population integrity and connectivity in Northwest Atlantic herring: a review of assumptions and evidence. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 66: 1733–1739.The issue of herring population structure has been debated for more than a century. Population integrity and connectivity have become an increasingly important problem for both resource evaluation (e.g. concern for the use of appropriate modelling approaches) and management (e.g. increasing attention to the preservation of within-species diversity and the complexity of mixed-stock fisheries). In recent decades, there has been considerable advancement in the scientific information related to herring population structure, but papers continue to demonstrate a spectrum of conclusions related to population integrity and connectivity at various scales. We review herring stock structure in the western Atlantic, specifically addressing the assumptions currently being used in management and the validity of scientific evidence on which these assumptions are based. Herring of the western Atlantic exhibit considerable population discreteness and limited connectivity on the temporal and spatial scales that are of relevance to management. Maintaining the resulting population complexity is a challenge, particularly because preservation of within-species diversity is an important element of an ecosystem approach to management. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Melvin, G. D., Stephenson, R. L., and Power, M. J. 2009. Oscillating reproductive strategies of herring in the western Atlantic in response to changing environmental conditions. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 66: 1784–1792.Herring are broadly distributed in the western Atlantic, but reproductive activity is restricted to the central portion, from Cape Cod to northern Newfoundland. Spawning extends from early spring to late autumn. Two spawning types are recognized: spring spawners and autumn spawners. At the southern extreme, spawning occurs almost exclusively in autumn, whereas in the north, spring spawners prevail. Mid-range, both strategies are common, with spawning occurring throughout the entire season. We postulate that the temporal intra-stock dominance of spawning type is an adaptive reproductive strategy to changing environmental conditions. A conceptual model is presented to describe how reproductive success can oscillate between spawning strategies. In most years, environmental conditions appear to favour one type or the other, although strong year classes can co-occur when conditions are right. The recent change in environmental conditions, characterized by a general warming trend, favours autumn spawners and is consistent with our model. At the distributional extremes, stocks are restricted to a single spawning strategy, and broad-scale environmental changes can introduce large interannual variability and limit the reproductive and recovery potential of a stock. The dependence of a stock on a single spawning season may result in longer times to recover to target levels. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Our understanding of wolf (Canis lupus) population dynamics in North America comes largely from studies of protected areas, at-risk populations, and wolf control programs, although most North American wolves experience moderate levels of regulated harvest. During 1986-1992, we investigated the population dynamics and harvests of wolves in the newly created Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve in northern Alaska, USA, where wolves were harvested by local residents. Our objectives were to determine wolf abundance, estimate important vital rates (i.e., productivity, survival, emigration), and characterize wolf harvests. We monitored 50 radiocollared wolves in 25 packs over 4 years (Apr 1987-Apr 1991) to assess patterns of dispersal, emigration, survival and mortality causes in the wolf population. We determined pack sizes, home ranges, and pups per pack in autumn (1 Oct) for instrumented wolf packs, and calculated wolf densities in autumn and spring (15 Apr) based on the number of wolves in instrumented packs and the aggregate area those packs inhabited. We also gathered information from local hunters and trappers on the timing, location, methods, and sex-age composition of wolf harvests during 6 winter harvest seasons (Aug 1987-Apr 1992). Wolf densities averaged 6.6 wolves per 1,000 km² and 4.5 wolves per 1,000 km² in autumn and spring, respectively, and spring densities increased by 5% per year during our study. On average, pups constituted 50% of the resident wolf population each autumn. An estimated 12% of the population was harvested annually. Natural mortality, primarily intraspecific strife, equaled 11% per year. Young wolves emigrated from the study area at high annual rates (47% and 27% for yearlings and 2-yr-olds, respectively), and we estimated the emigration rate for the population at ≥19% annually. Yearlings and 2-year-olds were lost from the population at rates of 60% per year and 45% per year, respectively, primarily as a result of emigration; mortality was the principal cause of the 26% annual loss of wolves ≥3 years old. On average, 47 wolves were harvested each winter from our study population, or twice the harvest we estimated from survival analyses of radiocollared wolves (23 wolves/yr). We suggest that the additional harvested wolves were transients, including local dispersers and migrants from outside the study area. Trapping harvest was well-distributed throughout the trapping season (Nov-Apr), whereas shooting harvest occurred mainly in February and March. Of 35 individuals who harvested wolves in the area, 6 accounted for 66% of the harvest. We analyzed information from North American wolf populations and determined that annual rates of increase have an inverse, curvilinear relationship with human-caused mortality (r² = 0.68, P , 0.001) such that population trends were not correlated with annual human take ≤29% (P = 0.614). We provide evidence that wolf populations compensate for human exploitation ≤29% primarily via adjustments in dispersal components (i.e., local dispersal, emigration, and immigration), whereas responses in productivity or natural mortality have little or no role in offsetting harvests. Given the limited effects of moderate levels of human take on wolf population trends and biases in assessing wolf populations and harvests resulting from the existence of transient wolves, the risks of reducing wolf populations inadvertently through regulated harvest are quite low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melvin, G. D., and Stephenson, R. L. 2007. The dynamics of a recovering fish stock: Georges Bank herring – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 64, 69–82. The decline and subsequent recovery of Georges Bank Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus) provides a rare opportunity to examine the dynamics of a recovering fish population. Moreover, the near absence of a commercial fishery on Georges Bank between 1978 and 1995 removes the confounding effects of exploitation during the recovery period. Herring abundance on Georges Bank increased and the distribution of adult spawning fish evolved from a few isolated locations to most of the northern fringe during the period 1983–1995. The distribution of recently hatched larvae also expanded in a manner consistent with progressive occupation of historical spawning grounds. Changes in the size composition and age structure of herring during the spawning season broadened from the dominance of a single age class to multiple year classes as the stock recovered and expanded. Growth, as reflected by length-at-age, decreased significantly and was correlated with the number of fish estimated to be in the stock. This and the observed difference in mean length and length at first spawning during the recovery provide strong evidence of density-dependent growth. In particular, there is a highly correlated (p<0.01) relationship between the number of 4+ herring in the stock at the start of the year and the mean length of herring aged 3 recruiting to the spawning stock in autumn of the same year. A mechanism based on an extended period of prespawning interaction is proposed to explain the density-dependence. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Growth rates of herring in the northern Baltic Sea differ among areas, and have changed substantially over time in some areas in response to environmental change. Weight-at-age of adult herring in some areas of the Finnish herring fishery fluctuated by as much as 60% over the past three decades. Elsewhere, there have been similar but more subtle changes. Growth variation has implications for stock assessment and management: differences suggest a need for considering a smaller spatial structure, at least at the scale of the ICES subdivision, in the case of northern Baltic herring. Changes in growth have an impact on the calculation and use of common biological reference points, and erode the capability of yield projections beyond the short term. Investigation of the impact of growth variation on common reference points of northern Baltic herring revealed that F0.1 was a robust reference despite the marked variability in growth, whereas Fx%SPR (e.g. F35%SPR) was less robust, depending on the definition of maximum spawning-per-recruit. Herring in different areas of the northern Baltic Sea probably require different reference points and possibly different management strategies, as a consequence of differences and variability in growth characteristics. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Studies the characteristics of baroreflex impairment in conscious dogs with pacing-induced heart failure. Range and gain of blood pressure; Reflex control of vascular resistance.

The β-barrel assembly machinery (BAM) is responsible for the biogenesis of outer membrane proteins (OMPs) into the outer membranes of Gram-negative bacteria. These OMPs have a membrane-embedded domain consisting of a β-barrel fold which can vary from 8 to 36 β-strands, with each serving a diverse role in the cell such as nutrient uptake and virulence. BAM was first identified nearly two decades ago, but only recently has the molecular structure of the full complex been reported. Together with many years of functional characterization, we have a significantly clearer depiction of BAM's structure, the intra-complex interactions, conformational changes that BAM may undergo during OMP biogenesis, and the role chaperones may play. But still, despite advances over the past two decades, the mechanism for BAM-mediated OMP biogenesis remains elusive. Over the years, several theories have been proposed that have varying degrees of support from the literature, but none has of yet been conclusive enough to be widely accepted as the sole mechanism. We will present a brief history of BAM, the recent work on the structures of BAM, and a critical analysis of the current theories for how it may function. • The biogenesis of outer membrane proteins in Gram-negative bacteria is mediated by the β-barrel assembly machinery (BAM). • BAM in E. coli consists of five components called BamA, BamB, BamC, BamD, and BamE, but composition varies between bacteria species. • The structures of BAM indicate it is large and dynamic. • The barrel domain of BamA, the central component of BAM, is essential for the biogenesis of OMPs. • Several models have been proposed for how BAM functions including the BamA-assisted, BamA-mediated, and the swing model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxygen-insertion (OI) layers in Si were found to reduce the intermixing of a 3.0 nm titanium nitride (TiN)/3.5 nm hafnium oxide (HfO2) film stack, as measured by secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS), x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and high-resolution Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy (HR-RBS). In addition, a 5% reduction in HfO2 film density and modification of in-gap state densities of bulk HfO2 film were observed from HR-RBS and absorption spectra from spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE), respectively. Furthermore, the barrier height at HfO2/Si was found to increase by 250 mV from Fowler–Nordheim (F–N) tunneling characteristics, and 172 mV lower flatband voltage (VFB) was observed from capacitance–voltage (C–V) characteristics. These observations suggest that interfacial charge dipole formation of the high-k dielectric/metal gate (HKMG) stack on Si follows the O-vacancy model, in which charge dipole is explained as electrostatic energy stored at the interface from the intermixing process involving electron transition from oxygen vacancy in metal oxide to Si. OI-Si modifies the balance of the oxygen flux due to the supply of partially ionized oxygen in Si and, thus, leads to the reduction of the intermixing phenomena, modification of the resultant film properties, and reduction of the interfacial charge dipole. This discovery opens up a new technique for tuning HKMG electrical characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this study was to investigate if egg size (mass) at spawning is invariant for Scotia‐Fundy summer and autumn (SFSH) and Icelandic summer (ISSH) spawning herring Clupea harengus. Oocyte dry mass measurements for SFSH females collected in 2001 and ISSH females collected in 1999 and 2000 showed a large variation. Difference in egg dry mass among fish was found to vary by as much as twofold in each stock. For ISSH, variation in egg mass was also apparent from oocyte volume measurements made jointly with a histological examination of the ovaries. Approximately 20% of the variation in egg mass could be explained by maternal whole‐body mass or total length, indicating that length or age composition in the stocks can potentially influence the recruitment success. This implies that fisheries management strategies should aim to maintain a broad range in age composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent morphological studies provide evidence that the ventricular walls are arranged as a 3D meshwork of aggregated cardiomyocyte chains, exhibiting marked local structural variations. In contrary to previous findings, up to two-fifths of the chains are found to have a partially transmural alignment, thus deviating from the prevailing tangential orientation. Upon contraction, they produce, in addition to a tangential force, a radial force component that counteracts ventricular constriction and aids widening of the ventricular cavity. In experimental studies, we have provided evidence for the existence of such forces, which are auxotonic in nature. This is in contrast to the tangentially aligned myocytes that produce constrictive forces, which are unloading in nature. The ventricular myocardium is, therefore, able to function in an antagonistic fashion, with the prevailing constrictive forces acting simultaneously with a dilatory force component. The ratio of constrictive to dilating force varies locally according to the specific mural architecture. Such antagonism acts according to local demands to preserve the ventricular shape, store the elastic energy that drives the fast late systolic dilation and apportion mural motion to facilitate the spiralling nature of intracavitary flow. Intracavitary pressure and flow dynamics are thus governed concurrently by ventricular constrictive and dilative force components. Antagonistic activity, however, increases deleteriously in states of cardiac disease, such as hypertrophy and fibrosis. ß-blockade at low dosage acts selectively to temper the auxotonic forces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Building energy efficiency labeling programs are promising strategies to encourage investments in green buildings. It is necessary to explicitly measure the value of energy efficient labels from an economic perspective that is more understandable to both developers and buyers. This research not only documents evidence on whether a sales premium exists for energy-certified homes but also investigates the effects of market characteristics on the magnitude of the added value of building energy efficiency labeling programs. A hedonic pricing model of 1679 single-family home sales in the metropolitan Atlanta area in the U.S. is developed, with numerous explanatory variables (such as location, time of sale, green features, and other housing characteristics) taken into account. Results indicate that: (i) Homes that earn energy certificates demonstrate a sales price premium of 11.7%, which equates to a dollar value of over $47,000 in Atlanta’s housing market; (ii) The regional energy labels certificated by the EarthCraft House receives higher recognition in the marketplace than that by national Energy Star programs. (iii) The certified homes that are located in the top school districts (i.e., with the top 50 schools) enjoy a substantially higher increase in the home sales premium, compared to green homes in districts with the low-quality schools. A random sampling method is further used to ensure the quality of the regression results with the limited size of the dataset by eliminating stochastic effects of the selected dataset. This research contributes to (i) the body of knowledge by analyzing the market value of building energy efficiency labels in the residential housing market and (ii) the state of practice by shedding light on the information asymmetry problem between home developers and buyers in the housing market to facilitate the adoption of energy labels in building products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Successful management of small pelagic fisheries is critical in integrated ecosystem based approaches and requires understanding of how the ecological dynamics of pelagic stocks mesh with the economic and social dynamics of commercial fisheries and the larger systems within which they operate. Combining insights from stock assessments with those from local fishers, scientists, and managers, can help identify knowledge gaps that could jeopardize stock resilience. This article presents results from a social-ecological, mixed-methods study that combines insights from science and from interviews with fishermen, scientists, and managers of small pelagic fisheries in western Newfoundland, Canada (NAFO division 4R) and in NAFO division 4X. Different approaches to herring management are used in the two areas. In area 4R fishing for herring (Clupea harengus) is part of a complex multi-species, multi-gear fishery; most harvesters who target herring also target Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus). Harvester interviews indicate herring in 4R, like herring in 4X and elsewhere, have substantial within-species stock structure, but that it is not well-documented in science and not well protected under the current management system. Further, fishing strategies in the competitive mackerel fishery in which the herring vessels are involved may contribute to the risk of over-fishing on some herring populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the growing popularity of ecosystem-based management ( EBM) in national legislation and in research and institutional literature, there is often an implementation gap 'on the ground', impeding widespread adoption in fisheries. This gap reflects in part the differing understandings of EBM held by fishermen and by management institutions. To explore and seek to close this gap, the underlying principles of EBM considered priorities by fishermen were systematically compared with the priorities identified in the published literature. The fishermen's priorities were determined by asking Atlantic Canadian fishermen to identify the EBM principles they consider most important. Four priority principles were identified: Sustainability, Stakeholder Involvement, Develop Long-Term Objectives and Use of All Forms of Knowledge. The latter two were not frequently noted as priorities in the literature, while some literature priorities were less commonly chosen by fishermen, indicating a significant difference in perspectives on EBM. The rationale for fishermen's choice of priorities was explored by analysing the fishery management issues they raised - many directly connected to the above four priorities. In addition, another principle, Commit to Principles of Equity, often arose as an implicit priority among fishermen. We suggest that success in implementation of EBM may depend on reconciling differing priorities among its underlying principles, and combining knowledge and expertise from fishermen with research and institutional sources. The comparative methodology used here, which could be replicated elsewhere, should lead to better recognition of local challenges in EBM implementation and encourage support for EBM, to further its contribution to sustainable fisheries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abstract of an article on the requirement of epithelial integrity mediated by E-cadherin for the normal allocation of trophectoderm (TE) and inner cell mass (ICM) cells is presented.

Heart failure is a major killer worldwide. Atrioventricular conduction block is common in heart failure; it is associated with worse outcomes and can lead to syncope and bradycardic death. We examine the effect of heart failure on anatomical and ion channel remodelling in the rabbit atrioventricular junction (AVJ). Heart failure was induced in New Zealand rabbits by disruption of the aortic valve and banding of the abdominal aorta resulting in volume and pressure overload. Laser micro-dissection and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were employed to investigate the effects of heart failure on ion channel remodelling in four regions of the rabbit AVJ and in septal tissues. Investigation of the AVJ anatomy was performed using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). Heart failure animals developed first degree heart block. Heart failure caused ventricular myocardial volume increase with a 35% elongation of the AVJ. There was downregulation of HCN1 and Cx43 mRNA transcripts across all regions and downregulation of Cav1.3 in the transitional tissue. Cx40 mRNA was significantly downregulated in the atrial septum and AVJ tissues but not in the ventricular septum. mRNA abundance for ANP, CLCN2 and Navβ1 was increased with heart failure; Nav1.1 was increased in the inferior nodal extension/compact node area. Heart failure in the rabbit leads to prolongation of the PR interval and this is accompanied by downregulation of HCN1, Cav1.3, Cx40 and Cx43 mRNAs and anatomical enlargement of the entire heart and AVJ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have investigated the quantification properties of scanning capacitance microscopy (SCM) by using two dedicated test structures and highlight the response of SCM to changes in dopant density. Our results indicate that contrast reversal occurs and that the SCM output is not always a monotonically increasing signal with decreasing dopant density. Two epitaxially grown staircase structures covering the doping ranges 10[sup 14]–10[sup 20] cm[sup -3] p type and 5×10[sup 14]–5×10[sup 19] cm[sup -3] n type were produced for this study as the turning point in the response function typically occurs at a doping level of around 10[sup 17] cm[sup -3]. Through the use of a simple simulation model we see that contrast reversal is expected due to a relative shift between the dC/dV curves for different doping levels. The onset of contrast reversal can be adjusted by changing the dc sample bias leading to a shift in the operating position of the SCM, and the significance of this point will be discussed here. © 1998 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Numerous surgical techniques have been described to facilitate closure of the renal parenchymal defect. We sought to describe the operative technique and define the safety and efficacy of using an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (GORE-TEX; WL Gore and Associates, Flagstaff, AZ) bolster to aid in closure of the renal parenchymal defect at the time of open partial nephrectomy (OPN). Technical Considerations A retrospective review of 175 patients who underwent an OPN using an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) bolster at the Huntsman Cancer Hospital, University of Utah and Salt Lake City Veterans Affairs Medical Center from March 2005 to February 2013 was conducted. Postoperative complications occurring within 90 days were graded using the Clavien grading system. Conclusion Overall, 57 patients (32.6%) experienced a postoperative complication. Fifteen patients (8.5%) had a Clavien ≥grade-III complication. Ten patients (5.7%) received blood transfusions. Urine leak requiring intervention occurred in 2 patients (1.1%). Delayed hemorrhage requiring nephrectomy and pseudoaneurysm formation were rare, occurring in 1 patient each (0.6%). Infection of the ePTFE material occurred in 2 patients (1.1%). In both cases, it was explanted without requiring nephrectomy. The use of an ePTFE bolster is an effective and safe method of closing the renal parenchymal defect after OPN with an acceptable 90-day postoperative complication rate and a low risk of infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ocean governance is complex and influenced by multiple drivers and actors with different worldviews and goals. While governance encompasses many elements, in this paper we focus on the processes that operate within and between states, civil society and local communities, and the market, including industry. Specifically, in this paper, we address the question of how to move towards more sustainable ocean governance aligning with the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and the UN Ocean Decade. We address three major risks to oceans that arise from governance-related issues: (1) the impacts of the overexploitation of marine resources; (2) inequitable distribution of access to and benefits from marine ecosystem services, and (3) inadequate or inappropriate adaptation to changing ocean conditions. The SDGs have been used as an underlying framework to develop these risks. We identify five drivers that may determine how ocean governance evolves, namely formal rules and institutions, evidence and knowledge-based decision-making, legitimacy of decision-making institutions, stakeholder engagement and participation, and empowering communities. These drivers were used to define two alternative futures by 2030: (a) 'Business as Usual'—a continuation of current trajectories and (b) 'More Sustainable Future'—optimistic, transformational, but technically achievable. We then identify what actions, as structured processes, can reduce the three major governance-related risks and lead to the More Sustainable Future. These actions relate to the process of co-creation and implementation of improved, comprehensive, and integrated management plans, enhancement of decision-making processes, and better anticipation and consideration of ambiguity and uncertainty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The funny current, I f , was first recorded in the heart 40 or more years ago by Dario DiFrancesco and others. Since then, we have learnt that I f plays an important role in pacemaking in the sinus node, the innate pacemaker of the heart, and more recently evidence has accumulated to show that I f may play an important role in action potential conduction through the atrioventricular (AV) node. Evidence has also accumulated to show that regulation of the transcription and translation of the underlying Hcn genes plays an important role in the regulation of sinus node pacemaking and AV node conduction under normal physiological conditions - in athletes, during the circadian rhythm, in pregnancy, and during postnatal development - as well as pathological states - ageing, heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, diabetes and atrial fibrillation. There may be yet more pathological conditions involving changes in the expression of the Hcn genes. Here, we review the role of I f and the underlying HCN channels in physiological and pathological changes of the sinus and AV nodes and we begin to explore the signalling pathways (microRNAs, transcription factors, GIRK4, the autonomic nervous system and inflammation) involved in this regulation. This review is dedicated to Dario DiFrancesco on his retirement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease characterized by alternating periods of exacerbation and remission. Surgical resection is not curative and postoperative recurrence (POR) remains a challenge in these patients. The aim of this study was to identify clinical variables that influence the risk of symptomatic anastomotic POR in patients with ileo‐colonic Crohn's disease. Method: A retrospective study of Crohn's disease patients who had undergone ileo‐colic resection between January 2014 and December 2018 was performed. For each patient, data including demographic information, Crohn's disease clinical setting, preoperative radiological data, operative and histological data, pre‐ and postoperative medication history and postoperative clinical course, including recurrence of disease, were extracted. Symptomatic anastomotic POR was defined as symptoms of Crohn's disease in the presence of confirmed anastomotic POR (endoscopic and/or radiological POR). Results: For the study period, 104 patients were eligible and included for analysis. The cumulative probability of symptomatic anastomotic POR was 14%, 30%, 42%, 50% and 50% at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 years, respectively. Two clinical variables on multivariate analysis were associated with increased risk of symptomatic anastomotic POR, namely age <17 years at diagnosis [hazard ratio (HR) 2.17, p = 0.019] and gastrointestinal involvement (extent) >30 cm (HR 1.85, p = 0.048). Conclusion: This study describes the natural history of POR after ileo‐colic resection for Crohn's disease, as defined by endoscopic, radiological and clinical outcomes. Age <17 years at diagnosis and gastrointestinal involvement (extent) >30 cm were independent risk factors for symptomatic anastomotic POR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study which focuses on biochemical characterization structure of an escherichia coli protein. Methods used to conducted the study; Source of the protein; Review of results of experiments; Protein expression and purification.