The impact of different assumptions about reproductive potential and recruitment on a Management Strategy Evaluation for the Greenland halibut stock in NAFO Subarea 2 and Division 3KLMNO

We tested whether our perception of the performance of the adopted Harvest Control Rule (HCR) for Greenland halibut was robust to using different measures of Reproductive Potential (RP) combined with different assumptions about the stock recruit relationship to drive the stock dynamics in simulations. We tested the HCR using alternative stock recruitment functions (segmented regression, Ricker and modified Ricker) with different RP indices which vary in the level of biological complexity. The RP indices used in increasing order of biological information were: Biomass 10+, SSB with varying maturity at age (SSB), female SSB (FSB), and Total Egg Production (TEP). All Operating Models (OM) were based on the current accepted XSA assessment. Understanding the basis of uncertainty in the S/R relationships is generally the most difficult outstanding problem in fisheries assessment and management and it is a key problem in Management Strategy Evaluation (MSE). A Ricker stock recruitment function fits the Greenland halibut stock recruitment data better than the segmented regression for all the RP indices, except TEP. The results show that the inclusion of more biological information when estimating Reproductive Potential does not improve the stock recruitment fit for either (segmented regression or Ricker). The best fits in both cases were obtained in descending order with: 10+Biomass, SSB, FSB, and TEP. All the OMs based on the segmented regression have very similar results and seem to be robust to assumptions about RP. However, there was variability in the results of the different indices of RP in the Ricker and modified Ricker OMs and some impact on whether performance targets were met. The choice of stock recruit function had a greater impact than the inclusion of more biological information in the index of RP. The inclusion of alternative indices of RP is likely to have more of an impact for stocks with depleted reproductive capacity and/or where alternative indices have a greater effect on the S/R relationships.Postprint0,000

Evaluating the use of the autodiametric method for estimating fecundity of Reinhardtius hippoglossoides, a species with an unusual oocyte development strategy

The autodiametric method is a highly streamlined method for estimating fecundity of fish with determinate oocyte development pattern. Greenland halibut presents a peculiar reproductive strategy with two simultaneously cohorts one of large vitellogenic oocytes (for the current year) and another one of small vitellogenic oocytes (for the subsequent year). Results of this study showed that autodiametric method can be applied to estimate fecundity in Greenland halibut. Additionally, spatial differences in the autodiametric calibration curve were observed in the Northwest Atlantic, but did not translate into differences in fecundity at length. This is the first time that spatial differences between ACCs of the same species have been reported, what could be the result of (i) the unusual oocyte development pattern, or (ii) spatial differences in oocyte biochemistry. More research on the relative dynamics of oocyte cohorts simultaneously present in Greenland halibut ovaries and the factors (endo- or exogenous) influencing oocyte packing density could provide a better understanding of observed geographical differences.En prens

The Iowa Homemaker vol.8, no.6

Pictures for the Home and School by Joanne M. Hansen, page 1 Waste in Leisure by Ethyl Cessna Morgan, page 2 Sauce for the Goose by Margaret L. Marnette, page 3 Estonia Sends Another Student by Isabel Leith, page 4 Home Economics Research by Mildred Deischer, page 5 Girls’ 4-H Clubs by Lulu Tregoning, page 6 State Association Page by Marcia E. Turner, page 8 Editorial, page 11 Who’s There and Where by Vera Caulum, page 1

The Iowa Homemaker vol.11, no.8

House Not for Sale… By Joanne M. Hansen, page 1 Home Management Mothers… By Helen Bishop, page 2 “Tell Me a Poem”… By Lorraine Sandstrom, page 3 When the Box Was Opened… By Cora B. Miller, page 4 Just Serve Yourself… By Ida M. Shilling, page 4 Modernizing Marriage… By Ethel Cessna Morgan, page 5 Girls 4-H Clubs By Clara Austin, page 6 Alumnae Echoes… By Anafred Stephenson, page 8 Editorial, page 9 Inside Information By Helen Jewell and Betty Martin, page 1

Local, Seasonal, and Yearly Condition of Juvenile Greenland Halibut Revealed by the Le Cren Condition Index

An understanding of biological characteristics, such as growth patterns, condition, and energy reserves, is important for better understanding the environmental constraints exerted on fish populations. This is especially true for exploited fish stocks in the current context of climate change. Using biological data collected from 2006 to 2009 during bottom trawl research surveys by Fisheries and Oceans Canada in the estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence (EGSL) as well as data from 2000 to 2018 in the northwest Atlantic, we sought to improve our knowledge on the seasonal condition of Greenland Halibut Reinhardtius hippoglossoides juveniles and to better understand the divergence in some life history traits between juveniles captured in these two regions. We validated the use of the Le Cren condition index and evaluated its relationship with energetic status in juvenile (20–32-cm TL) Greenland Halibut. In the EGSL, juvenile condition was higher in winter and spring compared to summer and fall. Such variations may result from this species’ pelagic predation activity and prey availability. Juveniles captured in the EGSL during 2016–2017 were larger but had a lower condition index than those captured in the northwest Atlantic, but we found no indication of earlier sexual maturation in the EGSL that could explain the sex ratio differences we observed in catches from these two areas

Distinct transcriptional programs stratify ovarian cancer cell lines into the five major histological subtypes.

From Europe PMC via Jisc Publications RouterHistory: epub 2021-09-01, ppub 2021-09-01Publication status: PublishedFunder: Cancer Research UK; Grant(s): C147/A25254, C1422/A19842Funder: Manchester Biomedical Research Centre; Grant(s): R120700/CAA070107BackgroundEpithelial ovarian cancer (OC) is a heterogenous disease consisting of five major histologically distinct subtypes: high-grade serous (HGSOC), low-grade serous (LGSOC), endometrioid (ENOC), clear cell (CCOC) and mucinous (MOC). Although HGSOC is the most prevalent subtype, representing 70-80% of cases, a 2013 landmark study by Domcke et al. found that the most frequently used OC cell lines are not molecularly representative of this subtype. This raises the question, if not HGSOC, from which subtype do these cell lines derive? Indeed, non-HGSOC subtypes often respond poorly to chemotherapy; therefore, representative models are imperative for developing new targeted therapeutics.MethodsNon-negative matrix factorisation (NMF) was applied to transcriptomic data from 44 OC cell lines in the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia, assessing the quality of clustering into 2-10 groups. Epithelial OC subtypes were assigned to cell lines optimally clustered into five transcriptionally distinct classes, confirmed by integration with subtype-specific mutations. A transcriptional subtype classifier was then developed by trialling three machine learning algorithms using subtype-specific metagenes defined by NMF. The ability of classifiers to predict subtype was tested using RNA sequencing of a living biobank of patient-derived OC models.ResultsApplication of NMF optimally clustered the 44 cell lines into five transcriptionally distinct groups. Close inspection of orthogonal datasets revealed this five-cluster delineation corresponds to the five major OC subtypes. This NMF-based classification validates the Domcke et al. analysis, in identifying lines most representative of HGSOC, and additionally identifies models representing the four other subtypes. However, NMF of the cell lines into two clusters did not align with the dualistic model of OC and suggests this classification is an oversimplification. Subtype designation of patient-derived models by a random forest transcriptional classifier aligned with prior diagnosis in 76% of unambiguous cases. In cases where there was disagreement, this often indicated potential alternative diagnosis, supported by a review of histological, molecular and clinical features.ConclusionsThis robust classification informs the selection of the most appropriate models for all five histotypes. Following further refinement on larger training cohorts, the transcriptional classification may represent a useful tool to support the classification of new model systems of OC subtypes

A comparison of vaginal versus buccal misoprostol for cervical ripening in women for labor induction at term (the IMPROVE trial): a triple-masked randomized controlled trial

Background Cervical ripening is commonly needed for labor induction. Finding an optimal route of misoprostol dosing for efficacy, safety, and patient satisfaction is important and not well studied for the buccal route. Objective To compare the efficacy and safety of vaginal and buccal misoprostol for women undergoing labor induction at term. Study Design The IMPROVE trial was an institutional review board–approved, triple-masked, placebo-controlled randomized noninferiority trial for women undergoing labor induction at term with a Bishop score ≤6. Enrolled women received 25 mcg (first dose), then 50 mcg (subsequent doses) of misoprostol by assigned route (vaginal or buccal) and a matching placebo tablet by the opposite route. The primary outcomes were time to delivery and the rate of cesarean delivery performed urgently for fetal nonreassurance. A sample size of 300 was planned to test the noninferiority hypothesis. Results The trial enrolled 319 women, with 300 available for analysis, 152 in the vaginal misoprostol group and 148 in the buccal. Groups had similar baseline characteristics. We were unable to demonstrate noninferiority. The time to vaginal delivery was lower for the vaginal misoprostol group (median [95% confidence interval] in hours: vaginal: 20.1 [18.2, 22.8] vs buccal: 28.1 [24.1, 31.4], log-rank test P = .006, Pnoninferiority = .663). The rate of cesarean deliveries for nonreassuring fetal status was 3.3% for the vaginal misoprostol group and 9.5% for the buccal misoprostol group (P = .033). The rate of vaginal delivery in <24 hours was higher in the vaginal group (58.6% vs 39.2%, P = .001). Conclusion We were unable to demonstrate noninferiority. In leading to a higher rate of vaginal deliveries, more rapid vaginal delivery, and fewer cesareans for fetal issues, vaginal misoprostol may be superior to buccal misoprostol for cervical ripening at term

Walk with Me: a protocol for a pilot RCT of a peer-led walking programme to increase physical activity in inactive older adults

Background: Levels of physical activity decline with age. Some of the most disadvantaged individuals in society, such as those from lower socio-economic position, are also the most inactive. Increasing physical activity levels, particularly among those most inactive, is a public health priority. Peer-led physical activity interventions may offer a model to increase physical activity in the older adult population. This study aims to test the feasibility of a peer-led, multicomponent physical activity intervention in socio-economically disadvantaged community dwelling older adults. Methods: The Medical Research Council framework for developing and evaluating complex interventions will be used to design and test the feasibility of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) of a multicomponent peer-led physical activity intervention. Data will be collected at baseline, immediately after the intervention (12 weeks) and 6 months after baseline measures. The pilot RCT will provide information on recruitment of peer mentors and participants and attrition rates, intervention fidelity, and data on the variability of the primary outcome (minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity measured with an accelerometer). The pilot trail will also assess the acceptability of the intervention and identify potential resources needed to undertake a definitive study. Data analyses will be descriptive and include an evaluation of eligibility, recruitment, and retention rates. The findings will be used to estimate the sample size required for a definitive trial. A detailed process evaluation using qualitative and quantitative methods will be conducted with a variety of stakeholders to identify areas of success and necessary improvements. Discussion: This paper describes the protocol for the ‘Walk with Me’ pilot RCT which will provide the information necessary to inform the design and delivery of a fully powered trial should the Walk with Me intervention prove feasible

Diverse sediment microbiota shape methane emission temperature sensitivity in Arctic lakes

Northern post-glacial lakes are significant, increasing sources of atmospheric carbon through ebullition (bubbling) of microbially-produced methane (CH4) from sediments. Ebullitive CH4 flux correlates strongly with temperature, reflecting that solar radiation drives emissions. However, here we show that the slope of the temperature-CH4 flux relationship differs spatially across two post-glacial lakes in Sweden. We compared these CH4 emission patterns with sediment microbial (metagenomic and amplicon), isotopic, and geochemical data. The temperature-associated increase in CH4 emissions was greater in lake middles—where methanogens were more abundant—than edges, and sediment communities were distinct between edges and middles. Microbial abundances, including those of CH4-cycling microorganisms and syntrophs, were predictive of porewater CH4 concentrations. Results suggest that deeper lake regions, which currently emit less CH4 than shallower edges, could add substantially to CH4 emissions in a warmer Arctic and that CH4 emission predictions may be improved by accounting for spatial variations in sediment microbiota