Alien Registration- Munroe, James A. (Portland, Cumberland County)

https://digitalmaine.com/alien_docs/21910/thumbnail.jp

Alien Registration- Munroe, James A. (Portland, Cumberland County)

https://digitalmaine.com/alien_docs/21910/thumbnail.jp

Age, Growth, Longevity, And Mortality Of Blackcheek Tonguefish, Symphurus Plagiusa (Cynoglossidae : Pleuronectiformes), In Chesapeake Bay, Virginia

Age structure, longevity, and mortality were determined for a population of blackcheek tonguefish, Symphurus plagiusa, in Chesapeake Bay. Blackcheek tonguefish (36-202 mm TL) were randomly collected by means of otter trawl in lower Chesapeake Bay and major Virginia tributaries (James, York, and Rappahannock rivers) from April 1994 through August 1995. Ages were determined by interpreting growth increments on thin transverse sections of sagittal otoliths. Marginal increment analysis showed that a single annulus was formed in June of each year. Blackcheek tonguefish caught during this study reached a maximum age of 5+ years. Growth was rapid during the first year, then slowed rapidly at a time coincident with maturation. We used the following von Bertalanffy growth equations: for males-L-t = 196.5(1- e(-0.285(t + 0.92))); and for females-L-t = 190.6(1 - e(-0.320(t + 0.78))). Von Bertalanffy parameters were not significantly different between sexes. Extrapolated instantaneous mortality rates for a possible seventh year class were 0.73 (Hoenig\u27s equation) and 0.77 (Royce\u27s equation). High estimates of instantaneous total mortality may reflect either loss due to emigration of adults from Chesapeake Bay onto the continental shelf or high natural mortality occurring in this northernmost population. Compared with sympatric pleuronectiforms, blackcheek tonguefish have a relatively high mortality rate, small asymptotic length, and high growth parameter K. Species, such as blackcheek tonguefish, that feature this combination of growth parameters are hypothesized to be better adapted at exploiting seasonally dynamic and highly unpredictable environments, such as those estuarine habitats within Chesapeake Bay

Age, Growth, And Reproduction Of Tautog Tautoga-Onitis (Labridae, Perciformes) From Coastal Waters Of Virginia

Tautog Tautoga onitis are gaining popularity in Virginia\u27s coastal waters as a recreational and food fish. Adult tautog are seasonally abundant on inshore hard-bottom habitats (1-10 m) and inhabit offshore areas (10-75 m) year-round. Juveniles, especially newly-settled recruits, inhabit vegetated areas in shallow water (usually \u3c 1 m). From March 1979 to July 1986, tautog were collected in lower Chesapeake Bay and nearby coastal waters to examine age, growth, and sexual maturation. Age estimates were determined from annular marks on opercle bones: 82% of the fish were age-10 or younger, 18% exceeded age-10, and 1% were age-20 or older. Marginal increment analysis revealed that annuli formed concurrent with a protracted spawning season (April-July). The von Bertalanffy growth equation, derived from back-calculated mean lengths-at-age, was l(t) = 742 [1-e-0.085 (t-1.816)]. Tautog are long-lived (25+ yr) and attain relatively large sizes (672 mm TL) slowly (K for sexes combined = 0.085). Growth rates of both sexes are similar, although males grow slightly faster (K = 0.090 vs. 0.085 for females). Maturity occurs at age-3 in both sexes. Growth rates for tautog from Virginia are similar to those reported nearly 25 years ago for tautog in Rhode Island. Growth rates for tautog are similar to those of other reef fishes, such as snappers and groupers. Habitat restriction, slow growth, great longevity, and increasing popularity by user groups may contribute to over-exploitation of this species in Virginia waters

A Comparison of Resveratrol and Other Polyphenolic Compounds on Notch Activation and Endothelial Cell Activity

Resveratrol is a polyphenolic compound produced by plants which makes its way into the human diet through plant-based foods. It has been shown to provide many health benefits, helping to ward of age-related diseases and promoting cardiovascular health. Additionally, resveratrol is a potent activator of the Notch signaling pathway. While resveratrol receives the most attention as a polyphenolic nutraceutical, other compounds with similar structures may be more potent regulators of specific cellular processes. Here, we compare resveratrol, apigenin, chrysin, genistein, luteolin, myricetin, piceatannol, pterostilbene, and quercetin for their ability to regulate Notch signaling. In addition, we compare the ability of these polyphenolic compounds to regulate endothelial cell viability, proliferation, and migration. Out of these compounds we found that resveratrol is the best activator of Notch signaling, however, other similar compounds are also capable of stimulating Notch. We also discovered that several of these polyphenols were able to inhibit endothelial cell proliferation. Finally, we found that many of these polyphenols are potent inhibitors of endothelial migration during wound healing assays. These findings provide the first side-by-side comparison of the regulation of Notch signaling, and endothelial cell proliferation and migration, by nine polyphenolic compounds

Slowing Heart Rate Protects Against Pathological Cardiac Hypertrophy.

We aimed to determine the pathophysiological impact of heart rate (HR) slowing on cardiac function. We have recently developed a murine model in which it is possible to conditionally delete the stimulatory heterotrimeric G-protein (Gαs) in the sinoatrial (SA) node after the addition of tamoxifen using cre-loxP technology. The addition of tamoxifen leads to bradycardia. We used this approach to examine the physiological and pathophysiological effects of HR slowing. We first looked at the impact on exercise performance by running the mice on a treadmill. After the addition of tamoxifen, mice with conditional deletion of Gαs in the SA node ran a shorter distance at a slower speed. Littermate controls preserved their exercise capacity after tamoxifen. Results consistent with impaired cardiac capacity in the mutants were also obtained with a dobutamine echocardiographic stress test. We then examined if HR reduction influenced pathological cardiac hypertrophy using two models: ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery for myocardial infarction and abdominal aortic banding for hypertensive heart disease. In littermate controls, both procedures resulted in cardiac hypertrophy. However, induction of HR reduction prior to surgical intervention significantly ameliorated the hypertrophy. In order to assess potential protein kinase pathways that may be activated in the left ventricle by relative bradycardia, we used a phospho-antibody array and this revealed selective activation of phosphoinositide-3 kinase. In conclusion, HR reduction protects against pathological cardiac hypertrophy but limits physiological exercise capacity

Reproductive Seasonality, Fecundity, And Spawning Frequency Of Tautog (Tautoga Onitis) In The Lower Chesapeake Bay And Coastal Waters Of Virginia

The tautog, Thutoga onitis (Linnaeus), ranges from Nova Scotia to South Carolina and has become a popular target for recreational and commercial fisheries. Although tautog are a multiple spawning species, reproductive potential, measured as annual fecundity, has not been estimated previously with methods (batch fecundity, spawning frequency) necessary for a species with indeterminate annual fecundity. A total of 960 tautog were collected from the mouth of the Rappahannock River in the lower Chesapeake Bay to 45 kin offshore of Virginia\u27s coastline to investigate tautog reproductive biology in the southern portion of the species range. Tautog did not exhibit a 1:1 sex ratio; 56% were females. Male tautog reached 50% maturity at 218 mm TL, females at 224 mm TL. Tautog spawned from 7 April 1995 to 15 June 1995, at locations from the York River to 45 kin offshore. Batch fecundity estimates ranged from 2800 to 181,200 eggs per spawning for female tautog age 3-9, total length 259516 mm. Mean batch fecundity +/-SEM for female tautog ages 4-6 was 54,243 2472 eggs and 106,256 3837 eggs for females ages 7-9. Spawning frequency was estimated at 1.2 days, resulting in 58 spawning days per female in 1995. Estimates of potential annual fecundity for tautog ages 3-9 ranged from 160,000 to 10,510,000 eggs

A Clinical and Morphological Study of the Neonatal Thoroughbred Foal's Eye

Despite the huge increase in scientific knowledge and understanding of the equine neonate which has taken place in the last 10-15 years, little attention has been paid to the eye. This morphological survey of neonatal Thoroughbred foals was undertaken to define the following: the normal appearance of the eye in the neonate; to highlight the differences between the neonatal and adult equine eye; document the route and time-scale of the development from one to the other; record the incidence and type of anomalies that occur and to distinguish these from true abnormalities; and finally, to study the incidence, morphology, reabsorption and long term effects of neonatal retinal and/or scleral haemorrhages and thereby, suggest an aetiology. Detailed ophthalmoscopic examinations were carried out on 169 randomly selected neonatal Thoroughbred foals born in two separate regions of the U.K. and one in New Zealand. A standardised examination was carried out and recorded using words, illustrations and photographs. Each foal also received a detailed clinical examination. Details of the mother's reproductive, gestational, parturitional and post-partum history were also recorded. Examinations were carried out within 96 hours of birth and repeated as necessary. Recorded data was subjected to an extensive statistical analysis. The recording and analysis of the data from the mare and foal allowed the generation of a database for each foal so that it could be identified apH traced, if required, in later life. An assessment was made of the gestational and parturient factors that might affect the development of the neonatal foal and particularly its eyes. Foal disease processes that may directly or indirectly contribute to variations in the morphology of the neonatal eye were also defined. All the foals in the survey had eyes open at birth and 98% had normal vision at the time of first examination. The most effective way of testing vision in the neonate was close observation of the foal in a box or nursery paddock. The menace reflex was absent in 96.5% of foals and, therefore, of little use in neuropathological testing, whereas 96% of foals had a positive pupillary light reflex, usually of a slow or sluggish nature. The normal appearance of the eyelids of the foals in this survey was similar to previous descriptions in the foal and adult, with long and dense upper cilia, and short, rather sparse lower cilia. The normal pattern of vibrissae was long and between 1 and 5 in the upper eyelid, and long and between 6 and 10 in the lower eyelid. 5% of foals had eyelid abnormalities, the majority of which were secondary entropion. The appearance of the conjunctiva in the neonatal foal differs little from the adult, and conjunctival differences between the foals in this survey partially correlate with coat and nictitans colour. The incidence of subconjunctival (scleral) haemorrhages in this survey was 8.3% and did not change with the period after birth when the first examination was carried out. There were no sex or eye distribution affects and the haemorrhages were not associated with any neonatal disease or abnormality. All haemorrhages were fresh, red and resolved within 4-10 days of birth. Most haemorrhages were present dorsal or dorso-nasally, and extended up to the limbus. The main factors involved in the pathogenesis of the haemorrhages seem to be increased peripheral venous pressure and direct compressive blunt trauma to the orbit during birth canal passage. The cornea of all normal foals was clear, oval and broader nasally. 67% of foals had a scleral shelf, usually dorsal and ventral. 62% also showed the presence of the pectinate ligament corneal insertions on the temporal and nasal aspects of the eye, and these are considered normal in the foal. Although the incidence of congenital comeal abnormalities was low, a case of congenital comeal vascularisation was recorded, this being only the second in the literature. The vast majority of foals had a dark brown or grey-brown iris colour with tan mottling towards the periphery and grey iridescent bands, especially towards the pupillary margin. The resting pupil was approximately 75% of maximal dilation, usually of a circular or broadened oval shape. The size and shape of the pupil were related to the examination time. Post pupillary light reflex pupil sizes were 5-15% of dilation smaller and of an oval shape, with the degree of change depending on the age of the foal. Anisocoria was present in 4 foals, including one with NMS, and return to clinical normality mirrored the resolution of the anisocoria. All foals in the survey had dorsal corpora nigra and 74% ventral structures. Dorsal corpora nigra were usually prominent and of normal size, whereas ventral structures were small and difficult to detect. Collarette tags of the anterior pupillary membrane were common and considered of no pathological significance. (Abstract shortened by ProQuest.)

A systematic revision of Atlantic tonguefishes (Symphurus: cynoglossidae: pleuronectiformes) with a preliminary hypothesis of species group relationships

Four of 29 previously described nominal species of Symphurus are junior synonyms; one sub-species (S. p. plagusia) is accorded full species status (S. tessellatus); two undescribed dwarf species are present in the eastern Atlantic; three new species were found among western Atlantic material; and several Atlantic forms are represented in the eastern Pacific by cognate species. Detailed and expanded descriptions, differential diagnoses, artificial keys and updated ecological information are provided for 29 species occurring in the Atlantic Ocean. Preliminary evidence based upon osteological characters, including interdigitation patterns (ID) of dorsal pterygiophores with neural spines, urohyal shape, caudal skeleton, dentition and other morphological characters, indicates the existence of eight supra-specific lineages among the 66 nominal species of Symphurus. Species groupings are also supported by zoogeographical and ecological distributional patterns. Seven species groups are represented among the Atlantic Symphurus