Movements and spatial use of odontocetes in the western main Hawaiian Islands: results from satellite-tagging and photo-identification off Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau in July/August 2011

Although considerable information is available on residency patterns and spatial use of odontocetes in the eastern half of the Hawai‘i Range Complex (HRC), much less is known about odontocetes in the western half of the HRC. In the second year of a three-year effort in the western main Hawaiian Islands we undertook surveys off Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau in July/August 2011, to examine spatial use and residency patterns using satellite tags, to provide visual verification of acoustically-detected odontocetes on the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF), and to obtain individual identification photographs and biopsy samples for assessment of population identity and structure. During 18 days of field effort we covered 1,972 km of trackline and had 65 encounters with five species of odontocetes. Twenty-four of the encounters, of three species, were cued by acoustic detections from the Marine Mammal Monitoring on Navy Ranges (M3R) system, thus providing species verifications for future use of the M3R system on the PMRF range. During the 65 encounters we obtained 22,645 photos for individual and species identification, and collected 48 biopsy samples for genetic analyses. One encounter with a group of four killer whales was only the second encounter with this species in 12 years of directed field surveys in Hawaiian waters. Photos from that encounter were compared to our photo-identification catalog but no matches were found, further suggesting that there is no population of this species resident to the Hawaiian Islands. There were three encounters with a lone pantropical spotted dolphin, each time in association with a group of spinner dolphins. Photos of this individual matched to a spotted dolphin identified off Kaua‘i in 2004 and in 2005, both times with spinner dolphins, suggesting this individual may be part of a long-term association with spinner dolphins. Four satellite tags were deployed; three on rough-toothed dolphins and one on a bottlenose dolphin. These are the first tag deployments on either species in Hawaiian waters and the first deployments of satellite tags on free-ranging rough-toothed dolphins anywhere in the world. Rough-toothed dolphin tag data were obtained over periods from 7.6 to 18.5 days. Over these periods the three rough-toothed dolphins moved cumulative horizontal distances ranging from 573 to 1,295 km, yet remained an average distance from the tagging locations of from 10.4 to 13.9 km. Median depths used by the three rough-toothed dolphins ranged from 816 to 1,107 m, with median distance from shore ranging from 11.6 to 12.2 km. Two of the three individuals had been previously photo-identified off Kaua‘i (in 2007 or 2008), and all link by association with the resident population from Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau. Movement and habitat use data were obtained over a 34-day period for the satellite-tagged bottlenose dolphin. During this time the individual remained associated with the island of Kaua‘i using waters with a median depth of 82 m. Although this individual had not been previously photo-identified, others from the group it was in had been previously documented off Kaua‘i and/or Ni‘ihau in 2003-2005, suggesting it is part of the island-resident population. Overall these efforts provide the first unbiased movement and habitat use data for both species in Hawaiian waters.Grant No. N00244-10-1-004

The contribution of dynamic stromal remodeling during mammary development to breast carcinogenesis

Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease whose prognosis varies depending upon the developmental stage of the breast tissue at diagnosis. Notably, breast cancers associated with pregnancy exhibit increased rates of metastasis and poorer long-term survival compared to those diagnosed after menopause. However, postmenopausal breast cancers associated with obesity exhibit a more aggressive behavior and confer decreased overall patient survival compared to those diagnosed in non-obese individuals. Since the mammary gland is a dynamic tissue that undergoes significant changes throughout a woman's lifetime, especially during pregnancy and following menopause, we present evidence to support the notion that changes occurring throughout development within the mammary stromal compartment may account for some of the biological differences in breast cancer subtypes and behaviors

Promoting Healthy Lifestyles and Decreasing Childhood Obesity: Increasing Physician Effectiveness Through Advocacy

Childhood obesity is a well-documented public health crisis. Even many children who are not overweight have inadequate physical activity, poor nutrition, excessive television and other screen time, or some combination thereof. The solution lies in the community. Environmental interventions are among the most effective for improving public health. In addition to addressing lifestyle issues in the office, physicians should advocate for environmental approaches. We can advocate at institutional, local, state, and federal levels through speaking, writing, and collaborating with others. In the United States, the timing is right to synergize with efforts such as the White House Task Force on Childhood Obesity and the Surgeon General’s emphasis on changing the national conversation “from a negative one about obesity and illness” to a positive one about health and fitness

Movements and spatial use of satellite tagged odontocetes in the western main Hawaiian Islands: results of field work undertaken off O'ahu in October 2010 and Kaua'i in February 2011

In the first year of a 3-year effort, surveys were made of odontocetes off Oahu and Kauai to examine spatial use and residency patterns in the western half of the Hawaii Range Complex using satellite tags, as well as obtaining individual identification photographs and biopsy samples for assessment of population identity and structure. 43 groups of 10 odontocete species were encountered, 15 satellite tags were deployed on 3 species, 39 genetic samples of 6 species and over 23000 photographs were obtained. Satellite tags were deployed on individuals in 2 groups of pygmy killer whales. Habitat use of the 2 groups differed substantially, and may be related to residency of the groups. Most individuals in one group had been previously photo-identified off Oahu. This group spent most of its time along the shores of Oahu, primarily in water 1000 m. Short-finned pilot whales were also tagged. Again, considerable variation in movement patterns and habitat use were observed: some groups remained close to the tagging area, suggesting residency; others ranged widely over varying depths. The differing ranging patterns may have implications for exposure and responses to Navy exercises.N00244-10-1-0048

Movements and Spatial Use of Odontocetes in the Western Main Hawaiian Islands: Results from Satellite-Tagging and Photo-Identification off Kaua'i and Ni'ihau in July/August 2011.

This report summarizes the second year of a three-year effort in the western main Hawaiian Islands to study the residency patterns and spatial use of odontocetes in the Hawaii Range Complex. Surveys were made off Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau over eighteen days in July/August 2011, during which time there were 65 encounters with five species of odontocetes. Twenty-four of those encounters were cued by acoustic detections from the Marine Mammal Monitoring on Navy Ranges (M3R) system from the Pacific Missile Range Facility, thus providing species verifications of the acoustic system. Additionally, 22645 photographs for individual and species identification, and forty-eight biopsy samples for genetic analyses, were collected. Some highlights of the field work include: the first ever satellite tag deployments on free-ranging rough-toothed dolphins, and the first satellite tag deployment in Hawaiian waters of a bottlenose dolphin; only the second encounter with killer whales in twelve years of surveys in Hawaiian waters; and encounters with a lone pantropical spotted dolphin, always in association with a group of spinner dolphins, as has been similarly documented in 2004 and 2005. The latter two highlights suggest, respectively, that there is no resident Hawaiian killer whale population, and that this particular (at least) pantropical spotted dolphin has a long-term association with spinner dolphins. The first highlight has provided the first unbiased movement and habitat use data for both rough-toothed and bottlenose dolphins in Hawaiian waters.N00244-10-1-004

Movement and spatial use of Odontocetes in the western main Hawaiian Islands: results of a three-year study off O'ahu and Kaua'i

Work was carried out by Cascadia Research Collective, Olympia, Washington 98501Understanding the impacts of anthropogenic activities on animal populations requires knowledge of their population structure, sizes and ranges. In Hawaiian waters this type of basic information has been lacking or is restricted to areas where conditions have been more favorable to research efforts, namely the eastern main Hawaiian Islands. As part of an effort to reduce uncertainty regarding the population, range and abundance of odontocetes in the western main Hawaiian Islands, and to help inform Navy impact assessments, we undertook small-boat based research efforts off O'ahu (2010) and Kaua'i (2011 & 2012). A variety of field methods were used, including photo-identification, collection of biopsy samples for genetic studies, and satellite tagging. There were 191 odontocete sightings, 183 identified to species. 102 biopsy samples were collected from 7 species. 30 satellite tags were deployed on 5 species: pygmy and false killer whales, bottlenose and rough-toothed dolphins, and short finned pilot whales. Our efforts substantially increased what is known in particular about the movements and habitat use of these 5 species of odontocetes in the western main Hawaiian Islands.CNO (N45) (N00244-10-1-0048

Population structure of melon-headed whales (\u3ci\u3ePeponocephala electra\u3c/i\u3e) in the Hawaiian Archipelago: Evidence of multiple populations based on photo identification

Despite the presence of melon-headed whales in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide, little is known about this species. To assess population structure in Hawai‘i, dedicated field efforts were undertaken from 2000 to 2009. Using only good quality photographs, there were 1,433 unique photo-identified individuals, of which 1,046 were distinctive. Of these, 31.5% were seen more than once. Resighting data combined with social network analyses showed evidence of two populations—a smaller, resident population, seen exclusively off the northwest region of the island of Hawai‘i, and a larger population, seen throughout all the main Hawaiian Islands (hereafter the “main Hawaiian Islands” population). A Bayesian analysis examining the probability of movements of individuals between populations provided a posterior median dispersal rate of 0.0009/yr (95% CI = 0–0.0041), indicating the populations are likely demographically independent. Depth of encounters with the Hawai‘i Island resident population was significantly shallower (median = 381 m) than those with the main Hawaiian Islands population (median = 1,662 m). Resightings of individuals have occurred up to 22 yr apart for the Hawai‘i Island resident population and up to 13 yr apart for the main Hawaiian Islands population, suggesting long-term residency to the islands for both populations

Rationale and study design ofOUTSTEP-HF: a randomised controlled study to assess the effect of sacubitril/valsartan and enalapril on physical activity measured by accelerometry in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction

Aim In PARADIGM-HF, sacubitril/valsartan demonstrated superiority to enalapril in reducing mortality and morbidity in patients with heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Several patient-centred outcomes like improved physical activity and quality of life have been emphasised as important treatment goals in HF management. OUTSTEP-HF has been designed to evaluate the effect of sacubitril/valsartan compared with enalapril on non-sedentary daytime physical activity in patients with HFrEF. Methods OUTSTEP-HF is a randomised, actively controlled, double-blind, double-dummy study that plans to enrol 600 ambulatory patients with symptomatic HFrEF in 19 European countries. Patients will be randomised 1:1 to receive sacubitril/valsartan 97/103 mg bid or enalapril 10 mg bid. The primary objective of the study is to assess changes from baseline (Week 0) to Week 12 in exercise capacity measured by the 6-min walk test and in daily non-sedentary daytime activity. Physical activity and objective sleep parameters will be measured by accelerometry using a wrist-worn device, worn continuously from screening (Week -2) until the end of study (Week 12). As a co-primary outcome, changes from baseline in sub-maximal exercise capacity will be assessed by the 6-min walk test. Patient- and physician-reported questionnaires will be used to assess quality of life, changes in signs and symptoms of HF and sleep parameters. Conclusion OUTSTEP-HF will be the largest randomised trial in HF to date to use non-invasive accelerometry to assess whether treatment with sacubitril/valsartan improves patients daily physical activity and exercise capacity compared with enalapril.Funding Agencies|Novartis Pharma AG</p

Rationale and study design of OUTSTEP‐HF

Aim In PARADIGM-HF, sacubitril/valsartan demonstrated superiority to enalapril in reducing mortality and morbidity in patients with heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Several patient-centred outcomes like improved physical activity and quality of life have been emphasised as important treatment goals in HF management. OUTSTEP-HF has been designed to evaluate the effect of sacubitril/valsartan compared with enalapril on non-sedentary daytime physical activity in patients with HFrEF. Methods OUTSTEP-HF is a randomised, actively controlled, double-blind, double-dummy study that plans to enrol 600 ambulatory patients with symptomatic HFrEF in 19 European countries. Patients will be randomised 1:1 to receive sacubitril/valsartan 97/103 mg bid or enalapril 10 mg bid. The primary objective of the study is to assess changes from baseline (Week 0) to Week 12 in exercise capacity measured by the 6-min walk test and in daily non-sedentary daytime activity. Physical activity and objective sleep parameters will be measured by accelerometry using a wrist-worn device, worn continuously from screening (Week -2) until the end of study (Week 12). As a co-primary outcome, changes from baseline in sub-maximal exercise capacity will be assessed by the 6-min walk test. Patient- and physician-reported questionnaires will be used to assess quality of life, changes in signs and symptoms of HF and sleep parameters. Conclusion OUTSTEP-HF will be the largest randomised trial in HF to date to use non-invasive accelerometry to assess whether treatment with sacubitril/valsartan improves patients daily physical activity and exercise capacity compared with enalapril.Funding Agencies|Novartis Pharma AG</p

Movements and Spatial Use of Odontocetes in the Western Main Hawaiian Islands: Results from Satellite-Tagging and Photo-Identification off Kaua'i and Ni'ihau in July/August 2011.

Annual progress report under Grant No. N00244-10-1-0048 from the Naval Postgraduate SchoolThis report summarizes the second year of a three-year effort in the western main Hawaiian Islands to study the residency patterns and spatial use of odontocetes in the Hawaii Range Complex. Surveys were made off Kaua i and Ni ihau over eighteen days in July/August 2011, during which time there were 65 encounters with five species of odontocetes. Twenty-four of those encounters were cued by acoustic detections from the Marine Mammal Monitoring on Navy Ranges (M3R) system from the Pacific Missile Range Facility, thus providing species verifications of the acoustic system. Additionally, 22645 photographs for individual and species identification, and forty-eight biopsy samples for genetic analyses, were collected. Some highlights of the field work include: the first ever satellite tag deployments on free-ranging rough-toothed dolphins, and the first satellite tag deployment in Hawaiian waters of a bottlenose dolphin; only the second encounter with killer whales in twelve years of surveys in Hawaiian waters; and encounters with a lone pantropical spotted dolphin, always in association with a group of spinner dolphins, as has been similarly documented in 2004 and 2005. The latter two highlights suggest, respectively, that there is no resident Hawaiian killer whale population, and that this particular (at least) pantropical spotted dolphin has a long-term association with spinner dolphins. The first highlight has provided the first unbiased movement and habitat use data for both rough-toothed and bottlenose dolphins in Hawaiian waters.Naval Postgraduate SchoolGrant No. N00244-10-1-004