The use of mitochondrial DNA for the identification of fish in the early stages of development from the eastern shores of Lake Huron, Ontario, Canada

Ichthyoplankton specimens are notoriously difficult to identify using morphology. DNA barcoding and real-time PCR utilize DNA to identify specimens, rather than morphology. However, no study has yet compared morphological identifications with DNA-based identification for Canadian freshwater fishes. Here, we both compare DNA barcoding with morphological identification of ichthyoplankton and design a multiplex TaqMan real-time PCR assay for the rapid and cost-effective identification of 3 important species in Lake Huron, lake whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis), deepwater sculpin (Myoxocephalus thompsonii) and round whitefish (Prosopium cylindraceum). Unlike morphological identification, DNA barcoding was able to resolve specimens from the Catostomus genus and Cyprinidae family to the species. Contrarily, DNA barcoding was unable to differentiate some members of the Coregonus genus, whereas morphology identified these specimens to the species. Real-time PCR was able to accurately identify the target species 100% of the time and was the most cost-effective method.Master of Science (MSc) in Biolog

The impact of asking intention or self-prediction questions on subsequent behavior: a meta-analysis

The current meta-analysis estimated the magnitude of the impact of asking intention and self-prediction questions on rates of subsequent behavior, and examined mediators and moderators of this question–behavior effect (QBE). Random-effects meta-analysis on 116 published tests of the effect indicated that intention/prediction questions have a small positive effect on behavior (d+ = 0.24). Little support was observed for attitude accessibility, cognitive dissonance, behavioral simulation, or processing fluency explanations of the QBE. Multivariate analyses indicated significant effects of social desirability of behavior/behavior domain (larger effects for more desirable and less risky behaviors), difficulty of behavior (larger effects for easy-to-perform behaviors), and sample type (larger effects among student samples). Although this review controls for co-occurrence of moderators in multivariate analyses, future primary research should systematically vary moderators in fully factorial designs. Further primary research is also needed to unravel the mechanisms underlying different variants of the QBE

Identifying critical features of type two diabetes prevention interventions: A Delphi study with key stakeholders

Aims This study aims to identify critically important features of digital type two diabetes mellitus (T2DM) prevention interventions. Methods A stakeholder mapping exercise was undertaken to identify key end-user and professional stakeholders, followed by a three-round Delphi procedure to generate and evaluate evidence statements related to the critical elements of digital T2DM prevention interventions in terms of product (intervention), price (funding models/financial cost), place (distribution/delivery channels), and promotion (target audiences). Results End-user (n = 38) and professional (n = 38) stakeholders including patients, dietitians, credentialed diabetes educators, nurses, medical doctors, research scientists, and exercise physiologists participated in the Delphi study. Fifty-two critical intervention characteristics were identified. Future interventions should address diet, physical activity, mental health (e.g. stress, diabetes-related distress), and functional health literacy, while advancing behaviour change support. Programs should be delivered digitally or used multiple delivery modes, target a range of population subgroups including children, and be based on collaborative efforts between national and local and government and non-government funded organisations. Conclusions Our findings highlight strong support for digital health to address T2DM in Australia and identify future directions for T2DM prevention interventions. The study also demonstrates the feasibility and value of stakeholder-led intervention development processes

The Response of River-Resident Fish to Reservoir Freshet Releases of Varying Profiles Intended to Facilitate a Spawning Migration

Natural hydrological regimes encompass varying seasonal flow characteristics that provide fish with cues and opportunities for upstream spawning migrations, but these flows are often modified/absent in regulated rivers. Compensatory artificial flows (freshets) can be released from reservoirs to replicate these characteristics, but studies testing their effectiveness are limited. To address this, river‐resident brown trout, a species known to undertake spawning migrations, were manually tracked using radio telemetry in a regulated upland river in northern England in response to 11 freshet releases of differing timing, magnitude and duration. Spawning migrations were not observed because extent of movement during freshets was generally small and the pattern of movement (i.e. directionality and relocation indices) was comparable between impact/control reaches. Movements during freshets were comparable with those observed the days immediately before/after and were small relative to the entire tracking period. In conclusion, freshets characteristic of those recommended to produce “naturalized” autumn/winter flow elevations did not stimulate/facilitate spawning migrations of river‐resident brown trout under the given seasonal conditions. Outside freshets, longer unidirectional movements occurred during low flow periods and elevated river level due to rainfall, including during periods of reservoir overtopping. Notwithstanding, fish in experimental reaches were significantly more active (total distance moved) and occupied a larger extent of river (range during freshet) than those in control reaches during short‐duration freshets. Therefore, during dry years/when (autumn/winter) reservoir overtopping events are unlikely, small‐magnitude freshets providing flows that allow fish short opportunities to search for/find superior local habitat whilst minimising total water released are recommended

A comparison of the development of audiovisual integration in children with autism spectrum disorders and typically developing children

This study aimed to investigate the development of audiovisual integration in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Audiovisual integration was measured using the McGurk effect in children with ASD aged 7–16 years and typically developing children (control group) matched approximately for age, sex, nonverbal ability and verbal ability. Results showed that the children with ASD were delayed in visual accuracy and audiovisual integration compared to the control group. However, in the audiovisual integration measure, children with ASD appeared to ‘catch-up’ with their typically developing peers at the older age ranges. The suggestion that children with ASD show a deficit in audiovisual integration which diminishes with age has clinical implications for those assessing and treating these children

Global trends in aquatic animal tracking with acoustic telemetry

Acoustic telemetry (AT) is a rapidly evolving technique used to track the movements of aquatic animals. As the capacity of AT research expands it is important to optimize its relevance to management while still pursuing key ecological questions. A global review of AT literature revealed region-specific research priorities underscoring the breadth of how AT is applied, but collectively demonstrated a lack of management-driven objectives, particularly relating to fisheries, climate change, and protection of species. In addition to the need for more research with direct pertinence to management, AT research should prioritize ongoing efforts to create collaborative opportunities, establish long-term and ecosystem-based monitoring, and utilize technological advancements to bolster aquatic policy and ecological understanding worldwide

The Need for Laboratory Measurements and Ab Initio Studies to Aid Understanding of Exoplanetary Atmospheres

We are now on a clear trajectory for improvements in exoplanet observations that will revolutionize our ability to characterize their atmospheric structure, composition, and circulation, from gas giants to rocky planets. However, exoplanet atmospheric models capable of interpreting the upcoming observations are often limited by insufficiencies in the laboratory and theoretical data that serve as critical inputs to atmospheric physical and chemical tools. Here we provide an up-to-date and condensed description of areas where laboratory and/or ab initio investigations could fill critical gaps in our ability to model exoplanet atmospheric opacities, clouds, and chemistry, building off a larger 2016 white paper, and endorsed by the NAS Exoplanet Science Strategy report. Now is the ideal time for progress in these areas, but this progress requires better access to, understanding of, and training in the production of spectroscopic data as well as a better insight into chemical reaction kinetics both thermal and radiation-induced at a broad range of temperatures. Given that most published efforts have emphasized relatively Earth-like conditions, we can expect significant and enlightening discoveries as emphasis moves to the exotic atmospheres of exoplanets.Comment: Submitted as an Astro2020 Science White Pape

Exome sequencing and genotyping identify a rare variant in NLRP7 gene associated with ulcerative colitis.

Background and Aims Although genome-wide association studies [GWAS] in inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] have identified a large number of common disease susceptibility alleles for both Crohn’s disease [CD] and ulcerative colitis [UC], a substantial fraction of IBD heritability remains unexplained, suggesting that rare coding genetic variants may also have a role in pathogenesis. We used high-throughput sequencing in families with multiple cases of IBD, followed by genotyping of cases and controls, to investigate whether rare protein-altering genetic variants are associated with susceptibility to IBD. Methods Whole-exome sequencing was carried out in 10 families in whom three or more individuals were affected with IBD. A stepwise filtering approach was applied to exome variants, to identify potential causal variants. Follow-up genotyping was performed in 6025 IBD cases [2948 CD; 3077 UC] and 7238 controls. Results Our exome variant analysis revealed coding variants in the NLRP7 gene that were present in affected individuals in two distinct families. Genotyping of the two variants, p.S361L and p.R801H, in IBD cases and controls showed that the p.S361L variant was significantly associated with an increased risk of ulcerative colitis [odds ratio 4.79, p = 0.0039] and IBD [odds ratio 3.17, p = 0.037]. A combined analysis of both variants showed suggestive association with an increased risk of IBD [odds ratio 2.77, p = 0.018]. Conclusions The results suggest that NLRP7 signalling and inflammasome formation may be a significant component in the pathogenesis of IBD