Marine Debris Survey Manual

Over the last several years, concern has increased about the amount of man-made materials lost or discarded at sea and the potential impacts to the environment. The scope of the problem depends on the amounts and types of debris. One problem in making a regional comparison of debris is the lack of a standard methodology. The objective of this manual is to discuss designs and methodologies for assessment studies of marine debris. This manual has been written for managers, researchers, and others who are just entering this area of study and who seek guidance in designing marine debris surveys. Active researchers will be able to use this manual along with applicable references herein as a source for design improvement. To this end, the authors have synthesized their work and reviewed survey techniques that have been used in the past for assessing marine debris, such as sighting surveys, beach surveys, and trawl surveys, and have considered new methods (e.g., aerial photography). All techniques have been put into a general survey planning framework to assist in developing different marine debris surveys. (PDF file contains 100 pages.

Vasectomy Regret or Lack Thereof

BACKGROUND: Vasectomy is a procedure that results in permanent yet reversible sterility and remains a great contraceptive option for many. Previous research studies have highlighted frequency of vasectomy utilization, defining characteristics of individuals who opt for this method, various surgical techniques, and the risks and benefits associated with the procedure. What remains to be defined is why or why not individuals may experience post-vasectomy regret and whether the previous characteristics correlate. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review is to synthesize information regarding reasons individuals may regret their vasectomy and seek reversal, what options exist for accomplishing the reversal, and patients\u27 fertility prognosis post-vasovasostomy. METHODS: This review utilized a combination of secondary and tertiary data analysis across a wide scope of academic databases pertaining to the topic of interest. RESULTS: Typically, most males who have sought a vasectomy are satisfied with their decision, however, approximately 6% of this population seeks reversal. Key factors influencing vasectomy regret include age at the time of vasectomy, parental status, pre- and post-operative relationship status, unresolved physical and psychosexual problems, and development of chronic scrotal pain following the procedure. Few options exist for vasectomy reversal including microsurgical reconstructive vasectomy reversal (VR) and sperm extraction for in vitro fertilization. There is no guarantee that fertility will be restored in any case but a major predictive factor for success is the time interval prior to reversal. CONCLUSION: Vasectomy is intended to be a permanent form of contraception; however, a minor chance remains that individuals may experience post-operative regret due to various factors. This warrants proper comprehensive counseling by the patient\u27s provider regarding benefits and risks, procedural outcomes, opportunities for reversal, and fertility prognosis

Chromosome-scale scaffolding of the black raspberry (Rubus occidentalis L.) genome based on chromatin interaction data

Plant genomics: Improved genome for the black raspberry Assembly of a high-quality reference genome for the black raspberry plant will inform future crop improvements. Sequencing the genomes of widely-grown, profitable fruit crops can help researchers identify the DNA markers linked to desirable traits, potentially improving crop health and yields. David Chagné at the New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited and co-workers combined new techniques to significantly improve on an existing genome for the black raspberry (Rubus occidentalis L.). The researchers used Hi-C analysis to create a map identifying the interactions between chromatin fragments – macromolecules made from DNA, proteins and RNA – and the three-dimensional structure of chromosomes inside the cell nucleus. Then, they used a bioinformatics assembly method to construct the genome from this data. The new genome showed high accuracy when compared to another genome from the same family

Forest tree genomics: 10 achievements from the past 10 years and future prospects

This review highlights some of the discoveries and applications made possible by “omics” technologies over the last 10 years and provides perspectives for pioneering research to increase our understanding of tree biology.ContextA decade after the first forest tree genome sequence was released into the public domain, the rapidly evolving genomics and bioinformatics toolbox has advanced our understanding of the structure, functioning, and evolution of forest tree genomes.Aims and methodsThis review highlights some of the discoveries and applications that “omics” technologies have made possible for forest trees over the past 10 years.ResultsIn this review, we start by our current understanding of genome evolution and intricacies of gene regulation for reproduction, development, and responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. We then skim over advances in interactome analysis and epigenomics, the knowledge of the extent of genetic variation within and between species, revealing micro- and macro-evolutionary processes and species history, together with the complex architecture of quantitative traits. We finally end with applications in genetic resource conservation and breeding.ConclusionThe knowledge gained through the use of these technologies has a huge potential impact for adapting forests to the main challenges they will have to face: changing demand from ecosystem services with potentially conflicting strategies in terms of conservation and use, as well as climate changes and associated threats. Genomics will undoubtedly play a major role over the next decade and beyond, not only to further understand the mechanisms underlying adaptation and evolution but also to develop and implement innovative management and policy actions to preserve the adaptability of natural forests and intensively managed plantations