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Pregnant women with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) are a priority population for hepatitis B care. Identification of HBV status prior to pregnancy would facilitate timely maternal interventions and perinatal care. In our study, we aimed to study the epidemiology of CHB among women of childbearing age (WoCBA, 18–49 years) in Alberta, Canada. We retrospectively analysed Alberta Analytics databases to study CHB epidemiology, natural history and care linkage among WoCBA in Alberta, between April 2012 and March 2021. A Poisson regression was conducted to estimate incidence of newly identified CHB cases and prevalence trends, whereas predictors of care linkage were determined using logistic regression. Age/sex‐adjusted incidence of newly identified CHB among WoCBA between 2015 and 2020 was 36.2/100,000 person/years, highest among individuals aged 30–39 years. Incidence of newly identified CHB decreased from 52.6 to 18.2/100,000 between 2015 and 2020, but prevalence increased from 131.7 to 248.6/100,000 in the same period. Newly identified CHB incident cases (n = 2124) had lower survival rates than age/sex‐matched Canadians, with a standardized mortality ratio of 5.7 (95% CI 2.6–11.0). Increasing age (years) at diagnosis (HR, 1.2; 95% CI 1.1–1.3) was independently associated with mortality. Comorbid hepatocellular carcinoma, anti‐HBV treatment and year of diagnosis were not significantly associated with mortality. Of the 1927 women with 2436 hepatitis B surface antigen‐positive pregnancies from 2012 to 2020, only 27.6% had recommended HBV assessment during pregnancy. Of those women meeting criteria for antiviral therapy to prevent mother‐to‐child transmission (MTCT), only 66.4% received treatment. Suboptimal management during pregnancy and overall lower survival rates highlight the need to address care linkage barriers in women of childbearing age living with CHB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Community science has contributed significantly to biodiversity and conservation related research. iNaturalist is a popular community science application, where community-submitted photo documentation of observed taxa has led to a large natural history database. Here, we present results of an iNaturalist project focusing on documenting Opiliones introduced to the USA and Canada. Including all observations made in this project up through 31 December 2021, there were 849 total observations (486 research grade), which included 16 introduced species (excluding multiple species of uncertain status), 11 of which were newly recorded for the USA and Canada. We provide an updated checklist of introduced species, including updated distributions for previously recorded species. This research was facilitated by the community science platform iNaturalist, which allows easy interactions between scientists of all types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with lower-risk (LR) myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) with ring sideroblasts (RS) have better prognosis than those without RS, but how they fare over time is not fully understood. This study's objective was to assess the natural history of LR MDS with RS ≥5% using MDS-CAN registry individual data. Kaplan–Meier estimates and generalized linear mixed models were used to describe time-to-event outcomes and continuous outcomes, respectively. One hundred and thirty-eight patients were enrolled; median times from diagnosis to enrollment and follow-up were 6.6 and 39.6 months, respectively. Within 5 years of enrollment, 65% of patients had ≥1 red blood cell transfusion dependence episode. Within 5 years of diagnosis, 59% developed iron overload, 38% received iron chelation therapy, 14% progressed to acute myeloid leukemia, and 42% died. Patients exhibited inferior health-related quality of life trends. These first real-world data in LR MDS-RS in Canada indicate a high level of morbidity and mortality over a 5-year period. Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02537990 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The basic biology, seasonal ecology, and hymenopteran parasitoid community of Plutella armoraciaeBusck, 1912 (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) was investigated. The study area was a dry grasslands region of interior British Columbia, Canada, where P. armoraciae feeds on the introduced mustard Sisymbrium loeseliiL., 1755 (Brassicaceae) in partial sympatry with its congener, the diamondback moth Plutella xylostella (L., 1758) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae). Sampling was conducted over five years, including one year of repeated, intensive sampling over a large region. The two Plutella species can be differentiated with morphology alone and we provide comparisons of features of the eggs, larvae, pupae and adults of each species. Plutella armoraciae was found to overwinter as eggs or early-instar larvae in S. loeselii rosettes, with adults emerging in April and May, and the first full generation each year taking place in May and June. Larvae fed within webbed flowers and buds of S. loeselii plants, giving rise to a second autumn generation of adults that laid eggs of the overwintering generation. The early summer generation of P. armoraciae larvae peaked earlier than, but partially overlapped with, the peak occurrence of P. xylostella larvae. Both Plutella species were relatively common across all surveyed sites, but not highly abundant at any site. At least two species of larval parasitoids, Diadegma insulare (Cresson) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) and Diolcogaster claritibia (Papp) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), were shared between the two Plutella species, and a community of eight other species of parasitoids and hyperparasitoids were reared from the pupae of one or both Plutella species. The observations of D. claritibia emerging from P. armoraciae are the first records of this parasitoid from a host species other than P. xylostella. It was also discovered that one of the most important parasitoids of P. xylostella worldwide, D. insulare, appears to use P. armoraciae as an overwintering host. We hypothesize that in areas where P. xylostella is a seasonal migrant, year-round resident Plutella species such as P. armoraciae could provide important overwintering hosts and reservoirs for shared parasitoids that help to reduce populations of P. xylostella. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wing-assisted incline running (WAIR) has been observed in bird taxa from multiple clades. Its wide phylogenetic distribution in modern birds suggests that it is an ancestral trait for class Aves. WAIR as a behaviour is speculated to predate the evolution of full-powered flight, and to have formed a behavioural and physiological stepping stone between terrestrial and aerial life. Here I report an observation of apparent WAIR in a Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) photographed incidentally on a trail camera deployed in an urban backyard in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. To my knowledge this is the first documented observation of apparent WAIR for the family Icteridae. Furthermore, it highlights the value of non-systematic use of trail cameras for making unique natural history observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Journal of Higher Education is the property of Canadian Society for the Study of Higher Education and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Bumble Bee Watch is a community science program where participants submit photos of bumble bees from across Canada and the United States for expert verification. The data can be used to help better understand bumble bee biology and aid in their conservation. Yet for community science programs like this to be successful and sustainable, it is important to understand the participant demographics, what motivates them, and the outcomes of their participation, as well as areas that are working well or could be improved. It is also important to understand who verifies the submissions, who uses the data and their views on the program. Of the surveyed users, most participate to contribute to scientific data collection (88%), because of a worry about bees and a desire to help save them (80%), to learn more about species in their property (63%) or region (56%), and because of a personal interest (59%). About 77% report increased awareness of species diversity, while 84% report improvement in their identification skills. We found that 81% had at least one college or university degree. There were more respondents from suburban and rural areas than urban areas, but area did not affect numbers of submissions. While half were between 45 and 64 years of age, age did not influence motivation or number of submissions. Respondents were happy with the program, particularly the website resources, the contribution to knowledge and conservation efforts, the educational values, and the ability to get identifications. Areas for improvement included app and website functionality, faster and more detailed feedback, localized resources, and more communication. Most respondents participate rarely and have submitted fewer than ten records, although about five percent are super users who participate often and submit more than fifty records. Suggested improvements to the program may increase this participation rate. Indeed, increased recruitment and retention of users in general is important, and advertising should promote the outcomes of participation. Fifteen experts responded to a separate survey and were favorable of the program although there were suggestions on how to improve the verification process and the quality of the submitted data. Suggested research questions that could be asked or answered from the data included filling knowledge gaps (species diversity, ranges, habitat, phenology, floral associations, etc.), supporting species status assessments, effecting policy and legislation, encouraging habitat restoration and management efforts, and guiding further research. However, only about half have used data from the project to date. Further promotion of Bumble Bee Watch and community science programs in general should occur amongst academia, conservationists, policy makers, and the general public. This would help to increase the number and scope of submissions, knowledge of these species, interest in conserving them, and the overall program impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite excellent vaccine coverage, pertussis persists in Canada, with high incidence during recent outbreaks and non-negligible incidence in non-outbreak years. While Canadian pertussis incidence is well-characterized, the full health and economic impact of pertussis have not been examined in Canada. We estimated age-specific life years (LYs) and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) lost, and costs due to pertussis in Ontario, Canada, using a model-based approach. We developed a microsimulation model to simulate pertussis natural history. Daily probabilities of pertussis complications, hospitalizations, and disease sequelae as well as utilities and costs for health states were literature-derived. A healthcare payer perspective was used with a lifetime time horizon. Model outcomes were compared to those from a model with no pertussis health states. Probabilistic sensitivity analyses were used to generate distributions for estimates. Economic burden was estimated by multiplying case cost estimates by annual age-specific incidence. Overall, LYs lost per pertussis case was low, with negligible LYs lost in those aged >4 years. Infants (<6 months) had the greatest mean QALY loss per case (0.58), while adults lost only 0.05 QALYs per case. Infants experienced the greatest mean cost per case of $22,768 (95% CI: 21,144–23,406). Case costs generally declined with age, but increased in seniors (aged 65+) with mean cost of $1920 (95% CI: 1800–2033). Based on historic age-specific incidence, pertussis costs the Ontario healthcare system approximately $7.6–$21.5 M annually. In total economic cost estimates with QALYs valued at 1xGDP (3xGDP) per capita, the net impact of pertussis in Ontario was estimated at $21.7–$66.5 M annually ($50.0–$156.3 M). For all of Canada, total economic costs were estimated at $79.6–$241.3 M ($187.5–$580.5 M) annually. The health and economic consequences of pertussis persistence are substantial and highlight the need for improved control strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a highly heritable group of neurodegenerative disorders, with around 30% of patients having a strong family history. The majority of that heritability is accounted for by autosomal dominant mutations in the chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9orf72), progranulin (GRN), and microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT) genes, with mutations more rarely seen in a number of other genes. This review will discuss the recent updates in the field of genetic FTD. Age at symptom onset in genetic FTD is variable with recently identified genetic modifiers including TMEM106B (in GRN carriers particularly) and a polymorphism at a locus containing two overlapping genes LOC101929163 and C6orf10 (in C9orf72 carriers). Behavioural variant FTD (bvFTD) is the most common diagnosis in each of the genetic groups, although in C9orf72 carriers amyotrophic lateral sclerosis either alone, or with bvFTD, is also common. An atypical neuropsychiatric presentation is also seen in C9orf72 carriers and family members of carriers are at greater risk of psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia and autistic spectrum disorders. Large natural history studies of presymptomatic genetic FTD are now underway both in Europe/Canada (GENFI—the Genetic FTD Initiative) and in the US (ARTFL/LEFFTDS study), collaborating together under the banner of the FTD Prevention Initiative (FPI). These studies are taking forward the validation of cognitive, imaging and fluid biomarkers that aim to robustly measure disease onset, staging and progression in genetic FTD. Grey matter changes on MRI and hypometabolism on FDG-PET are seen at least 10 years before symptom onset with white matter abnormalities seen earlier, but the pattern and exact timing of changes differ between different genetic groups. In contrast, tau PET has yet to show promise in genetic FTD. Three key fluid biomarkers have been identified so far that are likely to be helpful in clinical trials—CSF or blood neurofilament light chain levels (in all groups), CSF or blood progranulin levels (in GRN carriers) and CSF poly(GP) dipeptide repeat protein levels (in C9orf72 carriers). Increased knowledge about genetic FTD has led to more clinical presymptomatic genetic testing but this has not yet been mirrored in the development of either an accepted FTD-specific testing protocol or provision of appropriate psychological support mechanisms for those living through the at-risk phase. This will become even more relevant as disease-modifying therapy trials start in each of the genetic groups over the next few years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Journal of Higher Education is the property of Canadian Society for the Study of Higher Education and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

There is little scholarly evidence describing the gendered and racialized climate faced by women in Canadian academic natural sciences and engineering (NSE). We address this gap with a sociological examination of selective incivility, harassment, and discrimination amongst NSE faculty from 12 Canadian universities; asking if women, and racialized female faculty in particular, are more likely to experience mistreatment at work than their white, male colleagues. Analyses of survey data indicated that women were significantly more likely to be mistreated by their coworkers and students than male faculty. Moreover, harassment and discrimination were associated with greater professional marginalization for women, including delayed advancement. Thus, taking a sociological approach to interpersonal mistreatment emphasizes the connection between employee interactions and structural gender inequality in male-dominated NSE. We found mixed evidence with respect to race: racialized women reported less co-worker and student mistreatment than their white female counterparts, but these results were only marginally significant; and racialized men reported significantly more harassment and discrimination than white men. As such, our findings suggest the importance of investigating the organizational employment setting to better understand which workers are at greater risk for mistreatment in different job contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

European and Australian studies have reported a decrease in the prevalence, incidence and clinical severity of Paget's disease of bone (PDB). There are no studies on the current clinical characteristics of PDB in Quebec, Canada. The purpose of this study was to describe the characteristics of unrelated patients with PDB diagnosed after the year 2000 in our region and to compare them to a historical cohort diagnosed before 2000. In this retrospective descriptive cohort study, socio-demographic data and clinical characteristics for the contemporary cohort were collected from electronic medical records of patients with PDB followed at our university hospital. For the historical cohort, the same data were collected from the research files of PDB participants in our research program. Inclusion criteria were: age > 18 years, having PDB diagnosed by a rheumatologist, and being followed in our hospital. Exclusion criteria were: having a relative with PDB participating in this study. Variables were reported as mean, standard deviation, frequency and percentage. Chi-square tests were used to compare categorical variables. Continuous values were compared with Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney tests. Unadjusted p-values and adjusted p-values with the Bonferroni correction method were calculated. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Among the 195 patients with PDB in the contemporary cohort, 53.3 % were men, 60.5 % had monostotic involvement, 14.2 % were symptomatic at diagnosis. In comparison to the historical cohort of 173 patients, patients in the contemporary cohort were older at diagnosis (68.7 土 10.7 vs. 58.5 土 10.1; p < 0.0001) and had less family history of PDB (13.8 % vs. 33.6 %; p = 0.0024). They also had lower total alkaline phosphatase levels at diagnosis (118.0 (85.0–184.0)) vs. 184.0 (115.0–312.0)); p = 0.0006), a lower pagetic bone number (1.0 (1.0–3.0) vs. 2.0 (1.0–5.0); p < 0.0001), lower pagetic bone fractures (6.7 % vs. 36.7 %; p = 0.0078) and lower bone deformities (13.0 % vs. 54.0 %; p < 0.0001). There was no significant difference for pagetic bone pain (52.0 % vs. 52.6 %; p = 1.0000), percentage of patients who had orthopedic surgery related to PDB complications (8.8 % vs. 28.6 %; p = 1.0000), secondary osteoarthritis (43.0 % vs. 51.6 %; p = 1.0000), and hearing impairment (51.9 % vs. 61.1 %; p = 0.1000). The contemporary cohort is characterized by an older age at diagnosis, a majority of monostotic disease and fewer complications of PDB. This decline in clinical severity of PDB in Quebec is consistent with studies reported in other countries. • The study showed a downward trend in the severity of Paget's disease of bone (PDB). • This current cohort of PDB featured older age at diagnosis and less morbidity. • The declining trend affected both sexes in every decade from before 1980 to after 2019. • This was the first study in Canada to describe the clinical phenotype of PDB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study presents information about the taxonomy, natural history, and distribution of orchid weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in Canada. Native are Stethobaris ovata (LeConte, 1869) (=S. congermana Casey, 1892restored synonymy;=S. convergens Casey, 1920new synonymy), S. incompta Casey, 1892 (=S. commixta Blatchley, 1916 new synonymy), and S. sacajaweae Prena, new species, with all of them also being present in the adjacent temperate zone of the United States of America. Orchidophilus aterrimus (Waterhouse, 1874) and S. laevimargo (Champion, 1916) have been found on imported orchid cultivars but did not become established in natural habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Pleasantine Mill graduated in microbiology and immunology from McGill University, Montre'al, Canada, and completed her PhD in medical and molecular genetics at the University of Toronto, Canada. There, under the supervision of Chi-chung Hui, she studied Hedgehog signalling pathways in skin development and tumorigenesis. For her postdoctoral research, Pleasantine moved to Ian Jackson's laboratory at the MRC Human Genetics Unit, Edinburgh, UK, with a Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) fellowship, followed by a Caledonian Research fellowship. Initially focusing on neural crest development, she identified and studied several mouse mutants that displayed defects in ciliogenesis and cilia structure that went on to be implicated in human disease. Pleasantine established her own research program at the MRC in 2014. Her group investigates the genetic programme for cilia structure and function and the links to human ciliopathies. She is the recipient of the 2019Women in Cell Biology Early Career Award Medal from the British Society for Cell Biology (BSCB). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the Vale Earth Gallery at the Canadian Museum of Nature in the Victoria Memorial Museum Building near downtown Ottawa, Ontario which features natural history in Canada and the world. Topics discussed include the use of holograms and interactive computer displays to show how rock history developed the Earth, a display that highlights the meteorite strike, and the sedimentary rock displays.

The author scrutinizes an early tourist pamphlet titled "A Sprig of Mountain Heather," designed by J. B. Harkin and Mabel Williams to market the dominion parks in Canada. The article mentions that the pamphlet, familiar in some historical circles but less so in literary ones, offers an overview into the colonial practice of natural history and its function in forming European relationships to wild spaces such as Simpson Pass, on the border of Rocky Mountains, now Banff National Park.

The article discusses the revival of English genres of the seventeenth century in Canada. It highlights the impact of texts and genres recovery with progress in scientific modernity and recognize for new use in the twentieth and twenty-first century. It also details the important genres in the new philosophy of English language including natural history, anatomy and adaptation.

Abstract: Pronghorn (Antilocapra Americana) were communally hunted over much of western North America. Typically, this was done using V-shaped containment structures of wood and brush leading to an enclosure, pit, or other type of kill site. Such traps are best known in the Great Basin, but less so on the Great Plains. Only one pronghorn drive that utilized lines of stones as the animal-guiding mechanism has been recorded in the latter region. This paper reports on a second occurrence, the Barnett site in southeastern Alberta, Canada. Here, two converging lines of stone form the drive funnel. Rocks are preferentially loaded towards the narrow end, where greatest control was needed. A pit may have been located at the end of the drive, where sharp angles in the stone lines may have been places for archers to station themselves. A review of pronghorn behaviour focuses on their innate curiosity and how this trait was manipulated by knowledgeable hunters. Shamans, or antelope charmers, were key figures in the communal hunts for their role in summoning pronghorn to the traps. It is argued that pronghorn were primarily lured to the Barnett site at which point they were driven down the stone lines. When he [Old Man] was in the mountains, he made the antelope out of dirt, and turned it lose, to see how it would go. It ran so fast that it fell over some rocks and hurt itself. He saw that this would not do, and took the antelope down on the prairie, and turned it lose; and it ran away fast and gracefully, and he said, “This is what you are suited to” (Blackfoot Lodge Tales, Grinnell, 1962, pp. 138). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Academic consulting is a form of knowledge and technology transfer largely under-documented and under-studied that raises ethical and resources allocation issues. Based on a survey of 2,590 Canadian researchers in engineering and natural sciences, this paper explores three forms of academic consulting: (1) paid consulting; (2) unpaid consulting for companies and; (3) unpaid consulting for government agencies. The results of this study show that academics tend to engage simultaneously in paid and unpaid consulting. Two patterns of consulting emerged from the results: a first pattern regarding engagement in paid consulting for companies and government agencies, and unpaid consulting for companies is positively associated with industry funding, size of research laboratories, large-sized research universities, technical validation of knowledge, protection of IP, and strong ties with people in companies. By comparison, a second pattern regarding engagement in unpaid consulting services provided to government organizations is positively associated with size of research laboratories, teaching, large-sized research universities, technical validation of knowledge, and with strong ties with people in government organizations. Knowledge and technology transfer policy should pay more attention to the contribution of academics engaged in consulting activities because they likely significantly contribute to help companies and government agencies solve practical problems that improve their productive and innovative capabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On 10 June 2012 a sample of seven gravid female Northern Ring-necked Snakes (Diadophis punctatus edwardsii), from Big Tancook Island, Lunenburg County, Nova Scotia, was selected for a seasonal live display al the Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History in Halifax. A total of 13 eggs was removed from the display in late June 2012 and incubated for public viewing. The eggs began hatching on 22 August 2012. One of the hatchlings was partial albino (with zanthophores or ame-lanistic). This is the first record of an albinistic Northern Ring-necked Snake in Nova Scotia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrating knowledge from across the natural and social sciences is necessary to effectively address societal tradeoffs between human use of biological diversity and its preservation. Collaborative processes can change the ways decision makers think about scientific evidence, enhance levels of mutual trust and credibility, and advance the conservation policy discourse. Canada has responsibility for a large fraction of some major ecosystems, such as boreal forests, Arctic tundra, wetlands, and temperate and Arctic oceans. Stressors to biological diversity within these ecosystems arise from activities of the country's resource-based economy, as well as external drivers of environmental change. Effective management is complicated by incongruence between ecological and political boundaries and conflicting perspectives on social and economic goals. Many knowledge gaps about stressors and their management might be reduced through targeted, timely research. We identify 40 questions that, if addressed or answered, would advance research that has a high probability of supporting development of effective policies and management strategies for species, ecosystems, and ecological processes in Canada. A total of 396 candidate questions drawn from natural and social science disciplines were contributed by individuals with diverse organizational affiliations. These were collaboratively winnowed to 40 by our team of collaborators. The questions emphasize understanding ecosystems, the effects and mitigation of climate change, coordinating governance and management efforts across multiple jurisdictions, and examining relations between conservation policy and the social and economic well-being of Aboriginal peoples. The questions we identified provide potential links between evidence from the conservation sciences and formulation of policies for conservation and resource management. Our collaborative process of communication and engagement between scientists and decision makers for generating and prioritizing research questions at a national level could be a model for similar efforts beyond Canada. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Bulletin of Medical History is the property of University of Toronto Press and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In this article, the authors describe relatively recent efforts by scientific research agencies to promote, through various funding programs, the integration of social sciences and humanities with the natural sciences. This 'integrated' approach seeks to study science through a broader interdisciplinary lens in order to better anticipate, understand, and address its ethical, legal, and social implications. The authors review the origins and evolution of this trend, as well the arguments which have been formulated by both proponents and critics of integration. By using Genome Canada's 'GE3LS' Research Program as a case study, the authors discuss the successes and continuing challenges of this model based on evaluation results available to date. The authors then go on to examine and compare three possible models for improving the future success of the GE3LS research program, including: 1) enhancing the current integrated research approach through incremental refinements based on concrete evidence and lessons learned; 2) promoting greater interaction and synergy across GE3LS research projects through a deliberate, systematic and coordinated 'hub and spoke' approach; and 3) taking a broad programmatic approach to GE3LS research by creating a central resource of available expertise and advisory capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the Natural History Society of New Brunswick based in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, which operated from 1862 until 1932. The organization was responsible for geological research and public education. The society's lead geologist was George Matthew who published more than 200 scientific papers. The society published the "Bulletin of the Natural History Society of New Brunswick" from 1862 until 1917 which published over 800 lectures and speeches. The society was created in part to provide a scientific library for amateur scientists and was important because the Great Fire of 1877 destroyed many local personal libraries, but the society's library collection remained untouched. The society's library was the basis for the collection of the New Brunswick Museum.

Le Codex canadensis est un manuscrit remarquable du XVIIe siècle, composé de dessins d'autochtones, ainsi que de la flore et de la faune nord-américains. Le manuscrit fut redécouvert dans les années 1930. L'on détermina que son auteur était le jésuite Louis Nicolas seulement en 1979, et sa date précise demeure toujours incertaine. Cet article examine la provenance du manuscrit, sa présentation matérielle, son écriture, ses origines dans l'expérience jésuite en Amérique du Nord, ses sources dans les sciences naturelles antérieures à Linné et les conditions sociales de sa composition. A partir d'approches et d'informations fournies par plusieurs domaines de l'histoire politique, de l'histoire scientifique, de l'étude du mécénat et de la codicologie, il conclut que Nicolas travaillait encore sur le manuscrit en 1700, et qu'il s'agissait probablement d'un livre destiné à être présenté à Louis XIV. Le Codex canadensis n'est pas un simple portfolio de dessins. Sa présentation est une mise en scène des populations et créatures qui peuplaient la Nouvelle France, selon les concepts de hiérarchie de l'imaginaire des Européens de l'époque. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Management of emerging infectious diseases such as the 2009 influenza pandemic A (H1N1) poses great challenges for real-time mathematical modeling of disease transmission due to limited information on disease natural history and epidemiology, stochastic variation in the course of epidemics, and changing case definitions and surveillance practices. Findings: The Richards model and its variants are used to fit the cumulative epidemic curve for laboratoryconfirmed pandemic H1N1 (pH1N1) infections in Canada, made available by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). The model is used to obtain estimates for turning points in the initial outbreak, the basic reproductive number (R0), and for expected final outbreak size in the absence of interventions. Confirmed case data were used to construct a best-fit 2-phase model with three turning points. R0 was estimated to be 1.30 (95% CI 1.12-1.47) for the first phase (April 1 to May 4) and 1.35 (95% CI 1.16-1.54) for the second phase (May 4 to June 19). Hospitalization data were also used to fit a 1-phase model with R0 = 1.35 (1.20-1.49) and a single turning point of June 11. Conclusions: Application of the Richards model to Canadian pH1N1 data shows that detection of turning points is affected by the quality of data available at the time of data usage. Using a Richards model, robust estimates of R0 were obtained approximately one month after the initial outbreak in the case of 2009 A (H1N1) in Canada. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article studies the differences in knowledge production between academic researchers. In this perspective, it attempts at first to answer the following question: what factors explain differences in knowledge production between Canadian researchers in natural sciences and engineering? After a presentation of some of the empirical evidence related to this first question, a distinction between two types of academic institutions, entrepreneurial versus non-entrepreneurial universities, is introduced. Drawing from this distinction, four empirical models are suggested to test differences in knowledge production between entrepreneurial and non-entrepreneurial researchers. The results show, first, that funding, time devoted to teaching activities, research team and individual attributes have a similar but differentiated impact on knowledge production of entrepreneurial and non-entrepreneurial researchers. Second, there are some unbalanced effects of the variables co-operation, time devoted to research activities, academic fields and university size on the knowledge production of Canadian researchers on natural science and engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The history of instrumental meteorological observations in Labrador/Nunatsiavut, Canada, began in August 1771 when the Unitas Fratrum, also known as the “Moravian Brethren”, established a mission among the Inuit on the Labrador coast. The Brethren named this place “Nain” after a city mentioned in the New Testament of the Bible. The missionaries included learned men, trained in the natural sciences, and in October of that same year they began to undertake instrumental meteorological observations. These observations have been continued, in one form or another, to the present day. As will be shown in this paper, the year 1771 thus marks the beginning of a long time series of meteorological observations from Labrador. The authors of this paper are currently researching the climatic history of the Labrador/Nunatsiavut region by tracing the meteorological observations of the Moravian missionaries to be found in scientific publications of the eighteenth, nineteenth and twentieth centuries. As will be demonstrated, the records of these observations in Labrador go through several stages; from being almost completely forgotten, to being published and republished in the main international meteorological journals. In this latter context, it may be said that the channels for the distribution of this knowledge are still being charted; this process involves tracking contacts between the Moravian Church and their sympathisers, as well as between the Church and contemporary scientists. This paper seeks to elucidate knowledge of these old records by placing them in the context of the research field of historical climatology and, at the same time, to honour the Moravian missionary observers for their valuable contribution to knowledge of past variations in climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

I quantified the occurrence of all vascular plant species inhabiting 43 Thuja plicata Donn ex D. Don trees in a temperate rainforest in British Columbia, Canada, to test whether (i) epiphyte species richness increased with tree diameter, and (ii) epiphyte distributions showed evidence for nestedness, checkerboard distributions, or compartmentalization. Nine vascular plant species were observed growing epiphytically. One species (Polypodium glycyrrhiza Eat.) is an obligate epiphyte, while the remainder typically occurred on the forest floor. Smaller host trees (<0.5 m in diameter) lacked vascular epiphytes, and species richness increased with host diameter. No evidence for nested or checkerboarded distributions was observed. However, epiphyte distributions were compartmentalized, owing to five similar shrub species that tended to co-occur jointly, generating sharp turnover in species composition between host trees with and without shrubs. The lack of co-occurrence patterns indicative of interspecific interactions among epiphytes indicates that the epiphyte meta-community is structured stochastically from species that normally grow terrestrially. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - Environmental assessment (EA) is a proactive planning tool designed to consider the ecological, cultural, socio-political and economic impacts of potential projects, making it a major tool for achieving sustainable development. Meaningful EA requires a bridging of the natural sciences with the social sciences to broaden understanding of the overall environmental impacts of development projects on humans, the natural environment and other organisms. As a result of this complexity, education and training needs are great. The purpose of this paper was to consider EA educational opportunities at Canadian universities and to test a model for the analysis of the state of such education. Design/methodology/approach - The research design used a qualitative interactive approach, including a survey of 2001 university course calendars, participant observation and semi-structured interviews. Findings - Results indicate that the number of universities offering EA courses has tripled to 40 since the mid-1980 s. While this is a positive finding, data illustrate that the bulk of the courses offered are survey-oriented and introductory in nature, with little opportunity to specialize. This cursory approach is exacerbated by a lack of teaching resources and instructor development. Despite the nature of the courses offered, many professors encourage critical thinking and use innovative teaching techniques, including role-playing, to promote self-reflection. In fact, the interdisciplinary approach to the curricula and the promotion of critical thinking outside disciplinary boundaries are two strengths of current EA programming. Originality/value - In light of this state of formal EA education in Canada, more research and international level dialogue are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of a large number of collection specimens from the US National Museum of Natural History belonging to the genus Calligrapha Chevrolat (Chrysomelidae) from the Nearctic region has provided with one new province record and one new species record for Canada and 63 new US State records for a total of 20 taxa. These new records usually correspond to adjacent areas to already identified ranges of distribution, expanding considerably the known geographical boundaries of the species studied. The zoogeography of the genus Calligrapha in North America is discussed based on the updated information on the distribution of the genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigation of a small number of samples with representatives of the genus Diaphanosoma from the cladoceran collection of the National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution (Washington, D.C., U.S.A.) has revealed two new species, D. freyi and D. heberti, from Louisiana-Missouri and Newfoundland, respectively. The former looks like one of the most primitive species of the genus. Two other species, D. fluviatile and D. brevireine, are recorded from the southern United States for the first time. Members of the D. brachyuruin and D. birgei species groups, which are morphologic ally variable and need further detailed investigations, were represented in the bulk of the material studied. The species richness of the genus in North America appears to be high and its composition is obviously complex but remains little studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Paleoproterozoic southeastern Churchill Province (SECP) is located in the northeastern Canadian Shield of Labrador and Quebec. The SECP formed through the oblique collisions of the Archean Nain and Superior cratons with a third intervening Archean block, the core zone. The belt has a tripartite structure, comprising the Torngat Orogen (TO) formed by Nain craton – core zone collision in the east, the core zone in the centre, and the New Quebec Orogen (NQO) formed by Superior craton – core zone collision in the west. The SECP thus records transpressional development on the flanks of the Superior and Nain cratons as they indented northwards to form the larger Trans-Hudson – Nagssugtoqidian orogenic belt to the north. Principal stages of tectonic development were (1) 2.2–2.1 Ga crustal rifting of Nain and Superior cratons; (2) ca. 1.9 Ga subduction under eastern Nain craton; (3) ca. 1.87–1.85 Ga collision of Nain craton and core zone to form the TO; (4) 1.845–1.820 Ga sinistral transpression in the TO, and subduction under the western core zone; and (5) 1.82–1.77 Ga collision of Superior craton and core zone to form the NQO, in association with dextral transpression. Crustal-scale cross sections of the SECP have been developed from reflection and refraction seismic data. The western part of the NQO is dominantly west-vergent and associated with an imbricate thick-skinned thrust stack that ramps from the base of the crust. The core zone is characterized by a 35–40 km thick crust and pervasive east-dipping fabrics related to westerly thrusting. The TO is a narrow, doubly vergent belt, associated with a 48 km thick crust that forms a crustal root with a Moho relief of 12 km. The root is interpreted to result from attempted subduction of the core zone under the Nain craton, possibly as a result of mid-crustal wedging by the Nain craton. The TO was the site of intense convergence that resulted in excision of juvenile crust, possibly including tectonic removal of the axial magmatic arc. As a result, the middle to lower levels of the SECP consist largely of refractory Archean lithosphere. This may account for the lack of widespread post-collisional plutonism in the SECP and the preservation of the TO root.Le sud-est de la Province de Churchill (SECP, Southeastern Churchill Province; Paléoprotérozoïque) est situé dans le nord-est du Bouclier canadien, au Labrador et au Québec. Le SECP a été formé par des collisions obliques entre les cratons archéens de Nain et du Supérieur et un troisième bloc archéen intermédiaire, la zone noyau. La ceinture a une structure tripartite, comprenant l'orogène Torngat (TO), formé par la collision entre la zone noyau et le craton de Nain, à l'est, la zone noyau au centre et l'orogène du Nouveau-Québec (NQO), formé par la collision entre la zone noyau et le craton du Supérieur, à l'ouest. Le SECP enregistre donc le développement de transpressions sur les flancs des cratons de Nain et du Supérieur alors que ces derniers se déplaçaient vers le nord pour former la grande ceinture orogénique trans-hudsonienne – nagssugtoqidienne au nord. Les principaux stages de développement tectonique ont été : (1) la dérive crustale des cratons de Nain et du Supérieur, 2,2–2,1 Ga; (2) la subduction sous le craton de Nain oriental, vers 1,9 Ga; (3) la collision entre le craton de Nain et la zone noyau pour former l'orogène Torngat, vers 1,87–1,85 Ga; (4) la transpression senestre dans TO, 1,845–1,82 Ga; la subduction sous la zone noyau occidentale; (5) la collision entre le craton du Supérieur et la zone noyau pour former l'orogène du Nouveau-Québec, associée à de la transpression dextre, 1,82–1,77 Ga. Des coupes à l'échelle crustale du SECP ont été produites à partir de données de sismique réflexion et réfraction. La partie ouest de l'orogène du Nouveau-Québec est déversée surtout vers l'ouest et associée à une épaisse structure imbriquée de chevauchement qui remonte à partir de la base de la croûte. La zone noyau est caractérisée par une croûte dont l'épaisseur est de 35–40 km et des textures pénétrantes à pendage vers l'est qui sont reliées à du chevauchement vers l'ouest. L'orogène Torngat est une ceinture étroite à double vergence, associée à une croûte épaisse de 48 km qui forme une racine crustale avec un relief du Moho de 12 km. On interprète la racine comme une tentative de subduction de la zone noyau sous le craton de Nain, possiblement à la suite d'un coincement mi-crustal par le craton de Nain. L'orogène Torngat a été le site d'une intense convergence qui a eu comme résultat d'exciser la croûte juvénile, possiblement avec le retrait tectonique de l'arc magmatique axial. Il en a résulté que les niveaux mi-inférieurs du SECP consistent surtout de lithosphère archéenne réfractaire. Cela pourrait expliquer le manque de plutonisme post-collisionnel étendu dans le SECP et la préservation de la racine de l'orogène Torngat.[Traduit par la Rédaction] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New magnetic and paleomagnetic data for central British Columbia support and quantify the hypothesis that the area underwent significant Tertiary-age transtensional deformation. Paleomagnetically determined tilts in Eocene rocks indicate that four fault-bounded pits, which constitute the Endako molybdenum mine, were displaced on a series of normal (probably listric) faults that have separations of less than a kilometre. The interpretation also suggests there can be little vertical offset on the Denak West Fault, which separates the Denak East and Denak West pits. Regional paleomagnetic data indicate a predominance of easterly directed tilts to the east of the Casey Fault, but to the west a large variation in the orientation and magnitude of tilts is observed. Results at one site proximal to the Casey Fault indicate a component of dip-slip displacement on this dominantly dextral strike-slip fault. Mapped northeast- and northwest-trending faults commonly correspond to linear zones of steep magnetic gradient and near-surface magnetic sources. Several additional northwest- and northeast-trending lineaments are imaged in the magnetic data where no faults are mapped (particularly over massive and lithologically homogeneous phases of the Endako batholith). Euler deconvolution solutions confirm most such lineaments are also associated with shallow magnetic sources. In profile, they have either a fault or dyke character and are interpreted to be unmapped faults, some locally intruded by mafic dykes, which cut the region into a series of fault-bounded blocks.De nouvelles données magnétiques et paléomagnétiques pour le centre de la Colombie-Britannique supportent et quantifient l'hypothèse que la région a subi d'importantes déformations de tension transversale au Tertiaire. Des inclinaisons déterminées par paléomagnétisme dans des roches datant de l'Éocène indiquent que les quatre fosses, limitées par des failles, qui constituent la mine de molybdène Endako ont été déplacées selon une série de failles normales (probablement listriques) séparées par moins d'un kilomètre. L'interprétation suggère également qu'il ne peut y avoir eu qu'un léger déplacement vertical le long de la faille Denak Ouest qui sépare les fosses Denak Est et Denak Ouest. Les données paléomagnétiques régionales indiquent une prédominance d'inclinaisons à direction est à l'est de la faille Casey mais, à l'ouest, on observe une grande variation dans l'orientation et la magnitude des inclinaisons. À une site près de la faille Casey, les résultats indiquent une composante de déplacement normal le long de cette faille à décrochement surtout horizontal dextre. Les failles cartographiées à tendance nord-est et nord-ouest correspondent fréquemment à des zones linéaires de gradient magnétique abrupte et à des sources magnétiques près de la surface. Plusieurs linéaments additionnels à tendance nord-ouest et nord-est sont imagés dans les données magnétiques où aucune faille n'est cartographiée (surtout au-dessus de phases massives et à lithologie homogène du batholite Endako). Des solutions de déconvolution eulériennes confirment que la plupart de tels linéaments sont également associés à des sources magnétiques à faible profondeur. En profil, ils ont le caractère d'une faille ou d'un dyke et on les interprète comme des failles non cartographiées, quelques-unes ayant subi une intrusion locale par des dykes mafiques qui découpent la région en une série de blocs délimités par des failles.[Traduit par la Rédaction] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New U–Pb ages and K–Ar dates, primarily for rocks proximal to mineral occurrences in the Fawnie Range of central British Columbia, document latest Cretaceous (ca. 74–66 Ma) continental-arc igneous activity and date associated base and precious metal mineralization. U–Pb ages of ca. 73–69 Ma for the Capoose pluton and hypabyssal to extrusive garnet rhyolites at the Capoose prospect demonstrate a latest Cretaceous age for mineralization and a likely plutonic source for mineralizing fluids. A U–Pb age of ca. 67 Ma for a late mineralized felsic dyke and two K–Ar dates (ca. 70 and 68 Ma) for hornfelsed Jurassic volcanic rocks at the Blackwater–Davidson prospect constrain a latest Cretaceous age for mineralization. A U–Pb age of ca. 74 Ma for a fine grained diorite sill that cuts a significant epithermal gold vein at the Tsacha prospect places a minimum age on mineralization at this probable Jura-Cretaceous deposit and documents latest Cretaceous magmatism. Latest Cretaceous K–Ar dates are reported for an andesite flow adjacent to the Eocene Holy Cross deposit (ca. 66 Ma), about 35 km north of the Fawnie Range, and a Kasalka Group rhyolite (ca. 68 Ma) exposed near the western margin of the Nechako Plateau. Latest Cretaceous magmatism and mineralization in the Fawnie Range represent the waning stages of Bulkley suite magmatism and porphyry-style mineralization, which was concentrated along the western margin of the Nechako Plateau at circa 88–70 Ma. The distribution of latest Cretaceous arc igneous rocks along the North American Cordilleran is reviewed and tectonic implications discussed.De nouveaux âges U–Pb et de nouvelles datations K–Ar, surtout pour des roches à proximité d'occurrences minérales dans la chaîne Fawnie du centre de la Colombie-Britannique documentent la plus récente activité ignée d'arc continental au Crétacé (ca. 74–66 Ma) et datent la minéralisation associée de métaux précieux et de métaux de base. Des âges U–Pb d'environ 73–69 Ma pour le pluton de Capoose et les rhyolites grenatifères hypabyssales à extrusives dans la zone d'intérêt Capoose démontrent un âge Crétacé terminal pour la minéralisation et une source plutonique probable pour les fluides minéralisateurs. Un âge U–Pb d'environ 67 Ma pour un dyke felsique à minéralisation tardive et deux datations K–Ar (ca. 70 et 68 Ma) pour des roches volcaniques au faciès des cornéennes, datant du Jurassique, à la zone d'intérêt Blackwater–Davidson limitent l'âge de la minéralisation au Crétacé terminal. Un âge U–Pb d'environ 74 Ma pour un filon-couche de diorite à grains fins qui recoupe une importante veine d'or épithermale à la zone d'intérêt Tsacha donne un âge minimum pour la minéralisation de ce dépôt, probablement au Jurassique–Crétacé, et documente le magmatisme au Crétacé terminal. Des datations K–Ar de Crétacé terminal sont rapportées pour un écoulement d'andésite adjacent au gisement de Holy Cross, datant de l'Éocène (ca. 66 MA), situé à environ 35 km au nord de la chaîne Fawnie et pour une rhyolite du Groupe de Kasalka (ca. 68 Ma) affleurant près de la bordure ouest du plateau Nechako. Du magmatisme et de la minéralisation dans la chaîne Fawnie, au Crétacé terminal, représentent les dernières phases du magmatisme de la suite Bulkley et de la minéralisation de type porphyrique, qui a été concentrée le long de la bordure ouest du plateau Nechako il y a environ 88–70 Ma. On passe en revue la distribution des roches ignées d'arc au Crétacé terminal le long de la Cordillère nord-américaine et on discute des implications tectoniques.[Traduit par la Rédaction] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: OncoSim-Breast is a Canadian breast cancer simulation model to evaluate breast cancer interventions. This paper aims to describe the OncoSim-Breast model and how well it reproduces observed breast cancer trends., Methods: The OncoSim-Breast model simulates the onset, growth, and spread of invasive and ductal carcinoma in situ tumours. It combines Canadian cancer incidence, mortality, screening program, and cost data to project population-level outcomes. Users can change the model input to answer specific questions. Here, we compared its projections with observed data. First, we compared the model's projected breast cancer trends with the observed data in the Canadian Cancer Registry and from Vital Statistics. Next, we replicated a screening trial to compare the model's projections with the trial's observed screening effects., Results: OncoSim-Breast's projected incidence, mortality, and stage distribution of breast cancer were close to the observed data in the Canadian Cancer Registry and from Vital Statistics. OncoSim-Breast also reproduced the breast cancer screening effects observed in the UK Age trial., Conclusions: OncoSim-Breast's ability to reproduce the observed population-level breast cancer trends and the screening effects in a randomized trial increases the confidence of using its results to inform policy decisions related to early detection of breast cancer., Competing Interests: The authors declared no conflict of interest.

Presents the context of the two unpublished letters of John William Dawson, a scientist of colonial Canada in the 19th century, to the mathematician George Gabriel Stokes. Promulgation on the difficulties he has encountered in geological classification, nomenclature, and mapping; Assertion on the status of the Geological society in the country; Legal proposals for the society.

Marine and estuarine management requires an excellent understanding of the interacting, interrelated and interdependent sub-systems comprising ecological, societal and management complexity. Managing such a complex system sustainably relies on knowing what aspects can be managed, and conversely what aspects are outside the control of the manager. Accordingly, by taking elements from existing environmental management approaches, especially in Europe and Canada, here we propose an integrated systems analysis approach which links 14 component sub-systems. Using these cases shows that while all elements exist, they have hitherto not been combined into a holistic decision support system. These components are linked here in a cycle of three Parts - (A) defining the policy problems facing the seas, (B) obtaining the relevant and fit-for-purpose natural and social sciences data and information, and (C) creating an input for policy and decision-making which involves stakeholders. The component sub-systems are: an Underpinning Framework Sub-system (1), which then leads to the Issue Sub-system (2), which is vision-related and includes causes and/or consequences of pressures to be managed. The Ecological Sub-system (3) links the biota and its environment to the Socio-ecological Sub-system (4) and the Socio-economic subsystem (5), which considers the macroeconomic aspects. The Resources and Delivery Sub-system (6) considers which scientists do what and how do they do it and the Provenance Sub-system (7) checks that there is a fit-for-purpose and defendable science evidence base. The Governance Sub-system (8), incorporates policies and politics as well as horizontally and vertically integrating the Legislative (8A) and the Administrative Sub-systems (8B). The Communication (8C) and Stakeholder Sub-systems (8D) ensure involvement across the stakeholder typology (of formal and informal actors). Finally, the Achievement Sub-system (9) and the Feedback Sub-system (10) ensures that all of these actions achieve successful and sustainable marine resource management. Image 1 • A systems approach is proposed for integrated and sustainable marine management. • Part A shows the links between the policy, vision, issues and risks for all seas. • Part B shows the means to obtain natural and social sciences data and information. • Part C indicates the complex role of governance and stakeholder input to management. • All 14 interlinked/interdependent sub-systems produce holistic marine management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DMD is a severe progressive myopathy characterized by early loss of ambulation (LOA) and reduced life expectancy; and corticosteroids (CS) can delay disease progression. The objective was to summarize data on age at LOA and death from CS-treated patients with DMD. This analysis focused on studies with a minimum sample size >=50 CS-treated DMD patients from the US and Canada. [Extracted from the article]

We report the recruitment activities and outcomes of a multi-disease neuromuscular patient registry in Canada. The Canadian Neuromuscular Disease Registry (CNDR) registers individuals across Canada with a confirmed diagnosis of a neuromuscular disease. Diagnosis and contact information are collected across all diseases and detailed prospective data is collected for 5 specific diseases: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), Myotonic Dystrophy (DM), Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy (LGMD), and Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). Since 2010, the CNDR has registered 4306 patients (1154 pediatric and 3148 adult) with 91 different neuromuscular diagnoses and has facilitated 125 projects (73 academic, 3 not-for-profit, 3 government, and 46 commercial) using registry data. In conclusion, the CNDR is an effective and productive pan-neuromuscular registry that has successfully facilitated a substantial number of studies over the past 10 years.