Different measurement methods

have been used by researche

Different measurement methods

have been used by researchers to gain an understanding of the diffusion rate of specific CPAs in cartilage and similar tissues. Sharma et al. [92] and Jomha et al. [51] calculated the overall uptake of four commonly used CPAs in cartilage discs by measuring the osmolality of a known amount of phosphate-buffered saline in which the treated cartilage disc had been equilibrated over 24 h. Using a similar approach, Pegg et al. [106] used high performance CB-839 cost liquid chromatography (HPLC) to measure Me2SO content in discs of cartilage. Wusteman et al. [113] did not directly measure the overall concentration, but used differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to measure the melting point of the tissue sample after

freezing for direct application in their step-cooling protocol. In a few other studies, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been used to evaluate the overall CPA content of the tissue [34], [43] and [80]. Mukherjee et al. (2008) used MRI to obtain total Me2SO concentration in cartilage dowels [71]. The data acquired in these experiments were either used directly in the design of the stepwise protocols, or were fed to models buy AZD4547 such as Fick’s law of diffusion to calculate the effective diffusion coefficient of the CPA in cartilage for making further predictions. The study by Isbell et al. [43] was the first to demonstrate the possibility of collecting spatially resolved data of the dynamics of CPA diffusion in rat kidney

and liver tissues. However, Florfenicol the application of the acquired data was limited to the calculation of an effective diffusion coefficient in the tissue. A recent study by Abazari et al. (2012) was the first to experimentally spatiotemporally resolve the uptake of Me2SO in cartilage dowels during the course of a 1-h experiment using MRI [3]. The data presented in that study showed that the heterogeneities in cartilage matrix collagen and GAG protein network have minimal effect on the distribution of a nonionic solute such as Me2SO, and that, in full-thickness healthy porcine cartilage, the diffusion of Me2SO is not significantly hindered due to matrix orientation and density across the thickness, and that the diffusion is abruptly impeded at the bone-cartilage interface, as previously suggested [78]. A nonuniform distribution of CPA due to the thickness produces a subsequent nonuniform pattern of damage, so that the chondrocytes may survive in some regions while experiencing more damage in other regions. This makes it even more difficult to analyze the CPA toxicity effects during loading.

During the mixing period, the magnetizations of the individual nu

During the mixing period, the magnetizations of the individual nuclei are partly transferred to their correlation partners.

The polarization of f2 is partly moved to the nuclei with f1 and f3. The magnetization at x1 is transferred from protons with f1 to protons with f2 and at x3 some magnetization is now at protons with f2. If we would end the experiment at this point, the appearance of the resulting spectrum would be like a regular 2D spectrum including diagonal- and cross peaks. Subsequently, the magnetization which is on-resonance during the weak gradient field is destroyed by two excitation sculpting blocks. So, the part of the magnetization that is not transferred during the mixing sequence, and which produces the diagonal peak is removed right before ZD1839 in vitro the start of acquisition. The this website result is that in slice x1 the only remaining magnetization is from protons with f3 (peak a in Fig. 2). In slice x2 protons with f2 in the indirect dimension have remaining

magnetizations of f1 and f3 (peaks b and c) and in slice x3 protons with f3 in t1 have peaks at f2 (peak d). Correlation peaks which are underneath the diagonal (from two correlated nuclei which happen to have the same chemical shift) are of course also suppressed by this method and cannot be observed. This spatially-selective approach for diagonal peak suppression can be applied to any kind of homonuclear two- (and multi-) dimensional NMR spectrum simply by replacing the first 90° excitation pulse by a selective one applied during a weak gradient and using an on-resonance signal suppression

scheme right before acquisition, which is also applied during a weak gradient field. Due to the slice-selective excitation the sensitivity of the proposed scheme is reduced when compared to a regular 2D experiment. It is determined by the width CYTH4 of the excitation slice. The width of this slice is determined by the strength of the gradient (∼1–1.5 G/cm to excite all protons in the spectrum). We used typically a gradient of 1.5 G/cm, which covers ∼10 ppm 1H frequency at 500 MHz. The width of the excited sample slice is also determined by the width of the excitation pulse. On the other hand the selectivity of the pulse determines how close signals can be to the diagonal to still be observable. However, if the pulse gets too selective, the excited sample slices gets smaller, which reduces the sensitivity. The thickness of the slice excited during the weak gradient corresponds to the ratio Δωex/Δω, with Δωex being the excitation bandwidth of the selective pulse and Δω the frequency shift range induced by the weak gradient in the detected sample volume length.

Our data show that Rad6 is only weakly expressed in normal human

Our data show that Rad6 is only weakly expressed in normal human epidermal melanocytes, but is overexpressed in melanoma lines, and unlike Mitf-M, Rad6 expression correlates with elevated levels of high molecular weight β-catenin and β-catenin transcriptional activity. Immunofluorescence analysis of Rad6 and Melan-A in melanoma tissue microarray showed weak or low Rad6 expression in nevi compared to malignant melanomas. Furthermore, while Rad6 expression is negligible

in normal areas of skin, increases in Rad6 expression coinciding with increases in Melan-A positive cells are observed in superficial spreading selleck inhibitor malignant melanoma (SSMM), suggesting that Rad6 expression status could serve as an early marker of neoplastic conversion to melanoma. Normal human primary epidermal melanocytes (HeMa-LP; (Life Technologies, Carlsbad, California)

were cultured in Dermal Cell Basal Medium supplemented with melanocyte growth supplements insulin (5 μg/ml), ascorbic acid (50 μg/ml), L-glutamine (6 mmol/L), epinephrine (1.0 μmol/L), calcium chloride (0.2 mmol/L) and M8 supplement (ATCC, Manassas, VA). learn more Cultures were used within 5 to 10 passages. Human melanoma cell lines A2058 (ATCC), A375 (ATCC), MelJuso (DSMZ, Braunschweig, Germany), M14 (National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland), Malme-3 M and G361 (ATCC) were cultured in RPMI 1640 medium with 10% fetal bovine serum. The human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 cells (ATCC) were maintained in DMEM/F12 medium supplemented with 5% fetal bovine serum [30]. Migration/invasion assays were performed in Boyden chambers (Neuroprobe, Cabin John, MD) containing 8 μm pore size polycarbonate membrane

coated with Matrigel basement membrane matrix (BD Biocoat, BD Biosciences, Bedford, MA) as described previously [30]. 100 × 103 Cells Abiraterone order in serum-free media were seeded in transwell chambers and following incubation overnight at 37°C and 5% CO2, the migrated/invaded cells were fixed and counted after staining with Protocol Hema 3 stain set (Fisher Scientific, Pittsburgh, PA). Stained membranes were scanned and density of spots quantitated with NIH Imaging J Version 1.62. Assays were performed in sextuplets. Whole cell lysates were prepared as previously described [24]. Nuclear and cytoplasmic subfractions were prepared using a nuclear/cytosol fractionation kit (MBL International, Woburn, MA). Aliquots of whole cell lysates, nuclear, or cytoplasmic fractions containing 25 μg protein were subjected to SDS-PAGE and western blot analysis with antibodies to Rad6, β-catenin (SantaCruz Biotechnology, Inc., Dallas, TX), β-actin (Sigma-Aldrich, St.

Temperature resistance of fermentation microorganisms is of great

Temperature resistance of fermentation microorganisms is of great importance due to the high temperature of enzymatic hydrolysis, where for an effective application of simultaneous processes, the fermentation temperature should be as close to

the optimal enzymatic hydrolysis temperature as possible. Fermentation can be sequential to hydrolysis or it can occur simultaneously. Some methods have been developed to maximize efficiency while reducing costs and simplifying the Dabrafenib mouse overall process. These methods include: Separate Hydrolysis and Fermentation (SHF), Simultaneous Saccharification and Fermentation (SSF), Hybrid Hydrolysis and Fermentation (HHF), Separate or Simultaneous Co-Fermentation (SSCF) and Consolidated Bioprocessing (CPB), and these processes can also be broken down into batch, fed-batch and continuous processes. Integration of the different processes (enzyme production, saccharification and fermentation) reduces costs, but also complicates the

process since optimal operating conditions are typically different [34] and [38]. This is further complicated in consolidated bioprocessing where a single microorganism is utilized for enzyme synthesis as well as monosaccharide fermentation. However, cellulases are inhibited by glucose, and if saccharification is consolidated with fermentation, Gefitinib clinical trial conversion of glucose to ethanol reduces this inhibitory effect. The process of second generation ethanol production from different agricultural residues and food wastes is a strategy that decreases environmental impacts. However, further advances to this process must to be achieved to make it more cost-effective and a sustainable reality. Future strategies focus on advances in biotechnological tools which are necessary to discover new and/or more effective enzymes, and to improve the production of (hemi)cellulases in homologous or heterologous systems. MYO10 Additional

knowledge on the mode of action of enzymes is also necessary as well as utilization of recycling techniques to increase enzyme productivity. Furthermore, studies must concentrate efforts on the search for fermentative microorganisms that process pentoses in high yields, which may represent further increases in production efficiencies. Consolidated Bioprocessing (CPB) is an additional alternative to reduce costs, although much more complex. The various different types of implementation, integration and optimization of the best techniques and parameters will lead to enhanced efficiency of second generation bioethanol production. Papers of particular interest, published within the period of review, have been highlighted as: • of special interest We acknowledge the Brazilian institutions CAPES for the scholarship granted to the first author and FAPEMIG and CNPq for the resources provided. “
“Shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS) is the most frequently reported specific diagnosis in patients with CANS (Complaints of the Arm, Neck and/or Shoulder) (Huisstede et al.

, 1994) and applied to the MEG data The anatomically normalized

, 1994) and applied to the MEG data. The anatomically normalized MEG data were filtered with a Gaussian kernel of 20 mm (full-width at half-maximum) in the x,

y, and z axes (voxel dimension was 5.0×5.0×5.0 mm). The decreased oscillatory powers, that is, ERDs, for β-band (13–25 Hz), α-band (8–13 Hz), θ-band (4–8 Hz), δ-band (1–4 Hz), and γ-band (25–50 Hz) within the time window of 0–1000 ms (every 100 ms) in the suppression sessions relative to the motivation sessions were measured on a region-of-interest basis in order to obtain the neural activation pattern related to the suppression of appetitive motivation. Baseline corrections were conducted with the time window of −500 ms to 0 ms. The resulting set of voxel values for each comparison constituted a SPM of the t statistics (SPMt). The SPMt was transformed to the unit of normal distribution (SPMZ). The threshold for the SPMZ of individual E7080 price analyses was set at P<0.05 (corrected for multiple comparisons). The weighted sum of the parameters estimated in the individual analyses consisted of “contrast” images, which were used for the group analyses ( Friston et al., 1999). Individual data were summarized and incorporated into a random-effect

model so that inferences could be made at a population level ( Friston et al., 1999). SPMt and SPMZ for the contrast images were created as described above. Significant signal changes for each contrast were assessed by means of t statistics on a voxel-by-voxel basis ( Friston et al., 1999). The threshold for the SPMZ of Navitoclax research buy group analyses was set at P<0.05 (corrected for multiple comparisons). Anatomical localizations of significant voxels within

clusters were done using the Talairach Demon software ( Lancaster et al., 2000). Anatomic MRI was performed using a Philips Achieva 3.0TX (Royal Philips Electronics, Eindhoven, the Netherlands) for all participants to permit registration of magnetic source locations with their respective anatomic locations. Before MRI scanning, five adhesive markers (Medtronic Surgical Navigation Technologies Inc., Broomfield, CO) were attached to the skin of each participant’s head (the first and second markers Cytidine deaminase were located 10 mm in front of the left tragus and right tragus, the third at 35 mm above the nasion, and the fourth and fifth at 40 mm right and left of the third one). MEG data were superimposed on MRI scans using information obtained from these markers and MEG localization coils. Data are expressed as mean±SD unless otherwise stated. Pearson’s correlation analyses were used to evaluate the relationships between the MEG and subjective variables. All P values were two-tailed, and values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS 18.0 software package (SPSS, Chicago, IL).

Followed by the identification of the metabolites, the study has

Followed by the identification of the metabolites, the study has been reversed back to examine the isolate for the specific

genes responsible for the anthracene catabolism. As described in Section 1, the presence of dissolution agents is the primary requirement of the microorganisms to attack or encounter the lipophilic molecule. Though, the isolate displayed surface-active agents during the growth, the gene responsible for the production of surface-active agent was examined using molecular techniques. Fig. 4a illustrates Fluorouracil solubility dmso the PCR amplified product of licA3 gene determined with 0.26 kb and Fig. 4b depicts the PCR amplified product of catechol 2,3 dioxygenase (C23O) gene obtained using primers designed specific for hydrocarbon degradation yielded an amplified product of the expected size of 1.27 kb respectively. Conserved regions of MTCC 5514 were selected to design oligonucleotide primers for detection of the genes. Thus, it has been confirmed that the chosen isolates catabolize anthracene through dioxygenase pathway. The sequences of the PCR products obtained were verified in the NCBI databases for the gene/species confirmation and thus validating the presence of the genes in the selected strains of Bacillus. Fig. 4c depicts this website the aligned sequence of PCR products respective to licA3 and C23O genes encoded

for surface active agent and degradative enzyme of MTCC 5514. Fig. 5 depicts the proposed degradation pathway elucidated based on the metabolites identified. The indented anthracene molecule

may be degraded in two different ways. The left hand side pathway suggested isothipendyl that the primary attack of anthracene after day 15 (because synthesize of catabolizing enzymes triggers only after nutrient depletion) was through a dioxygenase enzyme system, which leads to the formation of di-hydroxy anthracene, which, further and immediate attack by the same enzyme system transformed to anthraquinone. However, the right side reactions demonstrated that, the generation of phthalic acid via naphthalene (as evidenced from GC–MS analysis) and may further degraded as shown and enter in to TCA cycle. Fig. 6 depicts the SEM micrograph of biomass obtained at scheduled time intervals of 10, 16 and 22 days showed interesting observations. The filamentous growth was extensive with increased cell volume with reference to the incubation period and in the presence of the test compound anthracene. The maximum increase in cell volume was observed on day 16 samples, and further on day 22, high filamentous growth leads to aggregation of cells in the form of biofilm and showed a clumsy mass. In the present study, a potential marine isolate MTCC 5514 was tested for its anthracene degradation efficacy and the results of the study further confirmed the degradation of anthracene. The isolate MTCC 5514 displayed the production of surface-active agents and it showed tolerance up to pH 12.0 during the degradation process.

Articles were presented in this way for an audience of printed jo

Articles were presented in this way for an audience of printed journals. However

as most researchers now access articles online, readership styles and how information is gathered have changed quite considerably. In order to enhance the online article, and to adapt to the needs of our community, we are introducing two new features – graphical abstracts and research highlights: ▪ A graphical abstract is a concise, pictorial and visual summary of the main findings of the article, which could either be a summarising or concluding figure from the article or a figure that is specially designed for the purpose. A graphical abstract captures the NVP-BEZ235 content of the paper for readers at a single glance. For more information and examples, please see: www.elsevier.com/graphicalabstracts User surveys have indicated that readers highly appreciate Etoposide both of these features. They allow readers to quickly gain an understanding of the article, serve as a navigation mechanism to specific sub-sections of the results and figures. Also, these features encourage browsing, promote interdisciplinary scholarship and help readers identify more quickly which papers are most relevant to their research interests. Please note that authors of this journal are asked to provide

Research Highlights with their submission. Graphical Abstracts are desirable, however remain optional. The Publisher “
“In 2006, the European Council adopted the EU Sustainable Development Strategy. It defines a vision of sustainability in which economic growth, social cohesion and environmental protection are integrated and the needs of the present generation are met without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs (European Council, 2006). European coastal zones can be subjected to intense levels of activities, and many of them face problems of deteriorating natural, socio-economic, and cultural resources. To solve these problems, the European Parliament and

the European Council adopted a Recommendation on Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) in 2002 (CEC, 2002). The European Commission defines ICZM as a dynamic, multi-disciplinary and iterative process designed to promote sustainable development of coastal Thymidine kinase zones. Increasing problems in coastal zones and high-ranking political initiatives promoting ICZM have resulted in indicator-based efforts to measure the state of and the progress towards sustainability in coastal zones (Olsen, 2003 and Pickaver et al., 2004). Indicators are popular because they provide a simplified view of complex phenomena, quantify information, and make it comparable. Indicators are regarded as important tools in European coastal and maritime policy (Meiner, 2010) and have been used for years to monitor the EU Sustainable Development Strategy. Given their political usefulness, many coastal indicator sets have been developed on a national (Henocque, 2003, Sardã et al.

Areg, a ligand for the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), i

Areg, a ligand for the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), is expressed in human cancers, including colorectal and gastric tumors ( Katoh and Katoh, 2006). It is implicated in colon cancer ( Baker et al., 2011 and Yarom and Jonker, 2011), and promotes

Erastin datasheet intestinal epithelial regeneration after radiation injury ( Shao and Sheng, 2010). Effective anti-EGFR colorectal cancer drugs, such as Cetuximab ( Baker et al., 2011), suggest that continued EGFR activation may increase tumor development risk. Areg induction in the mouse and repression in the rat are consistent with greater hyperplasia in the mouse ( Thompson et al., 2011b and Thompson et al., 2012). Wfdc1, which regulates cell adhesion, migration, proliferation and immunity, is suppressed in cancer cells, and was repressed in the mouse but induced in the rat ( Madar et al., 2009 and Ressler and Rowley, 2011). The calcium-dependent ATP-Mg/Pi solute carrier Slc25a25, induced in mice and repressed in rats, is involved in adenine nucleotide (AMP, ADP, ATP) mitochondrial transport via phosphate exchange ( Hagen et al., 2003). Cr(VI) could interfere with the mitochondrial function of Slc25a25 due to its similarity with phosphate and sulfate ions ( Salnikow and Zhitkovich, 2008). Rat differential expression exhibited

dose-dependent induction, albeit fewer genes were differentially expressed and with less efficacy compared to mice (Kopec et al., 2012). This difference in the number of differentially expressed genes is consistent with SDD intake AG-014699 solubility dmso and

chromium levels. Comparison of the average daily dose of SDD (in mg/kg) in the 520 mg/L groups indicates rats ingested 81 and 59 mg/kg SDD at 8 and 91 days, respectively, whereas mice ingested 87 and 89 mg/kg (Thompson et al., 2012). The lower ingested dose in rats with prolonged exposure (due to weight gain), is consistent with the more modest histological, biochemical, and transcriptional changes compared to click here mice (Thompson et al., 2011b and Thompson et al., 2012). There were comparable numbers of differentially expressed genes in both species at similar tissue concentrations. However, Cr levels at 520 mg/L SDD in the rat duodenum are lower than in the mouse at 170 and 520 mg/L SDD, the concentrations that elicited intestinal tumors in the 2-year mouse study (NTP, 2008). Therefore, the proposed MOA may only be relevant when tissue chromium loads achieve the levels reported in mice and suggests that the intestinal carcinogenicity of Cr(VI) is likely a high-dose phenomenon. In summary, this study provides further evidence for the saturation of reductive capacity, oxidative stress, inflammation, cell proliferation and DNA damage. In addition, they are consistent with the more pronounced apical responses, differences in Cr tissue levels, and the greater number of differentially expressed genes observed in mice.

C Schloot J L Sullivan R Sultana C Sylvén L S Szczepaniak P

C. Schloot J.L. Sullivan R. Sultana C. Sylvén L.S. Szczepaniak P.J. Talmud T. Tamayo N. Tapola P.S. Tappia L. Tarassenko G. Targher A. Tavani E. Teijeira-fernandez Grzegorz W Telega C.A. Thomson P.J. Thornalley E. Tikkanen F.J Tinahones V. Torri J. Tovar H. Toyoshima E.A. Trautwein M. Trenell V. Trischitta M. Trombetta T. Tsutamoto A. Tufano J. Tuomilehto M.E. Tushuizen R. Uauy P. Uber T. Unger P. Valensi S. Valtuena R.M. Van dam

F.J.M. Van der meer A. .PJ. Van dijk L.F. Van gaal R.E. Van pelt W. A. Van staveren F. Van’t hooft T. Vasankari J. Vassy M. Velten M. Venables J. Vendrell selleck screening library C. Ventura R. Ventura-Clapier P. Verdecchia R. Vettor G. Vicente-Rodríguez R. Vigneri R. Villegas K.R. Vincent F. Violi F. Virgili F. Visioli M.N. Ganetespib Vissers J-L. Volatier

C. Voulgari K. Wachtell T.A. Wadden K. Walker V. Wallenius YX. Wang M. Ward J. Warnberg P.J.M. Weijs A. Weimann S. Wein J.C K. Wells F.K. Welty A. Wende I. Wilcox S.S. Wing T.M.S. Wolever A. Wolk J. Yang T. Yates W.Y. Yau H-C. Yeh M. Yoshinaga C-M. Yu A. Zambon M. Zamboni P. Zammit A. Zampelas I. Zavaroni M. Zeyda Y. Zhang W. Zhang H. Zhang F. Zheng K. Zhou E. Zimmermann G. Zoppini “
“Drugs of the fibrate class, such as fenofibrate, are potent activators of Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor α (PPARα) [1]. These lipid-lowering drugs effectively reduce triglyceride, moderately reduce low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and elevate high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol [2]. Furthermore, fibrates may exert anti-inflammatory effects and improve vascular function [3]. Therefore, targeting PPARα can be an effective way to improve features belonging to the metabolic syndrome and to reduce cardiovascular risk. As PPARs can be seen as lipid

sensors, dietary n-3 fatty acids deserve attention in this respect. Especially the marine n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFA) eicosapentaenoic Carnitine palmitoyltransferase II acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) preferentially bind to and activate PPARα [1]. However, these n-3 LCPUFA can also activate PPARγ and PPARδ, two other PPAR isoforms [1]. As fibrates, dietary n-3 LCPUFA have potent hypotriglyceridemic effects and can increase HDL cholesterol [4]. Furthermore, the suggested beneficial effects on inflammation and endothelial function may further contribute to a reduction in cardiovascular risk. Stalenhoef et al. have compared in hypertriglyceridemic subjects gemfibrozil with n-3 LCPUFA and showed that both treatments had favorable effects on serum lipid concentrations and lipoprotein particle heterogeneity [5]. However, in that study markers reflecting low-grade systemic inflammation and endothelial function were not examined.

Because of this, it is suggested here that DPSIR should perhaps m

Because of this, it is suggested here that DPSIR should perhaps more accurately become DAPSI(W)R. In order to control those State changes and Impacts (or Impacts on human Welfare), we therefore require Responses. Those Responses may include bringing in technological advances (such as better

fishing gear, habitat re-creation or water treatment plants), economic instruments (such as quotas or penalties) or laws administered by statutory bodies. Hence we need a management framework to accommodate and describe all the linked processes in this framework. Such a framework must then be aimed at what we may term the ‘big idea’ – ‘that marine management is designed to protect and enhance the natural MG 132 structure and functioning of the seas while at the same time ensuring the marine processes which deliver ecosystem services from which we then obtain societal goods and benefits’ ( Elliott,

2011). Hence many of the Impacts in Table 1 relate to a loss of ecosystem services see more and societal benefits. Given the adage that ‘if you don’t know where you are going then any road will take you there’, then in order to set down the ultimate aim as a readily communicable message, this should be encapsulated in a vision for the seas, for example to achieve ‘clean, healthy, safe, productive and biologically diverse oceans and seas’ as adopted by the UK government and others ( Defra 2010). Furthermore, it is argued that sustainable and successful marine management can then only be obtained by including all facets and players in the system, the so-called 10-tenets ( Elliott, 2013) in which the major players and responses are included. The latter suggest that our actions should be: Ecologically sustainable (identified as ecol. in the figures below), Technologically feasible (Tech.), Economically viable (Econ.), Socially desirable/tolerable (Soc.), Legally

permissible (Leg.), Administratively achievable (Admin.), Politically expedient (Pol.), Ethically defensible (morally correct) (Ethic.), Culturally inclusive (Cult.) and Effectively communicable (Comm.). This discussion and its diagrams will therefore try to indicate the major steps in an integrated marine management framework while cross-referring to the elements D, P, S, I(W) and R and the MAPK inhibitor 10-tenets. The Pressures on the marine environment (e.g. Kennish and Elliott, 2011) can be regarded as coming from three sources – activities which remove materials and space from the system, activities which place materials into the system, and thirdly, external and wider pressures, such as global climate change, which emanate from outside the system (Fig. 1). The materials extracted include fish, shellfish, water, and seabed sands and gravels, and space is also removed, for example by occupying the seabed with harbours, windfarms, etc.