bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Succession within the prokaryotic communities during the VAHINE mesocosms experiment in the New Caledonia lagoon
Authors: Pfreundt Ulrike , Van Wambeke France , Caffin Mathieu , Bonnet Sophie , Hess Wolfgang R.
Published: April 2016

Abstract. N2 fixation fuels  ∼  50 % of new primary production in the oligotrophic South Pacific Ocean. The VAHINE experiment has been designed to track the fate of diazotroph-derived nitrogen (DDN) and carbon within a coastal lagoon ecosystem in a comprehensive way. For this, large-volume ( ∼  50 m3) mesocosms were deployed in the New Caledonian lagoon and were intentionally fertilized with dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP) to stimulate N2 fixation. This study examined the temporal dynamics of the prokaryotic community together with the evolution of biogeochemical parameters for 23 consecutive days in one of these mesocosms (M1) and in the Nouméa lagoon using MiSeq 16S rRNA gene sequencing and flow cytometry. Combining these methods allowed for inference of absolute cell numbers from 16S data. We observed clear successions within M1, some of which were not mirrored in the lagoon. The dominating classes in M1 were Alpha- and Gammaproteobacteria, Cyanobacteria, eukaryotic microalgae, Marine Group II Euryarchaeota, Flavobacteriia, and Acidimicrobia. Enclosure led to significant changes in the M1 microbial community, probably initiated by the early decay of Synechococcus and diatoms. However, we did not detect a pronounced bottle effect with a copiotroph-dominated community. The fertilization with  ∼  0.8 µM DIP on day 4 did not have directly observable effects on the overall community within M1, as the data samples obtained from before and 4 days after fertilization clustered together, but likely influenced the development of individual populations later on, like Defluviicoccus-related bacteria and UCYN-C-type diazotrophic cyanobacteria (Cyanothece). Growth of UCYN-C led to among the highest N2-fixation rates ever measured in this region and enhanced growth of nearly all abundant heterotrophic groups in M1. We further show that different Rhodobacteraceae were the most efficient heterotrophs in the investigated system and we observed niche partitioning within the SAR86 clade. Whereas the location in- or outside the mesocosm had a significant effect on community composition, the temporal effect was significantly stronger and similar in both locations, suggesting that overarching abiotic factors were more influential than the enclosure. While temporal community changes were evident, prokaryotic diversity (Shannon index) only declined slightly from  ∼  6.5 to 5.7 or 6.05 in the lagoon and M1, respectively, throughout the experiment, highlighting the importance of multiple and varying sources of organic matter maintaining competition.
Long-term coastal openness variation and its impact on sediment grain-size distribution: a case study from the Baltic Sea
Authors: Ning Wenxin , Tang Jing , Filipsson Helena L.
Published: April 2016

Abstract. We analysed long-term variations in grain-size distribution in sediments from Gåsfjärden, a fjord-like inlet on the south-west Baltic Sea, and explored potential drivers of the recorded changes in sediment grain-size data. Over the last 5.4 thousand years (ka), the relative sea level decreased 17 m in the study region, caused by isostatic land uplift. As a consequence, Gåsfjärden has been transformed from an open coastal setting into a semi-closed inlet surrounded on the east by numerous small islands. To quantitatively estimate the morphological changes in Gåsfjärden over the last 5.4 ka and to further link the changes to our grain-size data, a digital elevation model (DEM)-based openness index was calculated. In the period between 5.4 and 4.4 ka BP, the inlet was characterised by the largest openness index. During this interval, the highest sand contents (~0.4 %) and silt/clay ratios (~0. 3) in the sediment sequence were recorded, indicating relatively high bottom water energy. After 4.4 ka BP, the average sand content was halved to ~0.2 % and the silt/clay ratios showed a significant decreasing trend over the last 4 ka. These changes are found to be associated with the gradual embayment of Gåsfjärden as represented in the openness index. The silt/clay ratios exhibited a delayed and slower change compared with the sand contents, which further suggest that finer particles are less sensitive to changes in hydrodynamic energy. Our DEM-based coastal openness index has proved to be a useful tool for interpreting the sedimentary grain-size record.
Restaurant Location and Price Fairness as Key Determinants of Brand Equity: A Study on Fast Food Restaurant Industry
Authors: Hanaysha Jalal
Published: April 2016

The main purpose of this study was to examine the direct effects of restaurant location and price fairness on brand equity in Malaysian market. The data were collected from several customers of international fast food restaurants in East Coast Malaysia. Convenience sampling methodology was utilized to obtain the responses from 384 customers during different times of data collection period. The collected data were coded into SPSS and analysed using structural equation modelling through AMOS 18. The findings indicated that restaurant location has significant positive effect on brand equity and its dimensions namely, brand image, brand loyalty, brand preference, and brand leadership. Moreover, it was found that price fairness has significant positive effect on overall brand equity and its dimensions. These results suggest that a restaurant location that is visible and accessible to customers seems to be an important factor in determining business success. Moreover, consumers tend to evaluate a restaurant brand based on price fairness that is matched with the quality of the offering. Therefore, this study urges policy makers in fast food restaurant industry to consider restaurant location and price fairness when designing their branding strategies.
Two Peas in a Single Polytheistic Pod
Authors: Howard-Snyder Daniel ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: April 2016

A descriptive polytheist thinks there are at least two gods. John Hick and Richard Swinburne are descriptive polytheists. In this respect, they are like Thomas Aquinas and many other theists. What sets Swinburne and Hick apart from Aquinas, however, is that unlike him they are normative polytheists. That is, Swinburne and Hick think that it is right that we, or at least some of us, worship more than one god. However, the evidence available to me shows that only Swinburne, and not Hick, is a cultic polytheist: he actually worships more than one god. I conclude that only Swinburne is a polytheist par excellence.
Does mirror enrichment improve primate well-being?
Authors: de Groot B , Cheyne SM
Published: April 2016

Primates are highly social animals and appropriate enrichment is required to ensure their psychological well-being. Mirrors are sometimes used as social or sensory environmental enrichment. In this paper we investigate the suitability of mirrors as enrichment for captive primates, by reviewing the literature on mirror implementation in captive primate environments. Mirror-directed responses are mainly social as the mirror self-image is often seen as a conspecific. Although positive exploration and affiliative behaviours are observed, negative aggressive behaviours towards the mirror are most frequently recorded, and abnormal behaviours in primates do not decrease in mirror-enriched environments. There appear to be differences in habituation rates to mirrors amongst primates. While habituation to enrichment is generally perceived to be undesirable, this criterion should not apply when mirrors elicit negative behaviours. Primates that show mirror self-recognition, which are mostly great apes, may be best suitable for mirror enrichment, as they do not perceive the mirror self-image as a threatening conspecific. Increasing the understanding of the reflective properties of a mirror might help primates to understand that the image in the mirror is not real. This could be attained by using small, mobile mirrors. We suggest that mirrors can make decent primate enrichment if the primate understands its reflective properties, which should be evaluated on an individual level. Appropriate use of mirrors as sensory enrichment can improve primate well-being and prevent suffering.
Lambs show changes in ear posture when experiencing pain
Authors: Guesgen MJ , Beausoleil NJ , Minot EO , Stewart M , Stafford KJ , Morel PCH
Published: April 2016

Ear posture, or the frequency of postural changes, may reflect various emotional states of animals. In adult sheep (Ovis aries), the ‘forward’ ear posture has been associated with negative experiences whereas the ‘plane’ posture has been associated with positive ones. This study aimed to see whether ear postures related to the experience of pain in lambs. The ear behaviour of four to eight week-old lambs (n = 44) was measured before and after tail-docking using a rubber ring. Each lamb was docked and its behaviour recorded while in the company of an observer lamb of similar age; each acted once as focal (docked) lamb and once as observer within the same pair. Lambs were docked in one of two rounds, so that half were docked in their first exposure to the test environment and half in their second exposure. Tail-docking was associated with an increase in the proportion of time spent with ears backward and decreases in the proportion of time spent with ears plane and forward (mean [± SEM]: Backward: pre 0.12 [± 0.04], post 0.56 [± 0.04]; Plane: pre 0.55 [± 0.05], post 0.19 [± 0.05]; Forward: pre 0.27 [± 0.04], post 0.18 [± 0.04]). There was also a significant increase in the number of changes between ear postures after docking (pre 5.63 [± 0.66], post 9.11 [± 0.66]). Over both periods, female lambs held their ears asymmetrically for longer than males (mean of ranks [± SEM] [raw proportion of time]: Females 52.14 [± 3.44] [0.09 (± 0.01)], males 37.54 [± 3.40] [0.05 (± 0.01)]). This is the first study to demonstrate changes in the ear posture of lambs associated with the negative experience of pain. Ear posture is a non-invasive indicator of physical pain in lambs and may be useful for evaluating potential welfare compromise.
Investigating the welfare, management and human-animal interactions of cattle in four Indonesian abattoirs
Authors: Doyle RE , Coleman GJ , McGill DM , Reed M , Ramdani W , Hemsworth PH
Published: April 2016

This study reports novel information on the animal handling, management and human-animal interactions in Indonesian cattle abattoirs. The slaughter of 304 cattle was observed and there was a high percentage of re-stuns in all abattoirs (range: 8-18.9%) when compared to a variety of international auditing guidelines. The average stun-to-neck cut time was within international recommendations (average: 9 s; range: 4-15 s). Time spent in lairage varied between animals and facilities and was compliant with international guidelines. Handling times were extremely variable (2 s-23 min 40s), but were only weakly correlated with a variety of handler techniques including the total number of handler interactions (sum of visual, auditory and tactile interactions, suggesting that long handling time does not increase handler interactions. There was a moderate correlation between the subjective handling scale and most of the objective behaviours, indicating that this may be a useful way to summarise handler behaviour in future assessments. The current study provides novel information about animal welfare in Indonesian abattoirs and highlights that management practices at the four abattoirs generally comply with international standards. The results also suggest that the subjective handling scale was moderately associated with the frequency of handler interactions, and so may be a useful measure of handler behaviour.
The effects of feeding space on the behavioural responses of cattle during rest periods offered as part of long-distance transportation
Authors: Ross M , Widowsk TM , Haley DB
Published: April 2016

Livestock transport regulations in many countries require that cattle be unloaded for feed, water and rest when they are being transported long distances, but there are few evidence-based guidelines about how to most effectively manage and provide these requirements at rest stops. The aim of this study was to assess whether available feeding space at a commercial rest facility affected eating behaviour and general activity. Twenty-four trailer loads of cattle were selected for study, and each load was divided into two groups. The control group was provided ad libitum access to a single, round, hay-bale feeder. The treatment group had two round, hay-bale feeders and thus twice as much feeding space per animal. Cattle behaviour was recorded during a 5-h rest period using instantaneous scan sampling every 5 min. This was performed at the group level by counting the number of animals engaged in pre-defined activities, as well as individually by tracking a subset of focal animals from each group. Behaviour was categorised as one of the following: eating, drinking, lying, or ‘other’. Interruptions to eating were also quantified. Eating was counted as interrupted when, instead of being followed by a consecutive eating observation, it was interspersed by another behaviour. Doubling feeding space increased the mean proportion of cattle eating by 30%, decreased interruption of eating bouts and had no effect on drinking and lying behaviour. Increased access to feed has potential welfare and health benefits. These data can be used to inform standards for feeding beef cattle at rest stops during long distance travel.
Improvement of animal welfare by strategic analysis and logistic optimization of animal slaughter transportation
Authors: Håkansson N , Flisberg P , Algers B , Jonsson A , Rönnqvist M , Wennergren U
Published: April 2016

The transportation of animals to slaughterhouses is a major welfare concern. The number of slaughterhouses has decreased over time in Europe due to centralisation. This is expected to increase transport time for animals and as a consequence negatively affect animal welfare. We propose an optimisation model based on a facility location model to perform strategic analysis to improve transportation logistics. The model is tested on the Swedish slaughter transport system. We show that, by strategic planning and redirection of transports while keeping the slaughterhouse capacities as of the original data, the potential exists to reduce transport distance by 25% for pigs and 40% for cattle. Furthermore, we demonstrated that approximately 50% of Swedish slaughterhouses can be shut down with a minimal effect on total transport distances. This implies that in terms of the overall welfare picture, the decision of which animals to send where plays a far more significant role than the number of slaughterhouses. In addition, by changing relative weights on distances in the optimisation function the amount of individual transports with long journey times can be decreased. We also show results from altered slaughterhouse capacity and geographical location of slaughterhouses. This is the first time an entire country has been analysed in great detail with respect to the location, capacity and number of slaughterhouses. The focus is mainly on the analysis of unique and detailed information of actual animal transports in Sweden and a demonstration of the potential impact redirection of the transports and/or altering of slaughterhouses can have on animal welfare.
An Elemental Approach to the Distribution of Lead-Glazed Coarse Earthenware in the Eighteenth-Century Chesapeake
Authors: Bloch Lindsay
Published: April 2016

Unlike many goods in the eighteenth century, which were wholly imported, utilitarian coarse earthenwares were also produced locally within the American colonies. In the Chesapeake region, it has been suggested that these local wares were primarily reserved for those unable to directly participate in the transatlantic credit economy fostered by the tobacco consignment system. Rather than relying on ambiguous visual attributes to identify these wares, this study utilized elemental analysis via LA-ICP-MS. Coarse earthenwares from domestic plantation contexts of varying social status were assigned to production zones based on shared elemental composition with a reference dataset. This reference dataset incorporated sherds from historic earthenware production sites across the mid-Atlantic and in Great Britain, representing 12 geologically distinct production zones. The results emphasize the diversity of coarse earthenware sources that Chesapeake residents accessed, both local and imported. There was a steady decrease in the use of imported wares in favor of domestically made products over time. There were no sharp differences among plantation households of different statuses, suggesting that these everyday wares were equally accessible to all, perhaps via plantation provisioning strategies. The omnipresence of local wares is evidence for the pragmatic and political strengths of local production.
Marking and Making Differences: Representational Diversity in the U.S. Southwest
Authors: Hegmon Michelle , Freeman Jacob , Kintigh Keith W. , Nelson Margaret C. , Oas Sarah , Peeples Matthew A. , Torvinen Andrea
Published: April 2016

Diversity is generally valued, although it sometimes contributes to difficult social situations, as is recognized in recent social science literature. Archaeology can provide insights into how diverse social situations play out over the long term. There are many kinds of diversities, and we propose representational diversity as a distinct category. Representational diversity specifically concerns how and whether differences are marked or masked materially. We investigate several archaeological sequences in the U.S. Southwest. Each began with the coming together of populations that created situations of unprecedented social diversity; some resulted in conflict, others in long-term stability. We trace how representational diversity changed through these sequences. Specifically, we review the transregional Kayenta migration to the southern Southwest and focus empirical analyses on regional processes in the Cibola region and on painted ceramics. Results show that, initially, representational diversity increased above and beyond that caused by the combination of previously separate traditions as people marked their differences. Subsequently, in some instances, the diversity was replaced by widespread homogeneity as the differences were masked and mitigated. Although the social causes and effects of diversity are many and varied, long-term stability and persistence is associated with tolerance of a range of diversities.
A Wealth of Beads: Evidence for Material Wealth-Based Inequality in the Salish Sea Region, 4000–3500 Cal B.P.
Authors: Coupland Gary , Bilton David , Clark Terence , Cybulski Jerome S. , Frederick Gay , Holland Alyson , Letham Bryn , Williams Gretchen
Published: April 2016

Archaeologists working in the Salish Sea (Strait of Georgia and Puget Sound) region of the Pacific Northwest have unearthed human burials and non-mortuary features dated to 4000–3500 cal B.P. containing tens and even hundreds of thousands of stone and shell disc beads. Several sites are reported here, including burials recently excavated from site DjRw–14 located in the territory of the shíshálh Nation. We argue that the disc beads constituted an important form of material wealth at this time, based on the amount of labor that would have been required to produce them and the capacity for beads to accrue in value after their production. A model of material wealth-based inequality is developed for a period much older than many archaeologists working in the region have previously thought.
The Civil Cooking Pot: Hominy and the Mississippian Standard Jar in the Black Warrior Valley, Alabama
Authors: Briggs Rachel V.
Published: April 2016

Although the Mississippian standard jar, a specific vessel form found in many parts of the Mississippian cultural world, has long been recognized as a utilitarian cooking pot, the important connection between this ceramic form and maize has largely been overlooked. By focusing on the Mississippian site of Moundville located in the Black Warrior valley of west-central Alabama, I propose that the Mississippian standard jar was not simply a general cooking pot, but instead a specialized culinary tool used to nixtamalize maize. As such, both the vessel and the plant were part of a cohesive ancestral hominy foodway. This relationship is demonstrated in two ways: first, by articulating both the hominy foodway and the antecedent nut foodway practiced between A.D. 1020–1260; and, second, by exploring changes in the morphology and use-alteration patterns of the Moundville Mississippian standard jars recovered from contexts dating to the Moundville I-III phases(A.D. 1120–1520). The relationship between vessel and food demonstrated here suggests a practice- and taste-based model for the synergistic relationship long recognized between maize and the emergence of the Mississippian civic-ceremonial center of Moundville.
Les concepts et les questions posées sur les langues aux recensements canadiens de 1901 à 1961
Authors: Houle René , Cambron-Prémont Amélie
Published: April 2016

Nous examinons dans cette note l’origine et
l’évolution des concepts et définitions des
questions linguistiques des recensements canadiens de 1901,
année du premier recensement où des questions sur les
langues ont été posées au Canada, à 1961.
Nous nous intéressons d’abord à l’origine des
questions linguistiques : pourquoi a-t-on décidé de
poser ces questions au Canada en 1901 ? Quelles ont
été les influences internationales et intérieures
qui ont pu motiver leur inclusion dans le questionnaire du
recensement ? Nous poursuivons avec un examen
détaillé des concepts et des questions sur la
connaissance des langues officielles et la langue maternelle. Pour ce
faire, nous faisons appel à plusieurs sources : les
questionnaires eux-mêmes, les instructions données aux
agents recenseurs, les documents analytiques et autres écrits
publiés par les autorités statistiques et les fichiers
des microdonnées des recensements de 1901 à 1951 qui ont
servi à préciser certains détails de nature plus
technique.
Analysis of Traffic Accident Dynamics at Semaphored Crossroads – a Case Study
Authors: Stanivuk Tatjana , Drašković Mimo , Kralj Neven
Published: April 2016

The paper deals with the analysis of dynamics of a traffic accident involving two vehicles and having happened at the semaphored crossroads in the afternoon hours i.e. when the traffic lights at the crossroads were functioning according to the programmed system and on the second programme. To prove the causes of the traffic accident, in analysing all the possible variants of the participants’ motions through the semaphored crossroads, the 3D display was also used. The value of EES (Energy Equivalent Speed) represents the starting parameter for calculation of vehicle’s speed in the instant of crash. Since the dynamics, or better to say motion of the participants in the traffic accident depends on properly working traffic lights, it is of great importance to present the work schedule of the traffic lights of the mentioned intersection, before we analyse the traffic accident itself. The control of all the results gained was carried out using computer programme package PC Crash 9.0 to simulate the crash. Great attention was also paid to the time intervals of vehicles’ motions. Also, the possibility of having avoided the accident in question was analysed.
Linguistic Analysis of English Advertising Slogans in Yachting
Authors: Skračić Tomislav , Kosović Petar
Published: April 2016

The paper discusses the linguistic characteristics of yachting slogans, short messages that advertise sail and power boats, boating equipment and services in nautical magazines. The objective of the paper has been to identify and describe the language features of yachting slogans at phonological, lexical, syntactic and semantic level, with due attention drawn to the functionality of these messages in comparison with the messages relayed by slogans in other trades. The study has revealed that, due to the specific market niche, most yachting slogans tend to use specific language devices and discourse. The qualitative analysis has enabled familiarisation with the principles of creating advertising slogans in yachting and their most prominent strengths and weaknesses. Hence professionals involved in designing and releasing advertising slogans may also find the results of the study useful.
The Importance of Maritime Law in Seafarer Training Pursuant to Amendments to the STCW Convention
Authors: Petrinović Ranka , Mandić Nikola , Siriščević Ena
Published: April 2016

This paper explores the role of maritime law in seafarer training pursuant to amendments to the STCW Convention of 2010. The basic intention of the STCW Convention adopted in 1978 was to harmonize national regulations, seafarer training and training programs, as well as the conditions and manner of seafarer certification to raise general qualification levels of seagoing vessel crews. The STCW Convention is occasionally amended to allow legislation to take into account and stay abreast of the changing technical standards in shipping. The latest amendments to the STCW Convention were adopted at the Manila Diplomatic Conference in 2010, and entered into force and effect on 1 January 2012. Member states are required to complete the procedure of gradual implementation of the new provisions by 31 December 2016, with all seafarers being required to obtain certificates issued in accordance with the amended regulations by 1 January 2017. Although ship navigation during sailing has been significantly facilitated by the development of technics and technology, seafarers are now required to be well-versed in an increasing number of maritime law regulations and procedures promoting the safety of life and property at sea and the protection of the marine environment, while simultaneously ensuring unobstructed exploitation of ships. The latest amendments to the STCW Convention in this sense, in Model Course 7.01., impose additional seafarer training requirements, inter alia, broadening the scope of mandatory contents to be covered by maritime law courses required for the obtainment of the professional title of ship officer. The paper pays especially close attention to the newly adopted amendments and the conformity of national legislation proscribing seafarer training standards. However, it is exactly in the domain of seafarer training in maritime law that harmonization may be said to be incomplete.
Characterization of interface reaction of Ti/Al-based ohmic contacts on AlGaN/GaN epitaxial layers on GaN substrate
Authors: Zadeh Daryoush H. , Tanabe Shinichi , Watanabe Noriyuki , Matsuzaki Hideaki
Published: April 2016

The ohmic properties of Ti/Al/Mo/Au contacts on a high-quality AlGaN/GaN heterostructure epitaxially grown on a GaN substrate were investigated. Systematic structural and electrical analyses of the metal/AlGaN interface after annealing in N2 at 700 and 900 °C were conducted. After annealing at 900 °C, a new Al-rich interlayer with nitrogen vacancies was formed at the metal/AlGaN interface. Ohmic contacts with a low specific contact resistance (ρc) of 5.1 × 10−6 Ω cm2 and a dominant field emission carrier transport mechanism were achieved. The fabrication of recessed-AlGaN-structured ohmic contact with ρc as low as 2.4 × 10−5 Ω cm2 at a low annealing temperature of 650 °C, was also successfully demonstrated. This result indicates that a process methodology can be provided for fabricating low-resistivity ohmic contacts with a low thermal budget on a high-quality AlGaN/GaN structure, which is based on an appropriate control of the metal/AlGaN interface and AlGaN thickness rather than relying on the existence of threading dislocations.
Plastome data reveal multiple geographic origins ofQuercusGroup Ilex
Authors: Simeone Marco Cosimo , Grimm Guido W. , Papini Alessio , Vessella Federico , Cardoni Simone , Tordoni Enrico , Piredda Roberta , Franc Alain , Denk Thomas
Published: April 2016

Nucleotide sequences from the plastome are currently the main source for assessing taxonomic and phylogenetic relationships in flowering plants and their historical biogeography at all hierarchical levels. One major exception is the large and economically important genusQuercus(oaks). Whereas differentiation patterns of the nuclear genome are in agreement with morphology and the fossil record, diversity patterns in the plastome are at odds with established taxonomic and phylogenetic relationships. However, the extent and evolutionary implications of this incongruence has yet to be fully uncovered. The DNA sequence divergence of four Euro-Mediterranean Group Ilex oak species (Quercus ilexL.,Q. cocciferaL.,Q. aucheriJaub. & Spach.,Q. alnifoliaPoech.) was explored at three chloroplast markers (rbcL, trnK/matK, trnH-psbA). Phylogenetic relationships were reconstructed including worldwide members of additional 55 species representing allQuercussubgeneric groups. Family and order sequence data were harvested from gene banks to better frame the observed divergence in larger taxonomic contexts. We found a strong geographic sorting in the focal group and the genus in general that is entirely decoupled from species boundaries. High plastid divergence in members ofQuercusGroup Ilex, including haplotypes shared with related, but long isolated oak lineages, point towards multiple geographic origins of this group of oaks. The results suggest that incomplete lineage sorting and repeated phases of asymmetrical introgression among ancestral lineages of Group Ilex and two other main Groups of Eurasian oaks (Cyclobalanopsis and Cerris) caused this complex pattern. Comparison with the current phylogenetic synthesis also suggests an initial high- versus mid-latitude biogeographic split withinQuercus. High plastome plasticity of Group Ilex reflects geographic area disruptions, possibly linked with high tectonic activity of past and modern distribution ranges, that did not leave imprints in the nuclear genome of modern species and infrageneric lineages.
Natural melatonin fluctuation and its minimally invasive simulation in the zebra finch
Authors: Seltmann Susanne , Trost Lisa , Ter Maat Andries , Gahr Manfred
Published: April 2016

Melatonin is a key hormone in the regulation of circadian rhythms of vertebrates, including songbirds. Understanding diurnal melatonin fluctuations and being able to reverse or simulate natural melatonin levels are critical to investigating the influence of melatonin on various behaviors such as singing in birds. Here we give a detailed overview of natural fluctuations in plasma melatonin concentration throughout the night in the zebra finch. As shown in previous studies, we confirm that “lights off” initiates melatonin production at night in a natural situation. Notably, we find that melatonin levels return to daytime levels as early as two hours prior to the end of the dark-phase in some individuals and 30 min before “lights on” in all animals, suggesting that the presence of light in the morning is not essential for cessation of melatonin production in zebra finches. Thus, the duration of melatonin production seems not to be specified by the length of night and might therefore be less likely to directly couple circadian and annual rhythms. Additionally, we show that natural melatonin levels can be successfully simulated through a combination of light-treatment (daytime levels during subjective night) and the application of melatonin containing skin-cream (nighttime levels during subjective day). Moreover, natural levels and their fluctuation in the transition from day to night can be imitated, enabling the decoupling of the effects of melatonin, for example on neuronal activity, from sleep and circadian rhythmicity. Taken together, our high-resolution profile of natural melatonin levels and manipulation techniques open up new possibilities to answer various melatonin related questions in songbirds.
B‐Mode Sonographic Assessment of the Posterior Circumflex Humeral Artery
Authors: van de Pol Daan , Maas Mario , Terpstra Aart , Pannekoek-Hekman Marja , Kuijer P. Paul F. M. , Planken R. Nils
Published: April 2016

Elite overhead athletes are at risk of vascular injury due to repetitive abduction and external rotation of the dominant arm. The posterior circumflex humeral artery (PCHA) is prone to degeneration, aneurysm formation, and thrombosis in elite volleyball players and baseball pitchers. The prevalence of PCHA‐related thromboembolic complications is unknown in this population. However, the prevalence of symptoms associated with digital ischemia is 31% in elite volleyball players. A standardized noninvasive imaging tool will aid in early detection of PCHA injury, prevention of thromboembolic complications, and measurement reproducibility. A standardized vascular sonographic protocol for assessment of the proximal PCHA (SPI‐US protocol [Shoulder PCHA Pathology and Digital Ischemia–Ultrasound protocol]) is presented.
Image‐Derived Assessment of Left Ventricular Mass in Fetal Myocardial Hypertrophy by 4‐Dimensional Echocardiography
Authors: Liu Xin , Zhu Meihua , Streiff Cole , Sahn David J. , Ashraf Muhammad
Published: April 2016

Objectives

This study tested the accuracy of new 4‐dimensional fetal echocardiography to evaluate left ventricular (LV) mass in an experimental model of fetal myocardial hypertrophy.

Methods

Ten fresh rabbit hearts were studied. Fetal myocardial hypertrophy was simulated by fixing different amounts of myocardial tissue to the LV epicardium. A small latex balloon was mounted on vinyl tubing and fixed within each LV cavity. The proximal end of the tube was attached to a pulsatile pump apparatus. The pump was calibrated to deliver stroke volumes of 2 and 4 mL at stroke rates of 60 and 120 beats per minute (bpm). Four‐dimensional data were acquired and analyzed with quantification software. Reference values for LV mass were determined by the displacement method.

Results

Echo‐derived measurements of LV mass showed good correlations with reference values at all stroke rates and stroke volumes: at 2 mL and 60 bpm, r = 0.95; at 2 mL and 120 bpm, r = 0.95; at 4 mL and 60 bpm, r = 0.93; and at 4 mL and 120 bpm, r = 0.95 (P< .01 for all values). There was also excellent interobserver (r = 0.98; mean difference of −0.32 g; −4.4% of the mean) and intraobserver (r = 0.98; mean difference of −0.28 g; −3.8% of the mean) agreement.

Conclusions

In this controlled in vitro study, high‐resolution 4‐dimensional echocardiography was shown to accurately assess LV mass and have the potential to evaluate fetal myocardial hypertrophy.
Subacute Thyroiditis—An Often Overlooked Sonographic Diagnosis
Authors: Lee Margaret Yee Wah , Lam Winnie Wing Chuen , Wong Wai Yin
Published: April 2016

The characteristic sonographic finding of subacute thyroiditis of a heterogeneous poorly defined hypoechoic area in the thyroid gland may mimic that of thyroid malignancy. This finding needs to be interpreted in the correct clinical context to avoid an unnecessary biopsy. We describe 3 patients who underwent thyroid biopsy on the basis of suspicious sonographic findings but who subsequently had a diagnosis of subacute thyroiditis.
Sonography of the Pediatric Chest
Authors: Goh Yonggeng , Kapur Jeevesh
Published: April 2016

Traditionally, pediatric chest diseases are evaluated with chest radiography. Due to advancements in technology, the use of sonography has broadened. It has now become an established radiation‐free imaging tool that may supplement plain‐film findings and, in certain cases, the first‐line modality for evaluation of the pediatric chest. This pictorial essay will demonstrate the diagnostic potential of sonography, review a spectrum of pediatric chest conditions, and discuss their imaging features and clinical importance.
Is Ultrasound Fusion a Reasonable Replacement for Computed Tomography in Guiding Abdominal Interventions?
Authors: Ahmed Yasmine , Novak Ronald D. , Nakamoto Dean , Azar Nami
Published: April 2016

Objectives

To compare the diagnostic yield, complication rate, and procedure length of ultrasound fusion‐guided liver biopsy to the diagnostic yield, complication rate, and procedure length of computed tomography (CT)‐guided liver biopsy; to measure the average ionizing radiation dose that patients are exposed to during a typical CT‐guided liver biopsy procedure; and to present relevant and interesting cases of ultrasound fusion‐guided abdominal interventions to describe the efficacious use of the technology.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 63 patients who had image‐guided liver biopsies performed at our institution was completed. Patient records were divided into 2 groups according to the type of image guidance used during the procedure (ultrasound fusion versus CT), and data were compared by the χ2 test, Student t test, and Mann‐Whitney U test.

Results

The diagnostic yields and complication rates were not statistically significantly different between the modalities. The average procedure durations were significantly different: ultrasound fusion‐guided biopsy, 31.63 minutes; compared to CT‐guided biopsy, 61.67 minutes (P = .003).

Conclusions

Diagnostic yields and complication rates were comparable for ultrasound fusion and CT. However, the average procedure duration for an ultrasound fusion‐guided liver biopsy was approximately half that of CT‐guided liver biopsy, likely increasing both cost‐effectiveness and patient satisfaction.
Assessment of Measurement Repeatability and Reliability With Virtual Touch Tissue Quantification Imaging in Cervical Lymphadenopathy
Authors: Park Ji Eun , Choi Young Jun , Lee Seung Soo , Lee Jeong Hyun , Baek Jung Hwan
Published: April 2016

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to prospectively assess the repeatability and reliability of 2 measurements of cervical lymphadenopathy using Virtual Touch tissue quantification (VTQ) imaging (Siemens Medical Solutions, Mountain View, CA) and to analyze the factors affecting the reliability of the measurements, including pathologic findings, lesion size and location, and shear wave velocities (SWVs).

Methods

In this Institutional Review Board–approved prospective study, 92 patients underwent conventional sonography and 2 VTQ measurements by acoustic radiation force impulse imaging in a single session. The repeatability and reliability of the SWV measurement was determined by using an average coefficient of variation (standard deviation/mean) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), respectively. By comparing ICCs with a 95% confidence interval, the effects of pathologic findings, depth, size, SWV, and distance from the carotid artery on reliability were assessed.

Results

The mean age of the 92 patients included in the study was 51 years (range, 14–77 years). The average coefficient of variation was 19.4%. The overall reliability of the 2 measurements was excellent (ICC, 0.837), but ICCs were significantly decreased in lymph nodes in a superficial location (<1 cm) and those with a low SWV (<1.8 m/s). No significant effect was found on reliability in relation to pathologic findings, lesion size, or distance from the carotid artery to the lymph nodes.

Conclusions

For SWV measurement by VTQ imaging, the repeatability was 19.4%, and reliability was excellent. However, caution is warranted in the use of VTQ imaging for superficial soft cervical lymph nodes, as both a superficial location and a soft composition tend to be characterized by low reliability of SWV findings.
Dynamic Contrast‐Enhanced Sonography and Dynamic Contrast‐Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Preoperative Diagnosis of Infected Nonunions
Authors: Fischer Christian , Preuβ Eva-Maria , Tanner Michael , Bruckner Thomas , Krix Martin , Amarteifio Erick , Miska Matthias , Moghaddam-Alvandi Arash , Schmidmaier Gerhard , Weber Marc-André
Published: April 2016

Objectives

Bone regeneration depends on perfusion of the fracture tissue, whereby hypervascularity is associated with infection, which itself causes nonunions. To date, nonunion perfusion has not been assessed with contrast‐enhanced sonography. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of contrast‐enhanced sonography in the analysis of nonunion tissue perfusion.

Methods

Nonunion vascularity of 31 patients before revision surgery was prospectively examined with qualitative contrast‐enhanced sonography and dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Time‐intensity curves from 2‐minute contrast‐enhanced sonographic video clips were generated, and parameters such as wash‐in rate, rise time, and peak enhancement were quantified. On dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI, the initial area under the enhancement curve was quantified. Preoperative radiographs, computed tomograms, the clinical nonunion score, laboratory infection features, as well as contrast‐enhanced sonographic and dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI perfusion were correlated with microbiological results from the nonunion tissue.

Results

Both qualitative and quantitative contrast‐enhanced sonography showed significant differences between infected and aseptic nonunions (P = .015 and .020). The qualitative dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI analysis was not significant (P= .244), but after quantification, a strong correlation (P = .007) with microbiological results was noted. A receiver operating characteristic analysis calculated ideal cutoff values for quantitative contrast‐enhanced sonography and dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI so that their combination detected infected nonunions with sensitivity and specificity of 88.9% and 77.3%, respectively. Clinical, radiologic, and laboratory examinations did not correlate with microbiological results (P > .05).

Conclusions

Contrast‐enhanced sonography can visualize the vascularity of nonunions in real time, while quantification software allows for a semiobjective evaluation of bone perfusion. The correlations of both quantitative contrast‐enhanced sonography and dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI with microbiological results show their high value for differentiation of infected from aseptic nonunions.
Uterine Arcuate Artery Calcification on Transvaginal Sonography May Correlate With Known Risk Factors for Atherosclerosis
Authors: Ozdemir Mucize , Uzun Isil , Ozel Aysegul , Cakar Hatice , İnan Cihan , Yazicioglu Fehmi
Published: April 2016

Objectives

Uterine arcuate artery calcification is an incidental finding on transvaginal sonography. We conducted this study to evaluate the clinical importance of arcuate artery calcification and its association with the serum lipid profile and carotid artery atherosclerosis.

Methods

Serum lipid profiles, carotid artery intima thicknesses, and Doppler parameters of uterine arteries were examined in 25 patients with uterine arcuate artery calcification and 25 control participants. The parameters were compared between the groups.

Results

The mean pulsatility indices, mean resistive indices, and systolic‐to‐diastolic ratios of the right and the left uterine arteries were significantly higher in the calcification group (P< .01). Serum total cholesterol and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were significantly higher, whereas the serum high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol level was significantly lower in patients with uterine arcuate artery calcification than controls (P < .01). Right and left common carotid artery intima thicknesses were also significantly higher in the calcification group (P < .01).

Conclusions

Uterine arcuate artery calcification is an incidental finding on transvaginal and transabdominal pelvic sonography, and it is correlated with an abnormal lipid profile and increased thicknesses of the intimal layers of the carotid arteries. We suggest that an incidental finding of arcuate artery calcification during vaginal sonography is a reason to screen for generalized atherosclerosis and related disorders.
Variation of Jupiter's aurora observed by Hisaki/EXCEED: 1. Observed characteristics of the auroral electron energies compared with observations performed using HST/STIS
Authors: Tao Chihiro , Kimura Tomoki , Badman Sarah V. , Murakami Go , Yoshioka Kazuo , Tsuchiya Fuminori , André Nicolas , Yoshikawa Ichiro , Yamazaki Atsushi , Shiota Daikou , Tadokoro Hiroyasu , Fujimoto Masaki
Published: April 2016

Temporal variation of Jupiter's northern aurora is detected using the Extreme Ultraviolet Spectroscope for Exospheric Dynamics (EXCEED) on board JAXA's Earth‐orbiting planetary space telescope Hisaki. The wavelength coverage of EXCEED includes the H2 Lyman and Werner bands at 80–148 nm from the entire northern polar region. The prominent periodic modulation of the observed emission corresponds to the rotation of Jupiter's main auroral oval through the aperture, with additional superposed −50%–100% temporal variations. The hydrocarbon color ratio (CR) adopted for the wavelength range of EXCEED is defined as the ratio of the emission intensity in the long wavelength range of 138.5–144.8 nm to that in the short wavelength range of 126.3–130 nm. This CR varies with the planetary rotation phase. Short‐ (within one planetary rotation) and long‐term (> one planetary rotation) enhancements of the auroral power are observed in both wavelength ranges and result in a small CR variation. The occurrence timing of the auroral power enhancement does not clearly depend on the central meridian longitude. Despite the limitations of the wavelength coverage and the large field of view of the observation, the auroral spectra and CR‐brightness distribution measured using EXCEED are consistent with other observations.
Characterization of cumulus cloud fields using trajectories in the center of gravity versus water mass phase space: 2. Aerosol effects on warm convective clouds
Authors: Heiblum Reuven H. , Altaratz Orit , Koren Ilan , Feingold Graham , Kostinski Alexander B. , Khain Alexander P. , Ovchinnikov Mikhail , Fredj Erick , Dagan Guy , Pinto Lital , Yaish Ricki , Chen Qian
Published: April 2016

In Part I of this work a 3‐D cloud tracking algorithm and phase space of center of gravity altitude versus cloud liquid water mass (CvM space) were introduced and described in detail. We showed how new physical insight can be gained by following cloud trajectories in the CvM space. Here this approach is used to investigate aerosol effects on cloud fields of warm cumuli. We show a clear effect of the aerosol loading on the shape and size of CvM clusters. We also find fundamental differences in the CvM space between simulations using bin versus bulk microphysical schemes, with the bin scheme precipitation expressing much higher sensitivity to changes in aerosol concentrations. Using the bin microphysical scheme, we find that the increase in cloud center of gravity altitude with increase in aerosol concentrations occurs for a wide range of cloud sizes. This is attributed to reduced sedimentation, increased buoyancy and vertical velocities, and increased environmental instability, all of which are tightly coupled to inhibition of precipitation processes and subsequent feedbacks of clouds on their environment. Many of the physical processes shown here are consistent with processes typically associated with cloud invigoration.