Performance and detection range of acoustic receivers in mangrove habitats

Acoustic telemetry has been used to monitor the movement of aquatic animals in a broad range of aquatic environments. Despite their importance, mangrove habitats are understudied for the spatial ecology of elasmobranchs, with acoustic telemetry rarely used inside mangrove habitats. One reason for this may be a general assumption that acoustic signals would not be able to be detected by receivers in such shallow, structurally complex, environments. This study tested whether acoustic receivers can be used inside mangrove habitats to track the movement of sharks and rays. Thirty-eight receivers were deployed in a mangrove system in Pioneer Bay, Orpheus Island, Great Barrier Reef, including inside mangroves, mangrove edges, and adjacent reef flat areas. The detection range and receiver performance metrics, such as code detection efficiency, rejection coefficient, and noise quotient, were examined and tested among habitats. The results highlighted that the signal from transmitters was successfully detected inside mangrove habitats as well as on the adjacent reef flat. The range to detect at least 50% of transmissions was up to 20 m inside mangroves and up to 120 m outside mangroves. The performance metrics of acoustic receivers inside the mangrove habitat were characterized by low background noise, low rejection rates, and reasonably high code detection efficiency. Furthermore, this study tested the application of this method on juvenile blacktip reef shark Carcharhinus melanopterus and mangrove whipray Urogymnus granulatus, and demonstrated that it can be used to successfully track animals inside mangrove habitat. This novel method could reveal further information on how sharks and rays use mangrove habitats.

From little things big things grow: enhancement of an acoustic telemetry network to monitor broad-scale movements of marine species along Australia's east coast

BACKGROUND

Acoustic telemetry has become a fundamental tool to monitor the movement of aquatic species. Advances in technology, in particular the development of batteries with lives of > 10 years, have increased our ability to track the long-term movement patterns of many species. However, logistics and financial constraints often dictate the locations and deployment duration of acoustic receivers. Consequently, there is often a compromise between optimal array design and affordability. Such constraints can hinder the ability to track marine animals over large spatial and temporal scales. Continental-scale receiver networks have increased the ability to study large-scale movements, but significant gaps in coverage often remain.

METHODS

Since 2007, the Integrated Marine Observing System's Animal Tracking Facility (IMOS ATF) has maintained permanent receiver installations on the eastern Australian seaboard. In this study, we present the recent enhancement of the IMOS ATF acoustic tracking infrastructure in Queensland to collect data on large-scale movements of marine species in the northeast extent of the national array. Securing a relatively small initial investment for expanding receiver deployment and tagging activities in Queensland served as a catalyst, bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders (research institutes, universities, government departments, port corporations, industries, Indigenous ranger groups and tourism operators) to create an extensive collaborative network that could sustain the extended receiver coverage into the future. To fill gaps between existing installations and maximise the monitoring footprint, the new initiative has an atypical design, deploying many single receivers spread across 2,100 km of Queensland waters.

RESULTS

The approach revealed previously unknown broad-scale movements for some species and highlights that clusters of receivers are not always required to enhance data collection. However, array designs using predominantly single receiver deployments are more vulnerable to data gaps when receivers are lost or fail, and therefore "redundancy" is a critical consideration when designing this type of array.

CONCLUSION

Initial results suggest that our array enhancement, if sustained over many years, will uncover a range of previously unknown movements that will assist in addressing ecological, fisheries, and conservation questions for multiple species.

Calcineurin inhibitors exacerbate coronary arteritis via the MyD88 signalling pathway in a murine model of Kawasaki disease

Calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) have been used off-label for the treatment of refractory Kawasaki disease (KD). However, it remains unknown whether CNIs show protective effects against the development of coronary artery lesions in KD patients. To investigate the effects of CNIs on coronary arteries and the mechanisms of their actions on coronary arteritis in a mouse model of KD, we performed experiments with FK565, a ligand of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing protein 1 (NOD1) in wild-type, severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), caspase-associated recruitment domain 9 (CARD9)^-/- and myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88)^-/- mice. We also performed in-vitro studies with vascular and monocytic cells and vascular tissues. A histopathological analysis showed that both cyclosporin A and tacrolimus exacerbated the NOD1-mediated coronary arteritis in a dose-dependent manner. Cyclosporin A induced the exacerbation of coronary arteritis in mice only in high doses, while tacrolimus exacerbated it within the therapeutic range in humans. Similar effects were obtained in SCID and CARD9^-/- mice but not in MyD88^-/- mice. CNIs enhanced the expression of adhesion molecules by endothelial cells and the cytokine secretion by monocytic cells in our KD model. These data indicated that both vascular and monocytic cells were involved in the exacerbation of coronary arteritis. Activation of MyD88-dependent inflammatory signals in both vascular cells and macrophages appears to contribute to their adverse effects. Particular attention should be paid to the development of coronary artery lesions when using CNIs to treat refractory KD.

Multiple optical stimulation to neuron using Si opto-neural probe with multiple optical waveguides and metal-cover for optogenetics

We have developed a Si opt-neural probe with multiple waveguides and metal cover for highly accurate optical stimulation. This neural probe had 16 recording sites, three optical waveguides, and metal cover for suppressing light leakage. We evaluated electrochemical properties of the recording sites, and confirmed that the neural probe had suitable characteristics for neural recording. We also demonstrated the optical stimulation to the neurons expressing ChR2 using our probe. As a result, we succeeded multisite optical stimulation, and observed that no light leakage from the optical waveguides because of the metal cover. From in vivo experiments, we successfully recorded optically modulated local field potential using the fabricated Si neural probe with optical waveguides. Moreover, we applied current source density analysis to the recorded LFPs. As a result, we confirmed that light induced membrane current sink in locally stimulated area. Our Si opto-neural probe with multiple optical waveguides and metal-cover is one of the most versatile tools for optogenetics.

Forensic identification using multiple lot numbers of an implanted device

We report a case in which identification of a deceased individual was established using multiple lot numbers printed on a body implantable device. Autopsy of an unknown woman revealed an intramedullary nail inserted within her right femur. The device manufacturer was identified from the configuration of the intramedullary nail, and the "use history" was traced from lot numbers printed on the device's multiple parts. The deceased individual was thus identified as a woman who had attempted suicide by jumping from a height about a year previously and had been transported to a hospital and undergone surgery that included implantation of the intramedullary nail. The main factor contributing to the rapid identification was the manufacturer's and distributor's record of the use history (traceability) of the product, because of their accountability for purposes of quality control. A second contributing factor was multiple lot numbers, resulting in extremely low probability of the same combination of lot numbers being present in multiple individuals. This case confirmed the utility of multiple lot numbers of body implantable devices in forensic identification.

Counting-backward test for executive function in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to develop and validate a bedside test for executive function in patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (INPH).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty consecutive patients with INPH and 20 patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) were enrolled in this study. We developed the counting-backward test for evaluating executive function in patients with INPH. Two indices that are considered to be reflective of the attention deficits and response suppression underlying executive dysfunction in INPH were calculated: the first-error score and the reverse-effect index. Performance on both the counting-backward test and standard neuropsychological tests for executive function was assessed in INPH and AD patients.

RESULTS

The first-error score, reverse-effect index and the scores from the standard neuropsychological tests for executive function were significantly lower for individuals in the INPH group than in the AD group. The two indices for the counting-backward test in the INPH group were strongly correlated with the total scores for Frontal Assessment Battery and Phonemic Verbal Fluency. The first-error score was also significantly correlated with the error rate of the Stroop colour-word test and the score of the go/no-go test. In addition, we found that the first-error score highly distinguished patients with INPH from those with AD using these tests.

CONCLUSION

The counting-backward test is useful for evaluating executive dysfunction in INPH and for differentiating between INPH and AD patients. In particular, the first-error score may reflect deficits in the response suppression related to executive dysfunction in INPH.

Hindered proton collectivity in 16(28)S12: possible magic number at Z=16

The reduced transition probability B(E2;0(gs)(+)→2(1)(+)) for (28)S was obtained experimentally using Coulomb excitation at 53 MeV/nucleon. The resultant B(E2) value 181(31) e(2)fm(4) is smaller than the expectation based on empirical B(E2) systematics. The double ratio |M(n)/M(p)|/(N/Z) of the 0(gs)(+)→2(1)(+) transition in (28)S was determined to be 1.9(2) by evaluating the M(n) value from the known B(E2) value of the mirror nucleus (28)Mg, showing the hindrance of proton collectivity relative to that of neutrons. These results indicate the emergence of the magic number Z=16 in the |T(z)|=2 nucleus (28)S.

Spectroscopy of 32Ne and the "Island of Inversion"

We report on the first spectroscopic study of the N=22 nucleus 32Ne at the newly completed RIKEN Radioactive Ion Beam Factory. A single gamma-ray line with an energy of 722(9) keV was observed in both inelastic scattering of a 226 MeV/u 32Ne beam on a carbon target and proton removal from 33Na at 245 MeV/u. This transition is assigned to the deexcitation of the first Jpi=2+ state in 32Ne to the 0+ ground state. Interpreted through comparison with state-of-the-art shell-model calculations, the low excitation energy demonstrates that the "island of inversion" extends to at least N=22 for the Ne isotopes.

Development of large deformation in 62Cr

The structure of neutron-rich isotopes 60Cr and 62Cr was studied via proton inelastic scattering in inverse kinematics. The deformation lengths (delta) for 60Cr and 62Cr were extracted as 1.12(16) and 1.36(14) fm, respectively, providing evidence for enhanced collectivity in these nuclei. An excited state at 1180(10) keV in 62Cr was identified for the first time. We adopted 4;{+} as its spin and parity, leading to the rapid increase of the Ex(4;{+})/E_{x}(2;{+}) ratio, which indicates the development of large deformation in 62Cr near N=40. Importance of the admixture of the gd-shell component above N=40 is also discussed by comparing with a modern shell model calculation.

Diabetic neuropathy is closely associated with arterial stiffening and thickness in Type 2 diabetes

AIMS

Interaction of vascular and metabolic factors appears to contribute to the pathogenesis of diabetic neuropathy. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of arterial stiffening and thickness on diabetic neuropathy in Type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

In 294 patients with Type 2 diabetes, neuropathy was assessed by four components: the presence of neuropathic symptoms, the absence of ankle tendon reflexes, perception of vibration scores and heart rate variation. We measured intima-media thickness (IMT) of carotid arteries to assess arterial thickening, and brachial-ankle pulse-wave velocity (PWV) and brachial pulse pressure (PP) which reflect arterial stiffening.

RESULTS

Diabetic neuropathy, defined as > or = two of the four components, was significantly associated with age, duration, glycated haemoglobin (HbA(1c)), systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, PP, hypertension, retinopathy, urinary albumin excretion rate, nephropathy stages, PWV and IMT. PWV and PP were significantly associated with neuropathy independent of conventional cardiovascular risk factors. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that PWV, retinopathy, age, and HbA(1c), were significant independent determinants of neuropathy.

CONCLUSIONS

The present cross-sectional study indicates that markers for vascular wall properties such as PWV, IMT and PP are significantly associated with diabetic neuropathy. PWV and PP are significant determinants of neuropathy independent of conventional cardiovascular risk factors. Multifactorial intervention to inhibit progression of the atherosclerotic process may slow progression of neuropathy.

Relationship between metabolic syndrome components and vascular properties in Japanese type 2 diabetic patients without cardiovascular disease or nephropathy

To investigate the effect of metabolic syndrome (MS) components on early atherosclerosis markers, i.e., urinary albumin excretion rate (UAE), pulse wave velocity (PWV), and carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), we studied 536 Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes without cardiovascular disease or nephropathy. The MS definition by ATP III was employed. UAE, PWV, and IMT increased significantly with increasing the number of components even before fulfilling the diagnosis of MS. UAE was significantly influenced by high blood pressure, high triglycerides, and low HDL cholesterol. PWV was significantly increased by high blood pressure. IMT was significantly increased by high blood pressure and abdominal obesity. Multiple regression analysis, including MS components and putative risk factors, indicated that the number of MS components, age and glycosylated HbA1C were independent determinants of UAE, PWV, and IMT. LDL cholesterol and male gender were independent determinants of IMT. In conclusion, UAE, PWV, and IMT increased according to increasing the number of MS in type 2 diabetic patients without cardiovascular disease or diabetic nephropathy. The current observation considering the modifiable factors may help to identify patients who are at high risk of experiencing cardiovascular disease.

Influence of ABCB1 C3435T polymorphism on the pharmacokinetics of lansoprazole and gastroesophageal symptoms in Japanese renal transplant recipients classified as CYP2C19 extensive

OBJECTIVE

Lansoprazole and tacrolimus are substrates of ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters such as P-glycoprotein (ABCBI/multidrug resistance 1) and cytochrome P450 (CYP). The purpose of this study was to investigate the implication of the ABCB1 C3435Tpolymorphism on the pharmacokinetics of (R)-lansoprazole, the major enantiomer, in CYP2C19 extensive metabolizers (EMs) and on gastroesophageal symptoms in renal transplant recipients receiving tacrolimus.

MATERIALS

24 recipients who were CYP2C19 EMs were studied.

METHODS

Oral administration of 30 mg lansoprazole was started 2 days before transplantation. On Day 2 before and Day 28 after transplantation, the plasma concentrations of (R)-lansoprazole and tacrolimus were measured.

RESULTS

Pretransplantation, there were no significant differences in the pharmacokinetic parameters of (R)-lansoprazole between the 3 ABCBI C3435T genotypes. However, after renal transplantation, the peak plasma concentration (Cma ) and area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUCO-24) of (R)-lansoprazole in patients with the ABCB1 C3435T C allele significantly increased, but not in patients with the TT genotype. These pharmacokinetic variations in (R)-lansoprazole did not influence the AUC of tacrolimus. There were no significant differences in the frequency of gastroesophageal symptoms among the three ABCB] C3435Tgenotypes.

CONCLUSIONS

(R)-lansoprazole concentrations significantly increased in CYP2C19 extensive metabolizers with the ABCB1 C3435T C allele, but not TT genotype, after renal transplantation. However, the clinical relevance of this observation may be minor because these pharmacogenetic changes were not associated with the occurrence of gastroesophageal complications.

Measurement of excited states in (40)Si and evidence for weakening of the N=28 shell gap

Excited states in (40)Si have been established by detecting gamma rays coincident with inelastic scattering and nucleon removal reactions on a liquid hydrogen target. The low excitation energy, 986(5) keV, of the 2(1)(+) state provides evidence of a weakening in the N=28 shell closure in a neutron-rich nucleus devoid of deformation-driving proton collectivity.

Vanishing N = 20 shell gap: study of excited states in (27,28)Ne

This Letter reports on the (1)H((28)Ne, (28)Ne) and (1)H((28)Ne, (27)Ne) reactions studied at intermediate energy using a liquid hydrogen target. From the cross section populating the first 2(+) excited state of (28)Ne, and using the previously determined BE(2) value, the neutron quadrupole transition matrix element has been calculated to be M(n)=13.8 +/- 3.7 fm(2). In the neutron knockout reaction, two low-lying excited states were populated in (27)Ne. Only one of them can be interpreted by the sd shell model while the additional state may intrude from the fp shell. These experimental observations are consistent with the presence of fp shell configurations at low excitation energy in (27,28)Ne nuclei caused by a vanishing N=20 shell gap at Z=10.

Anomalously hindered E2 strength B(E2;2+(1)-->0+) in 16C

The electric quadrupole transition from the first 2(+) state to the ground 0(+) state in 16C is studied through measurement of the lifetime by a recoil shadow method applied to inelastically scattered radioactive 16C nuclei. The measured mean lifetime is 77+/-14(stat)+/-19(syst) ps. The central value of mean lifetime corresponds to a B(E2;2+(1)-->0(+)) value of 0.63e(2) fm(4), or 0.26 Weisskopf units. The transition strength is found to be anomalously small compared to the empirically predicted value.