Effects of primary PCI and facilitated PCI on myocardial viability and ventricular systolic synchrony in acute myocardial infarction patients

Objective To evaluate short time effects of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) and rtPA thrombolysis+PCI (rtPA+PCI) on myocardial viability and ventricular systolic synchrony in AMI patients.Methods Eighty seven patients with first AMI were divided into two groups: group A ( n =42), pPCI group, the patients underwent PCI within 6h after onset of AMI; group B ( n =45), rtPA+PCI group, the patients underwent PCI after thrombolysis within 6h after onset of AMI; Myocardial viability was measured by 99m Tc MIBI SPECT. While, the parameters of cardiac function LVEF and ventricular systolic synchrony LVPS were measured by 99m Tc gated cardiac blood pool image on the first and the fourth weekend. Results (1) The peak CK MB was significantly lower in group A than that in group B( P <0.01 ). (2) Myocardial infarction area (MIA) was decreased and radioactivity counts in MIA was significantly increased in group A and B on the 4th weekend compared with that on the first weekend ( P <0.01 ), but there were no significant difference between group A and group B. (3) LVEF, LVPS were no significant difference between group A and group B.Conclusions (1)pPCI in acute myocardial infartion can limit infarct area, maintain ventricular systolic synchrony and improve ventricular function; (2) but, in those hospitals that there were no any condition for PCI, they should transfer the patients to central hospital for PCI after thrombolysis at the first time. It is beneficial to improve myocardial viability and ventricular systolic synchrony of AMI patients in short time.

射波刀Synchrony同步追踪系统三维方向质量保证分析

目的:分析射波刀Synchrony同步追踪系统的质量保证验证方法是否符合临床肿瘤三维运动的要求,以保证射波刀临床治疗的质量。方法:利用改进的Synchrony模体采集CT影像信息,制订同步呼吸追踪的E2E(end to end)治疗验证计划。执行治疗计划,将装有EBT胶片的球方模体放在治疗床上,球方在不同运动条件下执行模拟验证计划,利用E2E软件对照射后的胶片进行分析,得出同步追踪的治疗误差。结果:射波刀Synchrony同步追踪系统在一维、二维、三维方向的治疗误差分别为0.91、1.03、0.90 mm。结论:射波刀Synchrony同步追踪系统的质量保证验证方法满足临床肿瘤精确治疗的要求。

肺追踪优化对射波刀Synchrony建模的价值

目的:探讨射波刀肺部追踪肿瘤直径的范围并分析利用肺追踪优化措施对降低Synchrony重建次数的价值。方法:选取152例肺部肿瘤患者执行肺追踪放疗,按肿瘤直径大小分为10 mm≤d<15 mm、15 mm≤d<20 mm、≥20 mm3组。对肿瘤跟踪算法失败的目标分别采用偏移模式、调整跟踪范围、调整不确定性、二次脊柱追踪辅助定位和启用建议影像/主要参考影像进行优化处理,统计优化前后3组能通过Synchrony建模的患者,比较优化前后射波刀治疗过程中Synchrony模型重建的频率。结果:优化前后治疗执行系统能够正确识别肿瘤并通过建模的病例数由10 mm≤d<15 mm组3例(7.5%)、15 mm≤d<20 mm组24例(36.9%)、≥20 mm组43例(91.5%)改变为10 mm≤d<15 mm组8例(20%)、15 mm≤d<20 mm组53例(81.5%)、≥20 mm组45例(95.7%),差异有统计学意义(P=0.047);治疗过程中不优化模型重建频率分别为3.67、1.48和0.47,优化后治疗模型重建频率分别为1.67、0.71和0.33。结论:综合采用肺追踪优化措施,能够降低Synchrony重建次数,对于肿瘤直径在15 mm≤d<20 mm左右的患者有助于治疗的顺利进行;对于肿瘤小于15 mm的患者不建议执行肺部追踪放射治疗。

Triadic Synchrony: Application of Multiple Wavelet Coherence to a Small Group Conversation

By applying multiple wavelet coherence (MWC) to data from human body movements in triadic interaction, this study quantified triadic synchrony, rhythmic similarity among three interactants. Thirty-nine Japanese undergraduates were randomly assigned in a triad, and engaged in a brain-storming task. Triadic synchrony was quantified by calculating MWC to the time-series movement data collected by Kinect v2 sensor. The existence of synchrony was statistically tested by using a pseudo-synchrony paradigm. Results showed that the averaged value of MWC was higher in the experimental participant trio than in those of the pseudo trio in the frequency band of 0.5 - 1 Hz. The result supports the possible utility of applying multiple wavelet coherence to evaluate triadic synchrony in a small group interaction.

Ultrasound evaluation of left ventricular remodeling and systolic synchrony in patients with primary hypertension and the correlation with serum cytokines and MMPs

Objective:To study the correlation of the ultrasound parameters of left ventricular remodeling and systolic synchrony in patients with primary hypertension with serum cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs).Methods:134 patients with primary hypertension receiving three-dimensional echocardiography examination in our hospital between May 2013 and March 2016 were selected and divided into the group A with normal pattern (n=71), group B with concentric hypertrophy (n=39) and group C with eccentric hypertrophy (n=24) according to the left ventricular internal diameter at end-diastole (LVIDd) and left ventricular mass index (LVMI), and the ultrasound parameters of left ventricular remodeling and systolic synchrony as well as serum content of cytokines and MMPs were determined.Results: The time to minimal systolic volume of 16-segmental standard deviation (SDI), maximum time difference (DIF), Tpe, Tpe interphase and its correction (Tpec), LVIDd, LVMI and left ventricular remodeling index (LVRI) of group B and group C were significantly higher than those of group A (P<0.05), and SDI, DIF, Tpe, Tpec, LVIDd, LVMI and LVRI of group C were significantly higher than those of group B (P<0.05);serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-17 (IL-17), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), MMP3 and MMP9 content of group B and group C were significantly higher than those of group A (P<0.05), and serum TNF-α, IL-17, TGF-β1, MMP2, MMP3 and MMP9 content of group C were significantly higher than those of group B (P<0.05) and positively correlated with LVIDd, LVMI, LVRI, SDI, DIF, Tpe and Tpec;serum TIMP1 and TIMP2 content of group B and group C were significantly lower than those of group A (P<0.05), and serum TIMP1 and TIMP2 content of group C were significantly lower than those of group B (P<0.05) and negatively correlated with LVIDd, LVMI, LVRI, SDI, DIF, Tpe and Tpec.Conclusions:The ultrasound parameters of left ventricular remodeling and systolic synchrony significantly change in patients with primary hypertension and are closely related to the changes in the content of serum cytokines and MMPs.

Learning of Concepts: A Review of Relevant Advances Since 2010 and Its Inspirations for Teaching

This article reviews the psychological and neuroscience achievements in concept learning since 2010 from the perspectives of individual learning and social learning,and discusses several issues related to concept learning,including the assistance of machine learning about concept learning.In terms of individual learning,current evidence shows that the brain tends to process concrete concepts through typical features(shared features);and for abstract concepts,semantic processing is the most important cognitive way.In terms of social learning,interpersonal neural synchrony(INS)is considered the main indicator of efficient knowledge transfer(such as teaching activities between teachers and students),but this phenomenon only broadens the channels for concept sources and does not change the basic mode of individual concept learning.Ultimately,this article argues that the way the human brain processes concepts depends on the concept’s own characteristics,so there are no“better”strategies in teaching,only more“suitable”strategies.

Effects of Propofol on Respiratory Drive and Patient-ventilator Synchrony during Pressure Support Ventilation in Postoperative Patients： A Prospective Study

Background： Propofol is increasingly nsed during partial support mechanical ventilation such as pressure support ventilation （PSV） in postoperative patients. However breathing pattern, respiratory drive, and patient-ventilator synchrony are affected by the sedative used and the sedation depth. The present study aimed to evaluate the physiologic effects of varying depths ofpropofbl sedation oll respiratory drive and patient-ventilator synchrony during PSV in postoperative patients. Methods： Eight postoperative patients receiving PSV for 〈24 h were enrolled. Propofol was administered to achieve and maintain a Ramsay score of 4, and the inspiratory pressure support was titrated to obtain a tidal volume （VT） of 6-8 ml/kg. Then, tile propolbl dose was reduced to achieve and maintain a Ramsay score of 3 and then 2. At each Ramsay level, the patient underwent 30-rain trials of PSV. We measured the electrical activity of the diaphragm, flow, airway presstlre, neuro-ventilatory efficiency （NVE）, and patient-ventilator synchrony. Results： Increasing the depth of sedation reduced the peak and mean electrical activity of the diaphragm, which suggested a decrease in respiratory drive, while VT remained unchanged. The NVE increased with an increase in the depth of sedation. Minute ventilation and inspiratory duty cycle decreased with an increase in the depth of sedation, but this only achieved statistical significance between Ramsay 2 and both Ramsay 4 and 3 （P 〈 0.05）. The ineffective triggering index increased with increasing sedation depth （9.5 -4- 4.0%, 6.7 - 2.0%, and 4.2-2.1% for Ramsay 4, 3, and 2, respectively） and achieved statistical significance between each pair of depth of sedation （P 〈 0.05）. The depth of sedation did not affect gas exchange. Conclusions： Propofol inhibits respiratory drive and deteriorates patient-ventilator synchrony to tile extent that varies with tile depth of sedation. Propolbl has less effect on breathing pattern and has no effect on VT and gas exchange in postoperative patients with PSV.

Neural control of pressure support ventilation improved patient-ventilator synchrony in patients with different respiratory system mechanical properties:a prospective,crossover trial

Background:Conventional pressure support ventilation(PSP)is triggered and cycled off by pneumatic signals such as flow.Patient-ventilator asynchrony is common during pressure support ventilation,thereby contributing to an increased inspiratory effort.Using diaphragm electrical activity,neurally controlled pressure support(PSN)could hypothetically eliminate the asynchrony and reduce inspiratory effort.The purpose of this study was to compare the differences between PSN and PSP in terms of patient-ventilator synchrony,inspiratory effort,and breathing pattern.Methods:Eight post-operative patients without respiratory system comorbidity,eight patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS)and obvious restrictive acute respiratory failure(ARF),and eight patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)and mixed restrictive and obstructive ARF were enrolled.Patient-ventilator interactions were analyzed with macro asynchronies(ineffective,double,and auto triggering),micro asynchronies(inspiratory trigger delay,premature,and late cycling),and the total asynchrony index(AI).Inspiratory efforts for triggering and total inspiration were analyzed.Results:Total AI of PSN was consistently lower than that of PSP in COPD(3%vs.93%,P=0.012 for 100%support level;8%vs.104%,P=0.012 for 150%support level),ARDS(8%vs.29%,P=0.012 for 100%support level;16%vs.41%,P=0.017 for 150%support level),and post-operative patients(21%vs.35%,P=0.012 for 100%support level;15%vs.50%,P=0.017 for 150%support level).Improved support levels from 100%to 150%statistically increased total AI during PSP but not during PSN in patients with COPD or ARDS.Patients’inspiratory efforts for triggering and total inspiration were significantly lower during PSN than during PSP in patients with COPD or ARDS under both support levels(P<0.05).There was no difference in breathing patterns between PSN and PSP.Conclusions:PSN improves patient-ventilator synchrony and generates a respiratory pattern similar to PSP independently of any level of support in patients with different respiratory system mechanical properties.PSN,which reduces the trigger and total patient’s inspiratory effort in patients with COPD or ARDS,might be an alternative mode for PSP.Trial Registration:ClinicalTrials.gov,NCT01979627;https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/record/NCT01979627.

Mapping QTLs for heading synchrony in a doubled haploid population of rice in two environments

Simultaneous heading of plants within the same rice variety, also refer to heading synchrony, is an important factor that affects simultaneous ripening of the variety. Understanding of the genetic basis of heading synchrony may contribute to molecular breeding of rice with simultaneous heading and ripening. In the present study, a doubled haploid （DH） population, derived from a cross between Chunjiang 06 and TN1 was used to analyze quantitative trait locus （QTL） for heading synchrony related traits, i.e., early heading date （EHD）, late heading date （LHD）, heading asynchrony （HAS）, and tiller number （PN）. A total of 19 QTLs for four traits distributed on nine chromosomes were detected in two environments. One QTL, qHAS-8 for HAS, explained 27.7% of the phenotypic variation, co-located with the QTLs for EHD and LHD, but it was only significant under long-day conditions in Hangzhou, China. The other three QTLs, qHAS-6, qHAS-9, and qHAS-10, were identified under short-day conditions in Hainan, China, each of which explained about 11% of the phenotypic variation. Two of them, qHAS-6 and qHAS-9, were co-located with the QTLs for EHD and LHD. Two QTLs, qPN-4 and qPN-5 for PN, were detected in Hangzhou, and qPN-5 was also detected in Hainan. However, none of them was co-located with QTLs for EHD, LHD, and HAS, suggesting that PN and HAS were controlled by different genetic factors. The results of this study can be useful in marker assisted breeding for improvement of heading synchrony.

Climate-driven synchrony in seed production of masting deciduous and conifer tree species

Aims Understanding fluctuations in plant reproductive investment can constitute a key challenge in ecology,conservation and manage-ment.Masting events of trees(i.e.the intermittent and synchronous production of abundant seeding material)is an extreme example of such fluctuations.Our objective was to establish the degree of spa-tial and temporal synchrony in common four masting tree species in boreal Finland and account for potential causal drivers of these patterns.Methods We investigated the spatial intraspecific and temporal interspe-cific fluctuations in annual seed production of four tree species in Finland,silver birch Betula pendula Roth,downy birch Betula pubescens Ehrh.,Norway spruce Picea abies(L.)H.Karst.and row-anberry Sorbus aucuparia L.We also tested to see whether varia-tions in seed production were linked to annual weather conditions.Seeding abundance data were derived from tens of stands per spe-cies across large spatial scales within Finland during 1979 to 2014(for rowanberries only 1986 to 2014).Important Findings All species showed spatial synchrony in seed production at scales up to 1000 km.Annual estimates of seed production were strongly correlated between species.Spring and summer temperatures explained most variation in crop sizes of tree species with 0-to 2-year time lags,whereas rainfall had relatively little influence.Warm weather during flowering(May temperature)in the flower-ing year(Year t)and 2 years before(t−2)were correlated with seed production.However,high May temperatures during the previous year(t−1)adversely affected seed production.Summer tempera-tures in Year t−1 was positively correlated with seed production,likely because this parameter enhances the development of flower primordials,but the effect was negative with a time lag of 2 years.The negative feedback in temperature coefficients is also likely due to patterns of resource allocation,as abundant flowering and seed production in these species is thought to reduce the sub-sequent initiation of potential new flower buds.Since the most important weather variables also showed spatial correlation up to 1000 km,weather parameters likely explain much of the spatial and temporal synchrony in seed production of these four studied tree species.

Cardiac electrical and mechanical synchrony of super-responders to cardiac resynchronization therapy

Background:Super-responders(SRs)to cardiac resynchronization therapy(CRT)regain near-normal or normal cardiac function.The extent of cardiac synchrony of SRs and whether continuous biventricular(BIV)pacing is needed remain unknown.The aim of this study was to evaluate the cardiac electrical and mechanical synchrony of SRs.Methods:We retrospectively analyzed CRT recipients between 2008 and 2016 in 2 centers to identify SRs,whose left ventricular(LV)ejection fraction was increased to≥50%at follow-up.Cardiac synchrony was evaluated in intrinsic and BIV-paced rhythms.Electrical synchrony was estimated by QRS duration and LV mechanical synchrony by single-photon emission computed tomography myocardial perfusion imaging.Results:Seventeen SRs were included with LV ejection fraction increased from 33.0±4.6%to 59.3±6.3%.The intrinsic QRS duration after super-response was 148.8±30.0 ms,significantly shorter than baseline(174.8±11.9 ms,P=0.004,t=3.379)but longer than BIV-paced level(135.5±16.7 ms,P=0.042,t=2.211).Intrinsic LV mechanical synchrony significantly improved after super-response(phase standard deviation[PSD],51.1±16.5°vs.19.8±8.1°,P<0.001,t=5.726;phase histogram bandwidth(PHB),171.7±64.2°vs.60.5±22.9°,P<0.001,t=5.376)but was inferior to BIV-paced synchrony(PSD,19.8±8.1°vs.15.2±6.4°,P=0.005,t=3.414;PHB,60.5±22.9°vs.46.0±16.3°,P=0.009,t=3.136).Conclusions:SRs had significant improvements in cardiac electrical and LV mechanical synchrony.Since intrinsic synchrony of SRs was still inferior to BIV-paced rhythm,continued BIV pacing is needed to maintain longstanding and synchronized contraction.

Two sides of a coin： host-plant synchrony fitness trade-offs in the population dynamics of the western spruce budworm

Conifer-feeding budworms emerge from overwintering sites as small larvae in early spring, several days before budburst, and mine old needles. These early-emerging larvae suffer considerable mortality during this foraging period as they disperse in search of available, current-year buds. Once buds flush, surviving budworms construct feeding shelters and must complete maturation before fresh host foliage senesces and lignifies later in the summer. Late-developing larvae suffer greater mortality and survivors have lower fecundity when feeding on older foliage. Thus, there is a seasonal trade-off in fitness associated with host synchrony： early-emerging budworms have a greater risk of mortality during spring dispersal but gain better access to the most nutritious foliage, while, on the other hand, late-emerging larvae incur a lower risk during the initial foraging period but must contend with rapidly diminishing resource quality at the end of the feeding period. We investigate the balance that results from these early-season and late-season synchrony fitness trade-offs using the concept of the phenological window. Parameters associated with the variation in the phenological window are used to estimate generational fitness as a function of host-plant synchrony. Because defoliation modifies these relationships, it is also included in the analysis. We show that fitness trade-offs characterizing the phenological window result in a robust synchrony relationship between budworm and host plant over a wide geographic range in southern British Columbia, Canada.

Quantum Theory of Consciousness

Both consciousness and quantum phenomenon are subjective and indeterministic. In this paper, we propose consciousness is a quantum phenomenon. A quantum theory of consciousness (QTOC) is presented based on a new interpretation of quantum physics. We show that this QTOC can address the mind and body problem, the hard problem of consciousness. It also provides a physics foundation and mathematical formulation to study consciousness and neural network. We demonstrate how to apply it to develop and extend various models of consciousness. We show the predictions from this theory about the existence of a universal quantum vibrational field and the large-scale, nearly instantaneous synchrony of brainwaves among different parts of brain, body, people, and objects. The correlation between Schumann Resonances and some brainwaves is explained. Recent progress in quantum information theory, especially regarding quantum entanglement and quantum error correction code, is applied to study memory and shed new light in neuroscience.

Seasonal variation and synchronization of sexual behaviors in free-ranging male Tibetan macaques (Macaca thibetana) at Huangshan, China

Although seasonal breeding has been documented in many non-human primates, it is not clear whether sexual behaviors show seasonal variation among male individuals. To test this hypothesis, the focal animal sampling method and continuous recording were used to investigate seasonal variation and synchronization of sexual behaviors in five male Tibetan macaques （Macaca thibetana） at Mt. Huangshan from Oct 2005 to Sept 2006. Both copulatory and sexually motivated behaviors （i.e., sexual chase, grimace, and sexual-inspection）, which were significantly higher in the mating season than non-mating season. Furthermore, seasonal variations of sexual behaviors, including copulatory and sexually motivated behaviors, were synchronized among males. The results shed light on sexual competition and tactics for reproductive success of male M. thibetana and other non-human primates with seasonal breeding.

Severe Mitral Regurgitation Due to Pacing in Patient Post Aortic Valve Replacement (A Case Report)

Epicardial Cardiac pacing may lead to severe Mitral Regurgitation by one of the following mechanisms: 1) Inappropriate Atrioventricular interval. 2) Myocardial ischemia due to fast heart rate may cause transient papillary muscle dysfunction. 3) Right Ventricular apical pacing may lead to Left Ventricular dyssynchrony in the presence of optimal Atrioventricular synchrony. Acute severe Mitral Regurgitation leading to acute severe hemodynamic deterioration is a reported complication of Permanent Pacemaker insertion. Our case demonstrated acute severe MR as a consequence of RV Pacing leading to acute hemodynamic deterioration, which was relieved on withdrawal of pacing. Left Ventricular dyssynchrony can be relieved by reducing the peacemaker rate or changing to biventricular pacing, this reduces the severity of Mitral Regurgitation and improves the hemodynamics due to simultaneous activation of left and right ventricles. This case illustrates the acute and potentially dramatic effects of intra-Left Ventricular dyssynchrony upon Mitral Valve function. Informed consent was obtained from the patient to report the case. Thus right ventricular pacing can cause left ventricular dyssynchrony leading to worsening of Mitral Regurgitation. It is important to pay attention to mode of pacing when evaluating Mitral Regurgitation in patients with Right Ventricular pacemaker and unstable hemodynamics after initiation of pacing.

Effects of temperature on flowering phenological traits of Populus euphratica Oliv. and Populus pruinosa Schrenk populations, Xinjiang, China

The aims of this study were to explore the interspecific differences of Populus euphratica Oliv.and Populus pruinosa Schrenk populations and the intraspecific differences of males and females within the same species in flowering phenological traits,and the effects of temperatures on flowering phenological traits in different growth years(2001–2003 and 2013–2015).The results showed that P.euphratica population flowered earlier than P.pruinosa population.Moreover,flowering phenological period of population,number of days of flowering phenological period per population,number of days of flowering phenological period per plant and average number of days of flowering period per plant of P.euphratica population were less than those of P.pruinosa population.The differences between male and female within the same species indicated that the flowering periods of males P.euphratica and P.pruinosa populations were earlier than those of female plants.For both species,flowering phenological traits were significantly and negatively correlated with the average temperatures in previous ten days,previous one month and previous three months of flowering.Both species are sensitive to temperature changes and adjust to the changes by advancing the start of flowering and prolonging the duration of flowering.

Neurally adjusted ventilator assist in very low birth weight infants:Current status

Continuous improvements in perinatal care have resultedin increased survival of premature infants.Their immature lungs are prone to injury with mechanical ventilation and this may develop into chronic lung disease(CLD) or bronchopulmonary dysplasia.Strategies to minimize the risk of lung injury have been developed and include improved antenatal management(education,regionalization,steroids,and antibiotics),exogenous surfactant administration and reduction of barotrauma by using exclusive or early noninvasive ventilatory support.The most frequently used mode of assisted ventilation is pressure support ventilation that may lead to patientventilator asynchrony that is associated with poor outcome.Ventilator-induced diaphragmatic dysfunction or disuse atrophy of diaphragm fibers may also occur.This has led to the development of new ventilation modes including neurally adjusted ventilatory assist(NAVA).This ventilation mode is controlled by electrodes embedded within a nasogastric catheter which detect the electrical diaphragmatic activity(Edi) and transmit it to trigger the ventilator in synchrony with the patient's own respiratory efforts.This permits the patient to control peak inspiratory pressure,mean airway pressure and tidal volume.Back up pressure control(PC) is provided when there is no Edi signal and no pneumatic trigger.Compared with standard conventional ventilation,NAVA improves blood gas regulation with lower peak inspiratory pressure and oxygen requirements in preterm infants.NAVA is safe mode of ventilation.The majority of studies have shown no significant adverse events in neonates ventilated with NAVA nor a difference in the rate of intraventricular hemorrhage,pneumothorax,or necrotizing enterocolitis when compared to conventional ventilation.Future large size randomized controlled trials should be established to compare NAVA with volume targeted and pressure controlled ventilation in newborns with mature respiratory drive.Most previous studies and trials were not sufficiently large and did not include longterm patient oriented outcomes.Multicenter,randomized,outcome trials are needed to determine whether NAVA is effective in avoiding intubation,facilitating extubation,decreasing time of ventilation,reducing the incidence ofCLD,decreasing length of stay,and improving long-term outcomes such as the duration of ventilation,length of hospital stay,rate of pneumothorax,CLD and other major complications of prematurity.In order to prevent barotrauma,next generations of NAVA equipment for neonatal use should enable automatic setting of ventilator parameters in the backup PC mode based on the values generated by NAVA.They should also include an upper limit to the inspiratory time as in conventional ventilation.The manufacturers of Edi catheters should produce smaller sizes available for extreme low birth weight infants.Newly developed ventilators should also include leak compensation and high frequency ventilation.A peripheral flow sensor is also essential to the proper delivery of all modes of conventional ventilation as well as NAVA.

The reproductive biology of a Central American cichlid Neetroplus nematopus in Lake Xiloá ,Nicaragua

This study was conducted to provide a five-year database on the breeding seasonality and breeding biology of a Central American cichlid fish Neetroplus nematopus, a biparental substratum-spawning cichlid that cares for its eggs, wrigglers, and fry for up to six weeks. A total of 503 breeding pairs were monitored for breeding success. Breeding pairs of N. nematopus are sexually dimorphic in size, with females averaging 39% of male body mass. Fry emerged from 85% of nesting cavities. After three weeks, only 30% of the broods were present in the nesting cavity; these broods had a 30% survival rate, giving a 9% overall survival rate. Nineteen percent of the successful parents with three-week-old broods adopted foreign fry. A consistent unimodal breeding peak in December was observed for five years. This breeding peak differed dramatically from the bimodal breeding season 20 years found in the 1970s. The effects of extensive grenade fishing practices during the 1980s might have played a substantial role in the observed change. Grenade fishing stopped in 1991, and the number ofN. nematopus pairs increased by 136% from 1990 to 1995. With increased density of breeding fish, the breeding season for this species also expanded. The balance between divergent selection due to competition for breeding sites and stabilizing selection due to predation pressure on offspring is likely to mold the breeding season for N. nematopus and other cichlids of Lake Xilofi. We suggest that brood adoption and synchrony of breeding is a strategy to reduce predation on the parent＇s own young [Current Zoology 56 （1）： 43-51 2010].

Mechanism for propagation of rate signals through a 10-layer feedforward neuronal network

Using numerical simulations, we explore the mechanism for propagation of rate signals through a 10-layer feed-forward network composed of Hodgkin-Huxley （HH） neurons with sparse connectivity. When white noise is afferent to the input layer, neuronal firing becomes progressively more synchronous in successive layers and synchrony is well developed in deeper layers owing to the feedforward connections between neighboring layers. The synchrony ensures the successful propagation of rate signals through the network when the synaptic conductance is weak. As the synaptic time constant Tsyn varies, coherence resonance is observed in the network activity due to the intrinsic property of HH neurons. This makes the output firing rate single-peaked as a function of Tsyn, suggesting that the signal propagation can be modulated by the synaptic time constant. These results are consistent with experimental results and advance our understanding of how information is processed in feedforward networks.

Mapping spatial variation in acorn production from airborne hyperspectral imagery

Masting is a well-marked variation in yields of oak forests. In Japan, this phenomenon is also related to wildlife management and oak regeneration practices. This study demonstrates the capability of integrating remote sensing techniques into map- ping spatial variation of acorn production. The hyperspectral images in 72 wavelengths （407-898 nm） were acquired over the study area ten times over a period of three years （2003-2005） during the early growing season of Quercus serrata using the Airborne Im- aging Spectrometer Application （AISA） Eagle System. With the canopy spectral reflectance values of 22 sample trees extracted from the images, yield estimation models were developed via multiple linear regression （MLR） analyses. Using the object-oriented classi- fication approach in eCognition, canopies representative of individual oak trees （Q. serrata） were identified from the corresponding hyperspectral imagery and combined with the fitted estimation models developed, acorn yield over the entire forest were estimated and visualized into maps. Three estimation models, obtained for June 27 in 2003, July 13 in 2004 and June 21 in 2005, showed good performance in acorn yield estimation both for the training and validation datasets, all with R2 〉 0.4, p 〈 0.05 and RRMSE 〈 1 （the relative root mean square of error）. The present study shows the potential of airborne hyperspectral imagery not only in estimating acorn yields during early growing seasons, but also in identifying Q. serrata from other image objects, based on which of the spatial distribution patterns of acorn production over large areas could be mapped. The yield map can provide within-stand abundance and valuable information for the size and spatial synchrony of acorn production.