On “intercolonial” cannibalism in Japanese paper wasps,Polistes chinensis antennalis Pérez andP. Jadwigae dalla torre (hymenoptera: Vespidae)

Summary Foundresses of two species of Japanese paper wasps,Polistes chinensis antennalis andP. jadwigae, attacked other colonies of the same species. A foundress ofP. chinensis antennalis visited two nests of the same species, and ate larvae from them, while two foundresses ofP. jadwigae each visited a nest of the same species, eating larvae and pupae even when the foundress of the attacked nest was on her nest. In addition, a foundress ofP. jadwigae distributed flesh balls thus obtained among their larvae. Discussion was made on the adaptive significance of the inter-colonial cannibalism. It was considered that, at first, it increases the foraging efficiency and secondly it plays a role in regulating population density.     

Study of trivalent samarium ion embedded lithium‐based borate glass for high‐density optical memory devices

Sm³⁺ ions doped strontium lithium lead borate glasses (SLLB:Sm) were prepared using a conventional melt‐quenching technique. The glasses were analyzed using X‐ray diffractometry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, optical absorption, fluorescence spectral analysis, and fluorescence lifetime decay. The Judd–Ofelt (J–O) parameters and radiative parameters of the SLLB:Sm10 glass (1.0 mol% Sm³⁺ ion‐doped glass) were calculated using J–O theory. From the emission spectra, among all the synthesized glass, SLLB:Sm10 glass had the highest emission intensity for ⁴G_5/2→⁶H_11/2 transition (610 nm). Emission parameters, such as stimulated emission cross‐section and optical gain bandwidth, were calculated. For all concentrations of Sm³⁺ ions, the decay profile showed an exponential nature and decreased when the Sm³⁺ ion concentration was increased due to a concentration quenching effect. This result suggests that the synthesized SLLB:Sm10 glass could be used for application in high‐density optical memory devices.     

Growth performance,nutrient digestibility,blood parameters,and carcass characteristics by lambs fed an oregano and cobalt blend

Shifting ruminal fermentation via feeding a blend of oregano (Organum vulgare L.) essential oils and Co-lactate (EOC; Rum-A-Fresh, Ralco, Inc. Marshall, MN) could improve lamb growth and carcass performance. Eighteen Suffolk × Little Han Tail F1 male lambs (20.3 ± 0.23 kg BW and approximately 3 months old) were randomly assigned using a completely random design to one of three treatments. Treatments were (1) EOC0: basal ration without EOC, (2) EOC4: basal ration plus 4 g/d EOC, and (3) EOC7: basal ration plus 7 g/d EOC. Initial and 24 d BW was similar (P > 0.10), but at 48 and 72 d, lambs fed EOC7 demonstrated greater (P = 0.01) BW compared with EOC0 fed lambs, while lambs fed EOC4 were intermediate and similar (P > 0.05). Average daily gains (ADGs) for 0–24 and 0–72 d were greater (P < 0.05) for lambs fed EOC4 and EOC7 compared with lambs fed EOC0, while DM intake was similar (P > 0.10). Feed conversions for 0–24 d were improved (P < 0.02) for lambs fed EOC4 and EOC7 compared with lambs fed EOC0. However, 0–72-d feed conversions were greater (P < 0.01) for lambs fed EOC7 compared to lambs fed EOC0, with lambs fed EOC4 being intermediate and similar (P > 0.05). DM, NDF, and ADF digestibilities were similar (P > 0.10) among treatments, while CP digestibility was greater (P < 0.01) for lambs fed EOC4 and EOC7 compared with lambs fed EOC0. Carcass weight and dressing percentages were improved (P < 0.01) for lambs fed EOC7 compared with lambs fed EOC0 and EOC4. Head width was greater (P > 0.01) for lambs fed EOC7 compared with lambs fed EOC0 and EOC4, while rump width was greater (P > 0.01) for lambs fed EOC4 and EOC7 compared with lambs fed EOC0. Plasma triglyceride and cholesterol concentrations were lower (P < 0.05) for lambs fed EOC4 and EOC7 compared with lambs fed EOC0, while albumin, total serum protein, and glucose concentrations were greater (P < 0.05) for lambs fed EOC4 and EOC7 compared with lambs fed EOC0. Feeding an EOC blend as an alternative antibiotic growth promoter at 4 and 7 g/d linearly improved lamb growth performance, feed conversions, frame growth, carcass weights, dressing percentages, and immunity.     

Optical analysis of RE3+ (RE = Nd or Er):B2O3–P2O5–CaF2–ZnO–(Li2O/Na2O/K2O) glasses

Calcium boro fluoro zinc phosphate glasses modified using alkali oxide and doped with Nd³⁺ and Er³⁺ ions with the chemical composition of 69.5 (B₂O₃) + 10 (P₂O₅) + 10 (CaF₂) + 5 (ZnO) + 5 (Na₂O/Li₂O/K₂O) + 0.5 (Er₂O₃/Nd₂O₃) were prepared using a conventional melt quenching technique. The results of X-ray diffraction patterns indicated the amorphous nature of all the prepared glasses. The visible–near-infrared red (NIR) absorption spectra of these glasses were analyzed systematically. The NIR emission spectra of Er³⁺ and Nd³⁺:calcium boro fluoro zinc phosphate glasses showed prominent emission bands at 1536 nm (⁴I_13/2→⁴I_15/2) and 1069 nm (⁴F_3/2→⁴I_11/2) respectively with λ_exci = 514.5 nm (Ar⁺ laser) as the excitation source.     

The necessity of connection structures in neural models of variable binding

In his review of neural binding problems, Feldman (Cogn Neurodyn 7:1–11, 2013) addressed two types of models as solutions of (novel) variable binding. The one type uses labels such as phase synchrony of activation. The other (‘connectivity based’) type uses dedicated connections structures to achieve novel variable binding. Feldman argued that label (synchrony) based models are the only possible candidates to handle novel variable binding, whereas connectivity based models lack the flexibility required for that. We argue and illustrate that Feldman’s analysis is incorrect. Contrary to his conclusion, connectivity based models are the only viable candidates for models of novel variable binding because they are the only type of models that can produce behavior. We will show that the label (synchrony) based models analyzed by Feldman are in fact examples of connectivity based models. Feldman’s analysis that novel variable binding can be achieved without existing connection structures seems to result from analyzing the binding problem in a wrong frame of reference, in particular in an outside instead of the required inside frame of reference. Connectivity based models can be models of novel variable binding when they possess a connection structure that resembles a small-world network, as found in the brain. We will illustrate binding with this type of model with episode binding and the binding of words, including novel words, in sentence structures.     

The developmental evolution of avian digit homology: An update

The identity of avian digits has been unresolved since the beginning of evolutionary morphology in the mid-19th century, i.e. as soon as questions of phylogenetic homology have been raised. The main source of concern is the persistent discrepancy between anatomical/paleontological and embryological evidence over the identity of avian digits. In this paper, recent evidence pertaining to the question of avian digit homology is reviewed and the various ideas of how to resolve the disagreement among developmental and phylogenetic evidence are evaluated. Paleontological evidence unequivocally supports the hypothesis that the fully formed digits of maniraptoran theropods are digits DI, DII, and DIII, because the phylogenetic position of Herrerasaurus is resolved, even when hand characters are excluded from the analysis. Regarding the developmental origin of the three digits of the avian hand the discovery of an anterior digit condensation in the limb bud of chickens and ostriches conclusively shows that these three digits are developing from condensations CII, CIII, and CIV. The existence of this additional anterior condensation has been confirmed in four different labs, using four different methods: Alcian blue staining, PNA affinity histochemistry, micro-capillary regression and Sox9 expression. Finally, recent evidence shows that the digit developing from condensation CII has a Hox gene expression pattern that is found in digit DI of mice forelimb and chick hind limbs. The sum of these data supports the idea that digit identity has shifted relative to the location of condensations, known as Frame Shift Hypothesis, such that condensation CII develops into digit DI and condensation CIII develops into digit DII, etc. A review of the literature on the digit identity of the Italian Three-toed Skink or Luscengola (Chalcides chalcides), shows that digit identity frame shifts may not be limited to the bird hand but may be characteristic of “adaptive” digit reduction in amniotes (sensu Steiner, H., Anders, G., 1946. Zur Frage der Entstehung von Rudimenten. Die Reduktion der Gliedmassen von Chalcides tridactylus Laur. Rev. Suisse Zool. 53, 537–546) in general. In this mode of evolution two digits are lost, in the course of the adaptation of the three anterior digits to a function that does not require the two posterior digits. This evidence suggests that the evolution of digits in tetrapods can proceed at least on two distinct levels of integration, the level of digit condensations and that of adult digits.     

Spectroscopic investigations of Er(3+) :CdO-Bi(2) O(3) -B(2) O(3) glasses

This article reports on the optical properties of Er³⁺ ions doped CdO–Bi₂O₃–B₂O₃ (CdBiB) glasses. The materials were characterized by optical absorption and emission spectra. By using Judd–Ofelt theory, the intensity parameters Ω_λ (λ = 2, 4, 6) and also oscillatory strengths were calculated from the absorption spectra. The results were used to compute the radiative properties of Er³⁺:CdBiB glasses. The concentration quenching and energy transfer from Yb³⁺–Er³⁺ were explained. The stimulated emission cross‐section, full width at half maximum (FWHM) and FWHM × values are also calculated for all the Er³⁺:CdBiB glasses. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

一种基于chirp编码的高帧速率超声成像方法

在医学超声成像系统中,帧速率由每帧图像的扫查发射次数所决定.同时发射多条波束可以提高图像的帧速率,但是这会带来不同波束间相互干扰的问题,形成伪像.本文基于编码激励的原理,提出了一种新的高帧速率成像方法.该方法通过发射一组线性频率调制编码信号,有效的降低了波束间的互扰.可以在不影响图像质量的情况下,成倍的提高图像的帧速率.