Research on eye movement data classification using support vector machine with improved whale optimization algorithm / 生物医学工程学杂志

When performing eye movement pattern classification for different tasks, support vector machines are greatly affected by parameters. To address this problem, we propose an algorithm based on the improved whale algorithm to optimize support vector machines to enhance the performance of eye movement data classification. According to the characteristics of eye movement data, this study first extracts 57 features related to fixation and saccade, then uses the ReliefF algorithm for feature selection. To address the problems of low convergence accuracy and easy falling into local minima of the whale algorithm, we introduce inertia weights to balance local search and global search to accelerate the convergence speed of the algorithm and also use the differential variation strategy to increase individual diversity to jump out of local optimum. In this paper, experiments are conducted on eight test functions, and the results show that the improved whale algorithm has the best convergence accuracy and convergence speed. Finally, this paper applies the optimized support vector machine model of the improved whale algorithm to the task of classifying eye movement data in autism, and the experimental results on the public dataset show that the accuracy of the eye movement data classification of this paper is greatly improved compared with that of the traditional support vector machine method. Compared with the standard whale algorithm and other optimization algorithms, the optimized model proposed in this paper has higher recognition accuracy and provides a new idea and method for eye movement pattern recognition. In the future, eye movement data can be obtained by combining it with eye trackers to assist in medical diagnosis.

A Novel Deep Learning-based Whale Optimization Algorithm for Prediction of Breast Cancer

HIGHLIGHTS Novel whale optimization algorithm is proposed for prediction of breast cancer. Deep learning-based WOA adjusts the CNN structure as per maximum detection accuracy. Proposed method achieves 92.4% accuracy in comparison to 90.3%. Validity of method is evaluated with magnifying factors like 40x, 100 x, 200x, 400x.

Abstract Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women that cause billions of deaths worldwide. Identification of breast cancer often depends on the examination of digital biomedical photography such as the histopathological images of various health professionals, and clinicians. Analyzing histopathological images is a unique task and always requires special knowledge to conclude investigating these types of images. In this paper, a novel efficient technique has been proposed for the detection and prediction of breast cancer at its early stage. Initially, the dataset of images is used to carry out the pre-processing phase, which helps to transform a human pictorial image into a computer photographic image and adjust the parameters appropriate to the Convolutional neural network (CNN) classifier. Afterward, all the transformed images are assigned to the CNN classifier for the training process. CNN classifies incoming breast cancer clinical images as malignant and benign without prior information about the occurrence of cancer. For parameter optimization of CNN, a deep learning-based whale optimization algorithm (WOA) has been proposed which proficiently and automatically adjusts the CNN network structure by maximizing the detection accuracy. We have also compared the obtained accuracy of the proposed algorithm with a standard CNN and other existing classifiers and it is found that the proposed algorithm supersedes the other existing algorithms.

Histological aspects of the mucosa of the spermaceti chamber of a dwarf sperm whale / Aspectos histológicos da mucosa da câmera do espermacete de cachalote-anão

The sound producing apparatus of the dwarf sperm whale (Kogia sima) presents a complex anatomic structure composed of melon, spermaceti, phonic lips, vocal cap, case, papillae, spermaceti chamber and other airspaces, as well as facial muscles involved in sound production. The spermaceti chamber rests on the caudal portion of the premaxilla, with part of its mucosa covered with spherical/oval-shaped structures (approximately 1 to 2 mm in diameter), compatible with vesicles (previously referred to as "papillae"). Macroscopical examination revealed whitish, firm, widely and irregularly distributed vesicular mucosa on the premaxillary portion of the spermaceti chamber of a K. sima specimen stranded on the coast of Santos (southeastern Brazilian coast). Upon microscopic examination, walls of connective tissue with abundant type I collagen forming vesicles with an internal space or cavity filled with a small amount of eosinophilic substance compatible with mucoproteic fluid were observed. The base of such vesicles presented glands within the connective tissue, probably responsible for fluid production. This study describes the histology of the mucosa of the spermaceti chamber of a K. sima specimen and characterizes the glands associated with fluid production.(AU)

O sistema de produção sonora do cachalote-anão (Kogia sima) apresenta uma complexa estrutura anatômica composta por melão, espermacete, lábios fônicos, "vocal cap", "case", papilas, câmara do espermacete e outros espaços aéreos, além de músculos faciais envolvidos na produção sonora. A câmara do espermacete localiza-se na porção caudal da pré-maxila, apresentando parte de sua mucosa recoberta por estruturas esférico-ovaladas de aproximadamente 1 a 2 mm de diâmetro, compatíveis com vesículas (previamente denominadas "papilas"). Ao exame macroscópico de um espécime de K. sima encalhado no litoral de Santos (sudeste da costa brasileira), foi identificada mucosa esbranquiçada e firme ao corte, ampla e irregularmente distribuída na porção pré-maxilar da câmara do espermacete. Ao exame microscópico foram observadas vesículas compostas por abundante tecido conectivo de colágeno tipo I, dando origem a um espaço interno ou cavidade, contendo pequena quantidade de substância eosinófila, compatível com fluido mucoprotêico. Estruturas glandulares foram observadas em tecido conjuntivo na base das vesículas, provavelmente responsáveis pela produção do fluido observado no interior das mesmas. Esse estudo caracteriza histologicamente a mucosa da câmara do espermacete de um espécime de K. sima e as glândulas relacionadas a sua produção secretória.(AU)

Occurrence and distribution patterns of several marine vertebrates in Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica / Patrones de presencia y distribución de vertebrados marinos en el Golfo Dulce

Abstract Within the months of January-February 2010 and July-August 2011, 55 daily sighting surveys were conducted in Golfo Dulce, a tropical fiord-like embayment in the South Pacific region of Costa Rica. The research objective was to collect baseline data on several marine vertebrates that enter or reside in the Gulf and determine spatial distribution during the study periods. Sighting surveys mainly focused on whales, dolphins, sea turtles and sea snakes. A total of 458 recorded sightings, representing at least 30 marine species, were acquired during 423.7 observation hours across all areas of the embayment. These data, along with information garnered from 82 interviews with local fishermen and tour boat guides, confirmed a wide array of marine species utilizing the inlet for the purposes of foraging, mating, resting and socializing. GIS analyses allowed comparisons of spatial distribution and revealed high-density areas for marine fauna within Golfo Dulce. Rev. Biol. Trop. 63 (Suppl. 1): 261-272. Epub 2015 April 01.

Resumen Durante los meses de enero-febrero del 2010 y julio-agosto del 2011, se realizaron 55 muestreos de avistamientos diarios en el Golfo Dulce, una ensenada considerada un fiordo tropical en la región del Pacífico Sur de Costa Rica. El objetivo de la investigación fue recolectar datos de línea base en relación con las especies marinas que entran o residen en el Golfo, incluida la distribución espacial durante los períodos de estudio. El enfoque principal del estudio fue en especies de ballenas, delfines, tortugas marinas y serpientes marinas; sin embargo, se registraron observaciones de otras especies. Se documentaron un total de 458 avistamientos, que representan por lo menos 30 especies marinas, durante 423.7h de observación en todas las áreas del Golfo. Estos datos, junto con la información obtenida a partir de 82 entrevistas a pescadores locales y guías de barcos turísticos, sugieren que una gran variedad de vertebrados marinos utilizan el Golfo con el propósito de buscar alimento, aparearse, descansar y socializar. El análisis de los datos mediante SIG permite la comparación de la distribución espacial, la cual reveló áreas de alta densidad de fauna marina en el Golfo Dulce.

Cetáceos del pacífico de Guatemala: cincuenta años de historia / Guatemala's pacific cetaceans: fifty years of history

En Guatemala el estudio de los cetáceos inició en la década de los sesenta con los primeros registros de vara-miento y captura incidental. Sin embargo, pocos trabajos científicos con datos de cetáceos han sido publicados. Con el objetivo de centralizar la información de cetáceos y obtener conocimiento biológico para el desarrollo de planes de manejo y conservación, se realizó una revisión bibliográfica de cetáceos en Guatemala que recaba información de los últimos 50 años. Se obtuvo un total de 1,014 registros de avistamiento (1979-2011), 62 registros de captura incidental (1961/85) y 16 registros de varamientos (1975, 2007-2012), los cuales se analizaron en mapas batimétricos y en mapas de presiones antropogénicas. Se identificaron diecinueve especies pertenecientes a cinco familias de cetáceos, incluyendo Balaenopteridae, Delphinidae, Ziphiidae, Kogiidae y Physeteridae. El esfuerzo y área de muestreo varió durante 1961-2012. Se identificaron diferentes patrones de distribución especie-específicos. La mayoría de avistamientos se registraron cerca de zonas con topografía compleja. Aunque los eventos de captura incidental se registraron únicamente en alta mar, los resultados sugieren que especies de distribución costera se encuentran en zonas con mayor riesgo antropogénico. Se reportaron ocho especies de cetáceos varados, eventos ocurridos principalmente en el departamento de Escuintla desde el año 2007. Debido a la gran diversidad en los patrones de distribución, comportamiento y uso de hábitat de los cetáceos, combinado con los riesgos antropogénicos de la zona, es necesario que se considere un enfoque integral cuando se implementen planes de manejo y conservación marina en Guatemala.

Cetaceans have been studied in Guatemala since 1960s, but only a few scientific works based on the collected cetacean data were published. We reviewed literatures about cetaceans in Guatemala for the past fifty years to gain the biological knowledge for conservation and management plans. A total of 1,014 sighting records (1979-2011), 62 tuna fishery by-catch events (1961-1985) and 16 stranding records (1975, 2007-2012) were obtained and analyzed with bathymetric maps and plot against maps with different anthropogenic pressures in the area. Nineteen species belonging to five different families of cetaceans, such as Balaenopteridae, Delphinidae, Ziphiidae, Kogiidae, and Physeteridae, were identified. Data sampling areas have been changed during 1961-2012. We identified several species-specific-spatial-distribution patterns. Species occurrence was higher in areas with complex topography. Although, all by-catch events were recorded offshore, species with coastal distribution occurred in areas with higher anthropogenic risk. Stranding events were reported for eight species, and occurred mainly in the department of Escuintla from 2007. Due to the great diversity in spatial-distribution patterns of cetacean in Guatemala, behavior and habitat use of cetaceans in the areas, combined with different anthropogenic risks, an integrative approach should be considered when conservation and management plans are implemented in Guatemala.

Cetáceos de las aguas costeras del Pacífico norte y sur de Costa Rica

Inshore cetaceans from the North and South Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Twenty nine cetacean species occur in Costa Rican waters but extensive research has been conducted only for three species. The latter shows there is a lack of general and local information about these mammals, even when the country, has shown a remarkable growth in whale watching activities. The increasing use of marine resources in coastal areas has also developed the need to determine the occurrence of cetaceans in areas showing high tourist presence, in order to propose sound conservation measures. In this study, environmental variables were determined and subsequently related to the presence of the species recorded, out of 166 sightings, between 2005 and 2006. The species with highest proportion of sightings were Stenella attenuata (68%), followed by Megaptera novaeangliae (13%) and Tursiops truncatus (10%). The presence of spotted dolphins is related to changes in salinity and water transparency, while that of the humpback whale was related to wave height (Beaufort scale) and water temperature. The presence of seven species of cetaceans was confirmed in two coastal areas of the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, from which three are present throughout the year. Environmental variables were found related to the presence of at least two species. Rev. Biol. Trop. 59 (1): 283-290. Epub 2011 March 01.

De las 29 especies de cetáceos presentes en Costa Rica, se han realizado investigaciones exhaustivas solamente para tres especies. Lo anterior evidencia la poca información general existente sobre cetáceos, a pesar de que Costa Rica posee un notable crecimiento de actividades de avistamiento. Debido al uso que se está generando en las zonas costeras, cada vez se hace más necesario determinar la ocurrencia de cetáceos en zonas de alta actividad turística, con el fin de proponer medidas de conservación. En el presente estudio, se determinaron variables ambientales que estaban relacionadas con la presencia de especies registradas, a partir de 166 avistamientos entre el 2005 y 2006. Las especies con mayor proporción de avistamientos fueron Stenella attenuata (68%), seguida por Megaptera novaeangliae (13%) y Tursiops truncatus (10%). La presencia del delfín manchado se relaciona con cambios de salinidad y trasparencia del agua, mientras que la de la ballena jorobada estuvo relacionada con el oleaje y la temperatura superficial del agua. Se confirma la presencia de 7 especies de cetáceos en dos zonas costeras del Pacífico de Costa Rica, de las cuales tres están presentes a lo largo del año. Se encontraron variables ambientales relacionadas con la presencia de al menos dos especies.

Migração de baleias-jubarte: o que falta conhecer? / Humpback Whale Migration: what else needs to be known?

As baleias ocorrem em todos os oceanos do planeta e realizam migrações entre áreas de alimentação e reprodução. Determinar rotas e destinos migratórios é essencial para estabelecer planos de conservação e estratégias de gestão. A telemetria por satélite é um método muito eficiente para estudar o comportamento e os movimentos de animais. A baleia-jubarte se reproduz no litoral central e nordeste do Brasil, desde o Rio de Janeiro até o Rio Grande do Norte. Investigando as hipóteses existentes sobre as possíveis rotas migratórias das baleias-jubarte, verificou-se que animais do Banco dos Abrolhos (16-18oS) adotam uma rota migratória relativamente retilínea e se alimentam ao sul da Convergência Antártica, em águas afastadas da costa a nordeste e leste da Georgia do Sul e das Ilhas Sandwich do Sul. Mesmo com os resultados já obtidos, ainda faz-se necessário realizar estudos adicionais para avaliar o uso do habitat nas áreas de reprodução e para verificar se os animais distribuídos em outras áreas do litoral do Brasil fazem uso das mesmas rotas migratórias e áreas de alimentação.

Whales inhabit all oceans and typically perform migrations between feeding and breeding areas. To determine migration routes and destinations is essential for the implementation of proper conservation and management plans. Satellite telemetry is an efficient method to investigate the behavior and movements of migratory animals. Humpback whales winter along the central and northeast coast of Brazil, from Rio de Janeiro to Rio Grande do Norte. This study tested hypotheses about the migratory routes and feeding destinations and discovered that whales wintering in the Abrolhos Bank (~16-18oS) adopt a relatively linear migration route and feed south of the Antarctic Convergence in offshore waters to the northeast and east of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. Despite these results, additional studies are necessary to assess habitat use in the breeding grounds and to investigate whether whales from other areas off Brazil use the same migratory routes and feeding grounds.

Production of cloned sei whale (Balaenoptera borealis) embryos by interspecies somatic cell nuclear transfer using enucleated pig oocytes

In this study, we examined the feasibility of using subzonal cell injection with electrofusion for interspecies somatic cell nuclear transfer (iSCNT) to produce sei whale embryos and to improve their developmental capacity by investigating the effect of osmolarity and macromolecules in the culture medium on the in vitro developmental capacity. Hybrid embryos produced by the electrofusion of fetal whale fibroblasts with enucleated porcine oocytes were cultured in modified porcine zygote medium-3 to examine the effects of osmolarity and fetal serum on their in vitro developmental capacity. More than 66% of the whale somatic cells successfully fused with the porcine oocytes following electrofusion. A portion (60~81%) of the iSCNT whale embryos developed to the two- to four-cell stages, but no embryos were able to reach the blastocyst stage. This developmental arrest was not overcome by increasing the osmolarity of the medium to 360 mOsm or by the addition of fetal bovine or fetal whale serum. Our results demonstrate that sei whale-porcine hybrid embryos may be produced by SCNT using subzonal injection and electrofusion. The pig oocytes partly supported the remodeling and reprogramming of the sei whale somatic cell nuclei, but they were unable to support the development of iSCNT whale embryos to the blastocyst stage.

role of Zizyphus spina christi extract and bifidobacterium as a biotherapeutic agent in prevention of osteoporotic postmenopausal women

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the consumption of bioactive yogurt [probiotic] in combination with Nabq fruit [Zizyphus Spina Christi, ZSC] extract as bioavailable isoflavone in osteoporotic postmenopausal women..Analysis by HPLC of ZSC extract showed that the main constituents of this extract exhibited a chromatographic profile corresponding to rutin, quercereterin, quercin, kamaferol, chlorogenic and ferrulic. The study was conducted on 25 postmenopausal women.Our results revealed that the level of serum osteocalcin [OC] was significantly decreased on daily consumption of yogurt fortified with Bifidobacteria in combination with ZSC extract. This indicated down-regulation of bone turn-over. The level of serum parathyroid hormone [PTH] and ionized calcium [Ca2+] were also reduced significantly. This study proposed that phytoestrogens efficacy of ZSC extract in combination with probiotics prevent bone mineral loss due to ovarian estrogen deficiency possibly by promoting intestinal calcium absorption and enhancing antiresorptive agent in osteoporotic postmenopausal women

Conhecimentos e práticas de comunidades pesqueiras sobre a conservação de mamíferos marinhos na costa leste do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil: estudo de caso das comunidades de Barra de São João e Armação dos Búzios / Practical knowledge and of fishing communities on the conservation of marine mammals in the coast east of the Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: study of case of the Barra de São João and Armação de Búzios communities

A costa leste do estado do Rio de Janeiro apresenta peculiaridades que favorecem a ocorrência de diversas espécies de cetáceos (baleias, botos e golfinhos). É uma região que apresenta ainda intensas atividades pesqueiras e turísticas. Desde 1999, esta porção da costa vem sendo monitorada por pesquisadores do Grupo de Estudos de Mamíferos Marinhos da Região dos Lagos (GEMM-Lagos/ENSP/FIOCRUZ) em busca de mamíferos e aves marinhas. Comunidades pesqueiras vêm sendo monitoradas desde agosto de 2004 visando o registro de possíveis interações entre mamíferos marinhos e pesca... De acordo com estudos prévios, pelo menos oito diferentes espécies de mamíferos marinhos são encontradas regularmente na região estudada, sendo que a ocorrência destes animais parece estar relacionada a fatores ambientais e oceanográficos encontrados na região. Cerca de 500 pescadores operam na região estudada, que vai do município de Armação dos Búzios (22graus 46S) até o distrito de Barra de São João (22graus 36S). A frota de barcos foi estimada em cerca de 100 embarcações dentro desta área... Questionários semi-estruturados foram implementados em duas comunidades específicas, o Porto de Barra de São João e os Portos de Manguinhos/Ossos em Armação dos Búzios. Os dois apresentam embarcações operando com redes de espera e diferentes histórias de pesca e condições de trabalho. No presente estudo obteve-se 65 entrevistas divididas em 50 planilhas estruturadas com perguntas abertas e fechadas e 15 entrevistas aprofundadas, ambas seguiram métodos provenientes da escola hermenêutica para a análise de dados, que analisa a fala sob influência histórica, cultural e socioeconômica do meio. De acordo com os resultados, pescadores relatam que freqüentemente observam baleias, botos e golfinhos... De acordo com a idade e o tempo de pesca, os entrevistados demonstraram diferenciar algumas espécies, e demonstraram ainda ter uma estreita relação com estes animais, observada em história e visões expostas...

Obtención de patrones electrocardiográficos de una ballena jorobada mediante tratamiento de imagen y señal / Electrocardiographic patterns of a humpback whale through image and signal handling

En un trabajo conjunto con el grupo de investigación Seguimiento Corazón Vía Satélite (SCVS), dirigido por el Dr. Jorge Reynolds Pombo en Colombia, se plantea el estudio del comportamiento y descripción del corazón de la ballena de forma no invasiva, desde el punto de vista eléctrico.El objetivo de este trabajo es realizar el procesamiento, caracterización y análisis de los diferentes registros electrocardiográficos de la ballena jorobada, en un entorno comparativo con el corazón humano para la obtención de un patrón electrocardiográfico mediante tratamiento de imagen y señal, usando como principal herramienta la transformada wavelet.

Ballenas en general / Whales generally

El grupo S.C.V.S. ha llevado a cabo cuatro expediciones a isla Gorgona, durante las que se han tomado electrocardiogramas (ECG) a las ballenas jorobadas Megaptera novaeangliae. Se realizaron dos cruceros a IslasGalápagos en el velero Odyssey, en los que se registró un ECG y las primeras imágenes de ultrasonido a color con visualización de órganos, en ballenas cachalotes Physetermacrocephalus. En el año 1993 se celebró un Simposio sobre electrocardiografía en ballenas en la Base Naval ARC Málaga. Allí se ha planteado la necesidad de llevar a cabo estudios de investigación acústica en corazón de ballenas en los submarinos oceánicos de la Armada Nacional, utilizando el sonar pasivo de los mismos. Se han desarrollado cinco Cruceros de Investigación Acústica en Corazón de Ballenas con la como plataforma de apoyo

Patterns of cetacean sighting distribution in the Pacific Exclusive Economic Zone of Costa Rica based on data collected from 1979-2001

Nineteen species of cetaceans (families Balaenopteridae, Kogiidae, Physeteridae, Ziphiidae and Delphinidae) occur in the Costa Rican Pacific Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Based on data recorded from the EEZ by the Southwest Fisheries Service Center, Cascadia Research Collective, and CIMAR between 1979- 2001, we mapped the distribution of 18 cetacean species. Our results suggest that the majority of the cetacean species use primarily oceanic waters, particularly those species within the families Balaenopteridae, Kogiidae, Physeteridae and Ziphiidae. Members of the family Delphinidae showed a wide variety of distribution patterns: seven species are widespread throughout the EEZ, four appear to be exclusively pelagic, and two are primarily coastal. Overall, three cetacean species appear to have populations concentrated in coastal waters: Stenella attenuata graffmani, Tursiops truncatus, and Megaptera novaeangliae. These three may be more susceptible to human activities due to the overlap of their ranges with fishery areas (tuna and artisanal fisheries), and an uncontrolled increase of touristic whale watching activities in several parts of their range. The distribution maps represent the first comprehensive representation of cetacean species that inhabit Costa Rican Pacific waters. They provide essential base-line information that may be used to initiate conservation and management efforts of the habitats where these animals reproduce and forage

Diecinueve especies de cetáceos distribuídos en cinco familias (Balaenopteridae, Kogiidae, Physeteridae, Ziphiidae and Delphinidae) habitan en la Zona Económica Exclusiva del Pacífico de Costa Rica (ZEEP). Con base a datos tomados en esta zona por el Southwest Fisheries Service Center, Cascadia Research Collective y CIMAR entre 1979 y 2001 construímos mapas de distribución de avistamientos para 18 especies. Nuestros resultados sugieren que la mayoría de las especies de cetáceos habitan en aguas oceánicas, particularmente miembros de las familias Balaenopteridae, Kogiidae, Physeteridae y Ziphiidae. Miembros de la familia Delphinidae mostraron una variedad de patrones de distribución, siete mostraron una distribución amplia en el ZEEP, cuatro parecen ser exclusivamente oceánicas y dos principalmente costeras. Adicionalmente, tres especies de cetáceos tienen poblaciones concentradas en la costa: Stenella attenuata graffmani, Tursiops truncatus y Megaptera novaeangliae. Estas tres especies son por lo tanto más suceptibles debido a que su hábitat traslapa considerablemnte con áreas importantes para la pesca artesanal y atunera, y áreas de observación de ballenas (las cuales a incrementado considerablemente en los últimos años). Los mapas de distribución de avistamientos de cetáceos presentados en este trabajo son los primeros en su tipo para Costa Rica. Estos aportan información esencial y básica para iniciativas de conservación y manejo de estos animals y los habitats donde estos se reproducen y alimentan

Allometric scaling of biological rhythms in mammals

A wide spectrum of cyclic functions in terrestrial mammals of different size, from the 3-gram shrew to the 3-ton elephant, yields an allometric exponent around 0.25, which is correlated - as a kind of common denominator - with the specific metabolic rate. Furthermore, the applicability of these empirical findings could be extrapolated to chronological events in the sub-cellular realm. On the other hand, the succession of growth periods (T98 percent) until sexual maturity is reached also follows the 1/4 power rule. By means of Verhulst's logistic equation, it has been possible to simulate three different biological conditions, which means that by modifying the numerical value of only one parameter, revertible physiological and pathological states can be obtained, as for instance isostasis, homeostasis and heterostasis.

The song of the Brazilian population of Humpback Whale Megaptera novaeangliae, in the year 2000: individual song variations and possible implications

Estudamos o canto da população brasileira de Baleia-jubarte Megaptera novaeangliae em sua área de reprodução - a região do Banco dos Abrolhos, Bahia - de julho a novembro do ano 2000. Completamos análises auditiva e espectral de aproximadamente 20 ciclos de canto, em um total de 5 horas de gravaçäes provenientes de 10 ocasiäes diferentes. Identificamos 24 tipos de notas, organizadas em cinco temas. Todos os cantos são formados pelos mesmos temas e não houve variação na ordem na qual foram cantados. Registramos o aparecimento de um tipo de nota e o desaparecimento de uma terminação de frase, o que indica que o canto mudou ao longo da temporada de reprodução. Mais ainda, detectamos variação individual na forma como os cantores emitiam certos tipos de notas mais complexos. Uma vez que o canto é transmitido culturalmente, é provável que os cantores tenham habilidades diferentes para compor e aprender novas notas. Se, como já foi sugerido anteriormente, cantos 'novos' são preferidos a cantos 'antigos', cantores mais capazes estariam mandando informação sobre suas habilidades de compor e aprender que pode ser usada por outros indivíduos para decidir quanto a interagir ou não com eles.

Clinical Analysis of 14 Cases of Pyoderma Gangrenosum / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Pyoderma gangrenosum is a rare disease in which a painful nodule or pustule breaks down to form a progressive enlarging ulcer. Until now, only 8 cases of pyoderma gangrenosum have been reported in Korea. Therefore, we thought it necessary to perform a clinical analysis of pyoderma gangrenosum in Korea with a review of literature. OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to find the clinical features of pyoderma gangrenosum in Korea. METHODS: Fourteen cases with pyoderma gangrenosum were investigated by reviewing medical records. Results There were 6 males and 8 females. The onset age was between 4 years and 65 years, and most(9 cases) had developed the condition between the ages of 20 and 60. Thirteen cases involved the extremities and 3 cases had whale body involvement, Seven cases(50%) had multiple lesions. All cases had pain at the lesional sites. Two cases were classified as the bullous type and the others were ulcerative in nature. The histological fmdings were non-specific. Dense inflarnmatory infiltrates composed of lymphocytes and predominant neutrophils were found in the epidermis and dermis associated with ulceration. Two cases were treated only with systemic steroids, and 2 cases with dapsone and steroids, 2 cases with colchicine and steroids, and 1 case with steroids, dapsone and colchicine. One case was treated with colchicine and anti-Tbc drug, 1 case with dapsone, 3 cases with antibotics, 1 case with the anti-Tbc drug and 1 case with anti-cancer drugs. Systemic disease was present in 5D% of the cases. The associated diseases were Behcets disease(3 cases), tuberculosis(2 cases), systemic lupus erythematosus(1 case), pancytopenia(1 case), iron deficiency anemia(1 case), acute leukemia(1 case), and colon adenoma(1 case). Recurrence developed in 2 cases and positive pathergy reactions were observed in 3 cases. CONCLUSION: Pyoderma gangrenosum was eccompanied with systemic disease in 50% of the cases and the most common therapeutic drugs were steroids. It is therefore impartant to detect the presence of any underlying disease and to treat this alongside pyoderma gangrenosum.

Estudio preliminar del ultrasonido para visualizar órganos de ballenas / Ultrasonographic preliminar study to see whale's organs

Durante nueve días en un recorrido de aproximadamente 850 kilómetros, se llevó a cabo la I Expedición de Cardiología del Velero Odyssey realizada en inmediaciones de las Islas Galápagos, Ecuador. Se efectuaron las primeras pruebas del uso del corazón de un cachalote Physeter macrocephalus a una distancia no mayor de 500 metros.