Sperm transfer or spermatangia removal: postcopulatory behaviour of picking up spermatangium by female Japanese pygmy squid

In the Japanese pygmy squid Idiosepius paradoxus, females often pick up the spermatangium using their mouth (buccal mass) after copulation. To examine whether the female I. paradoxus directly transfers sperm into the seminal receptacle via this picking behaviour, or removes the spermatangium, we conducted detailed observations of picking behaviour in both virgin and copulated females and compared the sperm storage conditions in the seminal receptacle between females with and without spermatangia picking after copulation in virgin females. In all observations, elongation of the buccal mass occurred within 5 min after copulation. However, sperm volume in the seminal receptacle was not related to spermatangia picking. Observations using slow-motion video revealed that females removed the spermatangia by blowing or eating after picking. These results suggest that picking behaviour is used for sperm removal but not for sperm transfer. Moreover, the frequency of buccal mass elongation was higher in copulated females than in virgin females, consistent with the sequential mate choice theory whereby virgin females secure sperm for fertilisation, while previously copulated females are more selective about their mate. Female I. paradoxus may choose its mate cryptically through postcopulatory picking behaviour

Studies of muon-induced radioactivity at NuMI

The JASMIN Collaboration has studied the production of radionuclides by muons in the muon alcoves of the NuMI beamline at Fermilab. Samples of aluminum and copper are exposed to the muon field and counted on HpGe detectors when removed to determine their content of radioactive isotopes. We compare the results to MARS simulations and discuss the radiological implications for neutrino factories and muon colliders

Update on Endoscopic Treatment of Chronic Pancreatitis

Endoscopic therapy has been increasingly recognized as the effective therapy in selected patients with chronic pancreatitis. Utility of endotherapy in various conditions occurring in chronic pancreatitis is discussed. Its efficacy, limitations, and alternatives are addressed. For the best management of these complex entities, a multidisciplinary approach involving expertise in all pancreatic specialties is essential to achieve the goal

Carcinoma Arising from Brunner's Gland in the Duodenum after 17 Years of Observation – A Case Report and Literature Review

A 60-year-old man presented with melena and hematemesis in 1984. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) detected a small protruding lesion in the duodenal bulb, which was diagnosed as Brunner's adenoma. No significant change was detected in subsequent annual EGD and biopsies for 10 years, after which the patient was not observed for 7 years. The patient presented with melena again in 2001. The lesion had changed shape to become a 10 mm sessile tumor with a central depression, and following a biopsy was diagnosed as an adenocarcinoma. The patient underwent partial resection of the duodenum. Histopathological assessment showed acidophilic cells with swollen nuclei, and clear cells forming a tubular or papillary tubule in the mucosal lamina propria and submucosal layer. The tumor cells stained positive for lysozyme, indicating that they arose from Brunner's gland. The patient showed no sign of recurrence and was disease-free for more than 34 months after surgery. The patient died of pneumonia. This is an extremely rare case of primary duodenal carcinoma arising from Brunner's gland in a patient observed for 17 years