An allometric smoothing function to describe the relation between otolith and somatic growth over the lifespan of walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma)

We propose a new equation to describe the relation between otolith length (OL) and somatic length (fork length [FL]) of fish for the entire lifespan of the fish. The equation was developed by applying a mathematical smoothing method based on an allometric equation with a constant term for walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) —a species that shows an extended longevity (>20 years). The most appropriate equation for defining the relation between OL and FL was a four-phase allometric smoothing function with three inflection points. The inflection points correspond to the timing of settlement of walleye pollock, changes in sexual maturity, and direction of otolith growth. Allometric smoothing functions describing the relation between short otolith radius and FL, long otolith radius and FL, and FL and body weight were also developed. The proposed allometric smoothing functions cover the entire lifespan of walleye pollock. We term these equations “allometric smoothing functions for otolith and somatic growth over the lifespan of walleye pollock.

Ambient Temperature Influences Geographic Changes in Nest and Colony Size of Polistes chinensis antennalis Pérez (Hymenoptera, Vespidae)

In some Polistes wasps, the foundresses build huge nests during the founding phase to improve the thermal condition of nests. This implies that Polistes wasps change their nesting manner in relation to ambient temperature. To test the hypothesis that nest size increases with latitude, colonies of Polistes chinensis were collected from 11 locations. Three nest parameters, the number of cells cell length and index of functional envelope, increased with latitude. The number of cells at the northernmost station was 60, which was 1.5 times more than in lower latitudes. Cell length increased by approximately 4 mm from low to high latitudes, indicating that extra-building in P. chinensis is remarkable in adding new cells. The number of first broods was not correlated with latitude, whereas the number of second brood increased with latitude because of the numerous cells built at high latitudes

Static capacitance at the electrochemical liquid-liquid interface between ionic liquids and eutectic Ga-In alloy measured using the pendant drop method

Static differential capacitance (Cdc) at the liquid-liquid interface between ionic liquids (ILs) and eutectic Ga-In alloy (EGaIn) has been measured using the pendant drop method for two ILs: 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([C₂mim⁺]BF₄⁻) and 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(nonafluorobutanesulfonyl)amide ([C₈mim⁺][C₄C₄N⁻]). The potentials of zero charge for the IL|EGaIn interfaces are shifted compared with the IL|Hg interfaces with an amount that can be considered by the difference in the work functions of EGaIn and Hg. The measured Cdc at the [C₂mim⁺]BF₄⁻|EGaIn interface has well reproduced the camel-shape potential dependence of Cdc at the Hg interface of the same IL at the negatively charged potential region. This suggests that there are little specific interaction between the IL ions with EGaIn and Hg. The [C₈mim⁺][C₄C₄N⁻]|EGaIn has been compared with the [C₈mim⁺]BF₄⁻|Hg interface where IL-cation is the same but IL-anion is different. Also in that case, Cdc is similar to each other at the negatively charged potential region, which means that accumulated C₈mim⁺ ions at the interface mainly govern the Cdc behavior

Necessity of providing dental care to medically compromised patients in Japan's super-aged society and the way forward

Devising an appropriate dental treatment plan for patients with pre-existing medical conditions is a demanding task. Dentists must consider the sometimes life threatening, interactions between ongoing medical conditions and dental treatment. Stakes are particularly high for the elderly on prescription drugs and other therapies for medical conditions while they seek dental care for advanced oral diseases. Given that Japan is an ageing society, it is crucial to create avenues for medical and dental practitioners to share patient information and collaborate.to,improve care This paper examined trends from demographic data to suggest that there is an impending further rise in the number of medically compromised elderly seeking dental treatment. For patient safety and improved public health, it is important that dental practitioners evaluate the nature and ongoing treatment of pre-existing medical conditions amongst new patients and account for their impact on dedicated and dental status. This paper supports the relevance of comprehensive clinical practice guidelines and the need to train dental practitioners to adopt a multidisciplinary approach to dental care. In order to meet the future needs of an ageing population, the Japanese Society of Dentistry for Medically Compromised Patients needs to take initiative and suggest mechanisms to exchange patient information freely and encourage multidisciplinary dental practices