Westlothiana lizziae from the Viséan of East Kirkton, West Lothian, Scotland, and the amniote stem

1993 ◽  
Vol 84 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 383-412 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. R. Smithson ◽  
R. L. Carroll ◽  
A. L. Panchen ◽  
S. M. Andrews
Keyword(s):  
Relative Size ◽  
Neural Arch ◽  
Skull Roof ◽  
Large Size ◽  
Stem Group ◽  
Apparent Loss ◽  
Primitive Feature ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Phalangeal Formula

ABSTRACTWestlothiana lizziae is known from the Brigantian of East Kirkton, Scotland. The skull resembles that of later amniotes in the large size of the parietal, the apparent loss of the intertemporal, and the absence of a squamosal notch, palatal fangs and labyrinthine infolding of the marginal teeth, but is primitive in the absence of a transverse flange of the pterygoid. The individual trunk vertebrae resemble those of amniotes; large intercentra are retained, but the neural arch is fused to the centrum. A surprising feature is the presence of 36 presacral vertebrae, as is the relative size of the very small but highly ossified limbs. The humerus is much shorter than the femur, but similar in configuration to that of early amniotes. There are three proximal tarsals as in primitive tetrapods, but an amniote phalangeal count. The presence of massive dorsal as well as ventral scales is a more primitive feature than that of most anthracosaurs.Westlothiana is ‘reptiliomorph’, and is judged to be a stem-group amniote on features of the skull roof, the absence of an otic notch, the gastrocentrous vertebrae and the pedal phalangeal formula. It has not, however, reached the amniote condition in the structure of the tarsus, and the palate is more primitive than that of both early amniotes and the ‘diadectomorphs’.

Taxonomic application of macro and micro morphological characters of seeds in Astragalus L. (Galegeae, Fabaceae) in India

Phytotaxa ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 502 (2) ◽  
pp. 191-207
Author(s):  
SHIVANI KASHYAP ◽  
CHANDAN KUMAR SAHU ◽  
ROHIT KUMAR VERMA ◽  
LAL BABU CHAUDHARY
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Scanning Electron Microscopy ◽  
Light Microscopy ◽  
Seed Coat ◽  
Morphological Plasticity ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Individual Species ◽  
Large Size ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Scanning Electron

Due to large size and enormous morphological plasticity, the taxonomy of the genus Astragalus is very complex and challenging. The identification and grouping of species chiefly based on macromorphological characters become sometimes difficult in the genus. In the present study, the micromorphology of the seeds of 30 species belonging to 14 sections of Astragalus from India has been examined applying scanning electron microscopy (SEM) along with light microscopy (LM) to evaluate their role in identification and classification. Attention was paid to colour, shape, size and surface of seeds. The overall size of the seeds ranges from 1.5–3.2 × 0.8–2.2 mm. The shape of the seeds is cordiform, deltoid, mitiform, orbicular, ovoid and reniform. The colour of seeds varies from brown to blackish-brown to black. Papillose, reticulate, ribbed, rugulate and stellate patterns were observed on the seed coat surface (spermoderm) among different species. The study reveals that the seed coat ornamentations have evolved differently among species and do not support the subgeneric and sectional divisions of the genus. However, they add an additional feature to the individual species, which may help in identification in combination with other macro-morphological features.

scholarly journals Differences in acid phosphomonoesterase activity in forest soils of the Smrk Massive in the Moravskoslezské Beskydy Mts. (Czech Republic)

Beskydy ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 135-152
Author(s):  
A. Bajer ◽  
P. Samec ◽  
M. Žárník
Keyword(s):  
Relative Size ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
European Beech ◽  
Soil Characteristics ◽  
Strong Correlations ◽  
Spruce Stands ◽  
The Individual ◽  
A Site

The purpose of this paper is to determine the individual relations between APEA and specific soils and environmental factors. To disclose these relations, analysis of component vectors and principal component analysis (PCA) were performed. Vectors of soil characteristics with participation of APEA (aAKFE) and vectors of pedochemical variables (aCHEM) were also calculated. Their ratio (ia) indicated the relative size of the APEA impact on the relations between pedochemical characteristics. Based on the statistical analyses, different role of APEA in Norway spruce and in European beech stands was detected. While APEA in spruce stands did not show significant correlations with the other examined soil chemical properties, soils under beech stands displayed strong correlations with some of the pedochemical variables. The idea of this research is to find out whether APEA could be used as an indicator of forest vegetation status and of the anthropogenic load on a site.

A Sampling Approach to Modeling and Control of a Large-Size Robot Population

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dejan Milutinovic´ ◽  
Devendra P. Garg
Keyword(s):  
Stochastic Process ◽  
Optimal Control ◽  
Close Relation ◽  
Modeling And Control ◽  
Stochastic Sampling ◽  
Large Size ◽  
Continuous Components ◽  
Estimation And Control ◽  
The Individual ◽  
And Control

Motivated by the close relation between estimation and control problems, we explore the possibility to utilize stochastic sampling for computing the optimal control for a large-size robot population. We assume that the individual robot state is composed of discrete and continuous components, while the population is controlled in a probability space. Utilizing a stochastic process, we can compute the state probability density function evolution, as well as use the stochastic process samples to evaluate the Hamiltonian defining the optimal control. The proposed method is illustrated by an example of centralized optimal control for a large-size robot population.

Partial structural analysis of concanavalin A binding glycopeptides of large size from human teratocarcinoma-derived cells: cleavage by hydrazinolysis and alkaline borohydride

1982 ◽  
Vol 60 (7) ◽  
pp. 749-756 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maija-Liisa Rasilo ◽  
Ossi Renkonen
Keyword(s):  
Structural Analysis ◽  
Concanavalin A ◽  
Relative Mass ◽  
Human Origin ◽  
Con A ◽  
Large Size ◽  
Teratocarcinoma Cells ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Mouse Teratocarcinoma

Pronase digests of cultured teratocarcinoma-derived cells (PA 1) of human origin have been previously shown to contain large-sized glycopeptides (relative mass (Mr) > 7400), of which 15–23% are retained by columns of concanavalin A (Con A) – Sepharose and can be eluted with 10 mM methyl α-D-mannopyranoside. The present data show that this fraction (A – Con A II) contains a family of glycopeptides that are degradable with anhydrous hydrazine as well as with 0.05 M NaOH – 1 M NaBH4. The cleavage products representing individual oligosaccharide chains, presumably as oligosaccharides and glycopeptides, consisted mostly of medium- (Mr 1400–6000) and small-sized (Mr < 1400) molecules. This implies that glycopeptides bearing several oligosaccharide chains were present in A – Con A II. Most of the individual oligosaccharide chains were not bound to Con A – Sepharose, but some were retained by the lectin column in the same way as the original glycopeptides. Some of the oligosaccharides were degraded partially with endo-β-galactosidase from Escherichia freundii suggesting the presence of GalβGlcNAcβ repeats. The present findings show that A – Con A II may be different from the "embryonic" glycopeptides of mouse teratocarcinoma cells that are reportedly not cleaved by mild alkaline borohydride treatment. Instead, A – Con A II is reminiscent of the T-1 glycopeptide of glycophorin.

scholarly journals The Effect of Municipality Size and Local Office on the Electoral Success of Belgian/Flemish Election Candidates: A Multilevel Analysis

2014 ◽  
Vol 50 (4) ◽  
pp. 607-628 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gert-Jan Put ◽  
Bart Maddens
Keyword(s):  
Multilevel Analysis ◽  
Empirical Analysis ◽  
Relative Size ◽  
Relative Number ◽  
Electoral Success ◽  
Election Result ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The Empirical Analysis ◽  
Positive Effect

This article examines the effect that municipality size and local office have on election candidates’ results. We argue that candidates from the larger municipalities have comparatively larger relevant networks, both in terms of constituents and party grassroots volunteers. In addition, these candidates appeal to a relatively larger share of voters within the constituency. We expect that the relative size of the candidates’ municipality will have a positive effect on the relative number of preferential votes they receive in the constituency and will interact with the effect that holding local office has on the individual election result. While the empirical analysis does not show support for the idea that municipality size will have a significant effect, the expected interaction between local office and municipality size is confirmed. The electoral advantage of being mayor, alderman or local councillor seems to increase with the relative size of the municipality in the district.

Size Assessment and Cues: Studies of Hermit Crab Contests

Behaviour ◽  
1985 ◽  
Vol 92 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 22-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan J. Neil
Keyword(s):  
Relative Size ◽  
Apparent Size ◽  
Hermit Crabs ◽  
Defensive Behaviour ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Large Size ◽  
Intermediate Size ◽  
Pagurus Bernhardus ◽  
Major Cheliped

The agonistic behaviour of pairs of hermit crabs (Pagurus bernhardus) was observed in the laboratory. It was found that relative size was a reliable predictor of the outcome of a contest only when the crabs differed by at least 100% in weight. However, weight differences of 10 to 30% could be sufficient to cause differences in behaviour. It was concluded from this that whereas crabs can accurately assess small differences in weight, these differences may not be sufficient to reliably determine the outcome of contests. Other factors affecting RHP are relevant at intermediate size differences. Two possible cues for size assessment were tested: the size of the major cheliped and the size of the opponent's shell. The presence and size of the major cheliped were found to have a strong effect on contest initiation and outcome, and therefore this is likely to be a cue used in RHP assessment. The major cheliped was also found to play an important part in defensive behaviour, crabs lacking this appendage being less successful in defending their shells from attack. However, the apparent size of the opponent's shell did not seem to affect the initiation or outcome of contests. Thus it seems that crabs assess their opponents independently of the shells they occupy. It is concluded that large size differences are sufficient to decide contests. For smaller size differences other factors of RHP are important, and can override size differences. There is no evidence indicating that the defending crab can assess the quality of its oppo- nent's shell and make contest decisions based on this evidence. These data do not support the negotiation hypothesis.

scholarly journals Innovation and social learning: individual variation and brain evolution

2003 ◽  
Vol 53 (2) ◽  
pp. 147-158 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon Reader
Keyword(s):  
Social Learning ◽  
Cultural Transmission ◽  
Relative Size ◽  
Brain Evolution ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Cognitive Correlates ◽  
Interspecific Differences ◽  
Innovation Rate ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Taxonomic Groups

Abstract This paper reviews behavioural, neurological and cognitive correlates of innovation at the individual, population and species level, focusing on birds and primates. Innovation, new or modified learned behaviour not previously found in the population, is the first stage in many instances of cultural transmission and may play an important role in the lives of animals with generalist or opportunistic lifestyles. Within-species, innovation is associated with low neophobia, high neophilia, and with high social learning propensities. Indices of innovatory propensities can be calculated for taxonomic groups by counting the frequency of reports of innovation in published literature. These innovation rate data provide a useful comparative measure for studies of behavioural flexibility and cognition. Innovation rate is positively correlated with the relative size of association areas in the brain, namely the hyperstriatum ventrale and neostriatum in birds, and the neocortex and striatum in primates. Innovation rate is also positively correlated with the reported variety of tool use, as well as interspecific differences in learning. Current evidence thus suggests similar patterns of cognitive evolution in primates and birds.

Aspects of the Organization of Central Nervous Pathways in Aplysia Depilans

1962 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-69
Author(s):  
G. M. HUGHES ◽  
L. TAUC
Keyword(s):  
Central Nervous System ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Ganglion Cells ◽  
Rhythmic Activity ◽  
Large Size ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Two Sides ◽  
Pleural Ganglion

1. The organization of the central nervous system of Aplysia depilans has been investigated in whole animal and isolated ganglion preparations using mechanical and electrical stimulation. 2. Intracellular micro-electrodes have been used to record activity in nerve cells of the abdominal ganglia in situ. Some cells are spontaneously active and quite unaffected by mechanical stimulation, whereas others show varying degrees of responsiveness. Those which are unaffected may exhibit regular rhythmic activity or intermittent bursts which are intrinsic to the cells themselves but in other cases are due to synaptic input from other central neurones. 3. In isolated central nervous system preparations a special study of the pleural ganglion has revealed many types of cell with electrical activity similar to that shown in isolated abdominal ganglion preparations. A notable feature of the pleural ganglion cells was the large size of the excitatory post-synaptic potentials recorded in response to stimulation of pre-synaptic fibres. 4. Different types of branching of cells of the pleural ganglia were investigated. By observing the somatic potential it was possible to decide in which nerve a particular cell sent collateral branches and which nerves contained fibres affecting the cell synaptically. By this means it was clear that a large number of pathways connect the cerebral and pleural ganglia on each side. 5. A large number of direct pathways were found of nerve fibres passing through ganglia without any synapse. 6. Synaptic pathways varied in the number and intrinsic properties of the individual synapses along their route. Synapses between fibres in the nerves innervating the foot and parapodial lobes of the two sides were not as common as has been described for Ariolimax. 7. In general the results have shown a great variety in the extent to which afferent stimulation may affect the whole or part of the central nervous system. They have also revealed the great multiplicity in the pathways whereby this is achieved.

Superelement-Based Modeling of Load Distribution in Large-Size Slewing Bearings

2006 ◽  
Vol 129 (4) ◽  
pp. 459-463 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tadeusz Smolnicki ◽  
Eugeniusz Rusiński
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Models ◽  
Original Method ◽  
Large Size ◽  
Track System ◽  
Load Carrying ◽  
Rolling Element ◽  
Rolling Elements ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Slewing Bearings ◽  
Supporting Structures

The supporting structures in large-size slewing bearings are highly flexible. In order to choose the proper bearing and shape the load-carrying structure one must estimate the distribution of forces among the individual rolling elements. Advanced numerical models are needed for this. An original method of modeling the rolling element-track system is presented and its usefulness for modeling large-size bearings is demonstrated. The results of an exemplary analysis are presented in the form of graphs and figures. The superelement-based discrete bearing models are so far most comprehensive and take into account all the phenomena involved in the bearing-supporting structures system. The application of the finite-element method and the models based on the track-rolling element-track superelement made it possible to determine the effect of the deformability of the supporting structures and the nonuniformity of their flexibility on the loading of the rolling elements in the two-row bearing. The use of formulas which do not take into account the flexibility of the supporting structures to determine the distribution of the load among the rolling elements is unacceptable.

scholarly journals Genetic variation in diuretic responses: further and correlated responses to selection

1967 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 95-106 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Stewart ◽  
S. G. Spickett
Keyword(s):  
Relative Size ◽  
Renal Medulla ◽  
Total Output ◽  
Correlated Responses ◽  
Genetic Determinants ◽  
Water Load ◽  
Diuretic Response ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Response To Water ◽  
Heterogeneous Base

Three parameters of diuretic response to water-load (diuretic lag, maximum rate of diuresis and ratio of total output to input volume) have each responded to selection from a genetically heterogeneous base stock with significant realized heritabilities. Selection has been continued for ten generations and has produced mice more extreme than any of the founder strains. In the selection lines for ratio of output to input, correlated responses in salt excretion during the course of the diuresis, relative adrenal weight, the relative size of the renal medulla, and the quantity of renal collecting ducts, have been observed. These correlated responses are accounted for in terms of renal and adrenal physiology. The elucidation of the individual genetic determinants of the responses is discussed.

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