scholarly journals Learning from Linnaeus: towards developing the foundation for a general structure concept for morphology

Zootaxa ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 1950 (1) ◽  
pp. 123-152 ◽  
Author(s):  
LARS VOGT
Keyword(s):  
Natural Philosophy ◽  
General Structure ◽  
Morphological Structure ◽  
Morphological Data ◽  
Sexual System ◽  
Basic Principles ◽  
Specific Biological Process ◽  
Description Framework ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
High Degree

Morphology has fundamental problems regarding aperspectival objectivity of its data—morphological terminology is often based on homology assumptions, lacks standardization, and has problems with comparability, reproducibility, and transparency. This is astonishing given that with his sexual system Linnaeus had already established a high degree of aperspectival objectivity in morphology that unfortunately has been lost subsequently. In the first part of the article a brief introduction to the history of classification is given that provides an answer to the question why morphology only initially has been gripped by the general trend towards objectification that started in the seventeenth century. The conceptual shortcomings of Aristotle’s concept of essences and its link to the definition of species and taxa in natural philosophy play an important part in this development. The only solution to the problem of essences was to link it to the evolutionary concept of homology, which explains why morphological terminology today often rests on homology assumptions. By taking a closer look at Linnaeus’ sexual system, basic principles for developing a general structure concept for morphology are discussed, which would provide the conceptual basis for establishing a high degree of aperspectival objectivity for morphological data. The article concludes with discussing the role of data bases and ontologies for developing a data standard in morphology. A brief introduction to the basic principles of Resource Description Framework (RDF) ontologies is given. A morphological ontology has high potential for establishing a general morphological structure concept if it is developed on grounds of the following principles: morphological terms and concepts must be defined taxon-independently, homology-free, preferably purely anatomically, and if functionally only by clearly indicating the trait’s active participation in a specific biological process.

Cloning of the Rat Tissue Factor cDNA and Promoter: Identification of a Serum-response Region

1996 ◽  
Vol 76 (05) ◽  
pp. 697-702 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olivier Taby ◽  
Claire-Lise Rosenfield ◽  
Vladimir Bogdanov ◽  
Yale Nemerson ◽  
Mark B Taubman
Keyword(s):  
Tissue Factor ◽  
General Structure ◽  
Amino Acid Sequences ◽  
Proximal Promoter ◽  
Striking Similarity ◽  
Upstream Sequence ◽  
Tf Gene ◽  
Rat Tissue ◽  
High Degree ◽  
Transcriptional Elements

SummaryTissue factor (TF) initiates coagulation and its expression in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) likely plays a role in the propagation of arterial thrombosis. We report cloning the cDNA and proximal promoter region of the rat TF gene. While maintaining the general structure and organization of the TF molecule, there is a surprising divergence (≈ 18%) between the derived amino acid sequences of the rat and mouse TF. In contrast, there is striking similarity (90%) in the 5’ untranslated regions. High levels of basal promoter activity were seen in rat VSMC with constructs containing 106 bp of sequence downstream from the putative transcription start site and 426 to 103 bp of upstream sequence. Deletion of the sequence from −103 to −79, containing a single SP1 site, removed virtually all of the basal and serum-induced activity. Removal of the NFkB site or two additional upstream SP1 sites had little effect on serum responsiveness. Removal of the 5’ untranslated region abolished most of the basal activity of the TF promoter, suggesting that its high degree of conservation may be due to the presence of transcriptional elements critical for TF expression in rodent VSMC.

scholarly journals Identification of effective spreaders in contact networks using dynamical influence

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruaridh A. Clark ◽  
Malcolm Macdonald
Keyword(s):  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Average Rate ◽  
Laplacian Matrix ◽  
Disease Spread ◽  
Eigenvector Centrality ◽  
Contact Networks ◽  
Human Contact ◽  
Spread Dynamics ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
High Degree

AbstractContact networks provide insights on disease spread due to the duration of close proximity interactions. For systems governed by consensus dynamics, network structure is key to optimising the spread of information. For disease spread over contact networks, the structure would be expected to be similarly influential. However, metrics that are essentially agnostic to the network’s structure, such as weighted degree (strength) centrality and its variants, perform near-optimally in selecting effective spreaders. These degree-based metrics outperform eigenvector centrality, despite disease spread over a network being a random walk process. This paper improves eigenvector-based spreader selection by introducing the non-linear relationship between contact time and the probability of disease transmission into the assessment of network dynamics. This approximation of disease spread dynamics is achieved by altering the Laplacian matrix, which in turn highlights why nodes with a high degree are such influential disease spreaders. From this approach, a trichotomy emerges on the definition of an effective spreader where, for susceptible-infected simulations, eigenvector-based selections can either optimise the initial rate of infection, the average rate of infection, or produce the fastest time to full infection of the network. Simulated and real-world human contact networks are examined, with insights also drawn on the effective adaptation of ant colony contact networks to reduce pathogen spread and protect the queen ant.

scholarly journals Genomic Tackling of Human Satellite DNA: Breaking Barriers through Time

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (9) ◽  
pp. 4707
Author(s):  
Mariana Lopes ◽  
Sandra Louzada ◽  
Margarida Gama-Carvalho ◽  
Raquel Chaves
Keyword(s):  
Human Genome ◽  
Satellite Dna ◽  
Repetitive Sequences ◽  
Nucleotide Composition ◽  
Genomic Component ◽  
Genomic Studies ◽  
Human Genomic ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
High Degree

(Peri)centromeric repetitive sequences and, more specifically, satellite DNA (satDNA) sequences, constitute a major human genomic component. SatDNA sequences can vary on a large number of features, including nucleotide composition, complexity, and abundance. Several satDNA families have been identified and characterized in the human genome through time, albeit at different speeds. Human satDNA families present a high degree of sub-variability, leading to the definition of various subfamilies with different organization and clustered localization. Evolution of satDNA analysis has enabled the progressive characterization of satDNA features. Despite recent advances in the sequencing of centromeric arrays, comprehensive genomic studies to assess their variability are still required to provide accurate and proportional representation of satDNA (peri)centromeric/acrocentric short arm sequences. Approaches combining multiple techniques have been successfully applied and seem to be the path to follow for generating integrated knowledge in the promising field of human satDNA biology.

scholarly journals On the lack of adaptation in the Tristichaceœ and Podostemaceœ

1914 ◽  
Vol 87 (598) ◽  
pp. 532-550 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Life History ◽  
Morphological Structure ◽  
Living Condition ◽  
Flowering Plants ◽  
Natural Habitats ◽  
Dead Material ◽  
Dry Seasons ◽  
Great Uniformity ◽  
High Degree

With the exception of some of the parasitic orders, such as the Balanophoraceœ , there are probably no families of flowering plants—one might almost include flowerless—which are so completely transformed from the average or mesophytic type of the phanerogams into types which are so completely unique and peculiar, as the Tristichaceæ and still more the Podostemaceæ. Nor are there any in which, with such very great uniformity in the conditions of life, there is such remarkable variety in the morphological structure. The structure of the orders, or rather of their members, being unique, and the conditions under which they live being also unique, it has been taken for granted that the former is in a high degree adapted to the latter, the flat thallus-like expansions of stem or root being looked upon as admirably suited to the rushing water in which they live. So long as we were almost completely ignorant of the actual living plants, and content with dead material collected mainly in the dry seasons, this was all very well, but now that for 17 years I have devoted much attention to these plants,* have studied them in the living condition in their natural habitats in India, Ceylon, and Brazil, have followed them from germination right through their life-history, and in other ways become absolutely familiar with them, and as a result of all this have arrived at diametrically opposite conclusions, it will repay us to examine into the question in some detail.

The Use of Photogrammetry in Piping Design

1983 ◽  
Vol 197 (2) ◽  
pp. 125-138 ◽  
Author(s):  
P A Bracewell ◽  
U R Klement
Keyword(s):  
Information Retrieval ◽  
Mathematical Formulation ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Process Industry ◽  
Process Plant ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
High Degree ◽  
Positional Data

Piping design for ‘revamp’ projects in the process industry requires the retrieval of large amounts of ‘as-built’ data from existing process plant installations. Positional data with a high degree of accuracy are required. Photogrammetry, the science of measurement from photographs, was identified in Imperial Chemical Industries plc (ICI) as a suitable tool for information retrieval. The mathematical formulation enabling the definition of three-dimensional positions from photographic information is described. The process of using ICI's photogrammetric system for the definition of complete objects such as structures and pipes is illustrated. The need for specialized photogrammetric software for design purposes is explained. A case study describing how the photogrammetric system has been applied is described and graphical outputs from this exercise are shown. It is concluded that this particular photogrammetric system has proved to be a cost effective and accurate tool for the retrieval of ‘as-built’ information.

scholarly journals International law protecting the environment during armed conflict: gaps and opportunities

2010 ◽  
Vol 92 (879) ◽  
pp. 569-592 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Bothe ◽  
Carl Bruch ◽  
Jordan Diamond ◽  
David Jensen
Keyword(s):  
International Law ◽  
Armed Conflict ◽  
Environmental Law ◽  
International Humanitarian Law ◽  
Environmental Damage ◽  
Humanitarian Law ◽  
International Environmental Law ◽  
Basic Principles ◽  
Principle Of Proportionality ◽  
Definition Of

AbstractThere are three key deficiencies in the existing body of international humanitarian law (IHL) relating to protection of the environment during armed conflict. First, the definition of impermissible environmental damage is both too restrictive and unclear; second, there are legal uncertainties regarding the protection of elements of the environment as civilian objects; and third, the application of the principle of proportionality where harm to the environment constitutes ‘collateral damage’ is also problematic. These gaps present specific opportunities for clarifying and developing the existing framework. One approach to addressing some of the inadequacies of IHL could be application of international environmental law during armed conflict. The detailed norms, standards, approaches, and mechanisms found in international environmental law might also help to clarify and extend basic principles of IHL to prevent, address, or assess liability for environmental damage incurred during armed conflict.

EFFECTIVE STEPS ON THE WAY TO MODERNIZATION OF CIVIL SERVICE IN THE SYSTEM OF JUDICIARY BODIES: INTRODUCTION OF ELEMENTS OF GAME THEORY

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olena Hladunova ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Game Theory ◽  
Justice System ◽  
Civil Service ◽  
Civil Servants ◽  
International Standards ◽  
Scientific Article ◽  
Basic Principles ◽  
Conflict Situations ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The Right

In this scientific article the main elements of game theory are analyzed, the achievements of domestic and foreign scientists devoted to the consideration of such theory are investigated. The expediency of involving in the practical activity of the civil service in the system of judicial authorities effective methods used in the field of business and consisting in the use of game technologies, which have proven their effectiveness in terms of providing quality services. It is focused on the fact that game theory can play a key role in the decision-making process, however, it is important to strictly adhere to the limits of its application. Possible conflict situations in the work of civil servants of the justice system are formulated and it is investigated that in conflict conditions each so-called participant of the game makes his course, i.e. chooses his strategy, as a result of which the relevant conflict situation is outlined and a set of strategies of all players. Some examples of the use of elements of game theory are given and the content of certain types of strategies is revealed. In particular, a strategy is described, which is denoted by the term "screening". Taking into account the definition of ways to modernize the civil service, the need to include in standardized training programs for civil servants of the justice system category "B" training course, which will include the basic principles of game theory for their active use in conflict, skills to compromise in relationships with visitors to the court - recipients of court services, selection of the right strategy, consideration of theoretical and game modeling of personnel management tasks, focusing on the ability to obtain and timely provide the necessary information to create a new civil service in the judiciary that meets international standards.

scholarly journals Intergeneric Relationships within the Early-Diverging Angiosperm Family Nymphaeaceae Based on Chloroplast Phylogenomics

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (12) ◽  
pp. 3780 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dingxuan He ◽  
Andrew Gichira ◽  
Zhizhong Li ◽  
John Nzei ◽  
Youhao Guo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genome Structure ◽  
Morphological Data ◽  
Basal Angiosperm ◽  
Phylogenetic Position ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Protein Coding ◽  
Plastid Genomes ◽  
Chloroplast Genomes ◽  
Gene Data ◽  
High Degree

The order Nymphaeales, consisting of three families with a record of eight genera, has gained significant interest from botanists, probably due to its position as a basal angiosperm. The phylogenetic relationships within the order have been well studied; however, a few controversial nodes still remain in the Nymphaeaceae. The position of the Nuphar genus and the monophyly of the Nymphaeaceae family remain uncertain. This study adds to the increasing number of the completely sequenced plastid genomes of the Nymphaeales and applies a large chloroplast gene data set in reconstructing the intergeneric relationships within the Nymphaeaceae. Five complete chloroplast genomes were newly generated, including a first for the monotypic Euryale genus. Using a set of 66 protein-coding genes from the chloroplast genomes of 17 taxa, the phylogenetic position of Nuphar was determined and a monophyletic Nymphaeaceae family was obtained with convincing statistical support from both partitioned and unpartitioned data schemes. Although genomic comparative analyses revealed a high degree of synteny among the chloroplast genomes of the ancient angiosperms, key minor variations were evident, particularly in the contraction/expansion of the inverted-repeat regions and in RNA-editing events. Genome structure, and gene content and arrangement were highly conserved among the chloroplast genomes. The intergeneric relationships defined in this study are congruent with those inferred using morphological data.

Photoreceptor coupling in turtle retina

1998 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 755-764 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.L. FIRSOV ◽  
D.G. GREEN
Keyword(s):  
Receptive Field ◽  
Gap Junctions ◽  
Direct Evidence ◽  
Physiological Responses ◽  
The Other ◽  
Morphological Data ◽  
Chelydra Serpentina ◽  
Intracellular Injection ◽  
Coupled Cells ◽  
High Degree

Photoreceptors in the isolated turtle retina of two species of turtle, Chelydra serpentina and Pseudemus scripta elegans, were penetrated with double-barrel electrodes. Physiological responses were recorded through one barrel and Neurobiotin tracer was injected from the other. Intracellular injection of Neurobiotin revealed patterns of tracer-coupled photoreceptors. Both the patterns of tracer coupling and the electrophysiology suggest a high degree of specificity of connections. Rods seem to be coupled only to rods and green and red cones seem to be coupled to cones of the same spectral type. Receptive-field profiles, measured with a thin, sharply focused slit of light, often had well-defined peaks and troughs in sensitivity. We have taken advantage of this observation and used the position of a peak in sensitivity to locate the position on the retina of a coupled cell. In one rod, it was possible to correlate physiological and morphological data and to show that the peaks in the physiological receptive field occurred at positions on the retina where there were dye-coupled cells. This provides direct evidence that gap junctions produce the physiological coupling between rods.

A Large Scale Cross-Validation of Second-Order Personality Structure Defined by the 16PF

1986 ◽  
Vol 59 (2) ◽  
pp. 683-693 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel E. Krug ◽  
Edgar F. Johns
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Common Factor ◽  
Geographic Location ◽  
Second Order ◽  
Personality Factor ◽  
Personality Factor Questionnaire ◽  
Normal Males ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
High Degree ◽  
Factor Estimation

The second-order factors structure of the 16 Personality Factor Questionnaire (16PF) was cross-validated on a large sample ( N = 17,381) of normal males and females. Subjects were sampled across a broad range of ages, socioeconomic levels, education, geographic location, and ethnicity. The purposes of this investigation were (1) to provide a precise definition of 16PF second-order factor structure, (2) to shed additional light on the nature of two second-order factors that have been previously identified but described as “unstable” and “poorly reproduced,” and (3) to determine the extent to which common factor estimation formulas for men and women would prove satisfactory for applied work. The resulting solutions were congruent with previous studies and showed a high degree of simple structure. Support was provided for one, but not both, of the two additional second-order factors. Results also supported the use of simplified estimation formulas for applied use.

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