scholarly journals Triassic pentadactyl tracks from the Los Menucos Group (Río Negro province, Patagonia Argentina): possible constraints on the autopodial posture of Gondwanan trackmakers

PeerJ ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. e5358 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paolo Citton ◽  
Ignacio Díaz-Martínez ◽  
Silvina de Valais ◽  
Carlos Cónsole-Gonella

The Los Menucos locality in Patagonia, Argentina, bears a well-known ichnofauna mostly documented by small therapsid footprints. Within this ichnofauna, large pentadactyl footprints are also represented but to date were relatively underinvestigated. These footprints are here analyzed and discussed based on palaeobiological indications (i.e., trackmaker identification). High resolution digital photogrammetry method was performed to achieve a more objective representation of footprint three-dimensional morphologies. The footprints under study are compared withPentasauropusfrom the Upper Triassic lower Elliot Formation (Stormberg Group) of the Karoo Basin (Lesotho, southern Africa). Some track features suggest a therapsid-grade synapsid as the potential trackmaker, to be sought among anomodont dicynodonts (probably Kannemeyeriiformes). While the interpretation of limb posture in the producer ofPentasauropustracks from the Los Menucos locality agrees with those described from the dicynodont body fossil record, the autopodial posture does not completely agree. The relative distance between the impression of the digital (ungual) bases and the distal edge of the pad trace characterizing the studied tracks likely indicates a subunguligrade foot posture (i.e., standing on the last and penultimate phalanges) in static stance, but plantiportal (i.e., the whole foot skeleton and related soft tissues are weight-bearing) during the dynamics of locomotion. The reconstructed posture might have implied an arched configuration of the articulated metapodials and at least of the proximal phalanges, as well as little movement capabilities of the metapodials. Usually, a subunguligrade-plantiportal autopod has been described for gigantic animals (over six hundreds kilograms of body weight) to obtain an efficient management of body weight. Nevertheless, this kind of autopod is described here for large but not gigantic animals, as the putative trackmakers ofPentasauropuswere. This attribution implies that such an autopodial structure was promoted independently from the body size in the putative trackmakers. From an evolutionary point of view, subunguligrade-plantiportal autopods not necessarily must be related with an increase in body size, but rather the increase in body size requires a subunguligrade or unguligrade, plantiportal foot. Chronostratigraphically,Pentasauropuswas reported from Upper Triassic deposits of South Africa and United States, and from late Middle Triassic and Upper Triassic deposits of Argentina. Based on the stratigraphic distribution of the ichnogenus currently accepted, a Late Triassic age is here proposed for thePentasauropus-bearing levels of the Los Menucos Group.

Author(s):  
M. Belén von Baczko ◽  
Martín D. Ezcurra

ABSTRACTThe pseudosuchian archosaur Ornithosuchus, from the Lossiemouth Sandstone Formation (Late Triassic), Scotland, was the first ornithosuchid to be discovered, and the only one recorded, in the northern hemisphere. The fossil record of “Ornithosuchus longidens” is mainly based on natural moulds and, in a few cases, three-dimensional bony elements, complicating the interpretation of its anatomy. The taxonomy of this species has changed several times since the late 1800s and here we revisit its current status. The synonymy of “Dasygnathoides longidens” and Ornithosuchus woodwardi proposed by Walker (1964) is rejected, based on new interpretations of the holotype and referred specimens of “Dasygnathoides longidens”. The latter species is considered as a nomen dubium, because it lacks diagnostic features and cannot be identified beyond Pseudosuchia. As a result, Ornithosuchus woodwardi is resurrected as a valid species and its diagnosis is emended. The body size range of Ornithosuchus woodwardi is reduced to about a half, because ELGNM 1, previously considered the largest specimen of the genus, can no longer be referred to it. “Dasygnathoides longidens” cannot be assigned to any of the known archosauriforms from the Lossiemouth Sandstone Formation, but it still represents the largest predator currently known for its fauna.


1971 ◽  
Vol 55 (3) ◽  
pp. 651-665 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. M. HUGHES ◽  
R. GAYMER ◽  
MARGARET MOORE ◽  
A. J. WOAKES

1. The O2 consumption and CO2 release of nine giant tortoises Testudo gigantea (weight range 118 g-35·5 kg) were measured at a temperature of about 25·5°C. Four European tortoises Testudo hermanni (weight range 640 g-2·16 kg) were also used. The mean RQ values obtained were 1·01 for T. gigantea and 0·97 for T. hermanni. These values were not influenced by activity or size. 2. The data was analysed by plotting log/log regression lines relating body weight to O2 consumption. Both maximum and minimum metabolic rates recorded for each individual T. gigantea showed a negative correlation with body weight. For active rates the relation was O2 consumption = 140·8W0·97, whereas for inactive animals O2 consumption = 45·47W0·82. 3. The maximum rates were obtained from animals that were observed to be active in the respirometer and the minimum rates from animals that remained quiet throughout. The scope for activity increased with body size, being 82 ml/kg/h for animals of 100 g and 103 ml/kg/h for 100 kg animals. The corresponding ratio between maximum and minimum rates increases from about 2 to 6 for the same weight range. 4. Values for metabolic rate in T. hermanni seem to be rather lower than in T. gigantea. Analysis of the relative proportion of the shell and other organs indicates that the shell forms about 31% of the body weight in adult T. hermanni but only about 18% in T. gigantea of similar size. The shell is not appreciably heavier in adult T. gigantea (about 20%). 5. Data obtained for inactive animals is in good agreement with results of other workers using lizards and snakes. Previous evidence suggesting that chelonians show no reduction in metabolic rate with increasing size is not considered to conflict with data obtained in the present work.


2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (103) ◽  
pp. 109-115
Author(s):  
L.-M. Kostyshyn ◽  
R. Sachuk ◽  
Ye. Kostyshyn ◽  
O. Katsaraba

Suspension for injection “Amoxidev 15” is prescribed to fur-bearing animals (mink, fox), dogs and cats for the treatment of respiratory diseases (tonsillitis, tracheitis, pneumonia, bronchitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, bronchopneumonia), digestive (gastritis, enteritis, enteritis). genitourinary systems (nephritis, urethritis, urocystitis, mastitis, metritis, agalactia), musculoskeletal system (arthritis, osteoarthritis, joint injuries, tendonitis, hoof lesions), skin and soft tissues (eczema, dermatitis) caused by sensitive drug by microorganisms, including colibacillosis, streptococcus, bronchopneumonia, etc. Toxicological evaluation of the veterinary drug “Amoxidev 15” under the conditions of acute and subacute toxicological experiments on a model of white rats. According to the results of an acute toxicological experiment with intragastric administration of the drug “Amoxidev 15” white rats DL50 could not be calculated because the death of laboratory animals was not detected within 14 days after administration. The maximum administered dose (in absolute weight of the drug) was 20000.0 mg/kg body weight, which allows to refer the drug to class VI toxicity of relatively harmless substances (DL50 > 15000 mg/kg body weight), and the degree of safety to class IV – low-hazard substances (DL50 > 5000 mg/kg). According to the results of an acute toxicological experiment with subcutaneous administration of the drug “Amoxidev 15” white rats DL50 could not be calculated because the death of laboratory animals was not detected within 14 days after administration, the maximum dose was 5000.0 mg/kg body weight, therefore, the drug “Amoxidev 15” when administered subcutaneously by toxicity can be classified as class VI substances relatively harmless (DL50 Subcut > 4500.0 mg/kg). When administered subcutaneously to white rats, the drug “Amoxidev 15” under conditions of subacute toxicological experiment in doses of 0.1–1.0 ml/kg does not cause hemo-, hepato- and nephrotoxic effects on the body of laboratory animals, although 3-day administration of the drug in a dose 1.0 ml/kg body weight caused an increase in the activity of hepatospecific enzymes ALT and AST by 12.5 and 11.1 % (P < 0.05), respectively, relative to the control, which was restored to the control level 7 days after cessation.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu_an Zhang ◽  
Zijie Sun ◽  
Chen Zhang ◽  
Shujun Yin ◽  
Wenzhi Wang ◽  
...  

Abstract In stock farming, the body size parameters and weight of yaks can reasonably reflect the growth and development characteristics, production performance and genetic characteristics of yaks. However, it is difficult for herders to measure the body size and weight of yaks by traditional manual methods. Fortunately, with the development of edge computing, herders can use mobile devices to estimate the yak’s body size and weight. The purpose of this paper is to provide a machine vision-based yak weight estimation method for the edge equipment and establish a yak estimation comprehensive display system based on the user’s use of the edge equipment in order to maximize the convenience of herdsmen’s work. In our method, a set of yak image foreground extraction and measurement point recognition algorithm suitable for edge equipment were developed to obtain yak’s measurement point recognition image, and the ratio between body sizes was transmitted to the cloud server. Then, the body size and weight of yaks were estimated using the data mining method, and the body size estimation data were constantly displayed in the yak estimation comprehensive display system. 25 yaks in different age groups were randomly selected from the herd to perform experiments. The experimental results show that the foreground extraction method can obtain segmentation image with good boundary, and the yak measurement point recognition algorithm has good accuracy and stability. The average error between the estimated values and the actual measured values of body height, oblique length, chest depth, cross height and body weight is 1.95%, 3.11%, 4.91%, 3.35% and 7.79%, respectively. Compared with the traditional manual measurement method, the use of mobile end to estimate the body size and weight of yaks can improve the measurement efficiency, facilitate the herdsmen to breed yaks, reduce the stimulation of manual measurement on yaks, and lay a solid foundation for the fine breeding of yaks in Sanjiangyuan region.


1992 ◽  
Vol 40 (6) ◽  
pp. 573 ◽  
Author(s):  
H Gu ◽  
W Danthanarayana

Effects of rearing conditions of larvae on the body weight and flight duration of the light brown apple moth, Epiphyas postvittana (Walker), were evaluated in the laboratory. The body weight of both male and female moths at emergence decreased with increasing temperature from 15 to 28-degrees-C during larval stages; in contrast, flight duration increased with rising temperature. There was no effect of larval density on flight duration, although the body weight of moths decreased as density increased. Variation in water content of artificial diet showed a significant influence on flight duration of female moths, but not on body weight in either sex. Flight duration was different only for females when their larvae were reared on young leaves of four host plants. Female moths from larvae on Rumex crispus and Plantago lanceolata flew for significantly longer periods than those from larvae on Trifolium repens and Pyrus malus. Larvae fed on young leaves yielded adults that flew for longer periods than those fed on senescent leaves. Inconsistency in relationships between body weight and flight duration of moths with respect to influences of different environmental factors during the larval stages indicates that flight capacity is unlikely to be influenced by body size in this species.


2017 ◽  
Vol 115 (2) ◽  
pp. 427-432 ◽  
Author(s):  
John-Olov Jansson ◽  
Vilborg Palsdottir ◽  
Daniel A. Hägg ◽  
Erik Schéle ◽  
Suzanne L. Dickson ◽  
...  

Subjects spending much time sitting have increased risk of obesity but the mechanism for the antiobesity effect of standing is unknown. We hypothesized that there is a homeostatic regulation of body weight. We demonstrate that increased loading of rodents, achieved using capsules with different weights implanted in the abdomen or s.c. on the back, reversibly decreases the biological body weight via reduced food intake. Importantly, loading relieves diet-induced obesity and improves glucose tolerance. The identified homeostat for body weight regulates body fat mass independently of fat-derived leptin, revealing two independent negative feedback systems for fat mass regulation. It is known that osteocytes can sense changes in bone strain. In this study, the body weight-reducing effect of increased loading was lost in mice depleted of osteocytes. We propose that increased body weight activates a sensor dependent on osteocytes of the weight-bearing bones. This induces an afferent signal, which reduces body weight. These findings demonstrate a leptin-independent body weight homeostat (“gravitostat”) that regulates fat mass.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu_an Zhang ◽  
Zijie Sun ◽  
Chen Zhang ◽  
Shujun Yin ◽  
Wenzhi Wang ◽  
...  

Abstract In stock farming, the body size parameters and weight of yaks can reasonably reflect the growth and development characteristics, production performance and genetic characteristics of yaks. However, it is difficult for herders to measure the body size and weight of yaks by traditional manual methods. Fortunately, with the development of edge computing, herders can use mobile devices to estimate the yak’s body size and weight. The purpose of this paper is to provide a machine vision-based yak weight estimation method for the edge equipment and establish a yak estimation comprehensive display system based on the user’s use of the edge equipment in order to maximize the convenience of herdsmen’s work. In our method, a set of yak image foreground extraction and measurement point recognition algorithm suitable for edge equipment were developed to obtain yak’s measurement point recognition image, and the ratio between body sizes was transmitted to the cloud server. Then, the body size and weight of yaks were estimated using the data mining method, and the body size estimation data were constantly displayed in the yak estimation comprehensive display system. 25 yaks in different age groups were randomly selected from the herd to perform experiments. The experimental results show that the foreground extraction method can obtain segmentation image with good boundary, and the yak measurement point recognition algorithm has good accuracy and stability. The average error between the estimated values and the actual measured values of body height, oblique length, chest depth, cross height and body weight is 1.95%, 3.11%, 4.91%, 3.35% and 7.79%, respectively. Compared with the traditional manual measurement method, the use of mobile end to estimate the body size and weight of yaks can improve the measurement efficiency, facilitate the herdsmen to breed yaks, reduce the stimulation of manual measurement on yaks, and lay a solid foundation for the fine breeding of yaks in Sanjiangyuan region.


2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 183-189
Author(s):  
Junardi Junardi

AbstrakCacing Nipah Pendek Namalycastis abiuma memiliki tubuh yang elastis dan mudah putus sehingga diperlukan pendekatan morfometri tubuh lain untuk menentukan panjang tubuh sesungguhnya. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk menentukan panjang tubuh total cacing nipah pendek dengan menggunakan bobot tubuh, jumlah total segmen berseta, panjang tiga segmen anterior pertama (L3) dan lebar segmen berseta atau setiger ke-10 (S-10). Spesimen yang digunakan dipilih hanya individu yang lengkap dan utuh. Pengukuran dilakukan dibawah mikroskop dengan lensa okular yang dilengkapi dengan mikrometer. Data dianalisis dengan analisis korelasi. Cacing yang digunakan sebanyak 258 individu yang terdiri atas 190 immature, 54 submature dan 14 mature dengan ukuran panjang tubuh rata-rata berturut-turut 108,62±34,80 mm, 172,27±42,78 mm dan 123,14±57,40 mm. Cacing betina ditemukan memiliki ukuran tubuh lebih besar dari jantan. Panjang tubuh N. abiuma dapat diduga dengan bobot tubuh, panjang L3 dan lebar S-10 dengan nilai koefisien korelasi (r) berturut-turut 0,82, 0,73 dan 0,78. Pendekatan morfometri dapat digunakan untuk menentukan ukuran tubuh N. abiuma.Abstract The short nypa palm worm Namalycastis abiuma has an elastic and fragile body. Therefore, an alternative approach of morphometrical techniques is needed to determine the total body length. This research aimed to estimate the total body length of the short nypa palm worm based on body weight, the total number of segments, the length of the first three anterior segment (L3) and the tenth setiger width (S10). Body measurement was done using stereomicroscope fitted with the micrometer. Correlation analysis was done to describe the relationship between the length of L3 and the width of S10. A total of 258 complete and whole specimens consisted of 190 immature, 54 submature, and 14 mature individuals. The average body length of immature individuals was 108.62±34.80 mm, 172.27±42.78 mm for sub mature individuals, and 123.14±57.40 mm for mature individuals. Based on sexual dimorphism, the female body size is larger than male. The body length of N. abiuma can be estimated by body weight, the length of L3, and the  width of S10, with  correlation coefficient (r) of 0.82, 0.73 and 0.78, respectively. Morphometry approach can be used to determine the body size of N. abiuma. 


PeerJ ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. e4587 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qing Tong ◽  
Xiao-peng Du ◽  
Zong-fu Hu ◽  
Li-yong Cui ◽  
Hong-bin Wang

Well-controlled development leads to uniform body size and a better growth rate; therefore, the ability to determine the growth rate of frogs and their period of sexual maturity is essential for producing healthy, high-quality descendant frogs. To establish a working model that can best predict the growth performance of frogs, the present study examined the growth of one-year-old and two-year-old brown frogs (Rana dybowskii) from metamorphosis to hibernation (18 weeks) and out-hibernation to hibernation (20 weeks) under the same environmental conditions. Brown frog growth was studied and mathematically modelled using various nonlinear, linear, and polynomial functions. The model input values were statistically evaluated using parameters such as the Akaike’s information criterion. The body weight/size ratio (Kwl) and Fulton’s condition factor (K) were used to compare the weight and size of groups of frogs during the growth period. The results showed that the third- and fourth-order polynomial models provided the most consistent predictions of body weight for age 1 and age 2 brown frogs, respectively. Both the Gompertz and third-order polynomial models yielded similarly adequate results for the body size of age 1 brown frogs, while the Janoschek model produced a similarly adequate result for the body size of age 2 brown frogs. The Brody and Janoschek models yielded the highest and lowest estimates of asymptotic weight, respectively, for the body weights of all frogs. TheKwlvalue of all frogs increased from 0.40 to 3.18. TheKvalue of age 1 frogs decreased from 23.81 to 9.45 in the first four weeks. TheKvalue of age 2 frogs remained close to 10. Graphically, a sigmoidal trend was observed for body weight and body size with increasing age. The results of this study will be useful not only for amphibian research but also for frog farming management strategies and decisions.


1983 ◽  
Vol 61 (9) ◽  
pp. 2087-2096 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. B. Graham ◽  
F. J. Koehrn ◽  
K. A. Dickson

The scaling of red muscle with body weight and the distribution of red muscle within the body were compared in seven scombrid fish species to determine relationships between red muscle function and the maintenance of endothermy by tunas. In ectothermic Sarda chiliensis and Scomber japonicus, red muscle occurs along the body edge, is concentrated posteriorly, and the total amount of this tissue is proportional to body weight raised to a power significantly greater than 1.0. In five endothermic tunas, Auxis thazard, Euthynnus lineatus, Katsuwonus pelamis, Thunnus albacares, and T. alalunga, red muscle scaling coefficients are 1.0 or less, and red muscle is positioned deep and anterior in the body. The power needed to overcome drag increases with fish body size (weight and length) and velocity and is reflected in the red muscle scaling relationships of both Sarda and Scomber. By contrast, decreasing relative amounts of red muscle in larger tunas suggest these fishes increase propulsion efficiency as they grow. This may be a result of either or both greater muscle efficiency and reduced division of labor between red and white muscle to which both endothermy and thermoregulation could contribute.


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