Classical Morphometry Research Articles

Особый тип каменных топоров эпохи бронзы с реки Коротаиха (бассейн Баренцева моря)

Finds of thrust tools made of rocks and minerals are rare to find in the sites of the European North-East. This can be probably explained through a high mobility of the local hunters-gatherers and through the way such artefacts were left behind. Considering that there is an outstanding set of six axes and three workpieces found at Korotaikha 1979/3 site at the Korotaikha river (the Barentsev Sea basin). There they found not as a treasure; traces of their production were missing. The research aims to verify the assumption that the artefacts constitute a special type thrust tool series. To do so the study analysed the consequence of formation and layout of diverse macrotraces on the thrust tools surface. The study provides their morphography and classic morphometry. It is determined that the Korotaikha 1979/3 axes are made with the same technology. To start with, the shape of the future tool was formed with bifacial knapping. The final staged implied abrasive treatment (polishing) to form a straight sharp blade, level off and dull down sharp bifacial ribs along the longitudinal edges of the work pieces. The process preserved a large part of the surface formed by knapping. Thus, the Korotaikha 1979/3 axes are partly polished tools with a rectangular or nearly triangular form and lens-shaped cross- and longitudinal section. Macrotraces left by knocking upon solid materials, blade corrections and tool wear-out are evident of the axes use and repair. The nature of the work piece bilateral treatment conforms is harmonized with the bifacial knapping that the Korotaikha 1979/3 flint arrowheads and scrapers are made with. Along with homogeneous ceramics and evidence of bronze smelting production these items conform that these materials shall be attributed to records for studying the Korshak culture assigned to the Bronze Age and preliminarily dated back to the 2nd millennium B.C. Based on this data the study defined equivalent tools within sites located in a very short area at the Korotaikha river. However, the study failed to find equivalents outside this microregion. The production peculiarities, geography and attribution of these axes allow to define their special type of thrust tools of the Bronze Age European north-east. This type can be designated as the Korotaikha type axes. The location is found with an abnormal number of good-condition thrust tools left in one place. It may be associated with the functioning of a sanctuary or burial ground at this site.

Облик мужчин, склонных к риску, по данным геометрической морфометрии

The article presents the results of a facial anthropometric study suggesting markers of masculinity in motorcycle racers (n = 36), mountain climbers (n = 52), and students (n = 56). The use of geometric morphometrics on the basis of frontal photographs enabled the authors to describe and visualize the facial shapes of men from these three groups, and to reveal significant intergroup differences. Facial shapes of mountain climbers, racers, and students (control sample) were compared pairwise using multivariate regression analysis. The racers and climbers had more masculine facial features compared to the control group: larger, more elongated faces, with a large jaw, thin lips, and narrow eye shape. The differences identified by geometric morphometrics were also confirmed by an additional analysis of facial indices based on linear measurements of certain facial parameters. The findings prove the high efficiency of using a combination of geometric and classical morphometry methods to study full facial shape, as well as to quantify observed differences in certain facial areas.

Wing morphometry of worker bees of Kharkiv, Sumy and Poltava regions of Ukraine

The affiliation of local bee populations spread across the territory of Ukraine to the subspecies A. m. carnica, A. m. macedonica, A. m. mellifera, and A. m. caucasica has been studied previously in most cases using various phenotypic characteristics, and in some cases, through the study of mitochondrial DNA. According to previous morphometric studies, it was not possible to identify bee families that could be qualified as "purebred". The aim of this study was to investigate three apiaries from different regions of Ukraine where selection measures are systematically carried out to reproduce and preserve the local population of Ukrainian steppe bees, subspecies A. m. macedonica. The goal was to confirm this breeding positioning and find bee families suitable for further breeding work. The study focused on the wing phenotypes of worker bees. In this work, 10 traits were considered as wing phenotypes: seven indices Ci, Dbi, Disc.sh, Ri, Ci.2, Ci.3, Ci.2.1, and three angles A4, E9, J10. Statistical data processing methods and the STATISTICA software package were used as research tools. A total of 5200 wings of worker bees from 53 apiaries in the Kharkiv, Sumy, and Poltava regions were studied. The classification of wings in the Sumy and Poltava regions was carried out into four clusters, while in Kharkiv, it was into three clusters. Preliminary classification based on Euclidean distances using the mean values of traits for individual wing clusters and taking into account the Mahalanobis distances between cluster centroids formed three data arrays labeled as "UkrStep" and "UkrStep.2," which were attributed to the subspecies A. m. macedonica, and "Carnica," attributed to the subspecies A. m. carnica. These can be used as regional standards for studying bee families in this part of Ukraine with the aim of establishing their probable breed. It was found that the population of Ukrainian steppe bees (62.2%) predominates by phenotype on the studied apiaries. For four bee families from the Kuzemin apiary, 92%-100% of worker bees belong to Ukrainian steppe bees. АOn the apiary in Kharkiv, only one bee family had 86% of worker bees belonging to the population of Ukrainian steppe bees. It is recommended to use queens from four bee families for breeding purposes: one queen from the Kharkiv apiary and three queens from the Kuzemin apiary. Key words: Classical morphometry of worker bee wings, discriminant analysis.

Wing morphometry of worker bees in the central and northern parts of Ukraine

In the flat forest-steppe region of Ukraine, several evolutionary lines of honey bees subspecies Apis mellifera mellifera L., Apis mellifera macedonica Ruttner, and Apis mellifera caucasica Pollmann are believed to be widespread, the territorial boundaries and within-population relationships of which require detailed study.Wing morphometry is one of the available methods for establishing the wing phenotype and morphological features of bees in general. However, the completeness and degree of study of the morphometric features of bee populations present in the territory of Ukraine are insufficient. The aim of the study was to carry out a more accurate and thorough classification of wings, establish morphometric standards of worker bees of local populations of Ukrainian steppe bees, create a methodology for assessing possible hybridization by wing phenotype, and attempt to find bee families with queens suitable for further breeding. To achieve this goal, classical morphometry was used to study the wing phenotype using 8 features: traditional - Ci, Dbi, Disc.sh, Pci, Ri, and additional features proposed by the authors - Сі.2, Сі.3, Сі.2.1, which allowed to increase the level of confidence in the quality of statistical data processing of wing features. Using discriminant analysis of the data and the Statistica software package, a classifier was created and 3717 wings were classified. With sufficient reliability (95.6 %), the wings of 28 bee families were divided into five clusters. Five arrays of standards were formed, two of which probably belong to the population of Ukrainian steppe bees subspecies A. m. macedonica, one to subspecies A. m. Carnica Pollmann, two to hybrids of Ukrainian steppe bees and the Polissya population of subspecies A. m. mellifera. A significant similarity in phenotypes was established between two clusters of investigated wings and wings of bees from the Carpathian region, and the hybridization of worker bees of the indicated territory was determined by the Polissya population of subspecies A. m. mellifera. It is shown how, in the presence of standard data of worker bee wing features obtained as a result of this work and others formed in another, it is possible to use discriminant analysis to correctly classify wings and assess the possible hybridization of bees. Formed arrays of five new standards can be used in subsequent studies as standards of comparison. Key words: Morphometry of wings, classification of worker bees, discriminant analysis.

Patterns of variability of the shape of the human hand

The differences between the hands of men and women are mainly observed in the difference in the ratio of the lengths of the index and ring fingers (ratio 2d:4d) or in the difference in the proportional ratios of longitudinal and transverse dimensions, identified using classical morphometry methods, which give only indirect ideas about variations in the shape of the hand. The object of this study was digital images of radiographs of the right hands of 50 men and 50 women, on which 20 landmarks were located, the configuration and two-dimensional coordinates of which were studied using geometric morphometry methods. The predominance of the general variability of the hand’s shape was associated with a combined multidirectional transformation in the space of the elements of the II-V rays of the hand relative to the longitudinal axis with simultaneous compression or stretching of the shape relative to the transverse axis. At the same time, men have a stretching of the shape of the hand from the IV-V rays and compression from the II-III rays, while women have reverse changes. The relationship between the shape and size of the hand, regardless of gender, is minimal – 5.82% and 3.93% of hand allometry were detected in men and women, respectively. This study shows that the shape of the hand is markedly different in men and women, which indicates a significant sexual dimorphism affecting this trait. Based on the detected sexual differences, it is possible to distinguish the male and female morphological type of the hands.

Integrative taxonomic revision of the Ethiopian endemic rodent genus Stenocephalemys (Muridae: Murinae: Praomyini) with the description of two new species

Ethiopian rats (genus Stenocephalemys) represent a monophyletic group of Ethiopian endemic rodents that diverged in the Ethiopian Highlands during the Pleistocene. Because of the frequent occurrence of so-called reticulate evolution (i.e. repeated hybridization of partially diverged populations), their taxonomy has not been adequately resolved, despite the fact that they belong to the most abundant rodent genus in Ethiopia and are important as pests and carriers of pathogens (e.g. hantaviruses). Here we analysed material for 623 Stenocephalemys specimens using integrative taxonomy composed of genomic analyses (388 nuclear markers and complete mitogenomes), 2D-geometric morphometry of skulls and classical morphometry of external traits. The genus consists of six clearly defined gene pools (= species), characterized by specific morphology, ecology and distribution. Two of them, described here as new species, live in fragmented populations in Afroalpine habitats in the north-western part of the Ethiopian Highlands. We also showed that mitochondrial DNA is not applicable as a universal diagnostic tool for species discrimination in Stenocephalemys, because of multiple cases of mitochondrial introgression. This finding illustrates the utility of the genus as a suitable model for future studies of mito-nuclear coevolution along an elevational gradient.

A new species of Sigmodontinae (Rodentia) from the late Hemphillian of central Mexico, and comments on the possible radiation of this group

The Sigmodontinae subfamily represents one of the most diverse groups of mammals in the world; this rodent group evolved in the open and arid ecosystems of the Miocene of North America and was the most successful legion of mammals in the Great American Biotic Interchange. Part of its diversification occurred in the Mexican Pliocene, in the Hemphillian-Blancan boundary, where Prosigmodon and Sigmodon species are very common. Recent molecular phylogenetic systematics research propose that Sigmodon is related to South American sigmodontines, while studies of classical morphometry in isolated molar teeth consider Prosigmodon as synonymy of Sigmodon, which modifies the biogeographic and chronostratigraphic interpretations of this group in America. In this paper, we describe a new species of Prosigmodon from the late Hemphillian (~4.89 Ma) of central Mexico based on jaws, maxillary, and complete isolated teeth. This is the most complete and austral record of the genus in North America. This species was compared with North American species of the Sigmodontinae and Neotominae subfamilies and we defined it as a new Prosigmodon species characterized by having a consistently present minute mesoloph in M1 and M2, in addition, there is an isolated metaconid from the protoconid in the m1 of young individuals. We performed a phylogenetic model focused on understanding the relationship between Prosigmodon (four species) and Sigmodon (eight species), where we included Baiomys (two species), Neotoma (two species), Peromyscus (two species), and Reithrodontomys (two species). Our results indicate that Prosigmodon is a monophyletic group if Sigmodon minor is included within the genus and P. chihuahuensis is excluded. The Mexican Prosigmodon species have more apomorphic characters with respect to S. minor and P. holocuspis. The species of Prosigmodon and Sigmodon are not closely related, Sigmodon is more related to the Neotoma species than the species of Baiomys, Prosigmodon, Reitrhodontomys, and Peromyscus. Based on the topology of our cladogram and the stratigraphic ranges of the species Sigmodontinae and Neotominae, we discuss that Baiomys, Prosigmodon, Reitrhodontomys, and Peromyscus probably diversified in the early Hemphillian, while Sigmodon and Neotoma did so during the late Pliocene.

Reaction of Human Neocortex Astrocytes to Clinical Death and Reperfusion

The aimof research was to study the effect of clinical death and reperfusion on astrocytes of the human cerebral cortex.Material and methods.Structural types, quantity, shape, size and distribution of cortical layers I–VI astrocytes (fields 4, 10, 17 and 21) were studied in 7 days after 3-minute clinical death (n=3, males) using a confocal microscope, fluorescence immunohistochemistry (GFAP), classical morphometry and fractal analysis. The control group (n=4, males) included patients died from severe traumatic brain injury.Results.A complex integrated system of GFAP-positive cells consisting of translaminar and intralaminar astrocytes of the fibrous, protoplasmic and mixed types, was revealed in the human cerebral cortex. The bodies of translaminar astrocytes were localized in layers I (had smooth long thin processes) and layers V–VI (had processes with varicose thickening). The processes of translaminar astrocytes penetrated towards each other and intertwined at the level of layer I and II. Qualitative and quantitative changes of all types of intralaminar and translaminar astrocytes were revealed in the human cerebral cortex in 7 days after clinical death. The percentage of the GFAP-positive area increased in all layers of the studied cerebral cortex departments. An increase in GFAP expression in cortical astrocytes was accompanied by changes in the fractal distribution and lacunarity of their processes distribution, the fact supporting a spatial reorganization of the astroglial network in response to acute ischemia and reperfusion of the brain. To a greater extent this related to the processes of fibrous perivascular astrocytes. All these manifestations of reactive astrogliosis might be associated with the activation of adaptivereparative processes in astrocytes. No statistically significant differences between the cerebral cortex fields were revealed.Conclusion.The results obtained showed that clinical death and reperfusion resulted in a structuralfunctional reorganization of the neuroglial network of the cerebral cortex accompanied by an increase in the GFAF expression and complication of the spatial distribution of the processes in all types of astrocytes.

Caractérisation Morphométrique des Abeilles Mellifères Elevées dans le Centre de la Côte d’Ivoire

This paper focuses on the impact of tutoring as a preferred method for clinical supervision of nursing students. The study was conducted by relying upon two main actors of this method, namely: the tutor and the tutored. The development of this work was based on comprehensive and analyticalreadings of previous work to highlight the effects of the tutoring method on the quality of clinical supervision of students. This work allowed us to appreciate the positive side of the impact of this method. Moreover, the analysis made at the end of this work and the figures obtained have allowed us to conclude that a start of tutoring will have significant benefits, mainly, for the tutor: teaching experiences, motivation, and development of critical thinking. Also for the tutored, it includes: the success of the training, the relational support, the construction of the professional identity, and the valorization. The characterization of bees is an important step towards better management and sustainability of beekeeping systems. However, in Cote d'Ivoire, honeybees are still poorly studied to date. The objective of this investigation is to determine, by classical morphometry, the possible breeds and ecotypes of honeybees in central Cote d'Ivoire. Samples of 30 worker bees per hive were collected from 2 to 3 beehives in beekeeper apiaries sited in the localities of N'Guessankro, Soungassou, Kouassi-kouassikro, Lengbekouassikro of Yobouekro and the National Polytechnic Institute Felix Houphouet-Boigny of Yamoussoukro. A total of 18 morphometric parameters was measured using a binocular loupe and a microscope. Statistical analysis revealed a biogeographic variation within the honey bee colony of Cote d'Ivoire, making it possible to discriminate them in local populations.

An allometric analysis of sexual dimorphism in Ctenomys australis: integrating classic morphometry and functional performance in vivo

The South American rodents of the genus Ctenomys (Rodentia, Hystricognathi), which use both forelimbs and incisors to dig, show strong, specialized morphological adaptations to living in the underground niche. In these rodents, the effectiveness of a bite − in this case the potential to inflict physical damage − mostly depends on the strength of the incisors (e.g. bending and torsion stresses) and the power of the masseteric muscle of the jaw. Ctenomys australis (the sand dune tuco-tuco) is a highly territorial subterranean rodent that builds large and exclusive burrow systems in coastal sand dunes found continuously along the Atlantic coast of the Buenos Aires province, Argentina. Incisors in this species are used both in agonistic encounters among congeners (i.e. reproductive or territorial intentions) as well as to dig and increase the size of their burrows daily (e.g. acquisition of plant material as food resources). We first characterized sexual dimorphism in cranial traits involved in aggressive interactions between males, analyzing ontogenetic trajectories of both sexes. We also analyzed some remarkable attributes of sexual dimorphism in subadult and adult individuals, the bending and torsion stresses and the bite performance in vivo, hypothesizing that males are able to apply comparatively stronger bite forces at their incisor tips than females, concordant with a broader mandible for the insertion of a powerful adductor musculature. Bite forces were measured in vivo in wild animals of both sexes using a strain gauge load cell force transducer. These individuals were also used to estimate the incisor area (CA), the 2nd moment of inertia of the incisors (I, or the bending strength to external forces), and the torsional strength of the incisor (J), all traits involved in the production of the force that can be withstood at the incisor tips. Ontogeny explained some sexual differences in the cranial traits of adults, expressed as (i) morphological changes related to body size variation, and (ii) morphological changes associated with differences in the slope of ontogenetic trajectories (regardless of body size variation). Recordings of in vivo bite forces were significantly higher in adult males than in females. These differences in bite forces were not associated with the sex itself, but the sexual dimorphism in body size. Although males did not show significantly higher allometric coefficients for I, J and CA than females, males still showed a strong sexual dimorphism in these traits due to body size variation. On the other hand, measurements of mandibular width – an estimator of the relative size of masseteric muscles – in vivo showed strong differences between sexes, suggesting higher force performance at the incisor tips for males. Overall, we observed that many attributes related to bite performance might have been molded by sexual selection, which implies differences in allometric coefficients from some morphological traits throughout ontogeny.

Variation on cranidial shape ofParabolinella argentinensisKobayashi (Trilobita, Olenidae) from the Tremadocian of northwestern Argentina: taxonomic implications

AbstractThe late Cambrian-Early Ordovician sequences of the Cordillera Oriental in northwestern Argentina are extensive and highly fossiliferous. The olenid trilobiteParabolinella argentinensisKobayashi sensu Harrington and Leanza, 1957 was reported from a great number of Tremadocian localities and includes a wide range of morphologies. Based on specimens collected from the type locality (Purmamarca, Jujuy) and the quebrada Moya (Huacalera, Jujuy), as well as on material of the Harrington and Leanza collections in the University of Buenos Aires, classic morphometry and geometric morphometry methods were used to evaluate the variability in the cranidium ofP.argentinensis. The results obtained from the two methodologies are similar. Both analyses allowed the review of the diagnosis ofP.argentinensis, and the distinction of two new morphologies:Parabolinella clarisaen. sp. andParabolinella pompadourisn. sp. The results show how morphogeometrics distinguishes more clearly the three morphotypes and provides graphical representations of the differences between those groups and how from the representations plus the correlation between classical variables and principal components, new diagnostic characters that distinguish the three morphospecies, can be identified.

Evaluation of Morphometric Characters of Honeybee (<i>Apis mellifera</i> L.) Populations in the Lake Chad Basin in Central Africa

Samples of workers of honeybee were collected from 42 colonies in 13 localities in the Lake Chad Basin (parts of Cameroon, Chad, and Nigeria) and analysed using classical morphometry. Measurements of 35 morphological characters of body size, colour and pilosity were taken from 10 workers per colony and the data subjected to one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), principal components analysis (PCA), hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), stepwise discriminant analysis (DA) and Pearson’s product-moment correlation analysis. A one-way ANOVA revealed that means of 21 of the morphometric characters differed significantly (p 0.05). The bees formed one cluster in a PCA. However, scatter plots of altitude against principal component 1 of PCA (loaded with characters of body size) revealed an increase of size of the bees along the gradient of the Lake Chad Basin. The coefficient of determination (R2) indicated that 88% and 77% of the variation in size might be explained by altitude in the southeastern and southwestern parts of the basin, respectively. Additionally, there was a very highly significant strong positive relationship between principal component 1 and altitude (r(30) = 0.618, p < 0.0005). Similarly, HCA and DA classified the colonies into three morphoclusters whose distribution closely followed the altitude of the area.

Non-invasive imaging techniques combined with morphometry: a case study from Spirula

Spirula spirula is a unique deep-sea squid with unknown taxonomic status. Precise description of shell morphology may help to decide whether the genus contains one or more species. Here, a straight forward description of ontogenetic changes of shell parameters is presented for a single shell of Spirula spirula. Using micro-computed tomography, surface and volumetric data, e.g., chamber volumes and surface areas, as well as siphuncle volumes and surface areas were collected and used for the description. Advantage of the method, combining non-invasive imaging techniques with classical morphometry, is discussed.

Facial Growth and Development in Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate: Comparison between Secondary Alveolar Bone Grafting and Primary Periosteoplasty

To describe the effect of secondary alveolar bone grafting in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate by comparison with a sample of patients who have undergone primary periosteoplasty. Cephalometric analysis of lateral x-ray films in a retrospective semilongitudinal study. Lateral x-ray films of 18 secondary alveolar bone grafting patients and 48 primary periosteoplasty patients at 10 years of age and again at 15 years of age. The treatment of secondary alveolar bone grafting patients included lip repair according to Tennison, palatoplasty including retropositioning, pharyngeal flap surgery, and secondary alveolar bone grafting. The lips of primary periosteoplasty patient were repaired using the methods of Tennison and Veau, followed by primary periosteoplasty, palatoplasty including retropositioning, and pharyngeal flap surgery. Lateral radiographs were assessed using classical morphometry. There were few significant differences at 10 years of age between the secondary alveolar bone grafting and primary periosteoplasty patients. At 15 years of age, there were several significant differences. Compared with primary periosteoplasty patients, subsequent development in patients who had undergone secondary alveolar bone grafting was characterized by a significantly better position of the upper and lower dentoalveolar components in relation to the facial plane, a higher increase in the global convexity of the soft profile, a significantly better maxillary inclination, and a more favorable development of vertical intermaxillary relationships. Craniofacial development in secondary alveolar bone grafting patients was better than that in primary periosteoplasty patients due to the more marked facial convexity, the increased prominence of the nose, and better vertical intermaxillary relationships.

The genetic origin of honey bee colonies used in the COLOSS Genotype-Environment Interactions Experiment: a comparison of methods

SummaryThe COLOSS GEI (Genotype-Environment Interactions) Experiment was setup to further our understanding of recent honey bee colony losses. The main objective of the GEI experiment was to understand the effects of environmental factors on the vitality of European honey bee genotypes. This paper aims to describe the genetic background and population allocation of the bees used in this experiment. Two wing morphometric and two genetic methods were employed to discriminate bee populations. Classical morphometry of 11 angles on the wings were carried out on 350 bees. Geometric morphometry on 19 wing landmarks was carried out on 381 individuals. DNA microsatellite analysis was carried out on 315 individuals using 24 loci. Allozyme analysis was performed on 90 individuals using six enzyme systems. DNA microsatellite markers produced the best discrimination between the subspecies (Apis mellifera carnica, A. m. ligustica, A. m. macedonica, A. m. mellifera and A. m. siciliana) used in the experiment. Morphometric methods generally showed an intermediate level of discrimination, usually best separating A. m. siciliana and A. m. ligustica from the remaining populations. Allozyme markers lack power to discriminate at the level of individual bees, and given our sample size, also fail to differentiate subspecies. Based on DNA microsatellites, about 69% of the individuals were assigned to the same subspecies as originally declared, and 17% were found to belong to a different subspecies. Fourteen percent of the samples were found to be of mixed origin and could not be assigned to any subspecies with certainty. We further discuss the caveats of the methods and details of the sampled bees, their origins and breeding programmes in their respective locations.

Morphometric analysis of Chagasia fajardi (Diptera: Culicidae) populations in Brazil

The objective of the present study was to evaluate morphological variability in four populations of Chagasia fajardi using classic morphometry. Seven variables of the body were measured in specimens of Ch. fajardi from four biogeographical regions of Brazil, including three populations from the Atlantic Forest biome and one population from the Cerrado biome, were measured. Using analysis of variance (ANOVA), the diagnostic characteristic of the black band on the hindtarsus (Ta-III3) presented strong potential for demonstrating dissimilarity between populations, which were all different from each other. This was followed by the white band on the hindtarsus (Ta-III5) and the wing length (Wl), which showed the presence of two populations similar between themselves, but different from the others. However, multivariate analysis and UPGMA dendograms showed close proximity between populations 2 and 4 and between populations 1 and 3. Morphological variables of Ch. fajardi populations from different regions of Brazil are discussed.

Plasticity of the Muscle Proteome to Exercise at Altitude

The ascent of humans to the summits of the highest peaks on Earth initiated a spurt of explorations into the physiological consequences of physical activity at altitude. The past three decades have demonstrated that the resetting of respiratory and cardiovascular control with chronic exposure to altitudes above 4000 m is accompanied by important structural-functional adjustments of skeletal muscle. The fully altitude-adapted phenotype preserves energy charge at reduced aerobic capacity through the promotion of anaerobic substrate flux and tighter metabolic control, often at the expense of muscle mass. In seeming contrast, intense physical activity at moderate hypoxia (2500 to 4000 m) modifies this response in both low and high altitude natives through metabolic compensation by elevating local aerobic capacity and possibly preventing muscle fiber atrophy. The combined use of classical morphometry and contemporary proteomic technology provides a highly resolved picture of the temporal control of hypoxia-induced muscular adaptations. The muscle proteome signature identifies mitochondrial autophagy and protein degradation as prime adaptive mechanisms to passive altitude exposure and ascent to extreme altitude. Protein measures also explain the lactate paradox by a sparing of glycolytic enzymes from general muscle wasting. Enhanced mitochondrial and angiogenic protein expression in human muscle with exercise up to 4000 m is related to the reduction in intramuscular oxygen content below 1% (8 torr), when the master regulator of hypoxia-dependent gene expression, HIF-1alpha, is stabilized. Accordingly, it is proposed here that the catabolic consequences of chronic hypoxia exposure reflect the insufficient activation of hypoxia-sensitive signaling and the suppression of energy-consuming protein translation.

Morphometric analysis of Triatoma dimidiata populations (Reduviidae:Triatominae) from Mexico and Northern Guatemala

Triatoma dimidiata is one of the major vectors of Chagas disease in Latin America. Its range includes Mexico, all countries of Central America, Colombia, and Ecuador. In light of recent genetic analysis suggesting that the possible origin of this species is the Yucatan peninsula, we have analyzed populations from the state of Yucatan, San Luis Potosi, and Veracruz in Mexico, and a population from the southern region of the Yucatan peninsula located in Northern Guatemala, the region of El Peten. Classical morphometry including principal component, discriminant, sexual dimorphism, and wing asymmetry was analyzed. San Luis Potosi and Veracruz populations were indistinguishable while clearly separate from Yucatan and Peten populations. Despite important genetic differences, Yucatan and Peten populations were highly similar. Yucatan specimens were the smallest in size, while females were larger than males in all populations. Only head characters were necessary to distinguish population level differences, although wing fluctuating asymmetry was present in all populations. These results are discussed in light of recent findings suggesting genetic polymorphism in most populations of Triatoma dimidiata south of Chiapas to Ecuador.

A NEW APPROACH TO DETECT STRUCTURAL DIFFERENCES IN LUNG PARENCHYMA USING DIGITAL IMAGE ANALYSIS

Morphometric investigations using a point and intersection counting strategy in the lung often are not able to reveal the full set of morphologic changes. This happens particularly when structural modifications are not expressed in terms of volume density changes and when rough and fine surface density alterations cancel each other at different magnifications. Making use of digital image processing, we present a methodological approach that allows to easily and quickly quantify changes of the geometrical properties of the parenchymal lung structure and reflects closely the visual appreciation of the changes. Randomly sampled digital images from light microscopic sections of lung parenchyma are filtered, binarized, and skeletonized. The lung septa are thus represented as a single-pixel wide line network with nodal points and end points and the corresponding internodal and end segments. By automatically counting the number of points and measuring the lengths of the skeletal segments, the lung architecture can be characterized and very subtle structural changes can be detected. This new methodological approach to lung structure analysis is highly sensitive to morphological changes in the parenchyma: it detected highly significant quantitative alterations in the structure of lungs of rats treated with a glucocorticoid hormone, where the classical morphometry had partly failed.

Meristic and morphological features of the Baltic sturgeon (Acipenser sturio L.)

Summary In order to perform a population recovery program of the common sturgeon, Acipenser sturio, of the Baltic Sea, it was necessary to define the morphological, genetical and ecological characteristics of this species. Although the sturgeon was an important commercial fish until the beginning of the 20th century, only one study gathered a complete morphological description which wa based on 5 preserved specimens (Marti, 1939). Due to the quasi extinction of the North European sturgeon population the only option to investigate the morphology of the Baltic sturgeon was to collect data from Museum specimens. 27 museal specimens and one live individual were included in the morphological analysis, using the conventional Russian methodology as well as the method of trust network measurement. Studying the literature on classical morphometry of A. sturio, different methods for measuring head length were identified and their relevance is discussed. It is concluded that because of the variability of the sturgeon's rostrum due to mechanical damages during the life (mainly through scraping against substrates while feeding) the morphological investigations should not use distances related to the tip of the snout. Comparing the amount of dorsal and lateral bony plates, the Baltic sturgeon seems to differ from A. sturio from the Gironde (Atlantic Ocean) and the Rioni (Black Sea). The meristic differences between A. sturio from the Baltic Sea, Atlantic Ocean and Black Sea may show a boundary effect of the narrow North Sea- Baltic Sea connection. However, the rhombic denticles between the dorsal and lateral plates and the same radially striated structure of the dorsal plates of common sturgeon living in European waters seem to point to the existence of only one species in the region. Further ecological (Spawning behaviour), and genetic (karyotype and DNA-sequencing) studies are envisaged to document whether geographical distance leads to genetic differences among specimens originating from a larger European region.