Head Crest Research Articles

New Species of Paussus, Subgenus Scaphipaussus (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Paussinae), from Southeast Asia Reveal Ambiguities in Species Group Limits and High Species Diversity in the Oriental Region.

Paussus, commonly known as ant nest beetles, is the most diverse genus of Paussinae (Coleoptera: Carabidae) with a very complex taxonomic history. Biodiversity research in Southeast and South Asia yields new species that can contribute to a better understanding of the morphological disparity and species-group or subgenus delimitation. Here, we describe nine new species from Southeast Asia and China: Paussus (Scaphipaussus) fencli sp. nov. (China), P. (S.) mawdsleyi sp. nov. (Borneo), P. (S.) bakeri sp. nov. (Philippines), P. (S.) jendeki sp. nov. (Laos), P. (S.) saueri sp. nov. (India), P. (S.) annamensis sp. nov. (Vietnam), P. (S.) phoupanensis sp. nov. (Laos, Vietnam), P. (S.) bilyi sp. nov. (Thailand), and P. (S.) haucki sp. nov. (Thailand). We also bring new data on P. (S.) corporaali Reichensperger, 1927 (Java) and P. (S.) madurensis Wasmann, 1913 (India). Besides formal descriptions, we provide photographs of the habitus in the dorsal and dorsolateral view, antennal club, head crest, and male genitalia if the male is available. Based on the comparison of new and earlier described species, we show that the antennae are highly diverse within the Scaphipaussus. Considering other characters, some species are placed in Scaphipaussus, but they differ from putative relatives in the antennal morphology. The presence of the frontal protuberances and crests is a more reliable character. Additional species show that Scaphipaussus is most diverse in southeastern Asia, especially in Indo-Burma. Concerning its supposed late Miocene origin, the group underwent rapid radiation. The species diversity of Scaphipaussus almost doubled in the last decade, and it is highly probable that further species will be described in the future.

HOXC10 intronic duplication is associated with unsealed skull and crest in crested chicken with cerebral hernia

The genetic basis and developmental mechanism of unsealed skull in crested chicken with cerebral hernia remain unclear. Here, a genomic region including six HOXC genes was mapped by bulked segregant analysis (BSA) in a crested chicken resource population. A 195-bp intronic tandem duplication was further confirmed in the HOXC10 gene. HOXC genes, particularly HOXC10, were expressed ectopically in fetal skin and meningeal tissues of crested chicken with cerebral hernia, indicating its impact on the cranial mesenchymal tissues that drive the development of scalp skin, frontal bone, and meninges. The restricted expansion of frontal bone progenitors labeled with anti-RUNX2 antibody in the supraorbital mesenchyme of the fetal head implied abnormal migration, which contributed to the formation of the unsealed skull. This study suggests that HOXC genes were potent drivers for the abnormalities of the head crest and unsealed skull observed in crested chicken with cerebral hernia.

Đặc điểm mô bệnh học bệnh lý hoại tử vô khuẩn chỏm xương đùi được phẫu thuật thay khớp háng

Aseptic necrosis of the femoral head (ANFH) accounts for about 2.24% of common joint diseases. The pathophysiological mechanism of ANFH is a lack of blood supply to the femoral head, leading to the death of bone cells and marrow, leading to the collapse and deformation of the femoral head. Objectives: To characterize microscopic damage to femoral head crest in non-traumatic ANFH.Subjects and methods: The study design was a cross-sectional, descriptive study of 31 femoral heads on 31 patients with ANFH who underwent hip replacement surgery at Viet Duc University. The samples were analyzed, processed, and fixed using the HE-stained histological method. Results: All samples had bone marrow damage, of which bone marrow infarction accounted for 58.1%; granulomatous lesions accounted for 71%, fat necrosis and hematopoietic cells accounted for 80.6%; dead bone accounted for 93.3% and new bone formation on dead bone area accounted for 61.3%. Conclusion: Infarct bone marrow injury, fat necrosis, and hematopoietic cells are associated with the formation of granulomatous tissue surrounding the necrotic area. The loss of bone cells in the trabecular is associated with the formation of dead bone fragments. With age, the formation of new bone on the basis of dead bone decreases. * Keywords: Aseptic necrosis; Femoral head; Histopathology.

Acute and chronic coronoid reconstruction using the olecranon Tip.

Post-traumatic coronoid deficiency in the elbow can lead to chronic pain, instability and arthritis. A variety of osteochondral grafts have been used to reconstruct the coronoid, and restore elbow stability. The radial head and iliac crest grafts are the most common in the literature but have limitations. The olecranon tip is a promising alternative, with both cadaveric and computer models demonstrating superior congruency, without compromising elbow stability or disrupting the extensor mechanism. We present a small, case series demonstrating the technique for contralateral and ipsilateral grafts in both the acute and chronic setting.

Female preference for super-sized male ornaments and its implications for the evolution of ornament allometry

It has been argued that disproportionately larger ornaments in bigger males—positive allometry—is the outcome of sexual selection operating on the size of condition dependent traits. We reviewed the literature and found a general lack of empirical testing of the assumed link between female preferences for large ornaments and a pattern of positive allometry in male ornamentation. We subsequently conducted a manipulative experiment by leveraging the unusual terrestrial fish, Alticus sp. cf. simplicirrus, on the island of Rarotonga. Males in this species present a prominent head crest to females during courtship, and the size of this head crest in the genus more broadly exhibits the classic pattern of positive allometry. We created realistic male models standardized in body size but differing in head crest size based on the most extreme allometric scaling recorded for the genus. This included a crest size well outside the observed range for the study population (super-sized). The stimuli were presented to free-living females in a manner that mimicked the spatial distribution of courting males. Females directed greater attention to the male stimulus that exhibited the super-sized crest, with little difference in attention direct to other size treatments. These data appear to be the only experimental evidence from the wild of a female preference function that has been implicitly assumed to drive selection that results in the evolution of positive allometry in male ornamentation.

The stabilising impact of natural selection on the allometry of sexual ornaments: Fish that escape locomotor constraints exhibit extravagant ornamentation

Abstract Positive allometry has been considered a hallmark of sexual selection whereby larger males of superior condition develop disproportionately larger ornaments for their body size compared to smaller males of poorer condition. Yet many structures known to be sexually selected often exhibit other allometric patterns. This has led to controversy over the utility of allometry in adequately capturing the signature of sexual selection, particularly if static (within population) and evolutionary (across species) allometries are functionally constrained by stabilising natural selection. To investigate this, we evaluated the allometries of ornamental head crests and dorsal fins across multiple species of blenny fish. In particular, we compared species that occupied an aquatic environment—where swimming performance was expected to have constrained ornament size—with species that have transitioned onto land where such biomechanical constraints on ornament size have been removed. Static allometries of both head crest and dorsal fin ornaments were found to be positive in males, but less so in females, across all species examined. This was consistent with the allometric theory of sexual selection that predicts positive allometry specifically in male ornamentation. Nevertheless, male allometric exponents were constrained in aquatic species whereas males of terrestrial species were free to exaggerate the size of their ornaments. Natural selection therefore appears to limit the evolution of ornament size in aquatics, and probably because of the biomechanical constraints associated with swimming. These differences in within‐population static allometry between aquatic and terrestrial species in turn manifested in a greater across‐species evolutionary allometric elevation, but not exponent, for terrestrial species relative to aquatic species. These findings indicate that the study of ornament allometries can provide useful insights into the role of sexual selection on ornament elaboration and also help reveal the presence of opposing natural selection that might result in alternative allometric patterns. The relationship between static and evolutionary allometries remains complex, and our results caution against the interpretation of evolutionary allometry in the absence of a clear understanding of the underlying static allometries associated with it. A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.

Contributions to a Discussion of Spinosaurus aegyptiacus as a Capable Swimmer and Deep-Water Predator.

The new findings on Spinosaurus’ swim tail strongly suggest that Spinosaurus was a specialized deep-water predator. However, the tail must be seen in the context of the propelled body. The comparison of the flow characteristics of Spinosaurus with geometrically similar animals and their swimming abilities under water must take their Reynolds numbers into account and provide a common context for the properties of Spinosaurus’ tail and dorsal sail. Head shape adaptations such as the head crest reduced hydrodynamic disturbance and facilitated stealthy advance, especially when hunting without visual contact, when Spinosaurus could have used its rostral integumentary mechanoreceptors for prey detection. The muscular neck permitted ‘pivot’ feeding, where the prey’s escape abilities were overcome by rapid dorsoventral head movement, facilitated by crest-mediated lower friction.

Sexual trait may simultaneously indicate sperm production and nutritional fitness in uniparental nest‐guarding fish: a case study on Amur sleeper

AbstractThe reproductive success of uniparental males depends much on their nutritional stage (i.e. body condition). Therefore, secondary sexual traits should convey information not only on fecundity but also on nutritional stage. To test this hypothesis, we evaluate relationships between head crest height (HCH), as a secondary sexual trait, relative testes mass (an indicator of sperm production), body condition (an indicator of nutritional status) and body mass of males of uniparental Amur sleeper Perccottus glenii in two contrasting habitats. Furthermore, we examined whether head crest is only a pure investment to advertise male fitness – either to females, rival males or other fish approaching the nest – or it comprises some regainable energy as well. We found that HCH is closely related to relative testes mass, and body condition especially at the beginning of the reproductive period. The head crest consisted of a swollen connective tissue in the supraorbital region of the head, and an oedematous epaxial muscle in the nuchal region. Furthermore, the head crest also comprised of adipose tissue, although not as much as assumed. Therefore, we argue that HCH represents a reliable signal of multiple aspects of male quality; it indicates readiness to spawn and could potentially effectively facilitate female choice towards large males with high fecundity and great nutritional stage, which is essential to good guarding performance. Moreover, the head crest itself also could contribute to nest‐guarding performance by virtually enlarging body size and by representing a minor fat reserve.

Early cave art from Sulawesi

Archaeology Although less well known than the cave art of Paleolithic Europe, the karst landscapes of Island Southeastern Asia, especially Sulawesi, have large numbers of painted caves of greater antiquity. Using uranium-series isotope analysis at the site of Leang Tedongnge, Brumm et al. dated the image of a Sulawesi warty pig, defined by its characteristic head crest and preorbital facial warts, to a minimum age of more than 45,000 years ago. Not only is this the earliest art known from the region, but it is also the earliest known drawing of a recognizable animal in the world. The authors speculate that art of this style was an important cultural element of the first groups of anatomically modern Homo sapiens to enter this region. Sci. Adv. 10.1126/sciadv.abd4648 (2021).

Morphological Characteristics of the Cakal, Mulakat and Oriental Pigeon Breeds Raised in the Marmara Region of Turkey

This study was aimed to determine the morphological characteristics of Cakal, Mulakat and Oriental roller pigeon in Marmara region in Turkey. The study materials were consisted of 300 pigeons reared in 16 different enterprieses. The pigeons were examined for plumage colour, markings, head crest and foot feathers, eye colour, number of wing feathers, number of tail feathers, body weight and some other morphological measurements. Statistically significant differences were observed between the sex groups for body weight, head width, beak depth, trunk length (P less than 0,001) in Çakal, Mulakat and Oriental pigeons. It was determined that, in comparison to the local Turkey pigeon breeds (Bursa and Thrace roller, Ankara Tumbler, Squadron Flyer, Dewlap) raised in Turkey, the Cakal is small-sized, the Mulakat is medium-sized and the Oriental is large-sized. Furthermore, the comparison of the age groups for some morphological measurements demonstrated that the Oriental and Cakal pigeons grew slower than the Mulakat pigeon.

A Study of the Graduation Cut by Angle Analysis on Projection

In this study, a mannequin’s dimensions were measured and a diagram’s projection applicable in practice was created in order to determine if the graduation design formed by the lines that represent the shape of the diagram at 45 degrees and its gravity direction matched the actual design. In addition, the length of the nape point (N.P) was set to 50mm, and a layered formation pattern was taken advantage of by using the head crest. This was then compared with 45-degree graduation forms, and the diagram was improved and reconfigured. The study results found the following: First, in the nape section, 40 degrees should be maintained, and a 20mm layer is formed. Second, in the middle section, 55 degrees, which creates a slight heavy feeling and smooth layer (10mm), should be applied. Third, in the radial section, which is greater than other sections in terms of curvature, 80 degrees should be applied to form an approximately 9mm layer. Consequently, the projection increases 13 degrees on average in comparison with a 45-degree diagram, and about 39mm layer will arise. Upon the graduation haircut, it is difficult to create a constant flow of layers and shapes with the diagram under a single angle, making satisfying results unlikely. Therefore, the projection by section should be individually set to have the haircut wanted by the diagram. In terms of the shape of a graduation formed by a different projection, in conclusion, an oval style similar to the shape in the back of the head was observed.

Convergent Evolution of Head Crests in Two Domesticated Columbids Is Associated with Different Missense Mutations in EphB2.

Head crests are important display structures in wild bird species and are also common in domesticated lineages. Many breeds of domestic rock pigeon (Columba livia) have crests of reversed occipital feathers, and this recessive trait is associated with a nonsynonymous coding mutation in the intracellular kinase domain of EphB2 (Ephrin receptor B2). The domestic ringneck dove (Streptopelia risoria) also has a recessive crested morph with reversed occipital feathers, and interspecific crosses between crested doves and pigeons produce crested offspring, suggesting a similar genetic basis for this trait in both species. We therefore investigated EphB2 as a candidate for the head crest phenotype of ringneck doves and identified a nonsynonymous coding mutation in the intracellular kinase domain that is significantly associated with the crested morph. This mutation is over 100 amino acid positions away from the crest mutation found in rock pigeons, yet both mutations are predicted to negatively affect the function of ATP-binding pocket. Furthermore, bacterial toxicity assays suggest that "crest" mutations in both species severely impact kinase activity. We conclude that head crests are associated with different mutations in the same functional domain of the same gene in two different columbid species, thereby representing striking evolutionary convergence in morphology and molecules.

Corrigendum: Ankle Salvage Procedure without Internal Fixation for Large Bone Defect after Failed Total Ankle Arthroplasty: A Case Report

In treatment of failure in ankle joint replacement therapy, talar avascular necrosis with massive bone defect, talus fracture with severe comminution and bone defect and ankle dislocation, treatment of large bone defects is considerably important for ankle joint stability and union, therefore, the choice of treatment for large bone defects is use of femoral head or iliac crest bone graft and rigid internal fixation. Because first generation total ankle arthroplasty performed for the first time using a cemented fixation technique requires a large amount of bone resection during re-surgery and there is some possibility of a larger bone defect after removal of implants, in cases where prosthesis for the defect is needed, performance of palliative femoral head or iliac crest bone graft and rigid internal fixation can be difficult. We report on a case of a 48-year-old woman who had experienced ankle pain for 25 years since undergoing total ankle arthroplasty. Because the patient had little ankle motion and rigid soft tissue despite a large bone defect caused by aseptic loosening, a good outcome was obtained only for the femoral cancellous bone graft using allo femoral head without internal fixation.

How populations differentiate despite gene flow: sexual and natural selection drive phenotypic divergence within a land fish, the Pacific leaping blenny.

BackgroundDivergence between populations in reproductively important features is often vital for speciation. Many studies attempt to identify the cause of population differentiation in phenotype through the study of a specific selection pressure. Holistic studies that consider the interaction of several contrasting forms of selection are more rare. Most studies also fail to consider the history of connectivity among populations and the potential for genetic drift or gene flow to facilitate or limit phenotypic divergence. We examined the interacting effects of natural selection, sexual selection and the history of connectivity on phenotypic differentiation among five populations of the Pacific leaping blenny (Alticus arnoldorum), a land fish endemic to the island of Guam.ResultsWe found key differences among populations in two male ornaments—the size of a prominent head crest and conspicuousness of a coloured dorsal fin—that reflected a trade-off between the intensity of sexual selection (male biased sex ratios) and natural selection (exposure to predators). This differentiation in ornamentation has occurred despite evidence suggesting extensive gene flow among populations, which implies that the change in ornament expression has been recent (and potentially plastic).ConclusionsOur study provides an early snapshot of divergence in reproductively important features that, regardless of whether it reflects genetic or plastic changes in phenotype, could ultimately form a reproductive barrier among populations.

Random Sample

A high school student on a field trip discovers the smallest known skeleton of the duck-billed dinosaur Parasaurolophus —and scientists think its tiny head crest may have given it a tiny voice.

Domestic pigeons

Domestic pigeons

Genomic Diversity and Evolution of the Head Crest in the Rock Pigeon

The geographic origins of breeds and the genetic basis of variation within the widely distributed and phenotypically diverse domestic rock pigeon (Columba livia) remain largely unknown. We generated a rock pigeon reference genome and additional genome sequences representing domestic and feral populations. We found evidence for the origins of major breed groups in the Middle East and contributions from a racing breed to North American feral populations. We identified the gene EphB2 as a strong candidate for the derived head crest phenotype shared by numerous breeds, an important trait in mate selection in many avian species. We also found evidence that this trait evolved just once and spread throughout the species, and that the crest originates early in development by the localized molecular reversal of feather bud polarity.

The Flight Dynamics of Tapejara, a Pterosaur From the Early Cretaceous of Brazil with a Large Cranial Crest

Abstract:Tapejara wellnhoferi, a small azhdarchoid pterodactyloid from the Early Cretaceous Santana Formation of Brazil, provides critical information about the aerodynamic function of its spectacular head crest. The cranial crests in pterodactyloids were sexually dimorphic and are thought to have evolved in adult males in response to female mate choice. However, the location of cranial crests in front of the center of gravity would create instability in the yaw axis during flight and may seem like a handicap. Vertically aligned webbed feet probably suppressed the yawing rotations and instability from the crest. Here we show that the crest functioned as a front rudder to make agile turn and mediate flight control. A computer simulation model suggests that Tapejara had a large excess of muscle power available above the power required for continuous flapping flight. It could easily takeoff from a perch, ground, or water surface and land safely on the ground. It was an excellent glider with a gliding angle close to 4° and a cruising speed of 27 km/h. Tapejara could soar efficiently on the windward side of cliffs or circle on rising thermals over tropical waters for efficient long‐distance flight. Various control surfaces in the wings of Tapejara analogous to the slat, aileron, elevator, fin, rudder, and horizontal stabilizer of an aircraft made pterodactyloids versatile flyers.

One trait, many signals: different information on male quality is enclosed within the same trait in a blenny fish

Colourful ornaments are traditionally evaluated as one trait. However, they could consist of several components, such as total size, colour intensity and extension, each possibly bearing its own message about one aspect of quality. Males of the blenny Salaria pavo exhibit a colourful head crest and solely care for eggs. During the breeding season, the head crest shows a yellow colouration, the intensity and relative extension of which are independent of crest size. Here, we show that: (1) carotenoids are responsible for the head crest yellow patch; (2) activating the immune system by injecting the bacterial antigen lipopolysaccharides affects both the intensity and extent of the yellow colouration; and (3) females assess males on the basis of colour patch expression. However, the response of the yellow patch to the immune challenge was dependent on head crest size. Indeed, males with a larger head crest reacted better to the simulated infection, sustaining a level of yellow patch close to pre-challenge size.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00114-012-0959-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Social cues in the expression of sequential alternative reproductive tactics in young males of the peacock blenny, Salaria pavo

Phenotypic change in response to variation in environmental cues has been widely documented in fish. Transitions in social dominance, in particular, have been shown to induce a rapid switch in reproductive phenotypes in many species. However, this effect has been mainly studied in adults and focused on behavioural transitions. The way social cues constraint the phenotypic development of juveniles remains poorly studied in fish. We tested the importance of social dominance and density in the phenotypic development of juveniles of the peacock blenny Salaria pavo. This species shows sequential male alternative reproductive tactics. In the first breeding season males can reproduce as nest-holders or as parasitic males (female-mimicking), or postpone reproduction; from the following season afterwards all males reproduce as nest-holders. Parasitic males have relatively larger testes that lack a testicular gland, present in the testes of nest-holders. The testicular gland is the main source of androgens in the testes and accordingly nest-holders have higher circulating androgen levels. In addition, exogenous androgen administration to parasitic males promotes the development of secondary sexual characters (SSC) only present in nest-holders such as a head crest and an anal gland. We raised juveniles under a high or low-density treatment and monitored social interactions for 1month. No significant effect of density on the development of juvenile males was detected. However, within each replicate, the relative body size of juvenile males at the beginning of the experiment determined their dominance status, with dominant males developing towards the nest-holder morphotype. Dominant males engaged in more nest defence behaviour, showed larger testicular glands, had higher levels of 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT) and testosterone (T) and developed more SSC, as compared to subordinate males. However, these effects of social dominance were moderated by body condition as only dominant males in good body condition developed SSC. The effect of social dominance and of the area of the testicular gland on the development of SSC was mediated by 11-KT and on the expression of nest defence behaviour by T. Interestingly, in spite of the higher androgen levels and more pronounced morphologic development of SSC in dominant individuals, gonadal development was independent of social dominance and most fish still had underdeveloped testis at the end of the experiment. In conclusion, social dominance promoted the development of the testicular gland, an increase in circulating androgen levels and the development of SSC, but did not promote testicular development. This suggests a dissociation of mechanisms underlying sexual maturation and the expression of male reproductive traits. This dissociation seems to be the key for the occurrence of female-mimicking males in this species, which are sexually mature despite lacking the SSC typical of nest-holders.