Morphological Trends Research Articles

Structure, function and formation of the amniote skin pattern

From feather and hair dotted arrays to pigmented stripes and spots, the spatial distribution of skin appendages and colouration often forms visible ornaments crucial for fitness in the coat of birds and mammals. These geometrical motifs are extremely diverse in nature. Yet, phenotypic surveys evidenced common themes in variation: the orientation, appendage-specificity or pigmentation of a given region may be conserved across groups or species. Here, we review naturalist observations of natural variation in the anatomy and ecological function of the skin pattern in amniotes. We then describe several decades of genetics, mathematical modelling and experimental embryology work aiming at understanding the molecular and morphogenetic mechanisms responsible for pattern formation. We discuss how these studies provided evidence that the morphological trends and differences representative of the phenotypic landscape of skin patterns in wild amniote species is rooted in the mechanisms controlling the production of distinct compartments in the embryonic skin.

Research on the propagation characteristics of multiple cracks in steel bridge joints

This study explores the morphological changes and interaction mechanisms of multiple crack propagations in steel bridge joints. Fatigue testing was conducted to determine the locations at which multiple cracks initiated and to obtain fatigue fracture surfaces with easily discernible crack propagation traces. Based on the theory of fracture mechanics, the propagation behavior of coplanar and out-of-plane cracks in joints was simulated using ABAQUS and FRANC3D joint simulation technology. The characteristics of the morphological changes were analyzed, and the interaction mechanism between different crack spacings was investigated to quantitatively characterize the relative positions at which cracks were enhanced or suppressed. The results showed that coplanar cracks exhibited different morphological trends and propagation rates in different stages of propagation. The shape of the crack front continuously changed, and the merging point that appeared during fusion rapidly expanded and evolved into a semi-elliptical crack. The fatigue life was more sensitive to the relative position of multiple cracks. In particular, the fusion of coplanar cracks significantly reduced the fatigue life, and the mutual suppression effect between heterogeneous cracks increased the fatigue life. When the ratio of coplanar crack spacing to crack length (s/2c) was less than 0.2, the crack fusion process significantly accelerated. In addition, when the a2/a1 ratio of the crack propagation depth dropped below 0.5, the suppression effect was significant. Finally, by determining the spacing between multiple cracks, the method established this study can provide a reference for the design of fatigue resistance and joint optimization.

Profusion of microplastics in dental healthcare units; morphological, polymer, and seasonal trends with hazardous consequences for humans

Given the convenience of using plastics, addressing the growing concerns about their hazardous health effects is imperative. Consequently, a comprehensive risk assessment is necessary to gauge the potential harm microplastics pose. With its urgent call to action, this study aimed to investigate the indoor source and abundance of microplastics in private dental units during routine professional activities. The current analyzed microplastic quantity variations based on morphological characteristics, seasonal fluctuations and polymer-types. The polymer hazard index (PHI) was calculated to evaluate the significant human health risks posed to dental professionals by inhalation of microplastics. Dust samples were collected using a clean brush and steel pan from various flat and horizontal surfaces within each dental unit. The study found that clinical dental units had fewer microplastics (587 ± 184.9 MPs/g/day) than teaching hospitals (1083.80 ± 133.7MPs/g/day), with comparatively more abundance in winter (31 %). ATR-FTIR analysis determined polyethylene terephthalate to be a more abundant polymer (39 %). This study also found an average inhalation microplastic intake risk of 20.23 MP/g/day and 5259.85 MP/g/year for clinical and 29.45 MP/g/day and 765.12 MP/g/year for teaching hospital dental units. Female dental professionals have 1.1 times more microplastic inhalation risks than male dental professionals. According to PHI findings, overall minor to medium polymer risk was determined. In conclusion, this evidence-based research underscores the urgent need for a shift towards more sustainable practices in the dental healthcare sector. Dental professionals should prioritize using non-plastic material protective equipment and a proper ventilation system to reduce exposure to these particles.

Anthropometric basis of Human Feet: Predictive Insights into Evolution

Introduction: Understanding human foot morphology through anthropometric measurements and evolutionary perspectives provides critical insights into its role in bipedalism and contemporary health issues. This article explores recent advancements in foot research, focusing on the interaction between foot structure and function, and its implications for both biomechanics and evolutionary trends. Methods: A review of literature was carried out by focusing on anthropometric measurements, biomechanical assessments, and evolutionary trends in human foot morphology. Major databases for studies on foot anatomy and function were used for literature search, particularly those employing geometric morphometrics and evolutionary modeling. Data synthesis involved analyzing measurement techniques and methodological rigor to draw comprehensive insights on foot health and biomechanics. Results: The review revealed that anthropometric measurements such as foot length, width, and arch height significantly influence gait and foot function. Biomechanical assessments have clarified how foot structures contribute to load distribution and injury prevention. Evolutionary studies indicate that adaptations in foot morphology have shaped modern foot health, with implications for predicting future trends. The integration of these findings underscores the importance of considering evolutionary and biomechanical factors in foot health research and practice. Conclusion: The synthesis of anthropometric, biomechanical, and evolutionary data provides a comprehensive understanding of foot morphology and its implications for health. The findings highlighted the need for continued research into how evolutionary trends influence contemporary foot issues and emphasize the importance of applying these insights to improve clinical practices. Future research should focus on refining diagnostic tools and treatment strategies, leveraging both historical data and modern advancements to enhance foot health outcomes.

Mining experimental magnetized liner inertial fusion data: Trends in stagnation morphology

In magnetized liner inertial fusion (MagLIF), a cylindrical liner filled with fusion fuel is imploded with the goal of producing a one-dimensional plasma column at thermonuclear conditions. However, structures attributed to three-dimensional effects are observed in self-emission x-ray images. Despite this, the impact of many experimental inputs on the column morphology has not been characterized. We demonstrate the use of a linear regression analysis to explore correlations between morphology and a wide variety of experimental inputs across 57 MagLIF experiments. Results indicate the possibility of several unexplored effects. For example, we demonstrate that increasing the initial magnetic field correlates with improved stability. Although intuitively expected, this has never been quantitatively assessed in integrated MagLIF experiments. We also demonstrate that azimuthal drive asymmetries resulting from the geometry of the “current return can” appear to measurably impact the morphology. In conjunction with several counterintuitive null results, we expect the observed correlations will encourage further experimental, theoretical, and simulation-based studies. Finally, we note that the method used in this work is general and may be applied to explore not only correlations between input conditions and morphology but also with other experimentally measured quantities.

Transcriptome analysis highlights the influence of temperature on hydrolase and traps in nematode-trapping fungi.

Pine wilt disease caused by Bursaphelenchus xylophilus poses a serious threat to the economic and ecological value of forestry. Nematode trapping fungi trap and kill nematodes using specialized trapping devices, which are highly efficient and non-toxic to the environment, and are very promising for use as biological control agents. In this study, we isolated several nematode-trapping fungi from various regions and screened three for their high nematocidal efficiency. However, the effectiveness of these fungi as nematicides is notably influenced by temperature and exhibits different morphologies in response to temperature fluctuations, which are categorized as "NA," "thin," "dense," and "sparse." The trend of trap formation with temperature was consistent with the trend of nematocidal efficiency with temperature. Both of which initially increased and then decreased with increasing temperature. Among them, Arthrobotrys cladodes exhibited the highest level of nematocidal activity and trap formation among the tested species. Transcriptome data were collected from A. cladodes with various trap morphologies. Hydrolase activity was significantly enriched according to GO and KEGG enrichment analyses. Eight genes related to hydrolases were found to be consistent with the trend of trap morphology with temperature. Weighted gene co-expression analysis and the Cytoscape network revealed that these 8 genes are associated with either mitosis or autophagy. This suggests that they contribute to the formation of "dense" structures in nematode-trapping fungi. One of these genes is the serine protein hydrolase gene involved in autophagy. This study reveals a potentially critical role for hydrolases in trap formation and nematocidal efficiency. And presents a model where temperature affects trap formation and nematocidal efficiency by influencing the serine protease prb1 involved in the autophagy process.

Evolutionary trends in encephalic morphology among Geophagini cichlid fish: phylogenetic insights and associations with ecological and behavioral traits

Evolutionary trends in encephalic morphology among Geophagini cichlid fish: phylogenetic insights and associations with ecological and behavioral traits

Statistical analysis of effective crack properties by microstructure reconstruction and phase-field modeling

Understanding the relation between the microstructure and the material’s effective behavior is an important aspect in inverse computational materials engineering. Especially in the context of localized, inelastic phenomena like plasticity and crack growth, the microstructure morphology plays a crucial role. Due to the stochastic nature of heterogeneous media, a statistical analysis over multiple simulations is necessary, since even with the same material, the simulated crack paths and effective crack lengths are highly dependent on the specific locations of microstructural features. A relevant factor that limits this type of investigation is the high cost of real microstructure data. This work presents a digital workflow for exploring the fracture properties of materials. Therein, the required statistical analyses are facilitated by an algorithm that reconstructs multiple realization of a material structure given a single example. The reconstructed structures are discretized with a regular non-conforming mesh with a diffuse interface and crack representation. Crack phase-field simulations are conducted in order to analyze the effective response. An in-depth introduction to the required methods is given together with a statistical evaluation of the conducted numerical experiments. It is concluded that the statistical variation of the effective material behavior overshadows morphological trends in the presented case. This confirms the relevance and utility of complementing simulation-based workflows with microstructure reconstruction and statistical analyses.

Morphological innovation after mass extinction events in Permian and Early Triassic conodonts based on Polygnathacea

Taxonomic diversity of marine animals decreased markedly during the end-Guadalupian and end-Permian mass extinctions, but conodonts were largely unaffected by these two major events. This conclusion is largely based on potentially problematic conodont taxonomy, but quantitative analyses of conodont morphology have received little attention, despite offering key insights into macroevolutionary dynamics. Polygnathacea conodonts seemingly evolved fast and had high morphological diversity, and are therefore ideal for exploring morphospace trends and disparity related to environmental change in conodonts. Here we compiled discrete character-taxon matrices to first refine phylogenetic interpretations and then explore morphological disparity in four related conodont families, the Anchignathodontidae, Sweetognathidae, Idiognathodontidae and Vjalovognathidae, from the Permian to Early Triassic. Our findings reveal morphological innovation and exploration of new morphospace after the end-Guadalupian mass extinction and end-Permian mass extinction. We also show that the smaller end-Guadalupian extinction event was more impactful, resulting in greater losses of morphological disparity and taxonomic diversity, than the larger end-Permian extinction event. Overall, our study reveals morphological disparity trends related to temporal evolutionary dynamics for conodonts during the geologically and environmentally turbulent Permian and Early Triassic. We show that conodonts are affected by extinction events during this interval in terms of morphological diversity, rather than simply taxonomic diversity.

Assessing Ecogeographic Rules in Two Sigmodontine Rodents along an Elevational Gradient in Central Chile.

Bergmann's and Allen's rules are two classic ecogeographic rules concerning the physiological mechanisms employed by endotherm vertebrates for heat conservation in cold environments, which correlate with adaptive morphological changes. Thus, larger body sizes (Bergmann's rule) and shorter appendages and limbs (Allen's rule) are expected in mammals inhabiting cold environments (higher latitudes). Both rules may also apply to elevational gradients, due to the decrease in external temperature as elevation increases. In this study, we evaluated whether these patterns were true in two coexisting sigmodontine rodents across an elevational gradient in central Chile. We analyzed whether the size of the skull, body, and appendages of Abrothrix olivacea (n = 70) and Phyllotis darwini (n = 58) correlated with elevation, as predicted by these rules in a range between 154 and 2560 m. Our data revealed weak support for the Bergmann and Allen predictions. Moreover, we observed opposite patterns when expectations of Bergmann's rules were evaluated, whereas Allen's rule just fitted for ear size in both rodent species. Our results suggest that morphological changes (cranial, body, and appendage sizes) may play a minor role in the thermoregulation of these two species at high elevations, although behavioral strategies could be more critical. Other ecological and environmental variables could explain the morphological trends observed in our study. These hypotheses should be assessed in future studies to consider the relative contribution of morphology, behavior, and physiological mechanisms to the thermal adaptation of these two rodent species at high elevations.

The protective effect of antioxidant from the perspective of cell morphology and motility

Cell morphology and motility are crucial trait of somatic cell phenotype, closely linked to cellular function and susceptibility to external stimuli. Oxidative damage impacts cell functionality, ultimately influencing cell morphology and motility. In this study, the changes in cell state were characterized and quantified through dynamic analysis of cell morphodynamic parameters, thereby reflecting the impairment of cellular function. The protective effects of antioxidants on oxygen-damaged cells were assessed in terms of cellular morphology and motility, based on the aforementioned findings.In this study, the protective effect of pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) on cells in d-galactose-induced oxidative damage model was evaluated using the long-term live cell imaging technique, focusing on cell morphodynamic parameters. Additionally, cell proliferation and metabolic activity were assessed at the end to investigate the relationship between cell function and morphodynamics. The results showed that oxidative damage compromised cellular proliferation (p < 0.001) and metabolic function, while also inducing alterations in cellular morphology and motility. Morphological parameters (cellular branches, surface, nuclear area, shape factor and quotient) and motility parameters (cell migration velocity and directionality) effectively characterized and quantified the observed trends in cellular morphology and motility. Meanwhile, real-time analysis showed that PQQ improved oxygen-induced morphological changes in cells, protected cellular motility effectively (p < 0.01), and exhibited significant protective effects during the initial stages of injury. Phase relationship analysis data revealed the correlation between cell morphology, motility, and function. This implies that quantifying cell morphodynamics could offer a novel perspective for assessing how antioxidants shield cells against oxidative damage.

Role of Meniscus Shape on Crystallization of Molecular Semiconductors and Fluid Dynamics During Meniscus‐Guided Coating

AbstractMeniscus‐guided coating (MGC) is a promising method that offers predictable fabrication of highly crystalline thin films. For the integration of molecular semiconductors into large‐area electronic devices with high efficiency and reliability, homogeneous and highly ordered film morphologies are required. The solution processing of such defect‐free film structures requires comprehensive understanding of the complex relationship between molecular crystallization, fluid dynamics, and meniscus shape. In this work, the role of the meniscus shape on fluid dynamics in the coating bead and the crystallization process of the low molecular weight semiconductor 6,13‐bis(triisopropylsilylethynyl)pentacene (TIPS‐pentacene) during zone‐casting is systematically investigated. Depending on meniscus shape and coating velocity, four morphological subregimes are found: stick‐slip morphology, unidirectional homogenous crystal stripes, spherulitic morphology, and directional branched morphology; of which the second exhibits the highest crystallinity with a reduced trap density in the thin film, resulting in improved saturation and effective mobilities in field‐effect transistors (FET). Numerical simulation of fluid dynamics explains the observed morphological trends, which are correlated with the electrical behavior of the devices. This work provides a fundamental basis for upscaling MGC methods for the application of functional thin films.

Kiosk 1R-FA-06 - Longitudinal Trends in Hemodynamics, Vessel Morphology, and Predictors of Fontan Failure in Patients at a High-altitude Surgical Center

Kiosk 1R-FA-06 - Longitudinal Trends in Hemodynamics, Vessel Morphology, and Predictors of Fontan Failure in Patients at a High-altitude Surgical Center

The morphodynamics and sedimentology of a seasonally controlled microtidal tidal inlet: the Nariva River tidal inlet, Cocos Bay, Trinidad

Abstract The geomorphology and sedimentology of the Nariva River tidal-inlet complex, a microtidal fluvially influenced tidal-inlet complex, was analyzed. The complex comprises a recurved spit, an ebb-tidal channel, and an ebb-tidal delta. Morphological trends in the spatio-temporal evolution of the inlet complex were observed and recorded from Google Earth™ timelapse satellite images taken from 2003 to 2019. The two-dimensional internal architecture of the inlet complex and the sedimentary succession of the recurved spit, an ebb spit, the swash platform (of the ebb-tidal delta), a mouth bar (associated with the wet-season river-dominated inlet complex erosion), the ebb-tidal channel, and the adjacent foreshore were observed and documented from six shallow sedimentary cores. The Nariva River inlet width ranges from 17 to 40 m through its seasonal evolution, has a tidal prism of ∼ 2.17 × 105 m3, a cross-sectional area of 29.52 m2, and a depth ∼ 1.4 m (calculated at peak dry season near the inlet throat). The inlet complex undergoes an annual geomorphological evolution linked to the seasonally induced migration of the fluvial-to-marine transition zone (FMTZ). Increased fluvial discharge during the wet and hurricane seasons results in the basinward migration of the FMTZ rendering the inlet river dominated and resulting in the erosion of the inlet complex. During the dry season, low fluvial discharge, tidal dominance, and fair-weather conditions promote sedimentation in the inlet and the redevelopment of the inlet complex. The inlet has a complex (CX) internal architecture (fill pattern) defined by the laterally migrating recurved spit and ebb spit on their updrift margin, and conformable, mounded elements on their downdrift (e.g., mouth bar, swash platform, and foreshore). Two sedimentary successions were developed for ebb-tidal-delta deposits: off-axis of the ebb-tidal channel and on-axis. The off-axis succession is considerably similar to the adjacent foreshore-to-shoreface succession which can pose a challenge when attempting to identify these deposits in the rock record. The on-axis succession, however, despite thickness variability, showed a positive correlation to studied mesotidal tide-dominated inlet successions.

Morphological trends across the Norian/Rhaetian boundary within Late Triassic conodonts in western Canada: implications for protracted paleoenvironmental disturbance preceding the end-Triassic mass extinction

AbstractThe Late Triassic conodont species Mockina ex gr. carinata and Mockina ex gr. englandi were exceptionally prevalent among the marine fauna of the Panthalassan realm from the middle Norian through to the Rhaetian. Leading into the complete extinction of conodonts near the Triassic/Jurassic boundary, a significant turnover event occurred in conodont fauna across the Norian/Rhaetian boundary (NRB), with the pectiniform elements of common Rhaetian genera from Tethys exhibiting minimal or absent platforms. This intergeneric trend of platform reduction is not as evident in Panthalassa, where these genera are very rare, but morphometric analyses of M. ex gr. carinata and M. ex gr. englandi specimens from across the Canadian Cordillera demonstrate that comparable shifts in morphology occurred intraspecifically in Panthalassa across the NRB, confirming the global extent of these trends. Pectiniform elements of M. ex gr. carinata display a sequential reduction of platform width from the middle Norian to late Norian to Rhaetian, whereas pectiniform elements of M. ex gr. englandi display a reduction of platform width only from the late Norian to Rhaetian. Specimens of both species that have a mid-platform length to breadth ratio greater than 3:1 are restricted to the Rhaetian. Specimens from the Kennecott Point section on Haida Gwaii, British Columbia, demonstrate that this morphological shift occurred somewhat later than other biostratigraphic proxies for the NRB. The global trend of platform width reduction in many conodont pectiniform elements may reflect a change in primary diet away from hard food sources, perhaps suggesting some degree of carbonate biomineralization suppression beginning around the NRB. This interpretation would support CO2 outgassing as the causal mechanism of the environmental disturbance at the NRB and identify the NRB as a significant turning point for Late Triassic ecosystems, marking the beginning of a protracted, multiphase end-Triassic mass extinction.

Bioinformatics analysis of gene bhsA and its role in Ca2+ -treated Escherichia coli.

One of the commonly employed methods in molecular biology is to utilize calcium chloride to treat Escherichia coli for the preparation of competent cells to facilitate foreign gene expression. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying Ca2+ mediation of competent cell formation and identification of the key genes involved in the process remain unclear. In previous studies, the combined analysis of transcriptomics and proteomics revealed bhsA as one of the crucial genes. The gene ontology functional annotation of bhsA identified it as a member of the YhcN family encoding an outer membrane protein that confers resistance to various stresses. The IPR0108542 domain found within the protein plays a significant role in stress response and biofilm formation in E. coli. Analysis of the STRING database showed that the proteins interacting with bhsA are primarily involved in biofilm formation and stress resistance. Using the RED homologous recombination method, a bhsA deletion strain was constructed to verify its role in E. coli genetic transformation. Although the mutant strain showed no significant differences in morphology or growth trend when compared to the wild-type strain, its transformation efficiency decreased by 1.14- and 1.64-fold with plasmids pUC19 and pET-32a. Furthermore, the 1-N-phenylnaphthylamine assay indicated a 1.71-fold reduction in cell membrane permeability in the mutant strain.

Rosetta Branch Conveyance Capacity and Rehabilitation Scenarios

River channels alter their planform, geometric shape and extent over time due to frequent morphodynamic changes and human interventions. Rosetta Branch of the Nile River experiences a reduction in the maximum conveyance capacity due to human encroachments and a prevailing morphological deposition trend. The main objective of this research is to propose rehabilitation scenarios to increase the maximum conveyance capacity of the branch to convey high-flow discharges for future agricultural mega projects irrigation. A two-dimensional numerical model was used to evaluate the morphological and hydrological changes that occurred during a period of 17 years from the year 2003 to 2020 using different flow scenarios. The results show a prevailing deposition trend along the branch with a total volume of 12.5 million m3 leading to a reduction in the maximum conveyance capacity by a percentage of 25%. Three rehabilitation scenarios were proposed to increase the maximum conveyance capacity. It is concluded that the second rehabilitation scenario is the optimum as it increased the maximum conveyance capacity by 66% and reduced inundated land area by 34%.

Reidentification of Wayaosaurus bellus and the conservative trunk and tail shape of Thalattosauria

ABSTRACT Thalattosauria is an enigmatic marine reptile clade that from the Middle to Late Triassic. The taxonomy and relationships within this clade remain controversial. Here, we redescribed the holotype of Wayaosaurus bellus, GZDB 0005, from the Upper Triassic rocks of Guanling, Guizhou Province, China. The specimen was originally and previously misidentified as a pachypleurosaur, but we hereby emend its diagnosis and discussed its taxonomy and systematic affinity. Miodentosaurus brevis shares diagnostic characters with GZDB 0005, suggesting that M. brevis may be a junior synonym of W. bellus. We also investigated evolutionary trends in thalattosaur morphology. Compared to Ichthyosauriformes and Sauropterygia, the trunk size and tail length/trunk length ratio showed a reversed evolutionary trend in Thalattosauria. Categories within the morphospaces of thalattosaur rostrum types are isolated, while their functional significance still remains unclear. Our results suggest that the diverse morphotypes of Ichthyosauriformes and Sauropterygia were related to ecological specialisation and adaptation to oceanic environment and pelagic environments in the Middle-Late Triassic, while Thalattosauria may have been restricted in the nearshore. Thalattosauria may have been outcompeted by Ichthyosauriformes and Sauropterygia in the oceanic environment due to their conservative trunk and tail shape, and their diversity declined after the Carnian.

Diesel soot combustion in air-NO environment: Evolution of soot physical properties and fragmentation characteristics

Since the oxidation activity of nitrogen oxides on soot is obviously higher than that of O2, it is one of the most effective means to improve soot combustion in diesel particulate filter (DPF) by fully utilizing the oxidation activity of nitrogen oxides in diesel exhaust. This paper investigated the physical properties (i.e. morphology, primary particle diameter, fractal dimension and nanostructure) and oxidation-induced fragmentation characteristics of diesel exhaust soot particles during oxidation degrees (0 %, 20 %, 50 % and 80 %) in different atmospheres (air, air-1000 ppm NO and air-2000 ppm NO). The results showed that during the oxidation process the variation trends of soot morphology in air and air-NO environments were similar, while the number and size of primary particles in an aggregate decreased and the fractal dimension of the aggregate increased with the presence of NO in air atmosphere. With the progress of oxidation, the nanostructure of soot particles became more ordered, while this variation trend was slowed down when NO was added to the air atmosphere. This is because soot particles oxidized in air-NO atmospheres showed less probability of internal oxidation but more external oxidation than those in air atmosphere. Over the oxidation process, the soot aggregate fragmentation rate presented a decreasing variation trend under each oxidizing atmosphere, with a higher aggregate fragmentation rate and more apparent variations in air-NO atmospheres. Moreover, in the air atmosphere, the probability of primary soot particle fragmentation showed a consistent upward trend, while the addition of NO slowed down this trend and showed an upward trend in stages 1(0 % ∼ 20 %) and 2(20 % ∼ 50 %), but a downward trend in stage 3(50 % ∼ 80 %). This suggests that the addition of NO reduces the probability of oxidants (especially O2) entering the particles, which would lead to a decrease in the probability of primary soot fragmentation caused by internal oxidation.

Structural properties of the Late Pleistocene Liujiang femoral diaphyses from southern China

The characterization of the femoral diaphysis in Pleistocene hominins with chronoecogeographical diversity plays a crucial role in evaluating evolutionary shifts in locomotor behavior and body shape. However, Pleistocene hominin fossil remains in East Asia are scarce and are widely dispersed temporally and spatially, impeding our comprehension of the nature and polarity of morphological trends. Here, we present qualitative and quantitative analyses of the cross-sectional properties and structural organization of diaphyses in two Late Pleistocene hominin femora (Liujiang PA91 and PA92) from southern China, comparing them to other Eurasian and African Pleistocene hominins. By integrating surface features and internal structure, our findings reveal that the Liujiang femora exhibit modern human-like characteristics, including a developed pilaster, a gluteal buttress, and minimum mediolateral breadth located at the midshaft. The presence of a femoral pilaster may relate to posterior cortical reinforcement and an increased anteroposterior bending rigidity along the mid-proximal to mid-distal portion of the diaphysis. Compared to archaic Homo, Liujiang and other Late Pleistocene modern human femora show a thinner mediolateral cortex and lower bending rigidity than the anteroposterior axis, and a lack of medial buttress, potentially indicating functionally related alterations in a range of pelvic and proximal femoral features throughout the Pleistocene. The femoral robusticity of the Liujiang individual resembles that of other Pleistocene hunter–gatherers from East Asia, implying comparable overall mobility or activity levels. The investigation of Liujiang femoral diaphyseal morphology contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of early modern human postcranial structural morphology in East Asia.