Shape Of Apex Research Articles

Apatrobus osuzuyamanus sp. nov., a new patrobine species from Japan, with a comparative study of the male genital morphology of the tribe Patrobini (Coleoptera: Carabidae)

Apatrobus (Apatrobus) osuzuyamanus sp. nov. is described from Kyushu, western Japan (type locality: Mt. Osuzuyama [32°16'N, 131°25'E]). This species is distinguished from A. (A.) ohtsukai Morita by a larger body, a pair of small depressions on the pronotum, and the shape of the aedeagal apex. Based on a comparative study of the male genitalia of several species, the homology of the genital sclerites of the tribe Patrobini are revised and a new terminology is proposed. The implications of present results for Patrobini taxonomy are briefly discussed.

CARBONIFEROUS ACTINOCERATOID NAUTILOIDEA (CEPHALOPODA)— A NEW PERSPECTIVE

New material from the Late Mississippian Fayetteville and Caney Formations of the south-central USA supports the taxonomic revision of the Mississippian actinoceroid cephalopods. New representatives of the previously poorly known Rayonnoceras solidiforme, Campyloceras striatulum, and Campyloceras imoense are described. Carbactinoceras procerum new species and Elmoceras graffhami new genus and species are described, and the genus Campyloceras is emended. Character evaluation suggests the shape of the endosiphuncular deposits in the Actinoceratida and Pseudactinocerida are homoplastic because similar patterns of endosiphuncular deposits occur in distantly related nautiloid clades. Apex shape, however, is shown to have previously unrecognized potential for taxon discrimination. Cladistic analysis of 13 actinoceroid and pseudorthocerid nautiloids supports the splitting of the Orthocerida and the creation of a sister group to the Actinoceratida which is identical with the largely neglected Pseudorthocerida.

Pseudacteon calderensis, a New Fly Species (Diptera: Phoridae) Attacking the Fire Ant Solenopsis interrupta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Northwestern Argentina

A new species of Pseudacteon phorid fly, Pseudacteon calderensis (Diptera: Phoridae), is described from females attacking worker ants of Solenopsis interrupta Santschi in Salta and Jujuy provinces, northwestern Argentina. P. calderensis differs from almost all other South American Pseudacteon species by the structure of the female ovipositor. This new species is morphologically similar to Pseudacteon borgmeieri Schmitz, but it differs slightly in the shape of the apex of the ovipositor and differs strongly because of the absence of large and stout ventral hairs under the ovipositor.

Fruit trait variability in wild cocoa trees (Theobroma cacao L.) from the Camopi and Tanpok basins in French Guiana

Under conditions at Paracou—Combi (Sinnamary, French Guiana), pods from 76 ortets of local wild cocoa trees, belonging to nine populations from the Camopi and Tanpok river basins, were characterized ex situ. For each ortet, at least 35 pods from the main crop were characterized (2,690 pods). The seven primary traits studied were: pod length, maximum pod diameter, total weight of one pod, wet bean weight, wartiness, apex shape and basal constriction. Variability was large and differences between populations were generally significant. A discriminant analysis confirmed the existence of two morpho—geographic groups: one with large warty pods, the other with smaller, smoother and round pods. Indications are given to breeders for selection among these clones.

Systematic position of Perkovskius Lafer 1989 (Coleoptera: Leiodidae: Catopocerinae), with description of a second species from the Far East of Russia

The genus Perkovskius Lafer 1989 is placed in Catopocerinae. Two species are recognized, P. ussuriensis Lafer 1989 and P. zerchei n. sp., both from the Far East of Russia. Their morphologies are described, figured and compared to the two related genera: Catopocerus Motschulsky 1870 and Glacicavicola Westcott 1868. Both species differ in the general habitus, the shape of aedeagus and apex of paramere in males, and in the morphology of the VIIIth and IXth abdominal segments (ventrite VIII, spermatheca) in females. Distribution of both species is mapped.

Floral- and leaf-character variation in waratah (Telopea speciosissima, family Proteaceae), with reference to conservation and horticultural improvement

Univariate analysis (ANOVA) of waratah (Telopea speciosissima (Sm.) R.Br.) floral and leaf characters, chosen primarily for their horticultural importance, showed that there were detectable differences among populations and indicated, for most characters studied, that variation was greater among the tested natural populations than within. There were significant differences between some populations for all variables except inflorescence height. Inflorescence colour, particularly style colour, showed the greatest variation among populations and leaf margin type, leaf width and flower number were also variable. Inflorescence width, bract number, bract width, leaf length and leaf apex shape were variable within populations; however, they were less useful in distinguishing between populations. Multivariate analysis of characters (principle component analysis, PCA; or canonical variate analysis, CVA) showed unique character combinations in several of the populations studied. Natural waratah populations of this species can, therefore, be explored for unique, although subtle character variations for horticultural development. Conservation efforts should seek to maintain genetic diversity in natural populations and ensure that cultivated populations capture and maintain an appropriate level of diversity for continued selection and horticultural improvement.

Molecular Phylogenetic Study of Anemone pendulisepala (Ranunculaceae)

Anemone pendulisepala, recently described as a new species, is distributed in sympatry with A. reflexa, A. amurensis, and A. raddeana at Mt. taebeark and Mt. Ba다여. Anemone pendulisepala was previously proposed to be a hybrid species between A. reflexa and A. amurensis becaue it displavs overlapping features with them in involucre shape, petiole length, sepal apex and xylem shape, To verify the taxonoeic status and to examone the hybridity of A. pendulisepala, sequences of ITS region of nuclear redosomal DNA and the psba-trnH, rps16 and trnLF region of cpDNA frem 36 accessions of 5 taxa including outgroup were analyzed. In maximum parsimum parsimony tree based on ITS sequences, A. pendulisepala had the same sequences of A. reflexa and was clustered with monophyletic A. amurensis, and then A. raddeana. Anemone pendulisepala was distinguished from the other taxa by having four base insertion in rps16 region, two species-specific bases and insertin in trnLF region. In the phylogenetic trees of combined cpDNA, A. pendulisepala showed showed monophyly with the bootstrap 100%. Anemone pendulisepala exhibited no polymorphism and shared no sequences with putaive or related taxa examined in this study. Molecular data suggest that A. pendulisepala should be a distinct species, and no evidence of the hybridization was detectcd.

Morphological examination of Hungarian apricot rootstock varieties

Apricot seedlings are one of the most widely used rootstocks in apricot growing of Hungary. The National List of Hungary contains 7 apricot seedling rootstocks varieties. The production of apricot graft on seedling rootstock takes 3 years from the seed production to the complete graft and requires more space. It is important to provide the trueness to variety name during this process. In the genus Prunoideae not only the plant but also the stone should have typical characteristics. It seems to be useful to examine the morphology of stone. The observed varieties were 'Tengeribarack C.1300', 'Tengeribarack C.1301', 'Tengeribarack C.1650', 'Tengeribarack' C.1652', 'Tengeribarack C.145', 'Tengeribarack C.1426' and 'Tengeribarack C.2546`.1t seems to be the most suitable characteristic to make a distinction between these varieties by stone, the ratio height of stone to lateral width of stone, the ratio of height of stone to ventral width of stone, the ratio of lateral width of stone to ventral width of stone and the ratio of ventral zone to ventral width. From not measured characteristic seems to be most utilizable to make distinction: the fusion of dorsal groove margins, the shape of apex, the presence of a mucro of the apex, the shape of stalk end in lateral view and the texture of lateral surfaces.

Impact of variations in prostatic apex shape on early recovery of urinary continence after radical retropubic prostatectomy

Objectives To investigate the impact of the variations in the shape of the prostatic apex observed on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on patients’ status regarding urinary continence after undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy, as well as the prevalence of such variations. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of 156 patients who had undergone preoperative MRI of the prostate and were followed up postoperatively by review of the records. For our analyses, patients were categorized into four different groups according to the shape of the prostatic apex shown on the midsagittal MRI scan. Patient status, including early (within 3 months after surgery) recovery of urinary continence, was also assessed. Results Group 1 was the largest with 59 patients (37.8%), group 2 had 39 patients (25%), group 3 had 24 (15.3%), and group 4 had 34 patients (21.8%). Group 4 was composed of patients with the prostatic apex not overlapping with membranous urethra either anteriorly or posteriorly on MRI and had a significantly greater percentage (83.3% versus 66.7%) of patients with an early return of urinary continence after radical retropubic prostatectomy compared with the other groups ( P = 0.014). On multivariate analysis of the predictive factor for the early return of urinary continence, anterior or posterior overlapping of the membranous urethra with the prostatic apex as shown on preoperative MRI was the only variable significantly associated with an early return of continence. Conclusions The results of our study provide objective evidence that variations in the shape of the prostatic apex in relation to the membranous urethra may significantly affect early recovery of urinary continence after radical retropubic prostatectomy.

Medidas do acúleo na caracterização de cinco espécies de Anastrepha do grupo fraterculus (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Species identification of the genus Anastrepha Schiner is based mostly on the shape of the aculeus apex. In some species groups, such as fraterculus, species are separated by subtle differences in the aculeus apex, namely Anastrepha fraterculus (Wied.), A. obliqua (Macquart), A. sororcula Zucchi, A. zenildae Zucchi and A. turpiniae Stone. In order to help the identification, the aculei of these five species from 25 localities of 17 Brazilian states were measured. The aculeus and apex lengths of these species vary along geographical distribution and even from specimens reared from same host. For this reason and due to superimposition, these Anastrepha species cannot be separated based on the two measures exclusively.

Left ventricular geometry in normal and post-anterior myocardial infarction patients: sphericity index and ‘new’ conicity index comparisons☆

Anterior myocardial infarction leads a sequence of structural changes that alter the size and the shape of the left ventricle. Efforts to assess shape have been made by global left ventricular (LV) chamber analysis (sphericity index, SI) but this analysis does not detect regional shape abnormalities like those at the apical level, which precede global ventricular dilatation. The present study will introduce a new analysis of regional apical changes in 52 normal subjects and in 92 patients with previous anterior myocardial infarction. All patients had transthoracic echocardiogram and multiple views were obtained (long axis, 4CH, 2CH and short axis view). From the 4CH view the long and the short axes were measured and their ratio was calculated (sphericity index). In the same view, the apical axis length was also measured and the ratio between apical and short axis length was calculated (apical conicity index, ACI). Patients had all the measured parameters significantly worse than normal, except the sphericity index which remained unchanged. Ventricular length and width increased following anterior MI but the ratio between the two measurements did not change. Conversely, apical conicity index is significantly different following anterior MI, thereby indicating anterior infarction produces a less conical shape. SI and ACI differed when correlations were made in the relationship of mitral valve function; SI correlates with the degree of mitral regurgitation (MR) and with the distance of papillary muscles, conversely ACI shows an inverse correlation with the determinants of mitral regurgitation. These observations reflect differences between apical versus global dilatation in ischemic cardiomyopathy, so that mitral function is better (lower tenting area and lower coaptation height) when the apex is markedly dilated in respect to the short axis (high conicity index). In contrast, mitral function is impaired (bigger distance between papillary muscles and higher degree of mitral regurgitation), when sphericity index is high. Sphericity index fails to detect regional apical shape abnormalities. To address this focal change, we introduce a simple new measure termed apical conicity index, which is abnormal in patients with myocardial infarction, and can be useful to evaluate changes induced by the subsequent surgical approach of ventricular re-shaping.

Analysis of Characters and Germplasm of Significance to Improvement of Australian Native Waratahs (Telopea spp., family Proteaceae) for Cut Flower Production

Waratahs (Telopea spp.) are cultivated for their blooms for the international cut flower market. A morphometric study was conducted on a range of cultivated waratah varieties to determine the variability of selected characters of horticultural importance and which parents might be of value in future breeding programs. Univariate analysis of characters of 13 cultivars revealed the greatest range of variation in number of flowers, bract dimensions, flower colour and leaf margin type. Differences were observed between number of flowers per inflorescence in the T. speciosissima (Sm.) R.Br. group of accessions and the other species cultivars; interspecific cultivars with T. mongaensis, Cheel and T. oreades F. Muell. were intermediate, with a similar pattern observed in bract length and width. Multivariate analysis (canonical variate analysis – CVA) discriminated between waratah cultivars on the basis of flower colour (first axis), then flower number, bract length, leaf width and leaf margin type (axis 2). The third axis also separated leaf width, the fourth leaf length and width, and the fifth leaf apex shape, CVA was also used to explore the genetic contribution of three parent T. speciosissima cultivars to hybrid populations. Hybrids with ‘Sunflare’, ‘Sunburst’ or ‘Wirrimbirra White’ as one parent were very dispersed indicating the range of inheritance of the observed phenotypic characters, leading to the possibility of selecting individuals with the required degree of character inheritance. It was demonstrated that the Telopea speciosissima type, which forms the basis of the waratah cut flower industry, may be improved by hybridising with other Telopea species. The application of the results to the development of waratah breeding programs is discussed.

前立腺全摘除術における尖部処理の改良と術後尿禁制

To evaluate urinary continence after modified radical retropubic prostatectomy. From March 1999 to May 2004, 110 patients with prostate cancer underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy. In all patients, the fascia of the levator ani was preserved, and the plane between the prostate and rectum was dissected prior to cutting the urethra. A modification to the technique of apical dissection was introduced in May 2002. The modified method included cutting the urethra along a precise line between the prostate and urethra following the shape of the prostatic apex. The grade of early urinary incontinence was analyzed by using the incontinence rate (urinary incontinence volume (ml)/total urinary volume x 100 (%)). The incontinence rate was compared between the conventional and modified surgical techniques. Several other risk factors were also examined in these patients. Continence rates were analyzed among the patients over a one-year postoperative course. The incontinence rate on the day, the next day and 5-7 days after the removal of the urethral catheter were 18.1%, 11.2%, 6.0% in the modified group, and 36.6%, 22.5%, 12.6% in the conventional group, respectively. With the introduction of this modified method, the incontinence rate was significantly decreased (P<0.005). Complete continence rates 3 and 12 months after the operation were 81.3% and 98.3% in the modified and 60.0% and 97.8% in the conventional group. The time to regain complete continence in the modified was earlier than that in the conventional. After one-year, the rate of complete continence was similar and a satisfactory average in each group. Except for surgical techniques, no other factors were associated with a risk of incontinence statistically. We recommend modified apical dissection to preserve the urethral striated sphincter, which can be useful in improving the early incontinence rate and the recovery of continence.

Anatomical Analysis of Prostate and Surrounding Structures: Points to Consider during Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy

Purpose: To investigate the prevalences of anatomical variations regarding prostate and its surrounding structures, and also the intra- and postoperative effects of such anatomical variations in performing radical retropubic prostatectomy(RRP). Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of 156 patients who received RRP for prostate cancer was performed. Patients' records including the results preoperative radiologic evaluations were reviewed. For our analysis, patients were grouped according to the anatomical variations relevant to prostate and surrounding structures shown on preoperative radiographs. Also, patients were interviewed via telephone as needed. Results: Prostate volume(mean: 41.4ml) measured from preoperative transrectal ultrasound correlated with estimated blood loss(EBL) during RRP(p=0.029). Interspinous diameter(mean: 1.69cm) measured on axial image of preoperative magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) was observed to be inversely correlated with operative time(p=0.010). And, patients with box-shaped deep dorsal vein(as demonstrated on axial view of MRI; 15.3%) were observed to have significantly less EBL during RRP(p=0.030). Also, EBL was significantly higher(p=0.013) for patients in which anterior portion of prostatic apex appeared to overlap and obscure membranous urethra(62.8%). Meanwhile, absence of the distal protrusion of apical region (21.8%) was observed to be associated with early(within 3 postoperative months) recovery of urinary continence(p=0.014). Conclusions: Our results suggest that various anatomical variations regarding prostate and its surrounding structure may exist as herein presented, and also that they may indeed have significant effects on both intra- and postoperative course regarding RRPs. Variations in the shape of prostatic apex may be significantly associated with recovery of continence after RRPs.

Calcium hydroxide dressings using different preparation and application modes: density and dissolution by simulated tissue pressure

To study the effect of different apical shapes in prepared simulated root canals on the application of a commercially prepared calcium hydroxide paste by a syringe or lentulo spiral. Three different types of root canal preparation were performed in 90 simulated canals: group A to an apical size 20 and a 0.10 taper using hand and rotary instruments, group B to an apical size 30 and a 0.08 taper using GT rotary instruments and group C to an apical size 40 and a 0.04 taper using ProFile 0.04 instruments. The insertion of calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] paste was accomplished using either a lentulo spiral or a syringe. After 1 week of simulated fluid pressure applied to the apical end of the canal using physiological saline solution, the solution was evaluated for released Ca(OH)2. The specimens were weighed initially, after preparation, after insertion of Ca(OH)2 paste, after temporization with Cavit and after 1 week of simulated fluid pressure. Digital radiographs of the filled canals were taken and canal areas in mm2, gray values of the Ca(OH)2 dressings, total area of voids in mm2, as well as location of voids in the apical, middle or coronal thirds of the root canals were measured. Analyses of variance, with Scheffe's post-hoc tests, as well as chi-square tests were performed. Canals in group C had significantly fewer (P < 0.01) radiographic voids than canals in groups A and B. Using a lentulo spiral resulted in significantly (P < 0.05) fewer voids compared with the injection technique. More voids were detected coronally compared with middle and apical root canal thirds (P < 0.05). Canal shape and method of application had an impact on the amount and radiodensity of calcium hydroxide dressings in simulated root canals. Canals prepared to an apical size 40 and a taper of 0.04 had the least number of voids; Ca(OH)2 was placed with significantly fewer voids using a lentulo spiral compared with the injection technique.

Chave de identificação de pupas de Simuliidae (Diptera) do sudeste do Brasil

Neste trabalho é apresentada uma chave dicotômica de identificação de pupas de Simuliidae com registro de ocorrência para o Sudeste do Brasil. Nós incluímos as 49 espécies que apresentam a pupa descrita. Na chave, além de caracteres comumente usados (e.g. número dos filamentos branquiais, forma do ápice e forma do casulo), foram usados caracteres não usuais (largura e comprimento relativos dos filamentos branquiais; disposição espacial das brânquias; proporção entre comprimento da brânquia e comprimento do casulo; presença e posição do assoalho do casulo). É possível diferenciar 70% das espécies de Simuliidae do Sudeste do Brasil usando apenas caracteres da pupa. Este estágio, muitas vezes, é o único do qual se obtém uma identificação precisa.

External morphology of antennal and rostral sensillae in four hemipteran insects and their possible role in host plant selection

The sensory receptors on the antennal flagellar segments and on the rostral tip of four adult hemipteran insects were identified and compared using scanning electron microscopy in order to better understand the role of sensillae in the process of host plant selection and the structural adaptations of feeding organs for phytophagy. The species studied are Riptortus pedestris Fabricius (Alydidae), Elasmolomus sordidus (Fabricius) (Lygaeidae), Cyclopelta siccifolia Westwood (Pentatomidae) and Chrysocoris purpurea (Westwood) (Pentatomidae). Differences in the distribution and arrangement of sensory receptors in the hemipteran families were noted, especially in the shape of the antennal apices, which are of taxonomical significance. A large array of trichoid basiconic and coeloconic sensillae is distributed on the antennal surface. Distal antennal segments have more sensillae and more types of sensillae than the proximal segments, indicating their prominent role in host plant surface exploration. There is only a slight variation in the shape of the stylets owing to the similarity in feeding habits. The mandibular tips are straight and sharp and do not contain any hooks or barbs as in carnivorous species.

The effect of the shape of a tip's apex on the fabrication of an AFM tip with an attached single carbon nanotube

We show how the shape of the apex on the tip of an atomic force microscope (AFM) affects the fabrication of a tip with an attached single multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWNT). To make an MWNT-attached AFM tip, we dropped a drop of MWNT solution onto the electrode surface on which we applied an ac electric field. The MWNTs that had been dispersed into a dielectric solution were directly assembled onto the apex of the AFM tip with the aid of the alignment and attraction of the dielectrophoretic force. To verify the effect of the shape of the tip's apex in the fabrication of a tip attached a single carbon nanotube, we used three types of tips: sharp, blunt and cylindrical. We found from the simulation results and repeated experiments that blunt tips with a 150–250 nm radius are more effective than sharp or cylindrical tips. When we applied an electric field of 0.6–0.7 V pp/μm, we obtained an AFM tip with a single MWNT attached, and, by using this tip to scan the surface of the reference, we were able to evaluate the performance of the tip. In summary, we have demonstrated that under various experimental conditions the shape of the apex of an AFM's tip deeply affects the fabrication of tips attached a single MWNT.

Changes of Apical Shape Following Anterior Myocardial Infarction and Apical Reconstruction by Mannequin Guided Surgical Ventricular Restoration (TRISVR)

Changes of Apical Shape Following Anterior Myocardial Infarction and Apical Reconstruction by Mannequin Guided Surgical Ventricular Restoration (TRISVR)

Pattern of Variation and Systematics of &lt;I&gt;Nymphaea odorata&lt;/I&gt;: I. Evidence from Morphology and Inter-Simple Sequence Repeats (ISSRs)

Nymphaea odorata, Nymphaeaceae, is the most widely distributed water-lily in North America. Disagreement exists on whether this morphologically variable species should be split into two species, N. odorata and N. tuberosa, or treated as one species with two subspecies. Morphological characters and markers from the inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSRs) were examined to assess taxonomic status and elucidate patterns of genetic variation among populations. This study provides evidence against treatment of N. tuberosa at species rank. The principal component analysis of 26 vegetative characters underscores immense variability, but does partially segregate populations of subsp. odorata and subsp. tuberosa. Based on analysis of variance, a new set of morphological characters is proposed to distinguish the two subspecies: mean leaf blade length-to-width ratio, petiole striping, and lobe apex shape. Results from ISSRs show high polymorphism within and among populations. Genetic variation was found largely within geographical regions (89%) rather than among regions. Principal coordinate (PCOA) analyses and minimum spanning tree (MST) analyses based on ISSRs clearly distinguished Nymphaea mexicana and N. odorata. Within N. odorata, samples of subsp. odorata appear to be a distinct entity, whereas samples largely but not completely separated from samples of subsp. tuberosa. PCOA and MST showed linkage between most samples of subsp. odorata whereas this was less evident in UPGMA.