Slight Concavity Research Articles

Nylanderia of the World, Part IV: Taxonomic contributions to the American Clade I of New World Nylanderia (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Globally, potentially hundreds of Nylanderia species remain undescribed, hidden within several broadly distributed complexes of morphologically cryptic species. By integrating phylogenomics, geography, and morphology, we describe eight new Nylanderia species from southern Mexico and Mesoamerica, increasing the total number of known species in the genus to 131. In the Americas, Nylanderia is divided into two distantly related clades: American Clade I (AC1) and American Clade II (AC2). Within AC1, Nylanderia austroccidua (Trager) was originally described as a widespread and morphologically variable species distributed from Utah to Costa Rica. This species was diagnosed by a slight concavity in the anterior face of the pronotum and varying degrees of fine cuticular microsculpturing across the body that causes blue cuticular iridescence under microscopic examination. Using Ultraconserved Elements (UCEs) for molecular phylogenetic analysis, we found that taxa matching the original description of N. austroccidua are paraphyletic with respect to Nearctic Nylanderia species. We also found that AC1 includes a Neotropical subclade extending into Mesoamerica, the distribution of which overlaps with AC2, which is exclusively Neotropical. Along with an updated description of N. austroccidua, we also describe the following new species belonging to clade AC1: N. breviscapa, sp. nov., N. contraria, sp. nov., N. lazulina, sp. nov., N. luceata, sp. nov., N. mendax sp. nov., N. mosaica sp. nov., N. polita sp. nov., and N. usul, sp. nov. A dichotomous key and images of the worker caste of these species are included and, where available, images of queens and males are provided.

Global Contrasts Between Oceanic Cycling of Cadmium and Phosphate

AbstractCadmium (Cd) is a trace metal whose distribution in the ocean bears a remarkable resemblance to the nutrient phosphate (PO43−). This resemblance has led to the use of Cd as a proxy for ocean nutrient cycling in paleoceanographic applications, but the processes governing the cycling of Cd in the modern ocean remain unclear. In this study, we use previously published Cd observations and an Artificial Neural Network to produce a dissolved Cd climatology that reproduces the observed subtle deviations between the Cd and distributions. We use the Cd and climatologies, along with an ocean circulation inverse model, to diagnose the biogeochemical sources and sinks of dissolved Cd and . Our calculations reveal that dissolved Cd, like , is removed in the surface ocean and has a source in the subsurface, consistent with the simultaneous incorporation of Cd and into sinking organic particles. However, there are also contrasts between the cycling of dissolved Cd and In particular, the surface export ratio varies 8‐fold across latitudes, reaching highest values in the iron‐limited sub‐Antarctic Southern Ocean. This depletes Cd relative to in the low‐latitude thermocline while adding excess Cd to deep waters by the regeneration of Cd‐enriched particles. Also, Cd tends to regenerate slightly deeper than in the subsurface ocean, and the regeneration ratio reaches a maximum at 700–1,500 m. These contrasts are responsible for a slight concavity in the relationship and should be considered when interpreting paleoceanographic Cd records.

Drag reduction of a blunt body through reconfiguration of rear flexible plates

We investigate the quasi-static reconfiguration of rear parallel flexible plates on the drag coefficient of a blunt body. The drag coefficient, plates deformation, and main features of the turbulent wake are characterized experimentally in a towing tank. It is found that increasing the flexibility of plates leads to an important drag reduction, induced by the progressive streamlining of the trailing edge due to plates deformation. The study of the Vogel exponent is adopted here to evaluate the limit on the potential drag reduction at large values of the Cauchy number, which is shown to be mainly caused by the growth in the vibrating amplitude response of plates. The plates deformation is analyzed by means of image processing, showing that their shapes mainly follow the first modal form of a cantilever beam deflection, although a slight concavity develops toward the plates tip for large Cauchy numbers. To further analyze this process, the empirical flow loading along the plates is estimated by a modified beam theory assuming a distributed load given by a power law. The experimental fitting shows that for large flexibility, the load diminishes at the rear tip. Besides, the progressive deformation of plates is shown to weaken the shedding of vortices and reduce the size of the recirculation bubble. Finally, an affine direct relationship between recirculation bubble aspect ratio and drag coefficient has been proposed in order to quantify the linkage between near wake modifications and hydrodynamic improvement provided by the trailing edge streamlining.

A new species of Aphantolana Moore amp; Brusca, 2003 (Crustacea: Isopoda: Cirolanidae) from the Andaman Islands, northern Indian Ocean.

Aphantolana wandoor sp. nov. is described from intertidal algae in South Andaman, Andaman Islands. Aphantolana wandoor sp. nov. is characterized by the uropodal exopod posterolateral margin with a slight concavity, mesial margin evenly convex with 2 robust setae, pleotelson posterolateral lateral margin concave, weakly sinuate.

A low-cost handheld apparatus for inspection of peach firmness by sensing fruit resistance

The determination of peach firmness plays a significant role in evaluating the harvest time, ripeness, and shelf life, which guide transportation and distribution. Traditionally, a handheld penetrometer is used to determine objectively the firmness of peaches by measuring the maximum force required by a probe to penetrate a sample to a prespecified depth. However, the measurement results are affected by the operator. To solve this problem, many apparatuses have been developed. But they are either not portable enough for on-site usage or expensive. Therefore, a low-cost handheld prototype apparatus was developed for measuring peach firmness by sensing the resistance of fruit. With a designed mechanical structure, this prototype can minimize the impact of operators. Compared with penetrometers, this prototype caused just a slight concavity. A series of experiments were conducted to calibrate and evaluate this prototype. First, the prototype was calibrated by compressing its probe with a texture analyzer, and then, its precision was verified by measuring four Shore A hardness blocks. The results showed that the readings of the prototype were linearly correlated with the force applied by the texture analyzer with R2 = 0.9998 (p < 0.01) and could be converted to force values by the regression equation. In addition, the repeatability index (CVp) and the reproducibility index (CVd) of the prototype were all less than 0.5%, which indicated that the prototype had good repeatability and reproducibility. Finally, the prototype was validated by measuring the firmness of 210 peaches during 14 days after picking, and its readings were compared with two reference parameters extracted from the force–displacement curve recorded by the texture analyzer. The results showed that the readings of the prototype were significantly logarithmically correlated with the reference parameters, especially the initial slope with R2 = 0.8971 (p < 0.01), which indicated that the developed apparatus could detect peach firmness.

Reply to Comment on: Álvaro J.J., Esteve, J. &amp; Zamora, S. 2019. Morphological assessment of the earliest paradoxidid trilobites (Cambrian Series 3) from Morocco and Spain [Geological Magazine] by Geyer G, Nowicki J, Żylińska A &amp; Landing E

AbstractTwo research teams have different opinions regarding the number of paradoxidine species close to the base of the Miaolingian in Morocco and Spain. Geyer &amp; Vincent (2015) recognized five species based on a mosaic of overlapping characters that include some relative length and width ratios, qualitative descriptions of cranidial and pygidial outlines, and relief observations. In contrast, Álvaro et al. (2018) conducted a morphometric analysis of all these specimens from the Cambropallas telesto acme level of the Assemame quarry and concluded that the Moroccan material had been taxonomically over-split and was represented by only two species, Acadoparadoxides mureroensis and A. nobilis. Subsequently, Geyer et al. (2019) commented that we had not analysed some diagnostic characters, and applied the stratigraphic setting of their morphospecies as a diagnostic character for taxonomic identification. After sampling the Cambropallas telesto acme level in the Taroucht quarry, where the other team purchased its collection, and re-analysing the diagnostic characters claimed by Geyer et al. (2019), our conclusions are maintained: (i) morphometric values of several paratype specimens fall outside the purported ranges of diagnostic characters; (ii) all 2D morphometric analyses incorporating the diagnostic characters of the morphospecies are unable to detect interspecific differences, except for A. nobilis; and (iii) the slight concavity displayed by some pygidia, strongly controlled by preservation, is in need of 3D biometrical analysis. Hence, our proposed synonymy should be maintained until 3D statistical analyses are available on material preserved in carbonate or concretions.

Variations in the Anatomic Morphology of the Lateral Distal Tibia: Surgical Implications for Distal Tibial Allograft Glenoid Reconstruction

Background: Distal tibial allograft glenoid augmentation has been introduced as a viable treatment approach for glenoid bone loss in conjunction with shoulder instability. No previous study, however, has assessed the morphologic variation of the distal tibia at the incisura as it relates to graft dimensions for glenoid augmentation. Increased concavity at the lateral distal tibia necessitates removal of the lateral cortex to obtain a flat surface, which may have implications for the strength of surgical fixation. Purpose: To assess the morphologic variation of the distal tibia at the incisura as it relates to graft dimensions for glenoid augmentation. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: Magnetic resonance images of the ankle were reviewed for morphology assessment of the appearance and depth of the distal tibia. A classification system was created reflecting the suitability for glenoid augmentation. Type A tibias contained a flat contour of the lateral tibia at the articular surface, indicative of an ideal graft. Type B tibias had slight concavity with a central depth <5 mm and were deemed acceptable grafts. Type C tibias had deep concavity with a central depth >5 mm and were deemed unacceptable. Statistical analysis was performed via univariate analyses to compare patient demographics against acceptable morphology for glenoid augmentation. Results: Eighty-five study patients met inclusion criteria (53 male, 32 female; mean age ± SD, 35.1 ± 10.3 years). Overall, 12 patients (14.1%) demonstrated type A morphology, with 61 patients (71.8%) having type B morphology for a total of 85.9% of acceptable grafts for glenoid augmentation. The interrater reliability was moderate to strong between observers (kappa value = 0.841). On univariate analysis, sex was the only variable significantly associated with an acceptable graft, with 100% of female patients having acceptable morphology, as compared with 77% of male patients (P = .004). Conclusion: Variable morphology of the distal tibia at the incisura was found: 14.1% of patients demonstrated an ideal morphology for glenoid augmentation; an additional 71.8% were deemed suitable for graft usage; and 14.1% of tibias had unacceptable morphology. Sex was a significant factor for predicting acceptable grafts. Clinical Relevance: This information will assist surgeons in accepting or rejecting grafts based on the epidemiology of the distal tibial morphology as it relates to glenoid augmentation.

Surgical Implications of the Distal Tibia Morphology at the Incisura for Glenoid Augmentation

Objectives:Distal tibia allograft (DTA) glenoid augmentation has been introduced as a viable treatment approach for glenoid bone loss in conjunction with shoulder instability. An ideal graft has a flat or nearly flat lateral border of the tibia, allowing the surgeon to retain the lateral cortical bone for increased screw fixation (Figure 1A). DTA grafts with a deep concavity are difficult to prepare for fixation, as it is necessary to remove most of the cortical bone to create a flat contour of the graft (Figure 1B). Previous anatomic studies have sought to evaluate the morphology at the incisura as it pertains to syndesmosis fixation. No previous study has assessed the morphologic variation of the distal tibia at the incisura as it relates to graft dimensions for glenoid augmentation.Methods:Magnetic resonance images (MRI) of the ankle were reviewed over a 3 month period. Studies that met inclusionary criteria underwent morphology assessment to characterize the appearance and depth of the distal tibia at the incisura, both at the articular surface and the physeal scar, representing the typical depth of a DTA graft. Measurements were performed by two independent observers and inter-rater reliability was assessed. A three-part classification system was created reflecting the suitability of the distal tibial for glenoid augmentation. Type A grafts contained a flat contour of the lateral tibia, indicative of an ideal graft. Type B grafts had a slight concavity, with a central depth < 5 mm and were deemed acceptable grafts. Type C grafts had a deep concavity, with a central depth > 5 mm and were deemed unacceptable for glenoid augmentation. Statistical analysis was performed using univariate analyses to compare recorded patient demographics against acceptable morphology for glenoid augmentation.Results:101 patients were identified with 16 excluded, leaving 85 patients for study inclusion (53 male, 32 female, average 35.1 years ±10.3 years). Overall, 12 patients (14.1%) demonstrated a type A morphology, with an additional 61 patients (71.8%) having a type B morphology for a total of 85.9% with an acceptable specimens for glenoid augmentation. The inter-rater reliability was moderate to strong between measuring observers (0.793). Only gender has found to effect the likelihood of an acceptable graft with 100% of female patients having an acceptable morphology, compared to 77% of male patients (p=0.004).Conclusion:The morphology of the distal tibia at the incisura, as it relates to glenoid augmentation was variable in this patient cohort. 14.1% of patients demonstrated an ideal morphology for glenoid augmentation, with an additional 71.8% were deemed suitable for graft usage with only minor contouring necessary. 14.1% of patients were found to have an unacceptable morphology. Gender was a significant factor for predicting acceptable grafts, with 100% of female patients having an acceptable morphology. This information will help surgeons accept or reject grafts based on the knowledge of the epidemiology of the distal tibia morphology as it relates to glenoid augmentation.

Anatomy and histochemistry of leaves and stems of Sapium glandulosum

Sapium belongs to Euphorbiaceae family and comprises 23 species. Sapium glandulosum (L.) Morong is popularly known in Brazil as “pau-leiteiro” and “leitosinha” and it is used in traditional medicine to cicatrisation. Its leaf extracts have shown analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities. The preliminary set of pharmacognostic tools used for quality assessment of medicinal plant parts is macro- and micro-anatomy and S. glandulosum has not anatomical and histochemical description. Thus the aim of this study was to investigate the anatomical and histochemical characteristics of the leaf and stem of S. glandulosum as a means of providing information for quality assessment of herbal industry. The leaves and stems were investigated by employing field emission scanning electron microscopy, light microscopy, and histochemistry techniques. The analysis showed that S. glandulosum had the following anatomical features: dorsiventral and amphistomatic leaves; paracytic stomata; tabular crystal druses; non-articulated and branched laticifers; midrib's biconvex shape with vascular systems in open arc with invaginated ends; petiole with a round shape and slight concavity on the adaxial side; six collateral vascular bundles in U-shaped organisation; a circular stem shape and a sclerenchymatous ring. In the histochemical tests lipophilic components were found in cuticle and in the latex; phenolic compounds were met in the mesophyll and in the latex; starch grains were found in the parenchymatous sheath; lignified elements were met in the sclerenchymatous ring in the cortex and in the perivascular sclerenchymatous caps, beyond in the vessel elements. These features are helpful when conducting a quality control process.

Chemical marker M2 (4-hydroxy-5-methyl-3(2H)-furanone) formation in egg white gel model for heating pattern determination of microwave-assisted pasteurization processing

Microwave-assisted pasteurization (MAP) is a potential thermal processing technology in which the non-uniform heating presents a challenge. This study evaluated the application of a chemical marker M2 (4-hydroxy-5-methyl-3(2H)-furanone) in an egg white gel model on the determination of possible heating patterns in prepackaged foods during MAP processing. The gel model samples were prepared by heating a homogeneous liquid egg white mixture (25% egg white, 1% D-ribose, 0.5% L-lysine) at 70°C for 30min. The chemical marker M2 formation was studied by heating the gel model samples in 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, and 100°C oil bath for 5, 10, 15, 20, and 30min. The marker yields were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The color values of the heat-treated samples were measured using CIE L∗a∗b∗ and RGB models. The stability of M2 was evaluated at storage temperatures of 4 and 22°C for 1, 3, 5, and 9days. In order to validate the application of the new gel model system, the heating patterns of the gel models and marker yields of samples taken from 5 different locations of the MAP-processed gel models at 75 and 100°C were analyzed. Results showed that the M2 formation in egg white increased linearly with heat treatment time at 75–95°C, while a slight concavity was observed for samples treated at 100°C. Color parameters L∗ and G values were found to be significantly correlated with the heating temperatures. During storage, the M2 retention rate decreased with increasing time and temperature, while samples treated for longer times were more stable. Salt addition had no significant effect on the M2 yield within the studied time-temperature combination. The color change of egg white gel models due to different M2 yield after the MAP process could be clearly recognized using a computer vision method.

EVOLUTION OF THE SOFTWARE-AS-A-SERVICE INNOVATION SYSTEM THROUGH COLLECTIVE INTELLIGENCE

One of the notable trends in the software industry is that software vendors provide their software on a platform as a service. Software users consume those software services or compose new services by combining those existing software services. The software vendors, their services, software users, and the platform represent an open innovation system. Collective intelligence is the underlying mechanism for the cooperation between the users of the system, i.e. their continuous reuse of existing software services for the creation of new services. A successfully working software services system (i.e. collective intelligence system) is a system that is continuously adapted by its users to meet their needs. The evolution of this software-as-a-service (SaaS) innovation system and the behavior of SaaS users within this system are still unknown. In this paper, we describe the evolution of a SaaS network. The SaaS network consists of nodes (i.e. software services with open interfaces) and links (i.e. the co-development relationships of software services with open interfaces). The results suggest that the SaaS network has gradually grown into a scale-free network with a slight concavity in its cumulative degree distribution. The results also suggest that the topology characteristics are invariant over time except for the early time periods. Furthermore, the results suggest that the SaaS network is not as open (i.e. inter-operable) as its technology let us expect. Considering these results, we imply that SaaS innovation is achieved by platform providers striving to capture users with a few, leading SaaS services. That means, SaaS innovation is not achieved through the possibilities of potential combinations between any kind of SaaS services as could be expected theoretically. These findings are expected to stir further research on the actual structure of open innovation systems that are driven by collective intelligence.

Reshaping the Medial Nostril and Columellar Base

Achieving ideal shape and position of the medial nostril and columellar base is a crucial component of successful rhinoplasty. The lateral border of the basal columella should exhibit slight concavity and a relatively smooth contour. Both nasal aesthetics and functionality may be compromised if such a result is not obtained. Herein, a reproducible technique is described which allows for treatment of this region.

Ompok karunkodu, a new catfish (Teleostei: Siluridae) from southern India.

Ompok karunkodu, a new species of silurid catfish is described from the Amaravathi River, a right-hand tributary of the Kaveri [=Cauvery] River in Tamil Nadu, southern India. Ompok karunkodu can be distinguished from all congeners in the Indian subcontinent in having a markedly convex predorsal profile (vs. with a slight or distinct concavity in the supraethmoidal or supraoccipital region), and a unique combination of the following characters: prognathous lower jaw causing anterior profile of head to appear rounded when viewed laterally, maxillary barbel reaching to base of pectoral-fin spine, eye diameter 13.7% HL, head width 13.0% SL, body depth at anus 14.2% SL, 65 anal-fin rays, caudal peduncle depth 5.0% SL, caudal-fin length 12.6% SL, caudal fin with rounded lobes, 54 vertebrae, and dark midlateral stripe running along sides of body.

Tometes camunani (Characiformes: Serrasalmidae), a new species of phytophagous fish from the Guiana Shield, rio Trombetas basin, Brazil

A new species of Serrasalmidae, Tometes camunani, is described from the upper drainages of the rio Trombetas basin, Pará State, Brazil. The new species is distinguished from its congeners by having neurocranium with a slight concavity at the level of the frontal bone (vs. concavity absent, dorsal profile of neurocranium straight). It can be further distinguished from its congeners by having teeth with central cusp taller and acute (vs. central cusp shorter and with rounded edge in T. trilobatus), a terminal mouth (vs. upturned mouth in T. lebaili), and 12-26 prepelvic spines (vs. 0-9 in T. makue). The new species is strictly rheophilic like other species of Tometes, and occurs exclusively in the rapids of shield rivers, complex and fragile biotopes that are threatened by anthropogenic activities. An identification key to the species of the Myleus group is provided

John Frederick Kensett’s Point of View in Lake George, 1869: A Correction

John Frederick Kensett’s Point of View in <i>Lake George</i>, 1869: A Correction

Osteological and histopathological details of unilateral microphthalmia and anophthalmia in juvenile common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

We describe and compare normal eye, unilateral microphthalmia (small eye), and unilateral anophthalmia (eye incompletely developed) in young (5–7month-old) common carp, Cyprinus carpio, (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae). Five of 1058 (0.47%) common carp had grossly-observed eye deformities that we characterized using osteology and histopathology: 2 (81 and 98mm fork length) had unilateral microphthalmia and 3 (103, 123, and 137mm in fork length) had unilateral anophthalmia. Grossly, the eye of the microphthalmic common carp was opaque and slightly protruding from a reduced orbit; whereas, only a slight integumental concavity was observed on the deformed side of the anophthalmic common carp. Osteologically, microphthalmic and anophthalmic common carp had an irregular orbit with orbital bones that were laterally-expanded and that formed a discontinuous, uneven orbital perimeter compared to the narrow orbital bones forming a nearly circular orbit in normal common carp. Histologically, microphthalmia manifested as an eye having a thickened cornea with a retina and attached optic nerve but no lens (aphakia); whereas, anophthalmia manifested as lacking a globe, cornea, lens, or retina but having a nerve fascicle and capillaries representing probable optic nerve and its associated choroid. No histological sign of infection was observed in the ocular region of any common carp studied. The etiological agent associated with microphthalmia and anophthalmia is indeterminate, and the hypothesis that electroporation caused the ocular deformity was not tested herein. We suspect that the microphthalmic eye could detect light but not form a focused image. A list of putatively similar abnormalities in other fishes as well as anisophthalmia (incomplete eye development) and symmetrical cyclopia (medially fused eye) in larval and juvenile fishes is provided. This is the first published report providing osteological or histopathological details of microphthalmia or anophthalmia in a non-embryonic or non-larval fish.

Approximate Stochastic Self-Similarity of Envelopes of High-Frequency Teleseismic P-Waves from Large Earthquakes

A wavetrain of high-frequency (HF) P waves from a large earthquake, when recorded at a distant station, looks like a segment of modulated noise, with its duration close to the duration of rupture. These wavetrains, with their bursts and fadings, look much more intermittent than a segment of common stationary random noise. We try to describe quantitatively this bursty behavior. To this end, variogram and spectral analyses are applied to time histories of P-wave envelopes (squared-amplitude or instant-power signals) in six HF bands of 1-Hz width. Nine M w = 7.6–9.2 earthquakes were examined, using, in total, 232 records and 992 single-band traces. Variograms of integrated instant power are approximately linear on a log–log scale, indicating that the correlation structure of the instant-power signal is approximately self-similar. Also, estimates of the power spectrum of the instant-power signal look approximately linear on a log–log scale. Log–log slopes of the variograms and spectra deliver estimates of the Hurst exponent H that are mostly in the range 0.6–0.9, markedly above the value H = 0.5 of uncorrelated (white-noise) signals. The preferred estimate over the entire data set is H = 0.83, still, this estimate may include some bias, and must be treated as preliminary. The inter-event scatter of H estimates is about 0.04, reflecting individual event-to-event variations of H. Many of the average log–log spectral plots show slight concavity that perturbs the approximately linear slope; this is a secondary effect that seems to be mostly related to the limited bandwidth of the data. Evidence is given in support of the idea that the observed approximately self-similar correlation structure of the P-wave envelope originates in a similar structure of the body wave instant-power signal radiated by the source, so that the propagation-related distortions can be regarded as limited. The facts presented suggest that the space–time organization of the earthquake rupture process is multiscaled and bears significant fractal features; it deviates from the brittle-crack model with its two well-separated characteristic scales. Phenomenologically, the high-frequency body-wave radiation from an earthquake source can be thought of as a product of stationary noise and the square root of a positive random envelope function with a power-law spectrum. From the viewpoint of applications, the self-similarity of body wave envelopes provides a useful constraint for earthquake source models used to simulate strong ground motions.

Identification of the Tooth Class of Molars in Japanese Macaques (Macaca fuscata) by Using a Geometric Morphometric Method

A lot of Japanese macaque (Macaca fuscata) fossil specimens have been discovered from the middle Pleistocene through Holocene deposits in Japan. Although some specimens are isolated molars, previous studies have not used them for statistic analyses, because it was difficult to identify their specific tooth class due to morphological similarities among teeth. In this study, we have applied a geometric morphometric method to explore the morphological differences among three classes of upper molars (M1-M3) in extant Japanese macaques, and assessed the reliability of the application of this method for fossil specimens. Canonical variate analysis revealed that there is a tendency for morphological differences among three classes of upper molars, as follows. M1 is characterized by the concavity of the external outline of the crown in the mesio-lingual region and its expansion on the buccal side of the mesial region and on the distal side of the buccal region, and lingual displacement of the protocone and hypocone. M2 tends to show the expansion of the external outline in the disto-lingual region and its slight concavity on the mesial side with mesial displacement of the metacone and hypocone. M3 is characterized by the expansion of the external outline in the mesio-lingual region and its concavity on the buccal side of the mesial region and on the distal side of the buccal region, and buccal displacement of the protocone and hypocone. All fossil molar specimens could be identified to their proper classes. Although improvement of this method is needed, it is now possible to identify the class of molars, even in isolated fossil specimens, and this may contribute to a better understanding of the evolutionary history of Japanese macaques.

Geophysical interpretation of the Rashidpur structure Surma Basin, Bangladesh

The Rashidpur structure is located in the southern part of the Surma Basin, Bangladesh. This paper presents an integrated interpretation of seismic and other geophysical data considering the available geologic information in terms of hydrocarbon potential of this structure. The study area lies within a gravity high and a high magnetic intensity. Fifteen seismic sections of the study area have been analyzed to interpret the subsurface geology, structure and stratigraphy. Based on the analysis of seismic sections and correlation with well data, four prominent reflecting horizons have been identified. The litho-stratigraphy of the Rashidpur structure is prepared on the basis of well information. The lithological sequences encountered in the Rashidpur structure range in age from Miocene to Plio-Pliestocene. The gas producing sands of the structure are within Bokabil to Bhuban Formations of the Miocene age. The seismic study indicates that the Rashidpur structure is a narrow, NS elongated anticline affected by a major reverse fault on the eastern flank. It is an asymmetrical anticline with the axis swinging slightly to the east on the northern plunge and thus attaining a slight concavity to the east. There are various geophysical indications of hydrocarbons in this structure.

Small step graphs of cell data versus composition for ccp solid-solution binary alloys: Application to the (Pt,Ir), (Pt,Re) and (Pt,Ru) systems

It is shown here that crystallographic descriptions of hypothetical AB 63, AB 107, AB 127, AB 215 and especially AB 255 stoichiometric compounds with cell edge, respectively 4, 3, 4, 6 and four times the (A,B) fcc subcell edge stick out as convenient models for ab initio studies of cell data versus composition for ccp solid-solution alloys. Their Wyckoff positions can be combined to generate most binary alloy compositions from 0% to 100% in multiples of 1/64, 1/108, 1/128, 1/216 and 1/256 while retaining the same periodicity and, respectively the same Fm 3 ¯ m, Pm 3 ¯ m, Im 3 ¯ m, Fm 3 ¯ m and Pm 3 ¯ m space group symmetry. As an application, we model cell data for three cubic solid-solution alloys of Pt. (Pt,Ir) and (Pt,Ru) remain close to Vegard's law predictions with a slight convexity or concavity in the plot. That curvature is explainable by the magnitude and sign of the alloying energy. Modeling of (Pt,Re) between 0% and 45% Re in 50 steps of Re n Pt 108− n stoichiometric compounds follows approximately non-Vegard experimental data but with large, unexplained spread. The method has been automated in Materials Toolkit ( http://www.tothcanada.com/toolkit).