A Quantitative Genetic Analysis of Craniofacial Variation in Baboons

This dissertation is an explication of baboon craniofacial variation and its genetic basis. Intraspecific variation is the result of input from and complex interactions among genetic information, functional demands, and developmental processes. The relative effect of each of these on craniofacial variation, as well as the degree of inter-trait covariance, determines whether traits can respond to selection and what that response might look like. Using a sample of pedigreed baboons, I quantify craniofacial variation to address specific questions regarding the distribution and magnitude of phenotypic, genetic, and environmental variation patterns. In addition, I identify regions of the genome containing genetic variants contributing to the production of craniofacial variation. Results demonstrate that the genotype-phenotype map for craniofacial variation in this sample is characterized by patterns of inter-trait correlation that are structured by both functional and developmental relationships. Much of the additive genetic variation is likely pleiotropic and contributes to craniofacial variation regionally, rather than globally. The degree to which regions are affected by this genetic variation lacks patterning, indicating that no one particular region is any more evolvable than others. Finally, after accounting for differences in cranial size among individuals, both the magnitude of genetic correlations and the amount of additive genetic variation decreases, which suggests selection for body size played a major role in craniofacial evolution in baboons

Smallpox Inoculation Controversy in Norfolk: 1768-1776

The story of the small pox inoculation controversy in Norfolk could best be told if considered in the context of the times. It was therefore necessary to examine the prevailing medical theories in the eighteenth century, the progress of inoculation in America after its introduction in 1721, and the social, political, and economic conditions of Virginia in the decade that the controversy ensued. Only after this background was established was it possible to understand fully the reaction of certain Norfolkians against inoculation, and the reasons why this reaction occurred

Additive genetic variation in the craniofacial skeleton of baboons (genus Papio) and its relationship to body and cranial size

Objectives Determining the genetic architecture of quantitative traits and genetic correlations among them is important for understanding morphological evolution patterns. We address two questions regarding papionin evolution: (1) what effect do body and cranial size, age, and sex have on phenotypic (VP) and additive genetic (VA) variation in baboon crania, and (2) how might additive genetic correlations between craniofacial traits and body mass affect morphological evolution? Materials and Methods We use a large captive pedigreed baboon sample to estimate quantitative genetic parameters for craniofacial dimensions (EIDs). Our models include nested combinations of the covariates listed above. We also simulate the correlated response of a given EID to selection on body mass alone. Results Covariates account for 1.2%–91% of craniofacial VP. EID VA decreases across models as more covariates were included. The median genetic correlation estimate between each EID and body mass is 0.33. Analysis of the multivariate response to selection reveals that observed patterns of craniofacial variation in extant baboons cannot be attributed solely to correlated response to selection on body mass, particularly in males. Discussion Because a relatively large proportion of EID VA is shared with body mass variation, different methods of correcting for allometry by statistically controlling for size can alter residual VP patterns. This may conflate direct selection effects on craniofacial variation with those resulting from a correlated response to body mass selection. This shared genetic variation may partially explain how selection for increased body mass in two different papionin lineages produced remarkably similar craniofacial phenotypes

The Financial Impact of the Defense Message System (DMS) on NTCC Monterey and its Subscribers

The Defense Message System (DMS) is the target communications architecture destined to replace the Automatic Digital Network (AUTODIN). Designed to permit message delivery between office workstations, this system provides DMS managers with the opportunity to cut electronic communication costs and realign assets within a geographical area. This thesis overlays the planned DMS architecture on the Naval Telecommunications Center (NTCC) Monterey, California, and analyzes the economic impact of DMS on the center and the 17 subscribers it serves. Using a five-year projection and net present value theory, it demonstrates a cost avoidance of $492,899 if the communications center undergoes an equipment upgrade and a$1,865,631 avoidance if the NTCC is closed.http://archive.org/details/thefinancialimpa1094527764Lieutenant Commander, United States NavyApproved for public release; distribution is unlimited

Allometry and advancing age significantly structure craniofacial variation in adult female baboons

International audienc

Posterior Skull Base Transfacial Approaches

Transfacial approaches to the midline skull base provide direct access for resection of complex lesions. The transfrontal nasal-orbital and transmaxillary (Levels III and V) approaches have become the \u27work horses\u27 of our skull base team, in that either alone or in combination, they provide access to most parts of the anterior skull base and clivus. The flexibility offered by the ability to select a Level I or Level II approach in place of a Level III approach, or a Level VI approach in place of a Level V approach, however, greatly enhances the individualization of treatment strategy. The over lapping exposure shared by these techniques provides flexibility in the choice of surgical exposure and allows multiple factors to be considered, including tumor location and size

Radical Resection of Anterior Skull Base Tumors

The transfacial approaches give the surgeon wide exposure for resecting skull base lesions. The classification system, using six levels, helps plan the best surgical strategy. Our experience with the transfacial approaches has been associated with acceptably low rates of morbidity and mortality. Our small experience with carotid sacrifice reflects our practice of preserving the ICA whenever possible. We recommend preserving the ICA with benign tumors because they do not invade the artery, or they invade it to a limited extent. In contrast, we recommend radical tumor resection and sacrifice of the ICA with malignant tumors, because they directly threaten the integrity of the ICA and a patient\u27s survival. The ICA should not be considered a limitation to radical tumor resection, because the ICA can be safely reconstructed with an appropriate bypass procedure

A PROSPECTIVE STUDY OF CRANIAL ORTHOTIC TREATMENT OF INFANTS WITH ISOLATED DEFORMATIONAL BRACHYCEPHALY

OBJECTIVES The study objectives were to prospectively evaluate treatment results of infants presenting with isolated deformational brachycephaly following use of a cranial orthosis, and to investigate the role of entrance age on efficacy of treatment. Abstract PDF  Link: https://jps.library.utoronto.ca/index.php/cpoj/article/view/32024/24441 How to cite: Kelly K.M, Joganic E, Beals S.P, Riggs J.A, McGuire M.K, Littlefield T.R. A PROSPECTIVE STUDY OF CRANIAL ORTHOTIC TREATMENT OF INFANTS WITH ISOLATED DEFORMATIONAL BRACHYCEPHALY. CANADIAN PROSTHETICS & ORTHOTICS JOURNAL, VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2, 2018; ABSTRACT, ORAL PRESENTATION AT THE AOPA’S 101ST NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, SEPT. 26-29, VANCOUVER, CANADA, 2018. DOI: https://doi.org/10.33137/cpoj.v1i2.32024                                                                            Abstracts were Peer-reviewed by the American Orthotic Prosthetic Association (AOPA) 101st National Assembly Scientific Committee.  http://www.aopanet.org

A PROSPECTIVE STUDY OF CRANIAL ORTHOTIC TREATMENT OF INFANTS WITH ISOLATED DEFORMATIONAL BRACHYCEPHALY

OBJECTIVES The study objectives were to prospectively evaluate treatment results of infants presenting with isolated deformational brachycephaly following use of a cranial orthosis, and to investigate the role of entrance age on efficacy of treatment. Abstract PDF  Link: https://jps.library.utoronto.ca/index.php/cpoj/article/view/32024/24441 How to cite: Kelly K.M, Joganic E, Beals S.P, Riggs J.A, McGuire M.K, Littlefield T.R. A PROSPECTIVE STUDY OF CRANIAL ORTHOTIC TREATMENT OF INFANTS WITH ISOLATED DEFORMATIONAL BRACHYCEPHALY. CANADIAN PROSTHETICS & ORTHOTICS JOURNAL, VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2, 2018; ABSTRACT, ORAL PRESENTATION AT THE AOPA’S 101ST NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, SEPT. 26-29, VANCOUVER, CANADA, 2018. DOI: https://doi.org/10.33137/cpoj.v1i2.32024                                                                            Abstracts were Peer-reviewed by the American Orthotic Prosthetic Association (AOPA) 101st National Assembly Scientific Committee.  http://www.aopanet.org