288 research outputs found
Replicators in Fine-grained Environment: Adaptation and Polymorphism
Selection in a time-periodic environment is modeled via the two-player
replicator dynamics. For sufficiently fast environmental changes, this is
reduced to a multi-player replicator dynamics in a constant environment. The
two-player terms correspond to the time-averaged payoffs, while the three and
four-player terms arise from the adaptation of the morphs to their varying
environment. Such multi-player (adaptive) terms can induce a stable
polymorphism. The establishment of the polymorphism in partnership games
[genetic selection] is accompanied by decreasing mean fitness of the
population.Comment: 4 pages, 2 figure
Symmetry Scheme for Amino Acid Codons
Group theoretical concepts are invoked in a specific model to explain how
only twenty amino acids occur in nature out of a possible sixty four. The
methods we use enable us to justify the occurrence of the recently discovered
twenty first amino acid selenocysteine, and also enables us to predict the
possible existence of two more, as yet undiscovered amino acids.Comment: 18 pages which include 4 figures & 3 table
2-Dust : a Dust Radiative Transfer Code for an Axisymmetric System
We have developed a general purpose dust radiative transfer code for an
axisymmetric system, 2-Dust, motivated by the recent increasing availability of
high-resolution images of circumstellar dust shells at various wavelengths.
This code solves the equation of radiative transfer following the principle of
long characteristic in a 2-D polar grid while considering a 3-D radiation field
at each grid point. A solution is sought through an iterative scheme in which
self-consistency of the solution is achieved by requiring a global luminosity
constancy throughout the shell. The dust opacities are calculated through Mie
theory from the given size distribution and optical properties of the dust
grains. The main focus of the code is to obtain insights on (1) the global
energetics of dust grains in the shell (2) the 2-D projected morphologies that
are strongly dependent on the mixed effects of the axisymmetric dust
distribution and inclination angle of the shell. Here, test models are
presented with discussion of the results. The code can be supplied with a
user-defined density distribution function, and thus, is applicable to a
variety of dusty astronomical objects possessing the axisymmetric geometry.Comment: To be published in ApJ, April 2003 issue; 13 pages, 4 tables, 17
figures, 5-page appendix (no figures for the main text included in this
preprint). For the complete preprint and code distribution, contact the
author
Morphological integration and shape covariation between the trapezium and first metacarpal among extant hominids
Objectives: The shape of the trapezium and first metacarpal (Mc1) markedly influence thumb mobility, strength, and the manual abilities of extant hominids. Previous research has typically focused solely on trapezium‐Mc1 joint shape. Here we investigate how morphological integration and shape covariation between the entire trapezium (articular and non‐articular surfaces) and the entire Mc1 reflect known differences in thumb use in extant hominids. Materials and Methods: We analyzed shape covariation in associated trapezia and Mc1s across a large, diverse sample of Homo sapiens (n = 40 individuals) and other extant hominids (Pan troglodytes, n = 16; Pan paniscus, n = 13; Gorilla gorilla gorilla, n = 27; Gorilla beringei, n = 6; Pongo pygmaeus, n = 14; Pongo abelii, n = 9) using a 3D geometric morphometric approach. We tested for interspecific significant differences in degree of morphological integration and patterns of shape covariation between the entire trapezium and Mc1, as well as within the trapezium‐Mc1 joint specifically. Results: Significant morphological integration was only found in the trapezium‐Mc1 joint of H. sapiens and G. g. gorilla. Each genus showed a specific pattern of shape covariation between the entire trapezium and Mc1 that was consistent with different intercarpal and carpometacarpal joint postures. Discussion: Our results are consistent with known differences in habitual thumb use, including a more abducted thumb during forceful precision grips in H. sapiens and a more adducted thumb in other hominids used for diverse grips. These results will help to infer thumb use in fossil hominins
Considering the Case for Biodiversity Cycles: Reexamining the Evidence for Periodicity in the Fossil Record
Medvedev and Melott (2007) have suggested that periodicity in fossil
biodiversity may be induced by cosmic rays which vary as the Solar System
oscillates normal to the galactic disk. We re-examine the evidence for a 62
million year (Myr) periodicity in biodiversity throughout the Phanerozoic
history of animal life reported by Rohde & Mueller (2005), as well as related
questions of periodicity in origination and extinction. We find that the signal
is robust against variations in methods of analysis, and is based on
fluctuations in the Paleozoic and a substantial part of the Mesozoic.
Examination of origination and extinction is somewhat ambiguous, with results
depending upon procedure. Origination and extinction intensity as defined by RM
may be affected by an artifact at 27 Myr in the duration of stratigraphic
intervals. Nevertheless, when a procedure free of this artifact is implemented,
the 27 Myr periodicity appears in origination, suggesting that the artifact may
ultimately be based on a signal in the data. A 62 Myr feature appears in
extinction, when this same procedure is used. We conclude that evidence for a
periodicity at 62 Myr is robust, and evidence for periodicity at approximately
27 Myr is also present, albeit more ambiguous.Comment: Minor modifications to reflect final published versio
Nationwide confidential enquiries into maternal deaths because of obstetric hemorrhage in the Netherlands between 2006 and 2019
Introduction: Obstetric hemorrhage-related deaths are rare in high income countries. Yet, with increasing incidences of obstetric hemorrhage in these countries, it is of utmost importance to learn lessons from each obstetric hemorrhage-related death to improve maternity care. Our objective was to calculate the obstetric hemorrhage-related maternal mortality ratio (MMR), assess causes of obstetric hemorrhage-related deaths, and identify lessons learned. Material and methods: Nationwide mixed-methods prospective case-series with confidential enquiries into maternal deaths due to obstetric hemorrhage in the Netherlands from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2019. Results: The obstetric hemorrhage-related MMR in the Netherlands in 2006–2019 was 0.7 per 100 000 livebirths and was not statistically significantly different compared with the previous MMR of 1.0 per 100 000 livebirths in 1993–2005 (odds ratio 0.70, 95% confidence interval 0.38–1.30). Leading underlying cause of hemorrhage was retained placenta. Early recognition of persistent bleeding, prompt involvement of a senior clinician and timely management tailored to the cause of hemorrhage with attention to coagulopathy were prominent lessons learned. Also, timely recourse to surgical interventions, including hysterectomy, in case other management options fail to stop bleeding came up as an important lesson in several obstetric hemorrhage-related deaths. Conclusions: The obstetric hemorrhage-related MMR in the Netherlands in 2006–2019 has not substantially changed compared to the MMR of the previous enquiry in 1993–2005. Although obstetric hemorrhage is commonly encountered by maternity care professionals, it is important to remain vigilant for possible adverse maternal outcomes and act upon an ongoing bleeding following birth in a more timely and adequate manner. Our confidential enquiries still led to important lessons learned with clinical advice to professionals as how to improve maternity care and avoid maternal deaths. Drawing lessons from maternal deaths should remain a qualitative and moral imperative
The implications of thumb movements for Neanderthal and modern human manipulation
Much research has debated the technological abilities of Neanderthals relative to those of early modern humans, with a particular focus on subtle differences in thumb morphology and how this may reflect differences in manipulative behaviors in these two species. Here, we provide a novel perspective on this debate through a 3D geometric morphometric analysis of shape covariation between the trapezial and proximal first metacarpal articular surfaces of Neanderthals (Homo neanderthalensis) in comparison to early and recent humans (Homo sapiens). Results show a distinct pattern of shape covariation in Neanderthals, consistent with more extended and adducted thumb postures that may reflect habitual use of grips commonly used for hafted tools. Both Neanderthals and recent humans demonstrate high intraspecific variation in shape covariation. This intraspecific variation is likely the result of genetic and/or developmental differences, but may also reflect, in part, differing functional requirements imposed by the use of varied tool-kits. These results underscore the importance of holistic joint shape analysis for understanding the functional capabilities and evolution of the modern human thumb
Atmospheric Consequences of Cosmic Ray Variability in the Extragalactic Shock Model II: Revised ionization levels and their consequences
It has been suggested that galactic shock asymmetry induced by our galaxy's
infall toward the Virgo Cluster may be a source of periodicity in cosmic ray
exposure as the solar system oscillates perpendicular to the galactic plane.
Here we investigate a mechanism by which cosmic rays might affect terrestrial
biodiversity, ionization and dissociation in the atmosphere, resulting in
depletion of ozone and a resulting increase in the dangerous solar UVB flux on
the ground, with an improved ionization background computation averaged over a
massive ensemble (about 7 x 10^5) shower simulations. We study minimal and full
exposure to the postulated extragalactic background. The atmospheric effects
are greater than with our earlier, simplified ionization model. At the lower
end of the range effects are too small to be of serious consequence. At the
upper end of the range, ~6 % global average loss of ozone column density
exceeds that currently experienced due to effects such as accumulated
chlorofluorocarbons. The intensity is less than a nearby supernova or galactic
gamma-ray burst, but the duration would be about 10^6 times longer. Present UVB
enhancement from current ozone depletion ~3% is a documented stress on the
biosphere, but a depletion of the magnitude found at the upper end of our range
would double the global average UVB flux. For estimates at the upper end of the
range of the cosmic ray variability over geologic time, the mechanism of
atmospheric ozone depletion may provide a major biological stress, which could
easily bring about major loss of biodiversity. Future high energy astrophysical
observations will resolve the question of whether such depletion is likely.Comment: 22 pages, 5 figures, to be published in Journal of Geophysical
Research--Planets. This is an update and replacement for our 2008 paper, with
a much more extensive simulation of air shower ionization. Ionization effects
and ozone depletion are somewhat large
Wolbachia in the flesh: symbiont intensities in germ-line and somatic tissues challenge the conventional view of Wolbachia transmission routes
Symbionts can substantially affect the evolution and ecology of their hosts. The investigation of the tissue-specific distribution of symbionts (tissue tropism) can provide important insight into host-symbiont interactions. Among other things, it can help to discern the importance of specific transmission routes and potential phenotypic effects. The intracellular bacterial symbiont Wolbachia has been described as the greatest ever panzootic, due to the wide array of arthropods that it infects. Being primarily vertically transmitted, it is expected that the transmission of Wolbachia would be enhanced by focusing infection in the reproductive tissues. In social insect hosts, this tropism would logically extend to reproductive rather than sterile castes, since the latter constitute a dead-end for vertically transmission. Here, we show that Wolbachia are not focused on reproductive tissues of eusocial insects, and that non-reproductive tissues of queens and workers of the ant Acromyrmex echinatior, harbour substantial infections. In particular, the comparatively high intensities of Wolbachia in the haemolymph, fat body, and faeces, suggest potential for horizontal transmission via parasitoids and the faecal-oral route, or a role for Wolbachia modulating the immune response of this host. It may be that somatic tissues and castes are not the evolutionary dead-end for Wolbachia that is commonly thought
Primate modularity and evolution: first anatomical network analysis of primate head and neck musculoskeletal system
Network theory is increasingly being used to study morphological modularity and integration. Anatomical network analysis (AnNA) is a framework for quantitatively characterizing the topological organization of anatomical structures and providing an operational way to compare structural integration and modularity. Here we apply AnNA for the first time to study the macroevolution of the musculoskeletal system of the head and neck in primates and their closest living relatives, paying special attention to the evolution of structures associated with facial and vocal communication. We show that well-defined left and right facial modules are plesiomorphic for primates, while anthropoids consistently have asymmetrical facial modules that include structures of both sides, a change likely related to the ability to display more complex, asymmetrical facial expressions. However, no clear trends in network organization were found regarding the evolution of structures related to speech. Remarkably, the increase in the number of head and neck muscles – and thus of musculoskeletal structures – in human evolution led to a decrease in network density and complexity in humans
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