Distribution and Morphological Variation of Xeronycteris vieirai Gregorin and Ditchfield, 2005 (Chiroptera, Phyllostomidae)

The island pipefish (Anarchopterus tectus Dawson, 1978) ranges from Florida in the USA to Venezuela in Western North Atlantic (Dawson, 1978, 1982; Fritzche & Vincent, 2002), although some authors state that its distribution extends southwards to Argentina in western South Atlantic (e.g. Robins & Ray, 1986; Carvalho-Filho, 1999; Froese & Pauly, 2008). This latter claim, however, is in error and resulted from a lapsus calami (see Dawson, 1978). Here we record A. tectus from north-eastern and eastern Brazil based on museum specimens and an underwater photograph, thus extending its range considerably southwards and including this species among the reef fish fauna of western South Atlantic. We examined three specimens housed in two Brazilian scientific collections, MZUSP (Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de Sao Paulo) and ZUEC (Museu de Zoologia da Universidade Estadual de Campinas). The northernmost specimen is MZUSP 46335, a female 99.2 mm SL (standard length), 18+35 rings, 11 pectoral-fin rays, collected at Fernando de Noronha Archipelago (~03°50'S 32°25'W), off north-eastern Brazil. Specimen MZUSP 64634 is a male 93.7 mm SL, 17+33 rings, 11 pectoral-fin rays, collected at Riacho Doce (~09°34'S 35°40'W), Alagoas, coastal north-eastern Brazil. The southernmost specimen is ZUEC 6312, a juvenile male 37.5 mm SL, 17+34 rings, 11 pectoral-fin rays, collected at Praia do Forte, Mata de Sao Joao (~12°35'S 38°01'W), Bahia, coastal eastern Brazil. The latter specimen was photographed alive soon after collection (Figure 1). The counts of the three specimens are within the range reported for A. tectus by Dawson (1982). An individual with the diagnostic upwards arched short snout, and head and body cirri, was photographed underwater (Figure 2) at Abrolhos Archipelago off Bahia coast (~17°59'S 38°40'W), a little southwards to the locality of the ZUEC specimen. In addition to the three specimens housed in Brazilian collections, a specimen (UFLA 19240), identified as Anarchopterus tectus by C.E. Dawson in August 1977 and collected at ‘Isla Itaparica’ (= Ilha de Itaparica) (~13°04'S 38°46'W), Bahia, Brazil, is displayed at the FLMNH Ichthyology Master Database of the University of Florida Fish Collection, searchable at http://www.flmnh. ufl.edu/scripts/dbs/fish_pub_proc.asp. It strikes us that the UFLA specimen is not referred to in the revision of western Atlantic pipefishes (Dawson, 1982), the more so as the identifier of this specimen is the author of A. tectus (Dawson, 1978). This specimen apparently went overlooked by further authors, and the southernmost reported record for A. tectus remained Venezuela in the western North Atlantic (Dawson, 1978, 1982; Fritzche & Vincent, 2002), the mistaken southward records notwithstanding. Our report extends the known distribution range for this reef pipefish about 4000 km southwards in straight line and about 5500 km of coastline, and its occurrence in western South Atlantic is substantiated by at least four museum specimens.

Can skull form predict the shape of the temporomandibular joint? A study using geometric morphometrics on the skulls of wolves and domestic dogs

Animal specimens in natural history collections are invaluable resources in examining the historical context of pathogen dynamics in wildlife and spillovers to humans. For example, natural history specimens may reveal new associations between bat species and coronaviruses. However, RNA viruses are difficult to study in historical specimens because protocols for extracting RNA from these specimens have not been optimized. Advances have been made in our ability to recover nucleic acids from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples (FFPE) commonly used in human clinical studies, yet other types of formalin preserved samples have received less attention. Here, we optimize the recovery of RNA from formalin-fixed ethanol-preserved museum specimens in order to improve the usability of these specimens in surveys for zoonotic diseases. We provide RNA quality and quantity measures for replicate tissues subsamples of 22 bat specimens from five bat genera (Rhinolophus, Hipposideros, Megareops, Cynopterus, and Nyctalus) collected in China and Myanmar from 1886 to 2003. As tissues from a single bat specimen were preserved in a variety of ways, including formalin-fixed (8 bats), ethanol-preserved and frozen (13 bats), and flash frozen (2 bats), we were able to compare RNA quality and yield across different preservation methods. RNA extracted from historical museum specimens is highly fragmented, but usable for short-read sequencing and targeted amplification. Incubation of formalin-fixed samples with Proteinase-K following thorough homogenization improves RNA yield. This optimized protocol extends the types of data that can be derived from existing museum specimens and facilitates future examinations of host and pathogen RNA from specimens.

Temperomandibular joint is the articulation between the condyle of the mandible and the squamous portion of the temporal bone. It is the most important and complex part of the body and masticatory system. The mandibular condyle plays a crucial role as an anatomical reference point for facial growth, exhibiting an upward and backward orientation. The configuration of the mandibular condyle varies significantly across age groups and among individuals. These morphological differences are influenced by developmental variations and undergo condylar remodeling to adapt to conditions such as malocclusion, trauma, and other pathological and developmental abnormalities.To evaluate the morphological variations in mandibular condylar shapes using panoramic radiographs in the Indian population across different age and gender groups. 1. To classify and analyze the different shapes of mandibular condyles (oval, bird beak, diamond, and crooked finger) observed in orthopantomograms (OPGs). 2. To examine the prevalence of these morphological variations based on age groups (18–35, 36–55, and 56+ years). 3. To assess the gender-based distribution of condylar morphological types. 4. To contribute to the understanding of condylar morphological characteristics specific to the Indian population for better clinical and diagnostic reference. The sample comprised 125 females and 125 males. The participants were categorized into three age groups: Group 1: Young Age(18-35 years), Group 2: Middle Age(36–55 years), and Group 3: Older Age(56 years or above). A total of 250 OPGs were meticulously reviewed to determine condylar morphology. Most common shape condyle found in this study was bird beak followed by oval. Least common condyle shape was crooked finger followed by diamond.In conclusion, this study unveiled a spectrum of condylar morphologies within the Indian population, with bird beak, oval, diamond, and crooked finger types identified. Notably, the oval condylar shape emerged as the most prevalent among both genders and across all age groups.

Systematics of the rare Amazonian genus Eutrachelophis (Serpentes: Dipsadidae), with an emended diagnosis for Eutrachelophis papilio

Intraspecific morphological variation may reflect phenotypic plasticity or adaptive divergence. While adaptive shape divergence may occur more likely among isolated populations with reduced gene flow, phenotypic plasticity may reflect morphological responses to heterogeneous environments, even in spatially connected populations. We evaluated both processes while examining morphological variations among seven wild populations of snakehead fish (Parachanna obscura) along climate and habitat gradients in Côte d’Ivoire, West Africa. Morphological variations were studied by multivariate canonical variate analysis (CVA) as based on geometric morphometrics of 15 fish body landmarks. Correlations between shape variations among populations and climate and habitat characteristics and between morphological and geographic distances were calculated. We found significant morphological variations among the seven populations. The variations in fish shape were concentrated on landmarks related to swimming and feeding, suggesting a contribution of environmental variation to morphological differentiation. However, we did not detect significant effects of climate and habitat variables on fish shape. The trend between geographical and morphological distances was likewise not significant. Therefore, a mechanistic understanding of the factors causing shape variation among P. obscura populations in West Africa could not yet be achieved.

Tadpoles have diverse morphologies and occupy diverse habitats. The morphological differences between tadpoles can be represented by linear and geometric measurements and used to explain the organization of tadpole assemblages. However, the effects of evolutionary history must be isolated from the morphological differences before we can determine which patterns result from the use and sharing of common ecological resources. Here, we aimed to determine how morphological similarities and phylogenetic distances affect microhabitat choice by tadpoles. We analyzed the tadpoles of 101 anuran species and classified them according to ecomorphological guild, habitat use, position in the water column, and floor substrate. We used geometric and traditional morphometric approaches to describe the morphological variation among tadpoles and calculated the patristic distance for each species. Afterwards, we used morphometric and phylogenetic matrices as predictors of the variance in the ecological matrix, using a partial redundancy analysis. When we used traditional morphometric data, phylogeny explained a large amount of the ecological variation. By contrast, when we used geometric morphometric data, morphology and phylogeny explained similar amounts of the ecological variation, showing that the technique used to extract morphological variation affects the results. We provide evidence that both morphology, as a surrogate for contemporary factors, and evolutionary inertia are important in determining the behavior of tadpoles. Thus, niche conservatism can be important in modeling the behavior of tadpoles, but does not explain all the preferences of tadpoles.

People who live in the same region and speak the same language still vary in some aspects of their language in terms of pronunciation, lexicon, morphology, and syntax. This qualitative study described the phonological, morphological, and lexical variations of the Maguindanaon language among the ten Maguindanao municipalities. Purposive sampling, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions were employed. The variations occurred through phonemic changes and other phonological and morphological processes. Phonological processes consisted of vowel lengthening and deletion. In the phonological variation, it was observed that there were phonemic changes from one dialect to another. For example, there was a phoneme /r/ to /l/change where the phoneme /r/ was most likely to occur in Kabuntalan like /biru/, /kurIt/, and /kɘmɅr/ while the rest of the dialects were /bilu/, /kuIɪt/, and /kɘmɅl/ respectively. Findings show that lexical and morphological variations also existed in the Maguindanaon language. Results revealed that the variation in phonology, morphology, and lexicon was associated primarily with geographic distribution.

Seven species are important pasture grasses throughout the western Transvaal, Orange Free State, northern Cape and Natal. Taxonomically, each is a widely distributed species complex with a range of morphological variants and many ecotypes. The local forms well suited to particular environmental conditions are a source of natural variability upon which to base programmes to develop improved pasture strains.Language: English Keywords: cenchrus ciliaris; cynodon dactylon; digitaria eriantha; distribution; ecotypes; environmental conditions; eragrostis curvula; geographical distribution; Geography; grasses; heteropogon contortus; morphological variation; Morphology; natal; northern cape; orange free state; pasture; pasture grasses; setaria sphacelata; south africa; Species; themeda triandra; variability; variants; western transvaal

Purpose:Our assumption was that interfractional shape variations of target volumes could not be negligible for determination of clinical target volume (CTV)‐to‐planning target volume (PTV) margins. The aim of this study was to investigate this assumption as a simulation study by developing a computational framework of CTV‐to‐PTV margins with taking the interfractional shape variations into account based on point distribution model (PDM)Methods:The systematic and random errors for interfractional shape variations and translations of target volumes were evaluated for four types of CTV regions (only a prostate, a prostate plus proximal 1‐cm seminal vesicles, a prostate plus proximal 2‐cm seminal vesicles, and a prostate plus whole seminal vesicles). The CTV regions were delineated depending on prostate cancer risk groups on planning computed tomography (CT) and cone beam CT (CBCT) images of 73 fractions of 10 patients. The random and systematic errors for shape variations of CTV regions were derived from PDMs of CTV surfaces for all fractions of each patient. Systematic errors of shape variations of CTV regions were derived by comparing PDMs between planning CTV surfaces and average CTV surfaces. Finally, anisotropic CTV‐to‐PTV margins with shape variations in 6 directions (anterior, posterior, superior, inferior, right, and left) were computed by using a van Herk margin formula.Results:Differences between CTV‐to‐PTV margins with and without shape variations ranged from 0.7 to 1.7 mm in anterior direction, 1.0 to 2.8 mm in posterior direction, 0.8 to 2.8 mm in superior direction, 0.6 to 1.6 mm in inferior direction, 1.4 to 4.4 mm in right direction, and 1.3 to 5.2 mm in left direction.Conclusion:More than 1.0 mm additional margins were needed at least in 3 directions to guarantee CTV coverage due to shape variations. Therefore, shape variations should be taken into account for the determination of CTV‐to‐PTV margins.

The distinctly non‐random diversity of organismal form manifests itself in discrete clusters of taxa that share a common body plan. As a result, analyses of disparity require a scalable comparative framework. The difficulties of applying geometric morphometrics to disparity analyses of groups with vastly divergent body plans are overcome partly by the use of cladistic characters. Character‐based disparity analyses have become increasingly popular, but it is not clear how they are affected by character coding strategies or revisions of primary homology statements. Indeed, whether cladistic and morphometric data capture similar patterns of morphological variation remains a moot point. To address this issue, we employ both cladistic and geometric morphometric data in an exploratory study of disparity focussing on caecilian amphibians. Our results show no impact on relative intertaxon distances when different coding strategies for cladistic characters were used or when revised concepts of homology were considered. In all instances, we found no statistically significant difference between pairwise Euclidean and Procrustes distances, although the strength of the correlation among distance matrices varied. This suggests that cladistic and geometric morphometric data appear to summarize morphological variation in comparable ways. Our results support the use of cladistic data for characterizing organismal disparity.

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a synovial articulation between the mandibular head of the condylar process of the mandible and the mandibular fossa of the squamous temporal bone. Extensions of the fibrous capsule into the joint space form a biconcave disc that functions as an articulating surface and divides the joint into dorsal and ventral compartments. The TMJ disc plays a crucial role in normal functioning of the joint, and differences in cranial morphology, mastication patterns, and diet are reflected in the material and biochemical properties of the disc. The purpose of the present case study was to compare the regional histologic differences between two elephant genera and quantify the biochemical and biomechanical properties of the African elephant disc. This study provides a unique insight into the elephant TMJ disc and also provides a comparison between the African and the Asian elephant genera. The results demonstrate several remarkable findings. First, structure-function relationships exist within the elephant TMJ disc. Second, regional variations exist in the elephant TMJ disc, and these are likely to correlate with its functional requirement. Additionally, it is apparent that some properties of the disc vary with the specific anatomy, diet requirement, and jaw motion. Finally, in comparison with the TMJ disc of other species, it is clear that, although the elephant disc is unique, it has properties that transcend and are preserved among the species.

The black-faced black spider monkey (Ateles chamek) is endangered because of hunting and habitat loss. There are many gaps in our understanding of its geographic distribution. The Ucayali-Solimões-Amazon fluvial complex is currently recognized as the northern boundary of the species' range, although published reports have indicated that it occurs north of the Rio Solimões. In this study we investigate published records, generate new field records, and assess the current information concerning the northern boundary of this species' range. We conducted the study at the Mamirauá Sustainable Development Reserve in the central Brazilian Amazon, an area of 1,124,000 ha that consists entirely of Amazonian flooded forest (várzea). We collected data on the occurrence of the species from museum specimens and through field surveys, including interviews with local residents, direct observations, and the collection of new museum specimens. We confirmed the presence of A. chamek at 17 locations in the reserve, one of which was an island formed by a river bend cut-off that would have effectively taken any resident spider to the (new) north bank of the Solimões. We therefore conclude that fluvial dynamics were involved in creating the conditions for the dispersal and colonization of the species on the northern bank of the Rio Solimões. The data we present extends the known distribution of the species and increases its representation in protected areas.

The taxonomic history of Claytonia lanceolata is fraught with confusion. Poor preservation of diagnostic characteristics on museum specimens and incomplete original descriptionsmade from limited reference material have resulted in inadequate characterization of morphological features and geographic distributions, particularly for plants in more xeric areas of California. In this paper, we investigate populations previously thought to belong to C. lanceolata and provide an updated taxonomy for Californian taxa based largely on morphological observations and geographic records. These data are corroborated by evidence of genetic polymorphisms and ecological divergence. Claytonia obovata was synonymized with C. lanceolata in 1966 and remained unrecognized until now because previous treatments misinterpreted morphological variation in C. lanceolata s. s. Claytonia peirsonii is a new combination for a species comprising four subspecies endemic to the Desert Southwest, three of which are new to science....

Observations of the Evening Bat (Nycticeius humeralis), a species historically distributed abundantly throughout the southeastern United States, are speculated to have increased in the Midwest. One hypothesis for this expansion in geographic distribution is that local extirpations of other bat species resulted in the expanded realized niche spaces for evening bats. In Indiana, such niche spaces may have been created by declines in populations of the Northern Long-eared Bat (Myotis septentrionalis), Indiana Bat (M. sodalis), Little Brown Bat (M. lucifugus), Big Brown Bat (Eptesicus fuscus), and the Tri-colored Bat (Perimyotis subflavus) due to white-nose syndrome (WNS). Our goal was to estimate the occupancy of Evening Bat in Indiana post-WNS establishment relative to the occupancy of other bat species before significant population declines caused by WNS. We expected that indices of occupancy of nearly extirpated species pre-WNS establishment would best predict current Evening Bat observations, and this would elucidate the niche space evening bats are now filling. We hypothesized that Evening Bat populations may be expanding their geographic range due to compensatory community dynamics, and that their realized niche space may be expanding in part due to losses of other bat species from WNS. We constructed multi-season Bayesian occupancy models using informative priors and integrative prior knowledge to test our predictions. We found that evening bats are occupying the niche space they were already occupying pre-WNS establishment. Furthermore, our results indicate that evening bats may be filling the niche space left behind by Myotis spp. (M. sodalis and M. lucifigus). These results can help us understand the dynamics of bat communities in a post-WNS establishment landscape and may also help to inform conservation of imperiled Myotis species.