Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Morphological comparisons'

>Magister Scientiae - MSc
Bladder grasshoppers belong to the order Orthoptera, ancient family Pneumoridae and Superfamily Pneumoroidea. This small group of grasshoppers are sound producing, nocturnal, herbivorous grasshoppers endemic to the coastal regions of southern Africa. Very little genetic work has been done on these grasshoppers, and there is some taxonomic confusion regarding the validity of some species descriptions. The aim of this study was to provide much needed clarity on the true taxonomic diversity and polymorphic attributes within the Pneumoridae, focusing on selected taxa of uncertain status. Bladder grasshoppers show distinct discontinuous polymorphism, resulting in two clearly different male morphs utilizing two different mating strategies. Primary males make use of acoustic communication for mate location. Secondary males (alternate males) are significantly smaller and employ a “sneaker” or satellite strategy where they exploit the calling between duetting couples to locate the females before the primary male. Three species of bladder grasshoppers have been described (Parabullacris vansoni, Paraphysemacris spinosus and Pneumoracris browni) that only have an alternate male morph. The validity of these species descriptions has come into question with the discovery of alternate male morphs in at least three other species (Bullacris discolor, B. membracioides and B. obliqua). Thus, the species described by Dirsh (1963) may simply be alternate males of existing species. However, to date there have been no studies looking at the genetics of alternate males, which would definitively establish whether they are conspecific with primary males.

When species compete for resources, in a stable homogeneous environment, there are two possible outcomes. The first is that one species will out-compete the other and exclude it from the environment. This is known as the competitive exclusion principle. The second is that both species will manage to coexist. Coexistence can only occur if the species’ niches are differentiated such that interspecific competition is minimised, or eliminated. This outcome is known as resource partitioning. Two closely related Australian skink species of the Egernia genus, Egernia multiscutata and Egernia whitii, are abundant and sympatric on Wedge Island in South Australia’s Spencer Gulf. The species are morphologically very similar and appear to have very similar life histories and habitat requirements. Ostensibly, they would compete for limiting resources in this environment. This thesis is the first investigation into resource partitioning in this previously unstudied model organism. I report the results of multi-faceted investigations into the coexistence of the skinks, E. multiscutata and E. whitii on Wedge Island and the evidence for, and mechanisms of, any facultative resource partitioning between them. Study methods involved a transect survey of most of Wedge Island to determine the species’ distributions and any evidence for resource partitioning; a morphological comparison to investigate any potential competitive advantages of either species; a habitat choice experiment to establish retreat-site preferences in the absence of interspecific interference; and, a series of staged dyadic encounter experiments to investigate interspecific competitive interactions. Resource partitioning was evidenced by differential distributions of the species among substrates containing the elements required for permanent refuge shelters. This partitioning was not mediated by avoidance of particular substrates but by the presence of the opponent species, combined with attraction to suitable substrates. Asymmetries in some morphological characters were found to confer a potential competitive advantage to E. multiscutata in agonistic encounters with E. whitii. Both species were found to have the same refuge site preferences when interference competition was experimentally removed. This result was not concordant with observed resource partitioning in the field and suggests that the habitat choices of both species are modified by the presence of the opponent species. Analyses of staged dyadic encounter experiments showed that E. multiscutata was more likely to gain greater access to a contested habitat resource and more likely to exclude E. whitii from the resource than vice-versa. Nevertheless, the outcome of competitive interactions was not completely deterministic and there was some tolerance of co-habitation. E. multiscutata’s competitive advantage was attributable largely to its greater mass and head dimensions relative to snout to vent length. However, differential behavioural responses to the threat of larger opponent size also played an important part in resource partitioning between the species.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2006.
The entire dissertation/thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file (which also appears in the research.pdf); a non-technical general description, or public abstract, appears in the public.pdf file. Title from title screen of research.pdf file viewed on (February 9, 2007) Includes bibliographical references.

I nuläget finns flertalet företag som tillverkar distanser som är kompatibla med originalimplantat. Det finns dock ingen evidens för att dessa distanser är likvärdiga med originaldistanser när de används på originalimplantat. God passform hos implantatkomponenter är en viktig faktor för att undvika biologiska och tekniska komplikationer.Syftet med den här studien var att jämföra passformen mellan originaldistans och originlimplantat med kompatibel kopiadistans och originalimplantat.Material och metod: Fem originaldistanser och fem kompatibla distanser skruvades till originalimplantat. Provkroppar bäddades in och delade på mitten för att sedan analyseras i ljusmikroskop och SEM. Där mättes kontaktytans längd och mellanrummet mellan implantat och distans och distans och distansskruv. All data analyserades i SPSS.Resultatet: Implantatkoplex med kopiadistans hade fem gånger kortare kontaktyta mellan komponenterna och mellanrummet var större, vilket ger en försämrad stabilitet under andvändning. Analysen av distansskruvens yta visade morfologiska skillnader mot den inre ytan av distansen vilket kan leda till deformation och/eller fraktur av skruven.Konklusion: Användning av lågpris kopiadistanser till Astra originalimplantat kan leda till signifikant avvikande passform hos distansen och en lägre tolerans för stress hos distansskruven.
Nowadays there exist different abutments from different companies that are compatible to a certain manufacturer implant. But no scientific evidence exists on whether the fit of the compatible abutments are comparable to that of the genuine abutments when connected to the genuine implants. God fitting of implant components is an essential factor to avoid microgap formation in implant-abutment interface due to microgaps lead to biological and biomechanical complications. The aim of this study was to compare interface in original abutment and copy compatible abutment connected to original implant.Material and Methods: Five original abutments and five compatible abutments were connected to the original implants. The complex were sectioned in the middle and thereafter analyzed in a light microscope and SEM by measuring contact length and interface thickness between the implant and abutment and also between the abutment and abutment screw. All data was analyzed with SPSS-program.Result: Compatible implant complex had about five times shorter contact surface between components and interface was thicker which gives less stability under clinical function. The analyze of screw-abutment interface showed morphologic differences with the inner surface of the abutment which could lead to screw deformation and even fracture.Conclusion: Using low-cost compatible abutments connected to original Astra implants could lead to significant fit discrepancy of the copy abutments and lower stress tolerance in the abutment screw.

Orientador: Marcelo Antonio Amaro Pinheiro
Resumo: O presente estudo analisa a taxonomia, morfologia externa e interna do sistema reprodutivo e crescimento relativo do camarão-fantasma Callichirus major da costa do Brasil. Para isto, espécimes de C. major foram coletados ao longo de todo o litoral brasileiro e, de forma particular, mensalmente, durante um ano, na Praia do Gonzaga, região Sudeste do Brasil. Um total de 840 indivíduos (316 machos, 524 fêmeas) foram avaliados. Ocorrendo desde o estado do Pará até Santa Catarina, C. major apresentou um rostro com duas projeções anterolaterais triangulares, pedúnculos oculares com pontas obtusas, dáctilo do quelípodo maior dos machos com uma ponta bífida e margem interna lisa, projeção proximal do carpo com margem reta, mero com porção proximal da margem dorsal dentada, quelípodo menor com borda cortante dentada e um dente grande curvado para frente entre as projeções laterais do telso. Estes animais apresentaram diferenças morfológicas marcantes em comparação aos espécimes de C. major procedentes da Florida (EUA), justificando a separação da grande população do Atlântico Ocidental de C. major e determinando uma nova espécie no gênero, Callichirus brasiliensis sp. nov. Nos capítulos desta dissertação que não trataram de taxonomia, optamos por manter o nome da espécie até o momento aceito, C. major. A morfologia reprodutiva externa destes camarões-fantasma se mostrou distinta entre machos, com gonóporos circulares, localizados no quinto par de pereiópodos, e fêmeas, com gonóporos o... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo)
Abstract: The present study analyses the taxonomy, external and internal morphology of the reproductive apparatus and relative growth of the ghost shrimp Callichirus major from the coast of Brazil. For this, specimens of C. major were collected along the entire Brazilian coast and, in particular, monthly, for one year, in Gonzaga’s Beach, Southeastern region of Brazil. A total of 840 individuals (316 males, 524 females) were evaluated. Occurring from the state of Pará to Santa Catarina, C. major presented a rostrum with two triangular anterolateral projections, ocular peduncles with obtuse tips, dactyl of the greater chelipod of males with a bifid tip and smooth internal margin, proximal projection of the carpal with straight margin, merus with proximal portion with dentate dorsal margin, smaller chelipod with toothed cutting edge and a large tooth curved forward between the lateral projections of the telson. These animals presented marked morphological differences when compared to specimens of C. major from Florida (USA), justifying the separation of the large Western Atlantic population from C. major and determining a new species in this genus – Callichirus brasiliensis n. sp. In the chapters of this thesis that don’t deal with taxonomy, we chose to keep the name of the species so far accepted, C. major. The external reproductive anatomy of these ghost shrimps was shown to be distinct between males, with circular gonopores located in the fifth pair of pereiopods, and females with ova... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)
Mestre

Background: Atherosclerosis is a systemic inflammatory disease characterized by the formation of atheromatous plaques within arteries. These plaques can be classified as unstable or stable based on their morphology and cellular infiltrate. Anatomical location of plaques and age of atheroma defines the symptoms of disease. However, there is little in the literature to support this. The study aimed to compare the cellular composition, morphology, lipid biochemistry and 18F- flurodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positive emission tomography (PET) uptake between plaques from patients with recently symptomatic carotid disease and patients with symptomatic peripheral arterial disease undergoing intervention. Patients and Method Patients with symptomatic carotid (≥60%) or femoral stenosis undergoing intervention were recruited. All patients underwent 18F-FDG PET scanning prior to operation. The numbers of plaque macrophage and T cells were determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Double IHC defined the proportion of classically (M1) activated macrophages (iNOS, MHC II and SOCS-3 positive) or alternatively (M2) activated (dectin-1, CD163; SOCS-1). Plaque composition was quantified by a new morphological definition based on percentage area of fibrooconnective tissue, lipid, calcification and cellular infiltrate. The proportion of fatty acids within plaque lipids was estimated by liquid chromatography. Results 34 patients with symptomatic carotid disease and 34 with symptomatic femoral disease were recruited. 18F-FDG PET imaging was carried out successfully in 29 carotid and 29 femoral artery disease patients. 32 carotid and 25 femoral plaques were obtained. Significant differences were noted between carotid and femoral plaques with respect to the number of macrophages (p<0.001), T cells (p<0.001) and proportion of classical (p<0.001) and alternatively (p<0.001) activated macrophages and morphological analysis with evidence of more inflammation in carotid plaques. Lipid analysis revealed higher triglyceride n-6 PUFAs in carotid compared to femoral plaques (p=0.01). FDG uptake between carotid and femoral plaques was not significantly different and did not correlate with immunohistochemical, plaque morphometry or lipid analysis parameters. FDG uptake correlated with degree of symptomatic carotid stenosis (Spearman‟s coefficient=0.482;p=0.008) and symptomatic ABPI (Spearman‟s coefficient=-0.414;p=0.025). FDG uptake was higher in the symptomatic carotid compared to the contralateral asymptomatic carotid (p=0.016). Conclusion This study has shown substantial difference between morphological and cellular compositions of carotid and femoral plaques. Carotid plaques from recently symptomatic patients exhibited significantly greater percentage areas of lipid deposition, lymphocytic and monocyte/macrophage infiltrate and reduced cap thickness, in line with their more vulnerable nature. Moreover, there were a greater proportion of classically activated macrophages that are associated with plaque vulnerability. In contrast, percentage areas of fibroconnective tissue were higher in the femoral plaques. 18F-FDG PET imaging, although capable of identifying plaque inflammation, may not be adequately sensitive to differentiate between vulnerable and stable complex plaques.

Theses (M.S.)--Marshall University, 2007.
Title from document title page. Includes abstract. Includes vitae. Document formatted into pages: contains vi, 74 pages including maps. Bibliography: p.68-69.

Introduction: Effusion cytology can be performed for the purpose of diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of malignant disease. A common analysis of effusion cytology samples is the May Grunwald Giemsa stain.    Aim: The aim of the study was to compare May Grunwald Giemsa stain and May Grunwald Giemsa Quick Stain in order to determine the best quality stain and suggest ways to improve the current staining protocol.     Materials and Methods: The methods used in this study are the routine laboratory’s standard procedures for  May-Grunwald Giemsa stain and May-Grunwald Giemsa Quick Stain but with adapted washing steps that investigates the effect of tap water, distilled water, and phosphate buffer on stain quality. Two pleural effusion samples were stained in the initial experiment and two pleural effusions and one ascites sample in the second experiment.    Results and Conclusion: All samples gave a greater score when stained with May-Grunwald Giemsa Quick Stain compared to traditional May-Grunwald Giemsa stain. For the traditional May-Grunwald Giemsa, the use of any of the three phosphate buffers scores higher than the routine washing where tap water is used. In conclusion, it would be of benefit to further investigate and implement phosphate buffer in traditional staining or proceed with the May-Grunwald Quick Stain for all pleural and ascites effusions.

Morphological productivity is difficult to define and describe. Nevertheless have several measures been proposed by scholars, in order to quantify this notion. This paper investigates ten common English prefixes with meanings related to degree or size. The aims of the study are (1) to review several measures of morphological productivity, (2) via a sample of corpus occurrences of ten prefixes, to calculate productivity figures using five different measures of productivity, and (3), perhaps most importantly, to discuss the differences and similarities of the five measures. The results suggest that while several of the measures are quite similar (e.g. type frequency and hapax legomena frequency), other measures are different (e.g. 'Productivity in the narrow sense'). While three of the measures could be said to provide information concerning past or 'factual' productivity, two of the measures seem instead to indicate an aspect of productivity that is referred to as 'potential' productivity.

Over 200 million dental restorations are performed each year in America. A dental restoration require a strong bonding of restoration to tooth structure and relies on the dental adhesive to create this mechanical and chemical bonding. Dental adhesion or bonding is the process of forming an adhesive joint between the composite and tooth substrate: dentin or enamel. Clinical problems such as microleakage at the restoration tooth interface, influx of fluids, or bacteria growth at the cavity wall can be prevented with adhesives that obtain a more intimate bonding. Longevity of the restoration can be enhanced by the adhesive that creates the tight bonding to reduce problems such as postoperative sensitivity, marginal staining, and recurrent caries. The goal of this research project is to investigate the influence of active scrubbing application as compared to passive non-scrubbing application of the etchant component in 4th generation etch-and-rinse adhesive systems. Shear bond stresses have been measured and compared between application techniques. Verification of resin infiltration depth with each etchant application has been examined with scanning electron microscopy by mounting the etched and bonded enamel surface of the tooth in epoxy and slicing the tooth longitudinally producing a transverse, depth-wise view. Results from this study have clarified the role of resin tag formation as well as tooth morphology during an active acid etchant application for dental restoration.

This study investigated the morpheme acquisition order of Swedish students in grades 6 and 7, utilizing corpus texts drawn from the Uppsala Learner English Corpus (ULEC). It is an extension of Khor (2012) that focused on students in grades 9 and 12. Previous studies on morpheme acquisition order suggested that there was a natural sequence in acquiring morphemes, regardless of first language (L1). First language influence was said to be minimal or non-existing. Recently, studies have found evidence that L1 transfer is greater than first thought. This study examined three morphemes; articles, the preposition in, and plural form. The results showed that the errors that both groups made were consistent with the errors that were found in Khor (2012). The errors were of the same nature in all age groups, mainly in differences in (1) generic and specific usage of articles in Swedish and English, (2) the generic sense of regular plural nouns, (3) plural form of irregular nouns and nouns of Latin or Greek origin, (4) plural forms of countable and misuse of uncountable nouns, and (5) the usage of prepositions in Swedish and English. Current studies have also generated these results, which points towards strong L1 influence. The different usage and the errors suggest that the first language influence is stronger than first described, and consequently, that it influences the acquisition of morphemes. Therefore, the L1 seems to shape the order in which grammatical morphemes are acquired. Learners in one language group seem to learn the morphemes in a specific order, rather than a fixed universal order.

The thesis investigates development, improvement and evaluation of methods for quantitative characterization of objects from their digital images and similarity measurements between digital images. Methods for quantitative characterization of objects from their digital images are increasingly used in applications in which error can have crtical consequences, but the traditional methods for shape quantification are of low precision and accuracy. In the thesis is shown that the coverage of a pixel by a shape can be used to highly improve the accuracy and precision of using digital images to estimate the maximal distance between objects furthest points measured in a given direction. It is highly desirable that a distance measure between digital images can be related to a certain shape property and morphological operations are used when defining a distance for this purpose. Still, the distances defined in this manner turns out to be insufficiently sensitive to relevant data representing shape properties in images. We show that the idea of adaptive mathematical morphology can be used successfully to overcome problems related to sensitivity of distances defined via morphological operations when comparing objects from their digital image representations.
У тези су размотрени развој, побољшање и евалуација метода за квантитативну карактеризацију објеката приказаних дигиталним сликама, као и мере растојања између дигиталних слика. Методе за квантитативну карактеризацију објеката представљених дигиталним сликама се  све више користе у применама у којима грешка може имати критичне последице, а традиционалне методе за  квантитативну карактеризацију су мале прецизности и тачности. У тези се показује да се коришћењем информације о покривеност пиксела обликом може значајно побољшати прецизност и тачност оцене растојања између две најудаљеније тачке облика мерено у датом правцу. Веома је пожељно да мера растојања између дигиталних слика може да се веже за одређену особину облика и морфолошке операције се користе приликом дефинисања растојања у ту сврху. Ипак, растојања дефинисана на овај начин показују се недовољно осетљива на релевантне податке дигиталних слика који представљају особине облика. У тези се показује да идеја адаптивне математичке морфологије може успешно да се користи да би се превазишао поменути  проблем осетљивости растојања дефинисаних користећи морфолошке операције.
U tezi su razmotreni razvoj, poboljšanje i evaluacija metoda za kvantitativnu karakterizaciju objekata prikazanih digitalnim slikama, kao i mere rastojanja između digitalnih slika. Metode za kvantitativnu karakterizaciju objekata predstavljenih digitalnim slikama se  sve više koriste u primenama u kojima greška može imati kritične posledice, a tradicionalne metode za  kvantitativnu karakterizaciju su male preciznosti i tačnosti. U tezi se pokazuje da se korišćenjem informacije o pokrivenost piksela oblikom može značajno poboljšati preciznost i tačnost ocene rastojanja između dve najudaljenije tačke oblika mereno u datom pravcu. Veoma je poželjno da mera rastojanja između digitalnih slika može da se veže za određenu osobinu oblika i morfološke operacije se koriste prilikom definisanja rastojanja u tu svrhu. Ipak, rastojanja definisana na ovaj način pokazuju se nedovoljno osetljiva na relevantne podatke digitalnih slika koji predstavljaju osobine oblika. U tezi se pokazuje da ideja adaptivne matematičke morfologije može uspešno da se koristi da bi se prevazišao pomenuti  problem osetljivosti rastojanja definisanih koristeći morfološke operacije.

碩士
國立臺灣大學
生態學與演化生物學研究所
105
Yushania niitakayamensis (Bambusoideae; Poaceae), a perennial bamboo species, grows in full sunlight forming meadows or dominates the forest understory. In this study, I aimed to answer following questions. (1) In addition to plant heights, are there differences in leaf morphological, anatomical and photosynthetic traits between Y. niitakayamensis populations? (2) What are the effects of the aforementioned differences on Y. niitakayamensis growing in two habitats with different light regimes? (3) Are these differences caused by phenotypic plasticity or genetic variation? I also investigated seed germination and seedling growth of Y. niitakayamensis. Significant differences in leaf length/width ratio, leaf area, stomatal density, leaf thickness, and chlorophyll content per unit mass were found between plants growing in meadow and in forest understory at He-huan mountains. Plants growing in forest understory had more fusoid cells (specialized mesophyll) intercellular space than plants growing in meadow. These differences would result in differences in leaf light absorptance, heat dissipation, water-use efficiency, and photosynthetic performance between the two populations. Plants from both habitats were transplanted and grown under two light treatments (full sun and 70 % shading) for eight months. Y. niitakayamensis expressed plastic phenotypes in leaf morphological, anatomical and photosynthetic traits in response to contrasting light environments. The adjustments in leaf physiological traits were faster than morphological traits in response to different light regimes. The occurrence of fusoid cell intercellular space is associated with growth light regimes. However, most of the aforementioned differences in leaf traits disappeared when plants from both habitats grown under the same light regime. Nevertheless, plants from different habitats showed differences in some leaf traits (e.g., leaf length/width ratio, light-saturated net photosynthetic rate and apparent quantum yield) and the degree of phenotypic plasticity in leaf thickness, nitrogen content per unit area and water-use efficiency in response to different light regimes indicating some genetic differentiation between the two populations. The seeds, after palea and lemma being removed, of Y. niitakayamensis were not germinated synchronously indicating seed dormancy. Totally about 70 % of seeds were germinated, 187 days after sowing. The germinated seedlings were then grown under two light treatments (full sun and 70 % shading). Significant differences in leaf length, width, area, and the length of second internode, but not in plant height, were found between seedlings grown in different light environments for six months.

Babesia bovis has been an important disease agent in the U.S. cattle industry for over a century. Recently, B. bovis-like parasites have been identified in white-tailed deer (WTD; Odocoileus virginianus) in Texas. If the parasites found in the WTD are B. bovis that are able to infect cattle, the disease could re-emerge. Susceptible adult cattle often die from this disease, which would result in severe production losses, as well as a decrease in carcass weights of disease survivors. The B. bovis-like parasite found in WTD was compared to B. bovis from cattle, by ribosomal DNA sequence analysis. Babesia isolated from WTD were found to have 99% identity to B. bovis from GenBank cattle sequences. No cattle samples in this study were found to be positive for B. bovis. On culture of WTD samples, a Babesia parasite could not be visualized based on common morphological features. Trypanosoma cervi has been studied for decades, but all the previous research identified this parasite solely by morphology. Trypanosoma species obtained from different host species was compared by ribosomal DNA sequence analyses. In this study, the Trypanosoma cultured from WTD had the morphological appearance of T. cervi. On sequence analysis, the cattle sequences aligned together with cattle isolates and the WTD sequences aligned closely with elk (Cervus canadensis) sequences, indicating that wild ungulates (WTD and elk) and cattle most likely have separate trypanosome species. On distribution analysis there was a trend in three South Texas counties, where the county with the highest occurrence of Trypanosoma had the lowest occurrence of Babesia; and vice versa. It is possible that Trypanosoma and Babesia blood parasites compete within the mammalian host, but the chi-squared test did not show a significant association between the two parasites in the different counties. On seasonal analysis, the correlation between positive samples and season could not be statistically confirmed, but it appears that Babesia infected animals are found in lowest numbers during hot, dry seasons. It also appears that there is another vector for Trypanosoma in South Texas besides the ked (Lipoptena mazamae) and tabanid fly (Tabanus spp.).

博士
國立中興大學
生命科學系所
103
The teleost pseudobranch is a reduced mandibular gill arch, with multi-structures ranges from a free, gill-like structure to deeply burried in the opercular tissue with fused lamellae; and in some species, even no pseudobranch exhibited. The structures of the pseudobranch have been studied only in a few euryhaline species and thus remain an unsolved mystery. Previous studies proposed multiple functions for the pseudobranch, such as osmoregulation, respiration, endocrine and vision. Recently, it is suggested that the pseudobranch plays a role for vision and ocular oxygen secretion. However, in vivo experiments could not provide direct evidence. A definitive role for the pseudobranch still remains to be established. In addition, the pseudobranchs contain not only the chloride cells (CCs), but also a unique cell type, the pseudobranch type cells (PSCs). Meanwhile, only few references addressed their performing differences and related functions. Therefore, this project will focus on three topics including (1) the structure differences of the pseudobranchs between the seawater (SW) and fresh water (FW) acclimated fish, (2) the expression differences of ion transporting systems between the PSCs and CCs, and (3) comparison the ultra-structure of the PSCs in different salinities environments. The results showed that the pseudobranch of milkfish, silver moony and tilapia belongs to the lamellae-free type, the semi-free type and the embedded type, respectively. The morphometric measurements of the milkfish pseudobranchs between SW and FW milkfish were not significantly different. However, the scanning electron microscopic observations of the pseudobranchs of the milkfish showed that the length of lamellae were longer on the buccal edge in the FW- rather than the SW-acclimated individuals. In addition, the lamellae of pseudobranchs were fused over a larger area on the buccal edge in the FW- compared to the SW-acclimated moony. On the other hand, the profiles of Na+, K+ -ATPase (NKA) protein abundance and activity were higher in the pseudobranchs of the milkfish and silver moony from the SW than the FW individuals, which were opposite to those of the gills. Furthermore, abundant CCs and PSCs were found in the pseudobranchs of the milkfish and silver moony, and both cells exhibited high NKA protein expression from immuno-histochemical staining. Meanwhile, only CCs exhibited Na+, K+, 2 Cl- cotransporter (NKCC) on the basolateral membrane and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) on the apical membrane. The size and numbers of CCs increased in SW-acclimated individuals. In contrast, few and smaller CCs in the filaments close to the afferent artery of the pseudobranchs from the FW-acclimated milkfish and silver moony. Moreover, the PSCs exhibited neither NKCC nor CFTR immuno-reactive and were larger in FW than SW-acclimated milkfish, silver moony and tilapia. From the transmission electron microscopic observations showed that PSCs containing mitochondria distributed closely packed in basal layer with cytoplasmic tubules into regular, parallel arrays and are associated with the blood compartment separated by pillar cells. In addition, sizes of mitochondria were larger in the PSCs from FW than SW-acclimated teleosts. Taken together, our results implicated that the pseudobranch differs from the gill in terms of the osmoregulation, and a role during adaptation to freshwater is likely to be established.

碩士
國立臺灣大學
森林學研究所
90
The purposes of this study were （1） to compare the mycorrhizal morphology formed by Tuber indicum and T. formosanum on Cyclobalanopsis glauca, and （2）to test pure culture synthesis of Russula lepida and Alpova piceus with Pinus taiwanensis Hay. The characteristics of both mycorrhizal types formed by T. indicum and T. formosanum on C. glauca were summarized as follows： （Ⅰ）T. indicum：T. indicum formed monopodial or dichotomous ectomycorrhizae. Color of the mycorrhiza was light brown when it was young, brown when it was mature, and changed to dark brown when it was old. The structure of outer mantle was felt prosenchyma, and the inner mantle was regular synenchyma. Hyphae of the mycorrhizal mantle surface has obvious ring-wart structure. Hartig nets extended to the third layer of the cortex cells, and the intercellular hyphae reached to the third layer. There were round contents in the hyphae of the Hartig nets and fungus mantle . （Ⅱ）T. formosanum：The majority of ectomycorrhizae formed by T. formosanum were monopodial, but only few mycorrhizae were dichotomous. Color of the mycorrhiza was light brown when it was young, and with golden bristles when it was mature, and became yellow-brown or dark brown when it was old. The structure of outer mantle was felt prosenchyma, and the inner mantle was regular synenchyma. Hyphae of the mycorrhizal mantle surface were smooth. The Hartig nets extended to the second layer of the cortex cells. According to the reactions of the mycorrhizal elements to the chemical reagents, differences of T. indicum and T. formosanum were（1）The color of the extended hyphae of T. indicum became red-brown with conc. H2SO4, light-green with conc. NH4OH, light-grey with 37﹪formalin, but no color changed of T. formosanum was found with conc. H2SO4、conc. NH4OH and 37﹪formalin；（2）The color of the T. indicum mantle hyphae became dark-brown with 10﹪FeSO4；on the contrary, the color of T. formosanum mantle hyphae became dark-green；（3）The Hartig nets of T. indicum became light-blue with 10﹪FeSO4, and those of T. formosanum became green；（4）The color of the Hartig nets of T. indicum became green with conc. NH4OH, but those of T. formosanum became dark-brown. The optimum agar medium tested for colony growth of two ectomycorrhizal fungi, viz. R. lepida and A. piceus was：1. MMN≧YMT≧MYC for R. lepida；2. MMN≧MYC＞YMT for A. piceus. A. piceus could form typical monopodial and dichotomous white ectomycorrhizae with P. taiwanensis using the pure culture synthesis, The structure of outer mantle was felt prosenchyma, and the inner mantle was net synenchyma. The hyphae mantle was 15∼30μm thick, The Hartig nets extended to the second layer of the cortex cells. R. lepida could only colonize around the root system of P. taiwanensis, and could not form mycorrhiza.

碩士
國立陽明大學
微生物暨免疫學研究所
87
英文摘要 The extracellular matrix bind to various integrin and induce signaling pathways to result in different responses. Preliminary data demonstrated that the platelet morphology is different between signaling pathway of GST-rhodostomin and anti-a6 antibody. In this study, we used GST-recombinant protein to investigate the signaling pathway between rhodostomin and anti-a6 antibody. The amino acid sequence of RGD (specific for integrin aIIbb3) was replaced by IKVAV or IAFQRN (specific for integrin a6b1) in the rhodostomin loop domain and called GST-a2000 and GST-AG32, respectively. Induction of cell adhesion and morphological change by interacting with GST-a2000，GST-AG32 and three GRD-containing substrates [GST-FN, GST-D15(NWK), and GST-Rho(RGD)] which were coated on plates, was studied. Our results showed that neither GST-a2000 nor GST-AG32 could induce CHO cell adhesion or morphological change in platelet. GST-FN could induce attachment of four CHO cell lines (CHOaIIbb3、CHOb3、CHOav and CHOa6b4) while GST-Rho(RGD) only induced attachment in three ones (CHOaIIbb3、CHOb3 and CHOav) attachment. The capability of inducing CHO cell attachment by GST-FN is better than that by GST-Rho(RGD). No CHO cell attachment could be induce by GST-D15(NWK). Results in platelet attachment assay showed that the capability of inducing platelet attachment and morphological change by the three GRD-containing matrixes was in order of : GST-Rho(RGD) > GST-FN > GST-D15(NWK). The discrepancy between GST-FN and GST-Rho(RGD) in the attachment assay of CHO cells and platelets suggested that two substrates may bind to different integrins and trigger different signaling pathways in the two cell types.

碩士
國立中山大學
電機工程學系研究所
94
The morphological image processing can modify the shapes of objects very efficiently by structure elements. Thus, the morphology processing has recently been applied to industry auto-inspection and medical image processing successfully. In this thesis, we incestigate the efficient processing of morphological image processing by two approaches: quadtree approach and paralell approach. By the quadtree decomposition, any binary image can be decomposed into black and white square blocks with some fixed size of power of 2. Thus, dilation of the whole image can be accomplished by dilating individual decomposed square blocks. On the other hand, any binary image can be presented by bit per pixel basis. Thus, we can exploit the parallel on a personal computer to speed up the set oriented morphological image processing. Experiments have revealed that both approach are much faster than the direct method. The quadtree approach are most advantageous for large structure elements. Whereas, the parralel approach are the fastest for the usual applications.

碩士
國立交通大學
資訊科學系所
93
There are several ways to achieve image morphing. But it always goes along with some improper phenomenon – “ghost effect” in morphing process. To avoid this phenomenon, in this paper, we will study on morphological interpolations and morphing by level set methods. More detailed, in our experiments, we implement several different interpolating ways to achieve morphological interpolations; and we implement blending to represent level set methods. After comparing the implement results of several kinds of morphological interpolations and blending, we make an attempt to enhance the blending morphed images reusing distance-based interpolation. Actually, we can observe that the results of enhanced blending are more brighten than original blending morphed images.

Holocene shoreline sequences and associated shelf stratigraphy are described from a high gradient, high wave energy shelf offshore the central KwaZulu-Natal and northern KwaZulu-Natal coastlines. These are examined using high resolution single-channel seismic and multibeam bathymetric means in order to describe the shallow stratigraphy and seafloor geomorphology of each area. The development and preservation of two distinct planform shorelines at -100 m (northern KwaZulu-Natal) and -60 m (northern KwaZulu-Natal and central KwaZulu-Natal) is described. The shallow seismic stratigraphy of northern KwaZulu-Natal comprises three seismic units (Units 1-3) corresponding to calcarenite barriers (Unit 1), back barrier lagoonal sediments (Unit 2) and the contemporary highstand sediment wedge (Unit 3). At intervening depths between each shoreline the shelf is characterised by erosional surfaces that reflect ravinement processes during periods of slowly rising sea level. Where shorelines are not preserved, areas of scarping in the ravinement surface at depths coincident to adjoining shorelines are apparent. These areas represent rocky headlands that separated the sandy coastal compartments where the shorelines formed and are a function of the high gradient. In central KwaZulu-Natal where the shelf is notably wider and gentler, shoreline building was more intense. Five major seismic units are identified (Units 1-5) with several subsidiary facies. The formation of the -60 m barrier complex (Unit 2) in central KwaZulu-Natal was accompanied by the simultaneous formation of a back-barrier system comprising lake-lagoon depressions (Unit 3) and parabolic dune fields aligned to the local aeolian transport direction, formed on a widened coastal plain. On the seaward margins of the barrier, gully and shore platform features developed coevally with the barrier system. Several relict weathering features (Unit 4) are associated with the barrier and reflect similar processes observed in contemporary aeolianite/beachrock outcrops on the adjacent coastline. The two submerged shoreline sequences observed are attributed to century to millennial scale periods of stasis during which shoreline equilibrium forms developed and early diagenesis of beachrock and aeolianite occurred. These extensive phases of shoreline development are thought to have occurred during periods of stillstand or slowstand associated with the Bølling-Allerod Interstadial (~14.5 ka BP) and the Younger Dryas Cold Period (~12.7-11.6 Ka BP). Shoreline preservation in such an environment is considered unlikely as a result of intense ravinement during shoreline translation, coupled with the high energy setting of the KwaZulu-Natal shelf. Preservation of both the 100 m and 60 m shorelines occurred via overstepping where preservation was promoted by particularly rapid bouts of relative sea-level rise associated with meltwater pulses 1A and 1B (MWP-1A and -1B). This was aided by early cementation of the shoreline forms during stillstand. Differences in shelf setting have led to variations in the style of barrier preservation and associated transgressive stratigraphies between the central KwaZulu-Natal and northern KwaZulu-Natal shelves. The main differences include a much thicker post-transgressive sediment drape, higher degrees of transgressive ravinement and an overall simplified transgressive system’s tract (TST) architecture on the steeper and narrower continental shelf of northern KwaZulu-Natal. In comparison, the central KwaZulu-Natal shelf’s 60 m shoreline complex reflects more complicated equilibrium shoreline facets, large compound dune fields formed in the hinterland of the shoreline complex, higher degrees of preservation and a more complicated transgressive stratigraphy.
Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2013.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Wisconsin--Madison, 1995.
Typescript. eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 42-46).

Official monitoring programs implemented by the Portuguese Environmental Agency (APA), do not fully survey all streams and rivers due to their nationalwide coverage, budget, and practical limitations. Two rivers in the north of Portugal, the Sousa and Ferreira rivers, with a recent past of different types of pollution and that run over areas with a high degree of alteration and dense population, were analyzed ecologically based on biological (diatom communities), physicochemical, and hydromorphological data. Diatoms are excellent ecological indicators of water quality. They are broadly distributed, show high species diversity, and respond rapidly to anthropogenic pressures. The Water Framework Directive (WFD) gives the legal basis for the use of this ecological indicator for water quality assessment, through the calculation of autoecological indexes. Portugal officially adopted the use of the Specific Polluosensitivity Index (SPI), which after determined, is converted into Ecological Quality Ratio (EQR). To determine the SPI, a morphological identification and cunt of diatom species using a microscope is required. This approach requires high taxonomic skills and several hours of analysis. DNA metabarcoding combined with high-throughput sequencing techniques (HTS), offer a promising alternative to classic methodologies, reducing time and costs. The aim of this study was to verify what kind of pressures affect these rivers and streams in the municipality of Paredes, develop plans to improve the sites under study, compare the EQR values obtained for both methodologies, and verify the effectiveness and reliability of DNA metabarcoding on diatoms in the bioassessment of these watercourses. Diatoms were sampled following WFD standards in 2 rivers and streams (21 samples) from the municipality of Paredes, in autumn 2019. All samples were submitted in parallel to the molecular and morphological methodologies. Molecular methodology started with eDNA extraction, followed by DNA sequencing (Illumina MiSeq) using 312 bp rbcL DNA barcode. In the Mothur software, the sequences obtained were analyzed producing Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) taxonomically assigned to the R-Syst::diatom reference library. Inventories of diatom communities revealed only 24.2% of the species were common among methodologies, which is explained by the incompleteness of reference library. Regarding the EQR values, the results indicated a good correlation between morphological and molecular methods. PCO analysis revealed a gradient of quality classification in both methodologies, supporting the hypothesis that DNA metabarcoding may be a good option for ecological quality assessment. However, there is work to be done so that this new methodology can integrate in WFD standards. Biological, physical-chemical and hydromorphological data showed negative impacts on watercourses in urbanized and agricultural areas, requiring the implementation of measures and awareness of the population for the dangers involved.
Dois rios do norte de Portugal, os rios Sousa e Ferreira, com um passado recente de diferentes tipos de poluição e que percorrem zonas com elevado grau de alteração e densa população, foram analisados ecologicamente com base em dados biológicos (comunidades de diatomáceas), físico-químicos e hidromorfológicos. As diatomáceas são excelentes indicadores ecológicos da qualidade da água. Elas são amplamente distribuídas, apresentam alta diversidade de espécies e respondem rapidamente às pressões antropogénicas. A Diretiva Quadro da Água (DQA) fornece a base legal para a utilização deste bioindicador para avaliação da qualidade da água, através do cálculo de índices autoecológicos. Portugal adotou oficialmente a utilização do Indice de Polluosensibilité Spécifique (IPS), que após determinado, é convertido em Rácio de Qualidade Ecológica (RQE). Para o IPS, é necessária uma identificação morfológica e contagem das espécies de diatomáceas usando o microscópio. Esta abordagem requer alto conhecimento taxonómico e várias horas de análise. DNA metabarcoding combinado com técnicas de sequenciamento de alto rendimento (HTS), oferece uma alternativa promissora às metodologias clássicas, reduzindo tempo e custos. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar que tipo de pressões afetam os rios e ribeiras no município de Paredes, desenvolver planos de melhoramento dos locais em estudo, comparar os valores de EQR obtidos para ambas as metodologias e verificar a eficácia e fiabilidade do DNA metabarcoding na avaliação biológica destes cursos de água, usando diatomáceas. Diatomáceas foram amostradas seguindo os padrões da DQA em dois rios e suas ribeiras (21 amostras) do município de Paredes, no outono de 2019. Todas as amostras foram submetidas paralelamente aos métodos moleculares e morfológicos. A metodologia molecular começou com a extração de eDNA, seguida pelo sequenciamento de DNA (Illumina MiSeq) usando o barcode de DNA rbcL de 312 bp. No software Mothur, as sequências obtidas foram analisadas produzindo Unidades Taxonómicas Operacionais (OTUs) atribuídas à biblioteca de referência R-Syst :: diatom. Inventários de comunidades de diatomáceas revelaram que apenas 24,2% das espécies eram comuns entre as metodologias, o que é explicado pela falta de espécies na biblioteca de referência. Em relação aos valores de RQE, os resultados indicaram uma boa correlação entre os métodos. A análise de PCO revelou um gradiente de classificação de qualidade em ambas as metodologias, apoiando a hipótese de que o DNA metabarcoding pode ser uma boa opção para avaliação da qualidade ecológica. No entanto, há trabalho a ser feito para que essa nova metodologia possa ser integrada na DQA. Dados biológicos, físico-químicos e hidromorfológicos evidenciaram impactos negativos nos cursos de água em áreas urbanizadas e agrícolas, exigindo a implementação de medidas e a consciencialização da população para os perigos envolvidos.
Mestrado em Ecologia Aplicada

碩士
國立中山大學
海洋科學系研究所
104
The family Labridae is the most abundant and colorful fish family in coral reef ecosystem. Most species of the Labridae are sequential hermaphroditism. In addition, their external morphology exhibit obvious sexual dimorphism. Gomposus varius is one of members with elongating snout that exhibits obvious sexual dimorphism, including color patterns and the shape of caudal fin. However, despite the extraordinary morphology, there is no study on the morphology to investigate sexual dimorphism in osteology to date. Previous study has shown that males of Sundadanio can make sound through flapping their distinctive skeleton structure on pectoral fin for courtship. Gomposus varius display similar behavior, but there is still no study on whether this species has distinctive skeleton structure on their pectoral fin or not. In addition, the descriptions on the shape of caudal fin are not congruent among different authors. Previous study has shown sexual dichronism present in other labrid fish. It is possible that sexual dichronism was also present in G. varius. The aim of the present study is to examine the sexual dimorphism in G. varius and to reconstruct the phylogeny of the genus Gomposus and related genera using morphological characters. Muscles of G. varius were removed and specimens of G. varius were cleared and stained to compare the color of bones and the structures of skeletons between male and female. There is no sexual dimorphism observed in color of skeleton and the morphology of pectoral fin. The remaining parts of skeleton did not exhibit sexual dimorphism either. However, the arrangement of last vertical-scale row might be sexual dimorphic. It is arranged in a straight line in females and small males and arranged in a “<” shape in larger males. Further study may be needed to confirm the correlation of the arrangement to sex. The shape of caudal fin described by Randall (2005) and Westneat (2001) is supported by the present study, caudal fin rounded in small individuals, but truncate with prolonged into filamentous in large males. In addition, twenty nine characters of skeleton and numbers of lateral-line scales of G. varius, Thalassoma purpureum, Stethojulis trilineata, Halichoeres hortulanus, Hemigymnus melapterus, Labroides dimidiatus, Anampses caeruleopunctatus, Coris aygul and Hologymnosus doliatus were examined. The character matrix was made by NEXUS Data Editor and the phylogenetic tree were reconstructed by PAUP* 4.0. In the phylogenetic tree reconstructed by all morphological characters, Coris aygul, a species considered as an outgroup, has been placed as a sister group of Halichoeres hortulanus. However, while three characters, thickness of circumorbital bone, shape of leading edge of hyomandibular, depression of lower edge of hyomandibular, were removed, the topology of the morphological tree is congruent with previously published molecular tree, with G. varius, T. purpureum, S. trilineata, H. hortulanus, Hemigymnus melapterus, L. dimidiatus, A. caeruleopunctatus divided into two groups and G. varius a sister group of T. purpureum.

Tese de mestrado. Biologia (Biologia Evolutiva e do Desenvolvimento). Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Ciências, 2011
Um dos principais focos da Biologia Evolutiva é compreender a origem e os processos pelos quais as populações de organismos divergem e se tornam distintas. A diversidade a nível intra-específico pode afectar os processos ecossistémicos, existindo evidências empíricas de que a estabilidade dos ecossistemas pode ser aumentada se existir uma elevada diversidade genética ou fenotípica das espécies. Como tal, a diversidade genética nas populações é importante, não apenas para o potencial evolutivo de uma espécie a longo prazo, mas também para a existência de flexibilidade face a alterações ambientais que afectam os processos ecológicos. Esta possibilidade tem implicações importantes em termos conservacionistas e merece um estudo mais aprofundado, sendo importante ter em conta que a análise da diversidade e diferenciação genética das populações irá providenciar informação fundamental para a conservação, permitindo a preservação da biodiversidade e uma melhor gestão dos recursos vivos. Nos ambientes marinhos, a estrutura genética populacional é influenciada pelos requisitos ecológicos específicos e pelo padrão de história vital dos organismos. Assim sendo, a diferenciação genética em organismos marinhos é altamente influenciada pela sua capacidade de dispersão e, consequentemente, pelo seu modo de reprodução. Para a maioria dos invertebrados marinhos, a chave para a compreensão da estrutura populacional, baseia-se, em parte, no conhecimento da sua dispersão, que, em geral, é muito limitada quando adultos. Dessa forma, a presença ou ausência de uma fase larvar planctónica tem-se mostrado um factor importante na determinação do grau de estruturação espacial das populações nestes organismos. A dispersão de estados larvares permite a troca de indivíduos e genes ao longo da extensão geográfica natural das populações, que pode ser contínua se não houver restrições à dispersão. Uma população distribuída continuamente pode aproximar-se da panmixia, ou pode ser caracterizada por um isolamento por distância, onde a troca de indivíduos e genes ocorre localmente. No entanto, pouco se sabe sobre a prevalência de isolamento por distância em diferentes espécies marinhas, e de que forma é que a variação no fluxo genético e distâncias de dispersão podem afectar a sua expressão a diferentes escalas geográficas. É necessário também ter em conta que factores ambientais podem influenciar a presença ou ausência de estruturação nas populações marinhas. Por exemplo, os padrões de circulação de massas de água, os regimes de temperatura e a topografia costeira afectam grandemente a estrutura populacional em ambientes costeiros, e podem oferecer muitas oportunidades de dispersão passiva. Os eventos de afloramento costeiro, regime de marés, e fluxo estuarino também podem influenciar a dispersão, a uma menor escala espacial. No entanto, muitos destes factores ambientais podem ter um efeito duplo: podem ser responsáveis pela dispersão de larvas planctónicas, actuando como corredores ao fluxo genético ou, alternativamente, podem funcionar como barreiras físicas ao fluxo genético. Assim, um elevado potencial de dispersão nem sempre se traduz em elevados níveis de fluxo genético, e as espécies podem não atingir o seu potencial de dispersão devido a mecanismos de retenção local. Pensa-se, actualmente, que é possível que o nível de estruturação genética se reflicta em diferenças a nível fenotípico. No entanto, a contribuição relativa de factores genéticos e ambientais para a expressão fenotípica não foi ainda resolvida. O mesmo se verifica em relação a factores físicos e biológicos que se pensa promoverem a diferenciação morfológica entre populações contíguas, e que são ainda pouco compreendidos. As espécies exibem, muito frequentemente, variações espaciais e temporais nas suas características morfológicas, e, uma vez que têm sido detectadas grandes diferenças entre populações que habitam locais e ambientes diferentes, a determinação das bases para a diferenciação fenotípica é fundamental para a compreensão da evolução dos organismos. Neste sentido, neste estudo recorreu-se ao uso de dados genéticos e morfológicos, que permitem fazer a interpretação de padrões de variabilidade, permitindo investigar-se a fonte duma possível variação inter-populacional e, também, reconhecer (ou não) a existência de grupos discretos de indivíduos ao longo de áreas costeiras. Mais especificamente, pretendeu-se inferir sobre o fluxo genético na espécie Cerithidea decollata, nos mangais costeiros do Leste Africano, à luz dos padrões putativos de transporte pelas correntes marinhas. A análise separada destes dois tipos de dados irá ajudar a estabelecer até que ponto é que os factores ambientais influenciam a expressão de variabilidade fenotípica em C. decollata, assim como melhorar a compreensão da biogeografia da espécie. O foco da investigação resume-se na avaliação dos padrões filogeográficos da espécie através da análise de marcadores genéticos (sequências parciais do gene mitocondrial da citocromo oxidase I - COI) e de informação quantitativa morfométrica da concha, revelando os níveis de diversidade populacional. O estudo foi realizado ao longo de um gradiente geográfico latitudinal: toda a costa leste Africana (desde o Quénia à República da África do Sul). A informação sobre a estrutura das populações destes gastrópodes dos mangais irá contribuir para um progresso na área da biologia evolutiva, uma vez que os factores mais importantes na formação das estruturas filogeográficas actuais deste género são ainda pouco conhecidos. Esta tese é constituída por 3 partes distintas: uma introdução geral (capítulo 1), uma investigação específica (capítulo 2) e as conclusões finais (capítulo 3). O trabalho científico desenvolvido resultou num artigo científico, a submeter numa revista internacional indexada. No capítulo 2, averiguou-se as diferenças na forma da concha dos espécimes das 32 localidades amostradas através de técnicas de morfometria geométrica, recorrendo a análise de imagem e análises estatísticas. Os resultados indicam que existe uma convergência na forma da concha, e que os diversos morfotipos se sobrepõem ao longo do gradiente em estudo. No entanto foi revelada uma variação significativa entre localidades, indicando que, para a espécie em causa, existe maior variabilidade morfológica a mesoescalas espaciais do que a macroescalas espaciais. Este padrão é provavelmente uma consequência da similaridade de condições ambientais a que os indivíduos estão expostos ao longo do gradiente, levando a uma convergência de formas entre as diversas regiões geográficas – a uma macroescala geográfica (norte, centro e sul do gradiente), mas a acção de factores mais locais pode levar a alguma diferenciação entre localidades. Relativamente à análise genética, utilizaram-se sequências parciais do gene COI, sequenciadas a partir de 172 indivíduos distribuídos por 30 populações ao longo da costa. Uma primeira análise exploratória revelou elevada variação nas diversidades haplotípica e nucleotídica consoante a população. A rede de haplótipos revelou a existência de relações complexas entre haplótipos, resultando numa estruturação genética populacional moderada ao longo da costa, o que foi confirmado pelas análises de variância molecular (AMOVAs). Investigou-se também a história demográfica dos grupos filogeográficos definidos, através de testes de neutralidade e análises da distribuição das frequências das diferenças genéticas encontradas. Os resultados foram consistentes com a hipótese de expansão demográfica recente a norte do gradiente (Quénia, Tanzânia, Moçambique norte), o que tem sido verificado também para outras espécies do oceano Índico. Para as zonas centro (Moçambique centro) e sul do gradiente (Moçambique sul e Républica da África do Sul), os resultados sugerem vários eventos de colonização. Verificou-se ainda a existência de uma correlação significativa entre distâncias genéticas e geográficas. Visto que se prevê uma elevada capacidade de dispersão para esta espécie, por possuir estados larvares planctónicos de 2-3 semanas, estes resultados indicam a possibilidade de um isolamento por distância devido a barreiras físicas, havendo um factor de interacção entre a hidrologia costeira e a conectividade das populações. Combinando os resultados provenientes da análise de morfometria geométrica e da análise genética, observa-se que estes apontam para a existência de uma certa independência entre a variabilidade genética e morfológica observadas. Na realidade, as diferenças genéticas obtidas não se traduziram em diferenças significativas na forma da concha, sendo que a variação desta última se pode dever à existência de plasticidade na expressão de fenótipos, ainda que isso não seja possível de demonstrar recorrendo apenas ao dados deste estudo. A combinação de métodos morfométricos com a genética molecular mostrou ser uma ferramenta robusta para analisar a diferenciação das populações em diversos aspectos, permitindo aumentar o conhecimento sobre diferenciação populacional desta espécie marinha, que poderá eventualmente fornecer uma base para o desenvolvimento de outros estudos relacionados. Foram evidenciados os possíveis factores que levam à divergência genética e morfológica das populações, numa escala espacial muito abrangente, fornecendo informação sobre os padrões de diversidade na costa Leste Africana. Por fim, recomenda-se que este estudo, e outros estudos do mesmo tipo, possam ser aprofundados através de análises complementares que permitam estudar os níveis de diferenciação ecológica e adaptativa entre populações, para que se possa compreender melhor a influência de factores ambientais na evolução das espécies.
In this study I aimed to investigate the sources of a possible inter and intra population variation and the existence of discrete groups of individuals in the mangrove gastropod Cerithidea decollata along the eastern coast of Africa. The combined analysis of morphometric and genetic data helped to improve the comprehension of the population genetic structure and phylogeography of the species. The assessment of shell shape variation revealed a convergence of morphological characteristics with an overlap of shape across the latitudinal gradient in study. However, significant differences were found among sampling localities, showing that most variation in shape occurs at meso spatial scales but not at macro spatial scales. This pattern is most likely a consequence of the similarity of environmental conditions to which specimens are exposed along the coast, leading to a convergence of shell shape across the gradient. Nevertheless the action of specific local pressures may lead to some shape variation among locals. Regarding the genetic analysis, I used partial sequences of the mitochondrial gene cytochrome oxidase I (COI) sequenced from 172 individuals distributed by the populations along the coast. The network analysis showed the existence of a moderate population genetic differentiation along the coast, which was confirmed by the molecular variance analyses. The demographic history of the defined groups was also investigated using neutrality tests and mismatch distributions. The results were consistent with the sudden expansion hypothesis for the northern region of the gradient, which has also been observed for other species inhabiting in the Indian Ocean. A correlation between genetic and geographic distances was also observed. Once it was predicted a high dispersal ability for C. decollata, due to its planktonic larval stage of 2-3 weeks, these results indicate the possibility of isolation by distance as consequence of physical barriers with the existence of a correlation between coastal hydrology and population connectivity. The predominant mechanisms that lead to population differentiation include a combination of factors, such as dispersal ability of the species, ocean currents, habitat discontinuities, phenotypic plasticity, physical barriers and geographical distance. The information about the population structure of this mangrove gastropod will contribute to a progress in evolutionary biology, once the determinant factors in the formation of the actual phylogeographic structures of this kind still remain unsettled.

碩士
國立臺灣大學
動物學研究研究所
93
Thalamic reticular nucleus (Rt) and ventroposter somatosensory signals en route to the cerebral cortex. This study sought to compare and characterize ior lateral nucleus (VPL) are two important thalamic nuclei processing electrical and morphological properties of Rt and VPL, and to classify functional subclasses in the two regions by their electrical properties. Extracellular single-unit activities of Rt and VPL were recorded in anesthetized rats. Spontaneous firing pattern and responsive pattern to tactile or noxious stimuli were used to subdivide the units into functional subclasses. In addition, Rt and VPL neurons were recorded in slice preparations by whole-cell patch technique. Morphological differences between Rt and VPL neurons were analyzed. Our results showed that VPL and Rt neurons differed significantly in their electrical activities, such as spike waveforms, response patterns to different stimuli, and cell morphology. However, subclasses in the two regions differed in their response patterns but not their waveforms.

碩士
國立臺灣大學
森林學系研究所
86
ABSTRACT The purpose of this study is to observe the characteristics of ectomycorrhizae synthesis by semi-aseptic cultures with Boletus edulis 002 ,Macrolepiota procera 001 and Scleroderma areolatum 001 with Cyclobalanopsisglauca seedling and to compare their morphological difference with thenature-infected whiteectomycorrhizal of C. glauca seedling grown in thegreenhouse. By the semi-aseptic synthetic culture , all of B. edulis 002 , M. procera 001 and S. areolatum 001 could form typical white ectomycorrhizae with C.glauca seedling These semi-aseptic C.glauca ectomycorrhizae and the Natuer- infected white ectomycorrhizae could not be distinguished by naked eye.So,for the basis of classfication, they were morphologically investigated under stereomicroscope , light microscope , scanning electron microscope. Besides, the reactions of mycorrhizal elements to the chemical reagents were tested respectively. The Characteristics of C. glauca ectomycorrhizae formed in this experiment could be described as follows: 1. According to the microscopic obserrvation , only the emanating hypha of M. procera 001 has clamp connection , the other mycorrhizal types do not form clamp connection. 2. Harting nets for med by B. edulis 002 and S. areolatum 001 reached to the 2nd or 3rd layer of cortex cells, but those of M. procera 001 and the nature-infected white ectomycorrhizae formed only reached to the 1st or 2nd layer of cortex cells. 3. The structure of dolipore septum is different among the four mycorrhizal types. The pore cap of all species is disconnected. The pore diameter of M. procera 001 is the smallest and the part of the dolipore septum is not swollen. The shape of dolipore septum of B. edulis 002 is onion-like.The dolipore formed by S. areolatum 001 and that of nature-infected mycorrhiza is pea- shaped and creascort-shaped,respectively. 4. According to the reactions of the mycorrhical elements to the chemical reagents , the four ectomycorrhizal types can also be classified by 37﹪ formalin、2﹪phenol、conc. NH4OH、15﹪KOH and guaiacol. Key words ： ectomycorrhizae, semi-aseptic synthesis , Boletus edulis, Macrolepiota procera , Scleroderma areolatum , dolipore spectum

Magister Scientiae - MSc
Palatal Rugae Patterns in a Sudanese Population Sample Palatal rugae are ridges resulted from symmetrical and irregular mucosal folds of tissue and located in the alveolar third of the palate. Palatal rugae identification can have a significant role in forensic identification where it is difficult to use the normal identification methods. The aim of this study is to identify and compare the palatal rugal morphological patterns in a sample of adult males and females of Sudanese population. Maxillary impression models obtained from 100 subjects (50 males and 50 females) of age group 21 – 23 years, of the dental students of University of Science and Technology, Sudan. The data were assessed based on the Thomas and Kotze classification (1983) for the length, shape and prevalence. The Independent - t - Test was used for the statistical analysis. Ethical approvals declared from the University of Science and Technology, Sudan and University of the Western Cape South, South Africa to conduct the study. Statistical analysis showed that females had significantly more number of total rugae on the right side of the palate than in males. The prevalence of the palatine rugae numbers was significantly more in females than in males. Primary rugae were distributed more significantly in females more than males. On the right side of the palate, the straight type of rugae was significantly predominant in females than in males whilst the wavy shape was more in males than in females. On the left side of the palate, the curved type of rugae was significantly more presented in males than in females whilst the diverging unification type was more in females than in males. The distribution of number of rugae shapes in both males and females were seen as straight followed by wavy and least was the circular. The total number of straight rugae was significantly more in females than in males, as well as circular rugae and diverging rugae. In contrast, curved rugae were significantly more in males than in females. There were 11 individuals who did not comply with the Thomas and Kotze classification thus was recorded as unspecified. Page iv This Sudanese study showed significant differences between males and females in the number, length and shapes of rugae. Hence, the individuality and uniqueness of palatine rugae can be used as a tool for forensic dental identification, and possibly distinction between males and females. There is also a possibility that there are ethnic differences in rugal patterns.

Zoonotic filarial infections have been reported from most parts of the world. However, the range of species involved, host-parasite interactions and morphologic criteria for the specific identification of the species is still poorly known and understood. Species of Dirofilaria are the most common agents of human infection and the most studied group of zoonotic filariae. Several other groups, including species of Brugia and Onchocerca are being reported with increasing frequency. Loaina uniformis, a common parasite of rabbits in the southeastern United States, represents yet another species recovered from human tissues, although extremely rare. This parasite is of additional interest because its apparent morphologic and possible biologic similarity to Loa loa a common filaria of humans in West and Central Africa. The present study was undertaken to characterize the morphologic features of Loaina uniformis to enable its recognition when encountered in human tissues. This objective additionally permitted comparison of L. uniformis to Loa loa at both, gross and microscopic levels to determine, to whatever extent possible, the relationship of the two parasites. L. uniformis adult worms both living and dead were collected from the tissues of the natural host, the rabbit Sylvilagus floridanus. These were processed for gross examination and histologic study by light microscopy of serially sectioned material. Detailed microscopic observations were recorded for worms of both sexes and full anatomic characterizations were prepared. Emphasis was placed on the structure of the body and detailed features of the cuticle, hypodermis and musculature. The structural features of the digestive and reproductive systems as well as their arrangement within the pseudocoelom have been characterized. Observations indicate that L. uniformis can be distinguished from all other known species of zoonotic filariae available for study on the basis of their microanatomical features. Equivalent material of L. Loa obtained from experimental definitive hosts was compared with L. uniformis. The anatomical features of L. uniformis and L. loa are similar in many respects and they share many biological features suggesting that they are taxonomically closely related
acase@tulane.edu

Noise exposure is one of the most common causes for acquired sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Recent studies have demonstrated that low-level noise exposure can kill spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) without causing permanent hearing threshold shift. The present study further investigated the dynamic changes of ribbons in the cochlea of guinea pigs and the impact of the noise-induced synaptic damage and the loss of SGNs on the temporal processing of the cochlea in both mice and guinea pigs. Unlike what was reported in mice, the initial loss of ribbon in guinea pigs (>60% at high frequency region) largely recovered within one month after the noise, which was consistent with the functional recovery in auditory sensitivity and cochlear response amplitude. However, temporal processing in guinea pigs and mice remained deteriorated long after the hearing threshold was recovered.

碩士
國立屏東科技大學
熱帶農業研究所
87
Green muscardine fungi, Metarhizium spp., are entomopathogenic deuteromycetes and potentially valuable for developing into myco-insecticides. Determining the DNA fingerprinting and locating molecular markers of the different isolates of Metarhizium spp. are of vital importance to the registration of fungal products as myco-insecticides or to the identification of fungal species. There were a total of 15 isolates of Metarhizium anisopliae and a PJH isolate of Paecilomycetes javanicus collected from various places in Taiwan and other countries. The hosts from which the fungi were isolated included Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Orthoptera, Blattaria and Homoptera. Based on the morphological characteristics, UV resistance, chemical resistance against benomyl, and entomopathogenicity, a comparison was made among the 15 isolates. The results indicated that the condiospores of the isolate HO194 were the smallest and those of the isolate 2575 were the largest. Of the 15 isolates, 14 were determined as mutants of M. anisopliae var. anisopliae on the basis of the characteristics of their conidia. The two isolates, 538 and MA-126, were significantly more resistant against UV light at 250 nm and MAUZ-1 and MA-126 were more resistant against the fungicide, benomyl. In terms of entomopathogenicity, all isolates had low virulence against Pseudaletia unipuncta. There were, however, significant differences in pathogenicity against aphids and Aedes aegypti. In addition, all of the isolates were cultured in SDB (Sabouraud Dextrose Broth) liquid media at 25C and agitated at 130 rpm for 7days before the mycelia were collected. The mycelia were then extracted with the modified SDS method. The extracted genomic DNA was analyzed by RAPD-PCR with 40 different random primers (operons). The results indicated that the closer the genetic relationship among the hosts was the higher the similarity of the DNA polymorphism; e.g., MA-1 and 35520. On the contrary, the isolates from different geographical origins had different genotypings; e.g., 683, 2575 and 3604. When comparing the UV light resistance, chemical resistance, and entomopathogenicity as well as the results of the RAPD-PCR analysis, it was determined that the isolate MA-126 was a mutant strain induced from the isolate MA-1. This determination was confirmed by the differences found in the DNA polymorphism between MA-126 and MA-1. Although MAUZ-1 and KCAL were selected from MA-126, their UV resistance, chemical resistance and entomopathogenicity were different from that of MA-126. This was also confirmed by the unique DNA polymorphism using the RAPD-PCR analysis. Therefore, the RAPD-PCR analysis could be used not only in identifying fungal isolates from different hosts basing on their genetic similarity or their geographical origins, but also in determining their physiological and biochemical differences in UV resistance, chemical resistance and entomopathogenicity.

碩士
中臺科技大學
醫療暨健康產業管理系碩士班
101
Aim: Essential hypertension is frequently associated with the presence of structural alterations in capillaries. Microcirculatory changes play a significant role in various vital functions in humans. The information about morphological and hemodynamic analysis of capillaries plays a significant role for health care professionals. Many studies have demonstrated that capillary nail-fold morphological changes and blood flow dynamics were relevant to the occurrence of many diseases. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a possible relationship between subcutaneous capillary structure and essential hypertension. Method: A Dino-lite microscope consisting of object lens with a magnification of 330, a light source, and a camera with a video frame rate of 30 frames/s was employed to capture microscopic nail-fold image sequences for the measurement of capillary features. Video clips of twenty-five essential hypertension patients (15 females and 10 males; age>50; mean: 62.5±4.3) and eleven normal subjects (3 males and 8 females; age>50; mean: 55±3.6) recruited from a hospital were analyzed in this study. The patients with diabetes mellitus, PAOD, uremia, or Raynaud’s disease are excluded. Finger nail-fold capillary microscopy was applied on the right ring finger. One trained staff observed capillaries and red blood cell dynamics on skin surface of nail-fold. A series of image processing steps were performed from the images and videos. The morphological features are derived from performing geometric analysis on vascular areas, while the hemodynamics was extracted by tracking plasma gaps between two consecutive frames. Result: This study found that significant structural rarefaction of the skin capillaries occurs in essential hypertension. The morphological and hemodynamic features in capillaries, including calibers of arteriolar limb, curved segment, and venular limb of capillary, for normal subjects are all smaller than the patients with hypertension(P<0.05). The average blood flow velocity for the hypertensive patients is significantly lower than the normal subjects(P<0.05). Conclusion: The morphological and hemodynamic features were significant pathological indicators for essential hypertension. Using nail-fold microscope and camera visualizing the blood is a powerful diagnostic tool allowing the observation of capillaries in any orientation, magnification and viewpoint desirable. The extraction of structural and functional features of capillaries can also provide objective and reliable morphological and hemodynamic information. This measurement is a higher precision and lower equipment setup cost. Declaration of interest: The author reported no conflicts of interest. The author was responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

Members of the family Coregonidae are notoriously plastic in their morphology and life histories, but in British Columbia there is little evidence of the kind of variation in trophic structures seen elsewhere in North America and Europe. There is, however, one exception — the mountain whitefish, Prosopium williamsoni. Museum, and field collections of fluvial mountain whitefish from the upper Peace, Columbia, and Fraser river systems commonly contain two sympatry phenotypes of fluvial mountain whitefish. One form (the most common) is characterized by a short blunt snout while, the other form has a long slightly upturned snout. I refer to this latter from as the 'pinocchio' form. Individuals with the pinocchio nose are not confined to British Columbia but are also known from isolated populations in Utah, the upper Missouri system, and the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State. The phenotypes from the Upper Fraser system differ in morphological features usually associated with trophic adaptations including gill raker counts and cranial architecture. Furthermore, the forms exhibit different foraging behaviours in sympatry, suggesting they occupy different foraging niches. A mitochondrial DNA survey reveals that pinocchio and normal mountain whitefish from Upper Fraser River tributaries have significantly different haplotype frequency distributions. The nature of the haplotype variation suggests either asymmetrical reproductive isolation — with normal males avoiding pinocchio females — or strong selection against hybrid progeny.

碩士
國立臺灣大學
電機工程學研究所
96
Human brain function has been regarded as a mystery for a long time, which is not only due to the diversity of brain structures but also due to the variability of neurocognitive functions among gender, age and ethics. To minimize inter-subject discrepancies, most data analyses were developed based on the standard brain template in the field of neuroimaging research.To figure out the relationship between brain function and structure Talairach set a three-dimensional coordinate system , cooperating with the postmortem brain autopsy , and thus a standard brain atlas, the Talairach atlas, was created. Thereafter, Montreal Neurologic Institute (MNI) collected brain images from more than three hundred subjects’ brain MRI image. MNI adopted image processing methods such as realignment and transformation to create a population-based standard brain template by averaging three hundreds brain dataset.MNI template is worldwide adopted nowadays However the difference of brain structures between western and eastern people was observed because of the diversity of environmental and genetic factors. The mismatch issue may lead to bias or inappropriate interpretation in neurocognitive studies. In this thesis, we recruited ninety-five subjects and developed the Chinese brain template (NTU CBT) based on the process of MNI template. As yet, this is the first Chinese brain template that recruited a large population. We observed that the brain shape of NTU CBT is flatter and more circular than that of MNI template by morphometric analysis. The brain size in MNI template is larger than that of NTU CBT by more than 25%. The most significant differences come from height of superior brain and length of posterior brain. In Chinese subgroup analysis, the brain size in men is bigger than in women, especially in brain width. In addition, we found more precise localization more of activation voxels in motor and visual fMRI experiments while incorporating the NTU CBT into data analyses. The thesis showed not only morphologic diversity between MNI and Chinese templates but also showed that there would be more accurate interpretation in neurocognitive functional studies using the developed NTU CBT. In the future, we will work on higher resolution template and complete functional cortical labeling, which may benefit in neuroscience study, human brain mapping and clinical applications.

碩士
東吳大學
日本語文學系
103
The paper compares Chinese and Japanese morphological changes in different time and situations. From current translation studies, it is found that if there is the Japanese auxiliary verb, “タ”, in a Japanese sentence, the sentence’s Chinese translation often comes with the Chinese interjection, “了”—usually one at the head and the other at the end. Therefore, most studies tend to define and compare the two words as corresponding grammatical forms. However, in translation studies, the comparison of the two words mainly focuses on their semantic differences. Seldom are the two words studied from a grammatical aspect, such as if they exert a similar grammatical function in their own language. This paper finds that the Japanese word “タ” and the Chinese word “了” do not exert a similar grammatical function in their own language. The Japanese word “タ” is a grammatical form that is of a regulatory and compulsory function. The Chinese word “了,” however, is a grammatical form that is of a semantic and noncompulsory function. In other words, “タ” reflects tense and aspect in Japanese grammar, and “了” only reflects semantic meaning in Chinese language. Such difference lies in a root dissimilarity between Chinese morphology and Japanese morphology. According to morphological typology in linguistics, Japanese is a language that reflects morphological changes in its grammatical forms. Thus, in expressing certain ideas, the compulsory grammatical forms further develop into grammatical regulations, such as tense and aspect discussed in this paper. On the contrary, Chinese is a language that cannot reflect morphological changes, and is unable to use compulsory grammatical forms in expressing ideas. As a result, in future Chinese-Japanese translation studies, it is important that future researchers observe what measures are taken in the two languages to express a similar idea based on the morphological features and differences of the two languages. It is far from enough to compare Chinese-Japanese translations simply on a word level.