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The muscles of mastication of the polar bear (Ursus maritimus) and those of the brown bear (U. arctos) were examined by anatomical approach. In addition, the examination of the skull was carried out in the polar bear, brown bear and giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca). In the polar bear, the rostro-ventral part of the superficial layer of the M. masseter possessed the abundant fleshy portion folded in the rostral and lateral directions like an accordion. Moreover, the rostro-medial area of the superficial layer became hollow in the nuchal direction when the mouth was closed. The M. temporalis of the polar bear covered up the anterior border of the coronoid process of the mandible and occupied the almost entire area of the cranial surface. The M. pterygoideus medialis of the polar bear was inserted on the ventral border of the mandible and on the ventral part of the temporal bone more widely than that of the brown bear. As results of our measurements of the mandible, an effect of the leverage in the polar bear was the smallest in three species. In the polar bear, the skull was flat, and the space between zygomatic arch and ventral border of the mandible, occupied by the M. masseter was the narrowest. It is suggested that the muscles of mastication of the polar bear is adapted to the flat skull feature for supplementing the functions.

Lectin-binding patterns in the testes of the northern smooth-tailed tree shrew, Dendrogale murina and Java tree shrew, Tupaia javanica were studied by light microscopy and compared the data with those of the common tree shrew. Four lectins (PNA, SBA, BPA and GS-II) were used in this study. Peanut (Arachis hypogaea) agglutinin (PNA), soybean (Glycine max) agglutinin (SBA) and Bauhinia purpurea agglutinin (BPA) showed a strong reaction in the acrosomal region from Golgi to acrosome-phase spermatids in three species of tree shrews. These lectins also showed a granular positive reaction in the cytoplasm from acrosome to maturation-phase spermatids in three species, except that BPA revealed no granular reaction (though it was positive) in the spermatid cytoplasm of the northern smooth-tailed tree shrew and that PNA revealed no reaction in the spermatid cytoplasm of the common tree shrew. While, Griffonia simplicifolia-II agglutinin (GS-II) showed a positive reaction in the acrosomal region of Golgi-phase spermatids in three species of tree shrews. Although GS-II was positive in the spermatocyte cytoplasm of three species, it showed granular in the northern smooth-tailed tree shrew and common tree shrew but not granular in the Java tree shrew. Thus, the lectin-binding patterns in testes were similar among three species belonging to the Order Scandentia. However, slight differences were also detected even among these phylogenetically-close species.

The hump attachment structure was morphologically examined in the two-humped camel (Camelus bactrianus). The cranial hump is fixed by the trapezius and rhomboid muscles in the thoracic region. The strong collagen sheet in the basement of the hump is attached to the segmented bellies of the trapezius muscle, and the thoracic rhomboid muscle and the nuchal-supraspinous ligament support the attachment function of the trapezius muscle. The basement sheet possesses the line structure of collagen fibers, which are fitted to the segmented bundles of the trapezius muscle, and we observed that the muscle cells of the trapezius muscle are intermingled with the collagen fibers around the attachment line structure. In contrast, the caudal hump is directly attached to the subcutaneous tissue in the superficial region of the lumbar longissimus and lumbar iliocostal muscles. These findings demonstrated that the caudal hump of the two-humped camel is consistent with the hump of the one-humped camel in the attachment structure.

The skull size and shape were osteometrically examined in the four species of the tree shrews (Tupaia tana, T. javanica, T. minor and T. dorsalis). We suggest that the skull characters were affected by the species specific behavior and terrestrial, arbo-terrestrial and arboreal life, among the genus Tupaia. The neurocranium was laterally narrower in the braincase area, and the splanchnocranium was longer only on dorsal side in T. tana, and these characters were opposite to T. minor. The principal component analysis confirmed the obviously separated clusters among T. tana, T. javanica and T. minor, affected by the adaptation for each behavior. T. dorsalis was considered as terrestrial species from the results of proportion analysis and the principal component analysis.

The Isthmus of Kra in Southern Thailand consists of a lowland of about 70 km in length. It has been suggested that the Isthmus may sink beneath the sea surface according to the change of level of the sea, and may function as a zoogeographical barrier in land mammals in this region. So, the geographical variation was osteometrically examined in skull of the common tree shrew (Tupaia glis) from the both sides of Isthmus of Kra. The osteometrical examination demonstrated that the skull is larger in southern population than in northern one. In the charts of the principal component analysis, however, the morphological separation between two populations can not be obviously seen in female. While, the results of the discriminant analysis indicated the morphological separation between the two populations. These findings suggest that the zoogeographical barrier of Isthmus of Kra may have influence on the osteometrical variation in the common tree shrew, when the Isthmus was covered with sea.

The musculature and functional anatomy of the head and skull of a tiger Panthera tigris were, examined and compared with those of various other felid species. The Musculus masseter is divided into three layers. The superficial layer of which is well-developed and further sub-divided into lateral and medial components. The ventro-caudal fleshy portion of the lateral component originates behind the last upper molar, where it is attached by a strong tendon to the tubercle tuber maxillae. The medial component, which runs dorso-ventrally, has a particularly well-developed fleshy portion. The present anatomical study suggests that in the tiger, large masseteric forces are produced in both ventro-rostral and ventro-dorsal directions. In the tiger, a process is present on the tubercle of the maxilla from which the strong tendon originates. This process is also apparent in the leopard Panthera pardus, the jaguar P. onca and the puma Felis concolor. It is not found, however, in either the domestic cat F. catus or the Iriomote wild cat F. iriomotensis. Comparisons between the skulls of various species of felidae indicate that whereas the puma, the leopard and the jaguar each possess the strong tendon, which bundles the ventro-caudal fleshy portion of the lateral component, the domestic cat and the Iriomote wild cat only possess weak tendons attaching to this component.

The locomotor system of the northern smooth-tailed tree shrew (Dendrogale murina), one of the arboreal species of Scandentia, was examined by means of macroscopic anatomy. In this study, we describe the muscular system in the shoulder, forearm, hip and crural regions. The M. deltoideus and the acromion of the scapula were well-developed. The characteristic postscapular fossa was distinguishable in the scapula. The M. teres major and M. triceps brachii possessed large bundles and were attached to the postscapular fossa. In the hindlimb region, the M. biceps femoris was inserted into large area of distal hindlimb. The M. tenuissimus was discernible beneath the M. biceps femoris. We suggest that these findings may contribute to our understanding of arboreal locomotion in this species, and that this may typically represent the arboreal adaptational pattern of the muscular system in the Scandentia.

Summary In the present study, we examined the cranial nerve foramina of Risso's dolphin ( Grampus griseus ). There were two distinguishable characters in the cranial nerve foramina compared with terrestrial mammals. One was that the foramen infraorbitale was composed of several holes, but not a single hole. They should therefore be termed foramina infraorbitales. The infraorbital nerves ran through these foramina, went into the ‘melon’ and then branched in a complicated fashion. The facial nerve innervated the muscles surrounding the melon. A welldeveloped infraorbital and facial nerve complex may control the melon. Another was the presence of a porus acusticus internus and independent tympano-periotic bone. The separate ear bone forced the vestibulocochlear and facial nerves to exit from the cranial cavity through the porus acusticus internus. The independent ear bone structure may shut off the noise from the cranial bone to the periotic bone with a true receptor of hearing. It may be an adaptation for an acute sense of hearing. Compared with other dolphins, the cranial foramina of Risso's dolphin are definitely separate. The structure of the foramina is similar to that of pilot whales, but not to dolphins, so that Grampus may be closely allied to pilot whales.

We carried out a computerised tomographic (CT) examination to elucidate the modifications in the head related to orbital enlargement in the Baikal seal. Transverse CT images showed that (1) the external frontal contours and the frontal sinuses are compressed medially and ventrally by the orbital enlargement; (2) the caudal part of the nasal cavity and nasopharynx are compacted ventrally; and (3) the cranial cavity is displaced caudally. The neurocranium is obviously separated from the facial part in the transverse plane at the caudal region of the orbit. The disposition of the mandible, zygomatic arch, temporal bone, and the masseter, temporal, digastric and pterygoid muscles is changed by the enlarged orbit in the 3-dimensional reorganisation of the head in this species. It is suggested that adaptation for the Lake Baikal environment primarily resulted in orbital enlargement, and that the altered orbital design may subsequently have influenced the form and function of the masticatory and respiratory system.

絶滅種や稀少種の機能遺伝子を解析することは,遺伝子資源の保全や進化学的研究の見地から重要な課題である.本研究は,毛皮あるいは剥製標本の表皮から効率的にゲノムDNAを抽出する方法を開発し,絶滅種や稀少種の機能遺伝子を解析することを最終的な目的として行ったものである.一般に,絶滅種や希少種の剥製•毛皮標本は数も少く,貴重であるので,DNA抽出のような,破壊的解析のための材料を入手することは,困難な場合が多い.従来報告されている古代DNAの抽出法では,いずれも,抽出のために比較的大きな標本片を用いており,少量の標品しか入手できない場合には適用できない.本研究では,特に,原材料となる剥製や毛皮標本の形をできるだけ損傷しないことに留意し,約1mm角の毛皮断片からゲノムDNAを効率よく抽出する方法の確立と,PCR解析を行うための条件の検討を行った.また,本研究で確立した方法を用いて,製作年次の異なる食肉目動物毛皮標本から回収したゲノムDNAをテンプレートとして,歯のエナメル質タンパク質をコードしているアメロゲニン遺伝子断片の回収と塩基配列の解析を試みた.結果の一部として,モンゴルオオカミの毛皮標本から抽出したゲノムDNAのアメロゲニン遺伝子の配列の一部を解読することができたので,イヌ(ゴールデンリトリーバー)の血液から抽出したゲノムDNAのアメロゲニン遺伝子の配列と比較したところ,モンゴルオオカミとイヌの配列は100%一致したが,イヌの品種間,あるいは個体差による配列の多型が存在する可能性もある。イヌ,オオカミのアメロゲニン遺伝子の塩基配列は従来報告が無く,部分的ではあるが配列が決定されたのは本論文が始めてである.イヌとオオカミの種間の違い,および,イヌの品種間の多型については,今後,さらに検討が必要である.

The MRI examination was carried out in a formalin-fixed specimen of the Ganges River dolphin (Platanista gangetica), one of the evolutionary primitive species of cetaceans. We could morphologically elucidate the tracheobronchial ramification in the intact whole body. We demonstrated from the MRI sections that the characteristic tracheal bronchus branches from the trachea at the cranial portion. These findings suggest the phylogenetic relationships between cetaceans and artiodactyls. The left bronchus is obviously larger in diameter than the right one. We suggest that the right bronchus has smaller capacity of gas exchange than the left one, because the dolphin possesses the tracheal bronchus in the right lung. The MRI method will be important in the non-invasive study of the anatomy in endangered animal carcass as Ganges River dolphin.

Since about 1630, the Imperial Palace has been biologically isolated from other habitats by the development and urbanization of Tokyo. We morphologically examined the skulls of the lesser Japanese mole (Mogera imaizumii) from the Imperial Palace and compared them with those from Kanto District, while the sequences of the cytochrome b and 12S rRNA genes were also analyzed to clarify the genetic status of this isolated population. The skulls from the Imperial Palace were much larger than those from Kanto District in the length items. We suggest that the Imperial Palace skulls morphologically may compose a cluster as a large body-sized type in Kanto District within the dots of Mogera imaizumii in charts of principal component analysis. The mitochondrial DNA sequences of the Imperial Palace population were highly homologous to those of other Tokyo population at the level of 98.5% in cytochrome b and 98.7% in 12S rRNA genes.

The nasopharynx and eustachian tube (auditory tube) were morphologically examined in the white rhinoceros. The narrow nasopharynx cavity was enlarged dorsoventrally. The most lateral part of both sides sharply rises in a dorsal direction and the volume is estimated at 173 cc. The eustachian tube is 145 mm in length from the auditory bulla to the nasopharynx. The hyaline cartilage is well-developed in the middle region of the eustachian tube wall. The results demonstrated that the white rhinoceros does not have a guttural pouch. We suggest that the occurrence of the guttural pouch may not be dependent on the phylogenetic status of perissodactyls such as horse, donkey and tapir.

Summary In order to clarify the morphological adaptation for gliding behavior in the marsupial mammals, the gliding membrane muscles in the sugar glider (Petaurus breviceps) were observed. Unlike the styliform cartilage in flying squirrels, the sugar glider has a well-developed tibiocarpalis muscle in the most lateral area of the gliding membrane. The gliding membrane substantially consists of the humerodorsalis and tibioabdominalis muscle complex. We believe that the thick tibiocarpalis bundle and the humerodorsalis and tibioabdominalis muscle complex may serve as a membrane controller in the gliding behavior. A characteristic thin membranous structure between the cutaneous and deeper muscles was observed. In addition to the direct powerful control exerted by trunk and limb movement, we suggest that indirect power conduction by this thin membranous structure may contribute to gliding membrane control.

The masticatory muscles of the Malayan pangolin, Manis javanica, were observed in dissection, and relative positions of the cranium and the mandible were examined under soft-X ray photographs. The M. temporalis was well-developed in the medial area of the zygomatic process of temporal bone. The M. masseter was found to consist of three large well-developed bundles between the zygomatic arch and the mandible. Based on these observations, it is suggested that the thin V-shaped mandible may act as a substantial support in the ventral portion of the oral cavity, and that the M. masseter and M. temporalis may serve to help fix the shape of mouth, when the pangolin uses the specialized tongue for feeding. We demonstrated that the M. digastricus is at least functionally able to depress and open the mandible. In addition, the welldeveloped M. mylohyoideus may contribute to the control of intraoral pressure during mastication.

We measured adult mandibles of Ryukyu wild pigs from Amami-Oshima, Kakeroma, Okinawa, Ishigaki and Iriomote Islands. The size cline was not statistically recognized among the populations of Nansei Islands. The Ishigaki population was significantly larger than Iriomote one in mandible length. Some measurement ratios indicated that the ramus is enlarged laterally and that the body of mandible is dorso-ventrally developed in Ishigaki and Iriomote populations. The Amami-Oshima mandibles were relatively smaller than those of Okinawa and Iriomote populations in length item of body of mandible. These results will contribute to the zoo-archaeology on the historical change of size and shape in the island populations, and to the evolutionary biology on the morphological adaptation of this animal.

The lesser mouse deer (Tragulus javanicus) is one of the most primitive ruminants. Skulls of lesser mouse deer were measured to evaluate their growth. The age was estimated from the eruption and attrition of molars on the mandible. A total of 95 specimens was divided into five age groups, and the growth pattern in each sex was established for some measurements. The relative growth coefficients were calculated for the head and body length and several parts of the cranium and mandible against the profile length. Sexual dimorphism could not be found on the skull in any age group except for measurements related to the upper canine. However, females showed a higher value in head and body length in the oldest group. This feature was consistent with an interpretation of mouse deer society as monogamous. Growth was more rapid in length than in width. Various statistical analyses showed that the visceral cranium related to masticatory facility was much better developed than the neurocranium. However, observations on the shape of the mandible ramus and of the premolars implied that the masticatory function was not suitable for taking roughage. This speculation agreed with previous reports on the feeding habits and digestive organs of the mouse deer.

The monoclonal antibody (MAb), named TSd-1, specific to spermatogenic cells of the common tree shrew (Tupaia glis) was established and characterized using immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting. MAb TSd-1 reacted with elongating and matured spermatids in a stage-dependent manner. TSd-1 recognized a 94 kilodalton (kDa) peptide in the plasma membrane and cytosol. Additionally, an extremely weak 107 kDa band was detected only in the cytosol. The reactions were not detected in round spermatids. In elongating Stage VI spermatids, the plasma membrane and the granular structure within the cytoplasm were intensely positive, and most intense after the appearance of new round spermatids in the lower layer (Stage I). The reactions were observed neither in the other organs of the common tree shrew nor in the testes of other animals, indicating that TSd-1 antigen is specific to the spermatogenic cells of the common tree shrew, and may act on elongating or matured spermatids.

The muscular and skeletal systems of the long neck were morphologically examined in order to clarify their modification and their functional significance in the giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis). The longissimus, the thoracic and cervical, spinalis and semispinalis, the cranial and caudal head oblique, and the multifidus muscles, and the nuchal ligament were observed at their origin and insertion. The atlas, axis, and the third cervical vertebra were measured and examined. The modified spinous processes provided the large attachment surface for the strong nuchal ligament and for the muscles of the axis and other cervical vertebrae, while the muscle tendons had their origin in the ventrocaudally-enlarged transverse process. It is concluded that the modified muscles with their expanded belly and tendon have the functions of occupying the interspace among long vertebrae, and also of supporting the head and neck by means of their wide attachment to the altered vertebral processes.

The portal vein heart (PVH) wall of the brown hagfish (Paramyxine atami) was observed by light and transmission electron microscopy. Cardiac musculature is well developed in the PVH wall. The myocytes possess arranged myofibrils in the cytoplasm. We suggest that the PVH may act as a pump in blood circulation from the intestines to the liver, as it does in other myxinoid species. Ultrastructural and immunohistochemical findings of the brown hagfish PVH myocytes also indicate that the PVH has an active contraction and atrial natriuretic polypeptide endocrine function. J Morphol 231:225-230, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

There is wide variation in brain shape among birds. Differences in brain dimensions reflect species-specific sensory capacities and behavioral repertoires that are shaped by environmental and biological factors during evolution. Most previous studies aimed at defining factors impacting brain shape have used volumetric or linear measurements. However, few have explored the quantitative indices of three-dimensional (3D) brain geometry that are absolutely imperative to understanding avian evolutionary history. This study aimed: (i) to explore the relationship between brain shape and overall brain size; and (ii) to assess the relationship between brain shape and orbital shape. Avian brain endocasts were reconstructed from computed tomography images and analyzed using 3D geometric morphometrics. Principal component analysis revealed dominant regional variations in avian brain shape and shape correlations between the telencephalon and cerebellum, between the cerebellum and myelencephalon, and between the diencephalon and optic tectum. Brain shape changes relative to total brain size were determined by multivariate regression analysis. Larger brain size was associated with a relatively slender telencephalon and differences in brain orientation. The correlation between brain shape and orbital shape was assessed by two-block partial least-squares analysis. Relatively round brains with a ventrally flexed brain base were associated with rounder orbits, while narrower brains with a flat brain base were associated with more elongated orbits. The shapes of functionally associated avian brain regions are correlated, and orbital size and shape are dominant factors influencing the overall shape of the avian brain.

Restenosis after carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is one of most significant complications. There is no previous report about MRI findings of restenotic lesions and preoperative plaques. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the initial and recurrent plaques in patients with restenosis after CEA by using black-blood MRI (BB-MRI). Three patients who underwent carotid artery stenting for restenosis after CEA were included in this study. The relative signal intensities (rSI) of the initial and recurrent plaques were calculated with reference to the sternocleidomastoid muscle on T1-weighted images (T1WI) and the submandibular gland on T2-weighted images (T2WI). This study investigated the rSI characteristics and morphology of the initial and recurrent plaques. All patients had restenosis within 1 year after CEA. The rSI values of the preoperative lesion were not high on T1WI and were high on T2WI in all cases (T1WI/T2WI: 0.63/2.43 in Case 1, 1.00/1.29 in Case 2, and 1.13/1.70 in Case 3). The morphology of the initial plaques was eccentric in 2 cases and concentric in 1 case. The rSI values of restenosis were high on T2WI in all cases (T1WI/T2WI: 1.09/1.20 in Case 1, 1.31/1.50 in Case 2, and 1.23/1.70 in Case 3). The morphology of restenotic lesions was concentric in all cases. The high rSI on T2WI and concentricity of the restenosis after CEA suggest early restenosis (intimal hyperplasia). The low-iso rSI on T1WI and high rSI on T2WI of the preoperative plaques are associated with restenosis after CEA. BB-MRI may be useful to evaluate and predict restenosis after CEA. (Received: May 7, 2012, Accepted: September 10, 2012).

本研究は高流動コンクリートの性状に大きな影響を与えるモルタル部分の塑性粘度および降伏値について, 使用する粉体の粒度特性, 特にブレーン比表面積と Rosin-Rammler 式によるn値を種々に変化させて測定し, それらの関係を明かにするとともに, 塑性粘度および降伏値に影響を与えると考えられる要因について検討を行なったものである. その結果, (1) モルタルの降伏値は余剰水量を支配する粉体のn値の影響を大きく受けること (2) 塑性粘度はブレーン比表面積の影響を受け, それは余剰水膜厚と高性能減水剤の吸着量の複合効果によることがわかった.

本研究は, 粒度分布を調整したセメント系材料を用いることにより, 現状の粉体系高流動コンクリートに必要とされる多量の粉体量を低減することを目的とした. 研究は高流動コンクリートの基本性状を満足するためのモルタル部分の降伏値・塑性粘度の範囲を調べ, その範囲に入るために必要な粉体量の下限値と粒度分布特性の関係を明らかとした. そして, 最も粉体量を低減できる粒度分布特性を持ったセメント系材料を用いて高流動コンクリートを製造し性能の評価を行なったものである. その結果, 通常のコンクリートと同程度の単位セメント量で高流動コンクリートの製造が可能であることがわかった.

The classification of the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium was carried out in the common tree shrew (Tupaia glis). The tree shrew captured in Thailand were fixed with Bouin's fixative, embedded in paraffin wax, and stained with PAS-hematoxylin. The cycle was classified into twelve stages on the basis of the acrosomal changes of spermatids. Relative frequencies of stages form I to XII were 11.9, 7.2, 8.9, 22.5, 12.9, 9.7, 8.0, 5.9, 4.0, 3.2, 2.9, and 3.6%, respectively. Different stages did no appear in a cross-sectioned tubule as did in primates. The head of matured spermatid was discoidal in shape and different from that of primates and rodents. Spermatogenesis of the common tree shrew is different from that of primates and rodents according to its morphological features.

An examination was made of the distribution of cardiac musculature in the pulmonary venous wall of three Mustela species (ermine, American mink and ferret) of different body size. Only the ermine possessed cardiac myocytes in the tunica media of the intrapulmonary venous walls continuing from the left atrium, whereas the two other species had the musculature restricted to the large extrapulmonary vein. The distribution of the musculature is thought to depend on the body weight and heart rate of various species. These findings confirm the supposition that, whereas smaller mammals have more extensive cardiac musculature, even in the intrapulmonary venous wall, in order to regulate venous blood return and to resist reflux resulting from frequent atrial systole, the larger species may not require cardiac musculature in the distal vein.

In applying correspondence analysis to a given data set, there are two ways to deal with it; free-choice type and item-category type (binary data). It is shown that circular data by Iwatsubo (1984) and cylinder data by Okamoto (1994b) presented so far for the free-choice type are solvable analytically for the item-category type too and that score vectors are similar for the both data types.

Bat communities of mainland Southeast Asia can be highly diverse. Many are under threat. Despite this, regional faunal composition is not well documented for many areas, including regions of Vietnam. We assessed the biodiversity of bats in a watershed protection forest in the southeastern Truong Son (Annamite) Mountains, southwestern Quang Ngai Province, Vietnam in 2011–2013. Twenty species of insectivorous bats were documented including a high diversity of Murina species Tube-nosed Bats. Diversity and abundance indices were compared with that recorded previously in two nature reserves and one national park in Vietnam, and were higher or comparable in several measures despite the lack of a karst substrate for roosts. Reproduction in the insectivorous bat fauna coincided with the early rainy season. In the late dry season, pregnant females of several species were observed but volant juveniles were not present, whereas in the early wet season adult females were lactating or post-lactating and volant juveniles of nine species were detected. We recorded echolocation calls of 14 bat species; for each species, we compared features of calls with those reported previously in other Asian localities. For some species we found discrepancies in call metrics among studies, perhaps suggesting a greater hidden biodiversity of bats in Southeast Asia.

Cardiac myocytes in the left ventricle and atrium of the greater bandicoot rat (Bandicota indica) were examined by transmission electron microscopy. The fine structure showed typical features of mammalian cardiac myocytes. In atrial myocytes, however, the areas occupied by mitochondria were much smaller than that filled with myofibrils. The decrease in mitochondria and the abundance of myofibrils are thought to be an ultrastructural adaptation to the large body size of this species. Many conducting myocytes were observed in both atrium and ventricle. The atrial conducting myocytes were ultrastructurally different from the Purkinje fibers of the ventricle. We suggest that the abundance and the ultrastructural variation of conducting myocytes are related to the physiological aspects, such as body size, of this animal.

Here we examined the kinematic function of the morpho- logically unique first thoracic vertebra in giraffes. The first thoracic vertebra of the giraffe displayed similar shape to the seventh cervical vertebra in general ruminants. The flexion experiment using giraffe carcasses demonstrated that the first thoracic vertebra exhibited a higher dorsoventral mobility than other thoracic vertebrae. Despite the presence of costovertebral joints, restriction in the intervertebral movement imposed by ribs is minimized around the first thoracic vertebra by subtle changes of the articular system between the vertebra and ribs. The attachment area ofmusculus longus colli, mainly responsible for ventral flexion of the neck, is partly shifted posteriorly in the giraffe so that the force generated by muscles is exerted on the cervical vertebrae and on the first thoracic vertebra. These anatomical modifications allow the first thoracic vertebra to adopt the kinematic function of a cervical vertebra in giraffes. The novel movable articulation in the thorax functions as a fulcrum of neck movement and results in a large displacement of reachable space in the cranial end of the neck. The unique first thoracic vertebra in giraffes provides higher flexibility to the neck and may provide advantages for high browsing and/or male competition behaviours specific to giraffes.

The hindlimbs of two orangutans and four chimpanzees were dissected, and muscle parameters (mass, fascicle length, and physiological cross-sectional area: PCSA) were determined to explore possible interspecies variation in muscle dimensions. Muscle mass and PCSA were divided by the total mass and total PCSA of the entire foot muscles for normalization. The results indicate that the pedal interosseous and the intrinsic pedal digital extensor muscles in the orangutans probably have higher capacity for force production due to their relatively larger PCSAs than in chimpanzees. Moreover, the medial components of the intrinsic muscles exhibited relatively larger mass and PCSA ratios in orangutans. The mass and PCSA ratios of the hallucal muscles were larger in chimpanzees. These differences in foot muscle dimensions of the two species suggest that the orangutan is more specialized for hook-like digital gripping without involvement of the rudimentary hallux, while the chimpanzee is adapted to hallux-assisted power gripping in arboreal locomotion.

Social participation has been linked to healthy aging and the maintenance of functional independence in older individuals. However, causality remains tenuous because of the strong possibility of reverse causation (healthy individuals selectively participate in social activities). We describe a quasi-experimental intervention in one municipality of Japan designed to boost social participation as a way of preventing long-term disability in senior citizens through the creation of 'salons' (or community centers). In this quasi-experimental intervention study, we compared 158 participants with 1391 non-participants in salon programs, and examined the effect of participation in the salon programs on self-rated health. We conducted surveys of community residents both before (in 2006) and after (in 2008) the opening of the salons. Even with a pre/post survey design, our study could be subject to reverse causation and confounding bias. We therefore utilized an instrumental variable estimation strategy, using the inverse of the distance between each resident's dwelling and the nearest salon as the instrument. After controlling for self-rated health, age, sex, equivalized income in 2006, and reverse causation, we observed significant correlations between participation in the salon programs and self-rated health in 2008. Our analyses suggest that participation in the newly-opened community salon was associated with a significant improvement in self-rated health over time. The odds ratio of participation in the salon programs for reporting excellent or good self-rated health in 2008 was 2.52 (95% CI 2.27-2.79). Our study provides novel empirical support for the notion that investing in community infrastructure to boost the social participation of communities may help promote healthy aging.

International audience; Ichthyosaurs were highly adapted to a marine lifestyle, as shown by their fish-like body shape and their assumed active swimming abilities and high metabolic rates. However, the processes of adaptation to an aquatic life in the early stages of this lineage remain poorly understood. Here, we present the first osteohistological data concerning the most basal ichthyopterygian yet known, Utatsusaurus hataii, from the Lower Triassic of Japan. The cancellous bone structure suggests adaptation to active swimming in an open marine environment. Moreover, the possible occurrence of rapidly deposited bone tissue, in a fibrolamellar complex, suggests a higher metabolic rate than in modern poikilothermic reptiles, and therefore a trend toward homeothermy. This basal ichthyosaur, with its elongate body, was already more adapted to an aquatic lifestyle than expected from its morphology, and the process of adaptation to a marine lifestyle was already well advanced by the Early Triassic.

Hydralazine was administered at cardiac catheterization to eight children with a ventricular septal defect (age: 2.2-8.8 years), and the extent of afterload reduction was determined using aortic input impedance and wall stress. The pulmonary to systemic blood flow ratio decreased from 2.2 +/- 0.8 to 1.8 +/- 0.4 (p0.05) and the pulmonary systemic resistance ratio increased from 0.11 +/- 0.08 to 0.13 +/- 0.10 (p0.05) after hydralazine administration. Hydralazine reduced mean aortic pressure and the amplitude of the late systolic peak of the aortic pressure wave. Peak flow velocity in the descending aorta increased from 62 +/- 14 to 81 +/- 24 cm/sec (p0.05). Peripheral resistance decreased significantly from 13.3 +/- 5.9 to 6.6 +/- 3.7 10(3) dyn sec/cm3 (p0.05). The modulus of the first harmonic, indicating pulse wave reflection, decreased from 1196 +/- 575 to 815 +/- 382 dyn sec/cm3 (p0.05). The characteristic impedance, indicating aortic stiffness, did not change. End-systolic wall stress decreased significantly from 54.4 +/- 16.7 to 34.8 +/- 10.2 g/cm2 (p0.01). Hydralazine acutely achieved afterload reduction by reducing both peripheral resistance and pulse wave reflection, and increased stroke volume.

We measured crania and mandibles of Ryuku wild pigs from Iriomote Island. Sex and age were determined by observation of lower teeth. From the present data, the growth pattern was established for some items. For several parts of the cranium and mandible, the relative growth coefficient was compared. The results obtained here are summarized as follows: (1) Although sexual dimorphism was already shown in the younger group, a significant difference in profile length and length from the angle was not seen in the adult group. (2) As the animal grew, the proportion of length to width became larger in the skull. (3) The visceral cranium grew more rapidly in length than the cerebral cranium. On the other hand, growth of the cerebral cranium contributed to width in cranial development. (4) The body of the mandible was shown to grow more rapidly in length than the ramus of the mandible. (5) The growth pattern of some items was related to that of their associated muscles. These basic data are expected to be compared with data from other population of the same subspecies and Japanese wild pig. The comparisons will contribute to the establishment of origin and phylogeny of this animal.

The cone-beam type CT (Computed Tomography) enabled us to collect the three-dimensional (3D) digitalized data directly from the animal carcass. In this study, we applied the techniques of the cone-beam type CT for a carcass head of the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) to obtain the 3D images easily without reconstruction process, and could morphologically examine the sections from the 3D data by means of non-destructive observations. The important results of the study represent the two following points. 1) We could show the morphological relationships between the muscles of mastication and the mandible in non-destructive status from the 3D data. The exact position of the coronoid process could be recognized in the rostro-lateral space of the temporal fossa. 2) By the serial sections from the 3D data sets, the morphological characteristics in the nasal cavity were detailed with high resolution in this rare species. The nasal concha was well-developed in the nasal cavity. The ethmoidal labyrinth was encountered immediately caudal to the nasal cavity and close to the region of the olfactory bulb. The ethmoidal labyrinth consisted of the complicated osseous structure in this area. The data will be useful to discuss the olfactory function in the reproduction behavior of this species.

Development of transdural anastomosis is extremely rare in the patients with atherosclerotic cerebrovascular disease. We report a rare case of development of transdural anastomosis after craniotomy in the patient with atherothrombotic carotid occlusion.

牛群検定データ等のフィールドデータを用いる全国的な乳用牛の遺伝的能力評価に適用するアニマルモデルの開発を行なった.評価形質は泌乳(乳量,乳脂量•率,無脂乳固形分量•率,乳蛋白質量•率)および体型(得点5形質と4部位および線形15形質)である.泌乳形質評価のための統計モデルには,管理グループ,分娩月(北海道,都府県別)および分娩月齢の各母数効果と,育種価,恒久的環境効果および残差の各変量効果を含めた.管理グループは,牛群,年次,父牛が共用されている国(日本あるいは海外)および産次(初産あるいは2～5産)によって区分した.また,体型形質評価のための統計モデルには,審査グループ,審査月齢および審査時における泌乳ステージの各母数効果と,育種価および残差の各変量効果を取り上げた.審査グループは,牛群,審査員および審査日によって区分した.雌雄全個体間の血縁関係を考慮することとしたが,主要な血縁関係に影響しない母牛および不明な父母牛は遺伝グループ(性,産地,生年で区分)化し,その効果が育種価に寄与するものとした.このアニマルモデルを,MGSモデルを用いて行なわれた1992年4月の乳用種雄牛評価とほぼ同時期の2～5産を含むデータに適用した結果,MGSモデルによる評価値との間に高い相関が認められた(≧0.89).また,泌乳形質における遺伝的趨勢と飼養管理の趨勢を観察し,年あたりの改良量を求めたところ,乳量における遺伝的改良量は46.6kg,飼養管理効果の改良量は109.6kg(対初産牛)あるいは147.7kg(対経産牛)であった.