Miroslav Hain

Comparative Anatomy of the Lower Jaw and Dentition of Pseudopus apodus and the Interrelationships of Species of Subfamily Anguinae (Anguimorpha, Anguidae)

The morphology of the lower jaw and teeth of the legless lizard Pseudopus apodus (Anguimorpha, Anguidae, Anguinae) from Eurasia are described in detail and compared with those of other species of the subfamily Anguinae. The lower jaw anatomy of Pseudopus, especially the dentary and teeth, clearly differs from the genera Ophisaurus and Anguis. Even so, Ophisaurus is largely uniform in its lower jaw morphology across species. The teeth of North American Ophisaurus are slender cylinders, the shafts are mesiodistally compressed and bulge lingually; the apices are curved lingually and posteriorly and have weakly developed cutting edges. Southeast Asian and North African Ophisaurus present conical teeth, with broadened bases, apices more distinctly curved lingually and posteriorly, and cutting edges that are distinctly developed. The lingual surfaces of the tooth apices are striated in Ophisaurus and Pseudopus. The lower jaw of Ophisaurus is in many respects similar to that in Anguis, however, the teeth of Anguis are longer and markedly curved posteriorly. The result of the phylogenetic analysis rendered six equally parsimonious trees. Anguis appears in three alternative positions, as the sister taxon to a clade formed by Ophisaurus and Pseudopus, as the sister taxon of Ophisaurus, or as forming a clade with Ophisaurus which is the sister group to Pseudopus. Anat Rec, 297:516–544, 2014.

Light-mimicking cockroaches indicate Tertiary origin of recent terrestrial luminescence

Bioluminescence is a common feature of the communication and defence of marine organisms, but this phenomenon is highly restricted in the terrestrial biota. Here, we present a geographical distribution of only the third order of luminescent insects—luminescent cockroaches, with all 13 known and/or herein reported new living species (based on deposited specimens). We show that, for the first time, photo-characteristics of three examined species are nearly identical with those of toxic luminescent click beetles, which they mimic. These observations are the evidence for the mimicry by light—a new type of defensive, Batesian and interordinal mimicry. Our analysis surprisingly reveals an evolutionary novelty of all living luminescent insects, while in the sea (and possibly in the soil) luminescence is present also phylogenetically in very primitive organisms.

New genus and species of cavernicolous cockroach (Blattaria, Nocticolidae) from Vietnam

The new, small cavernicolous species Helmablatta louisrothi gen. et sp. n. (Nocticolidae) from the Tan-Phu cave (Vietnam) is one of the most morphologically interesting cockroaches. The extremely modified upstanding tergal gland composite from three tergites and may serve for gripping the female head during copulation. This presumption is supported by the presence of a central big hook on tergite 8. Furthermore, both wing pairs are uncommonly adapted to help releasing sex pheromones without raising the wings. Histone 3 DNA-based maximum likelihood analyses indicate a recent origin and close phylogenetic relationship between Nocticola spp. and Helmablatta sp.-consistent with the Quaternary age of the source lava tubes.

Skull anatomy and ontogeny of legless lizard Pseudopus apodus (Pallas, 1775): Heterochronic influences on form

Pseudopus apodus (Pallas, 1775) is the largest extant legless species of the subfamily Anguinae (Anguimorpha, Anguidae) living mostly in the sub‐arid territories ranging from the Balkan area in Europe to Kazakhstan in Asia. The species of other two genera live in North America, South‐East Asia and North Africa (Ophisaurus) and Europe and South‐West Asia (Anguis). The interrelationships of Anguinae are unresolved; this is in part the consequence of the insufficient knowledge of the cranial, postcranial and integumentary anatomy of the individual anguine species. The aim of this article is to fulfill this gap in our knowledge of the anguine anatomy. Now, in the first part of the project, the individual bones of the exocranium and visceral endocranium of the anguine legless lizard P. apodus are described in detail. In the present study, P. apodus is revealed to have autoapomorphic features of the skull which clearly distinguish it from Anguis and Ophisaurus. In addition, the study of posthatchling ontogeny of exocranium of P. apodus revealed some features, such as a nasal process of premaxilla being slightly widened in about its mid‐length, that are also typical for adults of the Ophisaurus and Anguis species as well as extinct species of Pseudopus. This strongly indicates that peramorphic heterochronic process played role in the evolution of the P. apodus skull. Anat Rec, 2017.

Changes in Marble Quality After Sodium Sulphate Crystallization and Long-Lasting Freeze-Thaw Testing

This paper summarizes research results about the quality and durability assessment of marbles from Slovakia quarries or outcrops, as well as marbles imported to Slovakia for building purposes through standard laboratory tests—the salt crystallization test and the frost resistance test. For this research of salt crystallization effects, nine various marbles were studied. The mineral composition, microstructure and changes in physical properties of marbles were characterized. One type of the examined marbles, the Thassos marble from Greece, was submitted to detailed research through the use of electron visualization methods and X-ray microtomography. It was discovered that the cyclic salt crystallization caused a decay of this dolomite marble predominantly along dominant crystal boundaries. X-ray microtomography allowed for visualization in 3D with possibility to obtain information about processes of cracks creation. It was possible to characterize parameters of newly created cracks as to their length, width and persistence. Long-lasting cyclic freeze-thaw tests confirmed the satisfactory quality of twenty Slovak marbles and their suitability to all-purpose applications.

Vertebral Comparative Anatomy and Morphological Differences in Anguine Lizards with a Special Reference to Pseudopus apodus : Vertebral column and ribs of Pseudopus apodus

The article reports on the first detailed vertebral and rib morphology of anguine taxon Pseudopus apodus using micro‐computed tomography. A comparison shows significant morphological differences of vertebrae of Pseudopus relative to those of Anguis and Ophisaurus. Usually, there are 55 presacral vertebrae, two sacral, and 95–97 caudal vertebrae. Pseudopus apodus can be defined by 23 diagnostic features concerning the vertebral column. Although zygapophyseal articulation between atlas and axis is well developed in limbed anguid gerrhonotine lizards like Abronia or Barisia, it is absent in the extant representatives of the clade Anguinae, which are limbless. Thus, our study brings further support to the hypothesis about the complete reduction of this articulation in forms with reduced or absent limbs. Comparison of adult and juvenile morphology of vertebrae of P. apodus was also analyzed. Heterochrony in the evolution of this taxon was previously confirmed by its skull morphology and it can be also documented on the basis of vertebrae. Our data suggest that a peramorphic heterochronic process played a role in the evolution of this largest extant anguine species. Geometric morphometric analyses revealed a pattern of high vertebral disparity among species. We found a clear separation of limbless forms in morphospace. Pseudopus apodus always clusters within Ophisaurus‐species confirming molecular and some morphological phylogenies. Only the first tail vertebra shows a distinct difference to those of other anguids, which might be related to altered locomotion associated to the larger body size in this species. Anat Rec, 302:232–257, 2019.

Figure 3 In New Genus And Species Of Cavernicolous Cockroach (Blattaria, Nocticolidae) From Vietnam

FIGURE 3. Male of helmet cockroach Helmablatta louisrothi sp. n. (Holotype Vn 0 6 253) — photos and drawing. a) foreleg—anterior and posterior views; b) midleg—anterior and posterior views; c) hindleg—anterior and posterior views; d) complex of tergal gland—oblique from above view; e) right tegmen; f) right wing. Abbreviations, ante = anterior, post = posterior.

The first record of anguine lizards (Anguimorpha, Anguidae) from the early Miocene locality Ulm – Westtangente in Germany

Abstract The first fossil anguine material from the lower Miocene (MN 2) locality Ulm – Westtangente in Germany is described. The parietal and compound bone of the lower jaw can be attributed to Ophisaurus holeci, previously known only from younger age (MN 3–MN 7). Moreover, the parietal represents the largest parietal of this species. In other disarticulated material, such as frontal, maxilla, dentary and osteoderms, alpha taxonomy is not possible and these elements cannot be allocated at the species level. Despite a limited data source, a phylogenetic analysis was done (16 taxa, 36 characters) producing four equally parsimonious trees. The analysis shows a close relationship of O. holeci and the Eocene Ophisauriscus quadrupes. These two taxa form a monophyletic clade, a sister-clade to Ophisaurus + Anguis. However, more complete skeletal material of O. holeci is needed to support such a statement. We used our phylogenetic analysis to analyze trace character history for one frontal and three parietal characters. The palaeoenvironmental conditions of the locality Ulm – Westtangente bring further support of the previous hypothesis that O. holeci was adapted to environments with high ground water levels – environments around lakes or rivers.

Use of X-ray microtomography and radiography in cultural heritage testing

Contemporary the application of physical non-destructive methods in testing and analysing of works of art and museum objects is very important and nearly essential for conservators, restorers, and archaeologists. It provides qualitative and quantitative information being helpful in preparation and realisation of restoration activities, and it is also important for authenticity proof of historical artefacts and paintings. Contribution deals with important 3D and 2D X-ray imaging techniques used in cultural heritage testing: X-ray microtomography and X-ray radiography. These methods allow seeing underneath the artefacts surface, to see the internal structure of 3D artefacts and to visualise over-painted (older) layers of paintings.

Use of x-ray microtomography for 3D imaging of internal structures

The article describes the basic principles and the use of X-ray microtomography which has emerged as a new promising method of measurement and non-destructive testing. X-ray microtomography (μCT) combines the principles of X-ray shadow microscopy together with the computed tomography CT. The current technical possibilities allow achieving submicron resolution by the use of experimental as well as commercial μCT facilities. Use of this method can be found particularly in materials research, precision engineering, and electronics industry. In all these areas there is a need for a non-destructive, high resolution visualization of internal microstructures, measurement of interior dimensions of 3D objects, materials testing for the presence of internal defects. Unlike the nondestructive μCT, the conventional testing methods require for the observation of internal structures mechanical cutting of the object and thus its destruction. Such damage of the object under study is often unacceptable, especially when it concerns an object of research, which should be preserved in integrity for its uniqueness or need to take further measurements and tests. Besides the materials research, there are also many other important areas of application of X-ray microtomography measuring method: electronics and precision mechanical engineering industry, mineralogy, geology, biology and archeology. In the experimental part of this article the results achieved in the microtomography laboratory of Slovak Academy of Sciences, equipped with the GE phoenix|x-ray nanotom 180 facility, will be presented.