scholarly journals Estimating cranial musculoskeletal constraints in theropod dinosaurs

2015 ◽  
Vol 2 (11) ◽  
pp. 150495 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephan Lautenschlager
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Force ◽  
Muscle Length ◽  
Alligator Mississippiensis ◽  
Theropod Dinosaurs ◽  
Digital Reconstruction ◽  
Digital Modelling ◽  
Length Changes ◽  
Cranial Muscle ◽  
Animation Software ◽  
Modelling Approach

Many inferences on the biology, behaviour and ecology of extinct vertebrates are based on the reconstruction of the musculature and rely considerably on its accuracy. Although the advent of digital reconstruction techniques has facilitated the creation and testing of musculoskeletal hypotheses in recent years, muscle strain capabilities have rarely been considered. Here, a digital modelling approach using the freely available visualization and animation software B lender is applied to estimate cranial muscle length changes and optimal and maximal possible gape in different theropod dinosaurs. Models of living archosaur taxa ( Alligator mississippiensis , Buteo buteo ) were used in an extant phylogenetically bracketed framework to validate the method. Results of this study demonstrate that Tyrannosaurus rex , Allosaurus fragilis and Erlikosaurus andrewsi show distinct differences in the recruitment of the jaw adductor musculature and resulting gape, confirming previous dietary and ecological assumptions. While the carnivorous taxa T. rex and Allo. fragilis were capable of a wide gape and sustained muscle force, the herbivorous therizinosaurian E. andrewsi was constrained to small gape angles.

Mechanical actions of heterogenic reflexes linking long toe flexors with ankle and knee extensors of the cat hindlimb

1994 ◽  
Vol 71 (3) ◽  
pp. 1096-1110 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. J. Bonasera ◽  
T. R. Nichols
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Muscle Force ◽  
Muscle Length ◽  
Knee Extensors ◽  
Flexor Hallucis Longus ◽  
Force Output ◽  
Small Magnitude ◽  
Dramatic Decline ◽  
Muscle Pair ◽  
Length Changes

1. To study the means whereby ankle biomechanics are represented in the interneuronal circuitry of the spinal cord we examined stretch-evoked reflex interactions between the physiological extensors flexor hallucis longus (FHL) and flexor digitorum longus (FDL) as well as their interactions with gastrocnemius (G), soleus (S), and the quadriceps group (Q) in 34 unanesthetized decerebrate cats. To evoke stretch, DC motors provided ramp-hold-release length changes to tendons detached from their bony insertions. Semiconductor myographs measured resultant muscle force response. Reflexes were examined under both quiescent (no active force generation) and activated conditions; muscle activation was achieved through either crossed-extension or flexion reflexes. 2. FHL and FDL share mutual excitatory stretch-evoked interactions under most conditions examined. These interactions depended on muscle length, were asymmetric (with FHL contributing a larger magnitude of reflex excitation onto FDL), and occurred at a latency of 16 ms. Mutual Ia synergism previously described for these two muscles provides a basis for all of the above findings. Our data demonstrate that for this muscle pair, reflex connectivities revealed at the intracellular level can be extrapolated to cover the entire motoneuron pool; further, our data directly demonstrate the net mechanical result of ensemble synaptic events. 3. FHL was found to share strong, mutually inhibitory stretch-evoked interactions with G, S, and Q. Stepwise regression statistical analyses determined that these interactions depended on recipient muscle force and donor muscle force. These reflex interactions all occurred at a latency of 28 +/- 4 (SE) ms. Further, the heterogenic inhibition between FHL/G and FHL/S was attenuated by strychnine infusion (intravenous) but unaffected by either mecamylamine, picrotoxin, or baclofen infusion (intravenous, intrathecal). Disynaptic Ib inhibition previously described among hindlimb extensors provides a basis for the above findings; our data demonstrate that under certain conditions the ensemble activity of this system can cause a dramatic decline in whole muscle force output. 4. By contrast, FDL was found to share mutually inhibitory, stretch-evoked reflex interactions with G, S, and Q that were much weaker than those observed between FHL and these same muscles. The small magnitude of inhibition observed in these interactions made it difficult to assess reflex latency or to determine the factor(s) that best predicted the heterogenic inhibition. 5. This study provides further evidence of intrinsic differences in interneuronal organization between muscles whose activity occurs in a periodic manner during locomotion ("stereotypical") and a muscle whose locomotor activity is characterized by both periodic and nonperiodic components ("facultative").(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Muscle dynamics in skipjack tuna: timing of red muscle shortening in relation to activation and body curvature during steady swimming

1999 ◽  
Vol 202 (16) ◽  
pp. 2139-2150 ◽  
Author(s):  
R.E. Shadwick ◽  
S.L. Katz ◽  
K.E. Korsmeyer ◽  
T. Knower ◽  
J.W. Covell
Keyword(s):  
Fork Length ◽  
Muscle Length ◽  
The Body ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Skipjack Tuna ◽  
Force Transmission ◽  
Muscle Strain ◽  
Muscle Shortening ◽  
Red Muscle ◽  
Length Changes

Cyclic length changes in the internal red muscle of skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) were measured using sonomicrometry while the fish swam in a water tunnel at steady speeds of 1.1-2.3 L s(−)(1), where L is fork length. These data were coupled with simultaneous electromyographic (EMG) recordings. The onset of EMG activity occurred at virtually the same phase of the strain cycle for muscle at axial locations between approximately 0.4L and 0.74L, where the majority of the internal red muscle is located. Furthermore, EMG activity always began during muscle lengthening, 40–50 prior to peak length, suggesting that force enhancement by stretching and net positive work probably occur in red muscle all along the body. Our results support the idea that positive contractile power is derived from all the aerobic swimming muscle in tunas, while force transmission is provided primarily by connective tissue structures, such as skin and tendons, rather than by muscles performing negative work. We also compared measured muscle length changes with midline curvature (as a potential index of muscle strain) calculated from synchronised video image analysis. Unlike contraction of the superficial red muscle in other fish, the shortening of internal red muscle in skipjack tuna substantially lags behind changes in the local midline curvature. The temporal separation of red muscle shortening and local curvature is so pronounced that, in the mid-body region, muscle shortening at each location is synchronous with midline curvature at locations that are 7–8 cm (i.e. 8–10 vertebral segments) more posterior. These results suggest that contraction of the internal red muscle causes deformation of the body at more posterior locations, rather than locally. This situation represents a unique departure from the model of a homogeneous bending beam, which describes red muscle strain in other fish during steady swimming, but is consistent with the idea that tunas produce thrust by motion of the caudal fin rather than by undulation of segments along the body.

Evaluation of Locomotor Function in Patients with CP Based on Muscle Length Changes

2016 ◽  
pp. 161-168 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katarzyna Nowakowska ◽  
Robert Michnik ◽  
Katarzyna Jochymczyk-Woźniak ◽  
Jacek Jurkojć ◽  
Ilona Kopyta
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Length ◽  
Locomotor Function ◽  
Length Changes

Reconstructive Architectural and Urban Digital Modelling

2018 ◽  
pp. 7856-7868
Author(s):  
Roberta Spallone
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Graphical Analysis ◽  
Basic Data ◽  
Three Dimensional Modeling ◽  
Digital Reconstruction ◽  
Dimensional Modeling ◽  
Original Shape ◽  
Methods And Techniques ◽  
Digital Modelling

The digital reconstruction of architectural and urban complexes which were demolished, transformed or have been only theoretically conceived, remaining 'on paper', is now a tool of considerable heuristic value, allowing to preserve, interpret and create new images of cultural heritages that no longer exist in their original shape or never reached a material construction. The tools, methods and techniques of representation (graphical analysis, two and three-dimensional modeling, animation, prototyping) should be carefully chosen, case by case, in order to interpret properly the basic data and create original interpretations, using as research sources and ideas not only the archival drawings and any surviving vestiges, but also the autograph writings and the more inspired analysis developed by the architecture critics. The examination of several international case studies, and also some experiences personally conducted highlights the different strategies used for the preservation of the memory of such heritage.

Transient responses and continuous behavior of active smooth muscle during controlled stretches

1982 ◽  
Vol 242 (3) ◽  
pp. C146-C158 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. A. Meiss
Keyword(s):  
Steady State ◽  
Smooth Muscles ◽  
Muscle Length ◽  
Initial Slope ◽  
Stretch Rate ◽  
Rate Dependent ◽  
Upward Slope ◽  
Length Changes ◽  
State Force ◽  
The Relationship

Controlled length changes were imposed on mesotubarium superius and ovarian ligament smooth muscles from the reproductive tracts of female rabbits in constant estrus. Stretches of up to 35% of the muscle length were applied during isometric contraction, relaxation, and steady-state force levels. Force was continuously monitored and was plotted as a function of length. During constant velocity stretches there was an initial steep rise in force, a rapid downward deviation from the initial slope, and a long region with a constant upward slope. Stretches made during contraction showed smaller initial rises in force and steeper linear portions than did identical comparison stretches made during relaxation. The value of the slope was independent of the prior developed force, but it did depend on whether the muscle was contracting or relaxing. During contraction and steady-state force levels, the slope was independent of the stretch rate, but it was strongly rate dependent during relaxation. Changes in the stretch rate during stretch caused associated changes in muscle force; the relationship was curvilinear and was exaggerated during relaxation. The findings are placed in the context of a sliding-filament--cross-bridge hypothesis.

Activity patterns in individual hindlimb primary and secondary muscle spindle afferents during normal movements in unrestrained cats

1979 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 420-440 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. E. Loeb ◽  
J. Duysens
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Spindle ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Muscle Length ◽  
Muscle Spindle Afferents ◽  
General Observation ◽  
Postural Changes ◽  
Motor Activities ◽  
Specific Muscle ◽  
Length Changes ◽  
Rapid Modulation

1. Chronically implanted microelectrode wires in the L7 and S1 dorsal root ganglia were used to record unit activity from cat hindlimb primary and secondary muscle spindle afferents. Units could be reliably recorded for several days, permitting comparison of their activity with homonymous muscle EMG and length during a variety of normal, unrestrained movements. 2. The general observation was that among both primary and secondary endings there was a broad range of different patterns of activity depending on the type of muscle involved and the type of movement performed. 3. During walking, the activity of a given spindle primary was usually consistent among similar step cycles. However, the activity was usually poorly correlated with absolute muscle length, apparently unrealted to velocity of muscle stretch, and could change markedly for similar movements performed under different conditions. 4. Spindle activity modulation not apparently related to muscle length changes was assumed to be influenced by fusimotor activity. In certain muscles, this presumption leads to the conclusion that gamma-motoneurons may be activated out of phase with homonymous alpha-motoneurons as well as by more conventional alpha-gamma-motoneuron coactivation. 5. Simultaneous recordings of two spindle primary afferents from extensor digitorum longus indicated that spindles within the same muscle may differ considerably with respect to this presumed gamma-motoneuron drive. 6. Spindle secondary endings appeared to be predominantly passive indicators of muscle length during walking, but could demonstrate apparently strong fusimotor modulation during other motor activities such as postural changes and paw shaking. 7. Both primary and secondary endings were observed to undergo very rapid modulation of firing rates in response to presumed reflexly induced intrafusal contractions. 8. It is suggested that the pattern of fusimotor control of spindles may be tailored to the specific muscle and task being performed, rather than necessarily dominated by rigid alpha-gamma coactivation.

Contractile force of canine airway smooth muscle during cyclical length changes

1983 ◽  
Vol 55 (3) ◽  
pp. 759-769 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. J. Gunst
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Force ◽  
Isometric Force ◽  
Smooth Muscles ◽  
Rate Of Change ◽  
Dynamic Force ◽  
Airway Caliber ◽  
Length Changes ◽  
Isometric Muscle ◽  
Isometric Muscle Force

Strips of tonically contracted canine tracheal and bronchial airway smooth muscles (AWSM) were studied in vitro to compare dynamic muscle force during stretch-retraction cycles with static isometric muscle force at various length points within the cycling range. At any particular rate, a characteristic force-length loop was obtained by cycling over a given range of lengths. Dynamic muscle force dropped well below static isometric muscle force at lengths short of the peak length at all rates of cycling. When stretch or retraction of the muscle was stopped at any point along either path of the cycle, muscle force rose to approach the isometric force at that length. Dynamic force at the peak length of the cycle remained close to, or slightly greater than, the static isometric force. The results suggest that the velocity of shortening of tonically contracted AWSM is very slow relative to the rates of cycling employed. A slow rate of shortening of AWSM relative to the rate of change in airway caliber during breathing could account for well-known effects of volume history on airway tone.

Tracheal smooth muscle mechanics in vivo

1990 ◽  
Vol 68 (1) ◽  
pp. 209-219 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Okazawa ◽  
P. Pare ◽  
J. Road
Keyword(s):  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Muscle Mechanics ◽  
Muscle Length ◽  
Base Line ◽  
Maximal Velocity ◽  
Velocity Of Shortening ◽  
Length Changes ◽  
Trachealis Muscle

We applied the technique of sonomicrometry to directly measure length changes of the trachealis muscle in vivo. Pairs of small 1-mm piezoelectric transducers were placed in parallel with the muscle fibers in the posterior tracheal wall in seven anesthetized dogs. Length changes were recorded during mechanical ventilation and during complete pressure-volume curves of the lung. The trachealis muscle showed spontaneous fluctuations in base-line length that disappeared after vagotomy. Before vagotomy passive pressure-length curves showed marked hysteresis and length changed by 18.5 +/- 13.2% (SD) resting length at functional residual capacity (LFRC) from FRC to total lung capacity (TLC) and by 28.2 +/- 16.2% LFRC from FRC to residual volume (RV). After vagotomy hysteresis decreased considerably and length now changed by 10.4 +/- 3.7% LFRC from FRC to TLC and by 32.5 +/- 14.6% LFRC from FRC to RV. Bilateral supramaximal vagal stimulation produced a mean maximal active shortening of 28.8 +/- 14.2% resting length at any lung volume (LR) and shortening decreased at lengths above FRC. The mean maximal velocity of shortening was 4.2 +/- 3.9% LR.S-1. We conclude that sonomicrometry may be used to record smooth muscle length in vivo. Vagal tone strongly influences passive length change. In vivo active shortening and velocity of shortening are less than in vitro, implying that there are significant loads impeding shortening in vivo.

3-D ESTIMATES OF MUSCLE LENGTH CHANGES DURING CAT LOCOMOTION

1982 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 144 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. C. Whiting ◽  
R. J. Gregor ◽  
R. R. Roy
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Length ◽  
Length Changes
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