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Identifying Patterns (identifying + pattern)
Selected AbstractsIdentifying patterns of diversity of the actinopterygian fulcraACTA ZOOLOGICA, Issue 2009Gloria Arratia Abstract Fin rays, scutes or ridge scales, and fulcra have been traditionally interpreted as modified scales, but their diversity has been almost ignored. Based on results presented here, revised definitions of these elements are provided. At least two patterns of basal fulcra are found in actinopterygians: in Pattern I all or most basal fulcra are paired elements, whereas in Pattern II, a series of unpaired basal fulcra that are bifurcated proximally, and whose forking gradually becomes larger caudad, are followed by a series of paired elements. Basal fulcra are commonly present on unpaired fins of lower actinopterygians, including basal neopterygians. Among living fish they are absent in polypteriforms, Amia and teleosts. Fringing fulcra are always paired. Three patterns of fringing fulcra series are described: the series of fringing fulcra in basal actinopterygians is formed by expanded terminal segments of marginal lepidotrichia (Pattern A). Another series is formed by a combination of slightly expanded or modified terminal segments of rays and independent spiny, small elements (Pattern B). The third series is formed of small, spiny ossified elements positioned along the leading marginal fin ray(s) (Pattern C). Other patterns of basal and fringing fulcra remain to be investigated, along with their phylogenetic implications. [source] Identifying patterns in primary care consultations: a cluster analysisJOURNAL OF EVALUATION IN CLINICAL PRACTICE, Issue 3 2009Joachim P. Sturmberg MBBS DORACOG MFM FRACGP PhD Abstract Background, A literature review revealed that little is known about the systems context of general practice consultations and their outcomes. Objectives, To describe the systems context and resulting underlying patterns of primary care consultations in a local area. Design, Cross-sectional multi-practice study based on a three-part questionnaire. Cluster analysis of data. Setting, Stratified random sample of general practices and general practitioners , NSW-Central Coast, Australia. Participants, A total of 1104 adults attending 12 general practitioners between February and November 1999. Results and Conclusions, The study identified seven subgroups within the study population uniquely defined by variables from the health system, individual doctor and patient, consultation and consultation outcomes domains. A systems approach provides a framework in which to track and consider the important variables and their known and/or expected workings and thus offer a contextual framework to guide primary care reform. [source] The wholesale and retail markets of London, 1660,1840ECONOMIC HISTORY REVIEW, Issue 1 2002Colin Smith Markets and marketing are perennial themes in English economic and social history. Yet they remain largely unexplored in relation to London during a period of remarkable growth and change, the long eighteenth century. This article begins to fill that void, by surveying over 70 London produce markets that existed during the period, and identifying patterns in their collective development. It concludes that the physical market place, though ancient in origin, evolved through the ,commercial revolution' as a highly dynamic and diverse institution that played a significant role in London's distribution. [source] Avifauna response to hurricanes: regional changes in community similarityGLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY, Issue 3 2010CHADWICK D. RITTENHOUSE Abstract Global climate models predict increases in the frequency and intensity of extreme climatic events such as hurricanes, which may abruptly alter ecological processes in forests and thus affect avian diversity. Developing appropriate conservation measures necessitates identifying patterns of avifauna response to hurricanes. We sought to answer two questions: (1) does avian diversity, measured as community similarity, abundance, and species richness, change in areas affected by hurricane compared with unaffected areas, and (2) what factors are associated with the change(s) in avian diversity? We used North American Breeding Bird Survey data, hurricane track information, and a time series of Landsat images in a repeated measures framework to answer these questions. Our results show a decrease in community similarity in the first posthurricane breeding season for all species as a group, and for species that nest in the midstory and canopy. We also found significant effects of hurricanes on abundance for species that breed in urban and woodland habitats, but not on the richness of any guild. In total, hurricanes produced regional changes in community similarity largely without significant loss of richness or overall avian abundance. We identified several potential mechanisms for these changes in avian diversity, including hurricane-induced changes in forest habitat and the use of refugia by birds displaced from hurricane-damaged forests. The prospect of increasing frequency and intensity of hurricanes is not likely to invoke a conservation crisis for birds provided we maintain sufficient forest habitat so that avifauna can respond to hurricanes by shifting to areas of suitable habitat. [source] | ||||||||||