On the phylogeny of human morality (ten years later)

Sociobiological explanation of altruism, through theories as such «kin selection», cannot reach the wealth of human morality; it is necessary to add some specific traits in order to explain the human way to ultrasociability. Some of them appear within the classical school of «moral sense», distinguishing between two different levels («motive to act» and «moral criterion») of moral phenomenon. Due to the complexity of criterion level, here we deal with a broad model of human moral phenomenon, proposing three different dominions («motive to act», «personal criterion», «collective values»), and trying to find possible phylogenetic roots of them through a cognitive approach.     

Autopercepción de la salud en ancianos y mortalidad a los 5 años. Estudio en una comunidad rural

IntroductionTo investigate the relationship between self-rated health and mortality at 5 years of follow-up among the elderly in a rural community.DesignSurvival study with a 5-year follow-up.ParticipantsRepresentative sample of 408 individuals aged more than 65 years living in a rural municipality in the north-west of Spain.ResultsSurvival was significantly lower among individuals who reported «poor» or «very poor» health (relative risk [RR] = 1.56; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.04-2.33). However, after adjusting for other variables (age, sex, education, severe disease, toxic habits, and mobility) the probability of survival among these individuals reporting «poor» or «very poor» health was similar to that among participants who rated their health as «average», «good » or «very good» (RR = 1.15; 95% CI, 0.71-1.87). In the multivariate analysis, only age, regular smoking, and mobility remained as significant predictive factors of mortality.ConclusionsAfter adjusting for demographic and socioeconomic factors and for objective health status, self-rated health does not have a direct effect on mortality. The degree of mobility does seem to be useful in predicting mortality.     

Ricerche Sulla Rigenerazione in Coltura Di Pterocladia Capillacea (Gmel.) Born. Et Thur

Abstract

Research on the regeneration in «Pterocladia capillacea» (Gmel.) Born, et Thur. cultured «in vitro». – It has been show that small segments (even 0,3 cm. long) of the thallus of «Pterocladia capillacea» undergo the regeneration «in vitro» of adventitious buds. Sea water enriched according to MIQUEL'S formula (1890) was used for the culture. Adventitious buds were present on both the cut-surfaces of the intercalary segments. Both surfaces regenerated, suggesting the absence of clear polarity for regeneration; howewer, usually one cut-surface showed more vigorous adventitious branches than the other one. The possibility that the predominance of one surface could be related to a polarization of the flow of nutrients from the parent segment has been discussed. The thallus originated «in vitro» is very similar to the creeping axes and the formation «in vitro» of thallus similar to that of the erect frond was never observed. 0,1γ/ml. IAA promoted regeneration and stimulated the growth of adventitious buds. IAA stimulated also the growth of the apical portion of the erect fronds. 10^?5M 2-chloro-ethyl trimethyl-ammonium chloride (CCC) stimulated regeneration and the growth of the tips of the main axis and lateral branches of apical segments. Higher CCC concentrations (10^?3M) inhibit regeneration and at the same time all the tips were necrotized; consequently some outgrowths appeared along the original axes. Such phenomenon was interpreted as a new type of regeneration obtained without any injury. Data reported in this preliminary communication represent a good approach for new study on the biochemical aspects of regeneration.     

Variations in the arbitrariness of ASL: an assessment of the symbolicity of simian signs

This paper summarizes and applies a continuum of «arbitrariness» or «symbolicity» composed of symptoms, rituals and symbols to the results of research in which American Sign Language (ASL) was used as the method of «language» training. Additionally, an expansion of the symbolicity continuum to include a continuum of «abstractness» with the «conceptual symbol» anchoring the most arbitrary end of the continuum was advanced. The results of the comparison provide additional support for the claim that apes are capable of learning and using symbolic signs. However, only a small number of those symbolic signs could be considered «conceptual symbols».     

Sulla Presenza di Ificellarioli e di Conidi in Mieobionti Lichenici Coltivati in « Vitro ». Riassunto

Abstract

On the presence of « hyphycellariola » (swollen celles) and conidia in three lichenized fungi cultivated « in vitro ». — The Authors refer to the presence of « cellariola » (and « hyphycellariola ») found in pure cultures « in vitro » of the mycobiont of Xanthoria parietina and describe the morphology of conidia in the fungus isolated from Sarcogyne similis and Acarospora fuscata.

As far as the « cellariola » and « hyphycellariola » are concerned, it is the first note relative to the mycobionts of Lichens.

The Authors report the data of the utilized medium and the morphological observations.

This previous studies will be intensified by further research.     

Sulla Terminologia dei Processi Apomittici

Summary

The Author observing the great disagreement of the terminology usually adopted for the apomictic phenomena, examines the whole series of the phenomena noted both in regards of the formation of the gametophyte and of the embryo. The forming of the gametophyte is fixed on the base of nature of its original cell, normally a haploid spore or »haplospore« (phenomenon of the »haplospory« following the regular meiosis), rarely a diploid spore or »diplospore« (phenomenon of the »diplospory« following the irregular meiosis, as for instance in the case of restitution nucleus, etc.). The original cell can be at least represented by the same cell that usually is the spore mother cell, whether for the outward causes, or for inward causes is lacking the usual reductional process. For the failure of the meiotic process, such a cell cannot be called »spore«.

A cell of the somatic tissue of the sporophyte can even become the original cell of the gametophyte always in case of the absence of the meiosis. These two last cases of apospory are respectively called: »somatic apospory« and »gonial apospory« (= germinal apospory) (Chiarugi 1926).

The formation of the embryo is fixed on the base of the nature of the fecundation. The principal phenomena of the fecundation are represented by the following cases: »amphigamy« (or eugamy, or gamy), »semigamy, »pseudogamy«, »apogamy« »parthenogenesis«. The A. uses the term »apogamy« both for the diploid eggs and for the haploid eggs in which the stimulation of the division is produced by the pollen-tube or by male nuclei, in absence of the gamy.

The term »parthenogenesis« is restricted to the division of the haploid or diploid eggs in which the stimulation is not caused by pollen-tube nor even for the great reason, by the male nuclei existing in it.     

Fissazione di C14O2 in Colture di Tessuti Vegetali « in Vitro »

Abstract

C¹⁴O₂ fixation in plant tissues « in vitro ». — In the present work it has been examinated the autotrophic and heterotrophic CO₂ fixation of explants of « Helianthus tuberosus » « in vitro » and the photosyntetic efficiency of leaves produced from buds of « in vitro » explants of « Cichorium intybus » compared with that of mature leaves from normal plants of the same species. From our results it is evident that « in vitro » explants of « Helianthus tuberosus », grown, in the light, are able to autotrophically incorporate C¹⁴O₂; the distribution of the radioactivity into the various fractions shows a large influence of the light on the neutral fraction containing sugars (50% of the total radioactivity). In the chlorophyllous explants the dark CO₂ fixation is obviously of heterotrophic type: 97% of the total radioactivity is incorporated in amine acids (43%) and the organic acids (53%); on the other hand in the dark grown explants the radioactivity is differently distributed between amino acids (59%) and organic acids (39%). Mature leaves from normal plants and leaves produced from buds of « in vitro » explants of « Cichorium intybus » incorporate the same quantity of C¹⁴O₂ when expressed per mg of chlorophyll; the different distribution of the radioactivity in the neutral and acid fractions could be explained in terms of a different utilization pathway of the photosynthates in the two tissues.     

Dermatoglyphic study among sex and other crime convicts

An attempt was made to investigate dermatoglyphic variation between four sex-crimes (SC) and four sex and other crime (SOC) convicts. These were compared with 10 endogamous and 11 penal populations. The results indicate that the two closely related sex crime cases IPC-363 and IPC 366 («kidnap» and «abducting») show wide differences in dermatoglyphic characters. A comparison of sex crimes with sex and other crime cases showed least differences in the case of IPC-363, IPC-363 KC and in IPC 366 and IPC-366 AC but wide differences in IPC-354 («molestation») cases. The dendrograms suggest that the eight sex crime cases cluster together and are different from other endogamous and penal populations. The significant low mean finger ridge count observed in the case of IPC-366 is in agreement with other studies, suggesting a strong association between crime (sex) and dermatoglyphics.     

Der Neodarwinismus als axiomatisierbares deduktives System und das Problem der Anpassung und Selektion

In the last decade numerous evolutionary models have been proposed and intensively discussed. Surprisingly, the logical analysis of these different hypotheses is not of great importance in this debate. As a matter of fact, Neodarwinism is a consistent deductive system which is based on few but wellconfirmed axioms. Hence, very often, precise statements and definitions of standpoint can be made. This is exemplified by some repeatedly discussed models concerning the problems of Darwinian »adaptation« and »natural selection« 1. Following the logic of the Neodarwinian theory, extinction can only be the result of overspecialization if some very unusual assumptions are made. 2. The hypothesis of »punctuated equilibrium« GOULD 1982), the »effect hypothesis« (VRBA 1983) and the stochastic evolutionary model SCHOPF 1979) include elements which are logically inconsistent with the »modern synthesis«; they could be »true« only if at least one of the neodarwinian axioms (so far not disproved) is negated.     

Capacidad predictiva de fragilidad basal y fuerza de prensión al ingreso en resultados al alta en una unidad geriátrica de recuperación funcional

ObjectiveTo evaluate the predictive capacity of different frailty scales, as well as the strength of the handgrip, and to determine their relationship with clinical favourable outcomes.Patients and methodProspective study of patients admitted to the Geriatric Functional Recovery Unit (GFRU) of the Hospital Central Cruz Roja. The «FRAIL» scale, «Clinical Frailty Scale» (CFS) and «Fragil-VIG» index, and handgrip strength by hydraulic dynamometer were completed on admission. A functional gain was assumed as 20 or more points in the Barthel Index and return to home, as good outcomes at discharge. The discriminative capacity of favourable outcomes for each frailty scale and handgrip strength was analysed by means of ROC curves, calculating the C statistic (area under the curve = AUC).ResultsThe analysis included 74 patients (median age 82 years; 48.5% women), admitted for stroke recovery (65%), orthopaedic pathology (16%), and other causes (19%). The prevalence of frailty varied between 31% (FRAIL scale), 40% (CFS), and 57.5% («Fragil-VIG»). Median handgrip strength was 15 Kg in males (interquartile range 11-21), and 9 Kg in females (interquartile range 7-12). At discharge, 51.5% of patients had a functional gain of 20 or more points in Barthel index, and 63% returned to their previous home. The discriminating ability to achieve acceptable functional gain at discharge was good for CFS (AUC = 0.72; 95% CI; 0.60-0.84) and «Fragil-VIG» (AUC = 0.72; 95% CI;0.58-0.82), and handgrip strength was the only tool related to return home (AUC = 0.68; 95% CI;0.56-0.81).ConclusionTo evaluate frailty on admission to a GFRU contributes to predicting favourable clinical outcomes, but the discriminating capacity of each scale is variable.     

Saxifraga Berica (Béguinot) D. A. Webb E Asplenium Lepidum Presl Sui Colli Berici

Abstract

«Saxifraga berica» (Béguinot) D. A. Webb and «Asplenium lepidum» Presl on the «Colli Berici». – We have identified a new association in the small caverns of the calcareous rocks in the hills of the north-eastern zone of the «Colli Berici», rising from the Italian plain near Vicenza. We have adopted for this association the name: ADIANTO-SAXIFRAGETUM BERICAE. This phytocoenose is characterized by the endemic «Saxifraga berica». We have found new stations of this remarkable plant and reported some features of this species to complete the diagnosis of D. A. Webb. In two station of this association we have found also the rare «Asplenium lepidum», new for this region.     

DNA sequencing using specific long-range interaction between macromolecules

On the basis of the theory of specific long-range interaction between long molecules, an approach has been elaborated for «fast reading» of nucleotide sequences in one DNA molecule. First, a stretching force is applied to the molecule that causes its unwinding from B-form to S-form. Then, the molecule is placed in the stretched state on a support. After this, the electrostatic potential is estimated in a space along the DNA filament. The information obtained is sufficient for deducing the nucleotide sequence. Another approach to the «reading» of information reduces to measurement of the deformation of filament elements induced by the electric field from the electrode that stretches the filament by an alternating current applied.     

The cryptopolyploidy (Jaretzky 1928: «verkappte Polyploidie»; Chiarugi 1933: «criptopoliploidia»; Melinossi 1935, 1937: «duplicazione endocromosomica»). A terminological criticism.

Abstract

In the cytological literature and text-books, the term cryptopolyploidy is mainly ignored and sometimes re-interpreted and often wrongly quoted from the point of view of historical accuracy. The paternity over this term should be ascribed to Chiarugi (1933), although Jaretzky (1928a, b), while investigating karyologically two species of the genus Bunias, B. orientalis and B. erucago, first advanced a concept of «verkappte Polyploidie» to indicate the occurrence of chromosomes of enlarged size hypothetically due to fusion of homologous members (Jaretzky's «Sammelchromosomen»). By such homologous chromosome fusion a polyploid karyotype could appear as a diploid karyotype. A pupil of Chiarugi, Roma Melinossi, reinvestigating the two species quoted by Jaretzky, Bunias orientalis and B. erucago, documented a quite different karyological state for these species, cf. Melinossi (1935, 1937), that is the presence of the same karyotype (2n=14) in both species and the occurrence of chromosome of doubled size in B. erucago. Melinossi recognized B. erucago to be the cryptopolyploid species (obviously crypto-tetraploid) and not B. orientalis as assumed by Jaretzky and reinterpreted the chromosomes of doubled size as the result of a «duplicazione endocromosomica» (MELINOSSI, 1937).

Almost contemporaneously a second pupil of Chiarugi, Fernanda Pannocchia-Laj, in a karyo-embryological investigation of some species of the genus Vinca, described the occurrence of another case of cryptopolyploidy (sense Melinossi, that is by «duplicazione endocromosomica»). Besides the minor fact that this latter author spelled the term «criptopoliploidia» also as «criptopoliploidismo», her paper is very remarkable because suggested the probable occurrence of a degree of cryptopolyploidy higher than that of Bunias (crypto-tetraploid), namely the occurrence of «… una entità criptopoliploide con valore superiore al tetraploide, probabilmente ottoploide» (cf. PANNOCCHIA-LAJ, 1938 p. 177, p. 178, Fig. 36: criptottoploide).

On the basis of the results of a comparative karyological study between Vinca minor, V. major and V. difformis, PANNOCCHIA-LAJ ascribed to V. minor the diploid karyotype «2n=46», to V. major the tetraploid karyotype «2n=92», and to V. difformis the cryptopolyploid karyotype «2n=46 (x4?)». Since PANNOCCHIA-LAJ (1938, pp. 184–185), following MELINOSSI (1937), interpreted the origin of cryptopolyploidy as a phenomenon due to «duplicazione endocromosomica», the formula «2n=46 (x4?)» clearly means occurrence of «doppia duplicazione endocromosomica» or «quadruplicazione cromosomica».

The author is personally aware that PANNOCCHIA-LAJ intentionally, for scientific prudence, avoided to include such a terms in her account.

The papers of CHIARUGI, MELINOSSI and PANNOCCHIA-LAJ have been largely ignored by the subsequent cytological literature and the term cryptopolyploidy has been variably quoted or interpreted and also reinvented (cf. HOLT in SPARROW & NAUMAN, 1974)!

From a terminological point of view, there are two sound considerations which suggest a refusal of the term cryptopolyploidy, namely:

- the prefix crypto does not qualify, it only means that such a polyploidy is «not visible» (hidden) by the methods of the observer;

- the choice of the prefix crypto is injustifiable because, the cases of cryptopolyploidy show the general morphology of the relative known polyploid species, that is they are phenotypically polyploids!

Both considerations, together, suggest the refusal of the prefix crypto and the proposal of the neoterm phenopolyploidy (phenotypic polyploidy). Necessarily, the indication of phenopolyploidy is nothing else but a provisional term waiting for a modern reinvestigation of both the crypto-tetraploid Bunias erucago and the crypto-octoploid Vinca difformis.     

Attività Fotosintetica di Alghe Marine Nella Grotta Delle Viole (Isola S. Domino - Tremiti)

Abstract

Photosynthetic rates of some algae in the marine cave « Grotta delle Viole » (Is. S. Domino - Tremiti). — The « Grotta delle Viole » is one of the several marine caves located along the calcareous rocky southern littoral of the Island S. Domino (Tremiti) in the Adriatic Sea. Morphologically this cave is a tunnel, which connects the open littoral sea with a little bay. Availing of these environmental factors, we have chosen three stations to measure the photosyn-thetic yield, under completely natural conditions, of algae particularly important for some marine communities, described in an other paper (see, Pignatti S. et al. 1967). In station 1 (fig. 1) we have a biotope with strongly reduced light and in the neighbouring stations 2 and 3, two biotopes exposed to sun-light. We have studied three species living in dark places (« Peyssonelia » cfr. « harveyana », « Palmophyllum crassum » and « Pseudolithophyllum expansum » two of well lighted habitas (« Padina pavonia » and « Dictyota dichotoma » and one of intermediate place (« Codium difforme ») Some information on the optical conditions of the seawater have been obtained with a photoelectric cell, filters were used to measure the red and blue light penetration (Tab. 1, 2). This part of the Adriatic Sea is characterized by high penetration of blue light. In the cave this light is highly predominant. The photosynthetic rates were measured in natural conditions by determining the output in time O₂ using the Winkler method (Tab. 3) and the CO₂ changes by measuring pH-changes in short time intervals with an original method using a submarine incubation cell, of our design, equipped with the electrodes of a pH-meter and a spot-light galvanometer as measure instrument. The data obtained with the latter method have been statistically analized, their significance discussed and reported in Tab. 4. On the basis of the results, the species, which are confined in places with reduced light intensity, show a low but measurable photosynthetic surplus only in their natural habitats, transferred in high-light intensity they show a deficit. This fact can suggest the hypotheses: deactivation of the chlorophyll in green and blue light or competitive inhibition due to the presence of accessory pigments. The species of sunny habitats transferred in low-light intensity show an assimilatory deficit, that in this case, with great probability, is due to the progressive reduction of the photosynthetic process. These considerations explaine also the observed distributions of the species and of the algal communities (fig. 1), since each of them is connected with a light optimum. It seems important moreover to note that here, for the first time, data are given also on photosynthetic activity of Lithothamnia.     

Sull'embriologia di Leontopodium Nivale (Ten.) Huet ex Hand. Mazz.

Abstract

Embryology of « Leontopodium nivale » (Ten.) Huet ex Hand.-Mazz. — As in « Leontopodium alpinum » Cass. var. a typicum Fiori e Paoletti, from different alpine localities, no cases of apomixis have been observed (Maugini 1962) while Sokolowska-Kulczycka (1959) has noticed this phenomenon in the same species collected on the Tatra mountains, an embryological research on « Leontopodium nivale » (Ten.) Huet ex Hand. Mazz. has been undertaken. The material, collected in the alpine garden of Campo Imperatore (Abruzzo), has shown that the development of the female gametophyte occurs as in Leontopodium alpinum, according to the normal monomegasporial type which leads to the formation of an 8-nucleate gametophyte which at maturity is almost always poliantipodate. In « Leontopodium nivale » there is no trace of apomixix, but many cases of degeneration, particularly in the mature gametophyte, have been observed.     

Nomenklatorischer Kurzbericht, 3

Dieser dritte »Nomenklatorische Kurzbericht« informiert über die Anfang 1985 erschienene dritte Auflage des »International Code of Zoological Nomenclature« sowie über neue gutachtliche Entscheidungen (»Opinions«) der Nomenklatur-Kommission aus den Jahren 1980-1984 (Bulletin of Zoological Nomenclature, Band 37-41). Ältere derartige Entscheidungen, soweit sie fossile Taxa betreffen, sind im »Nomenklatorischen Kurzbericht, 1« (Paläont. Z.,46 (3/4): 251-255, 1972) und im »Nomenklatorischen Kurzbericht, 2« (Paläont. Z.,54 (3/4): 343-349, 1980) zusammengestellt.     

Phagnalon Metlesicsii Nova Sp. Aus Westsizilien,Mit Einem Überblick Über Die Gruppe Von Phagnalon Rupestre Im Mittelmeerraum

Abstract

«Phagnalon metlesicsii», a new species from Western Sicily, with a survey of the «Ph. rupestre» — group in the Mediterranean Region. — Phagnalon metlesicsii, a new species of the complex Ph. rupestre — Ph. graecum, is described. It is entirely glabrous and occurs in Western Sicily (M. Cofano) on vertical limestone rocks, nearly 200 mts. above the sea, in community with a flora particularly rich on endemics. The variability of the whole complex is discussed and some infraspecific taxa are proposed.     

Palmar ridge systems

A six — or seven — (fingers) «sites» system with sequential invading of interdigital ridge bundles agrees very well with actual data from literature. The palmridges of the left hand lag one «period» behind those of the right hands. Main line formulas and the regularities in their frequencies are to a large extent predictable and can be understood from the 7- «sites» model proposed in this publication.     

Inibizione Da Saccarosio Della Demolizione Delle Riserve Lipidiche in Cucurbita Maxima

Abstract

Inhibition by sucrose of utilization of storage lipids in germinating seeds of «Cucurbita maxima». – Previous work demonstrated that sugars inhibit almost completely the respiratory utilization of lipid in isolated cotyledons from germinating «Ricinus communis» seeds as well as in a yeast, «Rhodotorula gracilis». This research was carried out with the aim to further characterize this phenomenon; the material used are the cotyledons and the embryonic axes of «Cucurbita maxima» var. «mammouth», where the lipid contents markedly decrease during the first 72 hours of germination. By incubating the embrional axes, isolated from 48 hours germinating seeds in 0.1M sucrose it was observed: a) a rise of the R.Q. from 0,65 to 1 which is not due to alchoolic fermentation since no degradation of sucrose to ethanol was detected, b) a marked decrease or a complete inhibition of the utilization of fatty acids. On the contrary, no significant increase of R. Q. occurs, when the cotyledons are incubated in presence of 0.1M sucrose. The metabolic utilization of the fatty acids in «Cucurbita maxima» has been studied by using acetate-2-C¹⁴. Labelled acetate was fed after 30 and 90 minutes of incubation of the embryonic axes in water and, respectively in 0.1M sucrose. The radioactivity in the C0₂ and in total fatty acids fractions was measured 30 minutes after feeding the labelled acetate. It was found that: in the presence of sucrose: a) the incorporation of labelled acetate in fatty acids was increased by about 4396 after 30′ and by 10% after 90′. b) the dissimilation of acetate to CO₂ was decreased by about 5096. These results indicate that sucrose replaces lipids as respiratory material. Experiments with labelled acetate are in agreement with the hypotesis that the inhibition of lipid catabolism by sugars (or some derivative) is due chiefly an enhancement of lipid synthesis. At the same time there is probable an inhibition of fatty acids oxidation.     

“Eumeiosi” e “Meiosi Apoomeotipica” Seguita da “Mitosi a Diplounivalenti” Nel Tessuto Somatico di Sambucus

Summary

The Authors describe in Sambucus nigra L the occurrence of the » apohomeotypic teiosis « followed by a »mitosis with diplounivalents « (Battaglia 1945, 1947) in ae somatic tissue of the style. The AA. observed also the occasional formation f four haploid nuclei and then the occurence of the »eumeiosis« (Battaglia 1945).