Average Growth Curve Research Articles

Characterization of growth in French Saddle horses using non-linear models in the Colombian high tropics

This research was conducted with the aim of characterizing the average growth curve of French saddle horses in the geographical conditions of Eastern Antioquia (Colombia), using non-linear models. To achieve this objective, weight and height measurements were taken monthly, resulting in 1305 measurements from 49 females and 1379 measurements from 53 males of the French Saddle breed raised at the San Isidro farm located in La Ceja, Antioquia. When comparing different models, it was found that the Brody model best fit the weight growth data (AIC=26279.44, BIC=26303.02) and height growth data (AIC=15346.65, BIC=15370.22) of horses. Modelling growth curves for males and females revealed a negative correlation between adult weight and growth rate, and it was also observed that animals stabilized their weight growth at around 36 months, while maximum height growth was reached at 24 months. The main conclusion of this study is that the Brody model best characterizes the growth curve in French Saddle horses raised in the conditions of the Colombian high tropics. In this sense, it is important to understand the growth dynamics in horses raised under Colombian high tropic conditions in order to make informed decisions regarding the initiation of training for these populations of show jumping horses.

Mineralization characteristics of Lead-Zinc-Copper deposits in Akdağmadeni Region (Northern Central Anatolia, Türkiye): Integration of field study, geochemical, isotope, and geophysical data

The Akdağmadeni region is one of the important Pb-Zn-Cu metallogenic provinces in Türkiye. Most of the Pb-Zn-Cu deposits in the region are located near granitoid intrusions within metamorphic rocks, and they are typically classified as skarn-type ores associated with granitoids. However, no relationship has been determined between the Başçatak prospect and any granitoid outcrop. This raises the question of whether the Pb-Zn-Cu mineralization in the region is related to granitoids or if magmatic processes remobilized pre-existing mineralization. Observations from field studies suggest that mineralization in the Başçatak prospect is a stratiform type, metamorphosed occurrence that might have occurred earlier than the granitic intrusions. The geochemical data indicated that the granitoids have low-grade, subeconomic Cu potential and no Zn productivity potential, supporting these observations. Geophysical data also show that there is no intrusive body beneath this prospect. Granitoid-related deposits (Karapir - Ortaköy and Akçakışla) exhibit two distinct occurrences around the contact between the granite and the surrounding metamorphic rocks. The first type of occurrence (O-1) is formed at the contact and contains magnetite, pyrrhotite, and chalcopyrite. The second type of occurrence (O-2) is located outside the contact and is rich in sphalerite and galena. Both O-1 and O-2 contain skarn minerals along with ore minerals. The δ34S values of sulfide minerals from the deposits range from −0,7 to 7,5 ‰ (V-CDT). These values overlap with those of both magmatic sulfur and reduced sulfur from seawater-dissolved sulfate, making it difficult to suggest a sulfur source without additional data. Lead isotope compositions of the galenas from all deposits plot above the average crustal growth curve, suggesting an upper crustal and orogenic source similar to Western Mediterranean and Türkiye type materials described in the literature for the lead, source in different time intervals. Furthermore, Pb isotope geochemistry suggests a contemporaneous age with the host metamorphic rocks (Carboniferous – Lower Permian) for the Başçatak prospect. These results support observations indicating a syn-genetic formation for the Başçatak prospect. The age range of granite-related deposits forms two sub-groups:105–77 Ma and 61–50 Ma corresponding to the Upper Cretaceous and Paleocene transition. These data indicate that that the galenas were formed in two different stages in these mineralizations. Stratiform mineralization in the Başçatak prospect likely formed either through exhalative sedimentary processes by hydrothermal fluids or through chemical sedimentary processes under reductive conditions in a marine environment during metamorphism. O-1 appears to have been formed by hydrothermal fluids developed during granitic magmatism. A plausible formation process for O-2 involves the leaching of sulfur, lead and other metals from Başçatak type enrichments in metamorphics, with transportation and deposition within the epidotized calc-schist and marbles outside the granitoid contacts. The uplift of granitic intrusions prepared the channels and depositional environment for O-2 and caused heating of the hydrothermal fluids during this mineralization period.

Quantification of tree growth change under climate change using National Forest Inventory of Korea

To achieve carbon neutrality in the face of climate change, accurately estimating forest carbon uptake is crucial. Environmental changes, such as temperature increases or precipitation fluctuations caused by climate change, can alter the growth responses of each species and act as a driver for changes in forest productivity. In particular, using a single-species growth model increases uncertainty in predicting stand growth, given the high species diversity in temperate forests in East Asia. Therefore, in this study, we identified the growth curve of 17 species-specific distributed in Korean temperate forest as well as the growth trend over the last 30 years (1976–2005). For this purpose, the species distribution and growth characteristics of 17 major Korean species of trees were analyzed using 13,808 tree-ring series from the 5th National Forest Inventory, which was conducted between 2006 and 2010. The growth characteristics of each species were analyzed using the average growth curve specific to each species, and the yearly growth trend was examined through residual analysis of the average growth curve. The distribution range of the 17 major tree species varied by species, as did the growth rate, ranging from 7 cm² · year⁻¹ to 17 cm² · year⁻¹ for the 30-year-old average basal area increment (BAI). Over time, fast-growing tree species exhibited initially high BAI, followed by a sharp decline from the 2000s. In contrast, broadleaf trees showed a continuous increase. Furthermore, a comparison of the total volume of individual trees and the volume of the yield table revealed that accurately estimating the actual forest volume was challenging. This study contributes to improving the accuracy of productivity predictions for temperate forests, underscoring the necessity to investigate the interaction between climate and forest succession in the future.

Proposal for a new non-linear model to describe growth curves

This study was developed with longitudinal data measurements of Norfolk rabbits from birth to 119 days of age to estimate the average growth curve, with the primary objective of proposing a non-linear model. It also selected the most appropriate sigmoidal model to describe the growth of Norfolk rabbits. The adjustments provided by the logistic, von Bertalanffy, Gompertz, Brody, Richards, and proposed models were compared. The parameters were estimated using the “nls” function of the “stats” package in R software, the least-squares method, and the Gauss-Newton convergence algorithm. The goodness-of-fit comparison was based on the following criteria: adjusted coefficient of determination (), mean square error (MSE), mean absolute deviation (MAD), Akaike information criterion (AIC), and Bayesian information criterion (BIC). Cluster analysis helped select and classify the non-linear growth models, considering the other goodness-of-fit criteria results. The proposed non-linear, von Bertalanffy, Gompertz, and Richards models described the growth curve of Norfolk rabbits satisfactorily, providing parameters with practical interpretations. The goodness-of-fit criteria showed that the proposed and von Bertalanffy models best represented the growth of rabbits.

Emotional exhaustion across the workday: Person-level and day-level predictors of workday emotional exhaustion growth curves.

Despite empirical findings that have established the dynamic nature of emotional exhaustion (EE), the temporal processes underlying the development of EE over meaningful spans of time have largely been ignored in research. Drawing from theories that outline the roles of resources and demands at work (Demerouti et al., 2001; Halbesleben et al., 2014; Hobfoll, 1989; ten Brummelhuis & Bakker, 2012), the present study developed and tested hypotheses pertaining to the form and predictors of workday EE trajectories. Experience sampling methodology was utilized to assess the momentary EE of 114 employees three times per day over a total of 925 days and 2,808 event-level surveys. Within-day EE growth curves (i.e., intercepts and slopes) were then derived, and the variance of these growth curve terms was partitioned into within-person (i.e., variance in growth curve parameters across days for each person) and between-person (i.e., variance in average growth curve parameters across people) sources. Results supported an increasing pattern of EE across the workday and also demonstrated substantial between- and within-person variance in intercepts (i.e., start) and slopes (i.e., growth) over the workday. In addition, support was found for a set of resource-providing and resource-consuming predictors of EE growth curves, including customer mistreatment, social interactions with coworkers, prior evening psychological detachment, perceived supervisor support, and autonomous and controlled motivations for one's job. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Demography, passive surveillance and potential habitat modelling of an Australian giant trapdoor spider (Idiopidae: Euoplos grandis) from the Queensland Brigalow Belt: half a decade of population monitoring for conservation outcomes

Abstract‘Slow science’ approaches to generating authoritative longitudinal datasets for long‐term monitoring are fundamental to conservation biology. Following reports of significant arthropod declines worldwide, and recent climate‐driven disasters such as the devastating ‘Black Summer’ bushfires of 2019–2020, there has been a renewed focus on invertebrate conservation in Australia and further calls for informative baseline datasets with which to understand increasingly rapid biotic change. Trapdoor spiders of the infraorder Mygalomorphae, in particular, have been the subject of decades of research highlighting their sensitivity to environmental change and their special significance to conservation biology. In 2019, the senior author and collaborators introduced within this journal a new long‐term monitoring study system for an Australian mygalomorph spider (Euoplos grandis Wilson & Rix, 2019; family Idiopidae), then in its infancy with just 18 months of quantitative demographic data. In the current study, we extend and build upon that work and provide a synthesis of demographic information accumulated over half a decade, resulting in 166 collective years' worth of times‐series data from 101 individual spiders. We infer an estimated average cumulative growth curve for the species based on census data from 77 spiders, with evidence for a 7+‐year juvenile female growth period and a potential life span for adult females of over 20 years. Passive surveillance using a camera trap deployed at the study site for 8 months resulted in significant advances in our understanding of the biology and behaviour of E. grandis, with a suite of behaviours observed for the first time, including rarely documented interactions with conspecifics, potential predators and prey. We further summarise the results of maximum entropy potential habitat modelling as informed by extensive on‐ground surveys and a refined taxonomy, and provide an updated conservation assessment using the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) criteria. These results reveal that E. grandis is a Vulnerable threatened species endemic to the highly fragmented southern Brigalow Belt bioregion, with population dynamics and life history characteristics that underscore the considerable sensitivity of Australian idiopid trapdoor spiders to a multitude of threatening processes.

Covariance functions under B-spline polynomials to model Polled Nellore cattle growth

B-spline functions have been used in random regression models (RRM) to model animal weight from birth to adulthood because they are less vulnerable to common difficulties of other methods. However, its application to model growth traits of Polled Nellore cattle has been little studied. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate polynomial functions of different orders and segment numbers to model effects associated with the Polled Nellore cattle growth curve. For this purpose, we used 15,148 weight records of 3,115 animals aged between 1 and 660 days and reared in northern Brazil and born between 1995 and 2010. Random effects were modeled using B-spline polynomials. As random effects, we considered the direct and maternal genetic additives, as well as direct and maternal permanent environments. As fixed effects were included contemporary group, cow age at calving (linear and quadratic) and fourth-order Legendre polynomials to represent average growth curve. The residue was modeled by considering seven age classes. The bestfitted model was the one that considered cubic B-spline functions with four knots for direct additive genetic effects and three knots for maternal genetic, animal permanent environment, and maternal permanent environment effects (C6555). Therefore, covariance functions under B-spline polynomials are efficient and can be used to model the growth curve of Polled Nellore cattle from birth to 660 days of age.

Evaluation of non-linear models for growth curve in Brazilian tropical goats.

In the present study, 1060 body weight-age records were measured on 300 Canindé goats. The records were collected from Rio Grande do Norte state, North-eastern part of Brazil, and used for evaluation of non-linear models (Brody, Von Bertalanffy, Logistic, and Gompertz) describing growth curve in goats. The non-linear models were compared applying mean squared error of prediction (MSEP), mean squared residue (MSR), mean absolute deviation (MAD), adjusted coefficient of determination (R2aj), and convergence percentage (%C) for determining the most appropriate model describing the growth curve in Canindé goats. The absolute growth rate (AGR) was estimated based on the adjusted model as a function of time to describe the growth rate of the animals, and the effect of sex on the curve parameters was assessed. The Brody model was the most indicated to represent the average growth curve of Canindé goats. Furthermore, the growth curves estimated by the models under study show that the Brody model displayed the best fit, indicating a greater association between observed and estimated weights, suggesting that it can be used to describe the growth behavior and development of the animals analyzed of both sexes.

Amelanotic B16-F10 Melanoma Compatible with Advanced Three-Dimensional Imaging Modalities

Amelanotic B16-F10 Melanoma Compatible with Advanced Three-Dimensional Imaging Modalities

Simulation of adsorption and release of doxepin onto ZIF-8 including in vitro cellular toxicity and viability

Doxepin hydrochloride is an antidepressant drug commonly used to treat mild to moderate depression. However, this drug has poor oral bioavailability, with the percentage of drug that can enter the bloodstream being weak and variable. The present study seeks to investigate the ZIF-8 nanoparticles for doxepin delivery and to assess this drug uptake and release in ZIF-8 frameworks using the Gibbs-ensemble Monte Carlo method in the Simulated Materials Studio. This study also adopted a model for showing surface adsorbent (ZIF-8S) capabilities. ZIF-8 nano-frameworks have many advantages such as easy flowing through capillaries leading to a satisfactory drug release into the systemic circulation and preventing high plasma concentration. Additionally, the study examined the diffusion of drug molecules using the simulated molecular dynamics with regard to the structural flexibility of the MOF. Proper loading of 8.6% and slow diffusion of 7.353 × 10−6 cm2/s doxepin molecules from ZIF-8 pores confirmed that this material could be recommended as an effective carrier for doxepin. Furthermore, the fixed ZIF-8S model is also used by keeping the opening of cavities fixed, thereby attaining a higher loading amount 12%. Moreover, since ethanol has been applied as a suitable solvent in many biological systems, of adsorption, diffusion processes are also repeated in this solvent. Thus, presence of such adsorption sites as zinc ions may facilitate the interaction of the framework with large molecules to provide desirable loading and diffusion amounts. Furthermore, more adsorption can be reached with less energy at the surface of the ZIF-8 in the presence of ethanol, which is due to the greater adsorption of solvent molecules. Finally, to ascertain the in vitro cellular toxicity and viability of the prepared nanoparticles, they are treated with PC3 human prostate cancer cells and the average growth curves are monitored via MTT assay. This study confirmed a decrease in the MTT signal compared to the untreated cells, so ZIF-8 can reduce the metabolic activity of the performed cancer cells. This study shows that this nanomaterial can be achieved as a vehicle for delivery of doxepin.

Boron nitride nanostructures as effective adsorbents for melphalan anti-ovarian cancer drug. Preliminary MTT assay and in vitro cellular toxicity

Boron nitride (BN) is an interesting material and has attracted the attention of many scholars in the last decade due to its surprising properties. Herein, a simple and inexpensive method is disclosed for the preparation of hexagonal boron nitride and the synthesized nanosheets are characterized by means of FT-IR, SEM, TEM, XRD, TGA and XPS. Then, the fabricated nanostructure is subjected to the delivery of melphalan anti-cancer drug to attain ~42% loading. After that, density functional theory (DFT) calculations are performed to study the adsorption and detection of melphalan anti-cancer drug on the surface of pure and Mg, C, Al, Si, Ge, and Ga doped boron nitride nanostructures by using B3LYP and B3PW91 functionals. The doped XB11N12 nanostructures facilitate adsorption of melphalan compared to the pristine B12N12 by increasing the electrophilicity and chemical hardness of the doped nanoparticles. However, the B3PW91 functional gives rise to both higher adsorption energy and energy gap difference compared to B3LYP functional. In addition, the PCM and SMD calculations show that the selected adsorption complexes are stable in the water phase, as a preferred medium for the in vivo conditions. Furthermore, the computations show greater sensitivity of GeB12N12 to the presence of melphalan, therefore, this nanostructure can be regarded as a suitable sensor for detection of melphalan anti-cancer drug in biological systems. Finally, the in vitro cellular toxicity and viability of GeB12N12 nanoparticles was examined on OVCAR-3 cancer cells. The inhibitory dose ID50 of GeB12N12 nanoparticles confirmed that this material can be achieved as an acceptable vehicle for delivery of melphalan. Moreover, the effect of GeB12N12 nanoparticles (15 μg/mL) on the average growth curves of OVCAR-3 cancer cells showed a decrease of the MTT signal compared to the untreated cells and GeB12N12 can reduce the metabolic activity of the performed cancer cells.

Adsorption behavior of melphalan anti-ovarian cancer drug onto boron nitride nanostructures. Studying MTT assay: in vitro cellular toxicity and viability

Ovarian cancer is believed as one of the most fatal reproductive cancers and melphalan has been known to treat this cancer as an intraperitoneal chemotherapeutic agent. Fortunately, nanotechnology enabled us to explore new approaches like nano vectors as drug nanocarriers to avoid or to diminish the collateral and secondary effects of anticancer drugs. Herein, boron nitride (BN) is disclosed as an effective nanocarrier for the delivery of melphalan anti-cancer drug. The performed density functional theory (DFT) studies showed good adsorption of melphalan on the surface of pure and Ge-doped boron nitride. In addition, the in vitro cellular toxicity and viability of boron nitride nanoparticles were examined on SKOV3 cancer cells. The inhibitory dose ID50 of BN nanoparticles confirmed that this material can be achieved as an acceptable vehicle for delivery of melphalan. Moreover, the effect of boron nitride nanoparticles (2 μg/mL) on the average growth curves of SKOV3 cancer cells showed a decrease of the MTT signal compared to the untreated cells and BN can reduce the metabolic activity of the performed cancer cells. Therefore, this fullerene can be regarded as a suitable sensor for detection of melphalan anti-cancer drug in biological systems. This study showed that BN nanoparticles have a clear inhibitory effect on the proliferation of SKOV3 ovarian cancer cells.

Sulphur and lead isotope geochemistry of the Dursunbey (Balıkesir) lead–zinc deposit

The Biga Peninsula (northwest Anatolia) hosts several Pb–Zn occurrences, and the Dursunbey Pb–Zn deposit is one such important Pb–Zn province of Turkey.The basement rocks in the study area comprise metamorphic rocks of the Menderes Massif (Simav Metamorphites, Sarıcasu Formation, and Budağan Limestone) and ophiolitic units of the İzmir-Ankara Suture Zone, known as the Dağardı Mélange. These units were intruded by the Miocene Alaçam granite. Cover units start with the Early Miocene Yeniköy Formation (comprising alternating sandstone, claystone, marl, and clayey limestone, and tuff additives) and are terminated by Civanadağ tuffs, Akdağ volcanics, and the Toklargölü Formation, consisting of unattached grains and alluvium deposits.Mineralisation that is trending along N50°W 30–35°NE occurs between the Alaçam Granite and the carbonate rocks of the Menderes Massif Metamorphites. Microscopic analysis revealed that the mineralisation contains chalcopyrite, pyrite, sphalerite, galena, fahlerz (tetrahedrite, tennantite), pyrrhotite, pyrargyrite-proustite, magnetite, and haematite as major ore minerals.The δ34S values range from 2.4 to 4.1‰ in pyrite (n = 2, mean = 3.25‰), from 1.7 to 3.4‰ in chalcopyrite (n = 4, mean = 2.8‰), 2.2–3.5‰ in sphalerite (n = 6, mean = 3.05‰), but from only 0.2–1.8‰ (n = 8, mean = 1.12‰) in galena. The low δ34S values of the sulphide minerals (varying over a narrow range) may indicate that sulphur in the ore-depositing solutions had a magmatic origin.The Pb isotope ratios of galena ranged from 18.729 to 18.742 for 206Pb/204Pb, 15.589 to 15.606 for 207Pb/204Pb, and 38.589 to 38.647 for 208Pb/204Pb. In one sphalerite sample, these ratios were measured as 18.738, 15.614, and 38.648, respectively.The Pb isotope model ages are between −90 and −45, which are consistent with those of J-type lead. In 207Pb/204Pb–206Pb/204Pb and 208Pb/204Pb–206Pb/204Pb diagrams, such ages plot below the average Pb-isotope crustal growth curve, indicating that lead in the studied mineralisation had an orogenic source.

Sociodemographic predictors of early postnatal growth: evidence from a Chilean infancy cohort

ObjectivesInfant anthropometric growth varies across socioeconomic factors, including maternal education and income, and may serve as an indicator of environmental influences in early life with long-term health consequences. Previous research...

Comparison of Non-linear Growth Curve Models in Non-descript California and New Zealand Rabbits Reared in the Tropical Conditions of Nigeria

Nonlinear functions of body weight at different age intervals were used to estimate the growth pattern in New Zealand White and California rabbits. Gompertz and Logistic functions of 3 and 4 parameters were fitted to Age-weight data matrix. Age-weight records of New Zealand White and California rabbits from birth were monitored to 56 days to estimate the average growth curve for each breed. The weight difference between breeds was consistently in favor of California rabbits as compared to New Zealand White. It was concluded that the Gompertz and logistic models were both parsimonious and adequate in describing the growth patterns of New Zealand White and California rabbits in the tropical conditions of Nigeria.

843: Prenatal brain growth is altered in Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia on ultrasound

To describe ultrasound brain biometry and brain perfusion in a cohort of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia fetuses. This is a multicenter retrospective study of fetuses with isolated left sided CDH assessed in three European fetal surgery centers: London (UK), Barcelona (Spain) and Leuven (Belgium). Included were all cases with longitudinal data (at least three measurements within a minimum period of four weeks). Outcome measurements were Middle Cerebral Artery (MCA) Doppler, Head Circumference (HC), TransCerebellar diameter (TCD), Observed-to-expected lung-to-head ratio (o/e LHR) and liver position. We included 176 cases. HC Z-score were within normal range throughout gestation but different from average towards the end of pregnancy (p< 0,0001). Average growth was increased (R2= 0.92; p< 0,0001). TCD Z-scores were normal at 20 weeks but 55% of measurements were abnormal beyond 32 weeks (p< 0.0001). The average growth curve had a different pattern compared to normal and fell below the 5th centile from 32 weeks onwards (R2= 0.80; p< 0.0001; Figure). The pulsatility index in the MCA Doppler was normal but the peak systolic velocity (PSV) was consistently 20% lower than normal (p< 0,0001). Liver herniation was correlated to lower PSV (p=0.002). Fetoscopic endoluminal tracheal occlusion (FETO) did not influence HC, TCD and MCA measurements. Fetal brain growth and perfusion is altered in isolated left sided CDH. The growth pattern of the cerebellum is different from the normal, falling below normal ranges by 32 weeks. Accordingly, lower PSV values in the MCA were found.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT)

Rb-Sr isotopic age, S-Pb-Sr isotopic compositions and genesis of the ca. 200 Ma Yunluheba Pb-Zn deposit in NW Guizhou Province, SW China

Over 400 carbonate-hosted Pb-Zn deposits in the western Yangtze block constitute the giant Sichuan-Yunnan-Guizhou (SYG) Pb-Zn metallogenic province. The majority of Pb-Zn deposits hosted in Devonian carbonates are characterized by low δ34S values, causing debates on their ore genesis. To address this issue, the Yunluheba Pb-Zn deposit is chosen as a case study. Ore bodies of this deposit are hosted in middle Devonian carbonates. Ore minerals are sphalerite, galena and pyrite. Sphalerite Rb-Sr dating yields an isochron age of 206.2 ± 4.9 Ma, consistent with ages of most Pb-Zn deposits in the SYG province, arguing for a regional intensive Pb-Zn mineralization event during the late Indosinian orogeny. Sulfides have Pb isotopic compositions that form a linear trend above the average crustal Pb growth curve in the 207Pb/204Pb vs. 206Pb/204Pb plot. Moreover, Pb isotopic ratios are consistent with the Devonian to Permian carbonates’ age-corrected Pb isotopic ratios, suggesting mixed crustal Pb sources with the majority of Pb derived from country rocks. Combined with initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios of sphalerite, approximately equal to 87Sr/86Sr200Ma ratios of the D-P carbonates, ore-forming metals are considered to have been derived mainly from ore-hosting rocks. Sulfides’ δ34SCDT values range mainly from −2.0‰ to 2.9‰, interpreted to be a result of mixing by syn-sedimentary pyrite originated biogenic S and thermochemically reduced S. We conclude that the Yunluheba deposit and other Pb-Zn deposits in the SYG province should belong to Mississippi Valley-type deposits.

Age Determination in California Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis californicus) Chicks in the Gulf of California

A rapid and reliable method to age California Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis californicus) pre-fledged young based on exposed culmen measurements is presented. In 1997, 1998, and 1999, a total of 52 unknown-age young were marked and recaptured one to three times throughout the nesting season on Isla Piojo, Bahia de Los Angeles, Mexico. From culmen growth increments of these young, we developed an age scale. The linear equation that described the age/culmen relationship was: estimated age (week) = exposed culmen length (cm) x 0.378 – 0.565. The accuracy of the model, as calculated by the k-Fold cross validation method, was 0.149. California Brown Pelican chicks can thus be aged by culmen length measurements. The application of this aging technique allows the mass of chicks to be plotted against their ages to obtain an average body mass growth curve for any sampled cohort of young California Brown Pelicans based on less frequent visits to the colony to minimize the potential effects of disturbance.

Prediction of male basketball players' adult stature from the age of 13 years using chronological age and maturity.

The purpose of this study was to cross-validate and demonstrate how adult stature can be predicted in 13-year-old basket-ball players by using a new reference specific growth curve obtained from chronological age, and maturity of sedentary boys. The prediction of adult stature of young male basketball players was established from the results of a longitudinal study in which we developed from 125 sedentary boys aged from 12 to 17.5 years new growth curves using chronological and biological maturation. In partnership with the French basketball federation, we collected information on stature, age and secondary pubertal stages from a sample of 106 boys aged from 160 and 164 months. The participants were regional level basketball players whose adult statures were known. The association of biological maturation at a chronological age was the determining criterion to predict individual adult stature with advanced, standard and delayed puberty. The average longitudinal growth curves enabled the prediction of adult stature within ±3 cm, 98% of the time in male basketball players. The relationship between estimated adult stature and final stature was high (r=0.98) with a low standard error estimate (SEE=1.65 cm). Mean and standard deviation of the differences between estimated stature and adult stature were 0.7±1.7. This technique is a valid, nonintrusive and accurate method of predicting adult stature in adolescent basketball players. It constitutes an advance in the detection and the orientation of future basketball players.

Estimates of covariance functions for growth of Kordi sheep in Iran using random regression models

In the current paper, restricted maximum likelihood estimates of covariance functions for growth records from birth to 360 days of age in Kordi sheep population were estimated using random regression models (RRM). Kordi sheep is an important breed known for adaptability and resistance to unfavorable climatic conditions and suitable feed efficiency in mountainous regions of Iran. Data included 23,720 body weight records of 6730 Kordi lambs collected from 1989 to 2012 at Hossein Abad Kordi sheep Breeding Station in Shirvan city, North Khorasan province, Iran. Fixed effects in the model were lamb sex, birth type, and birth year as well as dam age. Legendre polynomials (LP) of order 3 was used for age to illustrate the average growth curve. In the random part, the functions with different orders were included to model variances associated to direct and maternal effects. Results showed that a model with LP of order 4,3,4,3 for direct additive genetic effects, animal permanent environmental effects, maternal additive genetic and maternal permanent environmental effects was sufficient to model changes in (co)variances with age, according to Akaike’s Information Criterion (AIC) and Bayesian information criterion (BIC). Direct additive genetic and animal permanent environment variances increased with age. Direct heritability (h2a) increased with age from 0.133 ± 0.021 at birth to 0.391 ± 0.034 at 360 days of age. The ratio of animal permanent environmental variances to phenotypic variance (pe2) was 0.047 ± 0.083 at birth, increased with age and reached 0.537 ± 0.034 at the end of the growth trajectory. Maternal heritability (h2m) was 0.152 ± 0.025 at birth decreased to 0.067 ± 0.016 until weaning and then fluctuated between 0.06 and 0.10. The ratio of maternal permanent environmental variances to phenotypic variance (mpe2) was 0.082 ± 0.02 at birth; however, it gradually decreased until the end of trajectory. The first eigenvalues of the coefficient matrices explained 69% and 91% of the total direct additive variance and maternal genetic variance, respectively. Direct genetic correlations ranged from low and negative to positively high, and generally decreased as the distance between tests increased. Current study has demonstrated that RRM have potential for modeling growth of Kordi sheep and a greater response to selection would be expected, if selection focuses on body weights from 30 days of age to 120 days of age.