Digital Slide Calipers Research Articles

Effect of water quality parameters and climatic influences on reproductive phenology of Macrognathus pancalus in wetland ecosystem: recommending a long-term management approach and conservation policy.

The study conducted an investigation into the reproductive biology of M. pancalus and assessed the influence of water quality parameters and environmental factors on the spawning pattern within the Gajner Beel ecosystem in Bangladesh. A total of 1218 individuals of M. pancalus (46.39% males and 53.61% females) were collected monthly from the Gajner Beel during January to December 2018 using various fishing gears. The total length (TL) of each individual was measured using digital slide calipers, and the whole body weight (BW) was measured using an electronic balance. Fulton's conditions factor (KF) showed significant differences between males and females. The calculated Lm were 11.11 cm, 11.30 cm, and 11.10 cm based on maximum length, gonadosomatic index (GSI), and the logistic model. The spawning season extended from May through August, with June and July being peak months. The average total fecundity was 1495.52 ± 840.24, with a range of 370 to 4069. During peak spawning season, the average temperature and rainfall were 27°C and 370 mm, respectively. Rainfall, dissolved oxygen, total alkalinity, and pH all had a significant (p < 0.01) positive effect whereas temperature and TDS all had a significant (p > 0.01) negative effect on GSI. Annual air temperature in the study area increased by 0.053 °C/year, with a regression coefficient value (r2 = 0.1695), while annual mean rainfall decreased by 5.97mm/year (r2 = 0.076). This research will contribute to the development of conservation and management approaches of Mastacembelidae fish in relation to current climate variability in sub-tropical waters.

A Compact Cryogenic Configurable Slit Unit for a Multi-Object Infrared Spectrograph: Design and Development of a Prototype at TIFR

We present a cryogenic configurable slit unit (CSU) for a multi-object infrared spectrograph with an effective field of view of [Formula: see text] that was completely conceived and designed in the laboratory at TIFR. Several components of the CSU including the controller for the commercially procured piezo-walkers, controlled loop position sensing mechanism using digital slide calipers and a cryogenic test facility for the assembled prototype were also developed in-house. The principle of the CSU involves division of the field of view of the spectrometer into contiguous and parallel spatial bands, each one associated with two opposite sliding metal bars that can be positioned to create a slit needed to make spectroscopic observations of one astronomical object. A three-slit prototype of the newly designed CSU was built and tested extensively at ambient and cryogenic temperatures. The performance of the CSU was found to be as per specifications.

Morphometric Variation of Acromion Process in A Bangladeshi Population

A cross-sectional, descriptive study was done on 150 (70 right and 80 left) fully ossified dry human scapulae of Bangladeshi people to find out the variation in length and breadth of the acromion process. Sample collection was carried out in the Department of Anatomy, Mymensingh Medical College, Bangladesh, between January and December of 2019. Any kind of damaged or broken scapulae were excluded to maintain standard measurement. Length and breadth were measured with the help of digital Vernier slide calipers. The mean (±SD) length was 41.77±5.87 mm and 40.84±6.262 mm on right and left sided scapulae respectively and the mean (±SD) breadth was 22.19±3.08 mm on right sided scapulae and 22.1±2.69 mm on left sided scapulae. These data are important to compare Bangladeshi scapulae to those from various other races that could contribute to demographic studies of shoulder disease probability and management in Bangladeshi population.&#x0D; CBMJ 2023 July: Vol. 12 No. 02 P: 183-187

Correlation of Different Anthropometric Measurements of Hand and Grip Strength in the Adult Female Bangladeshi Garment Workers

Background: A reliable and valid measurement of hand anthropometry is important for designing dimensionally compatible hand tools, gloves and hand-held devices. Hand grip strength is accepted as an objective index for the functional integrity of upper extremity. The estimation of hand grip strength is of immense importance in determining the efficacy of different treatment strategies, treatment outcome and hand rehabilitation. The present study was planned to determine the various dimensions of hands, average hand grip strength of adult Bangladeshi female garment workers and the relationship between hand grip strength and different anthropometric measurements of hand. Material and Methods: Two hundred female garment workers of 20-25 years of age were selected by purposive non random sampling from five different garment factories of Dhaka and Narayangonj city. Different dimensions of both hands were measured directly with the help of digital slide caliper and flexible wire. Hand grip strength of both hands was measured by Smedley’s Hand Grip Strength Dynamometer. Result : Body height, weight, BMI, hand length and hand breadth of adult Bangladeshi garments workers showed positive correlation with hand grip strength, but only significant positive correlation was found between hand length and grip strength of right hand (r=+0.197, P&lt;0.05) and left hand (r=+0.405, P&lt;0.001). Conclusion: Significant positive correlation was found between hand anthropometry such as hand length, hand breadth and hand grip strength in adult Bangladeshi female garment workers. J Shaheed Suhrawardy Med Coll 2021; 13(2): 171-176

Biometric indices of near threatened reba carp, Cirrhinus reba from an oxbow lake in southwestern Bangladesh

Cirrhinus reba, is a freshwater fish species which is distributed throughout the South Asian countries. The current study reports the detailed biometric indices of C. reba in the Bergobindapur oxbow lake (Baor) located in southwestern Bangladesh. The parameters assessed included length-frequency distributions (LFD), length-weight relationships (LWR), form factor (a3.0) and length at first sexual maturity (Lm) and four types of condition indices (i.e. allometric, KA; Fulton, KF; Relative, KR and Relative weight, WR).Conventional fishing equipment such as cast nets and monofilament fixed gill nets were used to collect samples from July to August 2019. Digital slide calipers were used to assess total length (TL), standard length (SL), fork length (FL), and trunk length (TrL), and body weight (BW) was quantified with an electronic balance with 0.01 g precision. Total 157 specimens with lengths ranging from 12.24 to 24.82 cm and weights ranging from 22.00 to 100.27 g were studied. The computed ‘b’ demonstrated negative allometric growth (&lt; 3.00) in pooled sexes for the LWR. In this investigation, the mean of WR (100.36) did not differ significantly demonstrating that the environment was still in good shape. Furthermore, the size of C. reba at sexual maturity was estimated as 14.40 cm TL. The findings of this study would be worthwhile for the sustainable management of reba carp fisheries.

Morphometry of the Splenium of the Corpus Callosum – A Study on 60 Cadaveric Brains

Background: The splenium is the posterior most part of the corpus callosum; ageand sex-related differences in splenial morphology may influence some behavioural and neuropsychological functions; however, controversies still prevail on sexual dimorphism of the splenium. Objective: To provide data on morphology of the splenium of the corpus callosum in a Bangladeshi population. Materials and Methods: This crosssectional, descriptive study was done in the Department of Anatomy, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh, from July 2009 to June 2010, based on collection of 60 adult human brains (36 male and 24 female) from the morgue of the same institution. The samples were divided into four age groups: A (20-29 years), B (30-39 years), C (40-49 years) &amp; D (50-59 years).The length and width of the splenium were measured in formalin-fixed brain by using a digital slide calipers in mm. Results: A total of 32 (52%) tubular shaped and 28 (47%) bulbous shaped splenium was found. Tubular shaped splenium was more observed in adult males, while bulbous shape was more evident in adult females; the difference was statistically significantinall age groups. The mean length of splenium was found 13.52±0.20 mm in group A, while 13.53±0.18 mm in group B, 13.46±0.05 mm in group C and 13.47±0.05 mm in group D (p&gt;0.05). The mean length of the splenium was larger in male in comparison to female i.e. in group A (13.60±0.25 mm vs. 13.43±0.04 mm; p&lt;0.05), in group B (13.61±0.20 mm vs. 13.40±0.01 mm; p&lt;0.01), in group C, (13.50±0.02 mm vs. 13.40±0.01 mm; p&lt;0.001) and in group D (13.50±0.01 mm vs. 13.40±0.01 mm; p&lt;0.001). The mean width of splenium was found 10.41±0.32 mm in group A, while 10.39±0.19 mm in group B, 10.36±0.21 mm in group C and 10.32±0.20 mm in group D(p&gt;0.05). However, the mean width of the splenium was found greater in female than that of male, i.e. in group A (10.65±0.07 mm vs. 10.21±0.32 mm; p&lt;0.01), in group B, (10.59±0.05 mm vs. 10.25±0.09 mm; p&lt;0.001), in group C(10.61±0.04 mm vs. 10.20±0.03 mm; p&lt;0.001), and in group D (10.60±0.03 mm vs. 10.20±0.02 mm; p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: Our data suggest that the splenium of the corpus callosum has genderrelated variations; however, no age-related variation is evident. Bang. J Neurosurgery 2021; 11(1): 30-35

Three-Jaw Chuck Pinch Strength and Its Correlation with Hand Breadth in Electronic Technicians

Context: The three jaw chuck pinch refers to an act where placing the object between the pad of the distal phalanx of the thumb opposing the pads of the distal phalanges of both the index finger and the middle finger. Pinch strength is generally influenced by the health status and level of physical activity of a person.Objectives: The present study was planned to measure the correlation of three-jaw chuck pinch strength with hand breadth in electronics technicians working in Dhaka Metropolitan City. The data obtained from the study used as a base line for other professions as well as for research in our country.Methods: A cross-sectional, analytical study was carried out in the department of Anatomy, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka during the period of July’ 2015 to June’ 2016 with 100 adult male electronics technicians and 100 adult sedentary workers. Collection was done by convenient purposive sampling technique. Hand breadth was measured by digital slide calipers and pinch gauge was used to measure the three-jaw chuck pinch strength.Results: The mean three-jaw chuck pinch strength was significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) in case group than in the control group. Significant difference also observed between case group and control group in the mean hand breadth (P&lt;0.05). Mean hand breadth was greater in case group than that of control group. Three-jaw chuck pinch strength showed significant positive correlation with hand breadth in case group. Case group was further subdivided according to their working experiences, the mean three-jaw chuck pinch strength and hand breadth was significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) in more working experience group than in less working experience group.Conclusion: Three-jaw chuck pinch strength showed significant positive correlation with hand breadth.International Journal of Human and Health Sciences Vol. 06 No. 01 January’22 Page: 108-112

Life-history traits of ten commercially important small indigenous fish species (SIFS) in the Oxbow lake (Southwestern Bangladesh): key for sound management

For the first time, we revealed the life-history traits including growth pattern (length-weight relationships, LWRs), condition factors, form factor (a3.0), first sexual maturity (Lm), age at first sexual maturity (tm), life span (tmax), natural mortality (Mw), asymptotic length (L∞), and optimum catchable length (Lopt) of ten commercially important small indigenous fish species (SIFS) in the Oxbow lake (Baor), southwestern regions of Bangladesh. A total of 1651 specimens were sampled during January to December 2020 with traditional fishing gears including seine nets, gill nets, and lift nets. Individual total length (TL) and body weight (BW) were measured by digital slide calipers and digital balance, respectively. To calculate the Lm, empirical maximum length-based model was considered, and Lopt was calculated based on L∞. The TL vs. BW relationship indicated positive allometric growth for Chanda nama (Hamilton 1822), Channa punctata (Bloch 1793), Channa striata (Bloch 1793), Lepidocephalichthys guntea (Hamilton 1822), Macrognathus pancalus (Hamilton 1822), and Puntius sophore (Hamilton 1822), but negative allometric growth for Badis badis (Hamilton 1822), Gudusia chapra (Hamilton 1822), Glossogobius giuris (Hamilton 1822), and Hyporhamphus limbatus (Valenciennes, 1847). All r2 values exceed 0.910 that indicated all LWRs were highly significant (P < 0.001). According to Spearman correlation test, Fulton's condition factor (KF) vs. BW was highly correlated (P < 0.001), indicating better well-being for these species. Moreover, a3.0 indicates B. badis, C. punctata, C. striata, G. giuris, H. limbatus, L. guntea were elongated; C. nama, P. sophore, were short and deep; G. chapra was fusiform, and M. pancalus was eel-like body shape respectively. The minimum tm and tmax were obtained as 0.74year and 2.66year for C. striata and maximum were 0.93year and 3.31year for B. badis, respectively. This study provided information on tm and tmax for ten SIFS that is globally absent. From empirical models, the smallest mean value of Lm was found for B. badis (3.98cm), and the greatest was found for C. striata (16.96cm). The minimum Lopt was obtained as 3.78cm TL for B. badis and maximum was 14.09cm TL for C. punctata. The minimum Mw was documented as 1.39 for B. badis and maximum was 1.73 for C. striata. The output of this research will be helpful for developing sustainable management policies and protection of SIFS through the application of mesh size based on Lm and Lopt in the Oxbow lakes, Bangladesh and neighboring countries.

Some biological aspects of the spotted snakehead Channa punctate (Bloch, 1793) in the wetland ecosystem, Gajner Beel, North-western Bangladesh

Documenting and updating life history traits of wild fish are prerequisite for undertaking any conservation and enhancement programme from inland waters. The spotted snakehead Channa punctata (Bloch, 1793) is an important small indigenous food fish in Asian countries which has high nutritional and commercial value. This is the first work on describing life-history traits including growth pattern, condition factors (Fulton’s, KF; Allometric, KA; Relative condition, KR; Relative weight, WR), form factor (a3.0), size at first sexual maturity (Lm) and natural mortality (Mw) in the Gajner Beel, northwestern Bangladesh during July 2018 to December 2019. Traditional fishing gears were used for sampling. Different lengths (i.e., total length, TL; standard length, SL) and body weight (BW) of each individual were taken using digital slide calipers and an electronic balance to the nearest 0.01 cm and 0.01 g, respectively. In total, 583 individuals ranging from 5.8-22.8 cm TL and 1.96-115.08 g BW were collected in this study. On the basis of b value, the growth pattern of C. punctata was isometric (b=3.0) in all the LWRs. Also, all LWRs were highly significant with r2 values ≥0.979. The LLR was highly significant (p<0.001) with r2 =0.992. Among the four types of condition factor, KF showed highly significant relationship with TL and BW (p<0.001). Therefore, KF considered the best for assessing the overall health of this species in the Gajner Beel, NW Bangladesh. Wilcoxon Signed rank test showed that, WR was not significantly different from 100 (p=37235). Also, the calculated a3.0 was 0.0111, which indicates the fish was fusiform in shape. Moreover, the Lm and Mw were 12.67 cm TL and 0.96 year-1 , respectively. Therefore, the findings of this study would serve as baseline for stock assessment of floodplain wetland population and sustainable management of wild C. punctata in Gajner Beel and adjoining watershed. Keywords: Channa punctata, Condition factor, Gajner Beel, Natural mortality, Size at first sexual maturity, Wetland

Association of the dominant handgrip strength with the hand dimensions of adult Bangladeshi female laborers

The handgrip strength determines the overall physical health and muscle function of the hand. Nowadays in Bangladesh, female laborers are an important source of work force in many industries. Laborers require more handgrip strength to perform their daily work efficiently. Besides, hand is the part of the body that directly related with handgrip strength, so, the hand dimensions are deemed essential to investigate. Therefore this study is to investigate the association of the dominant handgrip strength with the hand dimensions like hand length, hand breadth, hand span, palm length, palm breadth and wrist breadth of adult Bangladeshi female laborers. Hundred (100) adult female laborers aged between 18 to 45 years, residing in different slums in Dhaka city of Bangladesh were the participants of the present research. Six selected hand dimensions of the right side were measured using the digital slide caliper by direct physical procedure and dominant handgrip strength was measured using a digital handgrip dynamometer. The associations of the dominant handgrip strength with the selected six hand dimensions were tested using Pearson’s correlation coefficient test. The mean value of the dominant handgrip strength of the laborers was 25.6 kg. In present research, the dominant handgrip strength was positively associated with the six selected hand dimensions (hand length, hand breadth, hand span, palm length, palm breadth and wrist breadth). However, the association of dominant handgrip strength with the breadth of hand, palm and wrist reached up to significant level individually. Besides, to get desired success in work of a female laborer, it is important to see the hand anthropometry and handgrip strength, because, better handgrip strength lead to better performance in work. Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. 2021, 7 (3), 230-237

Assessing the exploitation status of main catfish Eutropiichthys vacha based on length based stock assessment models in the Kaptai Lake from Bangladesh

The current study focuses on the detailed data on stock assessments including population structure, growth parameters, mortality, recruitment pattern, exploitation rate (E), maximum sustainable yield (MSY) and relative yield per-recruit of Eutropiichthys vacha (Hamilton, 1822) based on 2512 specimens through regular monthly sampling using gill net, cast net, and square lift net in the Kaptai Lake, located in the hilly region of Bangladesh during January to December 2017. Total length (TL) and body weight (BW) were measured using digital slide calipers and electronic balance with 0.01 cm and 0.01g accuracy for each individual. The asymptotic length (L∞) was 44.40 cm and growth coefficient (K) was 0.70 year−1. The growth performance index (Ø′) was 3.14. The age at zero length (t0) was 0.027 year and life-span (tmax) was 2.73 year. We estimated total mortality (Z), natural mortality (M) and fishing mortality (F) as 4.23, 1.27 and 2.96 year−1, respectively. The recruitment pattern was throughout the year with two pick-events during May and September. Length at first capture (Lc) was 20.65 cm TL. The E was 0.70 where the Emax (exploitation rate producing maximum yield) was 0.45 which indicates 25% over fishing. The MSY was estimated as 34257 metric ton. In conclusion, the results of this study would be very operative to execute specific management for E. vacha in Kaptai Lake, Hilly region of Bangladesh.

Growth, maturity, condition, size at sexual maturity and mortality of the Banded gourami Trichogaster fasciata from the Ganges River, Northwestern Bangladesh

The present study depicts the first comprehensive description on population structure, growth pattern (length-weight relationships, LWRs and length-length relationships, LLRs), condition factor (allometric, KA; Fultonʹs, KF; relative, KR and relative weight, WR), maturity (size at first sexual maturity; Lm), form factor (a3.0) and natural mortality (Mw) of Trichogaster fasciata (Bloch and Schneider, 1801)in the Ganges River, Northwestern Bangladesh. In addition, asymptotic weight (Wα), a3.0, Lm and Mw of this fish species from worldwide different water bodies were calculated based on the maximum total length. Samples of T. fasciata were collected from the fisher’s catch from August 2015 to July 2016 using cast net (mesh size ranges: 1.5 - 2.0 cm). For each individual, total length (TL) and body weight (BW) were measured using digital slide calipers and electronic balance with 0.01 cm and 0.01 g accuracy, respectively. A total of 278 individuals were analyzed, where the minimum and maximum TL were 3.3 cm and 9.9 cm, respectively and BW was 1.1 g and 22.04 g, correspondingly. The highest number (32.4%) of its population stands at 6.0 cm to 7.0 cm TL size group. The b value of LWR indicated negative allometric growth. Fulton′s condition factor (KF) is the best condition and WR showed significant dissimilarity from 100, signifying the balanced habitat for T. fasciata in the Ganges River. The a3.0 was 0.0214, the Lm was 5.91 cm TL and Mw was 1.35 year-1 of T. fasciata in the Ganges River. These findings will be very effective for its sustainable management in the Ganges River and connecting ecosystems.

The Hooghly croaker, Panna heterolepis Trewavas, 1977: Identification through morphometric and meristic characteristics

As morphometric information for Hooghly croaker Panna heterolepis Trewavas, 1977 is absent in the most extensively accessed and world’s largest online database for fishes (FishBase); this study was undertaken to provide the complete informative description on morphometric relationships and meristic counts of various fin rays. A total of 200 individuals were sampled from the Bay of Bengal (Bangladesh) during July 2018 to June 2019, using several traditional fishing gears. Meristic counts were computed using a magnifying glass. Body weight (BW) and several length measurements were taken through an electronic balance and digital slide calipers for each individual. LWRs (Length-weight relationships) were calculated as: W = a×L b . All LWRs and LLRs (length-length relationships) were found significant with r 2 ≥ 0.919 ( p &lt; 0.0001) and 0.928 ( p &lt; 0.001), respectively. BW vs. TL and TL vs. SL were the best fitted models for LWRs and LLRs, respectively. Fin formula was: dorsal, D. 43–55 (VIII–X+i/34–44); pectoral, P. 15-17 (i/14–16); pelvic, Pv. 6 (I/5); anal, A. 7–10 (II/5–8); and caudal, C. 17–19 (ii/15–17). These results will a) make a vital contribution for species identification in the marine and coastal waters of Bangladesh and adjoining countries, and b) provide information for Fish Base.

Influence of groove angle on hardness and reinforcement height of shielded metal arc welded joints for low carbon AISI 1016 steel plates

The main purpose of this research work is to investigate the influence of groove angle on reinforcement height and hardness of the weldment obtained by joining low carbon steel plates using a shielded metal arc welding process. Eight pairs of samples having groove angles of 40°, 45°, 50°, 55°, 60°, 65°, 70° and 75° were prepared by using shaper machine. The welding was carried out for various groove angles maintaining all other input process parameters such as welding current, welding voltage, welding speed, etc. as constant. All the welded joints were subjected to hardness test and results were recorded. A digital slide caliper was utilized to measure the reinforcement height of all the welded samples. It was observed that the hardness generally increases but reinforcement height generally decreases with an increase in the groove angle in the present work.

Stature estimation from hand anthropometric measurements in Bangladeshi population

The aim of this research was to generate a standard formula for estimating stature in the Bangladeshi population from hand anthropometric measurements. Arbitrarily selected a total of 150 male and 150 female healthy subjects within the age range 18–60 years participated in this study. Stature and nine hand parameters were taken using a standard tape and a digital slide calipers for each subject. The results indicate that in male Bangladeshi population, the bilateral variation of hand length, hand breadth, maximum hand breadth, palm length, thumb length, ring finger length, and little finger length was statistically not significant (p > 0.05). On the other hand, in female, bilateral difference of hand length, hand breadth, palm length, index finger length, middle finger length, ring finger length, and little finger length was statistically insignificant (p > 0.05). All hand dimensions were statistically significant (p < 0.001) and positively correlated with stature. Linear and multiple regression equation were used to estimate stature from hand anthropometric measurements. The accuracy of the determination of stature using hand dimensions ranged from ±3.688 to ±6.112 cm. Right-hand length was the most reliable single variable in both sexes in simple linear regression (SSE ±5.347 cm in male and ±3.688 cm in female). The multiple regression models were more reliable than the linear regression models as a lower SSE and higher R and R-square values. In conclusion, our present study has a great importance to estimate stature from hand measurements among Bangladeshis from the anatomical and forensic point of view.

Temporal variation of sex ratio, growth pattern and physiological status ofEutropiichthys vacha(Schilbeidae) in the Ganges River, NW Bangladesh

ABSTRACTThe present study illustrates the first complete temporal variations of sex ratio (SR), length-frequency distributions (LFDs), growth pattern based on length-weight relation (LWR), length-length relationships (LLRs) and physiological status of Eutropiichthys vacha in the Ganges River, Bangladesh. A total of 1386 specimens (male = 652, female = 734) were collected from the fishers catch during January to December, 2016. For each individual, total length (TL), fork length (FL), standard length (SL) and body weight (BW) were measured using digital slide calipers and electronic balance with 0.01 cm and 0.01 g precision. The overall SR differed statistically from the expected 1:1 ratio, although females were greater in percentage throughout the year, except in April. The TL of males and females ranged from 6.2–19.9 cm and 6.5–20.6 cm, respectively. The overall growth pattern was negative allometric for both sexes, though ANCOVA reveals significant difference in LWRs. All LLRs were highly significant wi...

Length-weight relationships of three species in northern China

Length-weight relationships were estimated for three species (Triplophysa microphysa, Triplophysa zamegacephala and Gobio coriparoides) belonging to two families and two genera from northern China. Specimens were collected using trap nets (mesh size 1 cm) in May, June and December 2017, and March 2018. Total length (TL) for each individual was determined to the nearest 0.1 cm by digital slide caliper and each body weight (BW) to an accuracy of 0.1 g using digital balance. The b-values for LWRs varied from 2.583 to 2.876 (r2 > 0.979). This biometric data and their relationships are relevant to the management and conservation for local fishes and fisheries.

Length-weight and length-length relationships of three fish species from the Heihe River, northwest China

Length-weight (LWRs) and length–length (LLRs) relationships are reported for three fish species belonging to two families and two genera from the Heihe River, northwest China. Fish samples were collected using trap nets (mesh size 1 cm) in May and December of 2016, and April and October 2017. Standard length (SL) and total length (TL) for each individual were measured to the nearest 0.1 cm by digital slide caliper and each body weight (BW) was measured to an accuracy of 0.1 g using digital balance. The b-values for LWRs varied from 2.580 to 3.164 (r2 > .956). The results further indicated that the LLRs were highly correlated (r2 > .991; p < .01). This study presents the first references on LWRs for Gymnocypris chilianensis and Triplophysa hsutschouensis, and LLRs for G. chilianensis, Triplophysa leptosoma and T. hsutschouensis. This biometric data and their relationships are relevant to the management and conservation of local fishes and fisheries.

Length-weight and length-length relationships of four fish species from the middle reaches of the Minjiang River, southwest China

Length–weight (LWR) and length–length (LLR) relationships are reported for Glyptothorax fokiensis (Rendahl, 1925), Microphysogobio kachekensis (Oshima, 1926), Pseudobagrus brevicaudatus (Wu, 1930), and Sinibrama taeniatus (Nichols, 1941) from the middle reaches of the Minjiang River and its tributaries, Sichuan Province, in southwest China. A total of 675 specimens were obtained between 2013 and 2016 using various types of fishing gear and electroshock fishing techniques. Standard length and total length for each individual were measured by digital slide caliper and each body weight was taken by digital balance. The b-values for LWRs varied from 2.617 to 3.249 (r2 > .954), and the LLRs were highly correlated (r2 > .983; p < .01).

Morphometric analysis of temporomandibular joint elements

PurposeTo study the morphology of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) elements and examine the feasibility of a novel biofidelic articular disc casting technique. Methods18 formalin-fixed cadavers (77.8% female, 22.2% male) with mean (SD) death age of 71.9 (13.7) years were used for this study. In each specimen the masseter muscle, mandibular ramus, and articular disc were dissected bilaterally and measured for length, width, and thickness. All anatomic measurements were made using a digital slide caliper (Hawk Inc., Cleveland, OH). Further, a novel method for the creation of biofidelic articular disc models was established through trial and error. Models were measured for accuracy against their biological counterparts. ResultsLeft articular disc length and thickness were inversely correlated (r = −0.58, p < 0.049). Direct correlations existed between right disc and ramus thickness (r = 0.56, p < 0.039), masseter length and thickness (r = 0.59, p < 0.009), and masseter width and thickness (r = 0.66, p < 0.003). Comparison of the model measurements with their biological counterparts found no significant differences. DiscussionThese observed correlations between elements of the TMJ hold relevance for oral-maxillofacial surgeons and researchers examining disorders of the TMJ. Additionally, our casting technique proved accurate in modeling human articular discs.