Variation In Total Length Research Articles

Relationship between otolith morphometry and fish total length of Chelon auratus from two localities (Mediterranean Sea and Ain Ziana Lake) in Libyan waters

ABSTRACT The relationship between fish total length and otolith length, width, and weight were inspected in the golden grey mullet, Chelon auratus, collected from the Mediterranean Sea coast of Libya and Ain Ziana, an inland lagoon located northeast of the Libyan coast. Chelon auratus is considered a valuable marketable fish in Libya. The main aim of the study was to estimate the statistical relationship between fish total length and the otolith length, width, and weight. This information will be noteworthy in the upcoming analyses on the biology of this species, which will provide critical information about feeding, age and growth of this species. Linear and non-linear regression models were used. The regression equations for each locality were significantly different, with exception of the right and left weight of individuals collected from the Mediterranean Sea coast as well as for the Ain Ziana Lagoon. The regression relationships were more homogeneous in Ain Ziana Lagoon than in the Mediterranean Sea, where there was greater variation in total length and otolith characteristics. The results obtained from this investigation were the first to address the relationship between otolith morphometric and total length for golden grey mullets collected from two localities in the Libyan waters.

A parametric investigation on applicability of the curved shell finite element model to nonlinear response prediction of planar RC walls

This study investigates the ability of a finite element model based on curved shell element formulation in predicting nonlinear behavior of planar RC structural walls, identifying the strengths and limitations of this modeling approach. For this purpose, a parametric validation is conducted in addition to verification of the model simulation against experimental results of several wall specimens tested in literature. The effects of variations in total length, thickness, shear-span ratio, axial load ratio, confinement, as well as the horizontal and vertical reinforcement ratios are investigated at both global and local levels. For scrutinizing the global response, lateral load versus total, flexural and shear deformation predictions are used. For local response, sensitivity of the stress and strain distributions throughout the length and height of the wall models to the parameters noted above is evaluated. The capabilities and deficiencies of the modelling approach are discussed in detail in light of the numerical versus experimental as well as parametric verifications. The model is found to be able to predict most of the experimentally observed failure mechanisms of rectangular walls including global out-of-plane instability under in-plane loading, concrete crushing at the base, diagonal tension and diagonal compression as well as sliding shear. The model is not able to represent bar buckling, bar fracture and the potential subsequent secondary failure modes such as instability of the compression boundary zone due to progressive asymmetric concrete crushing at the base. The parametric study indicated sensitivity of the model response to the variation of the parameters known to be influential on the nonlinear response of planar RC walls.

The components of staple tenacity and the determinants of length after carding

A theoretical model for the tensile strength of staples of wool was used to propose variables that could be measured on thirty six fleece samples from Romney sheep genetically selected on the basis of wool staple tenacity. Other variables that have been noted elsewhere in the literature were also measured. Nearly 75% of the variation in staple tenacity was described by average and minimum cross-sectional area of the fibres, and the relaxed length of the fibres held between the jaws of the instrument used to break the staple. The addition of staple length and variation in total length of the fibres in the staple improved this to almost 84%. The ultimate goal of the genetic selection was to increase the average length of fibres following carding (Hauteur and Barbe), which were also measured on the fleece samples, and the fibre, staple and sample measurements used in stepwise regression to reveal the determinants of length after carding. Variation in Hauteur was dependent on the total energy required to break the staple and the proportion of new tips present in the post-break region of the staple, yet as little as 52% of the variation was accounted for. Average cross-sectional area accounted for a further 3% of the variation in Hauteur but this was not statistically significant. Barbe was dependent on staple tenacity, which accounted for 48% of the variation. In hindsight, staple tenacity may not be an appropriate measure to genetically select sheep in order to improve fibre length after carding given the variables that affect these traits.

Morphometric ratio analyses: Locomotor mode in anurans

Current studies of anuran morphology use sacral vertebrae, hindlimbs as main predictor for locomotor modes, while forelimbs and their segments were not analysed in this context. Due the fact that the complex interplay of numerous morphological traits determines the locomotion ability of anurans, we used ratios for both fore- and hindlimbs to obtain useful information of the structural and functional properties of locomotor system. We examined patterns of variation in total length of fore-, and hindlimbs as well as sacral vertebrae width and diapophyseal expansion in order to position two locomotor modes (jumpers and walkers) in a morphological shape space. Further, we investigated patterns of variability in limbs proximal, medial and distal elements to highlight differences in intra- and inter-limb relations in two locomotor modes. Our results showed that the ratios between total hindlimb length and sacral width/diapophyseal expansion, as well as ratio between humerus and tibiofibula relate the most to locomotor modes. This implies that functional specialization in different locomotor modes is attained through modifications of ratios, not only within hindlimbs, but also through modifications of the whole integrated system, which consists of forelimb, hindlimb, and girdle elements.

Age and growth of filefish, Thamnaconus modestus (Günther, 1877) off the Jeju Island of Korea

The age and growth of filefish, Thamnaconus modestus (Gunther 1877) in the southern waters of Korea were investigated. Samples were collected with commercial trawl catches during the period from May 2009 to December 2011. Of the 2,626 specimens collected, the sex ratio was not significantly different from 1:1 (P > 0.05). The total length ranged from 11.3 to 42.1 cm. The gonadosomatic index for both sexes was the highest in May to June, indicating that May to June is the main spawning period. The length of females at sexual maturity was 25.92 cm. The length-weight relationship of the filefish was TW = 0.0121TL3.0536 (n = 1,692, r2 = 0.9034, P < 0.001). The age of the sampled individuals was estimated by counting growth rings recorded on the 5th vertebrae; ages ranged from 0 to 9 years. The filefish of the same age displayed a high individual variation in total length. Length-at-age data were fitted by using the Von Bertalanffy growth model. The estimated Von Bertalanffy growth parameters were L∞ = 42.04 cm, k = 0.21 year−1 and t0 = −1.56 for females, L∞ = 41.20 cm, k = 0.18 year−1 and t0 = −2.36 for males, and L∞ = 43.16 cm, k = 0.17 year−1 and t0 = −2.18 for the combination of both male and female. These data can be used as useful biological information for the future fishery management of filefish resources in Korean waters.

Quantitative assessment of colorectal morphology: Implications for robotic colonoscopy

This paper presents a method of characterizing the distribution of colorectal morphometrics. It uses three-dimensional region growing and topological thinning algorithms to determine and visualize the luminal volume and centreline of the colon, respectively. Total and segmental lengths, diameters, volumes, and tortuosity angles were then quantified. The effects of body orientations on these parameters were also examined. Variations in total length were predominately due to differences in the transverse colon and sigmoid segments, and did not significantly differ between body orientations. The diameter of the proximal colon was significantly larger than the distal colon, with the largest value at the ascending and cecum segments. The volume of the transverse colon was significantly the largest, while those of the descending colon and rectum were the smallest. The prone position showed a higher frequency of high angles and consequently found to be more torturous than the supine position. This study yielded a method for complete segmental measurements of healthy colorectal anatomy and its tortuosity. The transverse and sigmoid colons were the major determinant in tortuosity and morphometrics between body orientations. Quantitative understanding of these parameters may potentially help to facilitate colonoscopy techniques, accuracy of polyp spatial distribution detection, and design of novel endoscopic devices.

SEGUIMIENTO DEL CICLO REPRODUCTIVO EN EL ANFIPODO MARINO PARHYALE HAWAIENSIS (DANA) (GAMMARIDEA: HYALIDAE)

The amphipod Parhyale hawaiensis was collected in copulative and ovate states in the rocky shore of Cartagena (Colombian Caribbean). Six phases were defined during the fecundation period. Five characteristic stages in the evoution of the eggs and embryos were established for the marsupial development. It was defined the post-marsupial development as consisting of four life periods, based on variations in total length, head length, antennal article number, shape of gnathopod two, and the.increase in number of medial marginal thorns in the gnathopod two and pereiopods. The fecundation process and the embryologic development lasted sixteen days. Embryos developed simultaneously in number of13 per female. The release of juveniles was asynchronous. In the male, sexual dimorphism was reached after four weeks as evidenced by the size and shape of the gamopod 2 and the number of articles in antennaes 1 and 2.

Estimation of the ideal dosage and feeding frequency for Garra rufa (Cyprinidae)

Event Abstract Back to Event Estimation of the ideal dosage and feeding frequency for Garra rufa (Cyprinidae) Mafalda M. R. S. Catarino1, Mónica R. S. Gomes1, Sílvia C. Gonçalves1, 2 and Susana M. F. Ferreira1, 3* 1 MARE – Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, School of Tourism and Maritime Technology, Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, Portugal 2 MARE – Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, Portugal 3 CFE - Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Portugal Garra rufa are widely used in skin treatments at beauty and wellness institutes. This freshwater species is native from Eurasia and has a large distribution area, including river basins in Turkey and Iran. It has a high commercial value and arouse interest among fish farmers. Even so, G. rufa methods of production are still unknown. In fact, aspects that sustain a rapid and healthy growth of these fish need to be investigated, like an adequate daily dose and feeding frequency. This work aimed to establish: 1) the optimal feed dose per day, correspondent to the amount necessary for obtaining satiation, with a commercial granulated food; and 2) the optimal frequency of feeding for intensive production of G. rufa in Aquaculture. A total of 60 fishes underwent a 3 weeks acclimation period in laboratory, distributed by 6 aquaria, containing 10 fishes with similar body weight and length. The animals were initially fed with a dose correspondent to 10% of their body weight. This dose was gradually increased until complete satiation of the fishes. An optimal dose of 0.04 g fish-1 day-1 was found. Afterwards, the same fishes went through a 1 month experimental trial to evaluate the ideal feeding frequency. Fish growth was compared between feeding 0.2 g twice per day and 0.1333 g three times per day. Variations in size (total and fork length), plus body weight were evaluated at the end of the trial. One-Way ANOVA procedures revealed that the variations in weight and in fork length were similar between treatments, but the variation in total length was significantly higher with 3 daily feeding moments (p<0.05). In conclusion, the present results showed that the optimal dose that ensures satiation for G. rufa is 0.04 g fish-1 day-1 and that 3 daily feeding moments promotes higher growth rates. Acknowledgements This work was developed in the scope of the project “SpaGaRufa – Production of the fish Garra rufa for therapeutic purposes”, an Ignition Fund INOV C, co-financed by the Operational Programme of the Centre Region (+ CENTRO), National Strategic Reference Framework (QREN 2007-2013) and the European Fund for Regional Development, developed by GIRM-IPL – Group of Investigation in Marine Resources from the Polytechnic Institute of Leiria. Keywords: Aquaculture, Diet, Doctor fish, Growth, ad libitum Conference: XV European Congress of Ichthyology, Porto, Portugal, 7 Sep - 11 Sep, 2015. Presentation Type: Poster Presentation Topic: Physiology, Behavior and Toxicology Citation: Catarino M, Gomes M, Gonçalves S and Ferreira S (2015). Estimation of the ideal dosage and feeding frequency for Garra rufa (Cyprinidae). Front. Mar. Sci. Conference Abstract: XV European Congress of Ichthyology. doi: 10.3389/conf.fmars.2015.03.00076 Copyright: The abstracts in this collection have not been subject to any Frontiers peer review or checks, and are not endorsed by Frontiers. They are made available through the Frontiers publishing platform as a service to conference organizers and presenters. The copyright in the individual abstracts is owned by the author of each abstract or his/her employer unless otherwise stated. Each abstract, as well as the collection of abstracts, are published under a Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0 (attribution) licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) and may thus be reproduced, translated, adapted and be the subject of derivative works provided the authors and Frontiers are attributed. For Frontiers’ terms and conditions please see https://www.frontiersin.org/legal/terms-and-conditions. Received: 11 Nov 2015; Published Online: 17 Nov 2015. * Correspondence: Prof. Susana M. F. Ferreira, MARE – Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, School of Tourism and Maritime Technology, Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, Peniche, 2520-641, Portugal, susana.ferreira@ipleiria.pt Login Required This action requires you to be registered with Frontiers and logged in. To register or login click here. Abstract Info Abstract The Authors in Frontiers Mafalda M. R. S. Catarino Mónica R. S. Gomes Sílvia C. Gonçalves Susana M. F. Ferreira Google Mafalda M. R. S. Catarino Mónica R. S. Gomes Sílvia C. Gonçalves Susana M. F. Ferreira Google Scholar Mafalda M. R. S. Catarino Mónica R. S. Gomes Sílvia C. Gonçalves Susana M. F. Ferreira PubMed Mafalda M. R. S. Catarino Mónica R. S. Gomes Sílvia C. Gonçalves Susana M. F. Ferreira Related Article in Frontiers Google Scholar PubMed Abstract Close Back to top Javascript is disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser settings in order to see all the content on this page.

Physical Therapy Clinical Educatorsʼ Perspectives on Students Achieving Entry-Level Clinical Performance

Background and Purpose. The move to a doctorate in physical therapy education has led to changes in the expectations for entry-level student performance. Members of the Iowa Clinical Education Consortium were interested in how clinical educators in their region would respond to this change in expectations. The purpose of this study was to explore the range of opinions among clinical educators regarding the educational implications of an enhanced definition of entry-level physical therapist performance. Participants. Thirty-four clinicians from the Midwest were invited to participate in regional focus groups. Methods. Each focus group was asked the same 3 questions considering a proposed entry-level definition: what ideal clinical education would look like; what obstacles would need to be overcome; and what support would be needed to achieve ideal clinical education based on the definition. Results. A multi-step process of thematic analysis was used to determine the core themes identified by the participants. These themes related to various academic and administrative issues that need to be addressed to implement the proposed definition in the clinical setting. These issues were diverse in nature and varied across and within practice settings. Discussion and Conclusion. This research contributes to the literature by identifying key concepts and concerns of clinical instructors in relation to implementation of the proposed definition of entry-level performance. This research provides a foundation for further exploration of this issue in terms of clinical educators' expectations of what would be necessary to implement the new definition and the potential impact on their current practices. Key Words: Clinical education, Entry-level education, Qualitative research. BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Entry-level education in physical therapy has changed markedly in the past 20 years, not only in numbers of education programs and degrees awarded, but in curricular content. Eighty- six percent of the accredited physical therapy programs awarded a doctorate level degree in 2007, as compared to only 9.4% in 2000, and zero in 1987.1 Clinical education, or learning in the context of patient care, has always been a significant component in all physical therapist professional education programs, and now accounts for an average of 31.3% of the time spent in a physical therapist programs professional curriculum. The average total length of full-time clinical education has increased from 29.2 weeks in 2001 to 33.6 weeks in 2007. However, there is wide variation in total length of clinical education between programs, with a range of 20 to 55 weeks.1 As the clinical education portion of the curriculum has expanded, more has been asked of the facilities providing clinical education and their clinical instructors (CIs). Coupled with the increased length of clinical education experiences is the expectation that graduates will enter the profession with a higher level of competency, requiring less guidance or supervision when addressing patient problems, and demonstrating competent time-management skills.2'3 For physical therapist education programs to be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapist Education (CAPTE), they must meet stringent evaluative criteria. The criteria state that schools must document that their clinical education experiences encompass: (a) management of patients/clients representative of those commonly seen in practice across the lifespan and the continuum of care, (b) practice in settings representative of those in which physical therapy is commonly practiced, (c) interaction with physical therapist role models whose practice is consistent with the program's philosophy of practice, (d) opportunities for involvement in interdisciplinary care; and (e) other experiences that lead to the achievement of expected student outcomes.4 The first goal of the Education Strategic Plan from the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) emphasizes the importance that the profession has placed on quality clinical education. …

Population structure of nurse sharks, Ginglymostoma cirratum (Orectolobiformes), caught off Ceará State, Brazil, south-western Equatorial Atlantic

The nurse shark, Ginglymostoma cirratum, is considered an endangered species in Brazil and its capture by fisheries forbidden. Despite such legislation, nurse sharks continue to be caught as these laws are unenforced and fisheries are not monitored. The goal of the present study was to describe the population structure of nurse sharks caught off Ceará State, north-eastern Brazil, based on the following aspects: abundance and size, sex-ratio, fisheries incidence and seasonality of captures. Landings were monitored weekly during a two-year period. A total of 189 specimens were recorded. Total length (TL) varied between 73 and 274 cm. The male–female ratio did not differ significantly (1.19♀:1♂). TL of individuals landed as carcasses was estimated based on interdorsal length. The following equation was obtained for males and females: TL = 12.606ID + 14.24 (R2 = 0.9505). Most of the landed sharks were juveniles (86.2%). No seasonal pattern of abundance and TL variation was observed. Management of this fishery is required in order to prevent localized over-fishing of nurse sharks.

Length correction for early-juvenile Brazilian herring Sardinella janeiro (Eigenmann, 1894) after preservation in formalin, ethanol and freezing

This work aims to quantify the variation in total length and body mass for the early-juvenile Brazilian herring Sardinella janeiro and to determine total length and body mass correction equation to allow fresh measures to be calculated from preserved ones. Fishes were randomly assigned to one of five preservation methods (freezing at - 20º C, 2.5% and 5% formalin, 70% and 95% ethanol), and measured for total length (TL) and body mass (W) before preservation, and on days 5, 15, 30, and 60 after storage. Significant reductions in total length and body mass occurred during the first 5 days after preservation and continued to contract significantly at a lesser rate through 30 days in most methods. Exceptions were shown for body mass in freezing and 5% formalin, where the greatest losses occurred after 30 days of preservation. The degree of shrinkage for total length and body mass was very much dependent on fish size, with smaller specimens shrinking more than larger ones. The fresh total length and body mass can be back-calculated using equations that describe the relationship between fresh and preserved individuals after 60 days storage for all methods except for body mass in freezing.

Influence of hatch duration and individual daily growth rates on size structure of age‐0 smallmouth bass cohorts in two glacial lakes

Abstract – We assessed hatch dates and daily growth rates of age‐0 smallmouth bass from two glacial lakes over a 3‐year period. Hatching durations (19–27 days among years) of smallmouth bass occurred from late May until late June. Mean daily growth rate of age‐0 smallmouth bass ranged from 0.56 to 1.56 mm·day−1. Correlation analysis indicated that hatch date had little effect on daily growth rates. Hatch date was significant in explaining variation in total length (TL) of age‐0 smallmouth bass at time of capture in only three of six cases and hatch date never explained &gt;50% of the variation in bass length. Daily growth rate significantly explained variation in smallmouth bass TL at time of capture in all six models, accounting for 31–86% of the variability in bass length. Our findings suggest that size structure of age‐0 cohorts in some populations may be more strongly regulated by variation in individual daily growth rate than by hatch timing.

Stock enhancement program for black sea bream (Acanthopagrus schlegelii) in Hiroshima Bay: Monitoring the genetic effects

Black sea bream have been intensively stocked in Hiroshima Bay since 1982. However, no information regarding the long-term effects resulting from the release of large numbers of juveniles on the wild population has been reported. We investigated the fate of black sea bream juveniles released at the sampling site from 2000 to 2001 using six microsatellite DNA markers. In 2003 and 2004 respectively, 12.5 and 13.5% of captured black sea bream were identified as hatchery reared. Variation in total length by age between the released and native stocks was not statistically significant. Low FST values confirmed high genetic similarity between wild and hatchery stocks. Pedigree reconstruction confirmed a small loss of genetic variability, with a final inbreeding rate for recaptured fish of around 3% per year, rising to 4% when both years were combined. There was high survival of released black sea bream juveniles. Some of these specimens reached maturity and may have hybridized with their wild counterparts, highlighting the need to monitor the genetic effects of releasing large number of juveniles.

Age and Growth of the Finescale Triggerfish, Balistes polylepis (Teleostei: Balistidae), on the Coast of Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico

ABSTRACT To estimate the weight-length relationship, determine age, and describe growth of the finescale triggerfish, Balistes polylepis Steindachner, 1876, 552 specimens were measured and weighed, and 318 first dorsal spines were collected from the artisanal catch in Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico, between October 2000 and October 2001. Fish ranged between 16 and 53 cm in total length (TL), and distribution was biased toward small sizes. Age was assigned according to the number of opaquehyaline bands in spines, identifying seven age groups (1–7), with age groups 2, 3, and 4 jointly representing over 80% of the collection. The von Bertalanffy model was adequately fitted to the age-TL data and accounted for 91% of the variation in TL. Parameters were estimated as TL∞ = 55:8 cm; K = 0.17 yr−1, and t0 = −1:7 yr. The total weight (TW ) of the finescale triggerfish ranged between 75 and 2,200 g, and the TW-TL relationship showed a negative allometric growth (b = 2:7). These results are the first reported for age an...

Evaluation of four outpatient educational programmes for patients with longstanding fibromyalgia

Four programmes based on educational and cognitive principles but with a variation in total length and number of staff/patient contact hours were compared in order to gain further insight into the importance of the format of the programme for the final outcome. A prospective non-randomized intervention study with 191 persons with fibromyalgia. Data were collected before, after and at 1-year follow-up. Participants served as their own controls. Results within and between the programmes were calculated. Clinical investigations before and after intervention. Questionnaires were answered before, after and at 1-year follow-up. Most instruments showed no significant improvements after the programme. However, some improvements were found in important variables such as attitudes, self-efficacy, vitality and "days feeling well". Results were unchanged at the 1-year follow-up and 16 persons had started working. Seven had ceased working. Participants reported frequent use of coping strategies in everyday life. No major differences could be found between the programmes. More comprehensive programmes did not produce better results at group level. Also short and less costly interventions based on educational and cognitive principles were valuable for persons with longstanding fibromyalgia. More attention must be given to evaluating the clinical effect of programmes.

Age and growth of the bonnethead shark, Sphyrna tiburo, from northwest Florida, with comments on clinal variation

Age and growth rates of the bonnethead shark, Sphyrna tiburo, from northwest Florida were estimated from vertebrae collected between October 1992 and October 1995. The von Bertalanffy growth equation was fit to male and female vertebral age data. Initial growth was rapid (≈ 200 mm TL) for both sexes from age 0–1. At age 2 growth slowed for males but continued for females. Similar to many species of sharks, females grew slower than males (K = 0.28 and K = 0.69, respectively) but attained a larger maximum size (L∞=1226 and L∞=897). Maximum age was estimated in males and females to be 8+ and 12+ years, respectively. Growth of young-of-year sharks was 21 to 30 mm TL per month determined by three different methods. A comparison of age and growth estimates from populations at more southerly latitudes suggest that clinal variation in total length may be evident among bonnethead sharks in the Gulf of Mexico with females reaching larger sizes in northern areas as compared to south Florida.

Variability of Harvest Sizes of Channel Catfish as Related to Stocking-Size Variability

Abstract Variation in total length for a population of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) was evaluated by marking fish of discrete sizes within the population at stocking. At harvest, the variation of the overall population and of the marked fish was determined. Marked channel catfish subpopulations maintained their size ranking and had reduced variability relative to the overall population (SDs, 2.07–2.15 for the marked groups versus 2.82 for the total population). The coefficient of variation (100 × SD/mean) for the total population declined from 12.4% at stocking to 8.8% at harvest; coefficients of variation for the marked groups were 6.2–7.3% at harvest. Apparently, variability at harvest is due to both stocking variability and differential growth rates.

Similarity solutions for avalanches of granular materials down curved beds

The present paper investigates similarity solutions for the two-dimensional flow of a mass of cohesionless granular material down rough curved beds having gradually varying slopes. The work is relevant to the motion of rockfalls and loose snow flow avalanches. The depth and velocity profiles for the moving mass are determined in analytical form and the evolution equation for the total length of the pile is integrated numerically using a Runge-Kutta technique. Although similarity solutions can occur for general bed shapes (as long as the curvature is small), specific computations are performed here for two families of bed profiles, one which is in the shape of a circular arc and the other in which the slope decays exponentially with downstream distance. The pile of granular material starts from rest, initially accelerates and then decelerates, finally coming to rest as a result of bed friction and the gradually decreasing bed slope. Depending upon the frictional parameters, the shape of the bed and the initial depth to length of the pile, it is found that the variation of total length with time can exhibit different behaviours. The pile can grow monotonically, it can asymptote to a constant length, it can grow to a maximum and then decrease or it can decrease to a minimum and then increase with time. Furthermore, there are regions in parameter space for which the pile moves as a rigid body either for the whole time of travel or for portions of it.

Temporal relation of ovulation to salivary and vaginal electrical resistance patterns: Implications for natural family planning

An independent assessment of the CUE™ Monitor (Zetek, Aurora, Colorado) as an ovulation predictor was made with emphasis on its potential role in “natural family planning”. The device provides a digital measurement of the electrical resistance of saliva and vaginal secretions. Twenty-nine menstrual cycles from 11 regularly cycling women were monitored with basal temperatures, urinary LH, pelvic ultrasound and the CUE monitor. Patterns of peak salivary electrical resistance were able to predict ovulation on average 5.3 (±1.9 SD) days in advance. Despite variations in total length of the follicular phase from cycle to cycle, the within-subject variation of this predictive interval was quite small. Nadirs in the electrical resistance of vaginal secretions occurred within 2 days of ovulation in all but one patient. Variation in this interval from cycle-to-cycle was small as well. We propose an algorithm for the use of these intervals in “natural family planning” that could safely reduce the monthly abstinence period of present methods. The simplicity, objectivity and consistency of this device could result in their greater general acceptance.

Quantitative karotype analysis in the mussel Mytilus edulis L.

Chromosome preparations were made with cell suspensions from gill tissue of spat of the mussel Mytilus edulis. A diploid number of 28 confirms previous reports. Karyotypes were prepared using chromosome lengths and arm ratios from at least four cells from each of three individuals. Each cell contained six metacentric chromosome pairs and a variable number of submetacentric and subtelocentric pairs. The presence of subtelocentric pairs appeared to be related to the overall degree of contraction of chromosomes in the cell and could be attributed to differential contraction of chromosomes rather than to any structural rearrangement. Factors affecting chromosome length and arm ratio are discussed. Patterns of variation were detected by statistical analyses of the karyotypes from a small number of individuals. Analysis of variance was carried out on total length, relative length and arm ratio of the chromosomes from each cell. Variation in total length of chromosomes in cells within and between individuals was conspicuous. No difference within individuals for arm ratio could be detected. However, one analysis showed significant differences between individuals for arm ratio and this may be useful in characterising individuals or populations. A principal components analysis indicated a large variation in size of chromosomes from cell to cell and suggested co-or-dinated patterns of contraction among the metacentric and submetacentric/subtelocentric chromosomes.