Head Width Research Articles

“Long-term Outcomes of Regional Morphology in Spring-Assisted Surgery and Cranial Vault Remodeling”

Background: Spring-assisted surgery (SAS) and cranial vault remodeling (CVR) are widely used surgical techniques for correction of sagittal craniosynostosis (SC). This study evaluates changes in regional morphology of SC patients who have undergone SAS or CVR using the frontal bossing index (FBI), occipital bulleting index (OBI), vertex narrowing index (VNI), and scaphocephalic severity index (SCI) to capture differences in anterior protrusion, posterior protrusion, width restriction, and global dysmorphology, respectively. Methods: Indices were measured on CT and 3D photographs (n=788) of 257 SC patients from 2001-2022 who underwent SAS (n=177) and CVR (n=80). Short-term and long-term outcomes were evaluated. Results: Mean age at time of surgery was older in the CVR cohort (mean 22.55±16.00) than in the SAS cohort (mean 4.56±2.24; p<0.05). Pre-operatively, the SAS cohort had more severe regional dysmorphology in FBI, VNI, and SCI (p<0.05) relative to the CVR cohort. Frontal bossing consistently improved over time in both cohorts. Head width had improvement as soon as 0-6 months postoperative (p<0.05); however, it consistently regressed after the initial improvement in both cohorts. Global head shape initially improved in the CVR cohort, but over time regressed. In contrast, SAS maintained improvements in SCI over time with significantly better percent change in every age interval (p<0.05). Conclusions: The FBI, OBI, VNI, and SCI are useful tools for monitoring head shape and growth. SAS and CVR achieve similar morphologic outcomes despite more severe pre-operative morphology in the SAS group. Trending index changes with growth among the two cohorts suggests improved longevity of correction in the SAS group.

EKSPLORASI JENIS-JENIS LEBAH MADU TAK BERSENGAT DI KEPULAUAN ARU

Exelation aims to find what types of stingless honey bees are there in the Aru Islands. The research was carried out on the Aru Islands, Wamar Island (Wangel and Durdiela Village), Kobror Island (Warbola and Benana Village), and Koba Island (Mutrai and Koba Village) from March to July 2022. The method used in preciation in Vata is a descriptive method, namely identifying stingless honey bees through observation, morphological characteristics and measurements, morphometrics and describing the location of the eccomium. Research shows that stingless honey bee stings were found. In Kalman Aru there were 36 active colonies at a height of 1-241 cm, with nesting sites found namely cave cavities, stone cavities and Ulouran rates. The average morphometric character of Tetragonula capens worker stratum bees found was long. body 374-4 25mm, head width 177-1 81mm. head space 1 47-1 55mm, wing length 3.81-4-35mm, antenna length 170-173mm, while Tetragonula cobalteata which was found, body length 278-324mm, head width 1 18-132 mm, head length 109-123 mm wing length and tegula 316-3.22 mm, and antenna length 2 18-2.22 mm.

Occurrence of giant migratory locust Locusta migratoria (Acrididae) on Tsushima Island, Japan

This study focused on the populations of Locusta migratoria (Linnaeus, 1758) on Tsushima Island, Japan, which exhibited the largest mean adult body size when compared to other populations from various climatic regions. Certain individuals, designated as “giant locusts,” displayed exceptionally large sizes, with females and males identified when with head widths surpassing 10.5 mm and 8.0 mm, respectively. The maximum weight recorded for a giant locust was 8.9 g, in contrast to other examined females with the maximum weight ranging from 3.1 to 5.5 g. Notably, giant females exhibited the ability to yield larger egg pods and progeny compared to their counterparts. A positive correlation emerged between body size of adult females and the number of ovarioles. To explore the potential heritability of body size, selection experiments were conducted across two generations. A significant impact of selection on adult body size was apparent at LD 12:12h, whereas this effect was not evident at LD 16:8h. Furthermore, crossing experiments showed that body size at hatching closely resembled that of the female parent or demonstrated dimensions intermediary between the two parents, suggesting a complex genetic basis for the observed body size variations. This study provides no evidence of genetic differentiation between the giant locusts and the other locusts on this island.

Body Size of Female Strepsipteran Parasites (Strepsiptera, Xenidae, Xenos) Depends on Several Key Factors in a Vespine Wasp (Hymenoptera, Vespidae, Vespa).

Parasite growth in hosts depends on their hosts' nutritional status. This study examined whether the body size of the strepsipteran parasite Xenos oxyodontes, which parasitizes the eusocial wasp Vespa analis, is affected by several key factors, including host body size. We collected V. analis using bait traps for three years in Niigata, Japan, and evaluated the number of male and female X. oxyodontes parasites throughout the seasons. A total of 185 female parasites were collected, and their cephalothorax widths were measured. The widths of female parasites did not statistically vary among seasons and were positively correlated with the head widths of female host wasps but negatively correlated with the number of parasites per host wasp. In addition, we examined whether the reproductive conditions of post-hibernation solitary queens affected the cephalothorax width of female parasites. The widths of the female parasites were greater when the queens had less-developed ovaries. These results suggested that nutrient availability by female parasites depends on the host wasp and competition with conspecific individuals.

Ultrastructure and morphometric characteristics of <i>Oecophylla smaragdina</i> (Fabricius, 1775) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

In this study, we explored various aspects of Oecophylla smaragdina, a potential biocontrol agent, evolution by examining its morphometric characteristics. We employed an intensive All-out search method (AOSM) to gather specimens from multiple locations in Vadakku Karaseri, Tamil Nadu. Our analysis involved measuring 16 morphological traits and indices, including Total Length, Head Width, Head Length, Eye Length and more, using specimens from five colonies in each locality. By calculating various morphometric indices, we assessed specific features and conducted a Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to determine the significance of head-related variables, antennae, and body size in shaping morphometric variation. Our study also revealed positive and negative associations between different morphometric variables, as highlighted by Pearson correlation coefficients. Furthermore, we used a Scanning Electron Microscope to examine the ultrastructure of the abdomen, revealing distinct features such as a one-jointed pedicel and modifications of the poison gland and stings. This comprehensive research provides valuable insights into O. smaragdina morphometric characteristics, enhancing our understanding of its variability and potential adaptations in various habitats.

Characterization of stmn1a and genetic effects of a 22-bp Indel in its promoter region of bighead carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis

Stathmin 1 (stmn1) gene, which is involved in the control of cell cycle progression, cell proliferation, differentiation and motility, is a crucial relay in the signal transduction of multiple signaling pathways. Reports on the function of stmn1 in fish are scarce. In this study, the characterization and function of stmn1a gene were explored in an important food fish, namely bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis). The bighead carp stmn1a (Hynstmn1a) genomic sequence, which has 2995 bp with an ORF of 447 bp, is evolutionarily conserved in teleost fish. The highest level of expression of Hynstmn1a is in the un-fertilized eggs and spleen of adult bighead carp. The overexpression of Hynstmn1a facilitates cell cycle progression and suppresses apoptosis in EPC cells. In an siRNA assay, disruption of stmn1a in EPC cells resulted in the inhibition of cell cycle progression and promotion of apoptosis. Analysis of promoter activity indicated that an upstream transcription factor (foxo4) regulates Hynstmn1a. Zebrafish mutants with stmn1a knockout by CRISPR/Cas9 exhibited a significant retardation of body length (p ​< ​0.05). There was no significant difference in body weight between stmn1a-mutant zebrafish and wild-type (p ​= ​0.053). A 22-bp Indel in the promoter region of Hynstmn1a with an observed heterozygosity (Ho) of 0.136 in a bighead carp population (n ​= ​191). The polymorphism of this 22-bp Indel genotype is significantly associated with body length (BL), head length (HL) (p ​< ​0.05), body weight (BW), head height (HH), and head width (HW) (p ​< ​0.01), showing its genetic effects on growth promotion. This study sheds light on the function of stmn1a in fish and demonstrates the potential of the 22-bp Indel of Hynstmn1a as a gene marker when selecting breeding individuals for faster growth and a bigger head of bighead carp in aquaculture.

Parental Education for the Prevention of Plagiocephaly.

The American Academy of Pediatrics Back-to-Sleep Campaign significantly reduced infant mortality from sudden infant death syndrome. As a result of prolonged supine positioning, the incidence of deformational plagiocephaly has also risen 5-fold since its adoption. We aimed to improve the current educational paradigm for new parents with the goal of reducing the incidence of plagiocephaly within the confines of the Back-to-Sleep Campaign. We hypothesized that the early addition of plagiocephaly focused education for parents would reduce cephalic index, the ratio of head width to length, used as an easily measured objective proxy for positional plagiocephaly. Children were screened at their newborn visit. Premature newborns and those diagnosed with craniofacial disorders were excluded. For those enrolled, biparietal and anteroposterior measurements of the head were obtained using manual calipers to obtain cephalic index. Subjects randomly assigned to the intervention group were shown a 2-minute video and given an educational pamphlet on methods to prevent plagiocephaly. Unpaired 2-sample t tests comparing mean differences in intervention and control were performed. Thirty-nine subjects were enrolled as of November 2023 with variable lengths of follow-up completed. The average baseline cephalic index for subjects in the control group was 82.7 and 83.8 for intervention group. Unpaired 2-sample t tests were performed at 2-, 4-, and 6-month time points to analyze the difference between groups. At 4 months, average cephalic index for subjects in the control and treatment group, respectively, was 90.6 and 83.4 (P = 0.02). Parental education at the newborn visit led to decreases in cephalic index, a proxy for positional plagiocephaly, compared with control patients. This simple intervention has the potential to reduce parental stress and healthcare costs associated with the evaluation and treatment of plagiocephaly.

Investigating the trends and causes of changes in human anthropometric dimensions over the past three decades: a challenge for ergonomic design

Objectives. The present study aimed to review the changes in anthropometric dimensions around the world during the last 30 years. Methods. The search for this study was conducted in four databases with related keywords. Papers from 1990 to 2021 were reviewed and 4139 articles were identified, with 505 related titles. Of these, 187 articles met the eligibility criteria, and their whole text was examined; 132 articles were then included for the final review. Results. The reviewed studies showed that a large number of anthropometric dimensions of the human body have become larger than in the past, such as height. Although the increasing trend of anthropometric dimensions in the past has been faster than in recent years, decreasing changes have also been seen in some anthropometric dimensions, such as the human jaw, face width and head width. It should be noted that the main reasons for the changes mentioned in the studies are economics and family income, social conditions, health and nutrition. Conclusion. Since the process of changes in anthropometric dimensions is not always the same, anthropometric data should be updated regularly, and work environments and equipment should be reviewed or redesigned according to the new anthropometric data.

Heart Rate and Acceleration Dynamics during Swim-Fitness and Stress Challenge Tests in Yellowtail Kingfish (Seriola lalandi).

The yellowtail kingfish is a highly active and fast-growing marine fish with promising potential for aquaculture. In this study, essential insights were gained into the energy economy of this species by heart rate and acceleration logging during a swim-fitness test and a subsequent stress challenge test. Oxygen consumption values of the 600-800 g fish, when swimming in the range of 0.2 up to 1 m·s-1, were high-between 550 and 800 mg·kg-1·h-1-and the heart rate values-up to 228 bpm-were even among the highest ever measured for fishes. When swimming at these increasing speeds, their heart rate increased from 126 up to 162 bpm, and acceleration increased from 11 up to 26 milli-g. When exposed to four sequential steps of increasing stress load, the decreasing peaks of acceleration (baseline values of 12 to peaks of 26, 19 and 15 milli-g) indicated anticipatory behavior, but the heart rate increases (110 up to 138-144 bpm) remained similar. During the fourth step, when fish were also chased, peaking values of 186 bpm and 44 milli-g were measured. Oxygen consumption and heart rate increased with swimming speed and was well reflected by increases in tail beat and head width frequencies. Only when swimming steadily near the optimal swimming speed were these parameters strongly correlated.

Geographical variation in size of the three final stadia of Cordulegaster boltonii (Donovan, 1807) larvae in the Iberian Peninsula (Odonata: Cordulegastridae)

A two-variable analysis of male and female Cordulegaster boltonii larvae (head width and hindwing sheath length) in specimens from five Iberian populations was carried out with the objective of ascertaining whether these traits differ between populations. The results indicate that the southernmost population (Los Alcornocales, Andalusia) have larger sizes for both variables and a lower growth rate between the penultimate and final stadia. Winter water temperatures, which may cause a longer arrest of larval growth in northern populations, and possible differences in the number of larval stadia could be the origin of the size divergences.

Morphometry, Growth, and Condition of Hatchery-Reared Cisco (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Coregonus artedi&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;) and Bloater (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Coregonus hoyi&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;)

The re-introduction of native species that have been extirpated or in low abundance in the Great Lakes has been a binational initiative between the United States and Canadian governments. Recently, new management programs have been underway that use current hatchery facilities for the restoration of native forage fishes in Lake Ontario. These species include Bloater (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Coregonus hoyi&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;), which has been extirpated from Lake Ontario for approximately four decades, and Cisco (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;C. artedi&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;), which exists at a fraction of its former abundance. We assessed morphometrics, length-weight relationships, and condition factors during early life development for eight cohorts of Cisco and Bloater reared from 2012-2019. Weekly samples for Cisco and Bloater were measured from hatch until release (29-45 weeks, 133-1,002 samples annually). Head width, gape, mandible length, and mouth height metrics were all larger for Cisco than Bloater at any given size but increased at similar rates for both species. Average condition factors for Cisco and Bloater were 0.54317 and 0.55892, respectively. This information may also improve field identification of these species, helping managers evaluate the relative success of different release strategies for rehabilitation of populations of these native species.

Study on Impeller Optimization and Operation Method of Variable Speed Centrifugal Pump with Large Flow and Wide Head Variation

The benefits of variable speed centrifugal pumps include high stability, a broad operating range, and adjustable input power. In water distribution systems, the pump units are increasingly using variable speed technology. The energy-saving features and operational stability of the pump station are directly impacted by the hydraulic performance and the operation strategy. In this study, CFD numerical analysis and model tests were adopted to design and evaluate the hydraulic performance of the variable speed centrifugal pump with large flow and wide head variation in Liyuzhou Pump Station. Under the premise of ensuring the wide head variation, the optimized centrifugal pump met the requirements of hump margin and efficiency in the high head zone and the cavitation margin in the low head zone. The test results demonstrated that the operational range of the variable speed centrifugal pump was successfully widened by reasonable hydraulic parameters selection and impeller optimization. The safe and efficient operational range of the variable speed unit was determined by means of taking the performance requirements of the pump’s maximum input shaft power, cavitation characteristics and pressure fluctuation into consideration. The scientific and reasonable operational path to meet the various operation needs was also investigated and determined for the pump station’s actual operation needs. A high efficiency, safe operation, and a simplified control logic were achieved by using the operational path, which makes it a reasonable potential guide for hydraulic design and operational optimization of variable speed centrifugal pumps with large flow and wide head range.

Heterothermy use in winter is associated with reduced litter size during following breeding season

Heterothermy is considered to be the most effective energy-saving strategy improving survival under natural conditions. Interspecific studies suggest that this strategy is also associated with reduced reproductive output. Yet little is known about the reproductive consequences of heterothermy use at the intraspecific level and thus its repercussions for microevolutionary processes. Moreover, as yet no study has aimed to test if litter size and juvenile mass are affected by torpor use in wild captured animals under undemanding laboratory conditions. Here we tested the hypothesis that intraspecific variation in heterothermy use is associated with different reproductive successes, being the result of the evolution of distinct life histories. We predicted that heterothermy use in winter negatively correlates with litter size and juvenile body mass during the subsequent breeding season. To test this prediction, we used yellow-necked mice from a population in which individuals consistently differ in their use of heterothermy in winter. We measured body size (head width) and body mass, basal metabolic rate, as well as metabolism and body temperature during fasting-induced torpor in wild caught mice in winter. Phenotyped mice were bred in the subsequent summer selectively – males and females with similar heterothermy characteristics were paired, the most to the least heterothermic. Dam body size, but not basal metabolism, was positively correlated with litter size (but not juvenile mass). However, when accounting for this relationship, litter size was negatively while juvenile mass was positively correlated with the average heterothermy use of a given couple. Our study indicates that heterothermy use correlates with specific life-history strategies arising from a fundamental evolutionary trade-off between survival and reproduction.

Environmental adaptation and genetic variations in geographically isolated Emma field crickets Teleogryllus emma (Orthoptera: Gryllidae)

ABSTRACTThe Emma field cricket, Teleogryllus emma (Ohmachi &amp; Matsuura), distributed between 43°N and 30°N in the Japanese archipelago, is univoltine and overwinters in the egg stage. Its eggs hatch on the slope of the Oishi Dam (38.03°N, 139.57°E, 160–170 m a.s.l.) in late June, adults begin emerging from late August, and oviposition lasts until early October. Oviposition is limited to the period when the water level of the Oishi Dam is low. The period from egg hatching to adult emergence is approximately 1 month shorter than that of the T. emma population on the Arakawa riverside (38.09°N, 139.57°E, 29 m a.s.l.), which is approximately only 7 km from the Oishi Dam. The egg and body sizes of T. emma on the slope of the Oishi Dam were smaller than those of T. emma on the Arakawa riverside, and the egg and nymphal periods were shorter; these variations were inherited by the next generation of T. emma. The egg period, nymphal period and head width of T. emma on the dam slope correspond to those of the populations near 40°N. Several traits of the T. emma population on the dam slope were naturally selected by adapting to the isolated environment, resulting in the genetic variations. However, their variations were small and the period after isolation is short, suggesting that it is in the early stages of speciation.

Investigating the wave attenuation capabilities of rectangular pile head breakwater: A physical modelling approach

The study provides a comprehensive examination of single row Rectangular Pile Head Breakwaters (RPHB), encompassing both non-perforated and perforated variations. In the non-perforated RPHB category, the investigation delves into the effects of pile head height and width, and wave climate. For perforated RPHB structures, the study analyses the influence of percentage of perforations, perforation size, and depth of water. Further, the research includes a comparative assessment between non-perforated and perforated RPHB structures. Additionally, the research conducts a comparative analysis with similar structures. In the case of non-perforated RPHB, the configuration with relative pile head diameter (D/d) of 2.4 and relative pile head height (Y/Hmax) of 1.5 stood out as the most effective model. Similarly, the perforated RPHB demonstrated its maximum wave attenuation potential with percentage of perforations (P) of 24% with relative size of perforations (S/D) of 0.25. This optimal configuration achieved a minimal wave transmission coefficient (Kt) of 0.53, reflection coefficient (Kr) of 0.33, and energy dissipation coefficient (Kd) of 0.79 at a relative water depth (h/H) 0.865. Notably, the introduction of perforations on the RPHB structure led to an improvement in wave attenuation performance by 4–8%, resulting in lower reflection and higher energy dissipation. Comparatively, the RPHB structure outperformed the Enlarged (cylindrical) Pile Head Breakwater (EPHB) and Conical Pile Head Breakwater (CPHB) structures in terms of wave attenuation, exhibiting higher reflection and superior energy dissipation characteristics. The consistent outcome of these investigations reveals that the RPHB exhibits superior hydrodynamic performance characteristics and design suitability, making it a promising choice for breakwater applications.

A new odorous frog species of Odorrana (Amphibia, Anura, Ranidae) from Guizhou Province, China.

The frog genus Odorrana is distributed across east and southeastern Asia. Based on morphological differences and molecular phylogenetics, a new species of the genus occurring from Leigong Mountain in Guizhou Province, China is described. Phylogenetic analyses based on DNA sequences of the mitochondrial 12S rRNA, 16S rRNA, and ND2 genes supported the new species as an independent lineage. The uncorrected genetic distances between the 12S rRNA, 16S rRNA, and ND2 genes between the new species and its closest congener were 5.0%, 4.9%, and 16.3%, respectively. The new species is distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following characters: body size moderate (SVL 39.1-49.4 mm in males, 49.7 mm in female); head width larger than head length; tympanum distinctly visible; small rounded granules scattered all over dorsal body and limbs; dorsolateral folds absent; heels overlapping when thighs are positioned at right angles to the body; tibiotarsal articulation reaching the level between eye to nostril when leg stretched forward; vocal sacs absent in male and nuptial pads present on the base of finger I.

Sexual dimorphism and allometry in the head and body size of two viperid snakes (genus Vipera)

Sexual dimorphism in the size and shape of the body and head is the result of manifold selective pressures acting on organisms. In snakes, sexual size dimorphism is common and has been well-studied. However, intersexual differences in relative head size and shape have attracted far less attention. Similarly, the allometric properties of head shape and size in snakes are poorly known. Here, we analyse sexual dimorphism in two viperid species: European adder Vipera berus (Linnaeus, 1758) and Steppe viper Vipera renardi (Christoph, 1861). We measured body length, tail length and several head characteristics: head length, head width, head height, pileus length, interorbital distance and internarial distance. Our findings were that males and females of both species did not differ in body length (SVL), but that males tended to have significantly longer tails; there were also significant differences in head characteristics – males tended to have higher heads, and larger internarial and interorbital distances. The head dimensions displayed negative allometry when compared against SVL but when scaled against head length, dimensions like head height and head width exhibited positive allometry. We argue that these differences may be related to sexual selection and that the wider heads may also serve as antipredatory signal.

The Effect of Comb Cell Size on the Development of Apis mellifera Drones.

The growth and development of honeybees are influenced by many factors, one of which is the cell size of the brood comb. Larger worker bees can be obtained by being raised in bigger cells. However, whether cell size has the same effect on drone development is still unknown. Here, using 3D-printed foundations, we observed the development of drones kept in comb cells of different sizes from the late larval stage through eclosion. The results showed that drones in larger cell-size combs had heavier body weights, longer body lengths, and larger head widths, thorax widths, and abdomen widths compared to those in smaller cell-size combs. Furthermore, regardless of developmental stages, the drones' body weights increased linearly with the comb's cell size. However, the other morphological changes of drones in different developmental stages were out of proportion to the cell-size changes, resulting in smaller cells with a higher fill factor (thorax width/cell width). Our findings confirm that comb cell size affects the development of honeybees; drones become bigger when raised in large cells.

Environmentally friendly assessment of ecological quality of watercourses based on banded demoiselle, Calopteryx splendens

AbstractDragonflies and damselflies are excellent bioindicators of the quality of both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. In our study, we assessed the usefulness of metric and meristic morphological traits as environmentally friendly and cost‐effective indicators of the integrative ecological quality of watercourses. Our study species of choice was the damselfly banded demoiselle, Calopteryx splendens (Harris) (Odonata: Calopterygidae). Adult C. splendens specimens were collected at three study sites along the trophic gradient of the Tisza River in Hungary and Ukraine. Body and abdomen length, head width, and distances between wing landmarks were assessed as metric traits, and the number of wing cells as meristic traits. The concentration of chlorophyll‐a was used to classify the three study sites into having a low, intermediate, and high trophic condition based on earlier studies. Significant differences were found along the trophic gradient based on the measured metric and meristic traits. Especially, insects from the site with the highest trophic condition had the largest body length, head width, and distances between wing landmarks, as well as the highest number of cells in the fore wings. There were also differences between males and females, but we did not find differences in fluctuating asymmetry (FA), i.e., differences between the left and the right wings. These results indicated that the morphological traits of adult banded demoiselles could be indicative of the environmental quality of a watercourse.

The influence of incubation temperature on offspring traits varies across northern and southern populations of the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis).

Maternal provisioning and the developmental environment are fundamental determinants of offspring traits, particularly in oviparous species. However, the extent to which embryonic responses to these factors differ across populations to drive phenotypic variation is not well understood. Here, we examine the contributions of maternal provisioning and incubation temperature to hatchling morphological and metabolic traits across four populations of the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis), encompassing a large portion of the species' latitudinal range. Our results show that whereas the influence of egg mass is generally consistent across populations, responses to incubation temperature show population-level variation in several traits, including mass, head length, head width, and residual yolk mass. Additionally, the influence of incubation temperature on developmental rate is greater at northern populations, while the allocation of maternal resources toward fat body mass is greater at southern populations. Overall, our results suggest that responses to incubation temperature, relative to maternal provisioning, are a larger source of interpopulation phenotypic variation and may contribute to the local adaptation of populations.