Sexing terns using biometrics: the advantage of within-pair comparisons

Capsule Within-pair comparisons substantially improve the accuracy of sexing from biometrics for two congeneric species of seabird with monomorphic plumage and soft-tissue colouration.

Aims To examine the extent to which statistical limitations of sexing birds from biometrics using sample-level analysis could be overcome by sexing Common and Arctic Terns (Sterna hirundo and S. paradisaea) using measurements obtained from breeding pairs.

Methods Incubating adults were caught at the nest using walk-in traps and wing, tarsus, head-plus-bill, tail length, tail fork, and body mass measured. Each bird was individually colour-ringed and dyed with picric acid, enabling subsequent sexing by behavioural observations of copulation and courtship feeding. Birds were sexed using biometrics and the proportion of birds sexed correctly this way at the sample level was compared with the accuracy achieved if, within a pair, the larger bird was classified as male.

Results Head-plus-bill length was the single most accurate measurement for sexing individuals of both species, and correctly classified 72% of Arctic Terns and 73% of Common Terns. Combinations of measurements derived from discriminant analysis achieved slightly higher accuracy (73% and 78% respectively). Within-pair comparisons were more accurate than sample-level analysis for both single measurements and discriminant functions, and were able to sex 84% of Arctic Terns and 86% of Common Terns correctly.

Conclusion Comparing birds within pairs improves accuracy and can eliminate the need to calculate cut points or discriminant functions from a sample of birds of known sex for each particular study. We strongly advocate such comparisons wherever possible to increase accuracy and simplify computational procedures for predicting sex, thus reducing associated sources of error.     

Sexing Wrens Troglodytes troglodytes indigenus using morphological measurements and discriminant analysis

Within the breeding population of a deciduous woodland, male Wrens averaged slightly larger than females in wing length, foot length, head plus bill length and body mass. First-year and older birds were similar for three of these morphometric variables, but the first-year group were shorter-winged than the older birds (by 3%). Despite this, wing length still proved to be a useful discriminator of sex when the data were pooled for all ages (74% of males exceeding the maximum female value of 49.8 mm). A discriminant function utilizing wing length and head plus bill length correctly sexed 96% of individuals in the sample from which it was derived (n = 49 males, 36 females). This function was converted into a predictive equation for the probability of an unknown case being male, and a plot of wing length against head plus bill length along with probability contours which enabled the sexing of unknown cases without the need for calculations. Measurements of the morphological variables investigated were found to be highly repeatable for a single worker, with the exception of body mass which differed substantially between the sexes but which was only moderately repeatable. The methods provided should prove valuable for sexing British mainland Troglodytes troglodytes indigenus, and probably also Western European T. t. troglodytes, but should not be applied to the larger, offshore island races.     

Gender distribution,sexual size dimorphism and morphometric sexing in ballan wrasse Labrus bergylta

In wild ballan wrasse Labrus bergylta, mass–length relationships were not different between genders, and positive allometry was found in the mixed‐gender population. Male‐biased sexual size dimorphism was significant and the most effective morphometric method for sexing L. bergylta outside of the species spawning window used body mass (M_B in g), total body length (L_T in mm) and Fulton's condition factor (K) as discriminant variables to predict gender with 91% accuracy. The discriminant score (S_D) of a specimen can be calculated as S_D = 0·01 M_B ? 0·016 L_T ? 3·835 K + 6·252 to predict its gender as female or male if S_D is < 1·459 or S_D is > 1·504, respectively. There was a potential trend towards earlier sexual inversion compared to previous studies at comparable latitudes. Sex change is a phenotypically plastic trait under social control in haremic fishes and should be monitored in increasingly exploited L. bergylta.     

Sex determination of African Penguins Spheniscus demersus using bill measurements: method comparisons and implications for use

African Penguins Spheniscus demersus are sexually dimorphic; on average, males are larger than females but measurements overlap making sex determination difficult through observations alone. We developed a discriminant function, using bill length and depth from a sample of birds sexed from gonad visualisation during post-mortem, which correctly classified 93% of the individuals. Cross-validation correctly assigned 90% of DNA-sexed birds and 91% of birds sexed by partner measurement comparisons. The use of discriminant function score cutpoints, while leaving 16% and 29% of birds unclassified, improved accuracy of birds sexed by DNA to 97% and of those sexed by partner comparison to 99%. Bill depth was found to be a discriminating variable. However, two techniques for measuring bill depth are currently in use for African Penguins. While these measurements are correlated (r = 0.85), they differ on average by 1.4?mm hindering accuracy of sex determination when using a discriminant function developed from the other bill depth measurement. Exploration of adult bill morphology of birds sexed from DNA at different colonies suggests the discriminant functions can be applied throughout the African Penguins’ South African range.     

Nitric oxide concentrations in gas emanating from the tails of obese rats

Abstract

This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of oral L-arginine administration and exercising training on the NO concentration emanating from rat tail and NO_x in plasma. Obese (fa/fa) Zucker rats (n = 22) were divided into four groups: (1) oral L-arginine administration (A) (n = 6), (2) exercise training (E), (3) exercise training + L-arginine administration (E + A) (n = 5), and (4) non-exercise training + non-L-arginine administration (N) (n = 6). The control (+/+) Zucker rats (n = 22) were also divided into the same four groups. The body weight of the E + A and the A groups was significantly lower than that of the N group. The NO concentration emitted from the tail was higher in the L-arginine (E + A and A) groups than in the non-L-arginine (E and N) groups in both obese and control rats. Exercise training did not affect the skin gas NO concentration in either obese or control rats. Plasma NO_x concentrations in four obese rats were significantly higher than those observed in control rats. Exercise training did not influence the level of plasma NO_x in obese or control rats. In conclusion, this study confirmed that L-arginine administration increases the skin gas NO concentration and obesity increases the plasma NO_x level. The plasma NO_x concentrations were not affected by L-arginine administration or exercise training in obese or control rats.     

UTILIZATION OF PLANT MATERIALS BY JUVENILE AFRICAN CATFISH (CLARIAS GARIEPINUS) AND ITS IMPORTANCE IN FISH CULTURE

SUMMARY

Juvenile African catfish Clarias gariepinus between 100 and 200 mm total length from Lake McIlwaine, Zimbabwe are able to digest plant proteins. The digestibility of three major plant proteins (maize, sunflower seed and soya meal) was 30,0, 65,4 and 84,3% respectively. C. gariepinus excreted between 27 and 55% of its soluble nitrogen as urea. Fats from one diet were found to spare proteins and to be 73% utilized.

The basal metabolic rate of juvenile catfish may be represented by the general formula:

BM = 2,56 - 0,40 (In W) - 0,10 (In W) (FS)

where BM is the basal metabolic rate in cal g_?1 h_?1, W is the mass in grams and FS is the feeding state (expressed as zero for a feeding fish and one for a fasting fish).

The metabolism of starving, fasting, feeding, and stressed active juvenile fish was found to be approximately 0,28, 0,56, 1,23 and 4,5 cal. g_1 h_1 respectively.

World protein shortages and the contribution that fish culture can make are discussed. Sample calculations show catfish lose up to 38% of ingested plant protein while direct consumption of vegetative material by humans results in a loss of 33% of the protein due to imbalances in amino acid make-up of plants. It is generally not physically possible to eat the quantities of traditional low protein plant material needed to obtain the necessary protein. Therefore the use of more concentrated and more digestable animal protein is necessary, and catfish with dry weight ptotein levels of 70 to 80%, are capable of acting as protein concentrators.     

The discriminant power of biometrics for sex determination in European Bee-eaters Merops apiaster

ABSTRACT

Capsule A combination of several biometric measures enables the reliable sexing of the European Bee-eater Merops apiaster, a species with subtle sex differences in plumage and morphometry.

Aims To explore variation in biometrics and their suitability to discriminate sex in adult European Bee-eaters Merops apiaster.

Methods We sampled populations of a long-distance migratory species with low sexual size dimorphism, the European Bee-eater Merops apiaster, from colonies in western Iberia (Portugal) and Central Europe (Germany) to investigate body size variation and derive population-specific and general sex discriminant functions.

Results Overall, male Bee-eaters were larger than females while Bee-eaters from Germany and Portugal did not differ in size, except for primary length and tail length. The best single measurement to discriminate sex was wing length for Portuguese birds and tail tip length for German birds, as in the combined dataset. Multivariate discriminant functions of head-bill, wing and tail tip lengths provided the highest discriminant accuracy, discriminating sex for 91% of the birds from Portugal, 96% from Germany and 94% when using the combined dataset. Nonetheless, the discriminant accuracy remained high in the functions using only two variables for Portugal (head-bill and tail tip 91%, head-bill and wing 88%, wing and tail tip 88%), Germany (head-bill and tail tip 95%, wing and tail tip 97%) and in the combined dataset (head-bill and tail tip 92%, wing and tail tip 93%).

Conclusions Population specific discriminant functions allow sexing of European Bee-eaters by morphometry with high degree of accuracy at least for Iberia and Central European populations. Such discriminant functions can be used to assign the sex of adult Bee-eaters reliably and swiftly while the bird is still in the hand, highlighting the potential of these functions for rapidly sexing species with low degrees of sexual size and plumage dimorphism.     

3. THE GENERA TURDUS,GEOKICHLA, PSOPHOCICHLA,MONTICOLA AND COSSYPHA IN NYASALAND

Summary

Hanmer, D. B. 1981. Mensural and moult data of nine species of sunbird from Moçambique and Mala?i. Ostrich 52: 156–178.

Wing length, culmen length, weight and moult data are given for the Coppery Sunbird Nectarinia cuprea, Purplebanded Sunbird N. bifnsclata, Yellowbellied Sunbird N. venusta, Whitebellied Sunbird N. talatala. Grey Sunbird N. veroxii, Black Sunbird N. amethystina. Scarletchested Sunbird N. senegalensis. Collared Sunbird Anthreptes collaris and Violet-backed Sunbird A. longuemarei from Mopeia (Moçambique) and Nchalo (Mala?i). Moulting seasons, immature age at moult, the duration of primary moult, its relation to the breeding season, weight changes with moult, the breeding season, altitude and latitude, and the sequence and timing of moult in remiges and rectrices are discussed for all species except N. veroxii, N. amethystina and A. longuemarei. Softpart and plumage colour changes with age are discussed and some data are given on habits and migration.     

Length–weight relationships for estuarine fishes in South Brazil

The present study reports the length‐weight relationships (LWRs) for 18 estuarine species sampled in Guaratuba Bay, South Brazil. For the majority of these 18 species the LWRs are known from the literature, but these estimates do not consider sexes separately which is done in this contribution. Different fishing gears were used in the samplings (cylindrical nets – 1 mm mesh size, bottom trawls – 250 mm mesh size in the arms and 12 mm mesh size in the bag, beach seine – 5 mm mesh size and hook and line fishery) between September 2007 to April 2014. The specimens were sexed and the LWRs were calculated for each sex separately. There were differences between sexes in growth type, showing the importance of sexing in these studies. We reported for the first time (based on FishBase) the LWRs for two species: Ctenogobius shufeldti and Hypleurochilus fissicornis.     

ON THE SOUTH AFRICAN RACE OF THE LITTLE SPOTTED WOODPECKER

Discriminant analysis functions have previously been determined for sexing Mediterranean Yellow-legged Gulls Larus michahellis michahellis from the western Mediterranean basin. However, data from eastern Mediterranean populations are lacking. In this work, we used morphometric data from a sample of 81 Mediterranean Yellow-legged Gulls (39 males and 42 females) breeding in the Gulf of Gabès in south-eastern Tunisia to (1) determine a discriminant function useful for sex discrimination, and (2) assess the accuracy of previously published functions in sexing Mediterranean Yellow-legged Gulls from our study area. Our results showed marked sexual differences in all morphological measurements, with males being significantly larger than females. The best discriminant function included head length, bill depth and wing length, and accurately classified 93% of sampled birds. We also found that Mediterranean Yellow-legged Gulls from the Gulf of Gabès could accurately be sexed using discriminant functions determined for another North African population, but not with a function determined for a South European population, although distances between sites are almost the same.     

Die Verwertung reiner Nährstoffe

Auf der Grundlage einer Analyse von Energieumsatzmessungen an ausgewachsenen Rindern (Ochsen) bei Verfütterung von 110 Rationen sehr heterogener Nährstoffzusammensetzung werden folgende Vorhersagegleichungen für Brutto‐ (y₁), verdauliche (y₂) und umsetzbare Energie (y₃) sowie für die Energieansatzwirkung von Rationen (y) (kJ) mitgeteilt:

y₁ ‐ 23.6z₁ + 34.0z₂ + 17.3z₃ + 16,0z₄ + 19, 1z₅

y₂ = 23.6x₁ + 34.0x₂ + 17.3x₃ + 16.0x₄ + 18.0x₅

y₃‐ 17.3x₁ + 34.0x₂+15.9x₃+ 15.1x₄+15.4x₅

y = (6.5x₁ + 26.6x₂ + 10.1x₃ + 7.5x₄ + 8.9x_s)( ‐ 0.5574 + 0.04050x₆ ‐ 0,0002633x₆ ²)

z₁ = Rohprotein(g) x, ‐ verdl. Rohprotein(g)

z₂ ‐ Rohfett(g) x₂ = verdl. Rohfett(g)

z₃ ‐ Stärke(g) x₃ = verdl. Stärke(g)

z₄ ‐ Zucker(g) x₄ = verdl. Zucker(g)

z₅ ‐ N‐freie Reststoffe(g) x₅ = verdl. N‐freie Reststoffe(g)

x₆ ‐ Verdaulichkeit der Energie der Ration(%) (x₆ ≤ 77)     

Diary

Abstract

The formation of sparingly soluble Ca²⁺-phytate (Phy) species was studied using several techniques (potentiometry, calorimetry, thermoanalysis, ICP, SEM). Species with empirical formula Ca_xH(₁₂__2x)Phy, (6 ≤ x ≤ 4.5) were formed in experiments performed at pH = 5.0, 7.5 and 10.5; at pH = 10.5 and in excess of Na+ the species Ca₅Na₂Phy was also found. Solubilities (s = 1.0 x 10^-9and 1.1 x 10^-10mol L^-1 for the species Ca₆Phy and Ca₅Na₂Phy respectively, at l = 0 mol L^-1), thermogravimetric profiles (dehydratation, monohydrogen-phosphate and final pyrophosphate formation), and formation enthalpies (ΔΗ = 7.6 ± 1 and 3.7 ± 0.8 kJ mol^-1for the equilibria 6Ca²⁺ + H₃L^9- = Ca₆L⁰ + 3 H⁺ and 5Ca²⁺ + 2Na⁺ + H₃L^9- = Ca₅Na₂L⁰ + 3 H⁺, respectively), were obtained.     

Book Reviews

Adams, N.J., Kerley, G.I.H. & Watson, J.J. 1999. Disturbance of incubating African Black Oystercatchers: is heating of exposed eggs a problem? Ostrich 70(3&4): 225–228.

We measured temperatures of incubated and exposed eggs of African Black Oystercatchers Haematopus moquini nesting in coastal dunes, Algoa Bay, South Africa through three of the 10 hottest days of summer during the 1994/95 breeding season. Mean incubation temperature was 34.4 ± 0.7°C (range: 32.2–37.0; n=3). The average maximum temperature attained by exposed dummy eggs, averaged higher at 37.4 ± 2.7°C (n=5). The absolute maximum recorded for exposed eggs was 40.1°C. These temperatures are within lethal limits measured for other birds and suggests that heating of exposed eggs after disturbance of incubating was not a direct factor in explaining variation in breeding success of oystercatchers in the Alexandria Dunefield, Algoa Bay.     

No-escape regions and oscillations in second order predator-prey recurrences

We are concerned with the second order recurrence x _n+1 = x _n f(x _n, y _n), y _n+1 = y _n g(x _n, y _n), where n N ₀, x ₀ > 0, y ₀ > 0, and the reproduction rates f and g simulate predator-prey interaction. Under conditions on the sign of f – 1 and g–1 we show the existence of a nontrivial no-escape region D, i.e. a compact set D {(x, y): x > 0, y > 0} which is invariant under the recurrence and has the property that every sequence enters D after finitely many steps. Under further conditions on the shape of the isoclines {f = 1} and {g = 1} and on the stationary points {f = 1} {g = 1} we are able to show the existence of sustained oscillations.This work has been supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft     

NMR Study on The Tuning of North ⇆ South Equilibrium in Nucleos(t)ides by Metal Ion Interactions

Abstract

The NMR study on the interactions of dGpMe (1), MepdG (2) and dG (3) with Mg²⁺, Zn²⁺ and Hg²⁺ ions in D₂O solution has shown that binding of softer metal ions to N7 shifts N ? S pseudorotational equilibrium towards N-type conformations. At the same time the population of the anti conformers is slightly increased.     

Age and growth of the endemic Xingu River stingray Potamotrygon leopoldi validated using fluorescent dyes

Between 2003 and 2005, vertebrae of 151 Xingu River Potamotrygon leopoldi (Potamotrygonidae) (75 males and 76 females) were analysed to derive a growth curve for this species. The disc width (W _D) was significantly different between sexes, with females measuring 149–700 mm W _D and males 109–500 mm W _D. The average percentage error for vertebrae readings of the whole sample was 2·7%. The marginal increment ratio (R _MI) showed an increasing trend with the highest value in November, decreasing from December on. The majority of vertebrae displaying R _MI zero, occurred in September, but the annual periodicity of ring deposition throughout the year was not conclusive. Tetracycline (TCN) injected specimens were held in captivity for 13 months and displayed a fluorescent mark in vertebrae confirming a yearly periodicity of band pair formation with the translucent ring deposited in September–October. The Akaike information criterion (AIC) showed that, among the seven models considered, the best fit was obtained for the von Bertalanffy modified with W ₀ (where W ₀ = W _D at birth) for both sexes. Growth parameters for females were: W ₀ = 149 mm; W _∞ = 763·06 mm; k = 0·12 year^{– 1}, whereas for males: W ₀ = 109 mm; W _∞ = 536·4 and k = 0·22 year^?1. Maximal ages were 7·2 years in males and 14·3 years in females. The species shows sexual dimorphism expressed in the growth pattern, size at maturity, longevity and asymptotic sizes. Concern for sustainability is raised due to the construction of the Belo Monte Hydroelectric Power Plant (2015 and 2016) in the State of Pará causing changes to the habitat of this species, which is endemic to the Xingu River and two of its tributaries.     

Sexual dimorphism and sex determination in Black-necked Grebes Podiceps nigricollis: on the need to account for geographical variation in morphology and sex ratio

Capsule: The sex of Black-necked Grebes Podiceps nigricollis in Spain can be determined successfully using a locally derived discriminant function analysis (DFA) but a function derived from a North American population was not successful.

Aims: To determine the extent of sexual size dimorphism in the Black-necked Grebe and develop discriminant functions based on morphometric data. We also assessed the accuracy of visual sexing by fieldworkers with different levels of experience and compared the discriminant function for European birds with one for North American birds, in order to determine the geographical specificity of the function.

Methods: We used a data set of 370 Black-necked Grebes from a European population throughout the non-breeding seasons of 2008–11 in the Odiel saltmarshes (Spain), as well as published data from North America, to compare the accuracy of DFAs developed for European and North American populations when applied to the same population.

Results: Males were significantly larger than females for all body measurements. The DFA with the highest success rate included one single linear dimension (head-bill length), showing an efficiency of 88.5% in the same sample used to build the function and up to 91.5% in independent samples of birds. The more experienced ringer showed higher accuracy in visual sexing than the less experienced one (84 vs. 70%), although self-consistency in sex assignment of a given individual was similar. The function developed for European birds performed poorly for American birds (79.1% sexed correctly) and vice versa (18.4% sexed correctly).

Conclusion: Morphological and sex ratio differences between European and American subspecies both contribute to the discrepancy in the success rate. This illustrates the need for caution when applying discriminant functions developed in one bird population to individuals elsewhere.     

Luminescence study of Eu3+doped Li6Y(BO3)3 phosphor for solid‐state lighting

In this study, Li₆Y_1–xEu_x(BO₃)₃ phosphor was successfully synthesized using a modified solid‐state diffusion method. The Eu³⁺ ion concentration was varied at 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5 and 1 mol%. The phosphor was characterized for phase purity, morphology, luminescent properties and molecular transmission at room temperature. The XRD pattern suggests a result closely matching the standard JCPDS file (#80‐0843). The emission and excitation spectra were followed to discover the luminescence traits. The excitation spectra indicate that the current phosphor can be efficiently excited at 395 nm and at 466 nm (blue light) to give emission at 595 and 614 nm due to the ⁵D₀ → ⁷F_j transition of Eu³⁺ ions. Concentration quenching was observed at 0.5 mol% Eu³⁺ in the Li₆Y_1–xEu_x(BO₃)₃ host lattice. Strong red emission with CIE chromaticity coordinates of phosphor is x = 0.63 and y = 0.36 achieved with dominant red emission at 614 nm the ⁵D₀ → ⁷ F₂ electric dipole transition of Eu³⁺ ions. The novel Li₆Y_1–xEu_x(BO₃)₃ phosphor may be a suitable red‐emitting component for solid‐state lighting using double‐excited wavelengths, i.e. near‐UV at 395 nm and blue light at 466 nm. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A promising RVO4:Eu3+,Li+@SiO2 (R = Gd,Y and Gd/Y) red‐emitting phosphor with improved luminescence (cd/m2) and colour purity for optical display applications

Red emission intensity was optimized in three stages, by investigating the effects of: (i) host composition (Gd, Y and Gd/Y), (ii) codoping Li⁺ as a sensitizer and, finally, (iii) with a SiO₂ shell coating as a protecting layer. Lanthanide vanadate powder phosphors were synthesized using a modified colloidal precipitation technique. The effects of SiO₂ coating on phosphor particles were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM)‐EDAX, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and photoluminescence (PL) measurements. An improvement in the PL intensity on Li codoping was due to improved crystallinity, which led to higher oscillating strengths for the optical transitions, and also a lowering of the inversion symmetry of Eu³⁺ ions. Red emission intensity due to ⁵D₀ → ⁵D₂ transition of the phosphor Y_0.94VO₄:Eu³⁺_0.05,Li⁺_0.01 was enhanced by 22.28% compared with Y_0.95VO₄:Eu³⁺_0.05, and was further improved by 58.73% with SiO₂ coating. The luminescence intensity (I) and colour coordinates (x, y) of the optimized phosphor Y_0.94VO₄:Eu³⁺_0.05,Li⁺_0.01@SiO₂, where I = 13.07 cd/m² and (x = 0.6721, y = 0.3240), were compared with values for a commercial red phosphor (Y₂O₂S:Eu³⁺), where I = 27 cd/m² and (x = 0.6522, y = 0.3437). The measured colour coordinates are superior to those of the commercial red phosphor, and moreover, match well with standard NTSC values (x = 0.67, y = 0.33). Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Structural and luminescence properties of Y2‐xGeMoO8:REx (RE = Eu,Tb) phosphors

Y_2‐xGeMoO₈:RE_x (RE = Eu, Tb) phosphors were synthesized using a facile sol–gel method. The morphology and structure of the phosphors were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD); while their luminescent properties were investigated by photoluminescence (PL) spectrometry. Our results reveal that all of these Y_2‐xGeMoO₈:RE_x (RE = Eu, Tb) phosphors adopted the tetragonal phase, belonging to Scheelite (CaWO₄) structure. The obtained YGeMoO₈:Eu phosphors exhibit a strong emission in the red light range which can be assigned to the ⁵D₀ → ⁷F₂ transition of Eu³⁺ when it is excited at 459 nm. Under 392 and 489 nm excitation, the YGeMoO₈:Tb phosphors present predominant green emission (⁵D₄ → ⁷F₅) at 540 nm. The highest emission of the phosphors can be achieved by adjusting the doping concentration to be 0.25 for Eu³⁺ and 0.15 for Tb³⁺, respectively. The promising luminescence properties of these materials indicate that they can be potentially applied to white‐light‐emitting diodes. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.