Morphological Variation in the Martinican Subspecies White-Breasted Thrasher (<i>Ramphocinclus brachyurus brachyurus</i>)

The White-breasted Thrasher (Ramphocinclus brachyurus) is the smallest passerine bird in the Mimids family. Ranked as “endangered” in the IUCN list, the demographic distribution of this species is spread unevenly across two islands in the Lesser Antilles. The Saint-Lucian subspecies, Ramphocinclus brachyurus sanctaeluciae, was estimated to number between 1200 and 1700 individuals, whereas the Martinique subspecies, Ramphocinclus brachyurus brachyurus, was estimated at between 200 and 400 individuals. As an endemic rare species with a high risk of extinction, the Martinique subspecies should be regarded as a conservation priority. The small size of the Martinique subspecies population, its restricted geographical range, and its narrow habitat tolerance make it quite difficult to study. The variability of morphological traits in this subspecies has not been biostatistically analyzed recently. In order to update knowledge and fill in any gaps, we have used the morphometric approach to study the morphological variability of the Martinique subspecies. The study site is a small peninsula located in the northeast of the island of Martinique (French West Indies) known as “la Caravelle”. We captured 63 White-breasted Thrashers which were marked, measured, and sexed before being released. We did not observe any significant differences between the sexes, signifying an absence of sexual dimorphism. However, we were able to observe a significant variation in morphological traits between individuals measured inside and outside the national protected area of Caravelle. The body mass-tarsus ratio was equal at both sampled sites, something which could potentially be a clue to the bird’s adaptation to different habitats.

Morphological Measurement and Analysis of Gymnarchus Niloticus

Gyrnnarchus niloticus swims by undulations of a long-based dorsal fin, while its body axis is in many cases held straight during swimming. This paper provides a brief relevant introduction to Gyrnnarchus niloticus, which belongs to the African freshwater electric eels but can inspire our bionic interests in propulsion besides its abilities in electric sensing. A special larva of Gyrnnarchus niloticus was morphologically measured by photographing it with a piece of scale-calibrated paper as the background. Then we analyzed the data by a CFD-aided approach. Detailed flow patterns around the larva and a NACA0012 hydrofoil were respectively calculated and visualized at the Reynolds number of 7350 or so. The results show that the profile of Gyrnnarchus niloticus is well streamlined.

THE MORPHOLOGICAL MEASURE OF THE TIBIAL MEDULLARY CAVITY AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE

Objective To provide morphological reference for the designing of the intramedullary nail fixation which suitable for Chinese by investigating the morphological characteristics of tibial medullary cavity. Methods The morphological parameters of the 113 normal adult tibiale were measured on the X-ray photographs with the image analysis software. Results The total lengths of tibial medullary cavities were 299.49±11.03 mm(male) and 274.60± 6.77 mm(female), and the lengths of the narrow part were 66.36±3.90 mm(male) and 51.57±3.92mm(female). The end-points of narrow part were about 29.9 mm(male) and 26.09 mm(female)below the midpoints of medullary cavities. The radians of the longitudinal axes of medullary cavities were 2.53±1.27°(male) and 2.57±1.16°(female). The proximal opening K were 9.47±2.71(male) and 8.59±2.46(female). The distal opening K were 8.21± 2.93(male)and 7.65±2.87(female). Conclusion The morphology of tibial medullary cavity, the characteristic variety of radian and the opening K were very important references for designing the Chinese intramedullary nail fixation.

Measurement of the surface morphology of plasma facing components on the EAST tokamak by a laser speckle interferometry approach

The laser speckle interferometry approach provides the possibility of an in situ optical noncontacted measurement for the surface morphology of plasma facing components(PFCs),and the reconstruction image of the PFC surface morphology is computed by a numerical model based on a phase unwrapping algorithm.A remote speckle interferometry measurement at a distance of three meters for real divertor tiles retired from EAST was carried out in the laboratory to simulate a real detection condition on EAST.The preliminary surface morphology of the divertor tiles was well reproduced by the reconstructed geometric image.The feasibility and reliability of this approach for the real-time measurement of PFCs have been demonstrated.