bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Dermal Matrix and Polytetrafluoroethylene Membrane for Socket Bone Augmentation: A Clinical and Histologic Study
Authors: Fotek Paul D. , Neiva Rodrigo F. , Wang Hom‐Lay
Published: April 2009

Background: Remodeling and resorption of the alveolar crest, specifically at the buccal aspect, characterize the healing extraction socket. These result in narrowing and shortening of the alveolar ridge, which compromise esthetics and complicate restoration. Alveolar ridge augmentation has been proposed to facilitate future site restoration by minimizing ridge resorption. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare extraction socket healing and alveolar ridge alteration after socket augmentation using bone allograft covered with an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane.

Methods: Twenty non‐smoking healthy subjects were selected. Each subject required maxillary premolar, canine, or central incisor tooth extraction. The extraction sites were debrided and grafted with a mineralized bone allograft that was covered with an ADM or PTFE membrane. Postoperative appointments were scheduled at 2, 4, and 8 weeks. After 16 weeks of healing, final measurements were performed, and trephine core biopsies were obtained for histomorphometric analysis. Implants were placed immediately after biopsy harvesting.

Results: Eighteen subjects completed the study. All sites healed without adverse events and allowed for implant placement. PTFE membranes exfoliated prematurely, with an average retention time of 16.6 days, whereas the ADM membranes appeared to be incorporated into the tissues. Buccal plate thickness loss was 0.44 and 0.3 mm, with a vertical loss of 1.1 and 0.25 mm, for ADM and PTFE, respectively. Bone quality assessment indicated D3 to be the most prevalent (61%). Histomorphometric analysis revealed 41.81% versus 47.36% bone, 58.19% versus 52.64% marrow/fibrous tissue, and 13.93% versus 14.73% particulate graft remaining for ADM and PTFE, respectively. No statistical difference was found between the two treatment groups for any of the parameters.

Conclusion: All sites evaluated showed minimal ridge alterations, with no statistical difference between the two treatment modalities with respect to bone composition and horizontal and vertical bone loss, indicating that both membranes are suitable for alveolar ridge augmentation.
Periodontal Biotype Influence on the Volume Maintenance of Onlay Grafts
Authors: Verdugo Fernando , Simonian Krikor , Nowzari Hessam
Published: April 2009

Background: Autogenous osseous transplants have advantages, including the maintenance of bone density and high concentrations of growth factors. Little is known about the potential long‐term influence of periodontal biotype on the volume maintenance of block grafts.

Methods: Forty patients who received autogenous block transplants prior to implant placement were included in the study. Digital photographs and periapical radiographs were taken after restoration. Clinical parameters, including bleeding on probing, mobility, suppuration, mucosal recession, and buccal tissue transparency, were recorded at yearly intervals. A computerized tomography (CT) scan was taken at an average of 42 months (n = 20) postaugmentation.

Results: The clinical examination revealed no implant transparency, mucosal recession, mobility, bleeding on probing, or suppuration (n = 40) at 48 months. CT scans showed varying thicknesses (0.5 to 4 mm) of buccal cortical bone around the implants. The increased width at the recipient site postgraft was 7.6 mm, maintaining, on average, 98% of the augmented width. The buccal osseous thickness at the implant sites averaged 2.0 ± 0.8 mm compared to 0.7 ± 0.5 mm for the adjacent teeth (95% confidence interval: 0.85 to 1.65 mm; P <0.0001). Even when adjacent teeth had a thin biotype, the transplanted sites maintained statistically significant thicker buccal cortical plate at all sites (P <0.0001).

Conclusions: Grafted site phenotype did not seem to be influenced by the adjacent teeth biotype. Autogenous osseous transplants can predictably reconstruct function and esthetics and seemed to maintain stable bone volume around implants at an average of 3.5 years.
The Relationship Between Serum Lipids and Periodontitis in Elderly Non‐Smokers
Authors: Izumi Aki , Yoshihara Akihiro , Hirotomi Toshinobu , Miyazaki Hideo
Published: April 2009

Background: There are common risk factors for periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease in elderly patients. Some studies reported that a low total cholesterol (TC) serum level is associated with a higher level of death in the elderly. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between serum lipids and periodontal disease in non‐smoking elderly patients.

Methods: Two hundred thirty‐four non‐smokers (63 males and 171 females) participated in this study. Multiple regression analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between serum lipids and periodontitis and between serum lipids and inflammatory factors. The percentage of sites with probing depth (PD) ≥4 mm, clinical attachment level (CAL) ≥4 mm, and bleeding on probing (BOP) were used as dependent variables. TC, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C), gender, and the number of teeth present were included in the model as independent variables in the first analysis. TC, HDL‐C, and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) were used as dependent variables. Albumin, inorganic phosphorus, calcium, and C‐reactive protein were used as independent variables in the second analysis.

Results: According to the results of the multiple linear regression analysis, TC was associated with the percentage of sites with PD ≥4 mm (P <0.01; β = −0.19), CAL ≥4 mm (P <0.01; β = −0.20), and BOP (P = 0.03; β = −0.16). HDL‐C and LDL‐C have a significant association with inflammatory markers and inorganic phosphorus and calcium, respectively.

Conclusion: Higher TC is associated with a lower prevalence of periodontitis in non‐smoking elderly patients.
Symphysis Revisited: Clinical and Histologic Evaluation of Newly Formed Bone and Reharvesting Potential of Previously Used Symphysial Donor Sites for Onlay Bone Grafting
Authors: Schwartz‐Arad Devorah , Levin Liran
Published: April 2009

Background: This article reports on the reharvesting potential of newly formed bone in previously used symphysial donor sites.

Methods: This study included five patients who were scheduled for sequential onlay bone augmentations prior to dental implant placement using the symphysis area as a donor site. At 5 months after bone augmentation, computed tomography scans of donor sites revealed healing from the first surgery. Because additional bone augmentation was required, the same sites were revisited for bone harvesting. Reharvesting was performed 5 months after the first harvesting. A small portion of the harvested bone from two patients was evaluated histologically.

Results: Five months postharvesting, clinical observation of the donor sites resembled newly formed bone as a conglomerate of bovine bone particles. In the five patients, bone continuity was observed between new bone at the donor defect sites and surrounding bone. Additional blocks were reharvested from the same sites and successfully grafted to recipient sites. Dental implants were inserted 5 months after the second augmentation, which healed uneventfully. Histologically, bovine bone particles were surrounded by woven bone, with areas of mature bone with well‐organized osteons.

Conclusions: Remodeling of a symphysial donor area enabled reuse of the site for additional harvesting. Intraoral bone sources could serve as a long‐lasting renewable source of high‐quality bone.
Removal of an Amalgam Tattoo Using a Subepithelial Connective Tissue Graft and Laser Deepithelialization
Authors: Campbell Casey M. , Deas David E.
Published: April 2009

Background: A 56‐year‐old female presented for periodontal treatment with a large amalgam tattoo located in alveolar mucosa on the facial aspect of her maxillary central incisors. The lesion had been present for 42 years since having endodontic surgery at teeth #8 and #9 after a traumatic childhood incident.

Methods: A two‐stage surgical approach was used to eliminate the lesion, beginning with a subepithelial connective tissue graft to increase tissue thickness subjacent to the amalgam tattoo. After 6 weeks of healing, the overlying pigmented tissue was removed using laser surgery to expose the underlying grafted connective tissue.

Results: After 2 months of healing following laser surgery, the amalgam pigmentation was completely removed, with good color match and an increased width of keratinized tissue at the surgical site.

Conclusion: A relatively large amalgam tattoo in the esthetic zone can be adequately removed by a two‐stage procedure using grafted palatal connective tissue and laser deepithelialization.
Fair and sustainable irrigation water management in the Babai basin, Nepal
Authors: Adhikari B. , Verhoeven R. , Troch P.
Published: April 2009

This paper attempts to find a strategy to provide year-round irrigation for cultivating three crops per year in the southern plains of the country taking a case study of the Babai basin. Despite having enough flows during the summer for growing rice in total 27,000 ha area, the dry season flows of the Babai river can irrigate only 6,300 ha in winter and 4,000 ha in spring limiting the cropping intensity to 138.50%. It is proposed to irrigate the 7,500 ha southern dry area at the right bank bringing water from a large snow-fed river: the Karnali. Water balance study of the three irrigation regions to be irrigated from the Babai source preserving their existing water rights showed that the year-round irrigation at the west with the proposed arrangement will fall short of only 13.9 million m3 water volume. At the east side, the head reach area and the tail portion will fall short of 19.4 and 66.4 million m3 of water to insure a cropping intensity of 250%. The deficits can be fulfilled by means of capturing the excess river water of rainy season in local reservoirs and by making conjunctive use of groundwater. The proposed solution is financially, environmentally and socially viable being a cost effective, user friendly and should be the linchpin towards attaining a sustainable year-round irrigation in the region.
Optimum contracted-for water supply for hotels in arid coastal regions
Authors: Lamei A. , von Münch E. , van der Zaag P. , Imam E.
Published: April 2009

Hotels in arid coastal areas use mainly desalinated water for their domestic water demands, and treated wastewater for irrigating green areas. Private water companies supply these hotels with their domestic water needs. There is normally a contractual agreement stating a minimum requirement that has to be supplied by the water company and that the hotel management has to pay for regardless of its actual consumption (“contracted-for water supply”). This paper describes a model to determine what value a hotel should choose for its contracted-for water supply in order to minimize its total annual water costs. An example from an arid coastal tourism-dominated city is presented: Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt.

The managers of hotels with expected high occupancy rates (74% and above) can contract for more than 80%. On the other hand, hotels with expected lower occupancy rates (60% and less) can contract for less than 70% of the peak daily domestic water demand. With a green area ratio of 40 m2/room or less, an on-site wastewater treatment plant can satisfy the required irrigation demand for an occupancy rate as low as 42%. Increasing the ratio of green irrigated area to 100 m2/room does not affect the contracted-for water supply at occupancy rates above 72%; at lower occupancy rates, however, on-site treated wastewater is insufficient for irrigating the green areas. Increasing the green irrigated area to 120 m2/room increases the need for additional water, either from externally sourced treated wastewater or potable water. The cost of the former is much lower than the latter (0.58 versus 1.52 to 2.14 US$/m3 in the case study area).
Statistical analysis and definition of blockages-prediction formulae for the wastewater network of Oslo by evolutionary computing
Authors: Ugarelli Rita , Kristensen Stig Morten , Røstum Jon , Sægrov Sveinung , Di Federico Vittorio
Published: April 2009

Oslo Vann og Avløpsetaten (Oslo VAV)—the water/wastewater utility in the Norwegian capital city of Oslo–is assessing future strategies for selection of most reliable materials for wastewater networks, taking into account not only material technical performance but also material performance, regarding operational condition of the system.

The research project undertaken by SINTEF Group, the largest research organisation in Scandinavia, NTNU (Norges Teknisk-Naturvitenskapelige Universitet) and Oslo VAV adopts several approaches to understand reasons for failures that may impact flow capacity, by analysing historical data for blockages in Oslo.

The aim of the study was to understand whether there is a relationship between the performance of the pipeline and a number of specific attributes such as age, material, diameter, to name a few. This paper presents the characteristics of the data set available and discusses the results obtained by performing two different approaches: a traditional statistical analysis by segregating the pipes into classes, each of which with the same explanatory variables, and a Evolutionary Polynomial Regression model (EPR), developed by Technical University of Bari and University of Exeter, to identify possible influence of pipe's attributes on the total amount of predicted blockages in a period of time.

Starting from a detailed analysis of the available data for the blockage events, the most important variables are identified and a classification scheme is adopted.

From the statistical analysis, it can be stated that age, size and function do seem to have a marked influence on the proneness of a pipeline to blockages, but, for the reduced sample available, it is difficult to say which variable it is more influencing. If we look at total number of blockages the oldest class seems to be the most prone to blockages, but looking at blockage rates (number of blockages per km per year), then it is the youngest class showing the highest blockage rate.

EPR allowed identifying the relation between attitude to block and pipe's attributes in order to understand what affects the possibility to have a blockage in the pipe. EPR provides formulae to compute the accumulated number of blockages for a pipe class at the end of a given period of time. Those formulae do not represent simply regression models but highlight those variables which affect the physical phenomenon in question.
Oxidation of some typical wastewater contaminants (tributyltin, clarithromycin, metoprolol and diclofenac) by ozone
Authors: Sein Myint M. , Schmidt Torsten C. , Golloch Alfred , von Sonntag Clemens
Published: April 2009

The rate constants of the reactions of O3 with some typical wastewater pollutants (tributyltin, the macrolide antibiotic clarithromycin, the beta blocker metoprolol and the analgesic diclofenac) were determined and some mechanistic aspects were elucidated. Except for tributyltin compounds that react only slowly with O3 (k=4–7 M−1 s−1), the compounds react fast (k>104 M−1 s−1) and can be eliminated at low O3 doses. Clarithromycin reacts at its dimethylamino group and yields the corresponding N-oxide that is no longer biologically active. The nitrogen is also the major site of O3 attack in diclofenac and in metoprolol. This gives rise to •OH radicals and these are the precursors of hydroxylated products and markedly contribute to chloride release in diclofenac.
The effect of turbidity levels and Moringa oleifera concentration on the effectiveness of coagulation in water treatment
Authors: Nkurunziza T. , Nduwayezu J. B. , Banadda E. N. , Nhapi I.
Published: April 2009

Laboratory experiments were carried out to assess the water purification and antimicrobial properties of Moringa oleifera (MO). Hence different concentrations (25 to 300 mg/L) were prepared from a salt (1 M NaCl) extract of MO fine powder and applied to natural surface water whose turbidity levels ranged from 50 to 450 NTU. The parameters determined before and after coagulation were turbidity, pH, colour, hardness, iron, manganese and Escherichia coli. The experiments showed that turbidity removal is influenced by the initial turbidity since the lowest turbidity removal of 83.2% was observed at 50 NTU, whilst the highest of 99.8% was obtained at 450 NTU. Colour removal followed the same trend as the turbidity. The pH exhibited slight variations through the coagulation. The hardness removal was very low (0 to 15%). However, high removals were achieved for iron (90.4% to 100%) and manganese (93.1% to 100%). The highest E. coli removal achieved was 96.0%. Its removal was associated with the turbidity removal. The optimum MO dosages were 150 mg/L (50 NTU and 150 NTU) and 125 mg/L for the rest of the initial turbidity values. Furthermore all the parameters determined satisfied the WHO guidelines for drinking water except for E. coli.
Simulation of ammonium and chromium transport in porous media using coupling scheme of a numerical algorithm and a stochastic algorithm
Authors: Palanichamy Jegathambal , Schüttrumpf Holger , Köngeter Jürgen , Becker Torsten , Palani Sundarambal
Published: April 2009

The migration of the species of chromium and ammonium in groundwater and their effective remediation depend on the various hydro-geological characteristics of the system. The computational modeling of the reactive transport problems is one of the most preferred tools for field engineers in groundwater studies to make decision in pollution abatement. The analytical models are less modular in nature with low computational demand where the modification is difficult during the formulation of different reactive systems. Numerical models provide more detailed information with high computational demand. Coupling of linear partial differential Equations (PDE) for the transport step with a non-linear system of ordinary differential equations (ODE) for the reactive step is the usual mode of solving a kinetically controlled reactive transport equation. This assumption is not appropriate for a system with low concentration of species such as chromium. Such reaction systems can be simulated using a stochastic algorithm. In this paper, a finite difference scheme coupled with a stochastic algorithm for the simulation of the transport of ammonium and chromium in subsurface media has been detailed.
Ferric ion adsorption and electrodesorption by carbon nanotubes and nanofibres films
Authors: Li Haibo , Pan Likun , Zhang Yanping , Sun Zhuo
Published: April 2009

Carbon nanotubes and nanofibres (CNTs-CNFs) films have been grown on Ni sheets by low pressure chemical vapor deposition system and show good physical adsorption capability for ferric (Fe3 + ) ions. The studies of adsorption kinetics and isotherms indicate that Fe3 +  adsorption process was regarded as first-order model and followed a Langmuir isotherm indicating monolayer adsorption. The saturated CNTs-CNFs film is easy to be regenerated by electrodesorption with direct voltage applied. The result shows that the combination of adsorption and electrodesorption by CNTs-CNFs is a promising technology to remove the Fe3 +  contamination in solution, which can be further extended to the process of other heavy metal ions.
Suitability of adsorption isotherms for predicting the retention capacity of active slag filters removing phosphorus from wastewater
Authors: Pratt C. , Shilton A.
Published: April 2009

Active slag filters are an emerging technology for removing phosphorus (P) from wastewater. A number of researchers have suggested that adsorption isotherms are a useful tool for predicting P retention capacity. However, to date the appropriateness of using isotherms for slag filter design remains unverified due to the absence of benchmark data from a full-scale, field filter operated to exhaustion. This investigation compared the isotherm-predicted P retention capacity of a melter slag with the P adsorption capacity determined from a full-scale, melter slag filter which had reached exhaustion after five years of successfully removing P from waste stabilization pond effluent. Results from the standard laboratory batch test showed that P adsorption correlated more strongly with the Freundlich Isotherm (R2=0.97, P<0.01) than the Langmuir Isotherm, a similar finding to previous studies. However, at a P concentration of 10 mg/L, typical of domestic effluent, the Freundlich equation predicted a retention capacity of 0.014 gP/kg slag; markedly lower than the 1.23 gP/kg slag adsorbed by the field filter. Clearly, the result generated by the isotherm bears no resemblance to actual field capacity. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed porous, reactive secondary minerals on the slag granule surfaces from the field filter which were likely created by weathering. This slow weathering effect, which generates substantial new adsorption sites, is not accounted for by adsorption isotherms rendering them ineffective in slag filter design.
Removal of guar and humus from water by layered double hydroxides
Authors: Jin Song , Cui Kangping , Fallgren Paul H. , Urynowicz Michael A. , Jian Jiazhong
Published: April 2009

Natural organic matter such as guar and humus are recalcitrant to conventional pretreatment technologies and can potentially foul processes such as membranes during water treatment. An innovative method of using synthetic layered double hydroxides (LDH) was investigated for removing common natural organic matter in the form of guar gum (GG) and humic acid (HA) from water. Adsorption isotherms were evaluated with Langmuir and Freundlich models. Results show the affinity of GG and HA to LDH to be 11.31 and 9.33 mg g−1 LDH, respectively. Kinetic isotherms indicate that the sorbing rates of LDH to GG and HA increase with initial GG and HA concentrations, fitting a pseudo-second order model. This study demonstrate that LDH may be an effective material in removing GG and HA from waters and offer an alternative to conventional pretreatment technologies for the mitigation fouling of membrane and other systems in water treatment.
Treatment of red wine vinasses with non-conventional substrates for removing coloured compounds
Authors: Paradelo R. , Moldes A. B. , Barral M. T.
Published: April 2009

Vinasses from the wine industry were treated with different materials to remove colour as a first step for treatment. Peat, several composts and red mud from bauxite refining were evaluated as adsorbents for coloured compounds, and their performances compared to that of activated charcoal. Among the materials assayed, grape marc vermicompost gave the best results, followed by peat. A sharp decrease of absorbance between 400–800 nm took place in vinasses after the treatments with these two materials, whereas the other substrates did not reduce the colour of the vinasses as did activate charcoal, grape marc vermicompost and peat. Moreover, grape marc vermicompost and peat were activated on high temperatures or grinding, producing better results in colour removal, although with negative effects on the electrical conductivity and nutrient concentration in the wastewater. The results of the treatment of vinasses with activated charcoal were reproduced and even overcame, in the case of the reduction of the optical density of vinasses at 665 nm, using grape marc vermicompost.
Potential of turbidity monitoring for real time control of pollutant discharge in sewers during rainfall events
Authors: Lacour C. , Joannis C. , Gromaire M.-C. , Chebbo G.
Published: April 2009

Turbidity sensors can be used to continuously monitor the evolution of pollutant mass discharge. For two sites within the Paris combined sewer system, continuous turbidity, conductivity and flow data were recorded at one-minute time intervals over a one-year period. This paper is intended to highlight the variability in turbidity dynamics during wet weather. For each storm event, turbidity response aspects were analysed through different classifications. The correlation between classification and common parameters, such as the antecedent dry weather period, total event volume per impervious hectare and both the mean and maximum hydraulic flow for each event, was also studied. Moreover, the dynamics of flow and turbidity signals were compared at the event scale. No simple relation between turbidity responses, hydraulic flow dynamics and the chosen parameters was derived from this effort. Knowledge of turbidity dynamics could therefore potentially improve wet weather management, especially when using pollution-based real-time control (P-RTC) since turbidity contains information not included in hydraulic flow dynamics and not readily predictable from such dynamics.
Hydraulic modelling of sewage exfiltration
Authors: Karpf Christian , Traenckner Jens , Krebs Peter
Published: April 2009

Exfiltration of waste water in sewer networks represents a potential danger for the soil and the aquifer. Various modelling approaches have been proposed to quantify sewerage exfiltration and its spatial and temporal variation. Common models are based on the law of Darcy, extended by a more or less detailed consideration of the expansion of leaks, the characteristics of the soil and the colmation layer. In the paper investigations are introduced, which are focused on the actual water content of the soil and its influence on exfiltration rates. Modelling results with HYDRUS 1D show, that under unsaturated conditions initial exfiltration rates are increased compared to saturated conditions. In experiments it was found, that the matrix potential increases the tightness of the colmation layer. Further a colmation model was deduced, which allows the calculation of the thickness and conductivity of the colmation layer.
Pollutant removal performance of field-scale stormwater biofiltration systems
Authors: Hatt B. E. , Fletcher T. D. , Deletic A.
Published: April 2009

The pollutant removal performance of three separate stormwater biofiltration systems in two different climates was assessed. At one of the sites, rain events were simulated, while actual runoff events were monitored at the other two sites. In all cases, concentrations of total suspended solids (TSS), copper, lead and zinc were effectively and reliably reduced, despite variations in inflow concentrations. Two biofiltration systems also effectively reduced phosphorus concentrations, however the third system discharged elevated phosphorus concentrations relative to inflow; this is attributed to poor specification of filter media properties. Effluent nitrogen concentrations were more variable at all sites and ranged from being substantially lower to considerably higher than inflow concentrations. Flow was also measured at two sites, where it was determined that volumetric reductions in runoff further improved pollutant removal. TSS and heavy metals will be reliably removed by a wide range of soil-based filter media, as will phopshorus, as long as the phosphorus content of the filter media is low. However, nitrogen removal remains a challenge because it is easily transformed to soluble forms and is influenced by wetting and drying. These results are essentially consistent with related laboratory studies.
Assessing wastewater dilution in small rivers with high resolution conductivity probes
Authors: Ort Christoph , Siegrist Hansruedi
Published: April 2009

Installation and maintenance of flow gauging stations to assess wastewater dilution in small creeks is expensive. The method outlined in this paper provides a flexible and cheap alternative for situations with dilution factors smaller than 10 and unambiguous flow direction. It is shown that conductivity profiles from three sampling locations enable accurate identification of the dilution factor with an uncertainty of ±10–30%. Furthermore, much insight can be gained on the temporal behavior of both, the receiving water and the wastewater treatment system by combined analysis of conductivity and temperature data. In this case study the data also enabled identification and tracking down of illegal polluters.
Habitat Use of American Alligators in East Texas
Authors: WEBB KEVIN K. , CONWAY WARREN C. , CALKINS GARY E. , DUGUAY JEFFREY P.
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACT  The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) has made a remarkable recovery throughout its range during the last half‐century. In Texas, USA, current inland alligator population and harvest management strategies rely on generalized and often site‐specific habitat and population data generated from coastal populations, because it is assumed that habitat and demographic similarities exist between inland and coastal populations. These assumptions have not been verified, however, and no studies have specifically examined inland alligator habitat use in Texas. We quantified alligator habitat use in East Texas during 2003–2004 to address this information gap and to facilitate development of regionally specific management strategies. Although habitat was variable among study areas, alligators used habitats with >50% open water, substantial floating vegetation, and emergent vegetation close (<12 m) to dry ground and cover. Adults used habitats further from dry ground and cover, in open water (75–85%), with less floating vegetation (6–22%) than did subadults, which used habitats that were closer to dry ground and cover, with less open water (52–68%), and more floating vegetation (8–40%). Although habitat use mirrored coastal patterns, we estimated alligator densities to be 3–5 times lower than reported in coastal Texas, likely a result of inland habitat deviations from optimal coastal alligator habitat, particularly in the preponderance of open water and floating vegetation. Our findings that 1) inland habitats varied among sites and did not exactly match assumed optimal coastal habitats, 2) alligators used these inland habitats slightly differently than coastal areas, and 3) inland alligator densities were lower than coastal populations, all highlight the need for regionally specific management approaches. Because alligator populations are influenced by habitat quality and availability, any deviations from assumed optimal habitat may magnify harvest impacts upon inland populations.
Endangered Cape Sable Seaside Sparrow Survival
Authors: BOULTON REBECCA L. , LOCKWOOD JULIE L. , DAVIS MICHELLE J. , PEDZIWILK ARTUR , BOADWAY KELLY A. , BOADWAY JOSHUA J. T. , OKINES DAVID , PIMM STUART L.
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACT  We investigated survival for male, female, and first‐year Cape Sable seaside sparrows (Ammodramus maritimus mirabilis, hereafter sparrows), a federally endangered bird restricted to the Florida Everglades, USA. Accurate estimates of survival are critical to improve management decisions and population estimates for this and other threatened species. We used Program MARK to evaluate effects of age, sex, population membership, temporal variation, and ground‐water levels on annual survival from mark‐recapture data collected across 3 sparrow populations from 1997 to 2007. We found little evidence that annual survival rates differed between the populations or across ground‐water levels, but we found high variability between years for both adult and juvenile survival. Our results revealed female sparrows experienced 14–19% lower survival than males. Sparrows experienced much lower survival during their first year of life and were short‐lived (2–3 yr). Our results highlight sparrows' susceptibility to population declines and suggest that management actions aimed at increasing survival may be effective for this species' management.
Effects of Snow on Sitka Black‐Tailed Deer Browse Availability and Nutritional Carrying Capacity in Southeastern Alaska
Authors: WHITE KEVIN S. , PENDLETON GREY W. , HOOD ERAN
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACT  Snow affects the nutritional ecology of northern ungulates during winter through burial of important winter forages. We used nonlinear regression analyses to model snow‐burial dynamics of blueberry (Vaccinium spp.) browse biomass, a key winter food item of Sitka black‐tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus sitchensis) in southeastern Alaska, USA. During November 2003—March 2004 we collected data from 546 individually marked twigs located on 100 plants of differing sizes and architectures across a range of snow depths. In general, browse biomass became buried and unavailable to deer at snow depths substantially lower than prewinter twig heights. Plant architecture and plant height were related to the probability of a twig being buried. Probability of twig burial was higher on plants with lateral than on those with erect architectures. Twig height also affected the probability of burial by snow but the relationship was complex. For twigs located on erect plants, probability of burial was greatest for twigs near the bottom and top of the plant due to ground‐up burial and bending of flexible apex stems, respectively. We used estimated nonlinear equations to model blueberry browse availability in a simulated upland old‐growth habitat patch subject to a range of snow depths. We then compared subsequent estimates of deer winter nutritional carrying capacity for this habitat patch to findings derived using an alternative, simple linear (ground‐up) model of winter‐browse burial by snow. Comparisons indicated that ground‐up models of browse burial overestimated browse availability and nutritional carrying capacity for most snow depths. Our findings demonstrate the importance of applying detailed snow‐burial models when characterizing nutritional landscape of northern ungulates during winter.
Territoriality of Feral Pigs in a Highly Persecuted Population on Fort Benning, Georgia
Authors: SPARKLIN BILL D. , MITCHELL MICHAEL S. , HANSON LAURA B. , JOLLEY D. BUCK , DITCHKOFF STEPHEN S.
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACT  We examined home range behavior of female feral pigs (Sus scrofa) in a heavily hunted population on Fort Benning Military Reservation in west‐central Georgia, USA. We used Global Positioning System location data from 24 individuals representing 18 sounders (i.e., F social groups) combined with mark‐recapture and camera‐trap data to evaluate evidence of territorial behavior at the individual and sounder levels. Through a manipulative experiment, we examined evidence for an inverse relationship between population density and home range size that would be expected for territorial animals. Pigs from the same sounder had extensive home range overlap and did not have exclusive core areas. Sounders had nearly exclusive home ranges and had completely exclusive core areas, suggesting that female feral pigs on Fort Benning were territorial at the sounder level but not at the individual level. Lethal removal maintained stable densities of pigs in our treatment area, whereas density increased in our control area; territory size in the 2 areas was weakly and inversely related to density of pigs. Territorial behavior in feral pigs could influence population density by limiting access to reproductive space. Removal strategies that 1) match distribution of removal efforts to distribution of territories, 2) remove entire sounders instead of individuals, and 3) focus efforts where high‐quality food resources strongly influence territorial behaviors may be best for long‐term control of feral pigs.
Assessing Allowable Take of Migratory Birds
Authors: RUNGE MICHAEL C. , SAUER JOHN R. , AVERY MICHAEL L. , BLACKWELL BRADLEY F. , KONEFF MARK D.
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACT  Legal removal of migratory birds from the wild occurs for several reasons, including subsistence, sport harvest, damage control, and the pet trade. We argue that harvest theory provides the basis for assessing the impact of authorized take, advance a simplified rendering of harvest theory known as potential biological removal as a useful starting point for assessing take, and demonstrate this approach with a case study of depredation control of black vultures (Coragyps atratus) in Virginia, USA. Based on data from the North American Breeding Bird Survey and other sources, we estimated that the black vulture population in Virginia was 91,190 (95% credible interval = 44,520‐212,100) in 2006. Using a simple population model and available estimates of life‐history parameters, we estimated the intrinsic rate of growth (rmax) to be in the range 7–14%, with 10.6% a plausible point estimate. For a take program to seek an equilibrium population size on the conservative side of the yield curve, the rate of take needs to be less than that which achieves a maximum sustained yield (0.5 × rmax). Based on the point estimate for rmax and using the lower 60% credible interval for population size to account for uncertainty, these conditions would be met if the take of black vultures in Virginia in 2006 was <3,533 birds. Based on regular monitoring data, allowable harvest should be adjusted annually to reflect changes in population size. To initiate discussion about how this assessment framework could be related to the laws and regulations that govern authorization of such take, we suggest that the Migratory Bird Treaty Act requires only that take of native migratory birds be sustainable in the long‐term, that is, sustained harvest rate should be <rmax. Further, the ratio of desired harvest rate to 0.5 X rmax may be a useful metric for ascertaining the applicability of specific requirements of the National Environmental Protection Act.
Evening Bat Summer Roost‐Site Selection on a Managed Pine Landscape
Authors: HEIN CRIS D. , MILLER KARL V. , CASTLEBERRY STEVEN B.
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACT  Creation and maintenance of forested corridors to increase landscape heterogeneity has been practiced for decades but is a new concept in intensively managed southern pine (Pinus spp.) forests. Additionally, more information is needed on bat ecology within such forest systems. Therefore, we examined summer roost‐site selection by evening bats (Nycticeius humeralis) in an intensively managed landscape with forested corridors in southeastern South Carolina, USA, 2003–2006. We radiotracked 53 (26 M, 27 F) adult evening bats to 75 (31 M, 44 F) diurnal roosts. We modeled landscape‐level roost‐site selection with logistic regression and evaluated models using Akaike's Information Criterion for small samples. Model selection results indicated that mature (≥40 yr) mixed pine‐hardwood stands were important roost sites for male and lactating female evening bats. Upland forested corridors, comprised of mature pine or mixed pine‐hardwoods, were important roosting habitats for males and, to a lesser extent, lactating females. Male roosts were farther from open stands and lactating female roosts were farther from mid‐rotation stands than randomly selected structures. Our results suggest roost structures (i.e., large trees and snags) in mature forests are important habitat components for evening bats. We recommend maintaining older (>40 yr old) stand conditions in the form of forest stands or corridors across managed landscapes to provide roosting habitat. Furthermore, our results suggest that an understanding of sex‐specific roost‐site selection is critical for developing comprehensive guidelines for creating and maintaining habitat features beneficial to forest bats.
Temperature Mediated Moose Survival in Northeastern Minnesota
Authors: LENARZ MARK S. , NELSON MICHAEL E. , SCHRAGE MICHAEL W. , EDWARDS ANDREW J.
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACT The earth is in the midst of a pronounced warming trend and temperatures in Minnesota, USA, as elsewhere, are projected to increase. Northern Minnesota represents the southern edge to the circumpolar distribution of moose (Alces alces), a species intolerant of heat. Moose increase their metabolic rate to regulate their core body temperature as temperatures rise. We hypothesized that moose survival rates would be a function of the frequency and magnitude that ambient temperatures exceeded the upper critical temperature of moose. We compared annual and seasonal moose survival in northeastern Minnesota between 2002 and 2008 with a temperature metric. We found that models based on January temperatures above the critical threshold were inversely correlated with subsequent survival and explained >78% of variability in spring, fall, and annual survival. Models based on late‐spring temperatures also explained a high proportion of survival during the subsequent fall. A model based on warm‐season temperatures was important in explaining survival during the subsequent winter. Our analyses suggest that temperatures may have a cumulative influence on survival. We expect that continuation or acceleration of current climate trends will result in decreased survival, a decrease in moose density, and ultimately, a retreat of moose northward from their current distribution.
Physiological Stress Response of Captive White‐Tailed Deer to Video Collars
Authors: MOLL REMINGTON J. , MILLSPAUGH JOSHUA J. , BERINGER JEFF , SARTWELL JOEL , WOODS RAMI J. , VERCAUTEREN KURT C.
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACT  Animal‐borne video and environmental data collection systems (AVEDs) are an advanced form of biotelemetry that combines video with other sensors. As a proxy for physiological stress, we assessed fecal glucocorticoid metabolite (FGM) excretion in 7 white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) fitted with AVED dummy collars; 9 additional deer served as controls. We collected fecal samples over 3 2‐week periods: pretreatment, treatment, and posttreatment periods. There were no differences in FGMs across time periods (F2,218 = 1.94, P = 0.147) and no difference between FGMs of control and treatment individuals (F1,14 = 0.72, P = 0.411). Fecal glucocorticoid metabolite excretion in AVED‐collared deer was indistinguishable from uncollared animals and within the normal, baseline range for this species. Absence of an adrenal response to collaring suggested that AVED collaring does not induce physiological stress in deer.
Bat Strikes in the Australian Aviation Industry
Authors: PARSONS JENNIFER G. , BLAIR DAVID , LULY JON , ROBSON SIMON K. A.
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACT  Bat collisions are a threat to commercial and military aircraft in Australia. We examined bat strike records from Australia during 1996–2006 and found that risk of impact from bats is increasing, is greatest in tropical versus temperate regions, and is more likely during early evening and while an aircraft is landing rather than departing. Temporal patterns of bat strikes differ from those of birds, highlighting the need to employ taxon‐specific management strategies to minimize animal impacts on the aviation industry. The use of genetics for identification of strike remains and the implementation of nocturnal survey techniques by wildlife managers at airports will contribute to the mitigation of bat strikes.
Evaluating Global Positioning System Telemetry Techniques for Estimating Cougar Predation Parameters
Authors: KNOPFF KYLE H. , KNOPFF ALIAH ADAMS , WARREN MIKE B. , BOYCE MARK S.
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACT  Using clusters of locations obtained from Global Positioning System (GPS) telemetry collars to identify predation events may allow more efficient estimation of behavioral predation parameters for the study and management of large carnivore predator‐prey systems. Applications of field‐ and model‐based GPS telemetry cluster techniques, however, have met with mixed success. To further evaluate and refine these techniques for cougars (Puma concolor), we used data from visits to 1,735 GPS telemetry clusters, 637 of which were locations where cougars killed prey >8 kg in a multi‐prey system in west‐central Alberta. We tested 1) whether clusters were reliably created at kill locations, 2) the ability of logistic regression models to identify kill occurrence (prey >8 kg) and multinomial regression models to identify the prey species at a kill cluster, and 3) the duration of monitoring required to accurately estimate kill rate and prey composition. We found that GPS collars programmed to attempt location fixes every 3 hours consistently identified locations where prey >8 kg were handled, and cluster creation was robust to GPS location acquisition failures (poor collar fix success). The logistic regression model was capable of estimating cougar kill rate with a mean 5‐fold cross validation error of <10%, provided the appropriate probability cutoff distinguishing kill clusters from non‐kill clusters was selected. Logistic models also can be used to direct visits to clusters, reducing field efforts by as much as 25%, while still locating >95% of all kills. The multinomial model overpredicted occurrence of primary prey (deer) in the diet and underpredicted consumption of alternate prey (e.g., elk and moose) by as much as 100%. We conclude that a purely model‐based approach should be used cautiously and that field visitation is required to obtain reliable information on species, sex, age, or condition of prey. Ultimately, we recommend a combined approach that involves using models to direct field visitation when estimating behavioral predation parameters. Regardless of the monitoring approach, long continuous monitoring periods (i.e., >100 days of a 180‐day period) were necessary to reduce bias and imprecision in kill rate and prey composition estimates.
Strawberry‐Flavored Baits for Pharmaceutical Delivery to Feral Swine
Authors: CAMPBELL TYLER A. , LONG DAVID B.
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACT  More effective methods to control feral swine (Sus scrofa) damage are needed. We evaluated 8 oral delivery systems designed to deliver pharmaceuticals to feral swine on 2 properties in southern Texas, USA. We used modified PIGOUT® feral pig bait (Animal Control Technologies Australia P/L, Somerton, Victoria, Australia) throughout our trials to compare species‐specific visitation and removal rates. Given our consistent finding of high nontarget removal of baits intended for feral swine, we question whether a swine‐specific oral delivery system exists for this region.
Compact Covered Distribution Lines Supported by Triangle Spacers: Configuration and Benefits
Authors: He Jinliang , Chen Shuiming , Zeng Rong
Published: April 2009

Adopting covered conductors and compact configuration has become the tendency in the renovation of distribution network in China. Advantages of compact configuration are discussed in this paper, which can further save the passage of distribution line, and can easily realize multiple lines in a pole. The movement process of phase conductors is analyzed by the Chord Forced Equation of the mechanical theory to obtain the relationship between the phase spacing of triangle spacer and the span between two neighboring spacers. The suitable phase spacing and spacer span are presented for polymeric and composite spacers. The superiority of compact configuration against lightning protection comparing with traditional distribution lines was analyzed.