bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimation of Detection Probability in Manatee Aerial Surveys at a Winter Aggregation Site
Authors: EDWARDS HOLLY H. , POLLOCK KENNETH H. , ACKERMAN BRUCE B. , REYNOLDS JOHN E. , POWELL JAMES A.
Published: August 2007

Abstract: Estimating components of detection probability is crucial to improving the design of aerial surveys for wildlife populations, and this is especially true for species of marine mammals that are threatened or endangered. To evaluate the probability that Florida manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris) will be detected by observers during aerial surveys, we conducted 6 series of survey flights, during mornings and afternoons on 14‐16 consecutive days over the Tampa Electric Company's (TECO) Big Bend power plant discharge canal in Tampa Bay, Florida, USA (winter 2000 through 2003). Our objective was to understand how our ability to detect manatees at a winter aggregation site affects aerial survey counts, so that we may improve techniques for estimating manatee population size. We estimated the probability that manatees would be present at the warm‐water discharge of the plant during winter cold fronts and estimated the overall detection probability of manatees present at the plant and the 2 components that make up the probability of detection (the probability of being available and the probability of being detected given they are available). We used telemetry tags and marker flags (n = 15) to facilitate capture‐recapture analyses. The probability that marked manatees would be at the plant varied from 48% to 68% across flight series and was inversely related to the ambient water temperature. Based on sightings of marked animals, estimates of the overall probability of detecting a manatee ranged from 45% to 69% across flight series (x̄ = 58%, n = 6). The probability that a manatee would be available to an observer ranged from 73% to 94% across flight series (x̄ = 83%) but was constant among years (83%, 81%, and 78%; x̄ = 81%). The probability that an available manatee would be detected by an aerial observer was variable across flight series (55‐95%) and years (73%, 86%, and 66%, x̄ = 73%). Independent estimates of the probability that a manatee would be available to the observer on one pass were obtained from time‐depth data loggers and ranged from 5% to 33% (x̄ = 19%, SE = 3.7%), and the probability that a manatee would be available during ≥1 of 10 passes ranged from 41% to 98% (x̄ = 88%, 95% confidence bounds 0.71‐0.95). We adjusted survey counts using measures of detectability. Although corrected counts presented here are site‐specific, adjusting counts based on detection probability will greatly improve reliability of population estimates from all aerial surveys. Special sampling to estimate components of detection probability should be built into all aerial surveys to ensure that reliable and unbiased information on species abundance is used to evaluate wildlife populations.
Winter Survival of Wild Turkey Females in Central Minnesota
Authors: KANE DALE F. , KIMMEL RICHARD O. , FABER WILLIAM E.
Published: August 2007

Abstract: There is interest in expanding eastern wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) populations north of their current range. We hypothesized that winter survival and food availability are primary determinants in setting the northern extent of wild turkey distribution. To test our hypothesis, we translocated wild turkey females north of their present range into central Minnesota, USA, and compared survival in areas with supplemental food in the form of corn food plots versus areas with no supplemental food. During 2 winters with below‐average snow, winter survival was higher for females with supplemental food. In one winter with above‐average snow depths, survival was extremely low even with supplemental food. Supplemental food could augment survival during mild winters if wildlife managers arrange with farmers to, annually, retain standing corn near roosting habitat, but food plots may only partially offset effects of deep snow. Managers should critically evaluate northern habitats, long‐term costs of sustained feeding, and potential outcomes of concentrating animals and introducing wild animals into new ecosystems. Winter survival may delimit the northern range of wild turkeys, though annual survival rates may also be important and need further research.
Short‐Term Effects of Fire and Other Fuel Reduction Treatments on Breeding Birds in a Southern Appalachian Upland Hardwood Forest
Authors: GREENBERG CATHRYN H. , TOMCHO AIMEE LIVINGS , LANHAM J. DREW , WALDROP THOMAS A. , TOMCHO JOSEPH , PHILLIPS ROSS J. , SIMON DEAN
Published: August 2007

Abstract:We compared the effects of 3 fuel reduction techniques and a control on breeding birds during 2001‐2005 using 50‐m point counts. Four experimental units, each >14 ha, were contained within each of 3 replicate blocks at the Green River Game Land, Polk County, North Carolina, USA. Treatments were 1) prescribed burn, 2) mechanical understory reduction (chainsaw‐felling of shrubs and small trees), 3) mechanical + burn, and 4) controls. We conducted mechanical treatments in winter 2001‐2002 and prescribed burns in spring 2003. Tall shrub cover was substantially reduced in all treatments compared to controls. Tree mortality and canopy openness was highest in the mechanical + burn treatment after burning, likely due to higher fuel loading and hotter burns; tree mortality increased with time. Many bird species did not detectably decrease or increase in response to treatments. Species richness, total bird density, and some species, including indigo buntings (Passerina cyanea) and eastern bluebirds (Sialia sialis), increased in the mechanical + burn treatment after a 1‐year to 2‐year delay; eastern woodpewees (Contopus virens) increased immediately after treatment. Hooded warblers (Wilsonia citrina), black‐and‐white warblers (Mniotilta varia), and worm‐eating warblers (Helmitheros vermivorus) declined temporarily in some or all treatments, likely in response to understory and (or) leaf litter depth reductions. Densities of most species affected by treatments varied with shrub cover, tree or snag density, or leaf litter depth. High snag availability, open conditions, and a higher density of flying insects in the mechanical + burn treatment likely contributed to increased bird density and species richness. In our study, fuel reduction treatments that left the canopy intact, such as low‐intensity prescribed fire or mechanical understory removal, had few detectable effects on breeding birds compared to the mechanical + burn treatment. High‐intensity burning with heavy tree‐kill, as occurred in our mechanical + burn treatment, can be used as a management tool to increase densities of birds associated with open habitat while retaining many forest and generalist species, but may have short‐term adverse effects on some species that are associated with the ground‐ or shrub‐strata for nesting and foraging.
Winter Avian Community and Sparrow Response to Field Border Width
Authors: CONOVER ROSS R. , BURGER L. WES , LINDER ERIC T.
Published: August 2007

Abstract:Transformations of agricultural practices in the southeastern United States have drastically reduced preexisting quantities of strip‐cover habitat along field margins. The National Conservation Buffer Initiative has promoted the establishment of herbaceous field borders to restore wildlife benefits once provided by such habitat. We evaluated effects of native warm‐season grass field border establishment and width on winter bird response. Narrow (approx. 8‐m) field borders represented a marginal improvement to non‐bordered margins that were cropped ditch to ditch, whereas wide (approx. 30‐m) borders significantly enhanced total avian conservation value, abundance, species richness, and sparrow abundance compared to non‐ or narrow borders. Furthermore, presence of wide borders altered bird use of row‐crop fields. We observed increased sparrow (Emberizidae) abundances in agricultural fields adjacent to wide borders, which likely resulted from enhanced waste grain foraging opportunities. Given these benefits to wintering farmland birds, we advocate the integration of herbaceous field border habitat in agricultural landscapes, particularly borders of enhanced width.
Mark‐Resight Methodology for Estimating Population Densities for Prairie Dogs
Authors: MAGLE SETH B. , MCCLINTOCK BRETT T. , TRIPP DAN W. , WHITE GARY C. , ANTOLIN MICHAEL F. , CROOKS KEVIN R.
Published: August 2007

Abstract: Accurate assessments of local population size of the black‐tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) are essential because of their overall decline and importance to prairie ecosystems. We describe the use of mark‐resight methodology to estimate black‐tailed prairie dog population size and density. Study colonies include isolated urban habitat fragments in Denver, Colorado, USA, and unfragmented control colonies in the Pawnee National Grassland, USA. We compare results from various mark‐resight estimators to those derived from linear transformations of visual counts of active prairie dogs. Our results suggest that mark‐resight methods are feasible in both urban and rural systems, and reveal extremely high densities for isolated prairie dogs in urban sites. Our methodology can be used to obtain reliable, unbiased estimates of local population size and density.
The Influence of Ecological Factors on Detecting Drumming Ruffed Grouse
Authors: ZIMMERMAN GUTHRIE S. , GUTIÉRREZ R. J.
Published: August 2007

Abstract: We surveyed drumming ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus) to estimate the probability of detecting an individual, and we used Bayesian model selection to assess the influence of factors that may affect detection probabilities of drumming grouse. We found the average probability of detecting a drumming ruffed grouse during a daily survey was 0.33. The probability of detecting a grouse was most strongly influenced by the temperature change during a survey (temp change = 0.23, 95% probability interval [PI] = 0.13 ≤ ≤ 0.33) and its interaction with temperature at the start of the survey (interaction = 0.01, 95% PI = 1.42 × 10−3 ≤ ≤ 0.03). Although the best model also included a main effect of temperature at the start of surveys, this variable did not strongly correlate with detection probabilities (start temp = −0.03, 95% PI = −0.06 ≤ ≤ 9.80 × 10−5). Model assessment using data collected at other sites indicated that this best model performed adequately (i.e., positive correlation between observed and predicted values) but did not explain much of the variation in detection rates. Our results are useful for understanding the historical drumming index used to assess ruffed grouse populations and for designing auditory surveys for this important game bird.
Effectiveness of Scat Detection Dogs for Detecting Forest Carnivores
Authors: LONG ROBERT A. , DONOVAN THERESE M. , MACKAY PAULA , ZIELINSKI WILLIAM J. , BUZAS JEFFREY S.
Published: August 2007

Abstract: We assessed the detection and accuracy rates of detection dogs trained to locate scats from free‐ranging black bears (Ursus americanus), fishers (Martes pennanti), and bobcats (Lynx rufus). During the summers of 2003‐2004, 5 detection teams located 1,565 scats (747 putative black bear, 665 putative fisher, and 153 putative bobcat) at 168 survey sites throughout Vermont, USA. Of 347 scats genetically analyzed for species identification, 179 (51.6%) yielded a positive identification, 131 (37.8%) failed to yield DNA information, and 37 (10.7%) yielded DNA but provided no species confirmation. For 70 survey sites where confirmation of a putative target species' scat was not possible, we assessed the probability that ≤1 of the scats collected at the site was deposited by the target species (probability of correct identification; PID). Based on species confirmations or PID values, we detected bears at 57.1% (96) of sites, fishers at 61.3% (103) of sites, and bobcats at 12.5% (21) of sites. We estimated that the mean probability of detecting the target species (when present) during a single visit to a site was 0.86 for black bears, 0.95 for fishers, and 0.40 for bobcats. The probability of detecting black bears was largely unaffected by site‐ or visit‐specific covariates, but the probability of detecting fishers varied by detection team. We found little or no effect of topographic ruggedness, vegetation density, or local weather (e.g., temp, humidity) on detection probability for fishers or black bears (data were insufficient for bobcat analyses). Detection dogs were highly effective at locating scats from forest carnivores and provided an efficient and accurate method for collecting detection‐nondetection data on multiple species.
Are All Global Positioning System Collars Created Equal? Correcting Habitat‐Induced Bias Using Three Brands in the Central Canadian Rockies
Authors: HEBBLEWHITE M. , PERCY M. , MERRILL E. H.
Published: August 2007

Abstract: Global positioning system (GPS) collars are changing the face of wildlife research, yet they still possess biases such as habitat‐induced fix‐rate bias, which is a serious concern for habitat selection studies. We studied GPS bias in the Central Canadian Rockies, a critical area for wildlife conservation, to provide a statistical approach to correct GPS habitat bias for habitat selection studies using GPS collars. To model GPS habitat bias we deployed 11 different collars from 3 brands of GPS collars (Advanced Telemetry Systems [ATS], Asanti, MN; LOTEK Engineering Ltd., Newmarket, ON, Canada; and Televilt, Lindesberg, Sweden) in a random‐stratified design at 86 sites across habitat and topographic conditions. We modeled the probability of obtaining a successful location, PFIX, as a function of habitat, topography, and collar brand using mixed‐effects logistic regression in an information theoretic approach. For LOTEK collars, we also investigated the effect of 8 and 12 GPS channels on fix rate. The ATS collars had the highest overall fix rates (97.4%), followed by LOTEK 12 channel (94.5%), LOTEK 8 channel (85.6%), and Televilt (82.3%). Sufficient model selection uncertainty existed to warrant model averaging for logistic regression PFIX models. Collar brand influenced fix rate in all PFIX models: fix rates for ATS and LOTEK 12 channel were not statistically different, whereas LOTEK 8 channel receivers had intermediate fix rates, and Televilt had the lowest. Fix rate was reduced in aspen stands, closed coniferous stands, and sites in narrow mountainous valleys but was higher on upper mountain slopes. Slight discrepancies between fix rates from field trials and observed species fix rates (wolf [Canis lupus] and elk [Cervus elaphus]) suggest uncorrected behavioral or movement‐induced bias similar to other recent studies. Regardless, the strong habitat‐induced bias in GPS fix rates confirms that in our study area habitat effects are critical, especially for poorer performance brands. Based on previous studies of effects of the amount of bias on inferences, our results suggest correction for GPS bias should be mandatory for Televilt collars in the Canadian Rockies, optional for LOTEK (dependent on the no. of channels), and unnecessary for ATS. Thus, our GPS bias model will be useful to researchers using GPS collars on a variety of species throughout the Rocky Mountain cordillera.
Characteristics of Mount Graham Red Squirrel Nest Sites in a Mixed Conifer Forest
Authors: MERRICK MELISSA J. , BERTELSEN SADIE R. , KOPROWSKI JOHN L.
Published: August 2007

Abstract:The Mount Graham red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus grahamensis) is constrained to the Pinaleño Mountains in southeastern Arizona, USA. The population's endangered status and extensive forest damage from insects and fire warrants a better understanding of habitat variables important for nest site selection. We examined characteristics of cavity (n= 91) and drey (n= 38) nests and compared these to random sites (n= 113). Dreys were found primarily in Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii) and corkbark fir (Abies lasiocarpavar.arizonica). Cavity nests occurred primarily in aspen (Populus tremuloides) and corkbark fir. Squirrels selected nest sites with higher canopy cover and more corkbark fir, decayed logs, and living trees. Forest management plans emphasizing thinning must consider how altering these habitat characteristics could affect availability and suitability of tree stands for nesting squirrels.
Rapid Homogenization of Multiple Sources: Genetic Structure of a Recolonizing Population of Fishers
Authors: CARR DENIS , BOWMAN JEFF , KYLE CHRISTOPHER J. , TULLY SUSAN M. , KOEN ERIN L. , ROBITAILLE JEAN‐FRANÇOIS , WILSON PAUL J.
Published: August 2007

Abstract: Fishers (Martes pennanti) were extirpated from much of southern Ontario, Canada, prior to the 1950s. We hypothesised that the recent recolonization of this area originated from an expansion of the population in Algonquin Provincial Park, which historically served as a refuge for fishers. To test this hypothesis, we created a sampling lattice to encompass Algonquin and the surrounding area, and we collected contemporaneous DNA samples. We sampled fishers from each of 35 sites and genotyped them at 16 microsatellite loci. Using a Bayesian assignment approach, with no a priori geographic information, we inferred 5 discrete genetic populations and used genetic population assignment as a means to cluster sites together. We concluded that the Algonquin Park fisher population has not been a substantial source for recolonization and expansion, which has instead occurred from a number of remnant populations within Ontario, Quebec, and most recently from the Adirondacks in New York, USA. The genetic structure among sampling sites across the entire area revealed a pattern of isolation‐by‐distance (IBD). However, an examination of the distribution of genetic structure (FST/1‐ FST) at different distances showed higher rates of gene flow than predicted under a strict IBD model at small distances (40 km) within clusters and at larger distances up to 100 km among clusters. This pattern of genetic structure suggests increased migration and gene flow among expanding reproductive fronts.
A Theft‐Resistant Adjustable Security Box for Digital Cameras
Authors: FIEHLER CRAIG M. , CYPHER BRIAN L. , BREMNER‐HARRISON SAMANTHA , POUNDS DENNIS
Published: August 2007

Abstract: Remote camera traps are becoming an increasingly popular, affordable, and valuable tool for wildlife research. However, theft and vandalism of these camera systems can result in substantial financial loss and loss of valuable data. We developed an adjustable steel camera security box to protect our Cuddeback® (Non Typical, Inc., Park Falls, WI) digital scouting cameras. Our cameras were deployed for 160 days and experienced no theft or vandalism during that time. Our armored camera box successfully protected our equipment and data, can be sized to accommodate any brand of camera, and can be used in a variety of field situations.
Is Size of Fecal Pellets a Reliable Indicator of Species of Leporids in the Southern Rocky Mountains?
Authors: ZAHRATKA JENNIFER L. , BUSKIRK STEVEN W.
Published: August 2007

Abstract: In the southern Rocky Mountains, USA, snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus) and mountain cottontails (Sylvilagus nuttallii) are syntopic. Previous researchers used size of fecal pellets to identify leporid species in the Southern Rockies, a common criterion for identifying species of cervids. We measured 655 fecal pellets from 10 mountain cottontails and 2,374 fecal pellets from 23 snowshoe hares. We found no relationship between the body weight of mountain cottontails and the size of their fecal pellets (r = 0.04, F = 0.01, P = 0.91) but found one for snowshoe hares (r = 0.48, F = 9.3, P = 0.005). Although the 2 species differed in the size of their fecal pellets, the difference between means (1.2 mm) was sufficiently small to require measuring individual pellets and is only applicable to individuals of adult size. Although fecal pellet counts may be used to estimate presence and relative abundance of snowshoe hares in the absence of syntopic leporids, where multiple species of leporids are syntopic this method may yield misleading results.
Environmental Factors Affecting Productivity of Brown‐Headed Nuthatches
Authors: LLOYD JOHN D. , SLATER GARY L.
Published: August 2007

Abstract: Understanding the link between habitat use and components of fitness can yield useful insight into the environmental conditions necessary for population maintenance and can help promote effective habitat management. This information is especially important for species that are in decline or otherwise of conservation concern. Populations of brown‐headed nuthatches (Sitta pusilla), an obligate cavity nester, have declined throughout their range, primarily due to extensive habitat loss and degradation. To help guide habitat management for this species, we identified habitat features associated with variation in the number of offspring fledged within 2 populations in southern Florida, USA. The most important predictor of productivity was the date on which a nest attempt began, with earlier nests producing more fledglings. The number of large pine (Pinus elliottii var. densa) snags and, to a lesser extent, the number of small pine trees surrounding a nest site were positively associated with productivity. We recommend that land managers in southern Florida focus on providing abundant large pine snags because doing so will increase productivity and also may increase nest‐site availability and the percentage of individuals that breed each year. Prescribed burning may be an effective way to increase the abundance of large pine snags; however, land managers should exercise caution when doing so because of the trade‐off between snag recruitment and snag consumption that accompanies the use of fire. We lack the data required to predict the fire‐return interval that optimizes this trade‐off, but until these data are available we recommend increasing the spatial heterogeneity in fire‐return interval and lengthening the fire‐return interval in some areas to 5‐6 years.
Photo‐Identification of Sea Otters Using Nose Scars
Authors: GILKINSON ANDREA K. , PEARSON HEIDI C. , WELTZ FREDERICK , DAVIS RANDALL W.
Published: August 2007

Abstract:We evaluated the use of naturally occurring nose scars to identify individual sea otters (Enhydra lutris) in Simpson Bay, Prince William Sound, Alaska, USA. We spent 520 hours over 103 days conducting photo‐identification surveys from June to August 2002 and 2003. Altogether, we identified 114 individuals. The number of sightings per individual ranged from 1 to 26, with an average of 3.3. The maximum number of sightings of an individual within a single year was 19. We saw 54 otters (47%)on >1 day, with an average of 8.1 sightings per individual for those seen more than once. We identified 8 individuals (19% of those identified in 2002) in both years. Males and otters of undetermined sex that we first sighted in June had the highest re‐sighting rates. We considered 45% of all individuals encountered identifiable from nose scars. Nose scars were present in 63% (n= 19) of males, 45% (n= 45) of females, and 40% (n= 49) of otters of undetermined sex. Our results are similar to the results of photo‐identification studies of other marine mammals, suggesting that this technique may be a useful tool for the individual identification of sea otters as well.
Responses of Plants and Arthropods to Burning and Disking of Riparian Habitats
Authors: BENSON THOMAS J. , DINSMORE JAMES J. , HOHMAN WILLIAM L.
Published: August 2007

Abstract: Alteration of Iowa, USA, landscapes for agricultural production has resulted in a loss of >99% of the original prairie and >95% of native wetlands. This conversion has included riparian areas, which, as interfaces between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, are important to many wildlife species. Farm Bill programs have resulted in the reestablishment of millions of hectares of grasslands and wetlands nationwide, including >100,000 ha in riparian areas of the Midwest. We assessed plant and arthropod responses to burning and disking of riparian grasslands in east‐central Iowa in 2001 and 2002. Burning altered the plant community by removing litter and standing dead vegetation and had negative effects on several arthropod taxa, including Hemiptera and Lepidoptera. However, we observed no differences in vegetation or arthropods between burned and unburned fields during the second year postburning (P > 0.05). Disking decreased the cover of grasses, litter, and standing dead vegetation and increased plant species richness and the cover of forbs and bare ground (P < 0.05). Arthropod abundance and dry biomass were greater on disked than undisked portions of fields (P < 0.05). Increases in the abundance and biomass of arthropods associated with changes in vegetation structure and composition likely improved habitat quality for a number of breeding bird species. Both burning and disking appear to be effective management options for maintaining or enhancing riparian grasslands for wildlife.
Hair Snares for Noninvasive Sampling of Felids in North America: Do Gray Foxes Affect Success?
Authors: DOWNEY PATRICIA J. , HELLGREN ERIC C. , CASO ARTURO , CARVAJAL SASHA , FRANGIOSO KERRI
Published: August 2007

Abstract: Hair‐snare sampling has become a popular technique to assess distribution and abundance of felids. Using standard hair‐snaring protocols, we sampled for margays (Leopardus wiedii) in Mexico and mountain lions (Puma concolor) in California, USA, without success. However, we noted a preponderance of gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) hair at sampling stations. Our review of recent literature suggests a pattern of failure to detect target felids in hair‐snare surveys conducted within the range of the gray fox. We propose, among several alternative explanations, that marking by gray foxes interferes with the tendency of felids to face‐rub at sampling stations.
Spatial Models of Northern Bobwhite Populations for Conservation Planning
Authors: TWEDT DANIEL J. , WILSON R. RANDY , KEISTER AMY S.
Published: August 2007

Abstract: Since 1980, northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) range‐wide populations declined 3.9% annually. Within the West Gulf Coastal Plain Bird Conservation Region in the south‐central United States, populations of this quail species have declined 6.8% annually. These declines sparked calls for land use change and prompted implementation of various conservation practices. However, to effectively reverse these declines and restore northern bobwhite to their former population levels, habitat conservation and management efforts must target establishment and maintenance of sustainable populations. To provide guidance for conservation and restoration of habitat capable of supporting sustainable northern bobwhite populations in the West Gulf Coastal Plain, we modeled their spatial distribution using landscape characteristics derived from 1992 National Land Cover Data and bird detections, from 1990 to 1994, along 10‐stop Breeding Bird Survey route segments. Four landscape metrics influenced detections of northern bobwhite: detections were greater in areas with more grassland and increased aggregation of agricultural lands, but detections were reduced in areas with increased density of land cover edge and grassland edge. Using these landscape metrics, we projected the abundance and spatial distribution of northern bobwhite populations across the entire West Gulf Coastal Plain. Predicted populations closely approximated abundance estimates from a different cadre of concurrently collected data but model predictions did not accurately reflect bobwhite detections along species‐specific call‐count routes in Arkansas and Louisiana. Using similar methods, we also projected northern bobwhite population distribution circa 1980 based on Land Use Land Cover data and bird survey data from 1976 to 1984. We compared our 1980 spatial projections with our spatial estimate of 1992 populations to identify areas of population change. Additionally, we used our projection of the spatial distribution and abundance of bobwhite to predict areas of population sustainability. Our projections of population change and sustainability provide guidance for targeting habitat conservation and rehabilitation efforts for restoration of northern bobwhite populations in the West Gulf Coastal Plain.
Acceptance of Deer Management Strategies by Suburban Homeowners and Bowhunters
Authors: KILPATRICK HOWARD J. , LABONTE ANDREW M. , BARCLAY JOHN S.
Published: August 2007

Abstract: More communities are experiencing problems associated with overabundant white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) populations. Public acceptance of approaches for managing deer may differ within communities. Although hunting with firearms is a common practice used to manage deer populations, many suburban communities only allow bowhunting. Our objectives were to assess suburban homeowners and bowhunters acceptance of lethal and nonlethal deer management strategies. Additionally, we wanted to determine homeowner willingness to pay for deer management and how long they would be willing to wait for relief to address conflicts caused by deer overabundance. Most homeowners supported using lethal strategies to reduce and manage deer populations. Most homeowners were unaware of the cost (94%) or effectiveness (92%) of birth control agents to manage free‐ranging deer populations. Of lethal strategies, bowhunting was preferred. Establishment of a special crossbow season outside the existing archery season received the greatest support by bowhunters and was also acceptable to homeowners. As landscapes progressed from rural to more urban, hunting access, human‐wildlife conflicts, and homeowner willingness to pay for deer management decreased. Regardless of management strategy, most homeowners were willing to wait 3‐5 years to achieve a desired reduction in the deer population at no cost to them. As costs increased, homeowner willingness to wait decreased. Because exposure, tolerance of deer, and willingness to pay for management varies by landscapes, towns with diverse landscapes should consider developing regional rather than town‐wide plans to manage overabundant deer populations.
Dinosaur Ramblings
Authors: SCALET CHARLES G.
Published: August 2007

Abstract: Over the last 35 years there has been a shift in university wildlife and fisheries academic programs away from management and toward an ecology or conservation ethos. These university changes have been in both research and education. A similar change has occurred in direction among state and federal natural resource agencies. However, the changes exhibited by both groups have not been to the same degree. I believe university academic programs are now scaled more to the ecology—conservation side, while agencies still average to the management side. This represents a disconnect because university academic programs conduct research for these agencies (and others) and also educate future agency employees and provide technical services to agencies.
The influence of high and low temperatures on the impact properties of glass-epoxy composites
Authors: Putic Slavisa , Stamenovic Marina , Bajceta Branislav , Stajcic Predrag , Bosnjak Srdjan
Published: August 2007

The aim of this paper is to present the influence of high and low temperatures on the impact properties glass-epoxy composites. The impact strength an is presented for four different glass-epoxy composite structures at three different temperatures, i.e., at room temperature t=20?C, at an elevated temperature t=+50?C and at a low temperature t=-50?C. Standard mechanical testing was carried out on the composite materials with specific masses of reinforcement of 210 g m-2 and 550 g m-2 and orientations 0?/90? and ?45?. Micromechanical analysis of the failure was performed in order to determine real models and mechanisms of crack and temperature influence on the impact properties. .
Construction of stess-strain curves for brittle materials by indentation in a wide temperature range
Authors: Milman Yu.V. , Gridneva I.V. , Golubenko A.A.
Published: August 2007

A test method procedure for constructing stress-strain curves by indentation of brittle and low plastic materials under temperature ranging from 20 to 900?C was developed recently by Yu. Milman, B. Galanov et al. According to this test method procedure stress-strain curves ? - ? for Si, Ge, SiC, TiB2 and WC/Co hard alloy were constructed in the above temperature region and mechanical parameters such as elastic point, ?e, yield stress, ?s, etc. were extracted by using the measurement results obtained by a set of trihedral pyramid indenters with different angles at the tip, ?1, ranging from 45 to 85?C.
Toxicity of anionic and cationic surfactant to Acinetobacter junii in pure culture
Authors: Hrenovic Jasna , Ivankovic Tomislav
Published: August 2007

The harmful effects of surfactants to the environment are well known. We were interested in investigating their potential toxicity in a pure culture of Acinetobacter junii, a phosphate (P)-accumulating bacterium. Results showed a high acute toxicity of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (HDTMA) against A. junii. The estimated EC50 values of the HDTMA for the inhibition of CFUs in the pure culture of A. junii was 3.27 ± 1.12 × 10−7 mol L−1 and for the inhibition of the P-uptake rates 2.47 ± 0.51 × 10−6 mol L−1. For SDS, estimated EC50 values for the inhibition of CFUs in the pure culture of A. junii was 5.00 ± 2.95 × 10−6 mol L−1 and for the inhibition of the P-uptake rates 3.33 ± 0.96 × 10−4 mol L−1. The obtained EC50 values in the standardised yeast toxicity test using Saccharomyces cerevisiae were 3.03 ± 0.38 × 10−4 and 4.33 ± 0.32 × 10−5 mol L−1 for SDS and HDTMA, respectively. These results emphasized the need to control concentrations of surfactants entering the activated sludge system. The negative effects of these toxicants could greatly decrease populations of P-accumulating bacteria, as well as eukaryotic organisms, inhabiting activated sludge systems, which in turn could result in the decrease of the system efficiency.
The tubulogenic effect of aldosterone is attributed to intact binding and intracellular response of the mineralocorticoid receptor
Authors: Minuth Will , Denk Lucia , Hu Kanghong , Castrop Hayo , Gomez-Sanchez Celso
Published: August 2007

Little is known about the extra- and intracellular stimuli inducing renal stem/progenitor cells to develop into three-dimensionally structured tubules. To study this specific development in a controlled environment, we used an advanced culture technique. Embryonic tissue derived from neonatal rabbit kidney was placed in a perfusion culture container at the interface of an artificial interstitium made of a polyester fleece. Culture was carried out in chemically defined Iscove’s Modified Dulbecco’s Medium (IMDM) for 13 days. Development of tubules was histochemically detected on cryosections labeled with Soybean Agglutinin (SBA). The experiments showed that aldosterone exerts a specific tubulogenic effect. Application of aldosterone (1 × 10−7 M) raised numerous SBA-labeled tubules, while in the absence of the steroid hormone the development of tubules was lacking. Specificity of hormone action was analyzed by the use of aldosterone antagonists. Administration of spironolactone (1 × 10−4 M) and canrenoate (1 × 10−5 M) completely inhibited the development of tubules. Finally, disrupting the intracellular molecular complex of the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) and heat shock proteins by geldanamycin (2 μg/ml) prevented the development of tubules. Our results suggest that the tubulogenic effect induced by aldosterone is attributed to both hormone binding and an undisturbed intracellular response of the MR.
Measurement Decisions for Clinical Assessment of Limb Volume Changes in Patients With Bilateral and Unilateral Limb Edema
Authors: Mayrovitz Harvey N , Macdonald John , Davey Suzanne , Olson Kelly , Washington Ezella
Published: August 2007

Background and Purpose

Therapy-related changes in limb volumes often are estimated using summated segmental volumes based on adjacent circumference measurements. The purposes of this study were: (1) to determine the effect of different segment lengths on calculated volume reductions after complete decongestive therapy and (2) to determine the effect of excluding posttherapy control limb volumes on calculated reductions in edema volume in patients with unilateral limb lymphedema.

Subjects

This two-part retrospective study was conducted using data from patients with bilateral leg lymphedema (n=70) and data from patients with unilateral arm lymphedema (n=75) and patients with unilateral leg lymphedema (n=45).

Methods

For the bilateral leg lymphedema group, pretreatment to posttreatment changes in limb volume were determined using segment lengths of 4, 8, and 12 cm. For the unilateral lymphedema group, pretreatment to posttreatment changes in edema volume were determined and compared using or not using posttreatment control limb volumes.

Results

Bilateral leg volume changes were similar for all segment lengths but not significantly different from each other. Unilateral edema volume changes were significantly overestimated in both arms and legs when posttherapy control limb volumes were not used.

Discussion and Conclusion

The results indicate that segment lengths of 4 cm generally are not needed to obtain adequate estimates of leg volume changes. Both limb volumes should be measured to properly assess therapeutic outcomes in patients with unilateral limb lymphedema.
Endoscopic Flexor Hallucis Longus Decompression: A Cadaver Study
Authors: Keeling John J. , Guyton Gregory P.
Published: August 2007

Background

New indications for arthroscopy are being considered because arthroscopy limits incision size and potentially decreases operative morbidity. This cadaver study investigated the utility of performing an all-endoscopic flexor hallucis longus (FHL) decompression.

Methods

Eight fresh-frozen cadaver legs were used. In the simulated prone position with large joint arthroscopic equipment, posterolateral and posteromedial portals were used to perform posterolateral talar process bony excision and FHL sheath debridement and release. We noted the integrity of the sural nerve, FHL tendon, and medial tibial neurovascular bundle. After open dissection, values for sural nerve distance to the posterolateral portal, the amount of FHL sheath released and the proximity of the arthroscopic instrumentation to the medial tibial neurovascular structures were recorded.

Results

Three of eight FHL tendons were injured during the attempted FHL release. Furthermore, no FHL sheath was completely released down to the level of the sustentaculum. Although posterolateral portal placement was on average 12.1 mm from the sural nerve, it was only 6.1 mm from the lateral calcaneal branch of the sural nerve. Moreover, in all cases the medial calcaneal nerve and first branch of the lateral plantar nerve were closely juxtaposed and in some cases adherent to the FHL fibro-osseous sheath.

Conclusions

Although os trigonum or posterolateral talar process excision was performed without difficulty, endoscopic release of the FHL tendon proved technically demanding with significant risk to the local neurovascular structures. Given the reliability and low morbidity of open techniques, this cadaver study calls into question the clinical use of complete endoscopic FHL release to the level of the sustentaculum. Moreover, hindfoot endoscopic surgery should be performed by surgeons familiar with open posterior ankle anatomy and experienced in hindfoot endoscopy.
Outcome after Distal Metatarsal Osteotomy for Hallux Valgus: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial of Two Methods
Authors: Saro Carlos , Andren Bodil , Wildemyr Zandra , Felländer-Tsai Li
Published: August 2007

Background

Although surgery is the standard treatment for hallux valgus, there is insufficient evidence from randomized trials to determine which methods of treatment are most appropriate.

Methods

One hundred patients with hallux valgus were randomized to a Lindgren (subcapital, transverse, displacement osteotomy) or a distal chevron osteotomy. Outcome measures, such as the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) clinical rating for the hallux, EuroQol (EQ-5D) for health-related quality of life, and visual analogue scales (VAS) for pain were used in addition to radiographic parameters.

Results

The AOFAS score and VAS demonstrated significant improvement in both groups ( p < 0.001) at 1-year followup. There were no differences in outcome between the two procedures regarding patient satisfaction or health-related quality of life as measured by EuroQol (EQ-5D). Patients with limitations in wearing shoes or who were not satisfied with the cosmetic result had a lower EQ-5D. The hallux valgus angle (HVA) and 1–2 intermetatarsal angles (IMA) improved considerably as a result of both operations. The postoperative improvements in HVA, IMA, and 1–2 intermetatarsal distance (IMD) were greater in the Lindgren group. A remaining postoperative HVA of more than 16 degrees was more common in the chevron group.

Conclusions

Clinical outcomes demonstrated no differences between the procedures, but patients who had a Lindgren osteotomy showed better radiographic correction. Loss of correction was noted in both groups after 3 to 6 years. Neither of the osteotomies is recommended for patients with an HVA of more than 30 degrees or an IMA of more than 15 degrees.
First observation of a hexagonal close packed metastable intermetallic phase between Cu and Al bilayer films
Authors: Cha L. , Scheu C. , Richter G. , Wagner T. , Sturm S. , Rühle M.
Published: August 2007

In this paper we describe the structure and formation of a new intermetallic phase in the Cu – Al system, which has not been reported before. The phase was found in Cu/Al bilayer films, which were deposited at room temperature on (0001) sapphire substrates using molecular beam epitaxy. The interfacial intermetallic phase is 8 nm thick, and possesses a hexagonal close-packed structure. The lattice parameters of the phase gradually increase from the near-Cu-side to the near-Al-side. In parallel with the described lattice expansion, the chemical composition of the interlayer also varies from 27 to 58 Al at.% from the near-Cu-side to the near-Al-side. The formation and microstructural characteristics of this new phase are explained by Hume-Rothery laws and Shockley partial dislocations. In addition, in-situ heating experiments were performed in a transmission electron microscope at ∼600 °C to investigate the thermodynamic stability of this new Cu – Al intermetallic phase. During annealing the intermetallic layer disappears and other known equilibrium intermetallic phases develop. This indicates that this new hexagonal close-packed Cu – Al intermetallic phase is metastable.
Theta-like specimens for measuring mechanical properties at the small-scale: effects of non-ideal loading
Authors: Fuller Edwin R. , Henann David L. , Ma Li
Published: August 2007

As material structures, and devices fabricated from them, shrink to the nano-scale, it is ever more difficult to measure accurately the mechanical properties needed for designing small-scale devices and for assessing reliability. A promising test configuration for localized, small-scale uniaxial tensile measurements is the theta specimen. Stress distributions in this test configuration are examined via finite element analysis. When loaded uniformly with a double-articulating loading platen, a uniform uniaxial stress state is realized in the test gauge. When alternative, more easily realized experimentally, loading configurations are used (i. e., line or point contact), large secondary stresses develop. For each loading configuration, influences of non-ideal load application are elucidated. Two design modifications are considered to mitigate undesirable stresses: a compliant layer and an extended upper loading tab. The latter yields the most favorable stress state and is the most tolerant to non-ideal loading.
Indentation response of single-crystalline GaAs in the nano-, micro-, and macroregime
Authors: Bergner Frank , Schaper Michael , Hammer Ralf , Jurisch Manfred , Kleinwechter Andre , Chudoba Thomas
Published: August 2007

Fabrication, handling and processing of wafers of intrinsically brittle and anisotropic single-crystalline GaAs require a high level of control of the material's response to different loading conditions. The present work is focused on the response to hardness indentation. A short overview on the behaviour of (100) GaAs wafers in several doping conditions over a wide range of indentation loads from nano-indentation up to macro-indentation including sharp and blunt indenters is given. Special attention is paid to the pop-in effect in depth-sensing nano-indentation, to the anisotropy of indentation-induced radial crack formation and to the material's crack resistance obtained from the indentation fracture mechanics approach. We have observed that, under certain conditions, the frequency of formation of radial cracks is essentially different for the two in-plane <110> directions. This observation is attributed to the occurrence of two different kinds of dislocations and to the lack of inversion symmetry. The effect turns out to be closely related to a left – right asymmetry in the material removal caused by wire sawing. This insight has paved the way to the optimisation of the process of wire sawing of GaAs single crystals.
Modelling the onset of oxide formation on metal surfaces from first principles
Authors: Ciacchi Lucio Colombi
Published: August 2007

The formation of ultrathin oxide layers on metal surfaces is a non-thermally-activated process which takes place spontaneously at very low temperatures within nanoseconds. This paper reports mechanistic details of the initial oxidation of bare metal surfaces, in particular Al(111) and TiN(001), as obtained by means of first-principles molecular dynamics modelling within the Density-Functional Theory. It is shown that the reactions of bare metal surfaces with O molecules take place according to a “hot-atom” dissociative mechanism which is triggered by the filling of the σ* antibonding molecular orbital and is characterised by a sudden release of a large amount of kinetic energy. This released energy provides a driving force for metal/oxygen place-exchange processes which are responsible for the onset of oxide formation at virtually 0 K and at oxygen coverages well below 1 monolayer (ML). Further simulations of the oxidation reactions reveal that a disordered ultrathin oxide forms on Al(111), whereas a rather ordered structure develops on TiN(001) following a selective oxidation process which leaves clusters of Ti vacancies in the TiN lattice underneath the oxide layer.
Capital at work
Authors: Adorjan Istvan
Published: August 2007

David Harvey, A brief history of neoliberalism. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2005, 247 pp., 0-19928-327-3 (paperback).

Patrick Bond, Against the global apartheid: South Africa meets the World Bank, IMF and international finance. 2nd ed. London and New York: Zed Books, 2003. 326 pp, 1-84277-393-3 (paperback).
Divergent pathways in Melanesian ethnography
Authors: Hermkens Anna-Karina
Published: August 2007

Holger Jebens, Pathways to heaven: Contesting mainline and fundamentalist Christianity in Papua New Guinea. Oxford and New York: Berghahn Books, 2005, 256 pp., ISBN 1-84545-005-1 (hardback).

James Leach, Creative land: Place and procreation on the Rai Coast of Papua New Guinea. Oxford and New York: Berghahn Books, 2004, 256 pp., ISBN 1-57181-693-3 (paperback).