bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Frugivores in Determining Seed Removal and Dispersal in the Neotropical Nutmeg
Authors: Ratiarison Sandra , Forget Pierre-Michel
Published: October 2016

At the Nouragues field station (French Guiana), we studied the seed dispersal system of two sympatric tropical tree species that differ in seed size, Virola kwatae and V. michelii (Myristicaceae), to evaluate the degree of interaction between Virola species and their dispersers, and consistency in the fruit traits affecting seed removal rate. Only the spider monkey ( Ateles paniscus) and three species of ramphastid toucan dispersed the large (4.8g) V. kwatae seeds. These four animal species, as well as three smaller-bodied bird species, also dispersed the small V. michelii seeds (2.1g). Annual fecundity of both Virola species did not affect seed removal rate. However, variation in V. kwatae seed size within tree populations, and increased seed removal rate due to fruit selection on seed size, suggest a potential for an evolutionary response of seed size to selection by large-bodied frugivores in this species. In contrast, seed size did not affect V. michelii seed removal rate, and the interactions between V. michelii and its dispersers are interpreted to be too diffuse to result in strong selection on plant traits affecting seed removal rate. Because hunting pressure is greater on larger than on smaller frugivores, extinction of A. paniscus (the main large-bodied seed disperser of the study Virola) is likely to affect the long tail of dispersal kernel, thus decreasing recruitment away from fruiting adult trees.
The Dangers of Carbon-Centric Conservation for Biodiversity: A Case Study in the Andes
Authors: Duque Alvaro , Feeley Kenneth J. , Cabrera Edersson , Callejas Ricardo , Idarraga Alvaro
Published: October 2016

Carbon-centric conservation strategies such as the United Nation's program to Reduce CO2 Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD+), are expected to simultaneously reduce net global CO2 emissions and mitigate species extinctions in regions with high endemism and diversity, such as the Tropical Andes Biodiversity Hotspot. Using data from the northern Andes, we show, however, that carbon-focused conservation strategies may potentially lead to increased risks of species extinctions if there is displacement (i.e., “leakage”) of land-use changes from forests with large aboveground biomass stocks but relatively poor species richness and low levels of endemism, to forests with lower biomass stocks but higher species richness and endemism, as are found in the Andean highlands (especially low-biomass non-tree growth forms such as herbs and epiphytes that are often overlooked in biological inventories). We conclude that despite the considerable potential benefits of REDD+ and other carbon-centric conservation strategies, there is still a need to develop mechanisms to safeguard against possible negative effects on biodiversity in situations where carbon stocks do not covary positively with species diversity and endemism.
Impacts of Forest Management on Community Assemblage and Carbon Stock of Lianas in a Tropical Lowland Forest, Malaysia
Authors: Addo-Fordjour P. , Rahmad Z.B. , Shahrul A.M.S
Published: October 2016

The study determined the impacts of different forest management regimes on liana community assemblages and carbon stocks in the Bukit Panchor Forest Reserve, Malaysia. Based on time span, two forests treated by the Malayan Uniform System (MUS), but with different time of recovery (19 years old: MUS-19 and 42 years old: MUS-42) were selected for this study. The MUS is a silvicultural treatment involving a single harvest of trees of stipulated diameter (≥ 45 cm), followed by other silvicultural operations such as climber cutting. An untreated forest was added as a control. Lianas with diameter ≥ 2 cm were enumerated in ten 40 × 40 m2 plots within each regime. Liana above-ground carbon stocks were determined using an allometric equation. Observed species richness and Shannon diversity of lianas were significantly lower in the MUS-19 treated forest than in the untreated forest (p<0.05), but the values of these attributes were similar in the MUS-42 treated and untreated forests. Rarefied liana species richness was significantly lower in the two treated forests than in the untreated forest (p<0.05). Liana stem basal area and carbon stock decreased significantly in the MUS-19 treated forest (p<0.05) relative to the untreated forest, whereas the values in the MUS-42 treated forest were similar to those in the untreated forest. In view of the adverse impacts of complete liana cutting on liana diversity, structure and carbon stocks in the treated forests, it is recommended that selective liana cutting be used in controlling lianas.
PELLET: An Excel®-Based Procedure for Estimating Deer Population Density Using the Pellet-Group Counting Method
Authors: Mandujano Salvador
Published: October 2016

Pellet-group counting (PGC) is a commonly used method for estimating the population density of various ungulate species. The method assumes a positive linear relationship between the number of animals and the number of pellet-groups. To estimate population density from PGC, three parameters must be determined: defecation rate, persistence time, and spatial pattern of pellet-groups. This article introduces PELLET, a semi-automatic procedure in Microsoft Excel® for estimating population density in deer. The purpose of PELLET is to support deer managers and studies that determine and compare densities in different types of habitats. The density calculation includes a range of variation in the defecation rate that eliminates the subjective practice of selecting one single defined value for this rate. The calculation also incorporates spatial variation and deposition time. PELLET comprises four Excel® worksheets, the choice of which depends on type of plot and number of field samples. As an example, I describe the application of this procedure in a case study. Spanish and English versions of PELLET are freely available online.
The Fate of Five Rare Tree Species after Logging in a Tropical Limestone Forest (Xuan Son National Park, northern Vietnam)
Authors: Ngo The Long , Hölscher Dirk
Published: October 2016

Rare tropical tree species are endangered due to the disappearance of old-growth forests. Although some undisturbed old-growth and formerly logged forests are protected today, the extent to which rare tree species persist and regenerate in such logged forests is often unclear. In a forested area over limestone in northern Vietnam, we studied the fate of five rare tree species after decades of logging and subsequent nine years of full protection, in comparison with an un-logged forest. Three of the studied species are largely restricted to limestone hills (Excentrodendron tonkinense, Chukrasia tabularis and Garcinia fagraeoides), while two of the species have a wider distribution (Parashorea chinensis and Melientha suavis). The bigger trees of the study species had lower densities and/or differences in the diameter distributions between the two forest types, indicating that these species had formerly been cut. The regeneration stem density of the study species was much lower (46% in M. suavis to 80% in P. chinensis) in the logged than un-logged forest. In the un-logged forest, we found clear relationships between ecological factors and regeneration density in four of the five study species; e.g., the regeneration of E. tonkinense increased with increasing rock-outcrop cover (r = 0.6, p < 0.01). Such relationships were almost absent in the logged forest. The widely distributed generalist species Cleidion javanicum dominated in the tree regeneration of the logged forest. Our results suggest that the studied rare tree species still existed as adults after logging and there was regeneration but at low densities. We assume that the potential for recovery remains, which further justifies the full protection of this and other restoration areas.
Reintroduction of the Scarlet Macaw (Ara Macao Cyanoptera) in the Tropical Rainforests of Palenque, Mexico: Project Design and First Year Progress
Authors: Estrada Alejandro
Published: October 2016

There are 17 extant species of macaws in the Neotropics, most of them found in South America. Two subspecies of scarlet macaw ( Ara macao) are distinguished in Mesoamerica: Ara macao cyanoptera, from Mexico to central Nicaragua, and Ara macao macao, from southern Nicaragua to South America. Habitat loss, hunting, and in particular illegal traffic have resulted in the local and regional extinction of this macaw within its historical range. In Mexico, the scarlet macaw has disappeared from about 98% of its indigenous range; it is extinct in El Salvador and occurs in very low numbers in Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and Nicaragua. The IUCN recommends two tactics for population restoration: Reintroduction and Reinforcement. In this paper we report the design and first-year progress of a project to reintroduce the scarlet macaw ( A. macao cyanoptera) in the tropical rainforests of Palenque, Mexico, where this macaw has been extinct for more than 70 years. The project is spearheaded by Aluxes Ecopark Palenque, bringing together Xcaret Ecopark (as donor of captive-bred scarlet macaws) and the Institute of Biology of Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM; provider of the scientific platform for the project). The design of the project adheres to the IUCN/SSC guidelines for reintroductions. A soft-release protocol was developed as a major axis of the reintroduction of the scarlet macaw. This includes a preparation phase to enhance survival in the wild and a long-term post-release monitoring program. Broad social support was considered essential for the success of the project, and a program was implemented to include the local inhabitants as partners in this initiative. Between April 2013 and June 2014, we conducted six successful releases of a total of 92 macaws. Survival to August 2014 was 92%. The reintroduction of the scarlet macaw in the tropical rainforests of Palenque will restore a seed- and fruit-eating avian species with important consequences for ecosystem functions and processes, in a project that reconnects people with their natural heritage.
First Limnological Records of Highly Threatened Tropical High-Mountain Crater Lakes in Ethiopia
Authors: Degefu Fasil , Herzig Alois , Jirsa Franz , Schagerl Michael
Published: October 2016

Lakes Dendi, Wonchi and Ziqualla are among the few remnants of undisturbed crater lakes in the central highlands of Ethiopia, and have never been investigated reliably owing to seclusion and inaccessibility. As the lakes offer a pristine environment in a beautiful landscape and are located in the vicinity of the capital city Addis Ababa, they are highly threatened by unsustainable tourism, shoreline and crater rim modifications, water abstraction and land grabbing. We provide a first limnological description to establish baseline data against which future environmental and biological changes can be monitored. The lakes are located above 2,800 m elevation with no surface outflow and generally show low concentrations of ions, displaying an equal distribution of readily soluble components like Na or K throughout the water column, but distinct oxygen depletion in greater depths linked to rising concentrations of Fe and Mn, which indicates subterranean springs. Based on nutrients, chlorophyll a, and water transparency, lakes Dendi and Wonchi are classified as oligotrophic and Ziqualla as oligo-mesotrophic. The phytoplankton community is dominated by coccal green algae, desmids and dinoflagellates in lakes Dendi and Wonchi, typical for unpolluted dilute waterbodies; whereas chlorococcales, in particular Botryococcus braunii and benthic diatoms, prevail in Ziqualla. The zooplankton fauna is depauperate, comprising a total of 11 rotifer taxa and 13 crustaceans. Copepods were the most abundant group and contributed over 60% to the total zooplankton abundance in all three lakes, followed by rotifers and cladocerans. The conservation significance of these lakes lies predominantly in their representation of dilute, nutrient–poor highland lake systems that support diverse biota assemblages like desmids and daphnids, which are highly sensitive to eutrophication.
Domestic Dog Invasion in an Agroforestry Mosaic in Southern Bahia, Brazil
Authors: Frigeri Enrico , Cassano Camila Righetto , Pardini Renata
Published: October 2016

Although the value of agroforests for biodiversity conservation has been frequently highlighted, little is known about the susceptibility of this production system to biological invasions. Drawing on a camera-trap dataset obtained in 39 sites in an agroforestry mosaic in southern Bahia, Brazil, we investigated whether the conversion of native forests into agroforests and management intensification in agroforests favor the invasion by the most common carnivore worldwide, the domestic dog. We also examined whether domestic dog invasion is more associated with human activity in agroforests than in native forests. While the number of invading dogs was higher in agroforests than in native forests (11 compared to 7 dogs per site), management intensification in agroforests led to a higher mean number of visits per dog. In both habitats (not only agroforests) visits by domestic dogs tended to be concentrated on times of the day (around midday) and days of the week (Monday to Saturday) when there is greater human activity. Despite being permeable to native species, agroforests may act as sink or trap areas given their higher susceptibility to invasion, potentially limiting the value of this production system for biodiversity conservation. Moreover, local management intensification, which has been expanding worldwide, increases the intensity of such invasions, further decreasing the value of agroforests. The value of agroforestry mosaics for conservation thus depends on the management of invasive species and at least in the case of dogs, one of the most common and widely distributed invasive species, this management should focus on the habits and behavior of humans.
Unveiling the Impact of Human Influence on Species Distributions in Vietnam: A Case Study Using Babblers (Aves: Timaliidae)
Authors: Yohe Laurel R. , Flanders Jonathan , Duc Hoang Minh , Vu Long , Phung Thinh Ba , Nguyen Quang Hao , Reddy Sushma
Published: October 2016

As developing countries give priority to economic growth, the effects of development threaten natural habitats and species distributions. Over the course of two decades, Vietnam has rapidly developed, especially in the expansion of agricultural production. However, no study has quantitatively measured the effects of recent human impact on the effects of past species distributions in Vietnam. We use locality data collected from multiple natural history collections, including several in Vietnam, to infer past species distributions. We assess habitat availability of five common babbler species (Aves: Timaliidae) using distribution models with data prior to rapid development that followed political reform. Overlaying the Global Human Influence Index with predicted distributions highlights the human impact on these distributions. Three important patterns emerge: (1) human impact influences common Timaliidae distributions similarly, (2) widespread species distributions show higher fragmentation due to human influence compared to narrowly distributed species in Vietnam, and (3) less than 20% of distributions overlap with nationally declared protected areas. We emphasize that conservation efforts should not only prioritize individual species, but also focus efforts on a regional scale, and that the use of museum data can be highly informative in conservation analyses. There are current obstacles to enforcing conservation of Vietnam's already fragmented habitats, but our results suggest there is still time to reevaluate conservation approaches.
Does a Native Grass (Imperata Brasiliensis Trin.) Limit Tropical Forest Restoration Like an Alien Grass (Melinis Minutiflora P. Beauv.)?
Authors: César Ricardo Gomes , Viani Ricardo Augusto Gorne , Silva Candido da Milena , Brancalion Pedro Henrique Santin
Published: October 2016

Abandoned pastures are increasingly targeted for forest restoration in the neotropics. However, the dominance of such areas by fodder grasses imposes a challenge for efficient and low cost control. Therefore, we questioned whether alien and native grasses equally affect: (1) natural regeneration; (2) natural regeneration under artificial perches; and (3) planted seedling development. Our study was carried out in an abandoned pasture in southeastern Brazil, in the Atlantic Forest biome. For (1) we installed plots in grass patches of Melinis minutiflora (molasse grass, an alien grass) and Imperata brasiliensis (satintail, a native grass that occurs in degraded areas); for (2) we installed plots under perches in alien and native grass patches; and for (3) we compared overall planted seedling mortality and development of four tree species in alien and native grass patches. Density and diversity of woody species in natural regeneration and under perches were similar for invasive and native grass patches. However, species composition differed between alien and native grass patches (Ellenberg similarity of 28% for perches and 35% for natural regeneration in different grass patches). Seedling mortality was similar for both alien and native grasses. Except for two tree species, development was similar for both native and alien grass patches. Our results indicate that the biological barriers imposed by a given grass species for forest succession and restoration must not be estimated based only on the species' origin.
Plant Biomass Density as an Indicator of Food Supply for Elephants (Loxodonta Africana) in Waza National Park, Cameroon
Authors: Tchamba Martin N. , Weladji Robert B. , Foguekem Désiré , Loomis Mike
Published: October 2016

We studied the aboveground biomass density of plants, potentially available as a food supply for elephants, Loxodonta africana, in the Waza National Park, Cameroon during the dry season, from November 2009 through March 2010. The aboveground biomass of trees in the Woodland and Acacia seyal shrubland zones, were 16.87 tonsDM/ha and 10.99 tonsDM/ha respectively (mean 13.93 ± 4.16 tonsDM/ha). Aboveground biomass density in the herbaceous layer was 2.62, 4.21 and 6.9 tonsDM/ha, in the Woodland, Acacia seyal shrubland and Floodplain zones, respectively (mean 4.58 ± 2.16 tonsDM/ha), the difference between the vegetation zones being significant. The overall aboveground plant biomass density of the park averaged 13.86 ± 6.4 tonsDM/ha, however the harvestable food supply for elephants was a small portion of that estimate. The estimated plant biomass represented an average for the dry season, which is more useful for long-term planning purposes than for annual predictions of the level of forage production in the dry season. To minimize elephant encroachment into cultivated fields, it is necessary to estimate the park's carrying capacity and regulate the population size if necessary. This however will rely on the long-term prediction of forage production in the Waza National Park through continuous measurements of plant biomass density during the dry season.
Local People's Attitudes and Perceptions of Dholes (Cuon Alpinus) around Protected Areas in Southeastern Thailand
Authors: Jenks Kate E. , Songsasen Nucharin , Kanchanasaka Budsabong , Leimgruber Peter , Fuller Todd K.
Published: October 2016

Large carnivores such as dholes ( Cuon alpinus) have been persecuted and eradicated from certain areas because of the perception that they pose significant threats to livestock. We conducted interviews to examine which variables predict local people's attitude towards dholes. We opportunistically sampled 791 respondents (≥ 18 years of age) in 34 villages that were within 10 km of one of seven targeted protected areas in southeastern Thailand. We used Random Forests to analyze responses to 20 questions concerning respondent demography; knowledge of, perceived occurrence of, and personal attitudes toward dholes; and frequency of forest visits. Respondents agreed dholes should be eliminated based heavily on whether or not they 1) considered dholes dangerous and 2) believed dholes will attack a person. Most villagers, however, held neutral or positive attitudes toward dholes; only 12% of participants stated that dholes should be eliminated in the wild. Overall, we found an encouraging social climate for dholes in Thailand. Our findings support the need for enhanced efforts to teach people to distinguish dholes from jackals ( Canis aureus) and to encourage students to experience nature.
Short-Term Success in the Reintroduction of the Red-Humped Agouti Dasyprocta Leporina, an Important Seed Disperser, in a Brazilian Atlantic Forest Reserve
Authors: Cid Bruno , Figueira Luiza , de T. e Mello Ana Flora , Pires Alexandra S. , Fernandez Fernando A. S.
Published: October 2016

Reintroduction is an increasingly important tool to restore local extinctions and ecological interactions. Evaluating the success of reintroduction projects allows conservationists to learn from previous experience. Here we report on the reintroduction of agoutis, Dasyprocta leporina, to a Brazilian Atlantic Forest reserve in order to (1) determine the short-term status of the reintroduction; (2) describe and evaluate the management procedures that contributed to reintroduction success; and (3) identify the fruits and seeds consumed and buried by the agoutis, as an indication of their role in restoring ecological processes. We captured and tagged 21 adult individuals from a semi-captive population and reintroduced four males and seven females. One male died and almost all individuals lost weight (range=0-620 g; n=11) during quarantine (median=133 days; range=67–243 days; n=20). Six males and three females died, but the others gained weight during acclimatization (range=150–260 g; n=5). Individuals abandoned the food supplement up to 87 days after release, establishing home-ranges at least three times larger than in natural populations of agoutis. The estimated annual survival rate was 0.83, and 10 nature-born cubs were observed. The reintroduction was considered successful in the short-term. Among the main recommendations for future reintroductions, we suggest the reduction of quarantine and the maintenance of acclimatization periods, with structural improvements for both. Agoutis were seen eating fruits and seeds of 10 species and burying seeds of three of them. The buried seeds are from zoochoric large-seeded trees, thus enhancing recruitment in a disperser-impoverished forest.
Identifying Targets for Plant Conservation in Harapan Rainforest, Sumatra
Authors: de Kok Rogier P.J. , Briggs Marie , Pirnanda Dafid , Girmansyah Deden
Published: October 2016

A short description of how the Harapan Rainforest may have been before logging is given, based upon interviews with the people who conducted surveys prior to timber extraction. This information is used to demonstrate similarity to the forests of the Pasir Mayang and Muara Bungo area, which have been more thoroughly surveyed. The former state is then contrasted with the current condition based upon botanical surveys undertaken in 2008, 2012 and 2013, highlighting both dominant and rare species as well as the need for more comprehensive information on the conservation status of the majority of species. Finally, a number of introduced weedy species are now present whose potential for continued population growth and potential to retard restoration is discussed.
Restoration of Artificial Ponds in Logging Concessions: A Case-Study from Harapan Rainforest, Sumatra
Authors: Schmidt Lars , Prasetyonohadi Djoko , Swinfield Tom
Published: October 2016

Artificial ponds and swamps commonly occur throughout logged forests of Southeast Asia in association with roads. Dammed streams accumulate water, which floods the surrounding forest creating ponds and swamps, which are slow to recover to a condition that maximises their conservation value. In particular, ponds remain relatively anoxic and the self-recovery of swamps is slow due to delayed colonisation by swamp tolerant species. The Harapan Rainforest ecosystem restoration concession in Sumatra is a clear example of this issue. Within the 100,000 ha of lowland rain forest, four watersheds are present with more than 750 km of rivers and their tributaries. Across this area more than 175 artificial ponds and swamps have been created through the construction of the road network over the past 30–40 years. Despite the artificial nature of their creation there is a significant conservation value in improving the alluvial swamps due to the significant decline in extent of this habitat across Southeast Asia. However, tropical forest streams too have been widely degraded and are a conservation priority due to the uniqueness of their associated biodiversity. As such, we propose the restoration of these habitats through the drainage of ponds to improve stream flow and connectivity and the establishment of swamp specialist tree species. An approach for identifying sites suitable for restoration is presented focusing on making comparisons with ‘model’ streams and swamps. Restoration techniques are proposed, including a list of swamp species suitable for planting trials at swamp sites and techniques for the suppression of disturbance responsive species, such as bamboos, ferns and lianas. We stress that pond restoration activities in general should always include unmanaged control ponds to enable the measurement of the additional benefit of restoration activities beyond that of natural recovery.
Can Lianas Assist in Rainforest Restoration?
Authors: Campbell Mason J. , Edwards Will , Odell Erica , Mohandass Dharmalingam , Laurance William F.
Published: October 2016

Can the strategic incorporation of lianas (woody vines) into rainforest restoration plantings enhance biodiversity-conservation outcomes? Lianas are an integral component of primary tropical rainforests yet are often omitted from rainforest restoration plantings as they may damage trees and compete with them for resources. However, there is increasing evidence that many ecological and physiognomic characteristics of lianas may be of some value to restoration plantings, at least in certain contexts. We propose strategies for experimentally incorporating lianas into rainforest-restoration plantings to explore whether they can expedite rainforest establishment and enhance biodiversity-conservation outcomes.
Flight Initiation Distance as Behavioral Indicator of Hunting Pressure: A Case Study of the Sooty-Headed Bulbul (Pycnonotus Aurigaster) in Xishuangbanna, SW China
Authors: Sreekar Rachakonda , Goodale Eben , Harrison Rhett D.
Published: October 2016

Traditional assessments of anthropogenic impacts on biodiversity often ignore hunting pressure or use subjective categories (e.g. high, medium or low) that cannot be readily understood by readers or replicated in other studies. Although animals often appear tame in habitats without hunting compared to habitats with hunting, few studies have demonstrated such effects. We determined the flight initiation distance (FID; i.e. human-animal distance when the animal begins to flee) of a common frugivorous bird of Southeast Asia, Sooty-headed Bulbul ( Pycnonotus aurigaster) across a gradient of hunting pressures in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, SW China. Controlling for confounding effects, we show that FID increased with hunting pressure, which was quantitatively measured through encounters with hunters. As FIDs respond more specifically to hunting than other defaunation metrics, we suggest they can be used as behavioral indicators of hunting pressure in developing conservation strategies.
Enhancing Ecosystem Function through Conservation: Threatened Plants Increase Local Carbon Storage in Tropical Dry Forests
Authors: Álvarez-Yépiz Juan C. , Dovčiak Martin
Published: October 2016

The role of plant diversity, particularly of rare species, in ecosystem functioning ( e.g., carbon storage) has been mostly studied in temperate systems with little practical application to the conservation of tropical forests, where species rarity and species richness tend to be greater and more important for ecosystem functioning. We linked carbon storage pools with functional plant diversity, occurrence of rare species, and environmental (topographic) gradients in a species-rich seasonally dry tropical forest protected as a part of a Biosphere Reserve in northwestern Mexico. We estimated various functional diversity and carbon pool measures from in situ plant community and soil data. Soil and total ecosystem carbon storage decreased with slope steepness but increased with plant height. Above-ground carbon was negatively associated with elevation. Our data suggest that species identity matters to the functioning and productivity of seasonally dry tropical forests. Two long-lived and highly threatened rare plant species contributed considerably (10-20%) to the above-ground carbon storage pool. The functional roles of threatened plant species should be investigated and incorporated into the management plans of Biospheres Reserves and other closely coupled natural-human systems, where conservation plays a significant role in ecosystem functioning and human well-being.
Classification of Landscape Types Based on Land Cover, Successional Stages and Plant Functional Groups in a Species-Rich Forest in Hainan Island, China
Authors: Zhang Zhidong , Zang Runguo , Wang Guangyu , Huang Xuanrui
Published: October 2016

Large-scale identification of landscape types in species-rich forest ecosystems is a challenge to landscape designers and forest ecologists. With a systematic grid-sample-plot investigation and landscape-attributes extraction of SPOT-5 imagery in a tropical forest region in Hainan Island, China, we developed a landscape classification system of land cover, successional stages, and dominant plant functional groups in species-rich forest ecosystems. We classified the study landscape into eight land cover types, four successional stages, and six functional patch types, with accuracies at ≥ 78%. The patches dominated by the pioneer functional groups were mainly distributed in areas of early recovery stages on sunny slopes at elevations < 850 m, while the climax functional groups had more occupancies in the late recovery stages on shaded slopes at elevations > 850 m. The slope gradient had no significant influence on the patch distribution patterns in the study region. Our results show that species-rich forest landscapes can be classified into patch types of different dominant functional groups and successional stages through remote sensing in conjunction with ground survey and GIS.
Transferability of Microsatellite Markers Among Myrtaceae Species and Their use to Obtain Population Genetics Data to Help the Conservation of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest
Authors: Fagundes Bruna Saviatto , da Silva Lucas Fernando , Giacomin Renata Mussoi , Secco Daiane , Díaz-Cruz Jesus Alberto , Da-Silva Paulo Roberto
Published: October 2016

Myrtaceae species play an important role in maintaining the biodiversity of the Atlantic Forest. However, most species of this biome have not been studied. In this work we examined whether microsatellite markers developed for other Myrtaceae species are useful in genetic studies of native species of the Atlantic Forest. We evaluated the transferability of 21 microsatellite markers derived from Eucalyptus sp., Eugenia uniflora, and Melaleuca alternifolia Cheel to eight Atlantic Forest species ( Campomanesia xanthocarpa (guabiroba do mato), Campomanesia adamantium, Eugenia uniflora (surinam cherry), Eugenia involucrata (cherry of the Rio Grande), Myrcianthes pungens (guabiju), Plinia cauliflora (jaboticaba), Psidium guajava (guava), and Psidium sp.(araçá) and the utility of the transferred markers in obtaining genetic data from Eugenia uniflora. The transferability of microsatellite primers pairs was high (>52%) in seven of the eight species studied. In three populations of E. uniflora, the transferred primers amplified the same average number of alleles, and the same expected heterozygosity was obtained with species-specific primers. The genetic parameters FIS, Shannon diversity, genetic distance of Nei, FST and FIT, AMOVA, and the PCoA were calculated using data from four transferred microsatellites. Results were similar to those obtained using species-specific primers. Both datasets (from transferred and species-specific primers) indicated that E. uniflora populations of the Atlantic Forest are unstructured and have high genetic diversity. The results of our study indicate that transferability of microsatellite markers is an economic and powerful way to obtain genetic information of Myrtaceae species of the Atlantic Forest, and consequently, will aid in the conservation of these species and the biome.
Stakeholder Linkage in Conservation Strategies: A Qualitative Tool for Improving the Management of a Biosphere Reserve in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
Authors: Oliva Malena , Montiel Salvador
Published: October 2016

Management strategies for biosphere reserves need to be locally linked, acknowledging the interests and expectations of local stakeholders, as their participation is crucial for effective resource conservation, particularly in the case of subsistence resource management. In this paper we present a novel qualitative analysis tool, called a linkage matrix, for evaluating the social linkage of biosphere reserve management instruments. As a case study we considered wildlife use for subsistence purposes in the context of Los Petenes Biosphere Reserve (LPBR), located in the northwest of the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. Based on official and ethnographic data on traditional wildlife use in two Maya communities neighboring the reserve, we documented its Management Program's degree of social linkage, and identified actions to improve its implementation in the zone of influence of the protected area. Based on the linkage matrix, the reserve Management Program was found to be highly inclusive, taking into account 64% of the interests and expectations identified by local peasant-hunters regarding wildlife. Nevertheless, marked deficiencies were identified in the implementation of the reserve's management instrument, which limited the effectiveness of the protected area for conservation. The linkage matrix enabled the identification of possible lines of action for improving both the specific content of the Management Program and its implementation regarding wildlife use. Based on a) the results of the linkage matrix in LPBR, b) the objectives of biosphere reserves aimed at conservation and development, and c) the requirement for biosphere reserves to implement an official management instrument, we highlight the scope of applicability and the contribution of our analysis tool, which offers a means for approaching the social linkage of biosphere reserves not only in Mesoamerica but around the world.
Temporal Variation in Native Bee Diversity in the Tropical Sub-Deciduous Forest of the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
Authors: Ramírez Virginia Meléndez , Ayala Ricardo , González Hugo Delfín
Published: October 2016

Native bee community diversity is known to vary temporally in the Neotropics, but little research has been done to quantify the extent of this variation. We studied monthly variation in native bee diversity in tropical semi-deciduous forest on the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, over a twelve-month period in 2007. Hurricane Dean traversed the study area in August of that year, causing some changes in the environment and in the native bee community. A total of 2,335 individual bee specimens were collected, belonging to 102 species from four families. The family Apidae had the highest number of species (46%) and individuals (71%). Species richness, abundance, and diversity varied throughout the study period. Species proportions of lifestyles and nesting behaviors varied from month to month, and absolute numbers changed. Low to moderate similarity values indicated high monthly species turnover, with almost half of species present for only one to two months. Species richness declined after the hurricane, with a loss of 40% of the species present beforehand, but nine new species appeared in September. The hurricane also reduced the number of solitary, parasocial, and social species, mostly those nesting in preexisting cavities and wood. Species composition in August had similarity values nearer to those of months in the dry season than to those in the rainy season. Two months after the hurricane, the native bee community had returned to previous species diversity levels, probably due to the rapid recovery of the vegetation on which the bee community depends. Effective biodiversity conservation programs will need more data on changes in vegetation community structure and how such changes influence Neotropical native bee communities after natural disturbances.
Community Participation and Harvesting of Non-Timber Forest Products in Benefit-Sharing Pilot Scheme in Bach Ma National Park, Central Vietnam
Authors: Huynh Ha Thi Ngan , Lobry de Bruyn Lisa , Prior Julian , Kristiansen Paul
Published: October 2016

Benefit-sharing mechanisms between forest-based communities and governments are a way to meet conservation goals in developing countries, while still allowing forest-based income for local people. In Vietnam, the government implemented a pilot Benefit Sharing Mechanism (BSM) in Special Use Forests (SUFs), to develop a legal framework for sharing the benefits, rights, and responsibilities of forest conservation and management with local communities. One of the pilot areas is in Bach Ma National Park. We examined community involvement in the BSM pilot scheme in SUFs in the buffer zone of Bach Ma National Park located in Thuong Nhat commune, Nam Dong District. Sixty household surveys from two villages were undertaken in 2014. Most households agreed there were benefits, but some reported difficulties. Analysis of harvested non-timber forest products (NTFPs) showed a nearly 30% increase in average household income, based on regulated access to harvesting NTFPs by registered forest users. The difficulties experienced by those involved in the BSM pilot scheme included declining meeting attendance, infrequent meetings, harvested amounts of some NTFPs exceeding those allowed by the Benefit Sharing Arrangement, and forest protection teams failing to detect such irregularities. Finally, we suggest a number of improvements to BSM policies, such as incentives for forest protection team members to be more actively involved in harvest monitoring.
The biology behind B-cell lymphoma 2 as a target in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Ortíz-Maldonado Valentín , Mozas Pablo , Delgado Julio
Published: October 2016

B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2)-type proteins are key regulators of the intrinsic or mitochondrial pathway for apoptosis. Since escape from apoptosis is one the main ‘hallmarks of cancer’, BCL2 inhibitors have emerged as promising therapeutic agents for diverse lymphoid malignancies, particularly chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Multiple clinical trials have shown efficacy of these agents in patients with relapsed/refractory disease with a favorable toxicity profile. Moreover, some clinical trials indicate that combination with monoclonal antibodies and other novel agents may enhance their effect.
Cross-Modal Transfer of the Tilt Aftereffect From Vision to Touch
Authors: Krystallidou Dafni , Thompson Peter
Published: October 2016

Visual input powerfully modulates the dynamics of tactile orientation perception. This study investigated the transfer of the tilt aftereffect (TAE) from vision to somatosensation. In a visual tilt adaptation paradigm, participants were exposed to clockwise or anticlockwise visual tilt, followed by three brief tactile two-point stimuli delivered on their forehead. In a two-alternative forced choice task, participants had to indicate whether the haptic stimulus was tilted to the right or left. Repeated exposure to oriented visual gratings produced a tactile TAE, such that the subsequent tactile stimuli appeared tilted toward the opposite direction. To assess the origin of this effect, the experiment was repeated with the head tilted. Adaptation to a gravitationally tilted grating but with the head tilted so that the grating was retinally vertical induced a robust tactile aftereffect suggesting that the visuotactile TAE is due to spatiotopic rather than retinotopic adaptation.
Clinical safety and efficacy of implantation of octacalcium phosphate collagen composites in tooth extraction sockets and cyst holes
Authors: Kawai Tadashi , Tanuma Yuji , Matsui Keiko , Suzuki Osamu , Takahashi Tetsu , Kamakura Shinji
Published: October 2016

It was demonstrated that octacalcium phosphate collagen composite achieved notable bone regeneration in bone defects in preclinical studies. On the basis of the research results, an investigator-initiated exploratory clinical trial was conducted after approval from a local Institutional Review Board. This clinical study was performed as a single-arm non-randomized intervention study. Octacalcium phosphate collagen composite was implanted into a total of 10 cases of alveolar bone defects after tooth extractions and cystectomy. Safety assessment was performed in terms of the clinical course and several consecutive laboratory examinations, and sequential radiographs were used for efficacy assessment. All participants uneventfully completed the clinical trial without major problems in their general condition. Postoperative wound swelling was observed, as also commonly seen in tooth extraction or cystectomy. Although no serious liver dysfunction, renal dysfunction, electrolyte imbalance, or abnormal urinalysis results were recognized, the number of white blood cells and C-reactive protein level temporarily increased after the operation. An increase in radiopacity in the octacalcium phosphate collagen composite–implanted site was observed in all cases. Finally, the border between the original bone and the octacalcium phosphate collagen composite–implanted site became indistinguishable. These results suggest that octacalcium phosphate collagen composite could be utilized safely in clinical situations in the future.
Isolated large vulvar varicose veins in a non-pregnant woman
Authors: Al Wahbi Abdullah M
Published: October 2016

Vulvar varicosities are often asymptomatic, and they may be associated with varicose veins of the lower extremity. Also, they may be a part of pelvic congestion syndrome and usually occur during pregnancy. We present a case of a huge isolated and disfiguring vulvar varicosities in a non-pregnant women managed successfully by combination of surgery and sclerotherapy.
Intramedullary Pin Fixation in Clavicular Fractures: A Study Comparing the Use of Small and Large Pins
Authors: Harnroongroj Thossart , Jeerathanyasakun Yongyot
Published: October 2016

The S-shaped clavicle poses a problem for intramedullary pin fixation. Stability of fracture fixation is closely related to the length of intramedullary pin engagement. This study was carried out to determine the engagement length of intramedullary pins into clavicular fractures using a small and a large pin. Seven pairs of fresh cadaveric clavicles were prepared and arranged into Group 1 and Group 2 for paired study. A mid-third clavicular fracture was created at the junction of the two curves of the clavicle. In Group 1, a 3.2 mm diameter threaded Steinman pin was introduced into the medullary canal of the clavicle by retrograde technique and the medial fragment of the fracture was drilled until the pin perforated the bone cortex. In Group 2, a 4 mm diameter threaded Steinman pin was used in the same manner. The results showed that Group 1 had an average engagement of pin into the clavicle of 9.11 cm with a ratio to total length of the clavicle of 0.59. In Group 2, the average engagement length into the clavicle was 7.17 cm with a ratio of 0.47. The difference was significant, with the smaller pin providing better fixation. The pins in both groups perforated the lateral fragment at the posterosuperior aspect and the medial fragment at the anterior aspect of the clavicle. The angle that the pin made with the long axis of the clavicle in Group 1 was 22.43° and in Group 2, 26.57°. Although the 3.2 mm diameter pin was more aligned to the long axis of the clavicle than the 4 mm diameter pin, the difference was not significant.
Medial Approach for Operative Treatment of the Widely Displaced Supracondylar Fractures of the Humerus in Children
Authors: Kumar Ritabh , Malhotra Rajesh
Published: October 2016

Twenty-seven widely displaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children were treated by open reduction and cross K-wire fixation by the medial approach over a 30-month period. The mean follow-up was 14 months, average age 8 years and the mean delay in presentation 49 hours. Medial approach provided an excellent view of the medial bone pathology via an internervous plane and enabled an anatomical reduction in all cases. Cross K-wire fixation obviated the need to immobilize the elbow at 90 degrees or more flexion. No postoperative neurovascular complication was noted. Most patients regained full range of motion within 6 weeks of pin removal and no change in the carrying angle was noted. Delayed presentation, repeated manipulations and massage were responsible for loss of motion. Superficial pin tract infection was noted in 5 patients and resolved with dressings and antibiotics. No deep infection occurred. Medial approach for open reduction and internal fixation of the widely-displaced supracondylar fracture of the humerus is safe and straightforward, ensuring anatomical reduction and excellent function.
Persistent Back Pain in Adults: Four Case Reports
Authors: Pai VS
Published: October 2016

The author describes 4 cases of thoracic back pain. All 4 had significant night pain, and 3 of the 4 presented with an upper motor neuron lesion of the lower limbs subsequestly diagnosed as a primary vertebral tumor. All lesions were well demonstrated on CT examination and were proved to be chordoma, lymphoma, solitary plasmacytoma or aneurysmal bone cyst. Awareness of primary thoracic tumours is important, as early recognition may prevent irreversible damage to the cord.
Multiple Joint Replacement in Chronically Neglected Polyarthritic Patients: Two Case Reports
Authors: Vaidya Shrinand V , Aroojis Alaric
Published: October 2016

Multiple joint replacement is a viable option for rehabilitation of young polyarthritic patients with unsalvageable joints. Young polyarthritic patients in this part of the world suffer from chronic neglect because of ignorance, apathy and low socio-economic status. During the period of chronic neglect, these patients acquire extreme deformities of various joints either due to active disease (ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis) or irreversible changes in the joint configuration like ankylosis and soft-tissue contracture. Associated spine and thoracic cage affection create problems for anaesthesia and peri-operative positioning. We report 2 cases of multiple joint replacements for young polyarthritic patients who were bedridden for 6 to 11 years. Surgeries were performed in a phased manner and after extensive rehabilitation both patients were able to walk unaided. Various problems and difficulties encountered have been addressed so as to serve as a guide to surgeons who may have to deal with such unusual situations of chronic neglect. We also report a modified exposure technique without trochanteric osteotomy for total hip replacement, which is valuable in extreme external rotation ankylosis.