bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Helmeted Woodpeckers roost in decay-formed cavities in large living trees: A clue to an old-growth forest association
Authors: Lammertink Martjan , Fernández Juan Manuel , Cockle Kristina L 
Published: July 2019

AbstractWoodpeckers (Picidae) are broadly associated with forests but vary in sensitivity to habitat alteration, with some species restricted to mature and old-growth forests, usually because of their foraging or nesting requirements. Roosting sites have rarely been considered a critical resource for woodpecker conservation because nearly all woodpecker species roost year-round in excavated cavities similar to their nest sites. A possible exception is the globally vulnerable Helmeted Woodpecker (Celeus galeatus) of the Atlantic Forest of South America. To determine whether roosting ecology may explain their association with mature forest, we radio-tracked 12 Helmeted Woodpeckers in old-growth and selectively logged forests in Argentina, monitored roost cavities, and provided 9 roost boxes. Unlike other woodpeckers, Helmeted Woodpeckers roosted year-round in decay-formed cavities (n = 21), with perching space above the entrance, in the living trunks of large trees. Adults usually roosted alone, but after nesting (in excavated cavities), each adult roosted with one juvenile in a shared, decay-formed cavity for up to 67 days, implying that cavities need enough space for 2 birds. We did not observe use of roost boxes. Helmeted Woodpeckers travelled up to 1,482 m between nests and roosts, reused roost cavities over multiple years (sometimes changing ownership), and interacted aggressively with other cavity-nesting birds at roost cavities, indicating that suitable cavities are a scarce resource. Because logging is likely to have a strong negative impact on the availability of this resource, we urge managers in the Atlantic Forest region to retain large living trees with decay-formed cavities and to allow more selectively logged areas to become old growth.
The influence of chick production on territory retention in Arctic-breeding Pacific and Yellow-billed loons
Authors: Uher-Koch Brian D , Wright Kenneth G , Schmutz Joel A 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAdult birds may use the production of offspring as a measure of habitat quality when prospecting for territories, increasing competition for productive territories. We evaluated the impact of breeding success on territory retention of Pacific (Gavia pacifica) and Yellow-billed (G. adamsii) loons in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska on the Arctic Coastal Plain of northern Alaska using mark–resight data and multi-state modeling. We also used behavioral observations of brood-rearing adult loons to quantify the frequency of visits by prospecting loons. We hypothesized that increased competition for productive territories would result in a decrease in territory retention rates. Territory retention rates the year following successful breeding attempts were only slightly lower (0.90) than after failed breeding attempts (0.93), and few territories were consistently successful across years. Overall territory retention rates were high (0.92) and similar for both species, suggesting that adults were able to defend their territories successfully. Males had higher territory retention rates than females, but we found no influence of mass (a possible proxy for fighting ability) on territory retention. These observations, coupled with the high frequency of visits by prospecting loons, provide additional evidence that site familiarity may provide advantages to territory holders. Quantifying territory retention behaviors may also inform land management decisions for oil and gas development in areas where loons are present. High territory retention rates, frequency of visits by prospectors, and limited habitat where new territories can be established suggest that breeding habitat in northern Alaska is saturated and may be limiting Yellow-billed Loon populations. In contrast, Pacific Loons attempting to acquire a territory may be able to form new territories on smaller, unoccupied lakes.
Artificial incubation does not affect the post-hatch development, health, or survival of the Lance-tailed Manakin (Chiroxiphia lanceolata), a tropical passerine
Authors: Jones Blake Carlton , DuVal Emily H 
Published: July 2019

AbstractArtificial incubation of avian eggs is used in scientific research, conservation, zoo husbandry, and the commercial poultry industry. However, whether artificial incubation negatively impacts post-hatch nestling phenotypes and survival compared to naturally incubated young has not been explicitly tested. Here, we assess whether nestlings artificially incubated as eggs and returned to their natal nest after hatching experienced negative impacts in development, health, and survival. From 2007 to 2017, we measured mass, mass growth rate, tarsus length, tarsus growth rate, external lesions, ejection from the nest, fledging success, and recruitment of Lance-tailed Manakin (Chiroxiphia lanceolata) nestlings from 209 nests where 1 of 2 eggs was artificially incubated, along with 230 unmanipulated nests. We found no statistically significant difference in the development, health, and survival among nestlings artificially incubated as eggs, their naturally incubated nestmates, and nestlings from unmanipulated nests. Our results indicate that artificial incubation can be a safe and effective tool in the study of free-living birds.
Preventing local extinctions of tidal marsh endemic Seaside Sparrows and Saltmarsh Sparrows in eastern North America
Authors: Roberts Samuel G , Longenecker Rebecca A , Etterson Matthew A , Elphick Chris S , Olsen Brian J , Shriver W Gregory 
Published: July 2019

AbstractGlobally limited to 45,000 km2, salt marshes and their endemic species are threatened by numerous anthropogenic influences, including sea-level rise and predator pressure on survival and nesting success. Along the Atlantic coast of North America, Seaside (Ammospiza maritima) and Saltmarsh (A. caudacuta) sparrows are endemic to salt marshes, with Saltmarsh Sparrows declining by 9% annually. Because vital rates and factors affecting population persistence vary for both species, local estimates are necessary to best predict population persistence in response to management actions. We used a metapopulation model to estimate the population viability of the breeding Seaside and Saltmarsh sparrow populations in coastal New Jersey over a 42-yr period. We incorporated empirical data on the vital rates and abundances of these populations and simulated the effect of low (0.35 m) and high (0.75 m) levels of sea-level rise. We found that the Seaside Sparrow population persisted under both sea-level rise scenarios; however, the Saltmarsh Sparrow population reached a quasi-extinction threshold within 20 yr. Using the same framework, we modeled potential management scenarios that could increase the persistence probability of Saltmarsh Sparrows and found that fecundity and juvenile survival rates will require at least a 15% concurrent increase for the local population to persist beyond 2050. Future field research should evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of management actions, such as predator control, for increasing Saltmarsh Sparrow vital rates in order to maintain the species in coastal New Jersey.
Increased nesting success of Hawaii Elepaio in response to the removal of invasive black rats
Authors: Banko Paul C , Jaenecke Kelly A , Peck Robert W , Brinck Kevin W 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIn Hawaii and other oceanic islands with few native land mammals, black rats (Rattus rattus) are among the most damaging invasive vertebrate species to native forest bird populations and habitats, due to their arboreal behavior and generalist foraging habits and habitat use. We evaluated the nesting response of Hawaii Elepaio (Chasiempis sandwichensis; Monarchidae), a generalist insectivore, to the removal of black rats using rodenticide in a before-after-control-impact study in high- and low-elevation mesic montane habitat recovering from long-term damage from introduced ungulates and weeds. We monitored nesting success and rat abundance during 2015–2016 before applying rodenticide bait in 2017 to remove rats from two 700 × 700 m treatment plots that were paired with 2 nontreatment plots of the same size. Rat abundance was reduced by 90% during treatment, with combined variables treatment and elevation best explaining the change using GLM methods and AIC model selection. The daily survival rate (DSR) of nests (n = 191) was greater on treated plots after rodenticide application (mean ± SE = 0.980 ± 0.004 treatment; 0.964 ± 0.004 nontreatment), modeled nest success increased from 29% to 50%, and apparent nest success (number of successful nests per total nests) increased from 37% to 52%. The most informative model for predicting DSR included the effect of treatment. Predation by rats was documented at 3 of 16 nests using video surveillance, and we observed additional evidence of rat predation during in-person nest monitoring. Rats targeted adults on the nest and sometimes removed intact eggs, leaving little trace of their activity. Our results demonstrate that reducing rat predation can immediately improve the nesting success of even a common bird species in habitat with a long history of forest restoration. Sustained predator control may be critical to accelerating the recovery of native forest bird communities.
Consistency counts: Modeling the effects of a change in protocol on Breeding Bird Survey counts
Authors: Sauer John R , Link William A , Ziolkowski David J , Pardieck Keith L , Twedt Daniel J 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Analysis of North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) data requires controls for factors that influence detectability of birds along survey routes. Identifying factors that influence the counting process and incorporating them into analyses is a primary means of limiting bias in estimates of population change. Twedt (2015) implemented an alternative counting protocol on operational and nonrandom BBS survey routes in the southeastern United States. Observers on selected routes employed a time–distance protocol in which they recorded birds in 1-min intervals and in 2 distance categories. We hypothesized that processing and recording observations using this time–distance protocol could cause observers to count fewer birds relative to observers using the standard protocol. We used a hierarchical log-linear model with a categorical covariate associated with protocol (standard vs. time–distance) to assess whether use of the time–distance protocol had a measurable effect on counting birds along BBS routes. We applied this model to BBS data from portions of 8 states in which the time–distance protocol was implemented and estimated a protocol effect for 167 bird species. We documented a significant overall effect of the time–distance protocol on observers’ counts of birds. On average, the effect of the time–distance protocol was a 10% decline in counted birds; 80% of species had lower counts when the time–distance protocol was used on a survey route. However, because the time–distance protocol was only used on a small portion of the operational BBS routes and for a limited time, including the covariate for the time–distance protocol data had insignificant effects on analysis of population change. Although the covariate controlled for the effects of the time–distance protocol in BBS data, the results emphasize the importance of standardization as well as a need to track and, if necessary, control in analyses for changes in counting procedures along BBS routes.
Shorebird subsistence harvest and indigenous knowledge in Alaska: Informing harvest management and engaging users in shorebird conservation
Authors: Naves Liliana C , Keating Jacqueline M , Tibbitts T Lee , Ruthrauff Daniel R 
Published: July 2019

AbstractLimited data on harvest and population parameters are impediments to assessing shorebird harvest sustainability. Because of sharp declines in shorebird populations, timely conservation efforts require approaches that account for uncertainty in harvest sustainability. We combined harvest assessment and ethnographic research to better understand shorebird conservation concerns related to subsistence harvest in Alaska and to support culturally sensible conservation actions. Our objectives were to (1) estimate the Alaska-wide shorebird subsistence harvest and (2) document shorebird indigenous knowledge on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta. Harvest estimates were based on surveys conducted in 1990–2015 (n = 775 community-years). Key respondent interviews conducted in 2017 (n = 72) documented shorebird ethnotaxonomy and ethnography. The Alaska-wide shorebird harvest was 2,783 birds per year, including 1,115 godwits per year—mostly Bar-tailed Godwits (Limosa lapponica baueri), whose population has low harvest potential. The egg harvest was 4,678 eggs per year, mostly small shorebird eggs. We documented 24 Yup’ik shorebird names and 10 main ethnotaxonomic categories. Children learning harvesting skills focused on small birds and adults also occasionally harvested shorebirds, but shorebirds were not primary food or cultural resources. Older generations associated shorebirds with a time when people were closer to nature and their cultural roots. Shorebirds connected people with the environment as well as with Yup’ik traditions and language. Our results can inform improvements to harvest assessment and management, as well as outreach and communication efforts to engage subsistence users in shorebird conservation.
Platelet Amyloid-β Protein Precursor (AβPP) Ratio and Phosphorylated Tau as Promising Indicators for Early Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Shi Yachen , Gu Lihua , Wang Qing , Gao Lijuan , Zhu Jianli , Lu Xiang , Zhou Fangfang , Zhu Dan , Zhang Haisan , Xie Chunming , Zhang Zhijun 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
To identify whether platelet amyloid-β protein precursor (AβPP) ratio, phosphorylated-tau (P-tau) 231, P-tau181, and serine 396 and 404 (Ser396/404) phosphorylated tau are potential peripheral indicators for early Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Forty-three amnesic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) patients and 45 normal controls were recruited. Peripheral venous blood was drawn and platelets were collected and evaluated for potential indicators by Western blot analysis. Subsequent meta-analysis was completed on these selected indicators. In platelets of aMCI patients, the AβPP ratio level was significantly lower and levels of P-tau231 and Ser396/404 phosphorylated tau were significantly higher. Moreover, in aMCI patients, a negative correlation was observed between platelet P-tau231 level and the Trail Making Tests A score, and it was found that higher platelet P-tau231 levels significantly associated with a worse performance of information processing speed. Furthermore, values of the area under the curve of platelet P-tau231 and Ser396/404 phosphorylated tau were 0.624 and 0.657, respectively. Finally, a meta-analysis indicated platelet AβPP ratio level was significantly lower in MCI cohorts. In conclusion, platelets of aMCI subjects showed a lower AβPP ratio and higher levels of P-tau231 and Ser396/404 phosphorylated tau when compared to normal controls, which may be critical in identifying early AD.
Accelerated Sexual Maturation in Methoprene-Treated Sterile and Fertile Male Queensland Fruit Flies (Diptera: Tephritidae), and Mosquito Larvicide as an Economical and Effective Source of Methoprene
Authors: Adnan Saleh Mohammad , Farhana Iffat , Inskeep Jess R , Rempoulakis Polychronis , Taylor Phillip W 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Queensland fruit flies Bactrocera tryoni (‘Q-fly’) have long adult prereproductive development periods, which can present challenges for sterile insect technique (SIT) programs. Holding the sterile flies in release facilities is expensive for control programs. Alternatively, releases of sexually immature males can lead to substantial mortality of sterile males before they mature. Recent studies have reported effectiveness of dietary supplementation with a mosquito larvicide (NOMOZ) that contains S-methoprene, a juvenile hormone analogue, for accelerating sexual development of fertile Q-fly males. However, it is not known whether effects on sterile flies are comparable to effects on fertile flies, or whether effects of methoprene-containing larvicide are comparable to effects of analytical standard methoprene such has been used in most studies. Here we address both knowledge gaps, investigating the effects of analytical standard methoprene and NOMOZ mixed with food and provided for 48 h following emergence on sexual development and longevity of fertile and sterile Q-flies. Compared with controls, fertile and sterile male Q-flies that were provided diets supplemented with methoprene from either source exhibited substantially accelerated sexual development by 2–3 d and longer mating duration. Unlike males, females did not respond to methoprene treatment. Although fertile and sterile flies were generally similar in sexual development and response to methoprene treatment, sterile flies of both sexes tended to have shorter copula duration than fertile flies. Neither methoprene supplements nor sterilization affected longevity of flies. The present study confirms effectiveness of dietary methoprene supplements in accelerating sexual development of both fertile and sterile male (but not female) Q-flies, and also confirms that low-cost mosquito larvicides that contain methoprene can achieve effects similar to those for high-cost analytical grade methoprene as prerelease supplements for Q-fly SIT.
Evaluation of Eugenol and (E)-Cinnamaldehyde Insecticidal Activity Against Larvae and Pupae of Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae)
Authors: da Silva Bianca Carvalho , Melo Diego Rodrigues , Franco Cristiane Teixeira , Maturano Ralph , Fabri Rodrigo Luiz , Daemon Erik 
Published: July 2019

AbstractMusca domestica L., 1758, is an important mechanical vector of several pathogens for humans and livestock, making it essential to study new alternatives of more efficient and safer control for this dipteran. This study evaluated the toxicity of the phenylpropanoids eugenol and (E)-cinnamaldehyde on its life stages. A contact test with 10 repetitions (n = 10) was performed for each substance concentration on each post-embryonic immature life stage. Both substances presented insecticidal activity on the immature life stages of the dipteran, and secondary effects on development caused by sublethal concentrations. Larvicidal activity was shown from the 1.25 mg/ml concentration by eugenol and from 2.5 mg/ml by (E)-cinnamaldehyde, and both substances had a 100% larval treatment efficacy (LTE) from the 5mg/ml concentration. For pupal treatment, (E)-cinnamaldehyde differed from the control from the 10 mg/ml concentration (P < 0.05), and both phenylpropanoids caused malformation in adults from 10 mg/ml. The highest pupal treatment efficacy (PTE) was obtained from the 30 mg/ml concentration, 67.2% for (E)-cinnamaldehyde, and 32% for eugenol. The products tested in this study showed high larvicidal potential, and both presented pupicidal effects and caused malformation in adults from treated pupae.
μLAS technology for DNA isolation coupled to Cas9-assisted targeting for sequencing and assembly of a 30 kb region in plant genome
Authors: Milon Nicolas , Chantry-Darmon Céline , Satge Carine , Fustier Margaux-Alison , Cauet Stephane , Moreau Sandra , Callot Caroline , Bellec Arnaud , Gabrieli Tslil , Saïas Laure , Boutonnet Audrey , Ginot Frédéric , Bergès Hélène , Bancaud Aurélien 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Cas9-assisted targeting of DNA fragments in complex genomes is viewed as an essential strategy to obtain high-quality and continuous sequence data. However, the purity of target loci selected by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) has so far been insufficient to assemble the sequence in one contig. Here, we describe the μLAS technology to capture and purify high molecular weight DNA. First, the technology is optimized to perform high sensitivity DNA profiling with a limit of detection of 20 fg/μl for 50 kb fragments and an analytical time of 50 min. Then, μLAS is operated to isolate a 31.5 kb locus cleaved by Cas9 in the genome of the plant Medicago truncatula. Target purification is validated on a Bacterial Artificial Chromosome plasmid, and subsequently carried out in whole genome with μLAS, PFGE or by combining these techniques. PacBio sequencing shows an enrichment factor of the target sequence of 84 with PFGE alone versus 892 by association of PFGE with μLAS. These performances allow us to sequence and assemble one contig of 29 441 bp with 99% sequence identity to the reference sequence.
S-Nitrosothiol Signaling Is involved in Regulating Hydrogen Peroxide Metabolism of Zinc-Stressed Arabidopsis
Authors: Kolbert Zs , Molnï¿½r ï¿½ , Olï¿½h D , Feigl G , Horvï¿½th E , Erdei L , ï¿½rdï¿½g A , Rudolf E , Barth T , Lindermayr C 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Accumulation of heavy metals such as zinc (Zn) disturbs the metabolism of reactive oxygen (e.g. hydrogen peroxide, H2O2) and nitrogen species (e.g. nitric oxide, NO; S-nitrosoglutathione, GSNO) in plant cells; however, their signal interactions are not well understood. Therefore, this study examines the interplay between H2O2 metabolism and GSNO signaling in Arabidopsis. Comparing the Zn tolerance of the wild type (WT), GSNO reductase (GSNOR) overexpressor 35S::FLAG-GSNOR1 and GSNOR-deficient gsnor1-3, we observed relative Zn tolerance of gsnor1-3, which was not accompanied by altered Zn accumulation capacity. Moreover, in gsnor1-3 plants Zn did not induce NO/S-nitrosothiol (SNO) signaling, possibly due to the enhanced activity of NADPH-dependent thioredoxin reductase. In WT and 35S::FLAG-GSNOR1, GSNOR was inactivated by Zn, and Zn-induced H2O2 is directly involved in the GSNOR activity loss. In WT seedlings, Zn resulted in a slight intensification of protein nitration detected by Western blot and protein S-nitrosation observed by resin-assisted capture of SNO proteins (RSNO-RAC). LC-MS/MS analyses indicate that Zn induces the S-nitrosation of ascorbate peroxidase 1. Our data collectively show that Zn-induced H2O2 may influence its own level, which involves GSNOR inactivation-triggered SNO signaling. These data provide new evidence for the interplay between H2O2 and SNO signaling in Arabidopsis plants affected by metal stress.
MaMYB4 Recruits Histone Deacetylase MaHDA2 and Modulates the Expression of ω-3 Fatty Acid Desaturase Genes during Cold Stress Response in Banana Fruit
Authors: Song Chunbo , Yang Yingying , Yang Tianwei , Ba Liangjie , Zhang Hui , Han Yanchao , Xiao Yunyi , Shan Wei , Kuang Jianfei , Chen Jianye , Lu Wangjin 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Linoleic acid (LA; C18:2) and α-linolenic acid (ALA; C18:3) are two essential unsaturated fatty acids that play indispensable roles in maintaining membrane integrity in cold stress, and ω-3 fatty acid desaturases (FADs) are responsible for the transformation of LA into ALA. However, how this process is regulated at transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels remains largely unknown. In this study, an MYB transcription factor, MaMYB4, of a banana fruit was identified and found to target several ω-3 MaFADs, including MaFAD3-1, MaFAD3-3, MaFAD3-4 and MaFAD3-7, and repress their transcription. Intriguingly, the acetylation levels of histones H3 and H4 in the promoters of ω-3 MaFADs were elevated in response to cold stress, which was correlated with the enhancement in the transcription levels of ω-3 MaFADs and the ratio of ALA/LA. Moreover, a histone deacetylase MaHDA2 physically interacted with MaMYB4, thereby leading to the enhanced MaMYB4-mediated transcriptional repression of ω-3 MaFADs. Collectively, these data demonstrate that MaMYB4 might recruit MaHDA2 to repress the transcription of ω-3 MaFADs by affecting their acetylation levels, thus modulating fatty acid biosynthesis. Our findings provided new molecular insights into the regulatory mechanisms of fatty acid biosynthesis in cold stress in fruits.