bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
RNAi screening: new approaches, understandings, and organisms
Authors: Mohr Stephanie E. , Perrimon Norbert 
Published: September 2011

AbstractRNA interference (RNAi) leads to sequence‐specific knockdown of gene function. The approach can be used in large‐scale screens to interrogate function in various model organisms and an increasing number of other species. Genome‐scale RNAi screens are routinely performed in cultured or primary cells or in vivo in organisms such as C. elegans. High‐throughput RNAi screening is benefitting from the development of sophisticated new instrumentation and software tools for collecting and analyzing data, including high‐content image data. The results of large‐scale RNAi screens have already proved useful, leading to new understandings of gene function relevant to topics such as infection, cancer, obesity, and aging. Nevertheless, important caveats apply and should be taken into consideration when developing or interpreting RNAi screens. Some level of false discovery is inherent to high‐throughput approaches and specific to RNAi screens, false discovery due to off‐target effects (OTEs) of RNAi reagents remains a problem. The need to improve our ability to use RNAi to elucidate gene function at large scale and in additional systems continues to be addressed through improved RNAi library design, development of innovative computational and analysis tools and other approaches. WIREs RNA 2012, 3:145–158. doi: 10.1002/wrna.110This article is categorized under:

Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > RNAi: Mechanisms of Action
RNA Methods > RNA Analyses in Cells
The Nebraska deer exchange: A novel program for donating harvested deer
Authors: Hildreth Aaron M. , Hygnstrom Scott E. , Hams Kit M. , Vercauteren Kurt C. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractPopulations of white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) have become overabundant throughout their historic range, especially in developed landscapes. A variety of techniques, including controlled hunts in urban–suburban areas, are being used to increase harvest. Deer donation programs have been initiated in nearly all 50 states of the United States, and have been successful at providing venison to the hungry, but at significant costs to wildlife agencies and hunters. Our objectives were to: 1) develop a low‐cost program to facilitate the exchange of excess harvested deer from hunters to recipients; 2) evaluate the attitudes of participating hunters and recipients; and 3) determine the effectiveness of the Nebraska Deer Exchange (NDE). The NDE was developed in 2008, featuring an interactive webpage hosted by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (NGPC). The NDE served as a database and matchmaker for hunters and recipients to contact each other and arrange the transfer of harvested deer. We evaluated the program by conducting an e‐mail survey of participants. The code and website for the NDE were developed in 40 hr and the overall cost to NGPC was US$1,120. A total of 1,172 people participated the first year and >6,900 kg of venison was donated to willing recipients. Sixty‐six percent of donors indicated they harvested additional deer as a direct result of the NDE. Surveyed participants overwhelmingly indicated that the program was easy, inexpensive, and should continue the next year. The NDE aided in the harvest of additional deer, increased interactions between hunters and nonhunters, and provided nutritious venison to willing recipients. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Effects of seasons and hunting on space use by female white‐tailed deer in a developed landscape in southeastern Nebraska
Authors: Hygnstrom Scott E. , VerCauteren Kurt C. , Groepper Scott R. , Garabrandt Gary W. , Gubanyi Joseph A. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractWhite‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) were extirpated from a 1,800‐ha natural area along the Missouri River near Omaha, Nebraska, USA shortly after settlement in the mid‐1800s, but they recolonized the area in the early 1960s. In absence of hunting and predators, the population of deer became overabundant in the 1980s and 1990s. Deer impacted plant communities at Fontenelle Forest (FF) and Gifford Point (GP) and a 200–300% increase in deer–vehicle collisions was observed in the area. We radiocollared female white‐tailed deer in this region during February 1995–March 1996 to determine the effects of phenological seasons and archery and muzzleloader hunting on space use. Mean size of annual home ranges of 50 radiocollared female deer was 275 ha (range = 18–4,265 ha, SE = 88). Forty‐one of 50 deer (82%) maintained high fidelity to their small annual home ranges ( = 115 ha, SE = 13) and made short seasonal movements (<1.0 km). Seven deer dispersed and exhibited large seasonal shifts in centers of home ranges ( = 3.2 km, range = 1–7 km) and 2 deer exhibited migratory behavior. We observed no spatial patterns associated with seasonal dispersal or migration that would subject deer in unhunted areas to harvest in hunted areas. Controlled deer hunts were implemented in the upland areas adjacent to Bellevue residential area and the lowlands of FF and GP. Effects of archery hunting on deer use areas were minimal. Deer subjected to muzzleloader hunting increased the size of use areas by 88–97% and shifted centers of use areas a mean of 666 m (SE = 211, range = 121–1,932 m), but they did not leave the lowland areas of FF or GP. Controlled hunts enabled the removal of resident deer from populations adjacent to the Bellevue residential area. Where practical, we suggest that regulated hunting be used as part of an overall plan to manage densities of deer and associated impacts in developed landscapes. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Overabundant suburban deer, invertebrates, and the spread of an invasive exotic plant
Authors: Duguay Jeffrey P. , Farfaras Cheryl 
Published: September 2011

AbstractWhite‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) overabundance is a problem of serious concern for wildlife managers. At densities as low as 8 deer/km2, changes in vegetation due to deer feeding patterns have been demonstrated to negatively impact other wildlife species. The Middle Patuxent Environmental Area (MPEA) in Howard County, Maryland, USA, currently supports a deer population of approximately 41 deer/km2. We used an experimental approach to examine how deer overabundance in a suburban environment impacts both vegetation and invertebrates. Ten 20‐m × 20‐m deer exclosures were constructed in the MPEA during the winter–spring of 1999. Vegetation and invertebrate data have subsequently been collected inside the exclosures and areas adjacent to the exclosures (control) during the summers of 1999, 2003, and 2007. There was no initial difference in vegetation variables between exclosure and control plots in 1999 (P > 0.05). Post‐1999, plant species richness was greater in the exclosure than in the control. A multivariate analysis of variance revealed differences (P < 0.001) in vegetation cover variables between exclosures and controls, with a greater percentage of forbs, shrubby vegetation, and taller stems in the exclosure and more grass and exotics in the control. There were few differences in invertebrates between exclosures. The differences observed in vegetation between exclosures is believed to reflect interactions between deer feeding patterns and the invasive Japanese stilt grass (Microstegium vimineum) and unless deer density is reduced, it is likely that the exotic Japanese stiltgrass will continue to increase in abundance and native plant species will decrease. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Attitudes of Urban and suburban residents in Indiana on deer management
Authors: Stewart Chad M. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe Indiana Division of Fish and Wildlife created urban deer zones in 1996 that liberalize opportunity and bag limits for Indiana (USA) hunters in areas experiencing increased conflict between humans and deer (Odocoileus virginianus); yet, no comprehensive survey of residents in these areas has been conducted to determine whether the regulations have been effective. A survey was distributed to randomly selected residents of Fort Wayne, Evansville, and Lafayette to determine their opinions on the local deer population, to assess their attitudes toward the present deer population levels, and to gather information on their preferences for deer management. Hunters residing in these areas were also surveyed. Over 87% of respondents indicated that the deer herd had either stayed the same or had grown since urban deer zones were established. Nearly 74% of respondents did not allow hunting on their property, despite it being the most acceptable form of management for white‐tailed deer. There were noticeable differences in perceptions of the deer population and management techniques between hunters, former hunters, nonhunters who are pro‐hunting, anti‐hunters, and animal rights advocates. Additional opportunities (e.g., expanded crossbow use, expanded muzzleloader seasons) were supported by many, while nontraditional techniques (e.g., sharpshooting, trap‐and‐kill) were not supported. The lack of access to land by licensed hunters will continue to restrict opportunities for state management through traditional hunting and seasons. Nontraditional techniques may be needed in the future; however, substantial work must be done prior to implementation to increase public support for these approaches. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Efficacy of GnRH immunocontraception of wild white‐tailed deer in New Jersey
Authors: Gionfriddo James P. , Denicola Anthony J. , Miller Lowell A. , Fagerstone Kathleen A. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractSafe and effective contraceptive agents are needed to manage overabundant populations of cervids in settings where traditional management methods such as hunting are prohibited or impractical. We used GonaCon™ Immunocontraceptive Vaccine to reduce reproduction in individual white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) on a fully fenced corporate‐office campus in suburban New Jersey, USA. In July–August 2005, we captured, marked, injected, and released 47 adult females and then monitored their reproductive performance for 2 years. Thirty‐two of these females each received a 1.0‐mL injection of GonaCon vaccine, and 15 control females were given sham injections. Field observations of udder condition during summers of 2006 and 2007 were used to determine which adult female deer were lactating; lactation was used as an indicator of imminent or recent parturition. During summer 2006, 8 of 24 GonaCon‐treated deer were pregnant, in contrast to 12 of 13 control deer. During summer 2007, 2 years after injections were given, 13 of 23 GonaCon‐treated and 10 of 12 control animals were pregnant. We also captured, vaccinated, and released fawns (both sexes) and yearling and adult males and then monitored their reproductive status. Immunocontraception of fawns was unsuccessful. In some GonaCon‐treated males (all age classes), serum testosterone concentrations and development of testes and antlers were reduced. Higher anti‐gonadotropin‐releasing‐hormone antibody titers were associated with greater infertility in females and with lower values for reproductive parameters in males. GonaCon reduced reproduction in wild adult female white‐tailed deer, but greater contraceptive efficacy may be required for it to gain widespread acceptance and use by natural resource managers. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Regulated commercial harvest to manage overabundant white‐tailed deer: An idea to consider?
Authors: VerCauteren Kurt C. , Anderson Charles W. , van Deelen Timothy R. , Drake David , Walter W. David , Vantassel Stephen M. , Hygnstrom Scott E. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractDeclines in hunter recruitment coupled with dramatic growth in numbers of white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) have challenged our ability to manage deer populations through regulated hunting. We review the efficacy of current regulated hunting methods and explain how they are unable to reduce deer numbers sufficiently in some environments. Regulated commercial harvest would provide an additional tool to help state wildlife agencies manage overabundant populations of white‐tailed deer. We outline potential means to govern regulated commercial deer harvest and explain how it is compatible with the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation. We identified several benefits, including reduced overabundant populations of deer; source of healthy, natural, green, locally produced protein; promotion of economic growth, entrepreneurship, and market expansion; and public engagement and appreciation. We also address expected concerns associated with this concept, such as privatization of wildlife; overexploitation; food safety; competition with existing commodities; law enforcement; and challenges of changing laws, regulations, and attitudes. We suggest developing a professional forum to address the issue of regulated commercial harvest of white‐tailed deer and other overabundant species of wildlife. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Movements and home ranges of white‐tailed deer in response to roadside fences
Authors: Gulsby William D. , Stull Daniel W. , Gallagher George R. , Osborn David A. , Warren Robert J. , Miller Karl V. , Tannenbaum Lawrence V. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractAlthough roadside fences have been proven effective at reducing deer–vehicle collisions (DVCs), information on how these fences alter deer behavior is lacking. We evaluated the effects of a traditional and a novel fencing design, constructed alongside a roadway, on movements and home ranges of white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). From January to April 2009, we fitted 14 adult female deer with Global Positioning System collars, programmed to collect ≥24 locations/day. In June 2009 we constructed a 3.2‐km fence that included a 1.6‐km section of 2.4‐m vertical‐wire fence and a 1.6‐km section of a prototype outrigger fence (i.e., 0.6 m, shade‐cloth [50% opaque plastic sheeting] on a 45° outrigger angled toward the deer attached to the top of a 1.2 m, vertical‐wire fence). We retrieved collars between January and March 2010. We compared home ranges, fence crossings, and fence circumventions among deer that encountered the outrigger and 2.4‐m fences as well as for deer that encountered neither fence (i.e., controls), before and after fence construction. Actual crossings of the fence area were reduced, postconstruction, by 98% and 90% for the 2.4 m and outrigger treatment groups, respectively, suggesting that the fences were sufficiently effective to simulate how deer respond to roadside barriers. Deer with pretreatment home ranges that approached or encompassed the fence endings maintained a high degree of site fidelity by circumventing the endings. This study highlights the importance of incorporating information on deer behavior and resource usage into DVC‐reduction strategies. If these factors are not accounted for, DVC frequency will likely stay the same, or increase, near fence endings. Thus, roadside fences should likely end at natural barriers to deer movements (i.e., heavy development) or incorporate some means of safe crossing into their endings. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Survival and harvest‐related mortality of white‐tailed deer in massachusetts
Authors: Mcdonald John E. , Destefano Stephen , Gaughan Christopher , Mayer Michael , Woytek William A. , Christensen Sonja , Fuller Todd K. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractWe monitored 142 radiocollared adult (≥1.0 yr old) white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in 3 study areas of Massachusetts, USA, to estimate annual survival and mortality due to legal hunting. We then applied these rates to deer harvest information to estimate deer population trends over time, and compared these to trends derived solely from harvest data estimates. Estimated adult female survival rates were similar (0.82–0.86), and uniformly high, across 3 management zones in Massachusetts that differed in landscape composition, human density, and harvest regulations. Legal hunting accounted for 16–29% of all adult female mortality. Estimated adult male survival rates varied from 0.55 to 0.79, and legal hunting accounted for 40–75% of all mortality. Use of composite hunting mortality rates produced realistic estimates for adult deer populations in 2 zones, but not for the third, where estimation was hindered by regulatory restrictions on antlerless deer harvest. In addition, the population estimates we calculated were generally higher than those derived from population reconstruction, likely due to relatively low harvest pressure. Legal harvest may not be the dominant form of deer mortality in developed landscapes; thus, estimates of populations or trends that rely solely on harvest data will likely be underestimates. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Effects of landscape and land‐ownership patterns on deer movements in a suburban community
Authors: Kilpatrick Howard J. , Labonte Andrew M. , Barclay John S. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractWhite‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) have adapted to, and are thriving in, residential–suburban landscapes. Special hunts, sharpshooting programs, and fertility control efforts have been implemented in residential communities to reduce local deer populations. For these management strategies to be effective, it is important to understand deer movement and behavior patterns in suburban landscapes. Our objectives were to quantify annual and hunt‐season home‐range size, and evaluate the relationships between landscape characteristics, land‐ownership patterns, and deer movements during the autumn hunting season. Much variation in home range size was observed for annual (15.5–173 ha) and hunt‐season home range (16.8–120.7 ha) over the 2‐yr study. Deer core areas were not characteristically different from home ranges with regards to forest lands or building density, but were different with regards to road density and property density. Deer use of core areas during the day was similar to, or higher than, deer use at night. Most individual properties in deer core areas were <2.8 ha. Under the current set‐back distance for firearms hunting (152 m), 31% and 38% of deer had no portion of their home range potentially open to firearms hunting, and 69% and 81% had no portion of their core areas potentially open to firearms hunting in years 1 and 2. Percentage of forest in home range buffers decreased from 66% in year 1 (abundant acorns) to 46% in year 2 (moderate acorns) as deer shifted into residential development. Findings from our study emphasize the value of conducting multiyear studies and incorporating other variables such as mast abundance to improve interpretation of landscape models. The close association of deer core areas with roads suggests that sharpshooting programs that bait and shoot deer from roads may be an effective management option. In suburban landscapes, deer core areas are comprised of many different landowners, limiting hunter access and mobility to deer core areas. No‐hunt buffers around buildings should be reduced to levels that increase hunter access to deer core areas, yet maintain reasonable safety zones. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
The evolution of an Urban deer‐management program through 15 years
Authors: Wiggers Ernie P. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe Borough of Fox Chapel, Pennsylvania, USA implemented an urban deer‐management program in 1993 consisting of archery hunting, sharpshooting by police officers, and trapping and euthanasia. Over the following 15 years, 2,980 deer were removed using these methods with most (68%) being harvested by archery hunters. However, over the duration of the program the number of bowhunters and number of white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) harvested by bowhunters declined, resulting in greater reliance on police sharpshooting to compensate for the lower harvest by archery hunters. Beginning in 2003, the number of deer removed by police sharpshooters exceeded that removed by archery hunters. The combined deer‐management program has been successful in reducing the negative impacts of overabundant deer as measured by the number of deer–vehicle collisions, which declined from 81 in 1993 to a 15‐year low of 19 in 2007, potentially saving residents some US$ 1.6 million in vehicle repair costs. Although leadership within the Borough changed over time, the primary goals of the deer population management program were sustained. Urban communities entering into a deer management program should craft a program that has built‐in flexibility and be prepared to allow the program to evolve over time as conditions change. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Hunter perceptions and acceptance of alternative deer management regulations
Authors: Cornicelli Louis , Fulton David C. , Grund Marrett D. , Fieberg John 
Published: September 2011

AbstractWildlife managers are often confronted with a policy paradox where a majority of the public supports an outcome, but there is no agreement on specific management strategies to achieve this outcome. Previous research has also reported a link between regulatory acceptance, hunter satisfaction, and hunter participation rates. Thus, human dimensions research aimed at understanding hunter motivations and behavior is needed for effective management. In 2005, we surveyed Minnesota (USA) deer hunters (n = 6,000; 59% response) to evaluate attitudes regarding alternative deer (Odocoileus virginianus) harvest regulations. We also conducted a series of forced choice experiments in which respondents were asked to select an option from a list of representative regulations that might be adopted to achieve a particular deer management goal. Specifically, we modeled 5 deer population scenarios ranging from low populations with high buck‐harvest rates to populations 50% over goal density. Our results indicate that hunters preferred different regulations depending on the population scenario, but generally preferred antler‐point restrictions and disliked limiting buck licenses through a lottery. We also found consistency among scenarios, in that a small percentage of respondents indicated they would not hunt if regulations were changed. The results from this study should help wildlife managers design deer harvest regulations that are both acceptable to hunters and achieve management objectives. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Examining the potential of community design to limit human conflict with white‐tailed deer
Authors: Gorham Dawn A. , Porter William F. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractModification of habitat has the potential to be both less costly and less controversial than direct management of white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) populations in addressing problems related to suburban deer overabundance. A novel approach to reducing deer–human conflict would involve anticipating issues of deer management when communities are designed. We tested the hypothesis that the compact character of traditional neighborhood designs will result in reduced habitat suitability for deer as compared to suburban‐sprawl patterns of development. We evaluated landscape pattern and estimated deer densities in 2 communities in upstate New York, USA, and then predicted habitat condition and potential deer densities in different types of development. Comparisons of the habitat conditions in the neighborhood versus sprawl areas revealed significant differences in the amount of edge between the tree and lawn class (P < 0.05), with sprawl development having a greater tree–lawn edge density. Both field and tree disjunct core‐area densities were significantly higher in areas of sprawl development (P < 0.01). Increasing amounts of field and the distribution of tree canopy across the landscape were associated with increased deer densities. In the suburban environment, where food is abundant, the availability of cover throughout the landscape becomes an important factor affecting deer density. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.