Chukar Watering Patterns and Water Site Selection

We evaluated chukar (Alectoris chukar) watering patterns as well as habitat variables influencing water site selection in western Utah. Motion-sensing cameras and chukar dropping counts were primary techniques to evaluate watering patterns. We took vegetative and other habitat measurements at each water source (n = 43) to discriminate use from nonuse sites using logistic regression. Chukars watered during daylight hours with a modal hour from 1200 hours to 1300 hours daylight savings time. Annual patterns suggest limited use of water sources from November to May with first observed visits occurring in June and last observed visits in October. Shrub canopy cover was the only variable to discriminate between site types (P &spilt; 0.01). Cross validation showed a predictive success rate of 84%. Significant differences were found between use and nonuse sites in terms of security cover (P &spilt; 0.01), but not total cover (P &spigt; 0.05). Chukars seem to have a loose shrub canopy threshold near 11% that is likely due to predation risk. Water sources meeting this threshold received use, whereas those not meeting this threshold did not. Increasing shrub canopy cover above 11% did not translate into increased water source use. Managers might want to consider annual patterns when setting hunt season timing and structure as well as judging sites for new water developments based on shrub canopy cover. More generally, these results suggest a behavioral constraint on the use of water sources as a function of predation risk—we should expect other species to demonstrate similar behavioral constraints. These constraints must be considered in any effort to determine benefits or impacts of water developments.     

Use of the O Horizon of Forest Soils in Monitoring Metal Deposition in Latvia

The concentrations of Cu, Cd, Pb, Zn, V,Ni, Cr, Fe Ca, Mg and K were determined in the organicsoil layer (O horizon) of pine forests in Latvia. Theconcentrations were expressed on a mass, volume andsurface area basis. When concentrations were calculatedper unit mass of the O horizon, significant positivecorrelations between concentrations in the O horizon andPleurozium schreberi were achieved for mostelements (excepting Cr, Ca and K), and to lesser degreesfor Cu, Pb, Zn, V, Ni and Fe when calculated on a volumeor area basis. Non-rotated principal components analysisidentified a major soil factor related to bulk density(volume- and area-based concentrations). The main groupsof related elements defined by varimax-rotated PCAcomponents were similar for the mass- and volume-baseddata, and regions with elevated levels of these elementscould be related to local pollution sources, similar tothe patterns previously reported from surveys based onmoss.     

Using AFLPs to determine phylogenetic relationships and genetic erosion in durum wheat cultivars released in Italy and Spain throughout the 20th century

Characterization of germplasm by DNA-markers provides a tool for precise germplasm identification and a quantitative assessment of genetic diversity. The genetic structure of the durum wheat germplasm grown in the Mediterranean basin varies largely from traditional landraces and cultivars characterized by a high versatility, to the modern varieties characterized by high yield potential, wide adaptation, and commercial end-use quality. The objective of this study was to assess the phylogenetic relationships among 24 durum wheat cultivars selected from relevant germplasm obtained at different periods in Italy and Spain, and to quantify the genetic erosion caused in durum wheat by breeding activities during the last century in these two countries.Genetic similarity between cultivars was studied by AFLP markers through the calculation of the Dice’s coefficient. The results showed a high degree of genetic similarity between the old Spanish cultivars and the collection of Italian cultivars, suggesting that wheat could have been introduced in the Iberian Peninsula via Italy. Genetic diversity estimates based on AFLP data confirmed the maintenance of genetic diversity with time since the values of Polymorphic Information Content were 0.27 for old cultivars (released before 1945), 0.28 for intermediate cultivars (released between 1950 and 1985) and 0.29 for modern cultivars (released between 1988 and 2000). These results indicate that genetic variability in Italian and Spanish durum wheat seems to have been maintained quite constant throughout the breeding process over the last century.     

Harmful winter wheat diseases and possibilities for their integrated control in Latvia

Decision support systems based on control thresholds are an important part of integrated disease control systems in winter wheat. Various warning and forecast systems have been developed in different countries (in Latvia – under the framework of Danish-Baltic joint project ‘Development and Implementation of an Internet-based Decision Support System for Integrated Pest Management’), but results were contradictory. The aim of this investigation was to identify the possibilities for integrated disease control under intensive management of winter wheat. Different schemes of fungicide treatment, including a decision support system, were tested in field trials from 2008 to 2012 in two places. Leaf blotches caused by Pyrenophora tritici-repentis and Zymoseptoria tritici are recognised as the most harmful wheat diseases in Latvia. The total impact of diseases, which was calculated as area under disease progress curves, was affected by the year and the scheme of fungicide treatment. Significantly higher yields were obtained in treatments with fungicide application, but differences between control strategies were not significant. The obtained results confirmed that two fungicide applications are not necessary (except certain cases). The results suggest that recommendations should be based on the disease incidence on the third or second leaf of wheat.     

The effects of ketamine hydrochloride and diazepam on the intraocular pressure and pupil diameter of the dog’s eye

Objective To determine the effects of 10% ketamine hydrochloride and 0.5% diazepam on intraocular pressure (IOP) and horizontal pupil diameter (HPD) in the canine eye. Procedures Ten healthy dogs for each treatment group were used in this study. In the first group, 20 mg/kg ketamine hydrochloride was injected intravenously; in the second, 0.5 mg/kg diazepam was similarly injected; and in the third, a control group, 0.9% saline was used. In all groups, IOP and HPD were measured every 5 min for 35 min in the first group, and 60 min in the second and third group. Results A maximum increase in IOP was obtained 5 min after ketamine injection, with IOP of 23.2 ± 5.8 mmHg (a 45.0% increase compared to baseline) in the right eye and 22.9 ± 5.9 mmHg (a 43.5% increase) in the left eye (both significant at P < 0.01). A significant IOP increase was observed throughout the research period of 35 min. Statistically significant increases in HPD (P < 0.05) were observed only at 5 and 25 min after ketamine injection. A significant increase in IOP was obtained 10 min after diazepam injection, showing a maximum IOP 20 ± 5.0 mmHg in the right eye (9.3% increase) and 19.9 ± 5.1 mmHg (8.7% increase) in the left eye (both significant at P < 0.05). HPD decreased during the study period, reaching the lowest level 30 min post‐treatment. Conclusions This study showed a substantial increase in IOP after ketamine injection and a less substantial, but still significant increase after diazepam injection. These findings should be taken into consideration when using these drugs in dogs with fragile corneas, or in dogs predisposed or affected by glaucoma.     

Seawater tolerance and morphological assessment of yearling sea trout (Salmo trutta L.)

To study seawater tolerance and make a morphological assessment of yearling sea trout, their maturation and smoltification signs were estimated in two different fish rearing systems in Latvia,—in recirculating and flow-through system. For yearling sea trout (Salmo trutta L.), fish hypo-osmoregulatory ability was evaluated using seawater tolerance test, also fish morphological parameters were analyzed from January to May. April and May are months when smoltification occurs for wild sea trout in nature. Sea trout from recirculating system initially showed better growth, higher survival rate, and hypo-osmoregulatory ability, due to the elevated rearing water temperature. However, the situation completely changed in May when natural smoltification peaked and wild sea trout migration to the sea occurred—survival rate for yearling sea trout reared in recirculating system dropped to zero. Nevertheless, survival of fish from flow-through system increased, reaching 33%. Furthermore, in flow-through systems, sea trout that survived had significantly lower condition factor, also silvering level was higher compared those who did not survive. Weight was not a useful factor for determination of sea trout smoltification. The most part of yearling sea trout did not smoltify at the age of 1 year and should be reared for one more year before release in natural watercourses foreseen for migration to the sea.

     

Toward estimating the value of stewardship volunteers: A cost-based valuation approach in King County,Washington, USA

Urban forestry professionals are increasingly challenged to find cost-effective strategies for resource conservation and management. Many organizations partner with citizen groups to host events that enlist volunteers to perform stewardship tasks like tree planting and trail maintenance. These volunteer programs incur costs to both the managing agency and partners, such as staffing, tools, and transportation. Volunteers contribute uncompensated time and expertise. Little is known about these contributions, yet citizen stewards and host groups represent an important human dimension of urban forest management. Using a survey administered to volunteers and host organizations at restoration events in King County Parks, WA, USA, we developed a cost-based approach to estimate the value of stewardship activities that occurred in the spring field season of 2011. Expenditures included volunteer and event host time and direct cost of traveling to and from events, on-site labor, equipment, and preparation costs. Results suggest that contributions made by volunteers and hosts are significant; the combined costs associated with the 17 sampled events was approximately $35,700. These efforts represent a small subset of the more than 1000 volunteer environmental stewardship activities that take place annually in King County.     

Pharmacokinetic profiles of metamizole (dipyrone) active metabolites in goats and its residues in milk

Metamizole (dipyrone, MET) is a nonopioid analgesic drug commonly used in human and veterinary medicine. The aim of this study was to assess two major active metabolites of MET, 4‐methylaminoantipyrin (MAA) and 4‐aminoantipyrin (AA), in goat plasma after intravenous (IV) and intramuscular (IM) administration. In addition, metabolite concentration in milk was monitored after IM injection. Six healthy female goats received MET at a dose of 25 mg/kg by IV and IM routes in a crossover design study. The blood and milk samples were analyzed using HPLC coupled with ultraviolet detector and the plasma vs concentration curves analyzed by a noncompartmental model. In the goat, the MET rapidly converted into MAA and the mean maximum concentration was 183.97 μg/ml (at 0.08 hr) and 51.94 μg/ml (at 0.70 hr) after IV and IM administration, respectively. The area under the curve and mean residual time values were higher in the IM than the IV administered goats. The average concentration of AA was lower than MAA in both groups. Over 1 μg/ml of MAA was found in the milk (at 48 hr) after MET IM administration. In conclusion, IM is considered to be a better administration route in terms of its complete absorption with long persistence in the plasma. However, this therapeutic option should be considered in light of the likelihood of there being milk residue.     

Accreditation process in the National Phytosanitary laboratory in Latvia1

The National Phytosanitary laboratory is the only laboratory in Latvia that provides testing of samples for regulated pests in the phytosanitary field. In 2001 a decision was made to implement Quality Assurance systems in the laboratory and obtain accreditation. From 2001 to 2003 preparation for accreditation took place in the laboratory. During this time a client of the laboratory, Sanitary Border Inspection of Latvia (SBI), arranged three audits to assess the activities of the laboratory in accordance with the requirements of ISO 17025. After a time and labour‐consuming preparation process on 2003‐12‐29 all the necessary documents including a Quality manual, two methods and procedures were submitted to the Latvian National Accreditation Bureau (LATAK). The first audit by LATAK was carried out in March 2005. After elimination of all non‐conformities, accreditation for two methods was received in 2005 (Method for detection and identification of Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus in potato tubers and Method for detection and identification of Ralstonia solanacearum in potato tubers). The Quality Assurance System was implemented and applies to the whole laboratory. Every year LATAK experts carry out monitoring visits and each time imperfections are found they must be eliminated or improved.