Cross-fostering in coyotes: Evaluation of a potential conservation and research tool for canids

Cross-fostering has been attempted opportunistically with endangered canids as a means of increasing populations. Due to the usefulness of cross-fostering for conservation, an understanding of factors influencing success rates is essential. Using captive coyotes (Canis latrans) as a model, we assessed the willingness of adult pairs to foster young born to other parents. We assessed the efficacy of fostering pups into existing litters (augmentation) and completely switching litters (replacement). We augmented four litters with two pups of similar age when pups were <7 days old. In addition, we replaced four entire litters when pups were <10 days old. We also augmented litters with pups 3-4 and 6-7 weeks of age. Survival, weight gain, and dominance status of pups were monitored for six weeks and compared to four control litters to determine success. All complete litter replacements were successful with survival rates among replaced pups (89.5%) similar to those of control litters (90%). For augmented litters, pup survival was dependent on the age at which fostering occurred. All pups fostered into 4 litters at <1 week of age survived beyond 6 weeks of age, two of three fostering attempts with 3-4-week-old pups succeeded, while neither of two attempts to foster 6-week-old pups succeeded. Surviving fostered pups appeared to be at no disadvantage. Weight gains were similar for pups in all treatments, and there was no evidence of reduced dominance status among fostered pups as compared to natal pups in the same litters. These results illustrate that genetic relatedness is not essential for successful fostering and does not appear to alter dominance patterns; however the age at which pups are fostered may affect the success of fostering attempts.     

Fit of four curve-linear models to decay profiles for pest control substances in soil

Experiments that investigate the pattern of degradation of pest control substances in soil are often undertaken to estimate the persistence of compounds in the environment. Mathematical models are typically fit to decay data to facilitate the interpretation of the results and make predictions concerning the environmental fate of xenobiotics in soil. Four mathematical models were fit to 61 data sets to compare their performance in conforming to empirical patterns of degradation of pest control substances in soil. The use of composite residual plots allowed comparisons of the performance of the different models over many data sets. While an exponential model, estimated using nonlinear regression, fit many data sets very well, a shift-log, biexponential, and Monod equation appears superior in many cases, and systematic deviations from data sets are often less evident with the latter models. A knowledge of the patterns of bias typically exhibited by each model across many data sets may be useful for selecting models with reduced bias when fitting individual data sets.     

Desmosterol: a biomarker for the efficient development of 20,25-diazacholesterol as a contraceptive for pest wildlife

20,25-Diazacholesterol is being evaluated as a contraceptive for the nonlethal control of avian and mammalian wildlife pests. The identification of an analyte in blood which was highly correlated with absorbed dose and efficacy is valuable for determining effective formulations and dosing variables. Such an analyte or biomarker is also valuable for determining the percentage of pest populations that consume an effective dose of the active ingredient in the field. HPLC analyses of blood collected from dosed animals failed to detect 20,25-diazacholesterol but indicated that levels of free cholesterol and related compounds were affected by 20,25-diazacholesterol absorption. The greatest percent change in chromatographic peak area associated with 20,25-diazacholesterol administration was observed for desmosterol, a cholesterol precursor. 20,25-Diazacholesterol appeared to block the conversion of desmosterol to cholesterol, resulting in an elevated concentration of the precursor. The elevation of blood desmosterol levels is being used as an indicator of 20,25-diazacholesterol absorption and to facilitate the development of a 20,25-diazacholesterol-based contraceptive for pest wildlife.     

Sampling and sample preparation for detection and quantitation of natural toxicants in food and feed

The primary goal of a sampling plan for natural toxins, i.e., mycotoxins and seafood toxins, is to obtain a sample that accurately represents the concentrations of individual components of a given lot. Factors affecting the ability of the sampling plan to accomplish this goal include: (1) nature of the analyte of interest; (2) distribution of the analyte throughout the lot, (3) physical characteristics of the product, (4) accessibility of the product to random representative sampling, (5) sampling procedure, and (6) size of sample. Sampling plans are composed of 3 distinct components: (a) sampling, (b) sample preparation, and (c) analysis. Normally, sampling contributes the largest relative error while analysis comprises the least. Automatic, continuous stream samplers provide the most representative samples for commodities such as nuts, cottonseed, and cereal grains. Good sample preparation equipment is currently available for these commodities; the use of this equipment to obtain a representative test sample is discussed.     

Quantifying imperfect detection in an invasive pest fish and the implications for conservation management

In managing non-native species, surveillance programmes aim to minimise the opportunity for invasions to develop from initial introductions through early detection. However, this is dependent on surveillance methods being able to detect species at low levels of abundance to avoid false-negative recordings through imperfect detection. We investigated through field experimentation the ability to detect Pseudorasbora parva, a highly invasive pest fish in Europe, in relation to their known density and sampling method. Secure pond mesocosms of area 100 m² contained P. parva densities from 0.02 to 5.0 m⁻²; each density was in triplicate. These were searched using point sampling electric fishing and deployment of fish traps (non-baited and baited). No fish were captured at densities <0.5 m⁻² using any method and this was considered their detection threshold. Point sample electric fishing was the least effective detection method, producing high proportions of false-negative data even at high fish densities. Baited traps were the most effective detection method. Probability of detection of P. parva was 1.0 for baited traps at all densities >0.5 m⁻², whereas for electric fishing it only exceeded 0.95 at 5.0 m⁻² using high searching effort. These data reveal that small pest fishes such as P. parva may be prone to imperfect detection when at low densities and this is consistent with a number of other invasive species. This indicates the importance of designing surveillance programmes using methods of known statistical power to optimise conservation resource expenditure and enhance management outcomes.     

Recovery and maintenance of North Island kokako (Callaeas cinerea wilsoni) populations through pulsed pest control

Kokako (Callaeas cinerea wilsoni) population recovery on the North Island of New Zealand depends primarily on control of key introduced mammal pests, especially ship rats (Rattus rattus) and brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula). Recovery can still occur if pest control is pulsed (x years ‘on’; y years ‘off’) because kokako sub-adults and adults are generally long-lived, although chick production is high only during ‘on’ years. Pulsing effort means that conservation resources can be extended to other sites or problems during ‘off’ years; that toxin input at any one site is reduced; and that project staff do not burn out by repeatedly working at a site. Mathematical modelling supports empirical evidence that pests need not be controlled every year in order to maintain or greatly increase kokako populations. It predicts that the total number of years during which there is pest control is the main factor determining population size. Three years of pest control in each 10 should be sufficient to at least maintain a population with 20 females when mean parameters apply, but pulsed control should still be effective with very pessimistic parameters. In the safest strategies, control should occur in minimum pulses of 2-3 years to avoid single poor years when few breeding attempts are made. Very small populations should first be increased to at least 20 females by translocation or continuous pest control. This will greatly reduce the probability of chance extinction, and increase the efficiency of subsequent pest control. The model will apply best to closed kokako populations below carrying capacity, in which pests are controlled over the entire block. Empirical data on the effects of habitat carrying capacity on kokako dispersal, and on the importance of stoats as predators of adult females are required to further strengthen the model.     

Evaluation of some soil and plant analysis procedures as predictors of the need for sulfur for corn production

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of measures of mineralized sulfur (S), soil sulfate‐sulfur (SO₄‐S), concentration of S in plant tissue, and the N: S ratio in plant tissue as predictors of the need for S in a fertilizer program for corn (Zea mays L.). Data to evaluate the use of plant analysis for S as a predictor were obtained from ten sites where various rates of N and S were applied to corn. Regression analysis was used to relate the S concentration in the ear leaf tissue as well as the N: S ratio in the same tissue to relative yield when the rate of applied N was held constant at a rate of 168 kg/ha. These measures of S in plant tissue were not significantly related to relative yield at sites where there was no response to fertilizer S as well as sites where added S increased yield.

Data from the same sites were used to assess the ability of soil tests to predict the need for fertilizer S. A measurement of extractable SO₄‐S in the surface soil (0–15 cm) was not reliable for predicting the need for S for corn grown on soils with a silt loam texture.

Static incubation techniques were used to evaluate the amount of S mineralized from soil collected from seven sites. The amount of SO₄‐S measured after four and twelve weeks of incubation was curvilinearly related (p <.05) to yield increase from a S fertilizer. Net mineralized S was less than 2.1 and 3.7 ppm SO₄‐S after four and twelve weeks of incubation, respectively, for soils taken from sites where response to fertilizer S was obtained. Data collected in this study indicate that a measure of mineralized S could improve the ability to predict S needs for corn production on soils with a silt loam texture and a low organic matter content.     

Evaluation of the Mehlich 3 Reagent as an Extractant for Cations and Available Phosphorus for Soils in Mozambique

Accurate soil testing procedures contribute to agricultural development of Mozambique. The Mehlich 3 (M-3) procedure has not been evaluated for Mozambican soils despite its wide applicability. Results showed M-3 solution could extract exchangeable calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and potassium (K) as well as 1 M ammonium acetate (NH₄OAc), while M-3 was not appropriate for extraction of exchangeable sodium (Na). M-3 was an alternative procedure to Bray-I for available phosphorus (P) extraction. Although M-3 extracted 1.6 times more P than Bray-I, determination coefficient between the two procedures showed significantly high value. P content in M-3 extracts can determine using inductively coupled plasma spectrophotometers (ICP) to maximize the merits of M-3. In conclusion, M-3 is applicable for determination of exchangeable Ca, Mg, K, and available P, in a single determination using ICP, and should contribute to development of effective and accurate soil diagnosis in Mozambique.     

Flavanols and methylxanthines in commercially available dark chocolate: a study of the correlation with nonfat cocoa solids

Intake of flavanols, a subgroup of dietary polyphenols present in many fruits and vegetables, may be associated with health benefits, particularly with reducing the risk of coronary diseases. Cocoa and chocolate products are rich in flavanol monomers, oligomers, and polymers (procyanidins). This study used normal phase HPLC to detect, identify, and quantify epicatechin, catechin, total monomers, procyanidin oligomers and polymers in 14 commercially available chocolate bars. In addition, methylxanthines (theobromine and caffeine) were also quantified. Nonfat cocoa solids (NFCS) were determined both gravimetrically and by calculation from theobromine contents. The flavanol levels of 12 commonly consumed brands of dark chocolate have been quantified and correlated with % theobromine and % NFCS. Epicatechin comprised the largest fraction of total chocolate flavonoids, with the remainder being catechin and procyanidins. Calculated NFCS did not reflect epicatechin (R(2) = 0.41) or total flavanol contents (R(2) = 0.49). Epicatechin (R(2) = 0.96) was a reliable marker of total flavanols, catechin (R(2) = 0.67) to a lesser extent. All dark chocolate tested contained higher levels of total flavanols (93.5-651.1 mg of epicatechin equiv/100 g of product) than a milk or a white "chocolate" (40.6 and 0.0 mg of epicatechin equiv/100 g, respectively). The amount and integrity of procyanidins often suffer in the manufacturing of chocolate, chiefly due to oxidation and alkalinization. In this study, the labeled cocoa content of the chocolate did not always reflect analyzed levels of flavonoids. Increasingly, high % NFCS is being used commercially to reflect chocolate quality. If the flavanol content of chocolate is accepted to be a key determinant of health benefits, then continued monitoring of flavanol levels in commercially available chocolate products may be essential for consumer assurance.     

Evaluation of Monier-Williams and Committee methods for bisulfite determination as used by the potato processing industry

The Monier-Williams and the iodometric Committee methods were evaluated for the determination of bisulfite in potato products. Both methods showed critical problems in accuracy and precision at concentrations below 60 ppm. Sensitivity levels of 25 ppm are possible with the Monier-Williams method. However, accuracy problems reflected by the coefficients of variation (Monier-Williams, 47.4%; Committee, 78.2%) as well as variability in recoveries and blank values for both methods produce qualitative rather than quantitative analytical data at low SO2 concentrations.     

Multivariate analysis of NMR and FTIR data as a potential tool for the quality control of beer

In this work, principal component analysis (PCA) is applied to the FTIR-ATR and the (1)H NMR spectra of 50 beers differing in label and type (ale, lager, alcohol-free), to identify the spectral parameters that may provide rapid information about factors affecting beer production. PCA of FTIR data resulted in the separation of beers mainly according to their alcoholic content, providing little information on components other than ethanol contributing to the variability within the samples. PCA of (1)H NMR spectra, performed on the region where major beer components resonate (3.0-6.0 ppm), resulted in the separation of samples into four groups: two groups characterized by the predominance of dextrins, one group of alcohol-free beers characterized by the predominance of maltose, and one group where glucose was found to predominate. By performing PCA on aliphatic and aromatic regions, the contribution of minor components was highlighted. In particular, most ales, lagers, and alcohol-free samples could be distinguished based on their aromatic composition, thus reflecting the high sensitivity of the low-field NMR region toward different types of beer fermentation.     

Evaluation of catalase and peroxidase activity as indicators of Fe and Mn nutrition for soybean

The influence of Fe and Mn supply on plant growth, Fe and Mn uptake and catalase and peroxidase activities of soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) cv. Williams was studied. Plants were grown in nutrient solutions until the second trifoliate stage under growth chamber conditions. Growth was depressed by the lowest Mn (0.0 ppm) and Fe (0.25 ppm) levels, and also by Mn in excess (5.0 ppm). The levels of Fe and Mn, and the interaction FexMn affected Mn and Fe uptake. Peroxidase activity was greatest at the highest Mn concentration at each Fe treatment level. On the other hand, catalase activity increased with Fe supply but no relation was observed with leaf Fe concentration. The interferences observed on both indicators make the use of these metalloenzymes difficult to appraise Fe nutritional status.     

Evaluation of vinification lees as a general medium for lactobacillus strains

Lactobacillus species present high nutritional requirements, so it is necessary to find new low-cost nutrient components for fermentation media. This work compares the utilization of vinification lees (an important residue of wineries) from red and white winemaking technology, distilled or not. An amount of 20 g of lees/L was used as the unique nutrient to obtain lactic acid from glucose using Lactobacillus strains with different properties: L. plantarum CECT-221, L. pentosus CECT-4023, L. casei CECT-5275, and L. coryniformis subsp. torquens CECT-25600. Only L. casei using distilled lees showed values (Pmax = 92.1 g/L and Y(P/S) = 1.05 g/g) similar to those obtained with the MRS broth. The UV spectra of white and red lees, distilled or not, allowed an interpretation of the different phenolic compounds present and their influence on the fermentation. Their detoxification by extraction with organic compounds and fermentation with L. pentosus was also considered. Time courses of glucose and lactic acid were modeled according to reported models to obtain more information about the process.     

土壤微生物量作为土壤肥力指标的探讨

对不同利用方式19个黑土样品的微生物量和养分进行了分析,结果表明林地的微生物量明显高于玉米地和大豆地,但玉米地和大豆地之间未表现出显著差异,土壤微生物量和土壤养分含量大体上都呈现出林地>大豆地>玉米地的一致的趋势;同时土壤微生物量与土壤有机质、全氮、全磷、速效钾和碱解氮呈现出显著或极显著正相关关系,分析结果还表明土壤微生物量碳作为评价土壤肥力指标比土壤微生物量氮更为灵敏。因此,土壤微生物量可以作为评价不同利用方式的黑土肥力水平的一个生物指标。     

Evaluation of Compost for Use as a Soil Amendment in Corn and Soybean Production

The purpose of this research project was to 1) evaluate rate of compost application and 2) to compare compost with uncomposted raw material and inorganic fertilizer N application upon maize and soybean growth and productivity, and upon soil characteristics. During the first three years of the study, the source of uncomposted material and compost was food waste and ground newsprint. During years 4 to 9 of the study, the source of uncomposted material and compost was dairy cow manure and wood chips. Application rates in field site 1 were 0, 11.2, 22.4, 33.6 and 44.8 Mg ha^?1 compost, 44.8 Mg ha^?1 uncomposted material and 140 kg ha^?1 fertilizer N (as urea). Application rates in field site 2 were 0, 22.4, 44.8, 67.2 and 134.4 Mg ha^?1 compost, 134.4 Mg ha^?1 uncomposted manure and 180 kg ha^?1 fertilizer N (dry matter basis). The high rates of compost application significantly raised organic matter levels, and available P and K compared to inorganic fertilizer N. Uncomposted manure and increasing compost application rates significantly increased grain yield, number of kernels per plant and plant weight. Composting significantly reduced pathogen indicator bacteria concentrations. The data of this study suggest that on these high organic matter soils 22.4 Mg ha^?1 to 44.8 Mg ha^?1 are optimal compost application rates.     

Evaluation of pumice as a perlite substitute for container soil physical amendment

Abstract

Shallow‐drained horticultural soils utilized in containers, sporting areas, and landscape sites tend to retain excess water and be poorly aerated as a consequence of capillary retention following irrigation or precipitation. This problem is usually corrected by soil physical amendment with coarse‐textured particulates which add pores sufficiently large to drain and provide adequate aeration. A variety of materials are used for soil physical amendment. One of the most common and successful amendments is perlite. This study examined the feasibility of using pumice, a very similar mineral, as a substitute for perlite in soil amendment.

The physiochemical properties of pumice important to its use as a container soil amendment were found similar to those of perlite.     

ED-XRF as a tool for rapid minerals control in milk-based products

An ED-XRF method for the rapid determination of a series of analytes (phosphorus, sulfur, chlorine, potassium, calcium, iron, zinc) in milk-based products has been developed and validated. The investigated samples were commercial products obtained from various parts of the world. Reference values measured by inductively-coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy and by potentiometry for chloride were used to calibrate the ED-XRF. Calibrations were established with 30 samples, and validation was made using a second set of 30 samples. An evaluation of this alternative method was done by comparison with data from the reference methods. Pellets of 4 g were prepared under 2 tons of pressure. For each sample, 3 pellets were prepared and analyzed. Limits of quantification and repeatabilities were evaluated for the described analytes.     

Evaluation of peracid formation as the basis for resistance to infection in plants transformed with haloperoxidase

Nonheme haloperoxidase (HPO-P) isolated from Pseudomonas pyrrocinia catalyzed the peroxidation of alkyl acids to peracids. Among acids tested as substrates, acetic acid was most readily peroxidized. The reaction product peracetate possessed potent antifungal activity: 50% death (LD(50)) of Aspergillus flavus occurred at 25 microM peracetate. Viability of A. flavus was inhibited by up to 80% by leaf extracts of tobacco plants transformed with the HPO-P gene from P. pyrrocinia compared to viability of fungi exposed to extracts from controls. To elucidate if peracid formation by HPO-P was the basis for antifungal activity in transgenic leaf tissues, lethalities of hydrogen peroxide-acetate-HPO-P combinations against A. flavus were examined in vitro. LD(50) of A. flavus exposed to the combinations occurred at 30 mM acetate when concentrations of hydrogen peroxide and HPO-P were held constant. This value was identical to the LD(50) produced by 30 mM acetate in the absence of hydrogen peroxide-HPO-P and therefore did not account for enhanced antifungal activity in transgenic plants. For clarification, kinetics of the enzymic reaction were examined. According to the concentration of acetate needed for enzyme saturation (K(m) = 250 mM), acetate was lethal prior to its oxidation to peracetate. Results indicate that peracid generation by HPO-P was not the basis for enhanced antifungal activity in transgenic plants expressing the HPO-P gene.     

Characterization and Evaluation of Compost Utilized as Ornamental Plant Substrate

Two composts produced at different times of the year from garden waste, sewage sludge and wood ash were evaluated for use as ornamental plant substrates. The maturity and lack of phytotoxicity of both composts, as well as the absence of E. coli, were first confirmed by use of laboratory procedures and rapid test kits. A greenhouse experiment was then carried out with two ornamental species, Petunia sp. and Tagetes sp., to evaluate the suitability of the composts as plant substrates. The performance of the composts as well as mixtures of each with 25, 50 and 75% acid peat moss was compared with that of a commercial universal substrate. Addition of the peat to the composts improved some of the physical and chemical properties. However, the results of the pot experiments indicated that under the experimental conditions used, the compost produced from green waste was suitable for use as a plant substrate, without the need for addition of other components; this appears to be an effective way of utilizing the type of urban waste considered in the study.