Distribution, status, and conservation needs of Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) in Lampung Province, Sumatra, Indonesia

In the mid 1980s, Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) populations were believed to persist in 44 populations on the Indonesian island of Sumatra. Twelve of these populations occurred in Lampung Province, but our surveys revealed that only three were extant in 2002. Causal factors underlying this decline include human population growth, changes in land use, and human-elephant conflict. Nevertheless, our surveys in the Province’s two national parks, Bukit Barisan Selatan and Way Kambas, produced population estimates of 498 (95% CI = [373, 666]) and 180 (95% CI = [144, 225]) elephants, respectively. The estimate for Bukit Barisan Selatan is much larger than previous estimates; the estimate for Way Kambas falls between previous estimates. The third population was much smaller and may not be viable. These are the first estimates for Southeast Asian elephant populations based on rigorous sampling-based methods that satisfied the assumptions of the models used, and they suggest that elephant numbers in these parks are of international importance. While our results suggest that Sumatra’s remaining elephant populations may be larger than expected, they also suggest that the future for these animals is bleak. Human-elephant conflict was reported around all three areas in Lampung and their elephant populations are currently threatened by habitat loss and poaching. Local solutions are possible, but will require much greater commitment by all stakeholders.     

Detection of phloridzin in strawberries (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) by HPLC-PDA-MS/MS and NMR spectroscopy

The phenolic profile of strawberry fruits (Fragaria x ananassa Duch., Rosaceae) was investigated by high-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection. A peak displaying retention time and UV spectral data identical to those of phloridzin (phloretin 2'-O-beta-d-glucoside), a dihydrochalcone glucoside so far considered characteristic of apples, was monitored. For further characterization, crude extracts of strawberries were purified on polyamide, and the target compound was isolated by preparative and analytical HPLC. Structure elucidation was performed on the basis of APCI- and ESI-MS in the negative ion mode as well as by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy using authentic phloridzin for comparison. The d-configuration of the sugar moiety was established by HPLC analysis of the corresponding acyclic 1-deoxy-1-(N-acetyl-alpha-methylbenzylamino)alditol acetate. Apart from its chemotaxonomic relevance, this first report on the occurrence of phloridzin in strawberries is of particular interest for the authenticity control of strawberry products such as juices, jams, and fruit preparations since phloridzin has so far been used for the detection of fraudulent admixtures.     

Density-Dependent Growth and Survival of Penaeus setiferus and Penaeus vannamei in a Semi-Closed Recirculating System

Abstract.— Two growth trials utilizing Penaeus vannamei and Penaeus setiferus were conducted at densities of 28.4, 56.8, 85.2, 113.6, 170.4, 227.3 and 284.1/ m² in an indoor recirculating system. There was an inverse linear relationship between stocking density and growth among both species. The relationship between final weight and stocking density is described by the following linear equation: P. setiferus , Y =−0.00619X ± 4.46, adj. r²= 0.8572;. P. vannamei, Y =−0.00717X ± 7.39, adj. r²= 0.6230. Although the responses in terms of growth depressions were similar, P. setiferus growth was lower than that of P. vannamei . There was an inverse relationship between stocking density and survival for P. setiferus . Survival of P. vannamei was highly variable but was negatively correlated with density. Based on the results of the present study, P. setiferus has a similar tolerance of high density as that of P. vannamei and hence may be suitable for intensive culture systems. However, depressed growth rates of P. setiferus , which do not appear to be due to effects of water quality or density, must be solved if growth rates similar to P. vannamei are to be realized.     

Urinary incontinence in spayed female dogs: frequency and breed disposition

A follow up study was performed in 412 spayed bitches in order to determine the incidence of urinary incontinence. The period between the operation being performed and the survey being made varied between 3 and 10 years. 83 animals (20.1%) were incontinent independent of the surgical procedure (ovariectomy versus ovariohysterectomy). The onset of incontinence varied between immediately to 12 years with an average period of 2.9 years after surgery. 57 of these incontinent bitches were treated with ephedrine or estrogen. In 73.7% a good response was achieved with ephedrine and a further 23.7% showed some improvement. Generally ephedrine was more successful than estrogen in the treatment of incontinence. There appears to be a strong connection between body weight and the incidence of incontinence. Of bitches with a body weight of less than 20 kg only 9.3% were incontinent. Whereas in bitches with a body weight of more than 20 kg the incidence was 30.9%. Of the breeds Boxers showed a high incidence of incontinence (65%) while breeds such as German Shepherds (10.6%) or Dachshunds (11.1%) showed a low incidence in relation to the average incidence rate (20.1%).     

Geklontes Kalb in Neustadt geboren

Am 27.8.1992 wurde beim Besamungsverein Neustadt (BVN) in Neustadt a.d. Aisch ein geklontes Fleckviehkalb geboren. Die Identität der Abstammung konnte eindeutig gesichert werden. Der erfolgreiche Kerntransfer in einem Versuchsprogramm soll belegen, daβ sich nach der Fusion einer Blastomere aus einem Spenderembryo mit einer in vitro gereiften und enukleierten Empfängeroozyte ein Embryo entwickeln kann, der nach Transfer auf ein Empfängertier zur Geburt eines gesunden Kalbes führt.
Contents: A cloned calf was born in Neustadt ad. Aisch
A cloned "Fleckvieh" calf was born at the Al-Association Neustadt (BVN) in Neustadt a.d. Aisch on August, 27, 1992. The identity of the parentage could be verified undoubtedly. The successful nuclear transfer in an experimental program showed that the fusion of a blastomere from a donor embryo with an in vitro matured and enucleated recipient oocyte led to the development of an embryo, and after transfer to a synchronous recipient to the birth of a healthy calf.     

Fracture repair with transfixation pins and fiberglass cast in llamas and small ruminants

Transfixation pinning with fiberglass casting is an effective and adaptable method of longbone fracture fixation in llamas and small ruminants. Treatment of fractures in 7 limbs of 4 llamas and 2 small ruminants with this technique are described. Steinmann pins are placed transcortically proximal, and if necessary, distal to the fracture. The pin ends and limb are encased in fiberglass cast material. The cast is strong enough in animals of this size to eliminate the need for external frames or connecting bars. Severely comminuted fractures and fractures near joints are especially suited to fixation with this technique. Complications encountered in these cases included loosening of pins and one delayed union. All fractures healed to permit full use of the limb.     

Correlations of stomatal conductance with hydraulic, chemical and environmental variables in five urban tree species

Recent findings suggest that stomatal conductance (g_s) may be as closely linked to plant chemical variables as to hydraulic variables. To test this in an urban field setting, we examined seasonal g_s in relation to a number of plant and environmental variables in five temperate, deciduous tree species. Stomatal conductance was generally more closely correlated with abscisic acid concentrations in xylem sap than with shoot water potential, shoot osmotic potential, pH of xylem sap or environmental variables. Seasonal g_s was mostly poorly correlated with shoot water potential and osmotic potential. Among environmental variables, PPFD accounted for most variability in g_s. We tested a model, developed previously in maize, that describes regulation of g_s by abscisic acid concentration of xylem sap with leaf water status acting to modify stomatal sensitivity to the abscisic acid signal. This model explained somewhat more variation in g_s than abscisic acid concentrations alone. Response surface models, especially those incorporating environmental variables, were most successful at explaining g_s. Our findings with urban trees are consistent with the theory of regulation of g_s by root-sourced abscisic acid.