Mapping sources,sinks, and connectivity using a simulation model of northern spotted owls

Source-sink dynamics are an emergent property of complex species–landscape interactions. A better understanding of how human activities affect source-sink dynamics has the potential to inform and improve the management of species of conservation concern. Here we use a study of the northern spotted owl (Strix occidentalis caurina) to introduce new methods for quantifying source-sink dynamics that simultaneously describe the population-wide consequences of changes to landscape connectivity. Our spotted owl model is mechanistic, spatially-explicit, individual-based, and incorporates competition with barred owls (Strix varia). Our observations of spotted owl source-sink dynamics could not have been inferred solely from habitat quality, and were sensitive to landscape connectivity and the spatial sampling schemes employed by the model. We conclude that a clear understanding of source-sink dynamics can best be obtained from sampling simultaneously at multiple spatial scales. Our methodology is general, can be readily adapted to other systems, and will work with population models ranging from simple and low-parameter to complex and data-intensive.     

An analysis of age and body weight at first calving for Holsteins in the United States

In a national survey of US dairy producers, only 2.7 ± 0.5% of Holstein dairy operations reported achieving recommended target ranges of age ≤ 24 months and body weight (BW) ≥ 550 kg at first calving. Allowing for wider target ranges, still only 14.6 ± 1.3% of Holstein dairy operations reported achieving age ≤ 25 months and BW ≥ 544.3 kg at first calving. Ages of individual first-calf heifers observed at calving were heavily skewed toward older individuals. Dairy producers reported an average age at first calving that was 1.3 months lower than the mean and 1.0 months lower than median age of first-calf heifers' observed calving on the operations. Stepwise logistic regression was used to identify the herd characteristics associated with producers reporting first calvings within the wider age and BW target ranges for Holsteins. Rolling herd average milk production ≥ 7711 kg/yr, using a computer for recordkeeping, and not tying preweaned heifers in a barn with cows, were associated with achieving the target BW and age at first calving.     

Gehalte von Baumwurzeln an chemischen Elementen einschließlich Schwermetallen aus Luftverunreinigungen

Concentrations of chemical elements in tree roots including heavy metals from air pollution Total concentrations of P, S, Na, K, Mg, Ca, Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb were measured in roots from beech, spruce, ash, maple and a forest herb (Mercurialis perennis). The root samples were taken from a site with an acid soil type (Saure Braunerde) and from a site with calcareous soil (Rendzina). All elements except Mn, Zn and Pb (on acid soils) and Ca (on calcareous soils) showed higher concentrations in finest roots (<1 mm diameter) compared to fine roots (1–2 mm). In the case of the toxic heavy metals, this is interpreted as a consequence of reduced root uptake due to physiological processes or to organic complexing, followed by an accumulation at the root surface. Compared with aboveground plant parts, roots show accumulation of Al, Pb, Cd and Zn, indicating reduced translocation from roots to shoots. Roots from acid soil show higher concentrations of P, Mn, and Pb than in calcareous soil. The concentrations of Al and heavy metals in the roots are considered to be a consequence of the contamination of the investigated forest sites by long-range transported air pollutants, i.e. acid precipitation and deposition of heavy metals.     

Flüssebilanzen und aktuelle Änderungsraten der Schwermetall-Vorräte in Wald-Ökosystemen des Soiling

Flux balances and current rates of change of heavy metal stores in forest ecosystems of the Soiling The inventory of the heavy metals Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb is calculated for a beech and a spruce forest ecosystem in the Soiling mountains on the basis of measured concentrations in the vegetation and soil compartments and their dry mass per hectare. The inventory is compared with measured heavy metal fluxes coupled with precipitation above and below the canopy, with seepage water fluxes below the rooting zone (50 cm depth), with litterfall, and with the current increment to biomass. The ratios between heavy metal stores in the forest floor layers (table 3) and the annual flux with litterfall (table 4) show decreasing tendency for liberation of the elements by decomposition of organic matter (OM) in the following order: Mn>OM>Ni>Cd>Cu>Cr ≈? Zn>Co ≈? Fe ≈? Pb Manganese is set free faster than total organic matter. The flux balances for the total ecosystems (table 4) show input > output in the case of Cr, Fe, Cu, Cd, and Pb; input ≈? output for Ni and Zn; input < output for Mn and Co. Heavy metal stores in mineral soil are decreasing by percolation losses and increment to biomass (mainly wood) in the case of all elements investigated, except Zn (under beech), Cd and Pb (table 4). The concentrations of Cu and Pb in the forest floor layers have reached levels at which deleterious effects on microorganisms and litter decomposition are to be expected.     

Plant age and levels of resistance to green leafhopper, Nephotettix virescens (Distant), and tungro virus in rice varieties

The level of resistance of rice varieties IR5 to IR46 to the green leafhopper, Nephotettix virescens (Distant) (Homoptera: Cicadellidae) was evaluated on the basis of the seedling bulk test, insect survival and population growth. Results of the seedling bulk test indicated that two varieties were susceptible, 10 moderately resistant and seven resistant. IR22 and IR46 were susceptible and IR24, IR28, IR29, IR30 and IR34 were resistant. Insect survival and population growth differed significantly among varieties of the same age and at different plant ages within the same variety. Generally, insect survival decreased with plant age, being lower at 45 and 60 days after sowing (DAS) than at either 15 or 30 DAS. Population growth on resistant varieties was low at the three plant ages tested. A rating system which takes all three tests into consideration showed that sister lines IR28, IR29 and IR34, which all have the variety Gam Pai as one of the resistant parents, were the most resistant to N. virescens. In addition, only a small percentage of these plants were infected with tungro virus, of which N. virescens is the main vector.     

Structure–activity relationships of eugenol derivatives against Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) larvae

BACKGROUND: Dengue fever is a severe public health problem for several countries. In order to find effective larvicides to aid control programs, the structure‐activity relationships of eugenol derivatives against Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) larvae were evaluated. Additionally, the composition and larvicidal activity of Syzygium aromaticum essential oil was assessed. RESULTS: Four compounds representing 99.05% of S. aromaticum essential oil have been identified. The essential oil was active against Ae. aegypti larvae (LC₅₀ = 62.3 and 77.0 ppm, field‐collected and Rockefeller larvae respectively). The larvicidal activity of eugenol, the major compound of the essential oil, was further evaluated (LC₅₀ = 93.3 and 71.9 ppm, field‐collected and Rockefeller larvae respectively). The larvicidal activity and structure‐activity relationships of synthetic derivatives of eugenol were also assessed. The larvicidal activity of the derivatives varied between 62.3 and 1614.9 ppm. Oxidation of eugenol allylic bond to a primary alcohol and removal of the phenolic proton resulted in decreased potency. However, oxidation of the same double bond in 1‐benzoate‐2‐methoxy‐4‐(2‐propen‐1‐yl)‐phenol resulted in increased potency. CONCLUSION: Structural characteristics were identified that may contribute to the understanding of the larvicidal activity of phenylpropanoids. The present approach may help future work in the search for larvicidal compounds. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

水稻品种抗褐稻虱的改进筛选法及其应用

介绍了鉴定水稻抗褐稻虱的改良苗期集团筛选法（MSST）,该方法可有效地鉴别中抗品种,同时可在室内进行,用虫量邵,方法简便。采用MSST方法对国际水稻研究所收集保存的部分水稻种质进行了筛选鉴定。     

Characterization of the trade in manta and devil ray gill plates in China and South‐east Asia through trader surveys

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Control of heifer mastitis by nutrition

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The Impact of Organic Biofertilizer Application in Dairy Cattle Manure on the Chemical Properties of the Soil and the Growth and Nutritional Status of Urochroa Grass

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