Search

Coastal areas are subject to the joint risk associated with rainfall‐driven flooding and storm surge hazards. To capture this dependency and the compound nature of these hazards, bivariate modelling represents a straightforward and easy‐to‐implement approach that relies on observational records. Most existing applications focus on a single tide gauge–rain gauge/streamgauge combination, limiting the applicability of bivariate modelling to develop high‐resolution space–time design events that can be used to quantify the dynamic, that is, varying in space and time, compound flood hazard in coastal basins. Moreover, there is a need to recognize that not all extreme events always come from a single population, but can reflect a mixture of different generating mechanisms. Therefore, this paper describes an empirical approach to develop design storms with high‐resolution in space and time (i.e., ~5 km and hourly) for different joint annual exceedance probabilities. We also stratify extreme rainfall and storm surge events depending on whether they were caused by tropical cyclones (TCs) or not. We find that there are significant differences between the TC and non‐TC populations, with very different dependence structures that are missed if we treat all the events as coming from a single population. While we apply this methodology to one basin near Houston, Texas, our approach is general enough to make it applicable for any coastal basin exposed to compounding flood hazards from storm surge and rainfall‐induced flooding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The natural complexity, heterogeneity, and extent of transboundary aquifers around the world, have led to controversy over which method or criteria should be used to identify and delineate their boundaries. Currently, there is no standard methodology that aquifer‐sharing countries can use to delineate the area of a transboundary aquifer. In the case of Mexico and Texas, Mexico uses administrative boundaries, whereas Texas uses geological boundaries. This paper proposes a method for delineation and prioritization of aquifers (or aquifer areas) called effective transboundary aquifer areas (ETAAs), which uses a combination of physical criteria (geological boundaries, topography, and hydrography) and the location and density of active water wells in the borderland between Mexico and Texas. This method identifies the area of priority (productivity area) in the aquifer using pumping patterns or hot spots regardless of the aquifer's surficial geological limits, therefore offering a more effective, local and practical management option at the transboundary level. Different geological features or pumping patterns will have different sizes and locations of ETAAs within the same aquifer. In West Texas, which is dominated by bolsons, the method produces limited options for ETAAs, whereas in South Texas in the easternmost border the identified ETAAs are more significant. Research Impact Statement: The effective transboundary aquifer areas approach is an alternative way to identify the priority area of an aquifer using pumping hot spots for a simpler and local‐based transboundary groundwater management scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since 1983, several authors have used panels of 'sentinel' congenital anomalies that might serve as indicators of the human genome mutation rate. The current study suggests a considerably updated panel, and applies it to public health birth defects registry data to determine the potential number of de novo cases. Data were taken from deliveries in 1999-2009 from the Texas Birth Defects Registry, an active surveillance program. Cases with one of the conditions or syndromes in the panel were identified using codes and text searches. Frequencies and birth prevalence were calculated for the overall panel and subcategories within it. Of the 60 conditions appearing in previous papers on sentinel phenotypes, 21 (35%) were used in the current study along with 27 new phenotypes. We found 1,694 cases. Of those, 1,100 exhibited phenotypes thought to arise de novo in at least 90% of the cases ('all/almost all' subpanel), and 594 considered de novo in roughly 50-90% of cases ('most' subpanel). Chromosomal deletion disorders were present in 523 cases and imprinting disorders in 243. After adjusting for maternal age, occurrence of cases in the total panel, 'most' subpanel, and imprinting disorders subpanel were significantly associated with paternal age. Our panel of sentinel phenotypes differs from previous panels due to evolved knowledge of genetic disorders, different approaches with respect to interviewing, and different operational definitions. It is hoped that using an overall panel as well as subpanels may maximize statistical power as well as suggest potential mechanisms. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the relationship between perceived risk and experience. This research addresses the processes by which people learn about risk and choose among real life prospects with associated uncertainties, risks and benefits. By comparing the impact of acute risk events with that of chronic risk events on public perception of risk during and after the events, this research focuses on the learning processes that characterize what kinds of risk events alter the perception of risk, Comparing materialized hazards at existing facilities withthe risks associated with potential facilities, this research addresses risk choices among real life prospects. This study uses a classicpre-post quasi-experimental design. Surveys conducted in the Spring of 1992 on perceived and acceptable risk in Odessa and La Porte, Texas were conducted prior to risk events. Respondents from that survey were re-interviewed in the Spring of 1993 after the risk events to form a panel design. This paper analyzes the affect of risk events on perceived risk and the implications of these experiences for public policy concerning technological risk. The empirical results suggest thatthe social processes that construct and maintain risk in the public eye are at least as important as, if not more important than, the physical and psychological dimensions of risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The west Texas segment of the Grenville orogen includes an oblique, dextral, transpressive zone. The orogen exposed near Van Horn, Texas, displays a transition from the mid-amphibolite-facies metamorphic core to a foreland fold and thrust belt. In this paper, detailed structural mapping and analyses, presented for key exposures of the metamorphic rocks, the Mesoproterozoic Carrizo Mountain Group, show a southeastward increase in number of deformational phases and intensity of deformation. The central portion is dominated by oblique northwest convergence, which produced two phases of northwest verging folds and synchronous, oblique reverse and dextral shearing. The thick parts of pre-tectonic mafic plutons, which had been emplaced as locally discordant sills, control the spatial distribution of structures. Two dominant phases of folds form Type 0 interference patterns (essentially coaxial and coplanar; i.e., fold tightening was dominant). This central belt also contains en echelon reverse to oblique shear zones and comprises a transfer zone within the orogen between structurally higher and lower major shear zones. Overall, the mapped part of the central Carrizo Mountains represents localized dextral transpression within a larger region dominated by reverse motion, possibly indicating a change through time from orthogonal to oblique contraction. Further south in the Bass Canyon region, the earlier fold generations are refolded into Type 2 ('mushroom') interference patterns. These structures show a westward vergence and are kinematically linked to those further north across a zone of disharmonic folding and heterogeneous shear. The structure and kinematics of the polyphase deformation and ductile shearing in the metamorphic portion of the orogen is compatible with that seen in the foreland fold-thrust belt, suggesting that in both foreland and hinterland, transpression was a characteristic feature of the west Texas Grenville orogeny. The timing and kinematics of deformation in the Van Horn exposures contrasts with that seen in the Llano uplift, but compares favorably with those of the Natal belt, South Africa, a relationship with implications for recently proposed reconstructions of Rodinia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon dioxide capture and geologic storage (CCS; geologic sequestration) is a promising technology for reducing anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere from industrial point sources. Aspects of CCS have been investigated for over two decades, and many large‐ and small‐scale geologic storage field demonstration projects are now underway globally. Interest in offshore CCS has been increasing in recent years (e.g., European Union, Australia, Japan, and the United States). Deep geologic storage in offshore settings is analogous to onshore CCS activities in many respects (i.e., geologic and geotechnical aspects), but is distinct from previously explored seabed sediment CO2 storage) or deep marine dissolution). Given the large subsurface geologic storage volumes available in offshore settings, much discussion of offshore CCS is focused on the benefits and risks of such activity compared to onshore settings. Similar to onshore settings, existing (legacy) wells likely present the most direct migration pathway and largest risk of noncontainment in offshore settings. As part of current studies to evaluate geologic storage options in offshore settings along the Texas coast and greater Gulf of Mexico (GoM), mapping of the geographic distribution and ages of wells in a region containing coastal counties and extending 30 miles offshore Texas indicates that both well spatial density and well age decrease moving from onshore to offshore. Results suggest reduced risk of leakage owing to more rigorous and documented well completion and abandonment practices for these generally younger wells (although many are decades old). A result of decreased well density is that larger areas are available for leasing for CCS projects that avoid legacy wells altogether (> 1 mile from any existing well). The one‐mile designation is used as an arbitrary convention, and while it is recognized that this is smaller than a typical area of review (AoR) for permitting, each site will have a different AoR radius for consideration. The combination of large subsurface storage volumes under control of a single landowner and reduced risks from legacy wells makes offshore CCS attractive in the GoM. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ophidiomyces ophidiicola (Oo) is a fungal pathogen and the causative agent of ophidiomycosis that has affected multiple snake taxa across the United States, Europe, and Asia. Ophidiomycosis has often been referred to as an emerging infectious disease (EID); however, its status as an EID has recently come under debate. Oo infections have been confirmed in wild snake populations in Texas; however, it is unknown if the pathogen is novel (i.e., invasive) or endemic to the state. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted surveys for Oo among preserved Nerodia deposited at three university museums in Texas. First, we visually assessed snakes for signs of infection (SOI), and if SOI were present, we sampled the affected area. We then used quantitative polymerase chain reaction to diagnose the presence of Oo DNA on areas with SOI and used these data to evaluate spatiotemporal patterns of Oo prevalence. We also tested for significant spatial clusters of Oo infenction using a Bernoulli probability model as implemented in the program SatScan. We found that the proportion of snakes exhibiting SOI was constant over time while the prevalence of Oo DNA among those SOI increased across space and time. Within these data, we detected an incidence pattern consistent with an introduction and then spread. We detected six spatial clusters of Oo infection, although only one was significant. Our results support the hypothesis that Oo is an emerging, novel pathogen to Texas snakes. These data narrow the knowledge gap regarding the history of Oo infections in Texas and establish a historical record of confirmed Oo detections in several counties across the state. Thus, our results will guide future research to those areas with evidence of past Oo infections but lacking confirmation in contemporary hosts. There is a considerable knowledge gap regarding the spatiotemporal dynamics of Ophidiomyces ophidiicola (Oo) infection among Texas snakes. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted surveys for signs of Oo infection (SOI) among preserved Nerodia deposited at three university museums in Texas. We used quantitative polymerase chain reaction to diagnose the presence of Oo DNA on snakes with SOI and then used spatiotemporal patterns in these data to evaluate the plausibility of novelty or endemism for Oo in this part of North America. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) are a grassland specialist that have experienced a >60% reduction in their historical range due to habitat fragmentation and encroachment of woody vegetation. Pronghorn populations are increasing in the Texas Panhandle despite conversion of grassland to cropland (27–43% of the regional landscape) and associated fragmentation. We hypothesized that pronghorn avoid cropland when selecting seasonal home ranges and avoid cropland within their home ranges. We captured 64 adult pronghorn of equal sex ratios in both the High Plains (n = 32) and Rolling Plains (n = 32) ecoregions of Texas, USA, during February 2017 and fitted them with iridium satellite global positioning system (GPS) collars. We collared 27 additional pronghorn in 2018 to account for mortalities and collar failures. We estimated resource selection functions for the High Plains and Rolling Plains populations using mixed‐effects logistic regression at the home range (second order) and within home range (third order) scales separately for each ecoregion and season (fawning, summer, rut, and winter). Our hypothesis that pronghorn avoid cropland was supported in the Rolling Plains ecoregion at the home range scale; otherwise, cropland was inconsistently and seasonally important in resource selection. Furthermore, pronghorn often avoided paved roads more strongly than cropland. At the home range scale during 2017–2019, female pronghorn in the High Plains selected cropland during rut and winter. Males exhibited weak selection for cropland during rut. Within home ranges in the High Plains, female pronghorn avoided cropland during fawning in 2017, during rut in 2017 and 2018, and during winter 2019 but selected areas closer to cropland in winter 2017 and fawning 2018. Males selected areas farther from cropland during all sampling dates in 2017 and winter 2019. Avoidance and selection of cropland within home ranges also varied among seasons and years in the Rolling Plains. Overall, pronghorn avoided cropland when selecting home ranges in the Rolling Plains and cropland was otherwise inconsistently and only seasonally important in resource selection at the home range and within home range scales. We speculate that loss of pronghorn habitat to cropland in the High Plains and Rolling Plains of Texas may outweigh temporary nutritional benefits from seasonal use of crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Empirical evaluations of flood damage from past events are key for identifying the most important factors influencing household vulnerability to floods. However, creating accurate assessments of flood risk with observed records is challenging because of issues associated with data quality, analytical approach, and the successful integration of different information and measurement schemes into one comprehensive model. This paper reviews these issues and proposes ways to overcome them using revised research protocols and spatial analytical methods and techniques. Recommendations are then applied to an empirical evaluation of residential property damages resulting from a major coastal storm in the Houston area, Texas. Results indicate that a parcel‐based, spatial approach to modelling flood risk yields a more detailed and accurate assessment of impacts with an explained variance 2 to 4 times greater than other observation‐based flood damage models available in the literature. Structural improvements to analytical approach and measurement also made it possible to derive direct measures of flood risk at neighbourhood scales and assess the influence of specific land development decisions with respect to major disaster events. Such improvements to flood risk modelling can help reduce the uncertainty of damage estimates and support effective decision‐making in insurance, risk management, and community planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Risk, Hazards & Crisis in Public Policy is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Management of a species requires knowledge of their distribution and the environmental factors that influence their use of an area. The kit fox (Vulpes macrotis) is a small fox species endemic to the threatened desert grasslands of the western United States and northern Mexico. Little information exists on the status and distribution of kit fox in Texas, USA; however, researchers have documented population declines in the closely related swift fox (Vuples velox) in the Texas Panhandle. Therefore, our objectives were to survey areas of potential kit fox habitat using remote trail cameras to determine use and detection rates for kit fox, evaluate and quantify environmental effects on habitat use, and map potential distribution of kit fox habitat throughout the Trans‐Pecos using results from the preceding occupancy analysis. We conducted camera surveys at 732 baited sites from March 2018 to March 2020, with each survey lasting 14 days on average (~10,248 camera‐days). We detected kit fox at 99 of 732 camera survey sites. We divided surveys into 3‐day sampling occasions and fit single‐season occupancy models to test for an effect of sampling occasion and season on detection and for effects of slope, elevation, shrub height, shrub canopy cover, percent litter, percent herbaceous cover, and bare ground on habitat use. Overall detection was 0.31 ± 0.001 (SE) and was influenced by sampling occasion and season, with detection being highest during November to February and earlier in the survey. Mean probability of use for sites was 0.17 ± 0.01 (range = 0.00–0.85) and was influenced by 4 environmental covariates, with the greatest probability of use in areas with gentler slopes, lower elevations, shorter shrubs, and a greater percentage bare ground. We used the most supported model to make a map of predicted habitat use across the Trans‐Pecos region and showed evidence of model fit. Our work provides detailed baseline information on the distribution and environmental relationships of kit fox in the region and can be used to assist with future research and monitoring efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coevolution with predators leads to the use of low‐risk habitats by many prey species, which promotes survival during early developmental phases. These nurseries are valued by conservation and management agencies because of their contributions to adult populations. However, the physical and geographic characteristics, like shallow depths and isolation from other marine habitats, that restrict access to predators and thereby reduce risk to juvenile animals can also limit scientific research. Consequently, many nursery habitats are still unidentified and understudied. Here we used gillnet monitoring from 1982 to 2018 to delineate blacktip shark (Carcharhinus limbatus) nurseries in the north‐western Gulf of Mexico and elucidated their physical, environmental and biological characteristics. Nursery habitats within estuaries (<2% of spatial area) were proximate to the Gulf of Mexico and exhibited significantly lower variability in salinity than non‐nurseries. However, relative abundances of predators and prey were not significant delineators of nursery habitats. As such, food and risk may not influence juvenile blacktip habitat use as expected. Alternatively, reduced osmoregulatory stress attributed to predictable environments likely provides advantageous conditions for blacktips to develop foraging and antipredator tactics, which is vital prior to the winter migration of juvenile sharks into the Gulf of Mexico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We use Texas's constitutional amendment in 1997 that expanded the scope of home equity loans as a source of exogenous variation to estimate the effects of relaxing credit constraints on small businesses. We find, using standard panel data methods and restricted‐use microdata from the US Census Bureau, that the Texas amendment increased the use of home equity finance by small businesses, increased new business and job creation and reduced firm exit and job loss. The effects are larger and significant for businesses with fewer than 10 employees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes a 5-year planning process that addressed the decline of hunting participation in Texas. We began the planning process by examining 20 years of research that revealed a decline in hunting participation and factors contributing to the decline. We convened a Hunting Think Tank meeting where we presented the 20-year trend data to 30 individuals with vested interests in the future of hunting in Texas. One outcome of the first meeting was the development of a synthesis brochure, "The Future of Hunting in Texas," to educate the hunting public and stakeholders about current trends and future implications and build support for the need to develop a strategic plan. The Future of Hunting information and brochure were presented to the Hunting Advisory Board of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, after which the Board added development of a strategic plan to its agenda. In fact, the 2002 Governor's Hunting Heritage Symposium was delayed one year until a strategic plan was developed. Group Solutions was hired to survey the hunting and nonhunting public about the future of hunting in Texas. Its survey data were used to define content of the strategic plan during a 2-day meeting of 60 invited stakeholders before the annual conference of the Texas Wildlife Association. The strategic plan included, among other things, all issues and problems associated with the decline in hunting participation in Texas, an action plan to address the decline, and the requirements needed to activate the plan. Several other valuable outcomes derived from the planning process, beyond development of the Strategic Plan, were included in this report. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mottled ducks (Anas fulvigula) are endemic to the Gulf Coast of North America, and their range stretches from Alabama to the Laguna Madre of Mexico, with a distinct population in peninsular Florida and an introduced population in South Carolina. As one of the few non‐migratory ducks in North America, mottled ducks depend on a variety of locally available habitat throughout the annual cycle, and threats to these landscapes may affect mottled ducks more acutely than migratory species. Annual population monitoring has revealed declines in mottled duck populations in Texas and Louisiana since 2008, and the genetic integrity of the Florida population has been muddled by the presence of large numbers of feral mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) resulting in hybridization. Similar to other closely related dabbling ducks, mottled duck populations are influenced by recruitment and breeding season survival, so changes in these factors may contribute to population decline. Accordingly, researchers have attempted to address various aspects of mottled duck breeding season ecology and population dynamics since the 1950s. We conducted a literature review on this topic by searching a combination of key terms using Google Scholar, including mottled duck, nesting ecology, habitat use, breeding incidence, nest success, brood, and breeding season survival, and followed citation trees to eventually aggregate information from nearly 50 publications on mottled duck breeding ecology. Our review concluded that mottled ducks use brackish and intermediate coastal marsh, including managed impoundments, and agricultural land during the breeding season. Their nests can be found in pastures, levees, dry cordgrass marsh, cutgrass marsh, spoil banks, and small islands. Nesting propensity and nest success estimates are often lower than other waterfowl species that are characterized by stable or increasing populations. Broods use wetlands composed of a mix of open water with submerged and emergent vegetation. Breeding season survival is higher for the Florida population than the western Gulf Coast population, but adult survival in both geographies is comparable to (or higher than) that of other dabbling duck species. Breeding habitat use, breeding season survival, and nest‐site selection and success have been studied extensively in mottled ducks, whereas information on nesting propensity, renesting intensity, and post‐hatch ecology is lacking. © 2021 The Wildlife Society. : Mottled ducks are residents along the Gulf Coast and peninsular Florida; therefore, they rely on locally available habitat to completely fulfill their needs throughout the annual cycle, including the demanding breeding period. Breeding habitat use, breeding season survival, and nest‐site selection and success have been extensively studied in mottled ducks, whereas information on nesting propensity, renesting intensity, and post‐hatch ecology is lacking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anglo-Texas women typically do not think of themselves as Southerners, but many can use speech forms that came to Texas from the American South. The relationship of Texas women to Southern speech is complex, and Texas women orient to and use Southern forms in various ways. Several of the possibilities are briefly illustrated. These examples serve to raise questions about language crossing and stylization in contexts in which the variety being adopted does not clearly 'belong' to an outgroup, and to suggest some new avenues for thought about what 'regional varieties' are and how regionally-marked speech forms can serve as rhetorical resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent pluvial years, extreme precipitation, and highly variable precipitation in the Southern Plains have produced substantial socioeconomic damage. While numerous studies examine the characteristics of heavy precipitation, explicit identification of meteorological 'cause' (e.g., thunderstorms, extratropical cyclones, weather fronts, etc.) is often excluded from climatological analyses. This work examines the meteorological cause and associated characteristics of widespread heavy precipitation (WHP) in the Texas‐Gulf watershed, using 16 years of weather observations and Stage IV multi‐sensor precipitation. WHP days are those with heavy rain (24‐hr accumulation at or above 95th percentile) that have spatial coverage and/or basin‐wide accumulations ≥90th percentile. Using expert assessment, WHP days and events (the latter as the total duration of distinct weather system in the watershed) are categorized into meteorological causes. WHP days possess longer durations and higher rain rates, and are important contributors to annual accumulation. Disaggregation of WHP days/events by cause reveals notable seasonal and interannual variability, with a tendency for frontal systems to dominate annually. Recent pluvial years have featured increased duration of frontal systems, while dry years showed a dearth of extratropical cyclones and summer mesoscale convection. While duration is statistically distinct between different cause categories for certain seasons and causes, rain‐rates generally were generally not found to depend on the event type. WHP events were accompanied by numerous meteorological and surface hazards, most notably severe thunderstorms during spring and summer, while the proportional contribution of flood hazard reports peaked during the fall. Ultimately, the climatological information extracted from this work may benefit researchers, planners, and water‐resource professionals dealing with precipitation extremes in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The status of species in freshwater systems shift over time due to natural and anthropogenic causes. Determining the magnitude and cause of these shifts requires a long‐term perspective. This process is complicated when there are also questions about the taxonomic validity of a species. Addressing these issues is important because both can undermine conservation and management efforts if incorrect. Pleurobema riddellii, Louisiana Pigtoe, is under review for protection under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, but its status in the Trinity River basin, where the taxon was described, remains in doubt due to questions about its taxonomy and occurrence within this basin. To address these questions, we compared shell morphometrics of P. riddellii dating to the late Holocene with modern P. riddellii, late Holocene Fusconaia sp., and modern Fusconaia sp. using multivariate analyses to test associations between the putative morphotypes. Based on these analyses, we demonstrate that P. riddellii was likely present in the Trinity during the late Holocene, which indicates questions about its taxonomic validity or presence in this basin are unfounded. Our study further highlights the role zooarchaeological studies can play in status assessments and their utility in better understanding biogeographic patterns for rare species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) abundance is declining. Food limitations have been hypothesized to exacerbate the boom and bust cycle exhibited by bobwhites, with supplemental feeding advocated as a way to mitigate this annual variability in demographics. A new technique (i.e., broadcast feeding) has exhibited positive effects on the seasonal survival of bobwhites. To ensure the safe adoption of any management practice, replication is necessary. We employed a randomized, crossover experimental design to evaluate the effect of 3 different supplemental feed rates (full [69.1 kg/km], half [34.6 kg/km], control [no feed]) on bobwhite survival and used the known‐fate data type to assess the fate of radio‐marked individuals within the Rolling Plains of Texas, USA. We assessed temporal (biological vs. calendar season) and treatment‐level (feed vs. control) effects on survival. Our top temporal model included an interaction between year and calendar season as the most parsimonious model. Survival was lowest during winter. The most parsimonious treatment‐level model included an interaction between feed and winter, plus the additive effect of snow depth. The application of the full and half feed treatments had positive effects on survival during winter compared to control units in both years, across all pastures. Our data indicated there was no difference between the full and half feed rates. Snow accumulation had a negative effect on survival in both years. Broadcast feeding improved winter survival rates and subsequently, the number of females available entering the breeding season. Broadcast feeding serves as an additional management tool for wildlife managers within a strategic management program to benefit bobwhite survival during periods of physiological stress. We recommend the continued use of this management technique in regions where similar range and weather conditions exist to further evaluate its effectiveness. © 2018 The Wildlife Society. We unequivocally found support that provisioning of supplemental feed for northern bobwhites via a broadcast method abated winter effects by improving survival, especially during periods of extended snow accumulation. In areas with the risk of winter weather events, we recommend broadcast feeding during winter (Dec–Mar) to improve bobwhite survival and increase breeding populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Airborne dust can alter ecosystem productivity and biogeochemical cycling by enhancing atmospheric nutrient and pollutant deposition. Wet dust deposition (dust‐in‐rain) is less frequently quantified than dry deposition but represents a potentially significant flux to ecosystems. We quantified dust‐in‐rain event frequency, dust influence on rainwater ionic and elemental composition, and wet dissolved and particulate deposition during weeks affected by dust‐in‐rain and all other weeks (background samples) at two sites across Texas (one arid, Guadalupe Mountains, and one humid, Gulf coastal prairie) during the centennial‐scale 2012 drought. Although dust‐in‐rain was sporadic, a clear dust signature was evident in rainwater. Compared to background samples, crustal species (Fe and Mn) were more prevalent than anthropogenic species (Cu and Zn) in dust‐in‐rain. Volume‐weighted mean rainwater concentrations of K+, Na+, and Cl− and of all particulate elements were also significantly greater in dust‐in‐rain than in background samples. In the Guadalupe Mountains, West Texas, dust‐in‐rain contributed nearly 50% of annual wet dissolved Na+ and Cl− and 22–35% of dissolved Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, and PO43− deposition. In the Gulf coastal prairie, East Texas, dust‐in‐rain delivered 19%, 13%, and 9% of annual wet dissolved PO43−, Ca2+, and K+ deposition, respectively. A major proportion of annual wet particulate deposition (>56% in Guadalupe Mountains and ~30% in Gulf coastal prairie) similarly occurred with dust‐in‐rain. Our findings show that infrequent dust‐in‐rain events constitute an important but overlooked pathway for elemental flux to ecosystems in arid source and humid receptor sites during severe drought. Quantifying these fluxes is crucial to determine dust impacts on ecosystem processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Since the beginning of the century, several authors have hypothesized and documented the presence of bottom currents during the deposition of mudstones, including mudstones rich in organic matter, challenging the assumption that persistent low‐energy conditions are necessary prerequisites for deposition of such sediments. More processes responsible for transport and deposition of mudstones mean also more processes acting contemporaneously in different parts of a basin. Without a precise and robust chronostratigraphic framework, however, it is not possible to characterize these differences. The new data reported here provide a profoundly different understanding of the controls on sedimentation in distal continental shelf platforms. To enhance the understanding of the different coeval environments of deposition coexisting in a muddy system, the Upper Cretaceous Eagle Ford Group, deposited on the Comanche carbonate platform, has been investigated by integrating sedimentology, mineralogy, geochemistry and palaeoecology, and creating age models in different physiographic sectors using biostratigraphy and geochronology. Data from two cores and 41 outcrops were analysed with a telescopic approach, from grain scale to basin scale. Nine temporal stages over a ca 8 Myr interval (ca 98 to 90 Ma) were defined in an area that spans 75 000 km2. Finally, the different environments of deposition recorded within each of the nine stages were interpreted. The construction of the chronostratigraphic framework also allowed: measuring the duration of a basin‐wide gradational increase in energy in the water column (ca 1 Myr) and a hiatus confined into the shallower water sector (ca 2 Myr); determining the mean eruption frequency of volcanoes (ca 9 kyr); and the time of inundation of the Western Interior Seaway (97·5 to 97·1 Ma). The context, the outcrops–cores–logs correlations, the large data set (Appendix  S1), the high‐precision and well‐calibrated constraints represent an unprecedented contribution for future regional facies models of organic‐rich units and for improvements of key aspects in the industry of unconventional resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Public art and urban renewal have become integral to reconstructing urban landscapes. In this essay we assess how these two spatial practices converge and diverge in the historically and predominately Black community of the Third Ward in Houston, Texas. The essay examines the work of MF Problem and the Black Guys, two Black artist collectives based in the Third Ward. We argue that their public performances critically engage the spatial processes of gentrification and ghettoization in their neighborhood. Furthermore, these performances indicate a unique spatial imaginary held by Black artists that privileges the use value associated with long‐term residents’ views of public and private space over the potential exchange value rooted in urban renewal projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Many plant species experience large differences in soil moisture availability within a season, potentially leading to a wide range of leaf water potentials (ΨLEAF). In order to decrease the risk of leaf dehydration, among species, there is a continuum ranging from strict control (isohydry) to little control (anisohydry) of minimum ΨLEAF. In central Texas USA, species are exposed to a range of soil moisture from wet springs to hot, dry summers. There are diverging water management strategies among the four dominant woody species in this system; two of these species are more isohydric (Prosopis glandulosa, Quercus fusiformis) while two others are more anisohydric (Diospyros texana, Juniperus asheii). To maintain leaf turgor and photosynthesis during periods of limited soil moisture, anisohydric species may adjust leaf hydraulic parameters more than isohydric species. To test this hypothesis, we quantified iso/anisohydry from 3 years of ΨLEAF predawn and midday measurements, and we measured the changes in turgor loss points (ΨTLP), osmotic potential at full hydration (Ψπ100), and resistance to leaf hydraulic dysfunction (leaf P50) throughout the spring and summer of 2016. Diospyros and Juniperus experienced more negative ΨLEAF and adjusted ΨTLP and Ψπ100 in response to both drying soils during the summer also in response to rainfall events during September. In contrast, the more isohydric species (Quercus and Prosopis) did not appear to adjust ΨTLP or Ψπ100 in response to soil moisture. The more anisohydric species also adjusted leaf P50 during periods of reduced soil moisture. Our results suggest that species that experience wider ranges of ΨLEAF have a greater ability to alter leaf hydraulic properties. This provides insight on how species with different strategies for water potential regulation may modify properties to mitigate drought effects in the future. A plain language summary is available for this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Despite the increasing economic losses from floods in coastal communities, little observational research has been done at a fine spatial scale to identify the relative influence of residential location in predicting adverse economic impacts. In response, this study conducts a parcel‐level analysis of flood losses to identify the influence of specific location‐based variables on property damage from multiple flood events. We statistically isolate the effect of multiple location‐based characteristics on insured flood claims associated with two major coastal storms for over 7813 properties within the Clear Creek watershed southeast of Houston, Texas. Results indicate that location‐based variables are among the strongest predictors for both, where seemingly subtle shifts in location add up to large dollar losses from flooding. These findings provide an increased understanding of the role of physical location within a flood‐vulnerable region and how residential choice can be a major factor in exacerbating actual property loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chagas disease ( Trypanosoma cruzi infection) is one of the most important neglected tropical diseases affecting the Americas. The transmission dynamic of this parasite is a complicated process that involves three genera of Triatominae subfamily and over 100 known mammalian reservoirs composed of domestic, peridomestic and wildlife species. Understanding the complex relationship between vector species and mammalian hosts is important for preventing transmission to humans. We performed a historical literature review to assess the disease burden in the Texas wildlife and domestic animal population. Reports of sylvatic transmission in Texas date back to the 1940s. We found that up to 23 species can serve as reservoirs for T. cruzi in the state with wood rats, raccoons, and wild and domestic canine species most frequently reported as positive for the parasite. We finish with a discussion of the current research gaps, implications for high-risk populations and future directions for research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The mottled duck ( Anas fulgivula) is a non-migratory duck dependent on coastal habitats to meet all of its life cycle requirements in the Western Gulf Coast (WGC) of Texas and Louisiana, USA. This population of mottled ducks has experienced a moderate decline during the past 2 decades. Adult survival has been identified as an important factor influencing population demography. Previous work based on band-recovery data has provided only annual estimates of survival. We assessed seasonal patterns of female mottled duck survival from 2009 to 2012 using individuals marked with satellite platform transmitter terminals (PTTs). We used temperature and movement sensors within each PTT to indicate potential mortality events. We estimated cumulative weekly survival and ranked factors influential in patterns of mortality using known-fate modeling in Program MARK. Models included 4 predictors: week; hunting and non-hunting periods; biological periods defined as breeding, brooding, molt, and pairing; and mass at time of capture. Models containing hunt periods, during and outside the mottled duck season, comprised essentially 100% of model weights where both legal and illegal harvest had a negative influence on mottled duck survival. Survival rates were low during 2009-2011 (12-38% annual rate of survival), when compared with the long-term banding average of 53% annual survival. During 2011, survival of female mottled ducks was the lowest annual rate (12%) ever documented and coincided with extreme drought. Management actions maximizing the availability of wetlands and associated upland habitats during hunting seasons and drought conditions may increase adult female mottled duck survival. © 2017 The Wildlife Society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyanobacteria occupy many niches within terrestrial, planktonic, and benthic habitats. The diversity of habitats colonized, similarity of morphology, and phenotypic plasticity all contribute to the difficulty of cyanobacterial identification. An unknown marine filamentous cyanobacterium was isolated from an aquatic animal rearing facility having mysid mortality events. The cyanobacterium originated from Corpus Christi Bay, TX. Filaments are rarely solitary, benthic mat forming, unbranched, and narrowing at the ends. Cells are 2.1 × 3.1 μm (width × length). Thylakoids are peripherally arranged on the outer third of the cell; cyanophycin granules and polyphosphate bodies are present. Molecular phylogenetic analysis in addition to morphology (transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy) and chemical composition all confirm it as a new genus and species we name Toxifilum mysidocida. At least one identified Leptolyngbya appears (based on genetic evidence and TEM) to belong to this new genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Associations have been reported between maternal radiation exposure and birth defects. No such studies were found on radon. Our objective was to determine if there is an association between living in areas with higher radon levels and birth defects. Methods The Texas Birth Defects Registry provided data on all birth defects from 1999 to 2009 from the entire state. Mean radon levels by geologic region came from the Texas Indoor Radon Survey. The association between radon and birth defects was estimated using multilevel mixed effect Poisson regression. Results Birth defects overall were not associated with residential radon levels. Of the 100 other birth defect groups with at least 500 cases, 14 were significantly elevated in areas with high mean radon level in crude analyses, and 9 after adjustment for confounders. Cleft lip with/without cleft palate had an adjusted prevalence ratio of 1.16 per 1 picoCurie/liter (pCi/L) increase in exposure to region mean radon, 95% confidence interval, 1.08-1.26. Cystic hygroma / lymphangioma had an adjusted prevalence ratio of 1.22 per 1 pCi/L increase, 95% confidence interval, 1.02-1.46. Other associations were suggested but not as consistent: three skeletal defects, Down syndrome, other specified anomalies of the brain, and other specified anomalies of the bladder and urethra. Conclusion In the first study of residential radon and birth defects, we found associations with cleft lip w/wo cleft palate and cystic hygroma / lymphangioma. Other associations were suggested. The ecological nature of this study and multiple comparisons suggest that our results be interpreted with caution. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 106:5-15, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The current study is the first to examine the association of a broad range of sociodemographic factors with conditions thought to arise most of the time by de novo mutation. Methods Data were taken from 1999 to 2009 from the Texas Birth Defects Registry (TBDR), a statewide active surveillance program. We used Poisson regression to generate crude and adjusted measures of association; the latter included models with all variables and with a parsimonious subset of variables. Results There were 1694 cases with any of the phenotypes in the panel, 1100 cases in a subpanel with ≥90% of cases thought to arise de novo, 523 with chromosomal deletion disorders, and 243 with imprinting disorders. In the most parsimonious models, there was an increasing time trend in all groups except imprinting ( p ≤ 0.01). Plurality (twins, triplets, etc.) was associated with greater risk of all groups except chromosomal deletions ( p ≤ 0.01). Parental age showed strong trends with all groups; paternal age was most important for the total and imprinting groups ( p ≤ 0.0001), and maternal age for the others ( p ≤ 0.04). De novo mutation phenotypes were more prevalent among offspring of fathers who are non-Hispanic White compared with some other race/ethnic groups. Conclusion This study suggests that birth defects arising by new mutation may be more prevalent among offspring of older parents and in plural births. The increasing time pattern and race/ethnic pattern may be related to greater use of or access to genetic tests. This approach to mutation epidemiology seems feasible for birth defects registries to consider.Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 103:913-927, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Felicity D Scott, Associate Professor of Architecture at Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation (GSAPP), describes here the instant city events of the early 1970s. These foreshadowed current global village media practices in what now seems a quaintly material manner: communication between sites involved the physical mailing of videotapes and 'wire photos' through the postal service. The sites themselves - in the US and elsewhere - were transformed into 'instant cities' through the erection of physical geodesic domes, teepees and inflatables in seas of mud. The true antecedents of today's instant networking, these pioneers embraced the newest technology available at the time and the most innovative forms of temporary architecture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The decline in population and range of lesser prairie-chickens ( Tympanuchus pallidicinctus) throughout the central and southern Great Plains has raised concerns considering their candidate status under the United States Endangered Species Act. Baseline ecological data for lesser prairie-chickens are limited, especially for the shinnery oak-grassland communities of Texas. This information is imperative because lesser prairie-chickens in shinnery oak grasslands occur at the extreme southwestern edge of their distribution. This geographic region is characterized by hot, arid climates, less fragmentation, and less anthropogenic development than within the remaining core distribution of the species. Thus, large expanses of open rangeland with less anthropogenic development and a climate that is classified as extreme for ground nesting birds may subsequently influence nest ecology, nest survival, and nest site selection differently compared to the rest of the distribution of the species. We investigated the nesting ecology of 50 radio-tagged lesser prairie-chicken hens from 2008 to 2011 in the shinnery oak-grassland communities in west Texas and found a substantial amount of inter-annual variation in incubation start date and percent of females incubating nests. Prairie-chickens were less likely to nest near unimproved roads and utility poles and in areas with more bare ground and litter. In contrast, hens selected areas dominated by grasses and shrubs and close to stock tanks to nest. Candidate models including visual obstruction best explained daily nest survival; a 5% increase in visual obstruction improved nest survival probability by 10%. The model-averaged probability of a nest surviving the incubation period was 0.43 (SE = 0.006; 95% CI: 0.23, 0.56). Our findings indicate that lesser prairie-chicken reproduction during our study period was dynamic and was correlated with seasonal weather patterns that ultimately promoted greater grass growth earlier in the nesting season that provided visual obstruction from predators. © 2014 The Wildlife Society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of two large-scale circulation patterns (the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO)), and the effect of the interdecadal modulation of ENSO on precipitation in the state of Texas, U.S., was explored. Texas, by virtue of its size, topography, and geographical location, spans a wide range of climatic regions. The state is divided into 10 climate divisions. The precipitation pattern in each division follows different probability distributions. The climate regimes which trigger this difference are discussed. The seasonal correlation between ENSO and PDO with precipitation anomaly in each climate division was established. Copula-based models were developed to examine the dependence structure between the large-scale climate indices and average monthly seasonal precipitation. The choice of copula is discussed in light of the dependence structure. The selected copulas were then used to simulate precipitation anomalies in three climate divisions: one which has a semiarid climate, one located in the wettest region, and one straddling the subtropical humid and subtropical subhumid regions of the state. The statistical performance of bivariate models for ENSO and precipitation, and trivariate models for ENSO, PDO, and precipitation, in simulating precipitation anomalies were compared. In general, inclusion of PDO was found to improve simulation results. The most notable improvement was in simulating negative precipitation anomalies during La Niña and negative PDO. The copula models were also tested for their abilities to predict precipitation anomalies in these three regions. Again, the trivariate models performed better, especially in predicting droughts due to La Niña and negative PDO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While a growing body of research analyses the functional mechanisms of the cultural or creative economy, there has been little attention devoted to understanding how local governments translate this work into policy. Moreover, research in this vein focuses predominately on Richard Florida's creative class thesis rather than considering the wider body of work that may influence policy. This article seeks to develop a deeper understanding of how municipalities conceptualize and plan for the cultural economy through the lens of two cities held up as model 'creative cities' - Austin, Texas and Toronto, Ontario. The work pays particular attention to how the cities adopt and adapt leading theories, strategies and discourses of the cultural economy. While policy documents indicate that the cities embrace the creative city model, in practice agencies tend to adapt conventional economic development strategies for cultural economy activity and appropriate the language of the creative city for multiple purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Between 1979 and 2006, over 7,000 eastern wild turkeys ( Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) from 16 states were translocated to east Texas in an attempt to restore a stable, huntable population. Although current populations are stable in some areas and a spring male-only hunting season was opened in 1995, turkey density in the region remains low and large areas of apparently suitable habitat are not occupied. The long-term effects of the extensive translocations and current levels of connectivity among various populations are unknown. We used microsatellite DNA analysis to assess the influence of translocations on current genetic structure and gene flow in eastern wild turkeys. The influence of translocations was clearly evident and reflected historical contributions from the Midwest and southeastern United States. The east Texas population consisted of 3 distinct genetic clusters. Despite a lack of clear geographic barriers and nearly contiguous forest cover in much of the east Texas landscape, regional gene flow among clusters appeared to be limited. Diversity in the regional population remains high, but we recommend that regulations reflect the current population structure and that long-term efforts should be made to increase connectivity among wild turkeys in the region. © 2013 The Wildlife Society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study we present evidence supporting the view that people's perceived risk of hurricane-related hazards can be reduced to a single seriousness score that spans different hurricane-induced risk types and that compliant behavior with official advisories is strongly dependent on whether one perceives a high risk with respect to any type of hurricane-related hazards. Our analysis suggests that people are less sensitive to risk type than they are to the general seriousness of the risks. Using this single seriousness score, representing a composite risk measure, emergency managers can be informed about the severity of the public's risk perceptions to impending hurricane hazards and might better craft their public directives in ways that minimize disruptive evacuations and achieve greater compliance with government directives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Politics & Policy is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Elusive carnivores present a challenge to managers because traditional survey methods are not suitable. We applied a genetic approach using museum specimens to examine how historical and recent conditions influenced the demographic history of Puma concolor in western and southern Texas, USA. We used 10 microsatellite loci and indexed population trends by estimating historical and recent genetic diversity, genetic differentiation and effective population size. Mountain lions in southern Texas exhibited a 9% decline in genetic diversity, whereas diversity remained stable in western Texas. Genetic differentiation between western and southern Texas was minimal historically (FST = 0.04, P < 0.01), but increased 2-2.5 times in our recent sample. An index of genetic drift for southern Texas was seven to eight times that of western Texas, presumably contributing to the current differentiation between western and southern Texas. Furthermore, southern Texas exhibited a >50% temporal decline in effective population size, whereas western Texas showed no change. Our results illustrate that population declines and genetic drift have occurred in southern Texas, likely because of contemporary habitat loss and predator control. Population monitoring may be needed to ensure the persistence of mountain lions in the southern Texas region. This study highlights the utility of sampling museum collections to examine demographic histories and inform wildlife management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decomposition studies utilizing nonhuman subjects as human analogues are well established, but fewer studies utilizing intact human remains exist. This study provides data from a controlled decomposition study involving human remains in Central Texas. A 63.5-kg unmodified cadaver was placed in an open-air site and observed over a 10-week period from April 11 through June 19, 2008. A wire enclosure restricted scavenger access. State of decomposition and environmental conditions were recorded daily for the first 36 days and then every 2 weeks thereafter. Results indicated a high degree of correlation with other decomposition studies originating in the southwestern United States, although slight deviations for the average duration of early events were noted. The data were also utilized to test a quantitative method for estimating the postmortem interval. Results indicated preliminary support for a quantitative approach. Additional research is encouraged to further establish the human decomposition data set for Central Texas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surveys to detect the presence or absence of endangered species may not consistently cover an area, account for imperfect detection or consider that detection and species presence at sample units may change within a survey season. We evaluated a detection–nondetection survey method for the federally endangered golden-cheeked warbler (GCWA) Dendroica chrysoparia. Three study areas were selected across the breeding range of GCWA in central Texas. Within each area, 28–36 detection stations were placed 200 m apart. Each detection station was surveyed nine times during the breeding season in 2 consecutive years. Surveyors remained up to 8 min at each detection station recording GCWA detected by sight or sound. To assess the potential influence of environmental covariates (e.g. slope, aspect, canopy cover, study area) on detection and occupancy and possible changes in occupancy and detection probabilities within breeding seasons, 30 models were analyzed. Using information–theoretic model selection procedures, we found that detection probabilities and occupancy varied among study areas and within breeding seasons. Detection probabilities ranged from 0.20 to 0.80 and occupancy ranged from 0.56 to 0.95. Because study areas with high detection probabilities had high occupancy, a conservative survey effort (erred towards too much surveying) was estimated using the lowest detection probability. We determined that nine surveys of 35 stations were needed to have estimates of occupancy with coefficients of variation ≤20%. Our survey evaluation evidently captured the key environmental variable that influenced bird detection (GCWA density) and accommodated the changes in GCWA distribution throughout the breeding season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data on the behavior of walk-hunters and pointing dogs aids in understanding and managing quail harvest. We collected Global Positioning System track logs and recorded behaviors of hunters and dogs on northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) hunts in Oklahoma (n = 43), Texas (n = 43), and Missouri (n = 7), USA, during the 2005-2006 and 2006-2007 hunting seasons. Hunter velocity averaged 0.8 ± 0.03 (SE) m/second both seasons (n=85) and pooled (95%CL overlap) velocity of bird dogs was 2.5 ± 0.07 (SE) m/second (n = 154). Hunters spent 60.5 ± 2.4% (SE) of their time walking in 2005-2006 (n = 45) versus 75.2 ± 3.5% (SE) in 2006-2007 (n = 48); respective figures for ranging by dogs were 50.2 ± 2.2% (n = 57) versus 82.0 ± 1.3% (SE; n = 97). Mean duration of a hunt declined from 82.3 ± 8.16 (SE) minutes (n = 45) to 50.2 ± 5.1 (SE) minutes (n = 48) between seasons. Variation in bobwhite abundance was the primary cause of seasonal variation in hunter and dog behaviors because covey-associated activities declined as quail abundance declined. With our results and those of previous workers, managers have first-generation estimates of all variables in hunter-covey interface models for managing bobwhite harvest on discrete areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently available methods of estimating northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) abundance are often expensive and time-consuming; therefore, additional research is necessary to develop new tools. Using Global Positioning System (GPS) and Geographic Information System technologies and distance-sampling theory, we developed a method of estimating bobwhite density during hunts with pointing dogs. Data collection occurred during the 2005-2006 and 2006-2007 hunting seasons in western Oklahoma and northern Texas, USA. We estimated effective strip width (ESW) of a bird dog's path using distance-sampling theory and point-to-flush distances. For coveys >7 birds (n = 58), estimated ESW was 13.2 m (95% CI = 11.1-15.6 m). Area searched by one dog was its GPS path buffered by ESW. For ≥2 dogs, area searched was the union of the areas of individual dogs; taking the union eliminated between- or among-dog redundancy in searched areas. A point estimate of density was number of birds flushed on a hunt divided by searched area. During the 2005-2006 hunting season, bobwhite density averaged 1.4 birds/ha (60.28 SE; n = 33). Average density declined to 0.2 birds/ha (60.07 SE) during 2006-2007 (n = 46). Estimating bobwhite density with pointing dogs needs further testing and development, but the technique may prove useful in research and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Floods continue to pose the greatest threat to the property and safety of human communities among all natural hazards in the United States. This study examines the relationship between the built environment and flood impacts in Texas, which consistently sustains the most damage from flooding of any other state in the country. Specifically, we calculate property damage resulting from 423 flood events between 1997 and 2001 at the county level. We identify the effect of several built environment measures, including wetland alteration, impervious surface, and dams on reported property damage while controlling for biophysical and socio-economic characteristics. Statistical results suggest that naturally occurring wetlands play a particularly important role in mitigating flood damage. These findings provide guidance to planners and flood managers on how to alleviate most effectively the costly impacts of foods at the community level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyzed 8 years of data from the Texas Cooperative Nest Box Program initiated in 1988 by Texas Parks and Wildlife, USA, as a means of involving private cooperators in statewide wood duck (Aix spoma) management. Cooperators operated ≤9 boxes and most reported nest-box data for only 1 year (56.5%) and 2 years (20.6%) over the 8-year life of the project. Mean nest-box use differed among ecological regions of the state (F= 4.23, df= 6, P= 0.001) but did not exceed 30% in any region. Mean nest-box success ranged between 74-91% across ecological regions during 1988-1995, but annual estimates of nest-box success lacked precision (CVs >30%) in most years for all regions. Our project was unsuccessful as a management tool for monitoring wood cluck demographics. Future efforts should focus on improving the amount and quality of data collected from box-nesting wood ducks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the behavioral effects of necklace-style radiotransmitters on breeding male western burrowing owls (Athene cunicularia hypugaea) in 2 areas of northwestern Texas, USA, in 2004 and 2005. We tested the hypothesis that transmittered owls would spend time interacting with their necklaces and as a result spend less time in vigilance and resting activities than would nontransmittered owls. Nontransmittered owls (n = 6) spent significantly more time being vigilant (P = 0.007) than did transmittered owls (n = 3) in 2004, who spent significant amounts of time interacting with their necklaces. In 2005, behaviors of transmittered owls (n = 8) were significantly different (P < 0.001) from control individuals (n = 4), but behaviors did not vary consistently by treatment period (prenecklace vs. necklace vs. postnecklace periods). Behavioral activity budgets varied considerably among individuals. Although the owls spent a significant amount of time interacting with their necklaces, they appeared to habituate to the presence of the transmitters within a relatively short period (<1 week), and necklaces did not affect survivorship or fitness in the short-term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Latinos in the United States are an increasing segment of the population and are becoming important stakeholders in the management of natural resources. Although Latinos have been included in attitudinal research on environmental concerns, few studies have focused exclusively on Latino attitudes toward natural resources and the environment. We surveyed Texas college and university students of Mexican descent (n = 635) to determine their environmental concerns. Using the New Ecological Paradigm (NEP), we determined an environmental concern score for each respondent and compared this index to several demographic variables. We found that gender, a political candidate's environmental position, mother's education, combined parental income, and, to a lesser degree, the number of grandparents born in the United States and religiosity (church attendance), were important model variables. We hypothesized that acculturation would be an important factor in predicting NEP scores; however, acculturation level was not an important predictor in our study, which we attribute to both the nature of our sample (i.e., highly acculturated college students) and small sample sizes of less-acculturated college students. We recommend that future research consider determining the importance of acculturation in Latino attitudes toward natural resources and the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Age-specific reproduction has been suggested for northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) and has been hypothesized as a factor contributing to population irruptions. However, little research has been conducted on the subject. We conducted a laboratory and field study to determine if age-specific reproduction occurred in northern bobwhites. Our objectives were to compare 7 reproductive measures (% F nesting, date of first incubated nest, egg-laying rate, nesting rate, clutch size, egg mass, and egg hatchability) between first- and second-year breeders and determine if differential reproduction was impacted by diet quality. The laboratory study consisted of a 232 factorial experiment with age and diet quality (low protein [12%] and high protein [24%]) as the factors. Data for the field study represented a 6-year data set of bobwhite reproduction (May-Sep 2000-2005) obtained from an ongoing radiotelemetry study in southern Texas, USA. We documented similar productivity (i.e., % F laying, egg-laying rate, and egg mass) and timing of laying (i.e., date of first egg) between juvenile (n = 33) and adult bobwhites (n = 27) in our laboratory study. However, females on the high-protein diet exhibited a greater egg- laying rate than females on the low-protein diet. Under field conditions, we also documented no difference in productivity (% F nesting, nesting rate, clutch size, egg hatchability) and timing of nesting (date of first incubated nest) between age classes (n = 59 juv and 32 ad). Our findings do not support early suppositions of age-specific reproduction in quail. Quail irruptions should not be influenced by population age structure as it relates to age-specific reproduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We used an information-theoretic approach to investigate nest-site selection by black-capped vireos (Vireo atricapilla) at the landscape and habitat-patch scales on Fort Hood Military Reservation in central Texas, USA, during 2003 and 2004. We used a use--availability sampling design and logistic regression to compare woody cover characteristics at nests to random points in the landscape to determine habitat selection at the landscape scale. At the habitat-patch scale, we used matched case-control logistic regression to compare habitat measures at nests and random non-nest points to evaluate support for hypotheses concerning the influence of woody cover, nest-patch, and nest-site characteristics on black-capped vireo nest-site selection. At the landscape scale, we found strong support (Akaike wt [wi] = 1.0) for a model with a cubic effect of percent woody cover and woody cover edge density. Sites with the greatest predicted probabilities of use had woody cover values between 30% and 60% and increasing amounts of edge. We found strong support (wi = 0.93) for the global model at the habitat-patch scale that included characteristics of the nest site, nest patch, and woody cover within 25 m. Based on odds ratios and confidence limits, percent woody cover, cover below 2 m, cover type, and substrate height had the greatest effect on nest-site selection. The predicted probability a site was selected for a nest site increased with foliage cover below 2 m, taller substrates, deciduous cover, and decreased at high levels of percent woody cover (especially >80%). Texas red oak (Quercus buckleyi) was the most used nest substrate (100 of 358 nests), followed by shin oak (Q. sinuata var. breviloba; 86 of 358 nests) and Ashe juniper (Juniperus ashei; 44 of 358 nests). Black-capped vireos used Texas red oak and shin oak in greater proportion to their availability, whereas Ashe juniper was used less in proportion to its availability, suggesting vireos avoided this species. We suggest that managers promote dense deciduous cover for nesting habitat and maximize edge-to-area ratios to maintain spatial and structural heterogeneity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We derived a method of estimating the direction and magnitude of cover changes for potentially maximizing wildlife abundance on an area. We illustrate the method with data on cover selection by northern bobwhites (Colinus virginianus) collected in the Texas Panhandle from 2000 to 2003. We used radiotelemetry to determine use of cover associations, Geographic Information System analysis to determine their availability, and logic related to use availability analysis to collapse 95% kernel home ranges to usable space. Bobwhites selected mixed shrub cover consisting of sand plum (Prunus angustifolia) and fragrant sumac (Rhus aromatica), and they avoided or neutrally used g other cover associations. However, grass upland and sand sagebrush (Artemisia filifolia) associations occurred in ≥86% of home ranges (n 96 bobwhites with ≥30 radiolocations). Usable space averaged 54.2% ± 1.72 SE of kernel home ranges. The data indicated that adding about 226 ha of mixed-shrub cover or a structural homologue while simultaneously reducing the quantity of most other cover associations would maximize bobwhite abundance. An area with 30-60% mixed shrub cover, with the balance in grass upland and sand sagebrush, and with cover dispersed such that no point was >30 m from mixed shrub cover was hypothetically optimal for bobwhites in our region. Within certain constraints (e.g., financial, social, edaphic), managers can apply this method by manipulating cover types through relevant management practices (e.g., planting, prescribed burning, mechanical removal of vegetation). This method, with minor modification, could also be used to decrease usable space on an area, and thus decrease wildlife densities, should that be the manager's objective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]