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Abstract We monitored 142 radiocollared adult (≥1.0 yr old) white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in 3 study areas of Massachusetts, USA, to estimate annual survival and mortality due to legal hunting. We then applied these rates to deer harvest information to estimate deer population trends over time, and compared these to trends derived solely from harvest data estimates. Estimated adult female survival rates were similar (0.82–0.86), and uniformly high, across 3 management zones in Massachusetts that differed in landscape composition, human density, and harvest regulations. Legal hunting accounted for 16–29% of all adult female mortality. Estimated adult male survival rates varied from 0.55 to 0.79, and legal hunting accounted for 40–75% of all mortality. Use of composite hunting mortality rates produced realistic estimates for adult deer populations in 2 zones, but not for the third, where estimation was hindered by regulatory restrictions on antlerless deer harvest. In addition, the population estimates we calculated were generally higher than those derived from population reconstruction, likely due to relatively low harvest pressure. Legal harvest may not be the dominant form of deer mortality in developed landscapes; thus, estimates of populations or trends that rely solely on harvest data will likely be underestimates. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.

Electrophoresis is commonly used in agricultural sciences and industries to evaluate protein constituents of plant and animal tissue for cultivar or species identification. Visual analysis of polymorphic bands is effective. but comparison of electrophoretic banding patterns containing common bands of differing optical densities is difficult and subjective. A reliable and reproducible objective means of evaluation is needed. The purpose of this study was to test computer-assisted image analysis for quantitative evaluation of electrophoretic bands. Seed protein was extracted from mixtures and blends of turfgrass species and cultivars, separated on isoelectric focusing gels, and stained for esterase activity. Banding patterns were scanned and computer-assisted evaluation of band densities performed. Statistical evaluation of repetitive scans of varying band densities revealed that significant variation occurred among gels, scans. and among gel positions. However, when multiple bands from the same sources were averaged across a single gel and evaluated from a single scan, computer-assisted image analysis proved accurate for discriminating bands with minor density variation. Computer-assisted image analysis is an effective quantitative method for evaluation of electrophoretic gels when techniques are used to minimize variation., Turfgrass cultivars can be identified by qualitative differences in electrophoretic banding patterns (Yamamoto and Duich, 1994: Wilkinson and Beard. 1972). This qualitative method, however. is not effective for all cultivars. [...]

The article informs that Noel Polk, an internationally-known scholar on studies of the Pulitzer-winning writer Eudora Welty, has been involved in the first publication of the "Eudora Welty Newslettter" (EWN) in 1977. It states that Polk concerned himself with the pre-publication history of some Welty stories including "The Wide Net and Other Stroies" and "The Golden Apples." The article also reveals Polk's active presence at the EWN from 1977 to 1996.

The effect of TNF-[alpha] blockade on the risk of cardiovascular outcomes and long-term survival in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is not known. We assembled a cohort of 20,811 (75,329 person-years) U.S. veterans who were diagnosed with RA between October 1998 and September 2005, and who were treated with a disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD). Cox survival models were built to examine the effect of TNF-[alpha] antagonists on the risk of a composite endpoint of cardiovascular outcomes defined as the occurrence of atherosclerotic heart disease, congestive heart failure, peripheral artery disease, or cerebrovascular disease, and on the risk of death. Treatment with TNF-[alpha] antagonists was not associated with a significant effect on the composite endpoint of cardiovascular outcomes. When each outcome was examined separately, the use TNF-[alpha] antagonists was not associated with an increased risk of atherosclerotic heart disease, congestive heart failure, or peripheral artery disease, but it was associated with decreased risk of cerebrovascular disease (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.83; confidence interval [CI] = 0.70-0.98). The use of TNF-[alpha] antagonists did not affect the risk of death (HR = 0.99; CI = 0.87-1.14). In subgroup analyses, the use TNF-[alpha] antagonists was associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular outcomes (HR = 0.90, CI = 0.83-0.98) in patients younger than the median age of our cohort (63 years). The use TNF-[alpha] antagonists was not associated with a change in the risk of death in any other subgroup. These results show that the risk of cardiovascular events and survival in patients who receive TNF-[alpha] antagonists is not different than those who receive other DMARDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) were listed as threatened in the contiguous United States under the Endangered Species Act in March 2000. Little information on lynx ecology at the southern extent of their range was available at the time of listing, and no ecological studies had been conducted in the eastern USA. Between 1999 and 2004, we investigated habitat selection at natal dens in northern Maine to address questions on the importance of forest conditions to denning requirements. We compared within-stand characteristics of 26 den sites to general characteristics of the stands containing dens. We used logistic regression to identify components within stands that distinguished natal dens from the residual stand and used the information-theoretic approach to select models that best explained lynx den-site selection. The top-ranked model had 2 variables: tip-up mounds of blown-down trees and visual obscurity at 5 m from the den (wi 0.92). Within-stand structure was useful for predicting lynx den-site selection in managed forests in Maine and suitable denning habitat did not appear to be limiting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Controlled public hunts have been used in a variety of settings to reduce overabundant white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) herds. We present the results of a large-scale (160 km²) controlled hunt at Quabbin Reservation (QR) in central Massachusetts, USA. The QR was divided into 5 hunt zones. Hunting was initiated in each zone from 1991 to 1994 and continued through 2004. The management goal was to achieve posthunt deer densities of 4 deer/km². Initial estimated deer densities in each zone ranged from 11.4 deer/km² to 27.6 deer/km². The management goals were reached in each zone after 2-4 years of hunting. Posthunt populations were maintained at or below the goal even though total hunter effort was reduced. Hunters were not required to harvest antlerless deer, but antlerless deer comprised 55-83% of the harvest each year. We simulated the effects of 5 years without hunting on deer populations. The simulated deer population exceeded management goals after 2 years. Our results demonstrate that controlled public deer hunts can effectively reduce deer populations and maintain them at desired levels over large areas with minimal hunter restrictions. Managers should prepare stakeholders during the hunt planning process for the need to continue overall harvest rates of >30% during the maintenance phase of a deer management program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the role of changing abundance of spring foods on female American black bear (Ursus americanus) diet, milk composition, and cub survival in western Massachusetts. We hypothesized that diets would change, percentage milk fat would be higher, and cub survival would be higher in a year when overwintered hard mast was more abundant. We obtained paired samples of milk from 7 adult female bears across consecutive reproductive cycles during which spring diets differed; 1 year followed a bumper acorn (Quercus rubra) crop and estimated spring diets were >25% acorns; the other year followed an extremely poor acorn crop and spring diets were estimated to be 99% skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus). Postdenning milk was higher in fat (26.7% versus 18.2%; P = 0.0557) during the spring when acorns were abundant, but we did not identify any carryover affect to cub survival. We suggest that adult female black bears compensate for changes in food availability by eating greater volumes of alternative foods, and perhaps allocate resources primarily to milk production; the bears appear to be able to produce milk of adequate quality to sustain cubs, regardless of spring diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-term research or monitoring studies involving radiomarked Black Bears (Ursus americanus) conducted in areas with high human and road densities may require that radiocollars be replaced or bears recaptured for other purposes. The use of trained bear hounds is particularly suited to recapturing specific bears. However, in certain situations, hounds may not be used safely or bears may seek refuge in difficult locations. Effectiveness of two methods to capture bears via remote darting and chemical immobilization are described: (1) stalking and rushing females with cubs; and (2) allowing treed bears to descend. Both methods rely on assumptions about Black Bear behavior. Nine captures of eight individual bears are discussed; one bear drowned after being immobilized, and all others survived >5 months after capture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased preorganization can be achieved by immobilizing ligands on solid supports. Photoluminescent porous silicon, which can undergo facile hydrosilylation, was used as a support for open chain neutral N- and O-donor ligands. The abilities of these ligands to bind the divalent metal ions Ni[sup 2+], Cu[sup 2+], Zn[sup 2+], and Pb[sup 2+] are examined. Immobilized ligands selectively complexed Cu(ll) over the other metal ions studied. Ligands immobilized on photoluminescent porous silicon also removed a significant amount, up to 98%, of Cu(ll) from copper(ll)-spiked, organic-rich, seawater samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on a study which examined the factors influencing the precision of aerial population estimates using radiocollared white-tailed deer in southeastern Massachusetts during winters 1997 to 2000. Study area; Methodology; Results and discussion.

Explores toll plaza design guidelines within the categories of horizontal and vertical geometrics. Agencies in the United States supplying toll plaza design plans; Comparison between guidelines in design publications and the developed guidelines; Toll plaza design elements influenced by electronic toll collections; Recommended horizontal and vertical design guidelines for toll plazas.

The growth in design, construction, and operation of toll facilities is a trend in the United States. Few toll plaza design guidelines exist and now with the implementation of electronic toll collection, proper and safe toll plaza design is even more critical. Toll plaza pavement markings and tollway signs were identified in previous research as those in need of design guidelines. This research explores toll plaza design guidelines for tollway pavement markings and signs. Current design publications with pavement marking and sign guidance are limited to the available versions of the Manual On Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). The MUTCD does not adequately provide the necessary guidance to design these aspects of the toll plaza. Current practices from 13 toll authorities in the United States have been studied and assessed, a panel of toll plaza design experts has been assembled to provide review, and toll plaza pavement markings and tollway sign design guidelines are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the presence of organic chemicals in natural systems. How these chemicals distribute themselves between the different phases of the environment; Details on partition coefficients (K) as important parameters for environmental fate studies.

Determines the breeding season and summer home range size for male ruffed grouse in managed mixed oak and aspen forests in Pennsylvania. Forest management; Habitat management plan; Presence of early-successional stands in aspen forests.

This article briefly outlines the four-year negotiating process from early 1976 to late 1979, which it was necessary to follow before agreement could be reached and the United Nations General Assembly adopted, by consensus, an international treaty designed to make the act of hostage-taking a universal crime. The treaty requires that a ratifying state prosecute an international hostage-taker found within its borders or hand over the hostage-taker to another state for prosecution. It fills existing gaps in international law by abolishing existing "safe havens" for hostage-takers. The article focuses in particular on the third and final three-week meeting of the thirty-five-nation Ad Hoc Committee established by the United Nations to carry out this task and shows how agreement was finally achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two rat caries studies were conducted in which oat hulls, sodium trimetaphosphate, and combinations thereof were incorporated into two different caries-producing diets. The type of diet used was found to influence the anti-caries effects of oat hulls. In many instances, the cariostatic effect of the two agents was additive or even synergistic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two studies were performed on rats to determine the post-eruptive cariostatic effects of lithium alone and in combination with fluoride. The results failed to demonstrate any cariostatic effects of lithium when evaluated in this manner, nor any enhancement by lithium of the cariostatic activity of fluoride. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two studies were conducted to explore the effects of twice daily topical applications of NaF, SnF2, and an amine fluoride at equivalent fluoride concentrations (0.1%) upon plaque and gingivitis in the dog. Although some trends toward modest benefits were noted in certain instances, none of the agents exerted a significant effect upon either parameter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two studies were performed in beagle dogs to determine the effect of 0.2% hexetidine upon plaque and gingivitis. In both instances, hexetidine exerted no significant effect while 0.2% chlorhexidine resulted in reductions in both plaque and gingivitis of about 45 and 50%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four studies were performed in rats and hamsters concerning the cariogenicity of cereals and the role of sucrose in that process. The findings indicate that sucrose content per se does not necessarily reflect the cariogenic potential. Presweetened cereals were more conducive to the formation of smooth surface caries in the hamster than were nonpresweetened cereals while no major differences between the cereals were observed in occlusal caries in rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two experimental dental caries studies were conducted in rats to investigate further the cariostatic activity of oat hulls and tin (II). The findings confirm the cariostatic activity of oat hulls regardless of the nutritional content of the diet, indicate that tin (II) may exert cariostatic activity depending on the concentration and nutritional content of the diet, and that the two agents are partially additive at tin (II) concentrations of 15 and 75 ppm but are not synergistic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of an amidopolyphosphate on calculus formation in the rat was investigated. Topical applications of the agent administered twice daily at concentrations of 2.5 and 5%O resulted in a significant decrease in calculus accumulation, whereas 1% solution was ineffective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiophosphorus studies were conducted in rats and hamsters to investigate the metabolic activity of various inorganic phosphates. Significant differences were observed in the metabolic availability and use of phosphate provided as various inorganic salts; the greatest metabolic activity was observed with NaH2PO4 and the least with most calcium salts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents suggestions for a more effective use of e-mail for appointment-seekers when communicating with potential employers. Importance of proper salutations; Advantage of the Internet.

Two studies were conducted to assess stain accumulation in beagle dogs following four wk of treatments with water or chlorhexidine. Clinical stain assessments were made by two examiners using different grading procedures. Both scoring methods demonstrated increased stain associated with chlorhexidine usage, and the results for both examiners appeared to be reproducible from one study to the other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses several college writings of author Harper Lee. 'Some Writers of Our Times--A Very Informal Essay'; 'Now Is the Time for All Good Men...--A One-Act Play'; 'Caustic Comment.'