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Snakes provide many benefits to people and to the environment. They control rat and mice populations in the environment, for example, and in the laboratory, pygmy rattlesnake venom research helped develop medicine to thin the blood of heart attack patients. Most snakes are secretive and rarely bother people, but in some situations some snakes can become dangerous. In this 4-page fact sheet, we present some facts about snakes, describe dangers they may cause, and provide suggestions on how to cope with these dangers. Written by Holly K. Ober, Steve Johnson, and William M. Giuliano, and published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, November 2014. Updated November 2023 to reflect a change in recommendations. (Glue traps must not be used to remove snakes.) (Photo: Steve Johnson) WEC350/UW395: Managing Conflicts with Wildlife: Living with Snakes (ufl.edu)

Sarcocystis spp. are coccidian protozoans belonging to the Apicomplexa phylum. As with other members of this phylum, they are obligate intracellular parasites with complex cellular machinery for the invasion of host cells. Sarcocystis spp. display dixenous life cycles, involving a predator and a prey as definitive and intermediate hosts, respectively. Specifically, these parasites develop sarcocysts in the tissues of their intermediate hosts, ranging in size from microscopic to visible to the naked eye, depending on the species. When definitive hosts consume sarcocysts, infective forms are produced in the digestive system and discharged into the environment via feces. Consumption of oocyst-contaminated water and pasture by the intermediate host completes the parasitic cycle. More than 200 Sarcocystis spp. have been described to infect wildlife, domestic animals, and humans, some of which are of economic or public health importance. Interestingly, Old World camelids (dromedary, domestic Bactrian camel, and wild Bactrian camel) and New World or South American camelids (llama, alpaca, guanaco, and vicuña) can each be infected by two different Sarcocystis spp: Old World camelids by S. cameli (producing micro- and macroscopic cysts) and S. ippeni (microscopic cysts); and South American camelids by S. aucheniae (macroscopic cysts) and S. masoni (microscopic cysts). Large numbers of Old and New World camelids are bred for meat production, but the finding of macroscopic sarcocysts in carcasses significantly hampers meat commercialization. This review tries to compile the information that is currently accessible regarding the biology, epidemiology, phylogeny, and diagnosis of Sarcocystis spp. that infect Old and New World camelids. In addition, knowledge gaps will be identified to encourage research that will lead to the control of these parasites.

Heavy oxygen isotopic species of HCO ^+ are important optically thin astrophysical tracers. The ground-state rotational spectrum of HC ^18 O ^+ , DC ^18 O ^+ , HC ^17 O ^+ , and DC ^17 O ^+ has been recorded in the laboratory in the frequency range from 85 GHz to 1.3 THz. The ions have been produced in the negative column of a glow-discharge plasma, and their spectrum has been recorded in absorption using a frequency-modulation submillimeter-wave spectrometer. Various sources of systematic error have been carefully accounted for in order to obtain highly accurate line-position measurements. Theoretical estimates of the molecular parameters and of the collision effects on the line shape have been obtained by high-level ab initio calculations. The analysis yielded much improved rotational and centrifugal distortion constants, thus bringing the spectroscopic characterization of these rare isotopic variants to the same level of the parent species. Also, the first experimental rotational data for DC ^17 O ^+ have been provided. These results allow for the calculation of an updated set of rest frequencies to support current and future astrophysical studies. The derived data set for the widely used HC ^18 O ^+ tracer reaches an accuracy of a few parts in 10 ^9 up to 1.5 THz. Such accuracy is important for the analysis of astrophysical objects targeted by Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array observations at the submillimeter regime.

We present a dedicated experimental study of microscopic mechanisms controlling radiolysis and sputtering of astrophysical ices upon bombardment by cosmic-ray ions. Such ions are slowed down owing to inelastic collisions with bound electrons, resulting in ionization and excitation of ice molecules. In experiments on CO ice irradiation, we show that the relative contribution of these two mechanisms of energy loss to molecule destruction and sputtering can be probed by selecting ion energies near the peak of the electronic stopping power. We have observed a significant asymmetry, in both the destruction cross section and the sputtering yield, for pairs of ion energies corresponding to the same values of the stopping power on either side of the peak. This implies that the stopping power does not solely control these processes, as usually assumed in the literature. Our results suggest that electronic excitations represent a significantly more efficient channel for radiolysis and, likely, for sputtering of CO ice. We also show that the charge state of incident ions and the rate for CO ^+ production in the ice have a negligible effect on these processes.

ABSTRACT Fox squirrels (Sciurus niger) in the southeastern United States have been difficult to survey because of their sparse distribution, large home ranges, and low capture success. Remote cameras have proven to be an effective tool for surveying larger mammals, including identifying individual animals using their unique markings. To test whether cameras can be used to identify individual fox squirrels in the southeastern United States, we 1) inspected digital photographs of fox squirrels; 2) identified variable pelage features for individual identification; 3) tested the ability of wildlife students and professionals to identify individuals; and 4) evaluated whether training improved participants' ability to identify individuals. We found that fox squirrels could be individually identified using a combination of sex and 10 variable pelage features, including the color morph, presence of an eye ring, distribution of white on the rostrum, and facial markings. In total, we developed ≥25,920 possible combinations of features to identify southeastern fox squirrels. We found survey participants were capable of identifying fox squirrels without training, but their average ability to do so increased significantly from 73.6% to 80.3% after training (t[df = 106] = 5.068, P

BACKGROUND:Tuberculosis (TB) represents the ninth leading cause of death worldwide. In 2016 are estimated 1.3 million TB deaths among HIV negative people and an additional 374,000 deaths among HIV positive people. In 2016 are estimated 1.4 million new cases of TB in people living with HIV (PLHIV), 74% of whom were living in Africa. In light of these data, the reduction of mortality caused by TB in PLHIV is strongly required specially in low-income countries as Mozambique. According to international guidelines, the initial TB screening in HIV+ patients should be done with the four symptoms screening (4SS: fever, current cough, night sweats and weight loss). The diagnostic test more used in resource-limited countries is smear microscopy (SMEAR). World Health Organization (WHO) recommended Lateral Flow urine LipoArabinoMannan assay (LF-LAM) in immunocompromised patients; in 2010 WHO endorsed the use of Xpert Mycobacterium Tuberculosis/Rifampicin (MTB/RIF) test for rapid TB diagnosis but the assay is not used as screening test in all HIV+ patients irrespectively of symptoms due to cost and logistical barriers. The paper aims to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of three screening protocols: standard (4SS and SMEAR in positive patients to 4SS); MTB/RIF; LF-LAM / MTB/RIF. METHODS:We developed a model to assess the cost-effectiveness of the MTB/RIF protocol versus the common standard and LF-LAM / MTB/RIF protocol. The model considered a sample of 1,000 HIV+ antiretroviral treatment naïve patients in Mozambique. We evaluated disability-adjusted life year (DALY) averted for each protocol, cost per DALY, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER), over 1-year, assuming a national healthcare system perspective. The model considered the delayed diagnosis as the time elapsed between a false negative test and the diagnosis and treatment of TB. Additional health system organization delay is defined as the time interval between positive test and treatment initiation caused by a delay in the delivery of results due organization of services. We conducted a sensitivity analysis on more relevant variables. RESULTS:The MTB/RIF protocol was cost-effective as compared to the standard protocol with an ICER of $56.54 per DALY saved. In a cohort of 1,000 patients MTB/RIF and LF-LAM / MTB/RIF protocol generated 1,281 and 1,254 DALY's saved respectively, with a difference of 174 and 147 DALY respect to the standard protocol. The total cost of MTB/RIF protocol was lower ($92,263) than the standard ($147,226) and the LF-LAM / MTB/RIF ($113,196). Therefore, the cost per DALY saved including new infections due to delayed diagnosis with the standard protocol was $79.06, about 5 fold higher than MTB/RIF and LF-LAM / MTB/RIF protocols. The cost of additional TB infections due to delays in diagnosis plus health system delay seemed the more relevant costs. The low sensibility and sensitivity of the standard protocol led to a high number of false negatives, thus delayed TB diagnoses and treatment lead to the development of newly transmitted TB infections. CONCLUSIONS:Our study shows that the MTB/RIF adoption could lead to an increasing of TB case-finding and a reduction in costs compared with standard and LF-LAM / MTB/RIF protocols.

The current review summarizes progress in the field of in vitro and in vivo production of South American Camelid embryos. Both methods require ovarian superstimulation (with FSH and eCG) to obtain multiple ovulations (in vivo embryo production) or to induce follicle growth for oocyte collection (in vitro embryo production). Moreover, superstimulation entails prior administration of hormones that inhibit follicular growth (progesterone, progestagens, and estrogens). Cumulus-oocyte complexes obtained must mature in vivo (buserelin administration) or in vitro to then be subjected to in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection. All these techniques also require morphologically normal, motile spermatozoa to achieve fertilization. Methods used to decrease semen viscosity and to select the best spermatozoa (Percoll®; Androcoll-ETM) are described. Additionally, nuclear transfer or cloning has been applied in llamas. Up to now, embryo deep-freezing and vitrification have progressed slowly but are at the height of development. Embryos that are obtained by any of these techniques, either in vivo or in vitro, need to be transferred to synchronized recipient females. The best results are achieved after transfer to the left uterine horn with an ipsilateral ovulation. No live offspring have been obtained after the transfer of cryopreserved embryos. Applying reproductive biotechnologies, such as those described, will permit the expansion of genetically selected animals in the population and also that of wild camelid species, vicunas, and guanacos, whose embryos could then be transferred to the uterus of domestic species.

The Art of War Frieze was commissioned by Federico da Montefeltro, Duke of Urbino, to decorate the back of the «wing façade» of the Ducal palace. The Frieze decorated the façade from the time it was realised towards the end of the XVth century until 1756. The Frieze consists of a very particular series of seventy-two limestone bas-reliefs, whose iconographic repertoire represents numerous war and building machines as well as military and political symbols. After it broke away from the outdoor façade it was stored in different rooms in the Palace but despite the many documentary records available, the question of the original sequence of the basreliefs has never been resolved. The primary scope of this paper is to create a "virtual" reconstruction of the original sequence of the bas-reliefs, starting from historical and iconographic records, an analysis of the back and the individual panels using a laser scanner and fully automatic open source photo modelling technologies like the Arc3d, and photogrammetric systems like Image Master together with analyses of the state of conservation, type of degradation correlated to atmospheric parameters (sunlight, temperature, rain). Tests will then be carried out with different systems in order to confirm the accuracy of the model if it is decided to reproduce the individual panels using the rapid prototyping technique associated to a study of the execution techniques.

The protected glycoside of 2-amino-2-deoxyglucose (glucosamine), namely allyl 3,4,6-tri-O-acetyl-2-deoxy-2-phthalimido-β-d-glucopyranoside, C23H25NO10, was synthesized from the glycosyl bromide. Crystallographic analysis confirmed the β-anomeric configuration and showed an approximately orthogonal orientation of the phthalimido group with respect to the pyranose ring. The absolute configuration of the molecule was known from the synthetic route and assigned accordingly.

Abstract Natural resource agencies in the United States continue to design and expand technical and financial assistance programs that benefit private landowners managing for wildlife. Cattle ranchers, one of the primary stakeholders, are well poised to benefit from these programs, especially if they can easily integrate wildlife management activities into cattle operations. A key component to implementing successful wildlife management programs on ranches is to understand how ranchers perceive wildlife management and assistance programs. It is also important that conservation agency personnel working with these ranchers are able to assess rancher perceptions of wildlife management accurately so they can tailor programs that meet rancher needs and foster strong working and interpersonal relationships. We surveyed 1,634 ranchers to understand their perceptions of wildlife benefits and problems, attitudes toward wildlife, and likeliness to participate in financial and technical assistance programs. We also surveyed 52 natural resource‐agency personnel regarding their perceptions of ranchers on similar topics, to allow for direct comparison of responses. Rancher and agency responses were similar for many wildlife benefits and attitudes toward wildlife, yet agency personnel overestimated rancher perceptions of wildlife problems and the economic benefits of wildlife enterprises. We suggest ways conservation agencies can improve current assistance programs for cattle ranchers based on both rancher and agency employee perceptions of wildlife management. This includes emphasizing programs that feature preferred species and better integrating wildlife management with routine cattle operations. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.

OBJECTIVE: Somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) is an electrophysiological test used to evaluate sensory innervations in peripheral and central neuropathies. Pudendal SSEP has been studied in dysfunctions related to the lower urinary tract and pelvic floor. Although some authors have already described technical details pertaining to the method, the standardization and the influence of physiological variables in normative values have not yet been established, especially for women. The aim of the study was to describe normal values of the pudendal SSEP and to compare technical details with those described by other authors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The clitoral sensory threshold and pudendal SSEP latency was accomplished in 38 normal volunteers. The results obtained from stimulation performed on each side of the clitoris were compared to ages, body mass index (BMI) and number of pregnancies. RESULTS: The values of clitoral sensory threshold and P1 latency with clitoral left stimulation were respectively, 3.64 ± 1.01 mA and 37.68 ± 2.60 ms. Results obtained with clitoral right stimulation were 3.84 ± 1.53 mA and 37.42 ± 3.12 ms, respectively. There were no correlations between clitoral sensory threshold and P1 latency with age, BMI or height of the volunteers. A significant difference was found in P1 latency between nulliparous women and volunteers who had been previously submitted to cesarean section. CONCLUSIONS: The SSEP latency represents an accessible and reproducible method to investigate the afferent pathways from the genitourinary tract. These results could be used as normative values in studies involving genitourinary neuropathies in order to better clarify voiding and sexual dysfunctions in females.

Though deer rarely pose problems for people, it is important to understand the issues associated with deer and human-deer interactions. This 4-page fact sheet describes the biology of Florida’s white-tailed deer, the hazards associated with deer, and how to minimize these risks. Written by William M. Giuliano, Holly K. Ober, Lauren Watine, and Raoul Boughton, and published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, December 2014.

Panthers help maintain populations of some native species and control nuisance species such as wild hogs. They are generally secretive and rarely bother people, but there are rare situations where panthers can become dangerous or damaging. In this 4-page fact sheet, we present some facts about panthers, describe dangers and problems they may cause, and provide suggestions on how to cope with these issues. Written by William M. Giuliano, Holly K. Ober, Lauren Watine, Raoul Boughton, Eric Hellgren, Darrell Land, and Mark Lotz, and published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, April 2015. WEC354/UW399: Managing Conflicts with Wildlife: Living with Panthers (ufl.edu)

The omnivorous coyote is a relative newcomer to Florida that plays an important role in ecosystems and food webs. Of particular importance and possible benefit may be their potential ability to control populations of pest species such as some rodents. Although rare, there are situations where coyotes can become dangerous or damaging. In this 4-page fact sheet, we present some facts about coyotes, describe dangers and problems they may cause, and provide suggestions on how to cope with these issues. Written by Lauren Watine, William M. Giuliano, Holly K. Ober, Raoul Boughton, Alexander Gulde, Angeline Scotten, and published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, December 2014. (Photo: W. M. Giuliano, UF/IFAS)

Wild hogs are a popular species, pursued and hunted by many throughout Florida. They are also an important food source for the endangered Florida panther. But there are situations where they can become dangerous or damaging. In this 4-page fact sheet, we present some facts about hogs, describe dangers and problems they may cause, and provide suggestions on how to cope with these issues. Written by William M. Giuliano, Holly K. Ober, Lauren Watine, Raoul Boughton, and Don Coyner, and published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, December 2014. (Photo: M.S. Smith)

Frogs control garden pests such as insects and slugs, and serve as a food source for many larger wildlife species. Research on the substances frogs secrete through their skins has even led to the creation of new painkillers and antibiotics. Most frogs in Florida are reclusive and harmless to people, but two species of frogs that have invaded Florida can be harmful to humans and their pets. This 4-page fact sheet presents some facts about native frogs, describes the problems invasive frogs cause, and provides suggestions on how to cope with problem frogs. Written by Steve Johnson, Holly K. Ober, and William M. Giuliano, and published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, November 2014. (Photos: Steve Johnson, UF/IFAS) WEC349/UW394: Managing Conflicts with Wildlife: Living with Frogs (ufl.edu)

American alligators are found in only 10 states in the southeastern U.S. In most situations alligators do not harm people, but they can pose potential dangers to people in some situations. In this 3-page fact sheet, we present some facts about alligators, describe their potential threats to people and pets, and provide suggestions on how to cope with these risks. Written by Holly K. Ober, Harry J. Dutton, Allan R. Woodward, Lindsay J. Hord, and William M. Giuliano, and published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, November 2014. WEC348/UW393: Managing Conflicts with Wildlife: Living with Alligators (ufl.edu)

INTRODUCTION & OBJECTIVES: Studies of motor conduction for the efferent functional assessment of the pudendal nerve in women with pelvic dysfunctions have been conducted through researching distal motor latency times. The transrectal approach has been the classic approach for this electrophysiological examination. The objective of the present study is to verify the viability of the transvaginal approach in performing the exam, to establish normal values for this method and to analyze the influence of age, stature and parity in the latency value of normal women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 23 volunteers without genitourinary pathologies participated in this study. In each, pudendal motor latency was investigated through the transvaginal approach, which was chosen due to patient’s higher tolerance levels. RESULTS: The motor response represented by registering the M-wave was obtained in all volunteers on the right side (100%) and in 13 volunteers on the left side (56.5%). The mean motor latency obtained in the right and left was respectively: 1.99 ± 0.41 and 1.92 ± 0.48 milliseconds (ms). There was no difference between the sides (p = 0.66). Latency did not correlate with age, stature or obstetric history. The results obtained in the present study were in agreement with those found by other researchers using the transrectal approach. CONCLUSION: The vaginal approach represents an alternative for pudendal nerve distal motor latency time, with similar results to those achieved through the transrectal approach. Normative values obtained herein might serve as a comparative basis for subsequent physiopathological studies.

In Florida, changes in forest management practices during the past 50+ years have led to declines in quail habitat and populations. Important changes involve the use of fire and conversion of native forests to commercial pine plantations. A lack of fire and other disturbance has often led to closed-canopy forests with dense undergrowth that lack important quail habitat components. This 2-page fact sheet provides several quail habitat improvement tips that focus on diversifying the plant species and structural composition and increasing early successional communities dominated by herbaceous plants. Written by William M. Giuliano and Lauren Watine and published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, January 2013. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw376

Prized by hunters and wildlife enthusiasts alike, white-tailed deer are a popular species found throughout Florida. As such, they are often the focus of management for landowners, managers, and lessees who want to improve deer populations while maintaining other land uses such as timber production. This 2-page fact sheet provides some deer habitat improvement tips that focus primarily on raising the quality of deer forage but that also will help you grow better cover by improving plant diversity and productivity. Written by William M. Giuliano, John M. Olson, and Cailey Thomas, and published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, January 2013. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw374

In addition to having generally low-quality foods, ranchlands often have a low diversity of food sources, further reducing the quality of habitat for deer. Ranchland management for deer should therefore focus on providing a diversity of abundant, high-quality foods. This 2-page fact sheet provides some deer habitat improvement tips that focus primarily on raising the quality of deer forage but that also will help you grow better cover by improving plant diversity and productivity. Written by William M. Giuliano, John M. Olson, and Cailey Thomas, and published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, January 2013. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw375

This 2-page fact sheet provides specific tips to improve quail habitat in cattle country that focus on diversifying the plant species and structural composition and increasing early successional communities dominated by herbaceous plants. Written by William M. Giuliano and Lauren Watine and published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, January 2013. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw377

En Belice, el Centro de Investigaciones de Campo Lamanai (CICL) y la Universidad de la Florida están estudiando los gatos usando trampas-cámaras las cuales se han colocado dentro de varios locales de terrenos privados. Contrario a lo que la gente considera, esta investigación sugiere que existe una mayor cantidad de felinos silvestres habitando cerca de las fincas. This 3-page informational brochure is the Spanish-language version of WEC314/UW359: A Guide to Living with Wild Cats. It highlights 5 species of wildcats living in the area of the study, tips for keeping livestock safe, and local contacts. Written by Venetia S. Briggs, Rebecca G. Harvey, Frank J. Mazzotti, and William M. Giuliano, and published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, November 2011. WEC316/UW361: Una Guía para Convivir con Felinos Silvestres (ufl.edu)

In Belize, the Lamanai Field Research Center and University of Florida are studying cats using camera traps placed in a variety of locations on private lands. This research suggests that more wild cats live near farms than people are aware of. This 3-page informational brochure highlights 5 species of wildcats living in the area of the study, tips for keeping livestock safe, and local contacts. Written by Venetia S. Briggs, Rebecca G. Harvey, Frank J. Mazzotti, and William M. Giuliano, and published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, October 2011. Reviewed October 2014. WEC314/UW359: A Guide to Living with Wild Cats (ufl.edu)

How can we determine the just how much of an impact wildlife damage has on growers? This 4-page fact sheet presents the results of a survey of a sample of growers across the state. Written by Holly K. Ober, Gerald R. Edmondson, William M. Giuliano, David L. Wright, John Atkins, Andy Andreasen, Shep Eubanks, Libbie Johnson, Charles Brasher, and Greg Hicks, and published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, July 2011. *2011 PDF unavailable, revised 2014 version included instead. WEC311/UW356: Farmer Perceptions of Wildlife Damage to Row Crops in North Florida (ufl.edu)

WEC299, a 4-page fact sheet by William Giuliano and Emma Willcox, Describes the department’s extension programs and provides a directory of extension faculty. Published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, November 2010.