Digital Commons Network^™

The Use Of Tip Traps To Control Rabbit Damage In Scotland, Robert M. E. Fuchs, W. Kenneth Maclean, Caroline A. Mackintosh, Iain M. Allan

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

The factors affecting efficient use of tip traps to control rabbit populations were investigated in a series of field experiments. It was found that continual trapping at the same location was much less effective than periodic trapping. Night-time trapping operations produced larger catches of rabbits than day-time trapping. Traps were equally effective whether sited on existing runs through rabbit proof fences or on previously unbreached sections of fence. The sex ratio of rabbits caught was examined at four different locations and, in each instance, more females were caught than males. The installation of a network of tip traps and associated …

Perceptions Of Wildlife Damage By Conservation Reserve Program Contract Holders In Riley County, Kansas, John P. Hughes, Philip S. Gipson

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

Twenty-five Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) contract holders in Riley County, Kansas were surveyed by telephone to assess their perceptions of wildlife damage relative to CRP plantings. Sixty-four percent experienced wildlife damage on their farm or ranch. Respondents felt that five species causing damage on their farm or ranch had become more common due to enrollment of lands in the CRP. White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) accounted for 64.3% of these observations, followed by wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo), eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus), striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis), and Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana), which accounted for …

The Potential Impact Of Introduced Commensal Rodents On Island Flora, Gillian Key, Renata Platenberg, Andrew Easby, Kathleen Mais

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

The impact of introduced commensal rodents on island flora has been relatively little studied compared with their impact on the fauna. The effects on vegetation composition, regeneration, and decomposition are largely unknown, but potentially great. Preliminary studies were carried out in the Galapagos Islands between 1993 and 1994 on the diet of introduced rats, Rattus spp. and feral house mice, Mus musculus, seed recovery rates and subsequent germination rates of seeds. R. rattus diet was primarily vegetation and 48% of rats had seeds in their stomachs. Significant differences were found between body size and overall contribution of both …

Mole Control-A Historical Perspective, Rex E. Marsh

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

Various methods and approaches, including chemical and physical repellents, flooding, burrow fumigants, poison baits, vibrating devices and exclusion, have been explored for reducing mole problems. In addition to these, habitat management through reducing the moles food supply has received considerable attention, but environmental concerns and the lack of consistent results have tempered this approach. Over the years, trapping remains the best and most useful method of mole control. The pros and cons of some of the methods are discussed, along with some historical perspectives. The emphasis is placed on the Broad-footed mole, Scapanus latimanus, of California.

Results Of A Non-Lethal Survey And Report Provided To The New Mexico Legislature, J. Alan May

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

Social and political pressures affect decision making regarding wildlife damage management issues tremendously. In fact, these areas are included in the Animal Damage Control decision model outlined in the programmatic Environmental Impact Statement. Growing concern regarding pain and suffering of animals trapped by ADC Specialists prompted two actions by the 41st Legislature of the State of New Mexico in 1994. The legislature directed New Mexico ADC not to spend over three-quarters of its $304,000 appropriation on lethal methods. The legislature also passed a memorial bill requesting the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, in cooperation with the U.S. Fish …

Conference Participants

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

The number of registered attendees was 340. The participants came from 31 states, the District of Columbia, and from 9 other countries. The wide representation from the United States and countries throughout the world contributed to the success of the Conference by providing a highly knowledgeable and diversified group for the exchange of research progress, new ideas, and information on a wide range of vertebrate pest topics.

Preliminary Study Of The Genetics Of Resistance In The House Mouse, Colin V. Prescott

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

A wild house mouse (Mus domesticus) population originally trapped near Reading, Berkshire, United Kingdom, and maintained as a colony in the laboratory, was subjected to the discriminating feeding period of the warfarin resistance test, as used by Wallace and MacSwiney (1976) and derived from the work of Rowe and Redfern (1964). Eighty percent of this heterogeneous population survived the resistance test. A similar proportion of the population was found to survive the normally lethal dose of bromadiolone administered by oral gavage. The majority of this population of mice were classified as "warfarin-resistant" and "bromadiolone-resistant." The dose of l0 …

Palatability Of Rodenticide Baits In Relation To Their Effectiveness Against Farm Populations Of The Norway Rat, Roger J. Quy, David P. Cowan, Colin Morgan, Tom Swevney

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

The palatability of 12 rodenticide baits, formulated to vary from poorly accepted to well accepted, was measured in laboratory choice tests against Wistar and wild-caught Norway rats. The baits, derived from six bait bases and two active ingredients, difenacoum and bromadiolone, were simultaneously tested in the field against 24 farm infestations (2/formulation) in order to investigate the relationship between palatability and efficacy. Bait acceptance in laboratory tests, with EPA meal as the challenge diet, varied from 7.0 to 50.6% for Wistar rats and 3.7 to 85.1 % for wild rats. Changing the challenge diet to a ground-up laboratory animal food …

The Evolution Of Aphis Two Gas Cartridges, Craig A. Ramey, Edward W. Schafer Jr

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has two federal (Section 3) vertebrate pesticide registrations with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for gas cartridges to control damage to American agricultural resources and reduce threats to public health and safety. The gas cartridges are pyro-fumigant devices that produce primarily carbon monoxide when ignited. In sealed burrows or dens, carbon monoxide is highly toxic when inhaled, leading to tissue hypoxia. Carbon monoxide is recommended by the American Veterinary Medicine Association's panel for euthanatizing animals because it quickly induces unconsciousness without pain and with minimal discernible discomfort. …

Population Densities And Disease Surveys Of Wild Pigs In The Coast Ranges Of Central And Northern California, Rick A. Sweitzer, Ian A. Gardner, Ben J. Gonzales, Dirk Van Vuren, Walter M. Boyce

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

In 1994 and 1995, 233 different wild pigs were captured during population research at seven research sites focused primarily in the coastal regions of central and northern California. Mark-resight data and information on wild pig movements were used to assess wild pig population densities at those sites. Population densities ranged from 1.01 wild pigs/km² in Mendocino County in 1994 to 3.32 wild pigs/km² in Santa Clara County in 1995. Comparisons of population densities between years at three research sites suggested that wild pig populations increased in 1995 in response to favorable forage conditions after the wet fall and …

Animal Liberation And The Lessons Of Nature, Steve F. Sapontzis

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

Although they provide catchy labels, "animal liberation" and "animal rights" have occasioned considerable misunderstanding and much pointless debate. 1 want, here, to explicate what I believe is being sought for animals under these labels. This explication should help to undo some of the misunderstandings about liberating animals and extending moral rights to them. After this explication, I will turn to the issue of the way in which scientific knowledge of natural entities, processes, and organizations is and is not relevant to animal liberation.

PART I: WHAT ANIMAL LIBERATION IS ABOUT

One of these misunderstandings concerns the use of "animal" in …

Plant Secondary Chemicals As Non-Lethal Vertebrate Repellents, Richard W. Watkins, David P. Cowan, Elaine L. Gill

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

Few effective repellents are currently available for the non-lethal management of vertebrate pests. This is perhaps not surprising considering the ad hoc nature of past applications which assumed that the target pest species would have the same attraction/aversion preferences as man. A more rational approach is to identify compounds that have real biological significance for the pest species. Plants have evolved an array of defense chemicals (secondary plant compounds) that inhibit the feeding of vertebrate herbivores, because they are either innately aversive or they generate a conditioned aversion. These compounds are, therefore, ideally suited for use in the reduction of …

The Pocket Gopher As A Pest In Mexico, Desley Whisson, Beatriz Villa-C

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

Pocket gophers of the genus Orthogeomys and Pappogeomys are major pests in rangeland and agricultural areas throughout Mexico. Control relies on the indiscriminate use of fumigants and poison baits. These controls are applied in a haphazard manner; do not provide long-term benefits and the non-target hazards and public safety risks are perceived to be extremely high. Studies indicate that as a result of reinvasion of treated areas or territory expansion of animals surviving the control procedure, controls relying on removal of animals may be limited unless applied at frequent (every three months or less) intervals.

The Washington Adcp—A Private Collaborative Effort To Address Biological, Economical And Social Constraints To Reduce Wildlife Damage, Georg Ziegltrum, Dale L. Nolte

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

The Washington Animal Damage Control Program (WADCP) operates within the general structure of the Washington Forest Protection Association. The general goal of the WADCP is to resolve wildlife damage issues in an economically feasible and socially acceptable manner. The four components of the WADCP are program management and administration; support of individual member activities; research, monitoring, and surveys; and promotional and educational activities. An overview of each of these components is provided.

Energy Savings From Repair Of Uncontrolled Airflow In Eighteen Small Commercial Buildings, Florida Solar Energy Center, Charles Withers, Jr.

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Uncontrolled airflow, including duct leakage, pressure imbalances caused by closed interior doors, and exhaust/intake airflow imbalance, was characterized in 70 commercial buildings. In 18 of these buildings, uncontrolled airflows were repaired and energy savings from these repairs were monitored. In most buildings the retrofit was duct repair. In other cases, outdoor airflow was reduced and return air transfers were provided. Cooling energy use was reduced by an average 15.1% in these 18 buildings. With an average repair cost of $455 and average cooling energy savings of $195 per year, uncontrolled airflow retrofits proved to be very cost-effective. Various factors indicate …

Time Course Of Recruitment, Pit Formation And Apoptosis Of Osteoclast Populations On Dentin In Vitro, Jihyun Kang, Rigoberto Cornejo, Kevin J. Hirokawa, Susan M. Digiorgio, Darlene F. Howard, Susan F. Silverton

Cells and Materials

The resorptive capacity of osteoclasts in vitro has been used as an indicator of bone resorption. However, the kinetics of osteoclast development and senescence is not well understood. It has been noted that mononuclear precursors migrate to calcified substrate and after multi-nucleation become competent bone resorbing cells. Osteoclasts, once finished a wave of resorption, become senescent. In order to determine the survival characteristics of osteoclast populations involved in calcified tissue destruction, we have investigated the time course of the recruitment to dentin and apoptosis of osteoclasts. We have established the linkage between these measurements and the time course of the …

Biodegradation Of A Nano-Hydroxyapatite/Collagen Composite By Peritoneal Monocyte-Macrophages, F. Z. Cui, C. Du, X. W. Su, X. D. Zhu, N. M. Zhao

Cells and Materials

A nano-hydroxyapatite/collagen composite was prepared by precipitation of hydroxyapatite from an aqueous solution onto collagen. Mouse peritoneal macrophages were used to investigate the in vitro biodegradation of the composite. The results showed the mechanism of phagocytosis and extracellular degradation process. The cells that belong to the mononuclear phagocyte system showed some morphological characteristics similar to those of osteoclasts and made pits on the composite surface. The local modification of the material surface by the cell was another phenomenon distinguishable from the degradation process. The degradation and modification made the material porous with a widely varying Ca/P ratio.

The Role Of Surface Characteristics In The Initial Adhesion Of Human Bone-Derived Cells On Ceramics, H. Zreiqat, O. C. Standard, T. Gengenbach, J. G. Steele, C. R. Howlett

Cells and Materials

The tissue/biomaterial interactions of three biomaterials of potential use in bone implants were studied in vitro. The mechanism of cell adherence to various ceramic substrata has been investigated by measurement of short term (90 minutes) cell attachment and spreading rate. We have determined the effect of two serum glycoproteins, fibronectin and vitronectin, on the adhesion of human bone derived cells (HBD-cells) cultured on three different types of ceramics {alumina (Al₂O₃), hydroxyapatite (HAP) and yttria-doped tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP)} . The attachment of HBD-cells to alumina and hydroxyapatite was approximately 60% of that to Y-TZP. Furthermore, …

The Influence Of A Fibrin-Coating Inside A Biodegradable Poly(Dl-Lactide-Ε-Caprolactone) Nerve Guide On Peripheral Nerve Regeneration, W. F. A. Den Dunnen, J. M. Schakenraad, B. Van Der Lei, A. J. Pennings, P. H. Robinson

Cells and Materials

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a fibrin-coating on the inner surface of a biodegradable poly(DL-lactide-E-caprolactone) nerve guide on the speed and quality of the nerve regeneration. The nerve regeneration and orientation of the nerve fibers, as well as the fibrous tissue formation were evaluated. On the short term, nerve regeneration was slightly faster in the non-coated nerve guide. After longer implantation periods (≥ 4 weeks), nerve regeneration in the fibrin-coated nerve guides was characterized by a severe inflammatory response with large numbers of macrophages and polymorphonuclear cells (PMN's). This study clearly demonstrates that nerve …

Heterogeneity Of Natural Biofilm Communities, J. R. Lawrence, D. R. Korber, G. M. Wolfaardt

Cells and Materials

Scanning confocal laser microscopy (SCLM) studies have shown that microbial biofilms consist of a spatially heterogeneous arrangement of bacterial cells, biogenic extracellular material, and void space. Biofilm architecture is dominated by the presence of cell aggregates interspersed by channels, the arrangement of which varies for different hydrodynamic regimes, ages, species composition, or nutrient status. This organization may regulate the flux of nutrients and oxygen, creating chemical microenvironments (Eh, pH) facilitating the growth of aerobic heterotrophs and anaerobes. The presence of microenvironments has been confirmed using laser microscopy and environmentally sensitive fluorescent probes. In addition, changes in cell number and growth …

Collagen Fibres Are Not Required For Initial Matrix Mineralization By Bone Cells, M. M. Hosseini, S. A. F. Peel, J. E. Davies

Cells and Materials

Passaged primary cultures of young adult rat bone marrow cells were maintained in medium containing combinations of the supplements dexamethasone, ascorbic acid and Na-ß-glycerophosphate. The cultures were examined by both light and scanning electron microscopy (with additional energy dispersive X-ray analysis). In cultures with fully supplemented medium, an extracellular matrix formed at the culture dish surface, beneath developing bone nodules; this matrix was mineralized but collagen-fibre free and corresponded to that which we have reported previously as the equivalent of the cement line in vivo. In selected samples this interfacial, cement line, matrix was analyzed by X-ray …

Physical And Biological Evaluation Of Hydroxylapatite Films Formed On Ti6a14v Substrates By Excimer Laser Ablation, Tatjana Dostálová, Miroslav Jelínek, Lucie Himmlová, Vlasta Pesáková, Milan Adam

Cells and Materials

Thin films of hydroxylapatite, about 500 nm, were formed on Ti6Al4V by excimer laser ablation. Ten different deposition conditions were used such as deposition atmosphere (vacuum, pure water vapor, mixture of Ar and water vapor), substrate temperature, target-substrate distance and energy density. Mechanical and physical analyses were carried out by Rutherford backscattering and particle induced X-ray emission; crystallinity of films was determined by X-ray diffraction, surface topography by scanning electron microscopy and adhesion by a scratch test. Biological evaluation of samples was also performed. The fibroblast proliferation test was used, morphological evaluation of macrophages was carried out, and the activity …

Biofilm Mediated Calculus Formation In The Urinary Tract, Robert J. C. Mclean, David J. Stickler, J. Curtis Nickel

Cells and Materials

Mineralization and subsequent calculus formation is a common complication of biofilm infections. In the urinary tract, these infected calculi often arise from infections by urease-producing bacteria. Ammonia, liberated by bacterial urease activity, increases urine pH, resulting in the precipitation of Ca and Mg as carbonateapatite {Ca₁₀(PO₄,CO₃)₆(OH,CO₃)₂} and struvite (NH₄MgP0₄·6H₂O). These minerals become entrapped in the organic matrix which surrounds the infecting organisms and ultimately grow into mature calculi. When the causative organisms grow on urinary catheters and stents, the resulting mineralization can …

Perturbations Of Periosteel Bone During Healing: Effect Of Non-Weight Bearing, Helen E. Gruber, Mary E. Kirchen, John R. Sweeney, William E. Anderson, G. June Marshall

Cells and Materials

Weight bearing (WB) is an important factor influencing bone remodelling. The present study evaluates the effects of weight bearing and non-weight bearing (S) (achieved by tail suspension and hindlimb elevation) on the healing of a fibular osteotomy in adult male rats. After 9, 18 or 36 days under WB or S conditions, periosteum near the callus formed at the osteotomy site was compared to periosteum of the contralateral fibula (which did not receive an osteotomy) or to periosteum of fibula of control animals which did not receive an osteotomy. Data show that periosteal bone healing is sensitive to alterations in …

A Composite Biomaterial: Poly 2 (Hydropoxyethyl) Methacrylate / Alkaline Phosphatase Initiates Mineralization In Vitro, R. Filmon, D. Chappard, J. P. Monthéard, M. F. Baslé

Cells and Materials

Bone substitutes are nowadays largely used in orthopedic surgery but they lack osteoinductive properties. Poly (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (pHEMA) has numerous biomedical applications. Alkaline phosphatase (AlkP), an ectoenzyme elaborated by osteoblasts, initiates bone mineralization by hydrolyzing organic phosphates before calcium-phosphorus deposition. We have immobilized AlkP in pHEMA in a copolymerization technic. Histochemical study revealed that AlkP has retained its biological activity . Image analysis of sections using a tessellation method showed a lognormal distribution of the area of tessels around AlkP particles thus confirming an homogeneous distribution of the enzyme in the polymer. Pellets of pHEMA and pHEMA + AlkP were …

Validation Of Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectrometry As A Method To Standardize Backscattered Electron Images Of Bone, E. G. Vajda, R. D. Bloebaum, J. G. Skedros

Cells and Materials

The use of backscattered electron (BSE) imaging as a tool for the qualitative measurement of mineral content in bone has been well documented. The challenge still remains to develop BSE imaging as a tool for quantitative mineral content analysis in bone. The limiting factor has been the ability to standardize the BSE signal within and between laboratories. Energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry (EDX) has been proposed as a method to standardize the BSE operating environment. The goal of this study is to investigate the relationship between EDX-determined wt.% Ca measurements and BSE graylevels. A comparison with traditional ash content measurements will …

The Effect Of Vitronectin And Other Extracellular Matrix Molecules On Endothelial Expansion And Plasminogen Activation, P. Anne Underwood, Penny A. Bean

Cells and Materials

Endothelial recovery following procedures used to alleviate blood vessel occlusion is modulated by the local extracellular matrix upon which it has to migrate and proliferate. This extracellular material is derived from vessel wall cells, and plasma proteins which bind to the exposed surfaces. We have demonstrated that vitronectin adsorbs efficiently to tissue culture polystyrene in competition with other plasma proteins, which suggests that it may adsorb to biomaterial surfaces in vivo. We have compared the adhesion, migration and proliferation of human umbilical artery endothelial cells on surface-coated vitronectin, with other extracellular matrix molecules encountered in this environment, namely fibronectin, …

Hazardous Waste Management, Harold M. Cota, David Wallenstein

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Hazardous waste management is a broad and evolving field. Applicable state and federal regulations comprising over 60,000 pages are continually being updated. Many of these regulations overlap and are subject to differences in interpretation that often lead to court rulings. Regulations, economic pressures and public perception are forcing companies to rapidly change the way they manufacture products in order to minimize hazardous waste generation. Over 200 million tons of solid hazardous waste are generated annually in the United States. Huge quantities of hazardous waste deposited in landfills, ponds, fields, and other locations require removal or in situ treatment. Common hazardous …

Santa Clara Magazine, Volume 38 Number 1, Winter 1996, Santa Clara University

Santa Clara Magazine

8 - GERALD UELMEN: BACK IN THE CLASSROOM The School of Law professor and co-counsel for the O.J. Simpson defense reflects on the "trial of the century" and assesses its impact on legal education. Interview by Elise Banducci '87

12 - MARRIED WITHOUT CHILDREN Childless couples challenge deeply held beliefs about marriage and family. By Kath1yn Bold '81

16 - PORTRAIT OF THE ARTIST Gerald Sullivan, S.J., answers the questions "Why figurative painting?" "Why liberal arts?" and "Why dogs?" By Miriam Schulman

20 - PASSPORT TO KNOWLEDGE Study abroad programs in Italy and around the world push beyond traditional borders. …

Ua8 Information Technology Update, Wku Information Technology

WKU Administration Documents

Newsletter created by and about WKU Information Technology.