Elk, Cervus Elaphus, Resource Selection and Implications for Anthrax Management in Southwest Montana

Anthrax, caused by the spore forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis, is a zoonotic disease that affects humans and animals throughout the world.  In North America, anthrax outbreaks occur in livestock and increasingly wildlife species.  Vaccine administration in wildlife is untenable, and the most effective form of management in wildlife is surveillance and decontamination of carcasses.  Successful management is critical, as untreated carcasses can create infectious zones increasing risk for other susceptible hosts.  This study focused on informing management in a re-emerging anthrax zone in southwest Montana.  In 2008, a large anthrax epizootic primarily affected a domestic bison, Bison bison, herd and the bull segment of a free ranging elk, Cervus elephus, herd in southwestern Montana.  Following the outbreak, we initiated a telemetry study on elk to evaluate resource selection during the anthrax season in an effort to inform anthrax management. A mixed effects generalized linear model (GLM) was used to estimate resource selection by bull elk, and habitat preferences were mapped across the landscape. Preferred habitats were overlaid on ecological niche model-based estimates of B. anthracis presence. We found significant overlap between areas with a high predicted probability of bull elk use and B. anthracis potential.  These potentially risky areas of elk and B. anthracis overlap are broadly spread over both public and private lands.  Future outbreaks in the region are probable, and this analysis identified the spatial extent of the risk area in the region, which can be used to prioritize anthrax surveillance

Diffusion measurements to understand dynamics and structuring in solutions involving a homologous series of ionic liquids

The self-diffusion coefficients of each of the components in mixtures containing pyridine and each of the homologous series 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imides in acetonitrile were determined using NMR diffusometry (i. e., Pulsed Gradient Spin Echo). The nature of solvation was found to change significantly with the proportion of salt in the mixtures. Increased diffusion coefficients (when corrected for viscosity) for the molecular components were observed with increasing proportion of ionic liquid and with increasing alkyl chain length on the cation. Comparison of the molecular solvents suggests increased interactions in solution of the pyridine with other components of the mixture, consistent with the proposed interactions shown previously to drive changes in reaction kinetics. Discontinuities were seen in the diffusion data for each species in solution across different ionic liquids between the hexyl and octyl derivatives, suggesting a change in the structuring in solution as the alkyl chain on the cation changes and demonstrating the importance of such when considering homologous series

Mixing genetically and morphologically distinct populations in translocations: Asymmetrical introgression in a newly established population of the boodie (Bettongia lesueur)

The use of multiple source populations provides a way to maximise genetic variation and reduce the impacts of inbreeding depression in newly established translocated populations. However, there is a risk that individuals from different source populations will not interbreed, leading to population structure and smaller effective population sizes than expected. Here, we investigate the genetic consequences of mixing two isolated, morphologically distinct island populations of boodies (Bettongia lesueur) in a translocation to mainland Australia over three generations. Using 18 microsatellite loci and the mitochondrial D-loop region, we monitored the released animals and their offspring between 2010 and 2013. Despite high levels of divergence between the two source populations (FST = 0.42 and ϕST = 0.72), there was clear evidence of interbreeding between animals from different populations. However, interbreeding was non-random, with a significant bias towards crosses between the genetically smaller-sized Barrow Island males and the larger-sized Dorre Island females. This pattern of introgression was opposite to the expectation that male–male competition or female mate choice would favour larger males. This study shows how mixing diverged populations can bolster genetic variation in newly established mammal populations, but the ultimate outcome can be difficult to predict, highlighting the need for continued genetic monitoring to assess the long-term impacts of admixture

Examining Seasonal Anthrax Risk in Wildlife: Comparing Home Ranges and Site Fidelity in Sero-Positive and Sero-Negative Ungulates

Anthrax is frequently reported from wildlife and livestock in the US.  While useful in reducing risk in livestock, vaccination, the primary method of prevention, is untenable for free-ranging wildlife. Because of this, accurate surveillance and carcass clean-up are the most efficacious control measures for wildlife.  However, surveillance is expensive and requires significant personnel across large landscapes. Likewise, the transmission pathways are poorly understood in most species. Wildlife telemetry improves our understanding of movement patterns during risk periods. At the same time, serological surveys provide data on host exposure. Such data allow us to test hypotheses about host/pathogen interactions on the landscape. Starting in 2010, we initiated GPS telemetry and sero-prevalence studies for managed bison, Bison bison bison, and free-range elk (Cervus elaphus) in Montana. Here we will evaluate summertime home ranges in bulls from both species in western Montana. We compared home ranges and site fidelity metrics in sero-positive and sero-negative animals. Serological tests indicated that ~30% of bull elk and ~27% of unvaccinated bison were sero-positive for anthrax exposure, suggesting that low-level exposure is frequent on this landscape. Seasonal ranges can be useful for defining areas where animals may have increased likelihood of anthrax, comparing ranges to niche-based estimates of B. anthracis. Fidelity metrics suggest both species spent considerable time in niche-based high risk areas. Inter-annual data from elk suggest long-term range fidelity and overlap with high risk areas. These data can be used to prioritize surveillance efforts in those areas to maximize disease control, while managing search costs

Architecture of Kepler's Multi-transiting Systems: II. New investigations with twice as many candidates

We report on the orbital architectures of Kepler systems having multiple planet candidates identified in the analysis of data from the first six quarters of Kepler data and reported by Batalha et al. (2013). These data show 899 transiting planet candidates in 365 multiple-planet systems and provide a powerful means to study the statistical properties of planetary systems. Using a generic mass-radius relationship, we find that only two pairs of planets in these candidate systems (out of 761 pairs total) appear to be on Hill-unstable orbits, indicating ~96% of the candidate planetary systems are correctly interpreted as true systems. We find that planet pairs show little statistical preference to be near mean-motion resonances. We identify an asymmetry in the distribution of period ratios near first-order resonances (e.g., 2:1, 3:2), with an excess of planet pairs lying wide of resonance and relatively few lying narrow of resonance. Finally, based upon the transit duration ratios of adjacent planets in each system, we find that the interior planet tends to have a smaller transit impact parameter than the exterior planet does. This finding suggests that the mode of the mutual inclinations of planetary orbital planes is in the range 1.0-2.2 degrees, for the packed systems of small planets probed by these observations.Comment: Accepted to Ap

Effect of radiotherapy on freedom from seizures in dogs with brain tumors.

BACKGROUND: Seizures are a common presenting sign in dogs with brain tumors. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of radiotherapy on freedom from brain tumor-associated seizures and survival time in dogs. ANIMALS: Thirty-two client-owned dogs with brain tumor-associated seizures; 18 received medical treatment and radiotherapy, 14 received medical treatment alone. METHODS: Multicenter retrospective study. Baseline characteristics (seizure semiology, magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] characteristics, and treatment) and duration of seizure freedom were recorded for the 2 treatment groups. Duration of seizure freedom between groups was compared (log-rank test) using Cox's proportional hazard analysis, with baseline characteristics entered as covariates. RESULTS: The duration of seizure freedom and survival time were significantly longer in the radiotherapy group (P < .001), with a mean of 24 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 14.3-33.8) versus 1.7 months in the control group (95% CI, 0.5-2.9) and a mean of 34.6 months (95% CI: 25.2-44.1) versus 6.2 months in the control group (95% CI, 2.6-9.7) respectively. Baseline characteristics were not associated with duration of seizure freedom after the start of treatment. In the radiotherapy group, 5 dogs were euthanized during the study period because of causes other than seizures. In the control group, recurrence of seizures was observed before death in all dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: A longer period of seizure freedom and longer survival time was observed in dogs with brain tumors after radiotherapy compared to medical treatment only. The pathophysiological mechanisms of epileptogenesis and the effect of radiation therapy on seizure control are unclear to date. Further prospective studies are needed

Coordinated Population Forecast for Benton County, its Urban Growth Boundaries (UGB), and Area Outside UGBs 2017-2067

Different parts of the county experience different growth patterns. Local trends within UGBs and the area outside them collectively influence population growth rates for the county as a whole. Benton County’s total population has grown slowly since 2000, with an average annual growth rate of less than one percent between 2000 and 2010 (Figure 1); however, some of its sub-areas experienced more rapid population growth during the 2000s. The Benton County portion of Albany and Adair Village posted the highest average annual growth rates at 2.4 and 4.7 percent, respectively, during the 2000 to 2010 period while all other sub-areas experienced average annual growth rates at or below that of the county as a whole. Benton County’s positive population growth in the 2000s was largely the result of substantial net in-migration. An aging population not only led to an increase in deaths but also resulted in a smaller proportion of women in their childbearing years. This, along with more women choosing to have fewer children and have them at older ages has led to fewer births in recent years. A larger number of births relative to deaths caused natural increase (more births than deaths) in every year from 2000 to 2015. While natural increase outweighed net in-migration during the early and late years of the last decade, in more recent years (2012-15) net in-migration has increased, far outpacing births (Figure 12). Total population in Benton County as a whole as well as within its sub-areas will likely grow at a faster pace in the near-term (2017 to 2035) compared to the long-term (Figure 1). The tapering of growth rates is largely driven by an aging population—a demographic trend which is expected to contribute to natural decrease (more deaths than births). As natural decrease occurs, population growth will become increasingly reliant on net in-migration. Even so, Benton County’s total population is forecast to increase by nearly 18,000 over the next 18 years (2017-2035) and by more than 33,000 over the entire 50 year forecast period (2017-2067). Sub-areas that showed strong population growth during the 2000s are expected to continue experiencing relatively strong growth rates during the forecast period

Coordinated Population Forecast for Clackamas County, its Urban Growth Boundaries (UGB), and Area Outside UGBs 2017-2067

Different parts of the county experience differing growth patterns. Local trends within the UGBs and the area outside them collectively influence population growth rates for the county as a whole. Clackamas County’s total population has grown steadily since 2000, with an average annual growth rate of 1.1 percent between 2000 and 2010 (Figure 1). However, some of the county’s sub-areas outside of Clackamas County’s Metro boundary experienced more rapid population growth during the 2000s. Sandy and Molalla posted the highest average annual growth rates at 5.6 and 3.8 percent, respectively, during the 2000 to 2010 period. Clackamas County’s positive population growth in the 2000s was the direct result of substantial net in-migration. Meanwhile, an aging population not only led to an increase in deaths but also resulted in a smaller proportion of women in their childbearing years. This, along with more women choosing to have fewer children and having them at older ages has led to fewer births in recent years. The larger number of births relative to deaths caused a natural increase (more births than deaths) in every year from 2000 to 2015. Net in-migration outweighed natural increase during the early and middle years of the 2000s, though the gap between these two numbers has narrowed more recently. In more recent years (2013 to 2015) net in-migration has risen—bringing with it population growth (Figure 12). Total population in Clackamas County and its sub-areas outside of Clackamas County’s Metro boundary will likely grow at a faster pace in the near-term (2017 to 2035) compared to the long-term (Figure 1). The tapering of growth rates is largely driven by an aging population—a demographic trend which is expected to contribute to natural decrease (more deaths than births). As natural decrease occurs, population growth will become increasingly reliant on net in-migration. Even so, Clackamas County’s total population is forecast to increase by more than 107,000 over the next 18 years (2017-2035) and by more than 267,900 over the entire 50 year forecast period (2017-2067). Sub-areas that experienced rapid population growth in the 2000s are generally expected to post strong population growth during the forecast period

Coordinated Population Forecast for Yamhill County, its Urban Growth Boundaries (UGB), and Area Outside UGBs 2017-2067

Different parts of the county experience differing growth patterns. Local trends within the UGBs and the area outside them collectively influence population growth rates for the county as a whole. Yamhill County’s total population grew rapidly during the 2000s, with average annual growth rates above one and a half percent between 2000 and 2010 (Figure 1); however, most of its sub-areas experienced more rapid population growth during the 2000s. With the exception of Amity, Sheridan, and Willamina, all other sub-areas grew at a faster rate than the county. Yamhill County’s positive population growth in the 2000s was largely the result of substantial net in-migration. Meanwhile an aging population not only led to an increase in deaths, but also resulted in a smaller proportion of women in their childbearing years. This, along with more women choosing to have fewer children and have them at older ages has led to fewer births in recent years. The larger number of births relative to deaths caused a natural increase (more births than deaths) in every year from 2000 to 2015. While net in-migration outweighed natural increase during the early and middle years of the last decade, the gap between these two numbers has narrowed more recently, slowing population growth at the turn of the decade. In more recent years (2014 and 2015) net in-migration has increased, bringing with it population growth (Figure 12). Total population in Yamhill County as a whole as well as within its sub-areas will likely grow at a slightly faster pace in the near-term (2015 to 2035) compared to the long-term (Figure 1). The tapering of growth rates is largely driven by an aging population—a demographic trend which is expected to contribute to natural increase transitioning into natural decrease (more deaths than births) during the middle of the forecast horizon. As natural decrease occurs, population growth will become increasingly reliant on net in-migration. Even so, Yamhill County’s total population is forecast to increase by more than 28,500 over the next 18 years (2017-2035) and by more than 70,000 over the entire 50 year forecast period (2017-2067). Sub-areas that showed strong population growth in the 2000s are expected to experience similar rates of population growth during the forecast period