First estimation of Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) abundance and density using digital cameras and capture–recapture techniques in a German national park

Primera estima de la abundancia y de la densidad del lince euroasiático (Lynx lynx) utilizando cámaras digitales y técnicas de captura–recaptura en un parque nacional alemán Al lince euroasiático se le puede identificar individualmente mediante las marcas de su pelaje, que son únicas, lo que le convierte en un candidato ideal para los estudios de captura–recaptura (CMR). Hemos evaluado el uso de la fotografía digital para estimar la abundancia y la densidad de la población del lince euroasiático en el Parque Nacional Forestal Bávaro. Desde noviembre del 2008 a enero del 2009 establecimos 24 lugares de trampeo, cada uno de ellos provisto de dos cámaras encaradas entre sí, en lugares de paso frecuentados. Colocamos las unidades basándonos en una cuadrícula sistemática de 2,7 km. Capturamos cinco linces independientes y tres jóvenes, y calculamos las estimas de abundancia utilizando el programa Mark. También comparamos las estimas de densidad mediante el método MMDM (distancia media máxima recorrida) de datos telemétricos (½MMDMGPS) y de datos de las cámaras trampa (½MMDMCAM). Hallamos que en un área muestreada eficazmente de 664 km2 la densidad del lince euroasiático era de 0,9 individuos/100 km2 mediante ½MMDMCAM. La densidad del lince euroasiático calculada mediante el método ½MMDMGPS fue de 0,4 individuos/100 km2 en una zona muestreada eficazmente de 1.381 km2. Nuestros resultados sugieren que un muestreo fotográfico CMR a largo plazo y a gran escala puede ser una herramienta muy útil para monitorizar las tendencias poblacionales del lince euroasiático, según la Directiva de Hábitat, Flora y Fauna de la Unión Europea.Primera estima de la abundancia y de la densidad del lince euroasiático (Lynx lynx) utilizando cámaras digitales y técnicas de captura–recaptura en un parque nacional alemán Al lince euroasiático se le puede identificar individualmente mediante las marcas de su pelaje, que son únicas, lo que le convierte en un candidato ideal para los estudios de captura–recaptura (CMR). Hemos evaluado el uso de la fotografía digital para estimar la abundancia y la densidad de la población del lince euroasiático en el Parque Nacional Forestal Bávaro. Desde noviembre del 2008 a enero del 2009 establecimos 24 lugares de trampeo, cada uno de ellos provisto de dos cámaras encaradas entre sí, en lugares de paso frecuentados. Colocamos las unidades basándonos en una cuadrícula sistemática de 2,7 km. Capturamos cinco linces independientes y tres jóvenes, y calculamos las estimas de abundancia utilizando el programa Mark. También comparamos las estimas de densidad mediante el método MMDM (distancia media máxima recorrida) de datos telemétricos (½MMDMGPS) y de datos de las cámaras trampa (½MMDMCAM). Hallamos que en un área muestreada eficazmente de 664 km2 la densidad del lince euroasiático era de 0,9 individuos/100 km2 mediante ½MMDMCAM. La densidad del lince euroasiático calculada mediante el método ½MMDMGPS fue de 0,4 individuos/100 km2 en una zona muestreada eficazmente de 1.381 km2. Nuestros resultados sugieren que un muestreo fotográfico CMR a largo plazo y a gran escala puede ser una herramienta muy útil para monitorizar las tendencias poblacionales del lince euroasiático, según la Directiva de Hábitat, Flora y Fauna de la Unión Europea.ABC_35-2_2012 First estimation of Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) abundance and density using digital cameras and capture–recapture techniques in a German national park Weingarth, K., Heibl, C., Knauer, F., Zimmermann, F., Bufka, L., Heurich, M. Abstract Eurasian lynx are individually identifiable by their unique coat markings, making them ideal candidates for capture–recapture (CMR) surveys. We evaluated the use of digital photography to estimate Eurasian lynx population abundance and density within the Bavarian Forest National Park. From November 2008 to January 2009 we placed 24 camera trap sites, each with two cameras facing each other on well–used walking tracks). The units were placed based on a systematic grid of 2.7 km. We captured five independent and three juvenile lynx and calculated abundance estimates using Program Mark. We also compared density estimates based on the MMDM method (Mean Maximum Distance Moved) from telemetry data (½MMDMGPS) and from camera trapping data (½MMDMCAM). We estimated that in an effectively sampled area of 664 km2 the Eurasian lynx density was 0.9 individuals/100 km2 with ½MMDMCAM. The Eurasian lynx density calculated with ½MMDMGPS was 0.4 individuals/100 km2 in an effectively sampled area of 1,381 km2. Our results suggest that long–term photographic CMR sampling on a large scale may be a useful tool to monitor population trends of Eurasian lynx in accordance with the Fauna–Flora–Habitat Directive of the European Union

Ionic liquids at electrified interfaces

Until recently, “room-temperature” (<100–150 °C) liquid-state electrochemistry was mostly electrochemistry of diluted electrolytes(1)–(4) where dissolved salt ions were surrounded by a considerable amount of solvent molecules. Highly concentrated liquid electrolytes were mostly considered in the narrow (albeit important) niche of high-temperature electrochemistry of molten inorganic salts(5-9) and in the even narrower niche of “first-generation” room temperature ionic liquids, RTILs (such as chloro-aluminates and alkylammonium nitrates).(10-14) The situation has changed dramatically in the 2000s after the discovery of new moisture- and temperature-stable RTILs.(15, 16) These days, the “later generation” RTILs attracted wide attention within the electrochemical community.(17-31) Indeed, RTILs, as a class of compounds, possess a unique combination of properties (high charge density, electrochemical stability, low/negligible volatility, tunable polarity, etc.) that make them very attractive substances from fundamental and application points of view.(32-38) Most importantly, they can mix with each other in “cocktails” of one’s choice to acquire the desired properties (e.g., wider temperature range of the liquid phase(39, 40)) and can serve as almost “universal” solvents.(37, 41, 42) It is worth noting here one of the advantages of RTILs as compared to their high-temperature molten salt (HTMS)(43) “sister-systems”.(44) In RTILs the dissolved molecules are not imbedded in a harsh high temperature environment which could be destructive for many classes of fragile (organic) molecules

First estimation of Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) abundance and density using digital cameras and capture–recapture techniques in a German national park

Eurasian lynx are individually identifiable by their unique coat markings, making them ideal candidates for capture–recapture (CMR) surveys. We evaluated the use of digital photography to estimate Eurasian lynx population abundance and density within the Bavarian Forest National Park. From November 2008 to January 2009 we placed 24 camera trap sites, each with two cameras facing each other on well–used walking tracks). The units were placed based on a systematic grid of 2.7 km. We captured five independent and three juvenile lynx and calculated abundance estimates using Program Mark. We also compared density estimates based on the MMDM method (Mean Maximum Distance Moved) from telemetry data (½MMDMGPS) and from camera trapping data (½MMDMCAM). We estimated that in an effectively sampled area of 664 km2 the Eurasian lynx density was 0.9 individuals/100 km2 with ½MMDMCAM. The Eurasian lynx density calculated with ½MMDMGPS was 0.4 individuals/100 km2 in an effectively sampled area of 1,381 km2. Our results suggest that long–term photographic CMR sampling on a large scale may be a useful tool to monitor population trends of Eurasian lynx in accordance with the Fauna–Flora–Habitat Directive of the European Union

Dynamic thyroid testing, thyroid histology and thyroxine replacement therapy in Basenji dogs

Objective: To monitor the long-term health status of a cohort of client-owned Basenji dogs over several years; to compare the accuracy of various laboratory methods to assess thyroid status; and to document any adverse effects of routinely recommended doses of thyroxine for confirmed or presumptive hypothyroidism. Methods: Health outcomes were followed by 1-8 years of clinical surveillance using serum total thyroid hormone (TT4) and canine thyroid-stimulating hormone (cTSH) concentrations, and either dynamic thyroid testing using recombinant human (rh) TSH, and/or thyroid histopathology at necropsy. The long-term accuracy of the various diagnostic interpretative criteria for rhTSH stimulation was analysed. The clinical history and serial concentrations of TT4 and cTSH in dogs suspected of exhibiting adverse clinical responses to standard thyroxine supplementation were reviewed. Results: When rhTSH interpretative criteria were compared with thyroid histology at necropsy, Larsson's equation correctly identified normal Basenji dogs from dogs with hypothyroidism and extensive thyroid pathology, yet provided an equivocal result for dogs that were not hypothyroid. Despite sequential low TT4 concentration measurements over several years of clinical surveillance, these 'equivocal' dogs had unremarkable thyroid histology (consistent with breed and age) at necropsy. Thyroxine supplementation at recommended dose rates resulted in clinical signs of thyrotoxicosis in six elderly Basenji dogs. Conclusion: Age and breed may account for dose-related adverse responses in Basenji dogs dosed with thyroxine at recommended doses. We recommend that when conducting therapeutic thyroid supplementation trials in this breed, the drug be administered in gradually increasing doses to avoid dose-related side effects. In a breed with a lower than 'normal' reference interval for serum TT4 concentration, attempts to achieve the post-pill TT4 concentration achieved in normal dogs may induce signs of thyrotoxicosis. Serial cTSH concentration measurements are helpful when adjusting thyroxine supplementation in Basenji dogs. Larsson's equation can be of assistance in interpreting dynamic thyroid testing using rhTSH in this breed. The overall prevalence of hypothyroidism in the Basenji breed appears to be low.9 page(s

Enhanced capacitance of nitrogen-doped hierarchically porous carbide-derived carbon in matched ionic liquids

Supercapacitors combine efficient electrical energy storage and performance stability based on fast electrosorption of electrolyte ions at charged interfaces. They are a central element of existing and emerging energy concepts. A better understanding of capacitance enhancement options is essential to exploit the full potential of supercapacitors. Here, we report a novel hierarchically structured N-doped carbon material and a significant capacitance enhancement for a specific ionic liquid. Our studies indicate that matching of the electrode material and the ionic liquid specifically leads to a constant normalized resistance of the electrode material (voltage window up to ±1 V vs. carbon) and a significant enhancement of the specific capacitance. Such effects are not seen for standard organic electrolytes, non-matched ionic liquids, or non-N-doped carbons. A higher N-doping of the electrode material improves the symmetric full cell capacitance of the match and considerably increases its long-term stability at +3 V cell voltage. This novel observance of enhanced specific capacitance for N-doped carbons with matched ionic liquid may enable a new platform for developing supercapacitors with enhanced energy storage capacity