Using biological traits to assess how urbanization filters plant species of small woodlands

Question: Which biological traits (persistence, regeneration, dispersion traits and resource requirements) may explain the distribution of woodland flora along an urban–rural gradient? Location: The study was carried out in three medium‐sized conurbations of north‐western France: Angers, Nantes and Rennes. Methods: We sampled the vegetation of 36 small woodlands of about 1.5 ha composed of non‐planted vegetation along an urban–rural gradient. We characterized the position of woodlands along the urban–rural gradient by examining adjacent land cover. By using an ordination analysis (RLQ), we analysed which traits out of –23 tested were related to the contrasted distribution of species along the urban–rural gradient. Results: Species that are more likely to be found in urban woodlands than rural woodlands have different persistence traits (higher specific leaf area, more often rosette or semi‐rosette form, less underground vegetative multiplication), resource requirements (affinity for base‐rich and fertile soils) and regeneration traits (short life‐span). Dispersion traits were not related to the distribution of species along the urban–rural gradient. Conclusions: Our approach identifies traits that can help to determine the vulnerability of forest species as a result of the environmental changes that follow urbanization. Limiting the influence of the urban environment on habitat quality (particularly disturbance and soil enrichment) is likely to be of major importance in maintaining the plant biodiversity in woodlands.     

Defining the breeding goal for a sheep breed including production and functional traits using market data

In this study, the economic values for production and functional traits of dairy sheep are estimated through the application of a profit function model using farm-level technical and economic data. The traits incorporated in the model were milk production, prolificacy, fertility, milking speed, longevity and mastitis occurrence. The economic values for these traits were derived as the approximate partial derivative of the specified profit function. A sensitivity analysis was also conducted in order to examine how potential changes in input and output prices would affect the breeding goal. The estimated economic values of the traits revealed their economic impact on the definition of the breeding goal for the specified production system. Milk production and fertility had the highest economic values (€40.30 and €20.28 per standard genetic deviation (SDa)), while, mastitis only had a low negative value of −0.57 €/SDa. Therefore, breeding for clinical mastitis will have a minor impact on farm profitability because it affects a small proportion of the flock and has low additive variance. The production traits, which include milk production, prolificacy and milking speed, contributed most to the breeding goal (70.0%), but functional traits still had a considerable share (30.0%). The results of this study highlight the importance of the knowledge of economic values of traits in the design of a breeding program. It is also suggested that the production and functional traits under consideration can be categorized as those which can be efficiently treated through genetic improvement (e.g. milk production and fertility) while others would be better dealt with through managerial interventions (e.g. mastitis occurrence). Also, sub-clinical mastitis that affects a higher proportion of flocks could have a higher contribution to breeding goals.     

The application of single beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) level measurement in women undergoing single blastocyst transfer

We previously explored the associations between β-hCG on the 14th day post–embryo transfer (ET) and reproductive outcomes and established a series of cutoff values to predict different outcomes. The aim of this study was to explore the parameters associated with β-hCG levels and establish β-hCG cutoff values in women undergoing single blastocyst transfer. The patients were transferred with either fresh or frozen-thawed blastocysts. Serum β-hCG levels were compared among different groups. Cutoff values of β-hCG were established and applied to divide the patients into different groups, among which the β-hCG groups were compared. Develop day negatively affected β-HCG levels in those who were pregnant or gave live birth (P < 0.001, 0.008). Inner cell mass significantly affected β-hCG levels in women who were pregnant or gave live birth (P = 0.013, 0.044). Trophectoderm significantly affected β-hCG levels in women with most reproductive outcomes, except biochemical pregnancy (BP) (P = 0.184). The cutoff values of β-hCG for predicting positive outcomes were 194.1, 503.0, 1048.0, and 2590.5 mIU/L. BP rates and adverse pregnancy outcome rates were significantly lower in the higher β-hCG groups (P < 0.001). Shorter gestational age and lower birth weight and length (P = 0.005, 0.041, 0.003) were observed in the lowest-concentration β-hCG group. The application of a single β-hCG measurement was sufficient to predict reproductive outcome in women undergoing blastocyst transfer, under the full consideration of blastocyst parameters. However, the association between β-hCG and obstetric outcomes remains to be investigated and fully explained.     

Clinical Biochemistry and Hematology of the Elusive Sun‐Tailed Monkey (Cercopithecus solatus) in Gabon: Inaugural Data From the Only Semifree Ranging Colony in the World

Clinical blood biochemistry and hematology are valuable tools to evaluate health and welfare in many animal species. In order to document the general biology of one of the most poorly known nonhuman primate species, and contribute to its conservation, the clinical blood biochemistry and hematology of the sun‐tailed monkey (Cercopithecus solatus Harrisson) was investigated in its range of endemicity in Gabon. Data derived from 26 years of clinical monitoring of the only semicaptive colony of this species in the world, housed at CIRMF (Franceville, Gabon), were analyzed in order to establish reference values of age–sex classes. Consistent with previous reports in other primate species, age and sex significantly affected a number of biochemical and hematological parameters in C. solatus. Hematological analyses demonstrated significant differences in red blood cells, hemoglobin (HB), and hematocrit (HT), with males showing significantly greater values than females. In contrast, neutrophil counts were greater in females. An ontogenetic effect was detected for HB, HT, eosinophil, and monocyte counts, while lymphocytes significantly decreased with age. Biochemical analyses also showed significant differences, with females displaying greater cholesterol and alanine aminotransferase levels. Increase in levels of blood urea and aspartate aminotransferase coupled with decrease in albumin in old individuals suggested declining kidney, liver, and muscle functions with age. Interspecific comparisons were conducted and the effects of the unique semifree‐ranging setting on the validity and value of the results presented are discussed. The reference values established will be useful in further ecological, parasitological, and virological studies of the sun‐tailed monkey.     

On the phytosociology and ecology of Isoëtes asiatica (Makino) Makino in oligotrophic water bodies of South Sakhalin

In 1989, in the southeast of the Sakhalin Island and south of the village Okhotskoye, Isoëtes asiatica (Makino) Makino and I. beringensis Kom. were detected in 24 oligotrophic lakes for the first time on Sakhalin. These are stands of the community of Isoëtetum asiaticae ass. nov. which in the majority of the lakes form a characteristic pioneer vegetation of the shallow littoral zones. In addition to poor-species dominance stands of both of the Isoëtes species, penetration stages of both of these species as well as stages rich in Comarum palustre, Eleocharis acicularis and Potamogeton species can be differentiated. Besides the structure of the species, the site conditions, particularly of the water bodies are described. The ion content is represented by absolute and relative ion field diagrams exemplified by 7 selected water bodies. The ion content is characterized by sodium and chloride which are prevailing, while calcium and magnesium as well as hydrogen carbonate and sulphate exist in low quantitative proportions only. The indicator values of individual characteristics and the complex characteristics of the Isoëtes lakes are discussed. The hydrochemical characteristics of the Sakhalin, Kuriles and Kamchatka Isoëtes waters are compared with the Isoëtes water bodies of North America and Europe. The danger to Isoëtes water bodies is discussed, necessary protective measures are defined.     

Morphometric studies of the heart in normal rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta)

The hearts of 47 rhesus monkeys were examined at necropsy. Normal morphometric parameters of the heart were established. Included in the values are measurements of weight of the heart as a percentage of body weight, overall dimensions of the heart, and measurements of ventricular morphology.     

The Default Value Approach to the Precautionary Principle

In science, when information is lacking, the reasonable response is to suspend judgement. When incomplete scientific information is to be used for decision-making purposes, such as regulation, the option of suspending judgement is not available. In such situations the precautionary principle may be used. One of several problems with the precautionary principle is that it is poorly defined and difficult to operationalize. We propose a way of operationalizing the precautionary principle through assigning cautious default values to variables that are needed in the risk analysis but are nevertheless unknown. A formalized model is introduced, in which the precautionary principle is interpreted in terms of default values of chemicals regulation. Four different methods for choosing default values (positive list, negative list, statistical expectation, and precaution) are discussed.