Landscape constraints on functional diversity of birds and insects in tropical agroecosystems

In this paper, we analyzeatabases on birds and insects to assess patterns of functional diversity in human-dominated landscapes in the tropics. A perspective from developed landscapes is essential for understanding remnant natural ecosystems, because most species experience their surroundings at spatial scales beyond the plot level, and spillover between natural and managed ecosystems is common. Agricultural bird species have greater habitat and diet breadth than forest species. Based on a global data base, bird assemblages in tropical agroforest ecosystems were composed of disproportionately more frugivorous and nectarivorous, but fewer insectivorous bird species compared with forest. Similarly, insect predators of plant-feeding arthropods were more diverse in Ecuadorian agroforest and forest compared with rice and pasture, while, in Indonesia, bee diversity was also higher in forested habitats. Hence, diversity of insectivorous birds and insect predators as well as bee pollinators declined with agricultural transformation. In contrast, with increasing agricultural intensification, avian pollinators and seed dispersers initially increase then decrease in proportion. It is well established that the proximity of agricultural habitats to forests has a strong influence on the functional diversity of agroecosystems. Community similarity is higher among agricultural systems than in natural habitats and higher in simple than in complex landscapes for both birds and insects, so natural communities, low-intensity agriculture, and heterogeneous landscapes appear to be critical in the preservation of beta diversity. We require a better understanding of the relative role of landscape composition and the spatial configuration of landscape elements in affecting spillover of functionally important species across managed and natural habitats. This is important for data-based management of tropical human-dominated landscapes sustaining the capacity of communities to reorganize after disturbance and to ensure ecological functioning.     

Cultivated cells from mid-trimester amniotic fluids. IV. Cell type identification via one and two-dimensional electrophoresis of clonal whole cell homogenates

Clones of cultivated amniotic fluid cells that have distinct morphologic and growth characteristics (F, AF and E-type) were examined by one-dimensional SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and by two-dimensional electrophoresis employing isoelectric focusing and SDS-PAGE (IEF-PAGE). No qualitative differences in band pattern were observed in SDS-PAGE between the various amniotic fluid cell types, but consistent quantitative differences in the ratios of four bands of presumed filamentous proteins provided good distinction between amniotic fluid cells and postnatal skin fibroblast-like cells. By adding separation on the basis of electrical charge to that of molecular size (IEF-PAGE), we observed reproducible qualitative differences in the protein spot patterns between F and both AF and E-type amniotic fluid cells. At least eight discrete proteins appear not to be synthesized by prenatal F-type cells in comparison with their isogenic AF and E counterparts under identical culture conditions. The two-dimensional electrophoretic patterns thus confirm that F and AF amniotic cells, in spite of their morphologic and growth kinetic similarities, are developmentally distinct cell types that retain their differentiated states in culture.     

Attitudes and perceptions of indigenous fishermen towards marine resource management in Kuna Yala,Panama

The Kuna are a strong and independent culture, however outside influences are imposing growing pressure on their people. Overpopulation and large-scale overfishing are among the most severe threats. The Kuna have developed their own management strategies to address these pressing issues. This study presents local perceptions and attitudes towards marine resource management of six indigenous fishing communities in Kuna Yala, Panama. Results highlight significant general and comparative differences in fishermen's attitudes and perceptions based on socio-cultural structures of communities, occupation and role in local decision-making. The level of cultural survival in communities was a strong indicator for different priorities and attitudes. Differences were also evident based on the level of marine resources used for income generation. Participation in local decision-making processes had positive impacts on levels of knowledge and information, and fostered critical thinking among participants. In addition, the results also denoted that conservation and development were more effective in the long term if the host population could develop strategies and plans for biodiversity conservation. Ownership and empowerment were strong indicators that influenced local livelihood to promote sustainable use of marine resources.     

Untying a Lancastrian bundle: valuing ecosystems and ecosystem services for wetland mitigation

A utility-theoretic model indicates that mitigation prices for wetland ecosystems depend on preferences and technical knowledge. Empirical analysis found gaps in respondents' knowledge about such ecosystems. Valuing wetland types requires dealing with respondents' possible misinformation, by developing tools for informing respondents or by combining service-based valuations with valid technical data.     

ACID MINE DRAINAGE (AMD) AND ITS IMPACT ON A SMALL VIRGINIA STREAM1

ABSTRACT: A study was conducted to 1) chemically characterize three AMD streams entering Chestnut Creek in southwestern Virginia below the town of Galax, Virginia, and 2) to assess the biological and chemical alterations in the creek. Over a six mile reach, the benthic macroinvertebrate population was reduced to zero, the naturally low alkalinity (～25mg/1) of the stream was reduced to less than 5 mg/1, and the pH was reduced from 7.2 to 6.3. Increased concentration of iron from less than 0.01 mg/I to more than 4.0 mg/1 were accompanied by the deposition of a coating of iron hydroxide up to 0.25 in. thick in the stream bed, a phenomenon most likely responsible for the absence of benethic macroinvertebrates. In situ bioassays with bluegill sunfish and one snail species showed that the creek water, after confluence with all the AMD streams, was not toxic in 192 hours to fish, and snails survived 96 hours before they began to die. The undiluted AMD itself was highly toxic.     

FIELD-LABORATORY DETERMINED AVOIDANCES OF THE SPOTFIN SHINER AND THE BLUNTNOSE MINNOW TO CHLORINATED DISCHARGES1

ABSTRACT: The responses of the spotfin shiner (Notropis spilopterus) and bluntnose minnow (Pimephales notatus) to intermittent chlorine discharges from a fossil fuel power plant in the New River were investigated by seine collections in the chlorinated discharge channel, and chlorine avoidances were obtained in a field laboratory at the power plant in Glen Lyn, Virginia. No fish were captured by seine during chlorination periods when the total chlorine (TCR) and free chlorine (FCR) residuals were, respectively, 0.46 and 0.27 mg/1 or higher at river water temperatures of 12 C or less. For collections made between eight-hour chlorination periods, the number of fish was reduced by approximately 50% at 0.20 and 0.06 mg/1 TCR and FCR, respectively. Significant (0.05 level) laboratory avoidances occurred at 0.10 to 0.20 mg/1 TCR (0.03 to 0.14 mg/1 FCR) for both species when exposed to increasing TCR concentrations of 0.10, 0.20, 0.30 and 0.40 mg/1. Responses varied with acclimation temperature (6, 12, 18 and 24 C) with no consisteent trends between species. When exposed to a constant TCR concentration during any one test (0.14, 0.18 and 0.26 mg/1 for the spotfin shiner, and 0.11 and 0.17 mg/1 for the bluntnose minnow), significant avoidances were observed at 0.26 and 0.17 mg/1 for each species, respectively. In all laboratory trials, occurrence or residence times decreased with increasing chlorine concentration, with residence times as high as 64.7% at 0.10 mg/1 TCR and as low as 8.3% at 0.40 mg/1 being observed.