Multi-year, spatially extensive, watershed-scale synoptic stream chemistry and water quality conditions for six permafrost-underlain Arctic watersheds

Repeated sampling of spatially distributed river chemistry can be used to assess the location, scale, and persistence of carbon and nutrient contributions to watershed exports. Here, we provide a comprehensive set of water chemistry measurements and ecohydrological metrics describing the biogeochemical conditions of permafrost-affected Arctic watersheds. These data were collected in watershed-wide synoptic campaigns in six stream networks across northern Alaska. Three watersheds are associated with the Arctic Long-Term Ecological Research site at Toolik Field Station (TFS), which were sampled seasonally each June and August from 2016 to 2018. Three watersheds were associated with the National Park Service (NPS) of Alaska and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and were sampled annually from 2015 to 2019. Extensive water chemistry characterization included carbon species, dissolved nutrients, and major ions. The objective of the sampling designs and data acquisition was to characterize terrestrial–aquatic linkages and processing of material in stream networks. The data allow estimation of novel ecohydrological metrics that describe the dominant location, scale, and overall persistence of ecosystem processes in continuous permafrost. These metrics are (1) subcatchment leverage, (2) variance collapse, and (3) spatial persistence. Raw data are available at the National Park Service Integrated Resource Management Applications portal (O'Donnell et al., 2021, https://doi.org/10.5066/P9SBK2DZ) and within the Environmental Data Initiative (Abbott, 2021, https://doi.org/10.6073/pasta/258a44fb9055163dd4dd4371b9dce945).

Biological and chemical pruning wound protectants reduce infection of grapevine trunk disease pathogens

Grapevine trunk diseases (GTDs) are currently considered some of the most important challenges for viticulture, curtailing vineyard longevity and productivity in nearly every raisin, table and wine grape production region in California and worldwide. Pruning wounds provide the main entry point for fungal pathogens responsible for these diseases; pathogens enter the wounds following precipitation events. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of selected chemical and experimental biological fungicides for protection of pruning wounds against two of the most common and virulent fungal pathogens causing GTDs: Eutypa lata and Neofusicoccum parvum. This study was conducted on sauvignon blanc at the UC Davis Department of Plant Pathology Field Station. Results showed that several chemical and biological fungicides, notably the chemical fungicide Luna Sensation, the biofungicide Vintec and a combination of the biofungicides Bio-Tam and CrabLife Powder, provided significant protection against at least one of the two canker pathogens used in this study. However, the majority of products tested did not provide simultaneous control of both E. lata and N. parvum pathogens, highlighting the continuing challenge of controlling GTDs.

Do chimpanzee pant hoots have semantic content?

I read with great interest the exciting study by Leroux et al. [(2021) Anim Behav 179, 49–50] who investigated the nature of pant-hoot–food-call combinations in a community of wild chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) at the Budongo Conservation Field Station, Budongo Forest, Uganda. The authors propose, among others, that they reveal the first evidence that wild chimpanzees are able “to combine meaning-bearing units into larger structures” (i.e., that they are capable of semantic compositionality and, by extension, syntax). Their analysis represents an important addition to a growing body of research and discussions on communicational combinatoriality in wild primates and specifically apes, and, by extension, extinct hominins. Incidentally, I have recently published a paper in Animal Cognition in which I also suggested, based on a reanalysis of existing data, that wild chimpanzees can display semantic compositionality and syntax in their communication [Gabrić (2021) Anim Cogn, online ahead of print]. In the present commentary, I argue that Leroux et al.’s (2021) interpretation of the data may be ungrounded given that (1) unlike for food calls, there is currently very little if any indication in the scientific literature that pant-hoots have semantic content (i.e., are meaningful) and given that (2) Leroux et al. (2021) did not investigate their a priori assumption that the observed pant-hoots are in fact semantic. Since pant-hoots feature prominently in the chimpanzee vocal repertoire and the debate on their eventual semanticity is still wide open, this represents a fine opportunity to revisit this issue in the context of Leroux et al.’s (2021) study. Their paper further raises several other less significant questions.

MAGRARIO: A NEW GENOTYPE TO PRODUCE QUALITY SHEEP MEAT

Generally there is poor tradition to produce and to commercialize heavy lean lamb carcasses. To achieve a better product for the ovine meat market Ideal (Polwarth) breed ewes were backcrossed to Texel breed rams (breed recognized to reduce carcass fat). Ideal breed (I) is one of the most ordinary breeds in Argentina. However, when their lambs are reared in feed-lot conditions, a high fat content is found in their lamb carcasses. After three generations of backcrosses followed by a breeding program for increase male lamb weaning weight and female fertility a new genotype was obtained for the local ovine meat production systems. This new genotype registered as Magrario (M) was obtained at Villarino Field Station of UNR (Zavalla, Santa Fe, 33º S, 61º W). It was verify that M produced more lean meat than I breed under feet lot conditions. M rams were introduced in flocks of Hampshire Down (HD) breed to evaluate lamb crosses with lean meat. Genotype M was compared under feed lot conditions with HD lambs during two months in the post weaning. Also crosses (MxHD), (MxI) and (IxHD) were evaluated in the same conditions. At the end of the experiment ultrasonic methods were used to evaluate fat depot on Longissimus dorsi. The (MxHD) showed a reduction of 20% respecting to HD. These results suggested that M genotype could be a useful paternal genotype to reduce fat depots when the aim is to produce lamb crosses under feed lot conditions in a short period of time. Key words: ovine, lean meat, feed lot, crossing.

A Field-Deployable Diagnostic Assay for the Visual Detection of Misfolded Prions

Diagnostic tools for the detection of protein-misfolding diseases (i.e., proteopathies) are limited. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) facilitate sensitive diagnostic techniques via visual color change for the detection of a variety of targets. In parallel, recently developed quaking-induced conversion (QuIC) assays leverage protein-amplification and fluorescent signaling for the accurate detection of misfolded proteins. Here, we combine AuNP and QuIC technologies for the visual detection of amplified misfolded prion proteins from tissues of wild white-tailed deer infected with chronic wasting disease (CWD), a prion disease of cervids. Our newly developed assay, MN-QuIC™, enables both naked-eye and light-absorbance measurements for detection of misfolded prions. MN-QuIC™ leverages basic laboratory equipment that is cost-effective and portable, thus facilitating real-time prion diagnostics across a variety of settings. To test the portability of our assay, we deployed to a rural field-station in southeastern Minnesota and tested for CWD on site. We successfully demonstrated that MN-QuIC™ is functional in a non-traditional laboratory setting by performing a blinded analysis in the field and correctly identifying all CWD positive and CWD not detected deer at the field site in less than 24 hours, thus documenting the portability of the assay. Additionally, we show that electrostatic forces help govern the AuNP/prion interactions. Importantly, all of our white-tailed deer (n=37) were independently tested using ELISA, IHC, and/or RT-QuIC technologies and results secured with MN-QuIC™ were 100% consistent with these tests. We conclude that hybrid AuNP and QuIC assays, such as MN-QuIC™, have great potential for sensitive, field-deployable diagnostics of a variety of protein misfolding diseases.

First person – Jillian Josimovich

ABSTRACT First Person is a series of interviews with the first authors of a selection of papers published in Biology Open, helping early-career researchers promote themselves alongside their papers. Jillian Josimovich is first author on ‘ Clutch may predict growth of hatchling Burmese pythons better than food availability or sex’, published in BiO. Jillian is a biologist in the lab of Dr Andrea Currylow at Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, South Florida Field Station in Everglades National Park, USA, investigating applied research that can inform management efforts for imperiled species and ecosystems, with a particular focus on herpetological ecology and conservation.

Extreme environments: An educational framework for arts-based field research

Field station research locations offer scientists isolation and immersion for more precise statistical analysis of climate change and environmental damage. As more art/science initiatives develop in academia, art students are gaining access to difficult scientific research sites and using the experience to fuel creative strategies. The methodology for offering a course that taps these into possibilities for the teaching of creativity remains little explored. Through a case study at the School of Creative Media in Hong Kong, this article examines how student expeditions that work adjacent to environmental scientists in extreme environments can be used for the teaching of creativity and artistic process as well as informing a larger public on climate issues. The structure of the program with detailed descriptions of sequenced proficiencies is presented. Both pedagogical philosophy and logistic issues will be discussed through the set-up and organizational structure of the course, the variety of teaching materials, assignments, dissemination and finally the exhibition and impact of the students’ work. Using scientific resources with the goal of artistic interpretation, the pedagogy is designed to respond to the emerging potential of digital technologies in creative media. The results, both for the students and the public, demonstrate multimodal approaches that offer broader possibilities for learning and outreach that are both scalable and transferable.

Performance of female Bali cattle in different management systems at Field Station of Sekolah Peternakan Rakyat (SL-SPR) Kuamang Abadi

This study aims to evaluate the performance of Bali cows in different management systems in the Field Station of Sekolah Peternakan Rakyat (SL-SPR) Kuamang Abadi. The linear body measurement and reproductive performances of one hundred twenty-six Bali cows owned by 64 farmers located in 4 villages in SL-SPR Kuamang Abadi were measured and recorded. Survey and observation were done from October to November 2020. Data were analyzed using statistical and descriptive methods. The parameters of linear body measurement included chest circle (CC), body length (BL), and body height (BH). The reproductive performance included age first calving (AFC), calving interval (CI), days open (DO), and service per conception (S/C). The result of linear body measurement showed that the largest CC was in a semi-intensive system at 158,03 cm; the largest BL and BH in the intensive system were 119,35 cm and 111,2 cm, respectively. The result of the reproductive performance showed that cattle in the semi-intensive systems had lower averages AFC, CI, DO, and S/C, i.e., 958,7 days, 375,1 days, 90,1 days, and 1,7, respectively. The results obtained can be used as the basis for improving maintenance management and the development of breeding Bali cattle in SL-SPR Kuamang Abadi.

Evaluasi Program Pemuliaan Berdasarkan Parameter Genetik dan Fenotipik Pada Sapi Peranakan Ongole

The field station of the School for Smallholder Community, Sekaran Village, Kasiman District is one ofthe places for beef cattle development in Bojonegoro Regency. Sekaran Field Station has several breedsof cattle, including Ongole Crossbred. Ongole Crossbreeds have a large population in the Sekaran Schoolfor Smallholder Community with a population of 38%. Evaluation of breeding programs is based ongenetic parameters and can be used to obtain the latest information on the successful implementation ofbreeding programs in a population of livestock. The aim of this study was to evaluate the developmentprogram of Ongole Crossbreed cattle at the Sekaran School for Smallholder Community field stationusing genetic and phenotypic parameters. This study uses a survey method based on questionnaires byconducting interviews with farmers. The data observed were recorded data from 190 heads of OngoleCrossbreeds. The parameters observed were breeding values, genetic and phenotypic correlations, aswell as genetic and phenotypic patterns. The results showed that the highest estimation of breedingvalue in Ongole Crossbred was 5.71 (6 heads) and the lowest was 0.10 (2 heads). The genetic correlationof age at first giving birth, calving distance and empty period ranged from -0.03–0.13. The phenotypiccorrelation of the three reproductive traits ranged from -0.12-0.09. The genetic patterns of age at firstgiving birth, calving distance and empty period were -0.97 months/year, -2.51 days/year and 0.05 days/year, respectively. The phenotypic patterns of the three reproductive traits were 36 months/year, 388days/year and 84 days/year, respectively. Based on the results of the evaluation of the breeding programusing genetic and phenotypic parameters, the development of Ongole Peranakan cattle needs to becontinued by implementing good and digital-based management in order to provide success in the OngoleCrossbred development program at the Sekaran field station of the School for Smallholder Community.

Evaluation of vegetable pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp] genotypes for yield stability

Background Vegetable pigeonpea is an important food security crop in the marginal dry areas of the Eastern region of Kenya. The adaptation and stability of vegetable pigeonpea genotypes across different agro-ecological zones in Kenya are not adequately determined. The objective of this study was to evaluate the yield stability and adaptability of genotypes: KAT 60/8, MZ 2/9, ICEAP 00554, ICEAP 00557 and KIONZA based on additive main effects and multiplicative interactions (AMMI) and Genotype plus genotype by environment (GGE biplot) analysis. Methods Evaluation of vegetable pigeonpea Genotypes was conducted at Kiboko, Katumani and Kambi ya Mawe research stations located in Eastern region and University of Nairobi Field station in central region of Kenya. The genotypes were planted in a Randomized Complete Block design (RCBD), replicated three times at all sites. Rainfall at Kiboko and Kabete were supplemented with irrigation, using sprinklers, for a total of 38 times, providing 832 mm of water. The crop was protected from pests by the application of broad-spectrum, non-systemic, pyrethroid alpha-cypermethrin and dimethoate, after field scouting. All other agronomic and cultural practices were done as recommended for each location. Results Combined analysis of variance (ANOVA) at six environments revealed highly significant (P < 0.01) variations in G × E interactions for yield (Kg/ha), 100 Seed mass (g/100 seed), days to flower and maturity (P < 0.05). AMMI model for grain yield interaction principal components analysis (IPCA), explained 96.5% of the total yield variation. The cultivar MZ 2/9 and KAT 60/8 recorded a lower IPCA1, indicating a wider adaptation and stability. Kambi ya Mawe, Katumani and Kiboko had higher IPCA1, indicating greatest interactive environments and adapted genotypes. Kambi ya Mawe, was the most ideal location for evaluating pigeonpea genotypes. While KIONZA was the most ideal genotype for yield performance, MZ 2/9 and KAT 60/8 were most stable with a wider adaptation. Conclusion KIONZA should be used as a reference genotype, while Kambi ya Mawe would be the most ideal location for testing the vegetable pigeonpea genotypes in breeding research. Increased deployment of stable pigeon pea cultivars, MZ 2/9 and KAT 60/8 would enhance food security in the dry areas of Eastern regions of Kenya. These genotypes need to be promoted with farmers for wider adoption in the Eastern region of Kenya.