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Publications

These publications showcase the significant science conducted in our Science Centers.

Filter Total Items: 16785

Caribbean National Forest, Puerto Rico

No abstract available.
Authors
J. W. Wiley, G.P. Bauer

Optimal management strategies in variable environments: Stochastic optimal control methods

Dynamic optimization was used to investigate the optimal defoliation of salt desert shrubs in north-western Utah. Management was formulated in the context of optimal stochastic control theory, with objective functions composed of discounted or time-averaged biomass yields. Climatic variability and community patterns of salt desert shrublands make the application of stochastic optimal control
Authors
B.K. Williams

Three new species of thread snakes (Serpentes: Leptotyphlopidae) from Hispaniola

No abstract available.
Authors
R. Thomas, R.W. McDiarmid, F.G. Thompson

Effect of ACTH on plasma corticosterone and cortisol in eagles and condors

The effect of ACTH on plasma corticosterone and cortisol was determined in 12 eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) and in 6 Andean condors (Vultur gryphus). In all raptors, the concentration of plasma corticosterone was substantially greater than that of cortisol. After ACTH administration, the eagles had a marked increase (P less than 0.001) in plasma corticosterone concentrations, but not in plasma
Authors
R.D. Zenoble, R.J. Kemppainen, D.W. Young, J. W. Carpenter

Bank-nesting starlings

No abstract available.
Authors
C.S. Robbins

Threatened breeding birds of Maryland

No abstract available.
Authors
C.S. Robbins, D.D. Boone

Effects of fluoride on screech owl reproduction: Teratological evaluation, growth, and blood chemistry in hatchlings

The effects on reproduction in screech owls (Otus asio) of chronic dietary sodium fluoride administration at 0, 40, and 200 ppm were examined. Fluoride at 40 ppm resulted in a significantly smaller egg volume, while 200 ppm also resulted in lower egg weights and lengths. Day-one hatchlings in the 200 ppm group weighed almost 10% less than controls and had shorter crown-rump lengths. No gross abnor
Authors
D. J. Hoffman, O. H. Pattee, Stanley N. Wiemeyer

Brown pelican populations and pollutants in Texas 1975-1981

The population status, reproductive success, and levels of environmental contaminants in brown pelicans (P. occidentalis) in Texas were studied from 1975 through 1981. Breeding populations increased from 18 pairs in 1975 to 57 pairs in 1981. All unhatched eggs salvaged for analyses of contaminant residues contained DDT metabolites. Mean DDE levels varied from 0.9 to 2.4 ppm and about 7% of the sam
Authors
K. A. King, D.R. Blankinship, E. Payne, A. J. Krynitsky, Gary L. Hensler

The need for accuracy in modelling: An example

The need for accurate information in modelling depends on the objectives of the effort. but trustworthy data are essential for a model intended for use in the management of natural resources. This point is illustrated by referring to a recently published model of canvasback ducks. We demonstrate that several key assumptions are not supported by biological evidence, and that inferences drawn from t
Authors
D. H. Johnson, M.J. Conroy, J. D. Nichols

Population dynamics of North American light-bellied brent geese as determined by productivity and harvest surveys

Midwinter inventories of total numbers, population-age ratios in the autumn, and estimates of the total numbers of and age ratios in hunter-killed birds were used to develop a population budget for Atlantic Brant - Lightbellied Brent Geese - Branta bernicla hrota for the period 1968-84. Substantial fluctuations in productivity and survival occurred even in the absence of hunting seasons for 9 of t
Authors
R.E. Kirby, T.W. Barry, R.H. Kerbes, H.H. Obrecht

Organophosphorus insecticide induced decrease in plasma luteinizing hormone concentration in white-footed mice

Oral intubation of 50 and 100 mg/kg acephate inhibited brain acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity by 45% and 56%, and reduced basal luteinizing hormone (LH) concentration by 29% and 25% after 4 h in white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus noveboracensis). Dietary exposure to 25, 100, and 400 ppm acephate for 5 days substantially inhibited brain AChE activity, but did not affect plasma LH concentrat
Authors
Barnett A. Rattner, S.D. Michael