Interactions between plants and scatter‐hoarding animals may shift from mutualism to predation as a function of the resources available those animals. Because seed species differ in their nutrient content defenses predation, resource selection cache management by scatter‐hoarders, thus fate, also depend on relative availability different types. We tracked fates tagged Castanea dentata , Quercus alba Q. rubra seeds presented rodents pairwise combinations found that C. which has moderate...

Abstract Estimates of utilization distributions (UDs) are used in analyses home‐range area, habitat and resource selection, social interactions. We simulated data from 12 parent UDs, representing 3 series increasingly intense space‐use patterns (clustering points around a home site, restriction locations to network nodes corridors, dominance central hole the UD) compared ability kernel density estimation (KDE) local convex hull (LCH) construction reconstruct known UDs samples 10, 50, 250,...

The evolution of specific seed traits in scatter-hoarded tree species often has been attributed to granivore foraging behavior. However, the degree which investments and correlate with phylogenetic relationships among trees remains unexplored. We presented seeds 23 different hardwood (families Betulaceae, Fagaceae, Juglandaceae) eastern gray squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis), measured time distance travelled by that consumed or cached each seed. estimated 11 physical chemical for species,...

Abstract Seed dispersal is a primary driver, via propagule pressure, of biological invasions. In animal‐dispersed plants, theory predicts that indirect ecological interactions at the neighbourhood scale may determine landscape‐scale patterns seed and predation, thus invasion. Indirect in arise between two plant species if shared agents adjust their foraging decisions to relative frequencies co‐occurring seeds. We used seed‐tracking experiments empirically parameterized simulations test...

Abstract Seeds of many hardwood trees are dispersed by scatter‐hoarding rodents, and this process is often mediated the traits seeds. Although numerous studies have linked seed to preference little known about how rodents forage for seeds when multiple desirable undesirable available simultaneously. Here, we adopt a novel method designing choice experiments study eastern gray squirrels ( Sciurus carolinensis ) select 6 (caloric value, protein content, tannin concentration, kernel mass,...

Abstract In the eastern United States, American chestnut ( Castanea dentata ) was historically a major component of forest communities, but functionally extirpated in early 20th century by an introduced pathogen, blight Cryphonectria parasitica ). Because is fast‐growing, long‐lived, and resistant to decay, restoration using blight‐resistant stock could have potential increase carbon sequestration or storage forested landscapes. However, dynamics are also affected interspecific competition,...

Abstract Both seed predators and herbivores can have profound effects on individual plant growth, reproduction survival, but their population‐level are less well understood. While most plants interact with a suite of over life cycle, few studies incorporate the multiple interacting partners stages population growth. We constructed matrix model using 6 years data from rare, seed‐producing American chestnut ( Castanea dentata ). combined field demographic published experimental results...

Oaks (Quercus spp.) rely on vertebrates for seed dispersal. However, the extent to which dispersal is facilitated depends vertebrate species involved, its preferences acorns of different species, and relative availability acorns. We examined foraging by free-ranging individuals four birds white (Q. alba), black velutina), pin palustris) oak. photographed selection at feeding platforms used discrete-choice models estimate preferences. Blue Jays (Cyanocitta cristata) had strong consistent in...

Cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) technology is increasingly being utilized to repair aging and damaged pipes, however, there are concerns associated with the public health hazards of emissions. CIPP installation involves manufacture a new plastic composite at worksite includes multiple variable components including resin material, curing methods, operational conditions. We hypothesize styrene-based manufacturing emissions (CMEs) will induce greater pulmonary inflammatory responses oxidative...

Lymphoma is a common canine cancer with translational relevance to human disease. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) the most frequent subtype, contributing almost fifty percent of clinically recognized cases. Identifying new biomarkers capable early diagnosis and monitoring DLBCL crucial for enhancing remission rates. This research seeks advance our knowledge molecular biology by analyzing expression microRNAs, which regulate gene negatively impacting via targeted RNA degradation or...

Recent field trials on blight‐resistant hybrids ( BC 3 F ) of American chestnut Castanea dentata and Chinese C. mollissima have intensified planning for widespread restoration to eastern U.S. forests. Restoration will likely rely natural seed dispersal from sites planted with chestnut; however, we do not know how agents such as granivorous rodents respond hybrid chestnuts. At one extreme, excessive consumption may impede restoration. Alternatively, scatter‐hoarding might facilitate the...

Abstract Studies from both tropical and temperate systems show that scatter‐hoarding rodents selectively disperse larger seeds farther their source than smaller seeds, potentially increasing seedling establishment in larger‐seeded plants. Size‐biased dispersal is evident many oaks ( Quercus ) true across within species. Here, we predict intraspecifc variation seed size also influences acorn by the Blue Jay Cyanocitta cristata Linnaeus), but an opposite manner. Jays are gape‐limited species...

American chestnut (Castanea dentata) was once an important component forests in the central Appalachians (USA), but it functionally extirpated nearly a century ago. Attempts are underway to reintroduce blight-resistant its former range, is uncertain how current forest composition, climate, and atmospheric changes disturbance regimes will interact determine future dynamics ecosystem services. The combination of novel environmental conditions (e.g. climate change), reintroduced tree species...

The successful development of early stages blight‐resistant hybrid stock has increased hopes for restoration American chestnut ( Castanea dentata ) to eastern North forests. However, these forests have undergone substantial ecological change in the century since functional extirpation chestnut, and it remains unknown what extent will be able recolonize contemporary In particular, high densities white‐tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus competition with mesophytic tree species such as maple...

Although dispersal is critical to plant life history, the relationships between seed traits and success in animal-dispersed plants remain unclear due complex interactions among effects of traits, habitat structure, disperser behavior. We propose that dispersed by scatter-hoarding granivores, trait evolution may have been driven selective pressures arise from seedling shade intolerance predator-mediated caching Using an optimal foraging model accounts for cache concealment, hoarder memory,...

Lymphoma is among the most common cancer in dogs. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) predominant type, accounting for up to half of all cases. Definitive diagnosis DLBCL relies on cytologic evaluation with immunophenotyping, or histopathology and immunohistochemistry when needed. A rapid specific molecular test aiding could be beneficial. Noncoding microRNAs (miRNAs) are regulators gene expression involved a variety cellular processes, including cell differentiation, cycle progression,...

Seed predation and rodent foraging behaviors depend on frequency of available seeds seed traits. However, the interaction availability traits adds a new level complexity to granivore–seed dynamics. We conducted experiments with eastern gray squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) designed elucidate × trait interaction. hypothesized that frequency-dependent caching should occur only among pairs are relatively similar in attributes affect their perceived value as storable food item. also tested...

– Hybridization has been implicated as a driver of speciation, extinction, and invasiveness, but can also provide resistant breeding stock following epidemics. However, evaluating the appropriateness hybrids for use in restoration programs is difficult. Past F1 generation, proportion progenitor's genome vary widely, combinations parental genomes. Detailed genetic analysis reveal this information, cannot expose phenotypic alterations due to heterosis, transgressive traits, or changes...

Among social vertebrates, immigrants may incur a substantial fitness cost when they attempt to join new group. Dispersers could reduce that cost, or increase their probability of mating via coalition formation, by immigrating into groups containing first- second-degree relatives. We here examine whether dispersing males tend move fathers brothers in gray-cheeked mangabeys (Lophocebus albigena) Kibale National Park, Uganda. sampled blood from 21 subadult and adult male 7 genotyped them at 17...