\u3ci\u3eTomicus Piniperda\u3c/i\u3e (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) Reproduction and Development in Scots, Jack, Red and Eastern White Pine Under Laboratory Conditions

The pine shoot beetle, Tomicus piniperda (L.) (Coleoptera: Scolytidae), is an exotic bark beetle in North America that was first found in the Great Lakes region in 1992. We evaluated T. piniperda reproduction and development in one Eurasian pine (Scots pine, Pinus sylvestris L.) and three North American pines (jack pine, P. banksiana Lamb.; red pine, P. resinosa Ait.; and eastern white pine, P. strobus L.) under laboratory conditions. We introduced one pair of adults into individual pine bolts, allowed development, collected brood, and later debarked all bolts and measured galleries. Reproduction and development occurred in all pine species tested. Mean phloem thickness varied significantly among the bolts used to represent the four pine species; it was thickest in red pine (1.3 mm) and thinnest in jack pine (0.6 mm). Linear regression analysis indicated that initial brood production (larval galleries per cm of egg gallery) increased significantly with increasing phloem thickness (r2 = 0.36), using the pooled data set for all four pine species. Using phloem thickness as a covariate, mean initial brood density (larval galleries per cm of gallery) was significantly highest on red pine, intermediate on Scots pine and white pine, and lowest on jack pine. Overall brood survival was highest on Scots pine (86%) and lowest on jack (72%) and white pine (76%); phloem thickness was not a significant covariate in this analysis

The Elderly: A Descriptive study of the perceptions of the elderly and their driving abilities

This study advances the understanding of older driver’s perceptions on their driving abilities. It focuses on examining a deeper and more detailed understanding of the different challenges the elderly are experiencing, in respect to driving and retention of their license. Additionally, it is important for others (such as family, doctors, social workers etc.) to interact with the elderly and assist them in receiving services if they are no longer capable of driving a vehicle, as well as talk with them if they are struggling with giving up their license and consequently their independence. Specifically, the analysis focuses on which gender is a safer driver, if older drivers believe there should be a proper age when driving should be terminated, and what proper steps they take in order to continue their own safety as well as the safety of others on the road. Conclusions underscore the implications for professional practice, policy and research when aging adults who continue to keep a drivers license when they no longer should, placing them in the category of being a concern for society. This sample shows that 83.3% still maintain an active driver’s license. The study shows that older drivers sometimes follow the legal speed limit. Findings from the study include sample shows that maintain an active driver’s license

Scotch Pine Deterioration in Michigan Caused by Pine Root Weevil Complex

Pine root tip weevil, Hylobius rhizophagus, and pine root collar weevil, H. radicis, attack certain Scotch pine stands simultaneously causing more mortality than expected from either insect alone. Recommendations for curtailing this insect complex include favoring red pine, planting Scotch pine far from brood sources, and avoiding stump culture of Christmas trees

Spatial Distribution of Egg Clusters of the European Pine Sawfly \u3ci\u3eNeodiprion Sertifer\u3c/i\u3e (Geoff.) in Young Pine Plantations in Michigan

(excerpt) The European pine sawfly, Neodiprion sertifer (Geoffroy), is a perennial problem in young pine plantations in Eastern North America. Scotch pine, Pinus sylvestris L., and red pine, P. resinom Ait., are its principal hosts. During recent behavioral studies of this sawfly in Michigan, spatial distribution patterns were determined in order to rapidly survey population levels in young pine plantations (Wilson and Gerrard, 1971). Earlier, Lyons (1964b) presented some distributional data on N. sertifer in regard to population sampling. Wright et al. (1967) and Hattemer et al. (1969) discussed N. sertifer distributions in Scotch pine and mixed pine species provenancz plantings

Simulation of How Jack Pine Budworm (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) Affects Economic Returns From Jack Pine Timber Production in Michigan

The impact of jack pine budworm on economic returns from jack pine timber production in Lower Michigan and management actions that might be taken to reduce this impact were evaluated with a simulation model. Results indicate that current jack pine rotation ages arc excessive and should be reduced. Insecticide application is not a viable strategy for reducing jack pine budworm impact

Genetic Variation in Resistance of Scotch Pine to Zimmerman Pine Moth

(excerpt) Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), a forest tree introduced from Eurasia, is commonly planted for Christmas tree and timber use in northeastern United States. In this country it has numerous insect enemies. Among the most important are European pine shoot moth, Rhyacionia buoliana (Schiffermiieller); pine root collar weevil, Hylobius radicis Buchanan;,European pine sawfly, Neodiprion sertifer (Geoffroy); and eastern white-pine shoot borer, Eucosma gloriola Heinrich. Previous studies (Wright et al., 1967; Wright and Wilson, 1972; Steiner, 1974) have revealed large genetic differences in resistance to some of these pests. Another destructive pest is the Zimmerman pine moth, Dioryctria zimmermani (Grote). In 1968 this insect, native to the United States, was found attacking trees in a Scotch pine provenance test in southwestern Michigan. The attack rate was heavy and by 1973 it was obvious that some rams or varieties were attacked more heavily than others. This is a report on those differences

Moving live dissociated neurons with an optical tweezer

The use of an optical tweezer for moving dissociated neurons was studied. The main features of the tweezers are outlined as well as the general principles of its operation. Infrared beams at 980 and 1064 nm were used, focused so as to make a trap for holding neurons and moving them. Absorption by cells at those wavelengths is very small. Experiments were done to evaluate nonsticky substrate coatings, from which neurons could be easily lifted with the tweezers. The maximum speed of cell movement as a function of laser power was determined. Detailed studies of the damage to cells as a function of beam intensity and time of exposure were made. The 980 nm beam was much less destructive, for reasons that are not understood, and could be used to safely move cells through distances of millimeters in times of seconds. An illustrative application of the use of the tweezers to load neurons without damage into plastic cages on a glass substrate was presented. The conclusion is that optical tweezers are an accessible and practical tool for helping to establish neuron cultures of cells placed in specific locations

Teenagers' perspectives on the Canterbury earthquakes : an insight into their needs and experiences : a thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of Doctor of Clinical Psychology, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand

Natural disasters inflict physical, psychosocial, and economic impacts on individuals and their communities. Although a substantial number of disaster survivors are teenagers (13-19 years), this population group has not been widely investigated, especially regarding their views on their post-disaster needs and received supports. Such information would be important when planning post-disaster supports for current and future disaster-exposed teenagers. The aim of this research therefore, was to explore teenagers’ experiences and retrospective views of their needs, supports, and recovery following the Canterbury, New Zealand earthquakes. The first study surveyed 398 Christchurch secondary school students (aged 16-18 years [male = 169; female = 229]) who had experienced at least one of the major Canterbury earthquakes between September 2010 and June 2011. The survey’s purpose was to obtain an overview of teenagers’ experiences (including their needs and supports received), using both qualitative and quantitative data. Content analysis of this data revealed nine overall themes, including: physical basics, secondary stressors, social support, psychological impact, coping, school, support figures, gender, and recovery. Decile 2 school participants reported a need for physical basics significantly more than deciles 3, 9 and 10, and decile 10 reported a need for social support significantly more than decile 2. With gender, females reported a need for social support significantly more than males, and males reported a need for physical basics significantly more than females. Also, participants reported that their parents/caregivers understood their needs better than their siblings and friends, and their teachers were of greater help to them following the earthquakes compared to other students in their class. The second study extended the enquiry and involved six focus groups, each containing three to six students aged 16-18 years (male = 13; female = 18). Findings from the first study informed these focus group discussions, the aims of which were to gain deeper insights into disaster-exposed teenagers’ experiences, needs, and supports. The discussions were transcribed and analysed via thematic analysis. This analysis revealed seven major areas of importance, including participants’ advice for future planning and six others: individual, family, school, community, national and international. The latter six areas were incorporated into an ecological model combined with a timeline spanning from 2010 till 2013. The model demonstrated a number of notable points - for instance, immediately after the earthquakes many of the participants’ most important needs was to be in the presence of family, to know that family members were safe, and to receive comfort from them; however, three years later, participants’ concern had shifted to the rebuild of their city and their need for not only the pace to quicken, but also for youthfocused areas to be built (e.g., for recreational and leisure activities). The main recommendations from the research include: addressing acute post-disaster psychological responses early on and arranging preventative interventions; incorporating parental mental health support into youth-focused interventions; individually tailoring supports that address differences in gender, living conditions, and damage; encouraging youth to talk but not forcing them; having schools resume structured routines as soon as possible; providing psychoeducation to teachers, parents and guardians regarding typical disaster reactions and coping strategies for youth; and providing teenagers with accurate information. It is also recommended that communities provide or facilitate entertainment for youth post-disaster; that they organise youth-focused volunteer groups; involve youth in rebuild consultations; commence the rebuild of a disaster-struck city as soon as possible, and maintain gains in progress; distribute important information in multiple languages; and try to ensure that media coverage maintains a balance between both positive and negative content. Possible areas for future research include a deeper investigation into the experiences of disaster-exposed international students, the impact of the duration and permanency of relocation, and longitudinal studies into the recovery and adaptation of youth