Urban-Suburban Prairie Dog Management: Opportunities and Challenges

The historic range of the black-tailed prairie dog has undergone dramatic declines in the last century, prompting concern about the species\u27 long-term viability. While considered a pest by many, others believe that the species is a keystone element of prairie ecosystems. Urban-suburban land managers are challenged with preserving colonies of prairie dogs on public lands while dealing with many conflicting interests, social costs, and risks. We review the management plans that municipalities have designed to reduce conflicts by using public input, zoned management, and a variety of management techniques. Areas of difficulty and research needs are also discussed

RAPTOR USE OF ARTIFICIAL PERCHES AT NATURAL AREAS, CITY OF FORT COLLINS, COLORADO

The black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) remains a critical element of the prairie ecosystem even though its numbers and occupied range have declined dramatically since the arrival of Europeans in North America (Antol in et al. 2002). Prairie dog colonies are used by many species of wildlife and help maintain high levels of biodiversity (Kotliar et al. 1999). In the urban-suburban setting, the occurrence of prairie dog colonies also provides opportunities for wildlife viewing and environmental education. Unfortunately, prairie dogs also can come into conflict with humans, especially in the urban-suburban setting, where they cause vegetation and property damage, and pose a health threat attributable to periodic plague (Yersinia pestis) outbreaks (Witmer et al. 2003). Efforts to reduce conflicts can involve colony relocation or management so that the prairie dog population and occupied area does not increase (e.g., lethal or non-lethal removal, construction of physical barriers around the colony; Witmer et al. 2003). frtificial perches, placed at prairie dog colonies, can attract raptors, while providing for public viewing of raptors. The artificial perches, if strategically placed, also might increase predation on prairie dogs, slowing the increase in the size of the colony (Witmer et al. 2003). This approach has been used in other settings in an attempt to reduce rodent populations or damage, but most researchers reported little success in rodent control (e.g., Howard et al. 1985, Askham 1990, Moore and Van Vuren 1998, Wolff et al. 1999). A few researchers, however, reported that increased use of artificial perches might help reduce rodent numbers and damage (e.g., Kay et al. 1994, Mulner 2000, Hafidzi and Mohd 2003). In our region, this management practice might be especially effective given the paucity of trees (i.e., natural perches) in the shortgrass prairie outside riparian systems (Weaver et al. 1996). The objective of this study was to document the use of artificial perches by raptors and the food habits of these raptors within the city limits of Fort Collins, Colorado

RAPTOR USE OF ARTIFICIAL PERCHES AT NATURAL AREAS, CITY OF FORT COLLINS, COLORADO

The black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) remains a critical element of the prairie ecosystem even though its numbers and occupied range have declined dramatically since the arrival of Europeans in North America (Antol in et al. 2002). Prairie dog colonies are used by many species of wildlife and help maintain high levels of biodiversity (Kotliar et al. 1999). In the urban-suburban setting, the occurrence of prairie dog colonies also provides opportunities for wildlife viewing and environmental education. Unfortunately, prairie dogs also can come into conflict with humans, especially in the urban-suburban setting, where they cause vegetation and property damage, and pose a health threat attributable to periodic plague (Yersinia pestis) outbreaks (Witmer et al. 2003). Efforts to reduce conflicts can involve colony relocation or management so that the prairie dog population and occupied area does not increase (e.g., lethal or non-lethal removal, construction of physical barriers around the colony; Witmer et al. 2003). frtificial perches, placed at prairie dog colonies, can attract raptors, while providing for public viewing of raptors. The artificial perches, if strategically placed, also might increase predation on prairie dogs, slowing the increase in the size of the colony (Witmer et al. 2003). This approach has been used in other settings in an attempt to reduce rodent populations or damage, but most researchers reported little success in rodent control (e.g., Howard et al. 1985, Askham 1990, Moore and Van Vuren 1998, Wolff et al. 1999). A few researchers, however, reported that increased use of artificial perches might help reduce rodent numbers and damage (e.g., Kay et al. 1994, Mulner 2000, Hafidzi and Mohd 2003). In our region, this management practice might be especially effective given the paucity of trees (i.e., natural perches) in the shortgrass prairie outside riparian systems (Weaver et al. 1996). The objective of this study was to document the use of artificial perches by raptors and the food habits of these raptors within the city limits of Fort Collins, Colorado

Prospectus, September 9, 1975

ELECTION OPENS TODAY; PC news in brief: Baseball trip…., Wind and Strings…., Hot Meals…., IOC…., Review Basics….; Bus Arrives; editorials; Aid for the blind; Letters To The Editor; Blacker\u27s Block; Letter to all men born in 1957; Twilight tours offered by PC land lab; Land Lab open house; Parking spaces available!; Womens Sports; Good News; Meeting to discuss Stu-Go elections; Women\u27s Column; Newman Club meets today; Good news!; Maximum Sex; Parkland College Pizza Eating Contest; Bible study anyone?; 30 new faculty start at P.C.; Vinyl Love; Speech Anyone?; IM trophies to be awarded; Campus near capacity? Enrollment up; Skylines; Enrollment In woman\u27s program; Classified; Sports Views; Unk Blacker: Dirt Track Wizard; Grothe has two lettermen as linksters open season; Intramural Sign-Up; Fast Freddy\u27s football forecast; Lynette Trout to coach all women sports; Games Of September 13; \u27December 1 or bust\u27 cry latest on PE completion; SNA wants new members; Farout Planethttps://spark.parkland.edu/prospectus_1975/1007/thumbnail.jp

Prospectus, November 4, 1975

PC NEWS IN BRIEF: VETERAN, DID YOU KNOW?, CONCERT, X-COUNTRY NATIONALS; New road opens; FB team may bring fee increase; $50,000 in books missing; editorials; Letters To The Editor; Roots & Radicals; Committee to form; A Statement of Advertising Policy; Committee to form; ISSC Award Program Changes; Alice didn\u27t... on Wed.; Debate Team begins season; Play cast chosen; Distaff Side; Good News; Black Dance Presented; Speech Team Wins S.I.C.C.M. Tourey; New 3-Hour Course: Death and the Dying; Adult Diversion program; Champs are IM champs; Coach\u27s Corner; Basketball tryouts; Mudrock fires 170 at state golf meet; Sports Views; Burk resigns; Fast Freddy Winners; Fast Freddy\u27s football forecast; Let\u27s hear it for the Parkland Whatevers; PC women netters Spike Danville JC; Games Of November 8; The little old watchmaker at work in the space age; Dear Bonnie; PC News in brief Sign up for tourneys; College Representatives; Congratulations; Bonnie Raitt Plays; Vinyl Love; Country Bouquet; Kottke picks U of I; Foto-Funny\u27s; Reverse Discrimination?; 200 Years of navy; Classified; Club Notes: SNA meets..., Electronics Association; Far Out Planet; Skylines; Parkland Eventshttps://spark.parkland.edu/prospectus_1975/1003/thumbnail.jp

Prospectus, October 7, 1975

$10,000 FOUND; Special Election To Be Set; Custom Crunch; PC News in Brief, Nurse\u27s Course, Apologies, Dance; Club Notes: Lit. Magazine…, Veterans\u27 Affairs; editorials; Letters To The Editor; Roots & Radicals; Pia\u27s Promises Parkland Low Prices; The Kaleidoscope; Dear Bonnie; Good News; Distaff Side; Parkland Math Teachers Also Authors; A Tom Swift Story; Sports Views; Football: Yes of No?????; Parkland Cross Country, U of I clash; Intramurals: The People\u27s Sportl Football: Men\u27s I.M. Football Schedule; Coaches\u27 Corner; Football Results; Jocks; womensports; Baseball Team has last fall practice; Fast Freddy Winners Announced; Fast Freddy\u27s football forecast; Computers Reproduce; Stu-Go Fiscal Budget Approved; Images; Foto-Funny\u27s; Vinyl Love; Mini-Concert Series Opens; Country Bouquet; Living on Borrowed Sunlight; Energy and Automation; Classified; A Lease that lets you Sleep; Far Out Planet; Skylines; Back to Basics - Eng 100 Evaluatedhttps://spark.parkland.edu/prospectus_1975/1005/thumbnail.jp

Prospectus, September 23, 1975

CHILD CARE PASSES FACULTY SENATE; PC News in Brief: Josh Is Coming, Transfer to U of I?, LRC Workshops, Pharmacy Trends; Gee, Smallman wins; Small Turnout; editorials; Letters To The Editor; Thanks Gary!; Roots & Radicals; Health Brochures Available; Peace Corps Needs Volunteers; Make Your Junk Attractive; The King in C-U; Good News; Josh is coming!; Women\u27s Column; Parkland Loses $; foto funnies; Storage without refrigeration; Vinyl Love; Sports Views; Football Results; Coaches\u27 Corner; Volleyball Needs Organization; On the road; Cross Country Schedule 1975; Fast Freddy\u27s football forecast; Fast Freddy winners announced; Jocks; Women\u27s Volleyball Schedule; Faculty team finishes 2nd; Aluminum Hub and All; Dear Bonnie; Poems; Classified; Country Bouquet; Schedule Of Coming Events; Bicentennial Contest; Your garage sale price to sell; Far Out Planet; Skylines; Parkland faculty; Enrollment At P/C Up; Club Notes: Park-Rec Society, Lambda Alpha, Veterans, Catholic Singleshttps://spark.parkland.edu/prospectus_1975/1006/thumbnail.jp

Prospectus, November 18, 1975

PC NEWS IN BRIEF: TOYS FOR TOTS, SHOPPING TRIP, KARATE, LOU HENSON, CHEERLEADERS, BIO 200; Hurry, 3 days remain; IKE…What?; Off Campus offering; P.C. Women 4th in State; editorial; Roots & Radicals; Far Out Planet; Letter To The Editor; Student Achievement Recognition Award; Some - Dancers?; Stick it in your...; P.M. Student Coffee Hour; Tickets Available; Aides to host tea For C-U Teachers; Introducing, Wes Crum; Distaff Side; \u27Why can\u27t we be friends?\u27; Dog Wash; EA to meet; First Meeting; Photo Contest; ERA Rally Held; (IBEA) Meeting Held; Good News; Louisiana Funk at its greatest; Purlie; Furor shakes up Stu-Go; Cited for misconduct: Three members suspended; Discord within Stu-Go: Conference under fire; Finance Board not doing job; Alternatives to Stu-Go; McMullen Resigns; Gameroom Brings Big money; Broken Record?; StuGo States Pinball Project Progresses; Skylines: Black holes?; Parkland Events; Students Not Fascists; Vinyl Love; B and O preforms; Country Bouquet: The Grand Ole Opry ; Dear Bonnie; Classified; Moondogs demolish Wrecks; Fast Freddy\u27s football forecast; I.M. Basketball starts today; Basketball schedule; Games of November 22; Coach\u27s Corner; Parkland Athletes Earn International Acclaim; Karate Demo set for Nov. 20; Ken needs you; Sports Views; Blackhawks vs Broadstreet Bullies at Chicago Stadiumhttps://spark.parkland.edu/prospectus_1975/1002/thumbnail.jp

Long term disease-free survival and T cell and antibody responses in women with high-risk Her2+ breast cancer following vaccination against Her2

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The HER2-inhibiting antibody trastuzumab, in combination with chemotherapy, significantly improves survival of women with resected, HER2-overexpressing breast cancers, but is associated with toxicities including a risk of cardiomyopathy. Additionally, the beneficial effect of trastuzumab is expected to decrease once the drug is discontinued. We proposed to address these concerns by using cancer vaccines to stimulate HER2 intracellular domain (ICD)-specific T cell and antibody responses.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Subjects with stage II (≥ 6 +LN), III, or stage IV breast cancerwith > 50% HER2 overexpressing tumor cells who were disease-free after surgery and adjuvant therapy were eligible. Vaccines consisted of immature, cultured DC (n = 3), mature cultured DC (n = 3), or mature Flt3-ligand mobilized peripheral blood DC (n = 1) loaded with ICD, or tetanus toxoid, keyhole limpet hemocyanin or CMV peptide as controls, and were administered intradermally/subcutaneously four times at 3 week intervals. ICD-specific T cell and antibody responses were measured. Cardiac function was determined by MUGA or ECHO; long term disease status was obtained from patient contact.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>All seven patients successfully underwent DC generation and five received all 4 immunizations. There were no toxicities greater than grade 1 or ejection fraction decrements below normal. Delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) reactions at the injection site occurred in 6/7 patients and HER2 specificity was detected by cytokine flow cytometry or ELISPOT in 5 patients. At more than 5 years of follow-up, 6/7 had detectable anti-ICD antibodies. One patient experienced a pulmonary recurrence at 4 years from their study immunizations. This recurrence was resected and they are without evidence of disease. All patients are alive and disease-free at 4.6–6.7 years of follow-up.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Although this was a small pilot study, the well-tolerated nature of the vaccines, the lack of cardiac toxicity, significant immunogenicity, and a 100% 4.5-year survival rate suggest that vaccination with HER2 ICD protein-containing DC is appropriate for further study in this population.</p> <p>Trial Registration</p> <p>ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00005956</p

Multiplatform Analysis of 12 Cancer Types Reveals Molecular Classification within and across Tissues of Origin

Recent genomic analyses of pathologically-defined tumor types identify “within-a-tissue” disease subtypes. However, the extent to which genomic signatures are shared across tissues is still unclear. We performed an integrative analysis using five genome-wide platforms and one proteomic platform on 3,527 specimens from 12 cancer types, revealing a unified classification into 11 major subtypes. Five subtypes were nearly identical to their tissue-of-origin counterparts, but several distinct cancer types were found to converge into common subtypes. Lung squamous, head & neck, and a subset of bladder cancers coalesced into one subtype typified by TP53 alterations, TP63 amplifications, and high expression of immune and proliferation pathway genes. Of note, bladder cancers split into three pan-cancer subtypes. The multi-platform classification, while correlated with tissue-of-origin, provides independent information for predicting clinical outcomes. All datasets are available for data-mining from a unified resource to support further biological discoveries and insights into novel therapeutic strategies