Evaluation of an Electronic Device for Reducing Damage by Pileated Woodpeckers to Wooden Utility Poles

Woodpecker damage to utility poles results in significant economic losses to utility companies. Pileated woodpeckers (Dryocopus pileatus), one of the largest woodpeckers in North America, can severely damage utility poles. Many types of repellent techniques have been evaluated for managing pileated woodpecker damage to utility poles. However, each technique has short-comings including cost, difficulty of installation, longevity of the product, or defeat by the woodpeckers. The Sonic Dissuader, a deterrent device, has shown some promise in field testing. We further evaluated the effectiveness of the device for deterring pileated woodpeckers from damaging utility poles in controlled flight pens at the National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, Colorado. Birds spent similar time (F1.7 = 0.00, P = 0.9621) on poles with Sonic Dissuaders (6956.3 ± 1421.4 sec), and poles with the control device (8358.6 ± 1004.2 sec). Woodpeckers spent less time pecking on poles with the Sonic Dissuader (385.9 ± 69.1 sec) compared to control poles (1877.6 ± 494.2 sec) although the difference was not significant (F1.7 = 1.40, P = 0.2751). Weight of woodchips removed did not vary (t = -0.89, df= 14, P = 0.3887) between poles equipped with the Sonic Dissuader (54.7 ± 21.3 g) and poles equipped with the control device (101.0 ± 47.4 g), but weight of woodchips removed varied considerably by bird. We were also unable to detect a difference among times to departure after the 7 types of calls were emitted by the Sonic Dissuader (F6.8 = 1.14, P = 0.4216). Efficacy of the Sonic Dissuader might be improved by programming to broadcast whenever pecking occurs and by utilizing calls or sounds which have been evaluated for deterring woodpeckers from utility poles

Reactions of Sandhill Cranes Approaching a Marked Transmission Power Line

Sandhill cranes Antigone canadensis, formerly Grus canadensis, are of widespread management focus, particularly where collisions with power lines are an important cause of mortality. Collision mitigation focuses on marking power lines to increase visibility, but collisions persist, perhaps because power line markers are not sufficiently visible in all conditions. Our objective was to compare reaction distances and reaction behaviors during daylight when power lines are presumably more visible, and during darkness when power lines are less visible. The power line we studied was fitted with glow-in-the-dark power line markers intended to increase nocturnal visibility. We found that during daylight, flocks generally avoided the power line by climbing gradually and passed above without making sudden evasive maneuvers. During darkness, flocks, particularly small flocks, were almost equally likely to make sudden evasive maneuvers as to climb gradually. Collision monitoring on the power line we studied conducted concurrent to our study indicated that 94% of collisions occurred during darkness, linking the behaviors we observed to actual mortality. Sandhill cranes also reacted at greater distances and with fewer sudden evasive maneuvers to the glow-in-the-darkmarked power line we studied than to nearby power lines without glowing markers evaluated in a prior study, suggesting that either glowing markers, smaller gaps between markers, or both, improved sandhill cranes’ ability to perceive and react to the power line we studied. By correlating behavioral observations with mortality, our study indicates that proactive low-intensity behavioral observations might be useful surrogates to reactive high-intensity carcass searches in identifying high-risk spans. This approach may also be effective for other species

Hashimoto's thyroiditis revisited: The association with thyroid cancer remains obscure

Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is an autoimmune disease of the thyroid associated with goiter and hypothyroidism. Although there exists a clear association between HT and lymphomas of the thyroid, the association between HT and thyroid cancer remains unclear. To evaluate this further, we retrospectively reviewed the pathology reports for all thyroidectomy specimens as well as the records of patients admitted to the University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, U.S.A., over a 10-yearperiod (1975–1985) with the diagnosis of HT or chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis (CLT). Eight hundred and nine pathologic diagnoses were recorded for 816 thyroidectomy specimens from 793 patients. Furthermore, 180 of 228 patient chart records were available for review. Only 128 patients satisfied our criteria for the diagnosis of HT. HT or CLT were diagnosed in 147 (18.2%) of 809 thyroid specimens. HT occurred concurrently with thyroid cancer in 24% of all cases of HT, whereas, HT occurred concurrently with benign thyroid disease in 71% of all cases of HT in all thyroid specimens. Furthermore, HT was associated with 43 (22%) of 195 cases of thyroid cancer. There were 111 (87%) women and 17 (13%) men of 128 patients whose charts were reviewed. The mean age was 49±14 years. Ninety-eight (77%) of the patients presented with goiters and 57 (45%) presented with dominant thyroid masses, 38 (67%) of which were solitary nodules. One patient (0.8%) presented with a recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy (RLNP) and 12 (9%) presented with tracheal compression. Only 29 (38.2%) of 76 patients measured had positive antithyroglobulin (ATG) titers, whereas 65 (87%) of 75 patients measured had positive antimicrosomal (AM) titers. Seventy (55%) patients were evaluated with either a technetium or 131 I thyroid scan. There was a heterogeneous pattern to the scan in 75% of these patients. Niney-one (71%) patients were initially treated with thyroid suppression. However, 27 (21%) required thyroidectomy for initial management. Ultimately, 60% required thyroidectomy and 37% required none. The major indication for surgical intervention was the presence of a dominant mass in 40 (52%) of 77 patients. Only 17 (13%) patients were found to have thyroid cancer concomitant with HT and 3(2%) had lymphoma with HT. The incidence of minimal (occult) cancer in a study of 100 consecutive autopsies at this institution was 13%. We believe that these data suggest that the association of HT with thyroid cancer is relative, at best. It will be necessary to prospectively follow both a large group of patients with HT and a control group of patients without HT for the incidence of thyroid cancer in each before this issue can be appropriately addressed. La thyroïdite d'Hashimoto (TH) est une maladie autoimmune de la thyroïde qui provoque goitre et hyperthyroïdisme. Bien que l'association entre TH et lymphome de la thyroïde soit bien établie, celle entre TH et cancer de la thyroïde reste confuse. Pour essayer de mieux élucider cette question, les auteurs ont revu rétrospectivement les comptes rendus d'histologie de toutes les pièces de thyroïdectomie, et les dossiers de tous les patients admis pendant la période 1975–1985 avec le diagnostic de TH ou de thyroïdite lymphocytique chronique (TLC). Il y avait 809 diagnostics enrégistrés pour 816 pièces de thyroïdectomie provenant de 793 patients. En outre, 180 dossiers sur 228 étaient exploitables. Cent-vingt-huit patients seulement remplissaient les conditions diagnostiques de TH. TH ou TLC étaient diagnostiquées dans 147 (18.2%) pièces sur 809. La TH était associée avec un cancer dans 24% de tous les cas de TH, alors que la TH était associée à une maladie bénigne de la thyroïde dans 71% des cas de TH. La TH était présente dans 43 (22%) sur 195 des cas de cancer de la thyroïde. Il y avait 111 (87%) femmes et 17 hommes (13%). L'âge moyen était de 49±14 ans. Quatre-vingt-huit patients (77%) avaient un goitre et 57 (45%) une masse, 38 (67%) étant un nodule solitaire. Un patient (0.8%) avait d'emblée une paralysie récurrentielle et 12 (9%) avaient une compression trachéale. Vingt-neuf (38.2%) patients seulement sur 76 avaient des anticorps antithyroglobuline thyroïdiens, et 67 (87%) des 75 patients avaient des anticorps antimicrosomiaux. Soixante-dix patients (55%) ont eu une scintigraphie au technetium ou à l'I 131: la thyroïde était hétérogène pour 75% d'entre eux. Quatre-vingt un patients (71%) ont eu une hormonothérapie suppressive en premier, alors que 27 (21%) ont eu une thyroïdectomie première. Ultérieurement, 60% des patients ont été thyroïdectomisés. L'indication principale de la chirurgie était la présence d'une masse, trouvée chez 40 (52%) des 77 patients. Seuls 17 (13%) patients avec une TH avaient un cancer simultané de la thyroïde; 3 (2%) avaient un lymphome associé à une TH. La fréquence de cancer occulte dans une étude de 100 autopsies consécutives dans notre établissement était de 13%. Nous pensons que ces résultats suggèrent que l'association TH cancer de la thyroïde n'est que fortuite. Il est nécessaire de suivre prospectivement un grand nombre de patients, divisés en 2 groupes, les uns avec TH, les autres sans, pour déterminer avec précision l'incidence de cancer dans chaque groupe avant de résoudre ce problème. La tiroiditis de Hashimoto (TH) es una enfermedad autoinmune de la tiroides, asociada con bocio e hipotiroidismo. Aunque existe una clara relación entre TH y linfomas de la tiroides, la relación entre TH y cáncer tiroideo no aparece clara. Con el fín de evaluar este asunto, hemos revisado en forma retrospectiva tanto los informes de patología de todos los especímenes de tiroidectomía, así como las historias clínicas de los pacientes admitidos al Centro Médico de la Universidad de Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, con el diagnóstico de TH o de tiroiditis linfocítica crónica (TLC) en un período de 10 años (1975–1985). Se registraron 809 diagnósticos patológicos de 816 especímenes de tiroidectomía en 793 pacientes. Además, se dispuso de 180 de 228 historias clínicas para revisión. Sólo 128 pacientes satisficieron nuestros criterios para el diagnóstico de TH. TH o TLC fueron diagnosticadas en 147 (18.2%) de 809 de los Especímenes tiroideos. La TH ocurrió en forma concurrente con el cáncer tiroideo en 24% de todos los casos de TH, en tanto que la TH ocurrió en forma concurrente con enfermedad benigna de la tiroides en 71% de la totalidad de los casos de TH en todos los especímenes tiroideos. Se encontraron 111 (87%) mujeres y 17 (13%) hombres de 128 pacientes cuyas historias clínicas fueron revisadas: la edad promedio fue 49±14 años. Noventa y ocho (77%) de los pacientes presentaban bocio y 57 (45%) presentaban masas tiroideas dominantes, de las cuales 38 (67%) eran nódulos solitarios. Un paciente (0.8%) se presentó con parálisis del nervio recurrente laríngeo y 12 (9%) con compresión traqueal. Sólo 29 (38.2%) de 76 pacientes investigados tenían títulos positivos de ATG, mientras 65 (87%) de 75 tenían títulos AM positivos. Setenta (55%) fueron evaluados mediante escanografía con tecnecio o con 131 I; se observó un patrón heterogéneo en la gamagrafía en 75% de ellos. Noventa y uno (71%) fueron tratados inicialmente con supresión tiroidea. Sin embargo, 27 (21%) requirieron tiroidectomía en su manejo inicial. Al final 60% requirieron tiroidectomía y 37% no la requirieron. La indicación mayor para intervención quirúrgica fue la presencia de una masa dominante en 40 (52%) de 77 pacientes. Sólo 17 (13%) pacientes exhibieron cáncer tiroideo concomitante con TH y 3 (2%) presentaron linfoma con TH. La incidencia de cáncer mínimo (oculto) en un estudio de 100 autopsias consecutivas en nuestra institución fue 13%. Consideramos que estos datos sugieren que la relación entre TH y cáncer tiroideo es apenas relativa, en el mejor de los casos. Será necesario hacer el seguimiento prospectivo de un grupo grande de pacientes con TH y de un grupo control sin TH para detectar la incidencia de cáncer tiroideo en cada grupo para poder enfocar en forma apropiada este asunto.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/41280/1/268_2005_Article_BF01655435.pd

Total thyroidectomy: Complications and technique

During the 27-year period from 1957 to 1984, four hundred thirty patients underwent total thyroidectomies for malignant or benign disease of the thyroid gland at our institutions. Thyroid cancer was found in 83.4% of cases, and 47.2% of these had concomitant lymph node dissections. Transient recurrent laryngeal nerve injury occurred in 6.2% of the entire series. Permanent unilateral vocal cord paralysis occurred in 2.5% of the patients operated on, although only 1 patient (0.45%) sustained this complication in the past 14 years. No patient had permanent bilateral vocal cord paralysis. Transient hypoparathyroidism was seen in 16.8% of patients with permanent hypoparathyroidism occurring in 4.0%. The incidence of permanent hypoparathyroidism fell to 2.7% during the past 14 years and was directly related to the extent of thyroid cancer found at operation. Postoperative complications decrease with the experience of the surgeon and increase with reoperations and extensive disease. Total thyroidectomy continues to be our treatment of choice for thyroid cancer. Au cours d'une période de 27 ans de 1957 à 1984, quatre cent trente patients ont subi une thyroïdectomie totale dans notre établissement pour des lésions bénignes ou malignes du corps thyroïdien. Dans 83.4% des cas il s'agit d'un carcinome thyroïdien, nécessitant chez 47.2% d'entre eux un curage ganglionnaire associé. On observe une atteinte transitoire du nerf récurrent laryngé dans 6.2% des cas sur la totalité de la série. Une paralysie permanente unilatérale des cordes vocales survient chez 2.5% des patients opérés, alors que durant les 14 dernières années un seul patient présente cette complication. Aucun des cas de paralysie bilatérale permanente des cordes vocales n'est observé. Une hypoparathyroïdie transitoire est constatée chez 16.8% des patients avec hypoparathyroïdie définitive dans 4.0% des cas. L'incidence de l'hypoparathyroïdisme définitif tombe à 2.7% au cours des 14 dernières années et est directement liée à l'extension du cancer thyroïdien constaté lors de l'intervention. Les complications postopératoires diminuent avec l'expérience du chirurgien et augmentent lors des réinterventions et l'extension des lésions. La thyroïdectomie totale demeure pour les auteurs le traitement de choix du cancer thyroïdien. En el lapso de los 27 años entre 1957 y 1984, cuatro cientos treinta pacientes fueron sometidos a tiroidectomía total por enfermedad maligna o benigna de la glándula tiroides en nuestras instituciones. Cáncer tiroideo fue hallado en 83.4% de los casos, y 47.2% de éstos tuvieron disecciones ganglionares concomitantes. Lesión transitoria del nervio recurrente laríngeo ocurrió en el 6.2% de la serie total. Parálisis permanente unilateral de la cuerda vocal ocurrió en 2.5% de los pacientes operados, mientras sólo un paciente (0.45%) presentó esta complicación en los últimos 14 años. Ningún paciente presento parálisis bilateral permanente de las cuerdas vocales. Hipoparatiroidismo transitorio fue observado en 16.8% de los pacientes, y el hipoparatiroidismo permanente ocurrió en el 4.0%. La incidencia de hipoparatiroidismo permanente descendió a 2.7% en los ültimos 14 años y apareció directamente relacionado con la extensión del cancer tiroideo hallada en la operación. Las complicaciones postoperatorias disminuyen en relación a la experiencia del cirujano y se incrementan con las reoperaciones y con la enfermedad muy extensa. La tiroidectomía total continúa siendo nuestra forma preferida de tratamiento para cáncer tiroideo.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/41277/1/268_2005_Article_BF01655238.pd

Deaths due to differentiated thyroid cancer: A 46-year perspective

From 1940 to 1986, a total of 798 patients were treated for differentiated thyroid carcinoma. One hundred and seventy-two patients died during the follow-up period: 42 (24.4%) patients from thyroid cancer, 14 (8.1%) from other causes with extensive thyroid cancer present, 75 (43.6%) with no thyroid cancer, and 41 (23.8%) with an unknown status of thyroid cancer . Of the 42 patients dying due to thyroid cancer, 15 were male and 27, female. Mean age at diagnosis was 48.3±17.7 years with one-third of patients age 45 or younger at the time of the initial diagnosis. The primary tumors were large (>4 cm) and 59.5% of the patients had local invasion and/or cervical metastasis. Distant metastases were present in 9 (21.4%) patients at the time of diagnosis . Surgical therapy included total thyroidectomy (72.1%) and limited or radical neck dissection (69.4%). Radioactive iodine ( 131 I) was used to treat residual cancer and/or distant metastasis in 73.8% of the patients. External radiation therapy was used to treat locally advanced or recurrent disease in 52.3% of the patients. Distant metastases and local recurrence were identified earlier in patients with follicular thyroid cancer whose survival time and disease-free interval were significantly shorter ( p < 0.001) than that of patients with papillary neoplasms. However, the survival and disease-free intervals were often very long in both papillary and follicular thyroid cancer deaths . Onset of differentiated thyroid cancer before the age of 40 years does not preclude serious sequelae and death. Since no known histopathologic features can consistently predict outcome, we continue to advocate aggressive treatment of all patients with differentiated thyroid cancer . Entre 1940 et 1986, 798 patients au total ont été traités pour un cancer différencié de la thyroïde. Cent-soixant-douze patients sont morts par la suite: 42 (24.4%) de leur cancer, 14 (8.1%) d'une autre cause alors que des signes d'extension du cancer étaient présents, 75 (43.6%) d'une autre cause sans signe de cancer, et 41 (23.8%) sans qu'on ait pu connaître le stade du cancer. Des 42 patients morts de leur cancer, il y avait 15 hommes et 27 femmes. L'âge moyen au moment du diagnostic était de 48.3±17.7 ans: un tiers des patients avait 45 ans ou moins au moment du diagnostic. Les tumeurs primitives avaient plus de 4 cm et 59.5% des patients présentaient un envahissement local et/ou une métastase cervicale. Les métastases à distance ont été détectées chez 9 (21.4%) patients au moment du diagnostic. Une thyroïdectomie totale a été effectuée chez 72.1% des patients, associée à un curage cervical limité ou radical chez 69.4% des patients. Chez 73.8% des patients on a traité le tissu cancéreux résiduel et/ou des métastases à distance par de l'I 131. La radiothérapie a été utilisée pour traiter les patients présentant une extension importante ou une récidive chez 52.3% des patients. Des métastases à distance et des récidives ont été identifiées précocement chez les patients ayant un cancer folliculaire. Dans ce groupe de patients, la survie et l'intervalle de temps sans maladie étaient significativement plus courts ( p <0.001) que chez les patients ayant un cancer papillaire. Il faut cependant noter que la survie et l'intervalle de temps sans maladie étaient très longs dans les 2 groupes de patients. La découverte d'un cancer différencié de la thyroïde avant l'âge de 40 ans n'est pas un facteur pronostique particulier. Puisqu'il n'y pas de facteur histologique permettant de prévoir l'évolution, nous continuons de préconiser un traitement agressif chez tout patient présentant un cancer différencié de la thyroïde. En el período 1940–1986, un total de 798 pacientes recibieron tratamiento para carcinoma tiroideo; 172 murieron en el curso del seguimiento: 42 (24.4%) por cancer tiroideo, 14 (8.1%) por otras causas pero con presencia de extenso cáncer tiroideo, 75 (43.6%) libres de cáncer tiroideo, y 41 (23.8%) con estado desconocido en cuanto al cancer tiroideo.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/41283/1/268_2005_Article_BF01655866.pd

Reactions of Sandhill Cranes Approaching a Marked Transmission Power Line

Sandhill cranes Antigone canadensis, formerly Grus canadensis, are of widespread management focus, particularly where collisions with power lines are an important cause of mortality. Collision mitigation focuses on marking power lines to increase visibility, but collisions persist, perhaps because power line markers are not sufficiently visible in all conditions. Our objective was to compare reaction distances and reaction behaviors during daylight when power lines are presumably more visible, and during darkness when power lines are less visible. The power line we studied was fitted with glow-in-the-dark power line markers intended to increase nocturnal visibility. We found that during daylight, flocks generally avoided the power line by climbing gradually and passed above without making sudden evasive maneuvers. During darkness, flocks, particularly small flocks, were almost equally likely to make sudden evasive maneuvers as to climb gradually. Collision monitoring on the power line we studied conducted concurrent to our study indicated that 94% of collisions occurred during darkness, linking the behaviors we observed to actual mortality. Sandhill cranes also reacted at greater distances and with fewer sudden evasive maneuvers to the glow-in-the-darkmarked power line we studied than to nearby power lines without glowing markers evaluated in a prior study, suggesting that either glowing markers, smaller gaps between markers, or both, improved sandhill cranes’ ability to perceive and react to the power line we studied. By correlating behavioral observations with mortality, our study indicates that proactive low-intensity behavioral observations might be useful surrogates to reactive high-intensity carcass searches in identifying high-risk spans. This approach may also be effective for other species

Power Pole Density and Avian Electrocution Risk in the Western United States

Avian electrocutions on power poles affect raptor populations globally. Mitigation strategies in the USA are typically bottom-up, combining risk assessments for individual poles into a utility-specific avian protection plan. This approach is usually reactive, relying on incidental documentation of electrocutions for initiation, and can allow uncoordinated mitigation strategies among adjacent utilities. A top-down strategy may help solve both problems if maps identifying where distribution power poles occur were available for comparison to range maps for species at risk of electrocution. Range maps exist but pole location data are rarely publicly available in the USA. Pole-density models were previously created for Colorado and Wyoming, the Great Basin, and the Columbia Plateau because pole density can serve as a surrogate for electrocution risk. We used each of these models to predict pole densities throughout four additional areas: the Northwestern Plains, Southwestern Plains, Southwestern Plateaus, and parts of New Mexico not included in other modeled areas. We also applied the Colorado and Wyoming model to portions of the Uinta Basin and Wyoming Basin projecting from Colorado and Wyoming into Idaho and Utah. The Colorado and Wyoming model fit all areas better than other models, except parts of New Mexico not included in other modeled areas, where the Great Basin model fit best. Our model predictions facilitate assessment of pole density across much (2,573,746 km2) of the western USA. To assess whether the models are useful in predicting electrocutions, we compared predicted pole densities throughout White Sands Missile Range to locations of 59 avian electrocutions. Electrocutions occurred at low rates in cells with low predicted pole densities, and at higher rates in cells with moderate and high predicted pole densities. Because the models do not include species-specific information, they have the potential to be applicable to the conservation of a wide variety of species

Evaluation of Sonic Dissuader 1 to Reduce Damage by Pileated Woodpeckers

ABSTRACT Woodpecker damage to utility poles results in significant monetary losses to utility companies worldwide. Most techniques for repelling woodpeckers from utility poles are costly, difficult to install, effective for a limited time, or ineffective. We evaluated the Sonic Dissuader for detecting and deterring pileated woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) damage to wooden utility poles in controlled flight pens. The Sonic Dissuader emits pileated woodpecker and avian predator calls contingent upon pecking by woodpeckers. Ratios of departure were lower and woodpeckers spent more time after a pecking event on the pole with the Sonic Dissuader compared to the control pole (paired t ¼ 6.26, df ¼ 7, P &lt; 0.001, and F 1,4 ¼ 5.00, P ¼ 0.089, respectively). This may substantiate observed behavior of pileated woodpeckers to freeze when confronted with a predator. We did not observe differences in amount of time spent on poles, amount of time spent pecking on poles, and weight of wood chips removed from poles with and without the Sonic Dissuader. We propose that testing distress calls or other repellents as potential deterrents in combination with detection technology is warranted.

Mitigating avian collision with power lines: a proof of concept for installation of line markers via unmanned aerial vehicle

Abstract: Avian collisions with overhead power lines are a global conservation concern. Collisions are mitigated primarily through marking power lines to increase the visibility of lines. Line marking is typically accomplished via an expensive and potentially dangerous process of hovering a helicopter within 1 m of a wire and installing line markers by hand. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) may offer a less dangerous, less costly alternative that is also less disturbing to wildlife. Herein we describe equipping a commercially available UAV with an installation arm designed in collaboration with the Colorado State University Department of Mechanical Engineering to install line markers on a power line. The UAV installed line markers within a 30 cm target window on a model power line. The proof of concept described here demonstrates the potential utility of UAVs in mitigating avian collision with overhead power lines.The accepted manuscript in pdf format is listed with the files at the bottom of this page. The presentation of the authors' names and (or) special characters in the title of the manuscript may differ slightly between what is listed on this page and what is listed in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript; that in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript is what was submitted by the author