Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis): Towards a Classifcation of Tree Health and Early Detection

Author Institution: U. S. Forest Service, Northern Research StationAuthor Institution: School of Environment & Natural Resources, The Ohio State UniversityForty-five green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) street trees in Toledo, Ohio were photographed, measured, and visually rated for conditions related to emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis)(EAB) attacks. These trees were later removed, and sections were examined from each tree to determine the length of time that growth rates had been impacted. A classification system was developed to discern the health of the trees along with a proposed method for early detection of a declining state of vigor. The classification is not an indicator of the degree of infestation, but rather tree health, which may be linked to the degree of EAB infestation. An evaluation of the tree sections places the EAB establishment no later than the 2004 growing season. A three-class system formulated from the evaluation of epicormic shoots, canopy light transmission, and EAB exit holes can be used to monitor the health of ash trees during EAB outbreaks. The classification system could potentially give homeowners, property managers, and agencies a way to detect and treat this problem earlier, especially in urban and park settings, and before trees are fully infested and exhibiting later-stage signs of decline. It is probably not practical for forest applications. Early detection and treatment not only can save selected trees, but it also might slow the spread of the insect, thereby giving additional trees a chance to survive the initial invasion

How Fast is Your Detector? The Effect of Temporal Response on Image Quality

With increasing interest in high-speed imaging should come an increased interest in the response times of our scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) detectors. Previous works have previously highlighted and contrasted performance of various detectors for quantitative compositional or structural studies, but here we shift the focus to detector temporal response, and the effect this has on captured images. The rise and decay times of eight detectors' single electron response are reported, as well as measurements of their flatness, roundness, smoothness, and ellipticity. We develop and apply a methodology for incorporating the temporal detector response into simulations, showing that a loss of resolution is apparent in both the images and their Fourier transforms. We conclude that the solid-state detector outperforms the photomultiplier-tube (PMT) based detectors in all areas bar a slightly less elliptical central hole and is likely the best detector to use for the majority of applications. However, using tools introduced here we encourage users to effectively evaluate what detector is most suitable for their experimental needs

Catalytic N_2-to-NH_3 Conversion by Fe at Lower Driving Force: A Proposed Role for Metallocene-Mediated PCET

We have recently reported on several Fe catalysts for N_2-to-NH_3 conversion that operate at low temperature (−78 °C) and atmospheric pressure while relying on a very strong reductant (KC_8) and acid ([H(OEt_2)_2][BArF_4]). Here we show that our original catalyst system, P_3^BFe, achieves both significantly improved efficiency for NH_3 formation (up to 72% for e^– delivery) and a comparatively high turnover number for a synthetic molecular Fe catalyst (84 equiv of NH_3 per Fe site), when employing a significantly weaker combination of reductant (Cp*_2Co) and acid ([Ph_2NH_2][OTf] or [PhNH_3][OTf]). Relative to the previously reported catalysis, freeze-quench Mössbauer spectroscopy under turnover conditions suggests a change in the rate of key elementary steps; formation of a previously characterized off-path borohydrido–hydrido resting state is also suppressed. Theoretical and experimental studies are presented that highlight the possibility of protonated metallocenes as discrete PCET reagents under the present (and related) catalytic conditions, offering a plausible rationale for the increased efficiency at reduced driving force of this Fe catalyst system

A Scoping Review of Injuries in Amateur and Professional Men\u27s Ice Hockey.

Background: Orthopaedic injuries are common in ice hockey at all levels and can result in physical and psychological adverse effects on these athletes. Purpose: Primarily, to summarize published data on orthopaedic hockey injuries at the junior through professional level. Secondarily, to characterize the literature based on anatomic site injured, return-to-play rates, cause/mechanism of injury, time lost, and treatments used. Study Design: Scoping review; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane library, and SCOPUS were searched using the terms hockey and injuries using PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, and 4163 studies involving orthopaedic injuries were identified. Our inclusion criteria consisted of accessible full-text articles that evaluated orthopaedic injuries in men\u27s ice hockey athletes of all levels. We excluded case reports and articles evaluating women\u27s ice hockey injuries, as well as those evaluating nonorthopaedic injuries, such as concussions; traumatic brain injuries; and facial, dental, and vascular injuries, among others. Studies were divided based on level of play and anatomic site of injury. Level of evidence, year published, country of corresponding author, method of data collection, incidence of injury per athlete-exposure, and time lost were extracted from each article. Results: A total of 92 articles met the inclusion criteria and were performed between 1975 and 2020, with the majority published between 2015 and 2020. These were divided into 8 anatomic sites: nonanatomic-specific (37%), intra-articular hip (20.7%), shoulder (9.8%), knee (8.7%), trunk/pelvis (7.6%), spine (7.6%), foot/ankle (6.5%), and hand/wrist (2.2%). Of these studies, 71% were level 4 evidence. Data were obtained mostly via surveillance programs and searches of publicly available information (eg, injury reports, player profiles, and press releases). Conclusion: This scoping review provides men\u27s hockey players and physicians taking care of elite ice hockey athletes of all levels with a single source of the most current literature regarding orthopaedic injuries. Most research focused on nonanatomic-specific injuries, intra-articular hip injuries, knee injuries, and shoulder injuries, with the majority having level 4 evidence

Trade-off between cost and accuracy in large-scale surface water dynamic modeling

Recent efforts have led to the development of the local inertia formulation (INER) for anaccurate but still cost-efficient representation of surface water dynamics, compared to the widely used kinematic wave equation (KINE). In this study, both formulations are evaluated over the Amazon basin in terms of computational costs and accuracy in simulating streamflows and water levels through synthetic experiments and comparisons against ground-based observations. Varying time steps are considered as part of the evaluation and INER at 60-second time step is adopted as the reference for synthetic experiments. Five hybrid (HYBR) realizations are performed based on maps representing the spatial distribution of the two formulations that physically represent river reach flow dynamics within the domain. Maps have fractions of KINE varying from 35.6% to 82.8%. KINE runs show clear deterioration along the Amazon river andmain tributaries, with maximum RMSE values for streamflow and water level reaching7827m(exp 3).s(exp -1) and 1379 cm near the basins outlet. However, KINE 20 is at least 25%more efficient than INER with low model sensitivity to longer time steps. A significant improvement is achieved with HYBR, resulting in maximum RMSE values of 3.9-292 m(exp 3).s(exp -1) for streamflows and 1.1-28.5 cm for water levels, and cost reduction of 6-16%, depending on the map used. Optimal results using HYBR are obtained when the local inertia formulation is used in about one third of the Amazon basin, reducing computational costs in simulations while preserving accuracy. However, that threshold may vary when applied to different regions, according to their hydrodynamics and geomorphological characteristics

Camera traps and genetic identification of faecal samples for detection and monitoring of an Endangered ungulate.

Almost all Indochinese ungulates are classified as globally threatened but efforts to assess and monitor population status have been hampered by their rarity, cryptic nature and uncertainty in accurate identification from sightings. An improved approach is urgently needed to gather information about threatened ungulate species in order to effectively conserve them as, a lack of reliable monitoring methods means that basic information such as population sizes, distribution and habitat associations is currently unknown. Here, we used a combination of camera trapping and genetic detection of the Endangered Eld’s deer, Rucervus eldii, to investigate the utility of these methods to infer intensity of site use within a protected Cambodian dry forest. We asked: 1) Are Eld's deer present in our study area?; 2) How is site use influenced by local habitat?; and 3) Do camera traps or genetic detection perform better in terms of detection and monitoring? Camera traps were deployed and faecal samples collected from Chhaeb Wildlife Sanctuary in Northern Cambodia during the 2017 dry season. Faecal samples were identified as Eld’s deer using newly developed species-specific mitochondrial DNA primers. Camera traps recorded 20 Eld’s deer observations across 3905 trap-nights and 44 out of 71 collected faecal samples, identified by fieldworkers as likely to belong to Eld’s deer, were positively identified to be so. Camera trap surveys and genetic detection demonstrated that Eld’s deer were present in Chhaeb Wildlife Sanctuary, although the number of detections relative to sampling effort was low in both methods (detected at 29% and 1% of sample sites, respectively). Occupancy models showed that water level and tree diameter both had positive relationships, whilst human and domestic or feral pig activity had a negative relationship, with the relative intensity of Eld’s deer site use. Overall, our data suggest that both of our methods can prove effective for monitoring Eld’s deer but that repeated sampling is necessary to account for their low detectability in this area. We suggest that faecal samples are collected during future camera trap monitoring visits to maximise efficiency, increase detectability, and provide the most information to support conservation

The importance of long-term genetic monitoring of reintroduced populations: inbreeding in the natterjack toad (Epidalea calamita)

Genetic monitoring is an important, but frequently lacking, component of management actions to support long-term persistence in reintroduced populations. Populations that remain small, due to demographic processes and genetic diversity, are more likely to experience a second extinction event. The natterjack toad (Epidelea calamita) is legally protected in Britain and was the subject of a reintroduction programme in the 1990s. However, subsequent genetic assessment has been mostly lacking. The aim of this study was to assess the genetic diversity of two reintroduced populations of natterjack toads in order to inform conservation management. Adults were sampled and nine microsatellites amplified to assess neutral genetic variation within each site and for comparison with the source population. Inbreeding was observed at the reintroduction sites, as evidenced by high FIS values (0.43 and 0.72), low observed compared to expected heterozygosities, and significant deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Observed heterozygosity is currently lower in the reintroduction sites than it was in the source population at the time of the reintroductions (Red Rocks: 0.15±0.20; Talacre: 0.12±0.20; Ainsdale (source): 0.29). Evidence for a bottleneck was not found, although this is likely a result of sampling overlapping generations. No within-site population structuring was observed. Such low genetic diversity has not previously been recorded in any natterjack population. Genetic rescue, combined with pool creation, is the most viable option for safeguarding the species at these sites into the future. Our work highlights the importance of ongoing genetic monitoring, in collaboration with conservation organisations, to support conservation management

Infant feeding knowledge, perceptions and practices among women with and without HIV in Johannesburg, South Africa: a survey in healthcare facilities

BACKGROUND: South Africa has a history of low breastfeeding rates among women with and without Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). In this study, we assessed infant feeding knowledge, perceptions and practices among pregnant and postpartum women with and without HIV, in the context of changes in infant feeding and Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT) guidelines. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional survey conducted from April 2014 to March 2015 in 10 healthcare facilities in Johannesburg, South Africa. A total of 190 pregnant and 180 postpartum women (74 and 67, respectively, were HIV positive) were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Multiple regression analyses assessed factors associated with an intention to exclusively breastfeed, and exclusive breastfeeding of infants less than six months of age. RESULTS: Women with HIV had better overall knowledge on safe infant feeding practices, both in general and in the context of HIV infection. There were however gaps in knowledge among women with and without HIV. Information from healthcare facilities was the main source of information for all groups of women in the study. A greater percentage of women without HIV 80.9% (93/115), reported an intention to exclusively breastfeed, compared to 64.9% (48/74) of women with HIV, p = 0.014. Not having HIV was positively associated with a reported intention to breastfeed, Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) 3.60, 95% CI 1.50, 8.62. Other factors associated with a reported intention to exclusively breastfeed were prior breastfeeding experience and higher knowledge scores on safe infant feeding practices in the context of HIV infection. Among postpartum women, higher scores on general knowledge of safe infant feeding practices were positively associated with reported exclusive breastfeeding, AOR 2.18, 95% CI 1.52, 3.12. Most women perceived that it was difficult to exclusively breastfeed and that cultural factors were a barrier to exclusive breastfeeding. CONCLUSIONS: While a greater proportion of women are electing to breastfeed, HIV infection and cultural factors remain an important influence on safe infant feeding practices. Healthcare workers are the main source of information, and highlight the need for accurate and consistent messaging for both women with and without HIV

Associating Outcomes After Hip Arthroscopy With Patient Resilience

Background: Higher patient resilience has been shown to be associated with improved patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) at 6 months after hip arthroscopy. Purpose: To examine the relationship between patient resilience and PROMs at minimum 2 years after hip arthroscopy. Study design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Included were 89 patients (mean age, 36.9 years; mean follow-up, 4.6 years). Patient demographics, surgical details, and preoperative International Hip Outcome Tool-12 (iHOT-12) and visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores were collected retrospectively. Postoperative variables were collected via a survey and included the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), Patient Activation Measure-13 (PAM-13), Pain Self-efficacy Questionnaire-2 (PSEQ-2), VAS satisfaction, and postoperative iHOT-12, and VAS pain scores. Based on the number of standard deviations from the mean BRS score, patients were stratified as having low resilience (LR; n = 18), normal resilience (NR; n = 48), and high resilience (HR; n = 23). Differences in PROMs were compared between the groups, and a multivariate regression analysis was performed to assess the relationship between pre- to postoperative change (Δ) in PROMs and patient resilience. Results: There were significantly more smokers in the LR group compared with the NR and HR groups (P = .033). Compared with the NR and HR groups, patients in the LR group had significantly more labral repairs (P = .006), significantly worse postoperative iHOT-12, VAS pain, VAS satisfaction, PAM-13, and PSEQ-2 scores (P \u3c .001 for all), and significantly lower ΔVAS pain and ΔiHOT-12 scores (P = .01 and .032, respectively). Regression analysis showed significant associations between ΔVAS pain and NR (β = -22.50 [95% CI, -38.81 to -6.19]; P = .008) as well as HR (β = -28.31 [95% CI, -46.96 to -9.67; P = .004) and between ΔiHOT-12 and NR (β = 18.94 [95% CI, 6.33 to 31.55]; P = .004) as well as HR (β = 20.63 [95% CI, 6.21 to 35.05]; P = .006). Male sex was a significant predictor of ΔiHOT-12 (β = -15.05 [95% CI, -25.42 to -4.69]; P = .006). Conclusion: The study results indicate that lower postoperative resilience scores were associated with significantly worse PROM scores, including pain and satisfaction, at 2 years after hip arthroscopy

National health and medical research council statement on electronic cigarettes: 2022 update

Introduction: Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use in Australia has rapidly increased since the 2017 National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) statement on e-cigarettes. The type of products available and the demographic characteristics of people using these products have changed. New evidence has been published and there is growing concern among public health professionals about the increased use, particularly among young people who do not currently smoke combustible cigarettes. The combination of these issues led NHMRC to review the current evidence and provide an updated statement on e-cigarettes. In this article, we describe the comprehensive process used to review the evidence and develop the 2022 NHMRC CEO statement on electronic cigarettes. Main recommendations: E-cigarettes can be harmful; all e-cigarette users are exposed to chemicals and toxins that have the potential to cause adverse health effects. There are no health benefits of using e-cigarettes if you do not currently smoke tobacco cigarettes. Adolescents are more likely to try e-cigarettes if they are exposed to e-cigarettes on social media. Short term e-cigarette use may help some smokers to quit who have been previously unsuccessful with other smoking cessation aids. There are other proven safe and effective options available to help smokers to quit. Changes in management as a result of this statement: The evidence base for the harms of e-cigarette use has strengthened since the previous NHMRC statement. Significant gaps in the evidence base remain, especially about the longer term health harms of using e-cigarettes and the toxicity of many chemicals in e-cigarettes inhaled as an aerosol