Practical Guide to Trapping Peromyscus leucopus (Rodentia: Cricetidae) and Peromyscus maniculatus for Vector and Vector-Borne Pathogen Surveillance and Ecology

Arthropods pests are most frequently associated with both plants and vertebrate animals. Ticks, in particular the blacklegged ticks Ixodes scapularis Say and Ixodes pacificus Cooley & Kohls (Acari: Ixodidae), are associated with wildlife hosts and are the primary vectors of Lyme disease, the most frequently reported vector-borne disease in the United States. Immature blacklegged ticks in the eastern United States frequently use small mammals from the genus Peromyscus as hosts. These mice are competent reservoirs for Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease, as well as other tick-borne pathogens. To conduct surveillance on immature ticks and pathogen circulation in hosts, capture and handling of these small mammals is required. While protocols for rearing and pest surveillance on plants are common, there are very few protocols aimed at entomologists to conduct research on vertebrate-arthropod relationships. The goal of this manuscript is to provide a practical template for trapping Peromyscus spp. for vector and vector-borne pathogen surveillance and ecology for professionals that may not have a background in wildlife research. Important considerations are highlighted when targeting P. leucopus Rafinesque and P. maniculatus Wagner. Specifically, for tick and tick-borne disease-related projects, materials that may be required are suggested and references and other resources for researchers beginning a trapping study are provided.

Use of Bilayer Gate Insulator in GaN-on-Si Vertical Trench MOSFETs: Impact on Performance and Reliability

We propose to use a bilayer insulator (2.5 nm Al₂O₃ + 35 nm SiO2) as an alternative to a conventional uni-layer Al₂O₃ (35 nm), for improving the performance and the reliability of GaN-on-Si semi vertical trench MOSFETs. This analysis has been performed on a test vehicle structure for module development, which has a limited OFF-state performance. We demonstrate that devices with the bilayer dielectric present superior reliability characteristics than those with the uni-layer, including: (i) gate leakage two-orders of magnitude lower; (ii) 11 V higher off-state drain breakdown voltage; and (iii) 18 V higher gate-source breakdown voltage. From Weibull slope extractions, the uni-layer shows an extrinsic failure, while the bilayer presents a wear-out mechanism. Extended reliability tests investigate the degradation process, and hot-spots are identified through electroluminescence microscopy. TCAD simulations, in good agreement with measurements, reflect electric field distribution near breakdown for gate and drain stresses, demonstrating a higher electric field during positive gate stress. Furthermore, DC capability of the bilayer and unilayer insulators are found to be comparable for same bias points. Finally, comparison of trapping processes through double pulsed and V_th transient methods confirms that the V_th shifts are similar, despite the additional interface present in the bilayer devices.

Development of Behaviorally Based Monitoring and Biosurveillance Tools for the Invasive Spotted Lanternfly (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae)

The spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula White, is an invasive planthopper (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) that was first detected in the United States in Berks County, PA, in 2014, and has since spread in the mid-Atlantic region. This phloem-feeding pest has a broad host range, including economically important crops such as grape where their feeding causes dieback of infested plants. Monitoring the presence and abundance of L. delicatula is of utmost importance to develop pest management approaches. Current monitoring practices include sticky bands deployed on tree trunks, sometimes paired with commercially available methyl salicylate lures. A drawback associated with sticky bands is the high numbers of nontarget captures. Here, we developed traps for L. delicatula based on a circle trap originally designed for weevils. These traps are comprised of a screen funnel that wraps around the trunk of a tree and guides individuals walking up the trunk into a collection device. In 2018 and 2019, we compared circle trap designs with sticky bands in Pennsylvania and Virginia. In both years, circle trap designs yielded captures that were equivalent to or exceeded captures of L. delicatula on sticky bands. Nontarget captures were significantly lower for circle traps compared with sticky bands. Presence of a methyl salicylate lure in association with traps deployed on host trees or vertical tree-mimicking posts did not increase L. delicatula captures compared with unbaited traps. Circle traps, modified using vinyl screen and a larger collection device, present an alternative to the current approach with reduced nontarget capture for monitoring L. delicatula.

Effectiveness and Selectiveness of Traps and Baits for Catching the Invasive Hornet Vespa velutina

Vespa velutina is an invasive hornet that is colonising several countries worldwide, with detrimental effects on multiple components but primarily affecting honey bees and native insect species. Traps for wasps and hornets are commonly used for trapping V. velutina, both for monitoring and control purposes. In this study, we compared the performances of two typologies of traps and baits widely used for trapping this invasive hornet, by evaluating their effectiveness and selectiveness in trapping V. velutina in two sites during two different periods of the year, spring and autumn. The performance of the traps changed in relation to (i) the trap's model, (ii) the bait's typology and (iii) the period of the year. In spring, traps with common beer as bait were more effective and more selective independently of trap's model than the commercial bait that has been tested. On the contrary, in autumn, just one combination of trap and attractant (the commercial trap and bait) achieved higher effectiveness and selectiveness. Despite the underlined variations among traps and baits, overall catches of V. velutina were scanty compared to bycatches of non-target insects, since best performing traps either in term of effectiveness and selectiveness caught 3.65% of the target species in spring and 1.35% in autumn upon the total trapped insects. This highlights the urgent necessity of developing more selective trapping methods for monitoring and particularly for controlling purposes.

Effect of Cleaning Multiple-Funnel Traps on Captures of Bark and Woodboring Beetles in Northeastern United States

Simple Summary

Semiochemical-baited traps are used to survey insect communities and detect invasive species. These traps are left in the field during the growing season where large amounts of pollen and other debris can build up on smooth trapping surfaces. There was a concern this buildup would provide an escape route for some insects and interfere with trapping results. We tested the effects of this pollen buildup on captures of bark and woodboring beetles in northeastern forests in two experiments. While many beetles did not respond to treatments, we found a positive effect of trap cleaning for three bark beetles and one cerambycid species. The response of other species was more nuanced.

Abstract

Two experiments were conducted in mixed hardwood-conifer forests in the northeastern United States to test the effects of cleaning surfactant and non-surfactant treated multiple-funnel traps used to catch bark and woodboring beetles. Large amounts of pollen and other debris often form a crust on the interior of traps (personal observations). Such surface deposits may provide footholds for beetles to escape capture in traps. In one experiment, we tested cleaned surfactant and non-surfactant traps against non-cleaned surfactant and non-surfactant traps. In a second experiment, we tested field cleaning of modified multiple-funnel traps as an alternative to substituting clean traps on each collection visit. There was no effect of surfactant treated traps, cleaned or not, on total beetles or individual bark beetle species captured. However, in situ cleaned traps were statistically better at capturing total beetles, total bark beetles, and several bark beetle species than non-cleaned control traps. Surfactant-treated non-modified traps and cleaned modified traps had higher species richness and abundance than other treatments at the site level. Our results suggest that cleaning traps to remove accumulated pollen and debris may be helpful for some species but would have limited benefit for broad-scale trapping of bark and woodboring beetles in northeastern forests.

Trapping Methylglyoxal by Myricetin and Its Metabolites in Mice

Trapping of methylglyoxal (MGO) has been determined to be one of the potential mechanisms for dietary polyphenols to prevent chronic diseases. In this study, myricetin was demonstrated to efficiently trap MGO to generate mono- and di-MGO adducts under in vitro conditions. Furthermore, the mono- and di-MGO adducts of myricetin were detected in urine and fecal samples collected from myricetin-treated mice based on LC-MS analysis. More importantly, the mono-MGO adducts of the mono- and di-methylated myricetin were also found in these mouse samples. Further dose-dependent studies demonstrated that myricetin and its methylated metabolites significantly trapped MGO in a dose-dependent manner with the 400 mg/kg dose having the highest trapping efficacy (mono-MGO-myricetin: 272.0 ± 90.9 nM in urine and 1.05 ± 0.67 μg/g in feces; mono-MGO-mono-Me-myricetin: 135.2 ± 77.6 nM in urine and 1.16 ± 0.65 μg/g in feces; and mono-MGO-di-Me-myricetin: 17.0 ± 5.9 nM in urine and 0.19 ± 0.04 μg/g in feces) compared to the 100 and 200 mg/kg doses. In conclusion, this study demonstrates for the first time the in vivo trapping efficacy of myricetin, suggesting that intake of myricetin-containing foods has the potential to scavenge MGO in vivo and to prevent MGO-induced harmful effects to human health.

Attractiveness and Specificity of Different Polyethylene Blue Screens on Stomoxys calcitrans (Diptera: Muscidae)

Stomoxys calcitrans is considered as a major pest of livestock worldwide. Insecticides have been extensively used to control this pest but resistance to these chemical compounds is now reported in many countries. Therefore, a more sustainable and efficient control is needed. Seven different types of blue screens, with reflectances around 460 nm, were tested during summer 2016 in southwestern France to evaluate their attractiveness and their specificity for stable flies. Height of the screen and orientation (east or west) of a blue screen were also considered. High levels of S. calcitrans captures were recorded during this study (from 141 to 7301 individuals per blue screen and per day) whereas the numbers of tabanids and pollinator insects remained extremely low (less than 10 individuals per screen and per day). No significant difference in attractiveness has been shown between the different types of blue screens. The lower half of the blue screens caught significantly more stable flies (70%) than the higher half (30%). The "east" side of the screen attracted 60% of stable flies but this was not significantly different from the west side. These results are highlighting the interest in these blue polyethylene screens for controlling stable flies in cattle farms, in comparison with more expensive blue fabrics.

Olfactory predator recognition in the brown mouse lemur (Microcebus rufus) in Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar

Predator odors such as urine and feces are known to elicit antipredator behaviors in prey including avoidance, fear, and curiosity. We measured how wild brown mouse lemurs (Microcebus rufus) responded to odors of mammalian, avian, and snake predators as well as nonpredator controls. The first experiment took place under controlled conditions in a laboratory where we recorded the occurrence of four behavioral categories (ignore, curiosity, alert, and fear) in response to a single odor. Subjects exhibited behavioral change significantly more often in response to the predator than to control stimuli, but did not distinguish between familiar and unfamiliar predators. Mammalian predator urine and feces were most likely to elicit behavioral change. The owl was the only predator to never elicit behavioral change, possibly because owls do not provide relevant odor cues. A second experiment employing live traps in the forest found that neither predator nor control odors affected the likelihood of capture. Due to their longevity, odors do not provide accurate information of spatial and temporal risk, and while mouse lemurs may have initially hesitated to enter a trap, in the absence of additional information about risk, they may have eventually ignored the stimuli. This study found that brown mouse lemurs are able to distinguish between predator and nonpredator odors, and that risk assessment may be affected by the experience, as well as predator and sensory stimulus quality.

Updating the AIHTS Trapping Standards to Improve Animal Welfare and Capture Efficiency and Selectivity

In 1999, after pressure from the European Union, an Agreement on International Humane Trapping Standards (AIHTS) that would result in the banning of the steel-jawed leghold traps in the European Community, Canada, and Russia was signed. The United States implemented these standards through an Agreed Minute with the European Community. Over the last two decades, scientists have criticized the AIHTS for (1) omitting species that are commonly trapped; (2) threshold levels of trap acceptance that are not representative of state-of-the-art trap technology; (3) excluding popular traps which are commonly used by trappers although they are known to cause prolonged pain and stress to captured animals; (4) inadequate coverage of capture efficiency and species selectivity (i.e., number of captures of target and non-target species) performance. Concerns about the ability of standards and test procedures to ensure animal welfare, and about the implementation of standards, have also been voiced by wildlife biologists, managers, and conservation groups. In this review, we present a synopsis of current trapping standards and test procedures, and we compare the standards to a then contemporary 1985-1993 Canadian trap research and development program. On the basis of the above-noted concerns about AIHTS, and our experience as wildlife professionals involved in the capture of mammals, we formulated the following hypotheses: (1) the list of mammal species included in the AIHTS is incomplete; (2) the AIHTS have relatively low animal welfare performance thresholds of killing trap acceptance and do not reflect state-of-the-art trapping technology; (3) the AIHTS animal welfare indicators and injuries for restraining traps are insufficient; (4) the AIHTS testing procedures are neither thorough nor transparent; (5) the AIHTS protocols for the use of certified traps are inadequate; (6) the AIHTS procedures for the handling and dispatching of animals are nonexistent; (7) the AIHTS criteria to assess trap capture efficiency and species selectivity are inappropriate. We conclude that the AIHTS do not reflect state-of-the-art trapping technology, and assessment protocols need to be updated to include trap components and sets, animal handling and dispatching, and trap visit intervals. The list of traps and species included in the standards should be updated. Finally, the concepts of capture efficiency and trap selectivity should be developed and included in the standards. Based on our review, it is clear that mammal trapping standards need to be revisited to implement state-of-the-art trapping technology and improve capture efficiency and species selectivity. We believe that a committee of international professionals consisting of wildlife biologists and veterinarians with extensive experience in the capture of mammals and animal welfare could produce new standards within 1-2 years. We propose a series of measures to fund trap testing and implement new standards.

Graphene Oxide-Linezolid Combination as Potential New Anti-Tuberculosis Treatment

Global pandemic management represents a serious issue for health systems. In some cases, repurposing of existing medications might help find compounds that have the unexpected potential to combat microorganisms. In the same way, changing cell-drug interaction by nanotechnology could represent an innovative strategy to fight infectious diseases. Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the most alarming worldwide infectious diseases and there is an urgent need for new drugs and treatments, particularly for the emergence and spread of drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) strains. New nanotechnologies based on carbon nanomaterials are now being considered to improve anti-TB treatments, and graphene oxide (GO) showed interesting properties as an anti-TB drug. GO, which preferentially accumulates in the lungs and is degraded by macrophagic peroxidases, can trap Mycobacterium smegmatis and Mtb in a dose-dependent manner, reducing the entry of bacilli into macrophages. In this paper, combinations of isoniazid (INH), amikacin (AMK) and linezolid (LZD) and GO anti-mycobacterial properties were evaluated against Mtb H37Rv by using a checkerboard assay or an in vitro infection model. Different GO effects have been observed when incubated with INH, AMK or LZD. Whereas the INH and AMK anti-mycobacterial activities were blocked by GO co-administration, the LZD bactericidal effect increased in combination with GO. GO-LZD significantly reduced extracellular mycobacteria during infection and was able to kill internalized bacilli. GO-LZD co-administration is potentially a new promising anti-TB treatment at the forefront in fighting emerging antibiotic-resistant Mtb strains where LZD administration is suggested. This innovative pharmacological approach may lead to reduced treatment periods and decreased adverse effects. More importantly, we demonstrate how nanomaterials-drugs combinations can represent a possible strategy to quickly design drugs for pandemics treatment.

Laser Scissors and Tweezers to Study Chromosomes: A Review

Starting in 1969 laser scissors have been used to study and manipulate chromosomes in mitotic animal cells. Key studies demonstrated that using the “hot spot” in the center of a focused Gaussian laser beam it was possible to delete the ribosomal genes (secondary constriction), and this deficiency was maintained in clonal daughter cells. It wasn’t until 2020 that it was demonstrated that cells with focal-point damaged chromosomes could replicate due to the cell’s DNA damage repair molecular machinery. A series of studies leading up to this conclusion involved using cells expressing different GFP DNA damage recognition and repair molecules. With the advent of optical tweezers in 1987, laser tweezers have been used to study the behavior and forces on chromosomes in mitotic and meiotic cells. The combination of laser scissors and tweezers were employed since 1991 to study various aspects of chromosome behavior during cell division. These studies involved holding chromosomes in an optical while gradually reducing the laser power until the chromosome recovered their movement toward the cell pole. It was determined in collaborative studies with Prof. Arthur Forer from York University, Toronto, Canada, cells from diverse group vertebrate and invertebrates, that forces necessary to move chromosomes to cell poles during cell division were between 2 and 17pN, orders of magnitude below the 700 pN generally found in the literature.

Dietary Genistein Reduces Methylglyoxal and Advanced Glycation End Product Accumulation in Obese Mice Treated with High-Fat Diet

Our previous study has found that dietary genistein could ameliorate high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity and especially lower methylglyoxal (MGO) and advanced glycation end product (AGE) accumulation in healthy mice exposed to genistein and HFD. However, it is still unclear whether dietary genistein intervention has a similar beneficial effect in obese mice. In this study, the mice were induced with obesity after being fed a HFD for nine weeks before being administered with two doses of genistein, 0.1% (G 0.1) and 0.2% (G 0.2), in the HFD for additional 19 weeks. After 19 week treatment, genistein supplementation reduced body and liver weights, plasma and liver MGO levels, and kidney AGE levels in mice. Mechanistically, genistein upregulated the expressions of glyoxalase I and II and aldose reductase to detoxify MGO, and genistein and its microbial metabolites, dihydrogenistein and 6'-hydroxy-O-demethylangolensin, were able to trap endogenous MGO via formation of MGO conjugates. Taken together, our results provide novel insights into the antiobesity and antiglycation roles of dietary genistein in obese subjects.

Improvements to the Sink Strength Theory Used in Multi-Scale Rate Equation Simulations of Defects in Solids

The application of mean-field rate theory equations have proven to be a versatile method in simulating defect dynamics and temporal changes in the microstructure of materials. The reliability and usefulness of the method, however, depends critically on the defect interaction parameters used. In this study, we show that the main interaction parameter, the sink strength, intrinsically depends on the detrapping, or the dissociation process itself. We present a theory on how to determine the appropriate sink strengths. The correct sink strength required for a detrapping defect, is considerably larger than the values commonly used, and thus should not be neglected.

Anopheline Mosquito Species Composition, Kdr Mutation Frequency, and Parasite Infectivity Status in Northern Tanzania

The scaling-up of malaria control interventions in northern Tanzania has resulted in a decline in malaria prevalence and vector species composition. Despite this achievement, residual malaria transmission remains a concern in the area. The main aim of this study was to investigate malaria vector species composition, parasite infectivity rates, and the presence of insecticide knockdown resistance (kdr) mutations in three sites that have experienced a significant decline in malaria in northern Tanzania. Adult mosquitoes were sampled using light traps in houses and hand-aspirators in cowsheds, whereas the standard dipping method was used for sampling mosquito larvae. Adult mosquitoes identified as Anopheles gambiae s.l. and An. funestus s.l. and larval stages III and IV of An. gambiae s.l. were stored in absolute ethanol for further laboratory molecular identification. The identified species in the An. gambiae complex were An. gambiae s.s., An. merus, An. quadriannulatus, and An. arabiensis, whereas the An. funestus group comprised An. funestus s.s., An. rivulorum, and An. leesoni. For An. gambiae s.s. analyzed from Zeneth, 47.6% were kdr-East homozygous susceptible, 35.7% kdr-East heterozygous resistant, 9.6% kdr-East homozygous resistant, and 7.1% undefined, whereas specimens from Kwakibuyu were 45.5% kdr-East homozygous susceptible, 32.7% kdr-East heterozygous resistant, 16.3% kdr-East homozygous resistant, and 5.5% undefined. There were no kdr-West alleles identified from any specimen. The overall malaria parasite infectivity rate was 0.75%. No infections were found in Moshi. The findings indicate that populations of the major malaria vector mosquitoes are still present in the study area, with An. funestus taking a lead in malaria transmission.

Molecular Mechanisms of PARP-1 Inhibitor 7-Methylguanine

7-Methylguanine (7-MG), a natural compound that inhibits DNA repair enzyme poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP-1), can be considered as a potential anticancer drug candidate. Here we describe a study of 7-MG inhibition mechanism using molecular dynamics, fluorescence anisotropy and single-particle Förster resonance energy transfer (spFRET) microscopy approaches to elucidate intermolecular interactions between 7-MG, PARP-1 and nucleosomal DNA. It is shown that 7-MG competes with substrate NAD⁺ and its binding in the PARP-1 active site is mediated by hydrogen bonds and nonpolar interactions with the Gly863, Ala898, Ser904, and Tyr907 residues. 7-MG promotes formation of the PARP-1–nucleosome complexes and suppresses DNA-dependent PARP-1 automodification. This results in nonproductive trapping of PARP-1 on nucleosomes and likely prevents the removal of genotoxic DNA lesions.

Marking Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae) with Fluorescent Dusts

The marking of Drosophila suzukii can be an important instrument for studying the ecology and behaviour of this economically important fruit pest, aiding the development of new Integrated Pest Management (IPM) tools or strategies. There is, however, a need for a cost-effective methodology that provides an easily detectable and stable mark. Whereas fluorescent pigment powders are often used in entomological research, the pigments (series, dyes), application techniques, or doses need to be evaluated for each studied species in terms of their efficacy and possible adverse effects on the performance of the insect. The effectiveness of different application techniques and dyes (RadGlo® TP-series) and their effect on the survival of adult D. suzukii were investigated in the laboratory. Furthermore, the influence of the marking on the behaviour of the flies was examined in laboratory trap assays (olfaction) and a field recapture study (general orientation). The persistence and detectability of the marks was evaluated both on living flies (for different application techniques) and dead flies under trapping/storage conditions. The use of fluorescent powders to mark D. suzukii flies yielded a clearly detectable and highly persistent mark, without any adverse effects on the survival and behaviour of the flies.

Bioactivation of diclofenac in human hepatocytes and the proposed human hepatic proteins modified by reactive metabolites

To reveal putative bioactivation pathways of diclofenac, in vitro human liver materials such as microsomal fractions and hepatocytes were used to confirm metabolic activation of diclofenac by ³⁵S-cysteine trapping assay and covalent binding assay. Candidate human liver proteins possibly targeted by ¹⁴C-diclofenac via bioactivation were investigated using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis followed by detection of remaining radioactivity on the modified proteins with bio-imaging analyzer.In the ³⁵S-cysteine trapping assay, three and two adducts with ³⁵S-cysteine were observed in NADPH-fortified and UDPGA-fortified human liver microsomes, respectively. In the covalent binding assay using ¹⁴C-diclofenac in human hepatocytes, the extent of covalent binding of diclofenac to human hepatic proteins increased time-dependently. Addition of glutathione attenuated the extent of covalent binding of ¹⁴C-diclofenac to human liver microsomal proteins.Fifty-nine proteins from human hepatocytes were proposed as the candidate proteins targeted by reactive metabolites of diclofenac. Proteins modified by cytochrome P450-mediated reactive metabolites were identified by using a cytochrome P450 inhibitor, 1-aminobenzyltriazole and seven of the nine radioactive protein spots were removed by 1-aminobenzyltriazole treatment.In contrast, the remaining two radioactive protein spots, mainly containing human serum albumin and heat shock proteins, were not affected by the addition of 1-aminobenzyltriazole, which suggested the involvement of the acyl glucuronide of diclofenac, formed via uridine diphosphate-glucuronosyl transferases, in the covalent modifications induced by diclofenac.

Species Composition, Temporal Abundance and Distribution of Insect Captures Inside and Outside Commercial Peanut Shelling Facilities

Insect populations were studied within two commercial peanut shelling facilities located in the southeastern United States. Commercially available pheromone/kairomone-baited dome traps and pheromone-baited flight traps were deployed throughout processing and shipping portions of the shelling plants and serviced weekly over one year. Lasioderma serricorne, Tribolium castaneum, Typhaea stercorea, Carpophilus spp., Plodia interpunctella and Cadra cautella were the most common captures across locations. Lasioderma serricorne made up 87% and 88% of all captures in dome traps in plants one and two, respectively. While L. serricorne was not captured during the winter months in flight traps, it was captured with near 100% frequency in dome traps, suggesting that populations persisted throughout the year inside the facilities. Tribolium castaneum populations were active year round. Across insect species and trap type, temperature was a significant covariate for explaining variation in insect counts. After accounting for the effect of temperature, there were always more insects captured in the processing portions of the facilities compared to the shipping areas. A negative linear relationship was observed between captures of L. serricorne and T. castaneum and trap distance from in-shell peanuts entering the shelling facilities. Conversely, fungivores were more evenly distributed throughout all parts of the shelling plants. These data suggest that management efforts should be focused where in-shell peanuts enter to reduce breeding and harborage sites for grain feeding insects.

Sticky traps as an early detection tool for crawlers of Adelges tsugae (Hemiptera: Adelgidae)

We developed an approach using sticky trap arrays as an early detection tool for populations of first-instar nymphs of the hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae Annand), a pest of hemlocks (Tsuga spp. [Pinaceae]) in North America. We considered the detection rate of at least one nymph from trapping arrays consisting of one to six sticky panels, where we varied both the surface area of each trap that we assessed and the length of the trapping duration. We also estimated the time needed to set up, service, and assess groups of traps and attempted to relate capture of nymphs on traps to incidence and abundance of A. tsugae in the canopy above the traps. Arrays consisting of two traps provided a detection rate of 75% when 87.5% of the surface area of each trap was assessed, a process that required 38 min per array. The probability of detecting nymphs on traps left in the field for 5-6 d was similar to that for traps left for 12 d. The number of nymphs trapped in an array predicted the probability of finding A. tsugae in the canopy but only when all six traps were fully assessed. To reliably detect incipient A. tsugae infestations, we recommend placing arrays of traps at 1 km intervals along the perimeter of a stand during peak activity of first-instar sistentes nymphs and servicing these arrays every 5-7 d.

PARP Inhibitors as Therapeutics: Beyond Modulation of PARylation

Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) 1 is an essential molecule in DNA damage response by sensing DNA damage and docking DNA repair proteins on the damaged DNA site through a type of posttranslational modification, poly (ADP-Ribosyl)ation (PARylation). PARP inhibitors, which inhibit PARylation through competitively binding to NAD+ binding site of PARP1 and PARP2, have improved clinical benefits for BRCA mutated tumors, leading to their accelerated clinical application. However, the antitumor activities of PARP inhibitors in clinical development are different, due to PARP trapping activity beyond blocking PARylation reactions. In this review, we comprehensively address the current state of knowledge regarding the mechanisms of action of PARP inhibitors. We will also discuss the different effects of PARP inhibitors in combination with cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents regarding the mechanism of regulating PARylation.

Thermophoretic tweezers for single nanoparticle manipulation

We present the trapping and manipulation of a single nano-object in an aqueous medium by optically induced temporally varying temperature gradients. By real-time object tracking and control of the position of the heating laser focus, we can precisely employ thermophoretic drift to oppose the random diffusive motion. As a result, a nano-object is confined in a micrometer-sized trap. Numerical modeling gives a quantitative prediction of the effect. Traps can be dynamically created and relocated, which we demonstrate by the controlled independent manipulation of two nanoparticles.

Evaluation of Monitoring Traps and Lures for Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae) in Berry Plantings in Florida

Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae) is an invasive insect pest that was detected in Florida in August 2009 in Hillsborough County. Very limited information is available for berry growers to properly detect and monitor this serious pest in southern highbush blueberry (hybrids of Vaccinium corymbosum L. × V. darrowi Camp), rabbiteye blueberry (Vaccinium virgatum L.), and blackberry (Rubus fruticosus L.) production systems. We compared several D. suzukii traps and lures/baits at two sites in Florida. The traps evaluated included Trécé, Scentry, and a standard homemade cup trap. These traps were compared with various baits and lures, including Trécé lure, Scentry lure, yeast bait, and Suzukii trap, under Florida production systems. Early detection is important to develop an effective monitoring system so management action can be taken before economic damage occurs. Data were recorded as overall trends, as well as in 4–5 trapping periods from early to late season. Overall, the Scentry trap baited with Scentry lure, the Trécé trap baited with Trécé lure + yeast, and the Trécé trap baited with Scentry lure were the best performing traps. Yeast-based traps were also attractive to D. suzukii early in the season, but they did not provide consistent captures as the season progressed. The Scentry trap with yeast bait, the Scentry trap with Scentry lure, the Trécé trap with Trécé lure + yeast bait, and a cup trap with yeast bait caught most of the flies during the first trapping period in 2015 and 2016 in the rabbiteye blueberry. In the southern highbush blueberry, the population of D. suzukii was much lower than in the rabbiteye blueberry planting, and the Scentry trap with Scentry lure captured the highest number of flies during the first trapping period in 2016. In the blackberry, the Scentry trap with Scentry lure numerically had the highest captures during the first trapping period, but this was not significantly different from the cup trap with yeast bait, the Trécé trap baited with Suzukii trap, and the Trécé trap with Trécé lure. Overall, the Scentry trap with Scentry lure was the most consistent trap that captured D. suzukii flies throughout the season in the three production systems—rabbiteye blueberry, southern highbush blueberry, and blackberry. Growers in low pressure systems that are similar to Florida can use the Scentry trap with Scentry lure to monitor D. suzukii populations.

Comparison of Different Trap Designs for Capture of Noctuid Moths (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) With Pheromone and Floral Odor Attractants

Six trap designs were assessed for capturing noctuid moths in field trials in the United Kingdom and Argentina. The traps were baited with either a sex pheromone for Autographa gamma in the UK trials and Helicoverpa gelotopoeon (Dyar) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Argentina, or a floral odor blend. In the UK trials the Universal Trap and a funnel sleeve trap were compared; in Argentina the funnel sleeve trap, a homemade bucket trap, and (L.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) three sticky traps: LepTrap, wing trap, and delta trap were compared. Comparisons were made between the traps and attractants and captures of noctuid moths and nontarget insects. Traps baited with the floral attractant caught a lower number but a wider range of noctuid species including Helicoverpa, Spodoptera, Rachiplusia, Dargida, Mythimna, Chrysodeixis, Agrotis, and Autographa spp., and nontarget insects. In the UK trials, the funnel sleeve trap caught significantly more A. gamma than the Universal Trap. The addition of an insecticide to the Universal Trap marginally increased trap catches. In the Argentinian trials, the homemade bucket and the sleeve traps outperformed all sticky traps in most situations regardless of crop environment and attractant type. The homemade bucket and the funnel sleeve traps are also considerably cheaper than the other trap designs. Of the sticky traps the LepTrap caught more noctuids than the wing and delta traps. The results suggest that the bucket trap and the sleeve trap have a much greater maximum capacity and possibly a greater retention efficiency for noctuid moths compared to the sticky traps.

Dipteran Attraction to a Variety of Baits: Implications for Trapping Studies as a Tool for Establishing Seasonal Presence of Significant Species

Monitoring and collection of fly taxa (Diptera: Calliphoridae; Muscidae; Sarcophagidae) of medical, veterinary, and agricultural importance is often routine practice, providing data on target species presence, distribution and abundance. Collection practices currently involve baited trapping and while an inherent bias accompanying the choice of bait is acknowledged, there is little consistency in bait choice between studies and insufficient assessment of trapping success rates for bait types in current use. This study aimed to examine the effect of bait choice on trapping results for six commonly used bait types; a commercial bait (Envirosafe Fly Attractant, Envirosafe Products) and a combination of mixtures of liver, horse manure and 5% sodium sulfide (Na2S). Trapping success was compared under different seasonal conditions (Summer, Autumn, and Spring) to determine the most attractive bait for calliphorid species, with a secondary comparison of kangaroo versus ox liver occurring under summer conditions. Baits containing Na2S were the most successful in captures of all target taxa, with the addition of manure desirable, yielding increased diversity of taxa. Kangaroo liver baits attracted high numbers of Chrysomya spp. (Robineau-Desvoidy, Diptera: Calliphoridae), while Lucilia spp. (Robineau-Desvoidy, Diptera: Calliphoridae) were comparatively underrepresented in traps using liver alone. The use of a combined ox liver/manure/Na2S bait is recommended as the gold standard for generic screening of necrophagous flies. Where more specific target fly taxa are desired, such as Chrysomya spp. or Lucilia spp. only, alternate baits such as kangaroo or lamb may prove more attractive/successful.

Temperature-Induced Self-Compensating Defect Traps and Gain Thresholds in Colloidal Quantum Dots

Continuous-wave (CW) lasing was recently achieved in colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) by lowering the threshold through the introduction of biaxial strain. However, the CW laser threshold is still much higher than the femtosecond threshold. This must be addressed before electrically injected lasing can be realized. Here we investigate the relationship between threshold and temperature and find a subpicosecond recombination process that proceeds very efficiently at temperatures reached during CW excitation. We combine density functional theory and molecular dynamics simulations to explore potential candidates for such a process, and find that crystal defects having thermally vibrating energy levels can become electronic traps-i.e., they can protrude into the bandgap-when they are sufficiently distorted at higher temperatures. We find that biaxially strained CQDs, which have a lower femtosecond laser threshold than traditional CQDs, result in less heat for a given transparency/gain level and thus undergo this trapping to a lower extent. We also propose methods to tailor CQDs to avoid self-compensating defect traps.