Seasonal activity of spotted lanternfly (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae), in Southeast Pennsylvania

The spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula (White, 1845), is an invasive species in the United States. This pest causes damage to vineyards and has the potential to negatively affect other crops and industries. Information describing the seasonal timing of life stages can improve its management. In 2019 and 2020, spotted lanternfly seasonal activity was followed weekly from spring egg hatch to the first hard freeze. Weighted mean timing of activity for each nymphal instar, early adults, late adults, total adults, and egg mass deposition are presented for 2019 and 2020 on Acer rubrum and 2020 on Ailanthus altissima. Logistic equations describing the percentage completion of each activity period on these hosts were fitted using a start date of 1 January to calculate accumulated degree days (ADD). For the adult and egg mass deposition periods, we additionally used a biofix of the date adults were first observed to calculate ADD. ADD from 1 January adequately estimated the timing of nymphal instars but ADD from observation of the first adult better estimated the timing of adult activity and egg mass deposition. Late adult activity and egg mass deposition periods appeared to be influenced by another environmental cue, such as day length. Maps of season-long ADD show that spotted lanternflies are unlikely to reach adulthood in colder regions of the northeast United States, and therefore may not establish there. We also report a strong seasonal trend in sex ratio on A. rubrum, where the population shifted from over 80% male to over 80% female in October.

Efficacy and nontarget effects of broadcast treatments to manage spotted lanternfly (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) nymphs

Management to control the spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula (White), would ideally achieve managers' goals while limiting impacts on nontarget organisms. In a large-scale field study with 45 plots at least 711 m2, we tested foliar applications of dinotefuran and 2 formulations of Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin, each applied from the ground and separately by helicopter. Applications targeted early instar nymphs. For both application methods, a single treatment with dinotefuran significantly reduced L. delicatula numbers, as measured by catch on sticky bands (91% reduction by air and 84% reduction by ground 19 days after application) and by timed counts (89% reduction by air and 72% reduction by ground 17 days after application). None of the B. bassiana treatments significantly reduced L. delicatula numbers, even after 3 applications. Beauveria bassiana infection in field-collected nymphs ranged from 0.4% to 39.7%, with higher mortality and infection among nymphs collected from ground application plots. Beauveria bassiana conidia did not persist for long on foliage which probably contributed to low population reduction. Nontarget effects were not observed among arthropods captured in blue vane flight intercept traps, San Jose Scale pheromone sticky traps or pitfall traps, but power analysis revealed that small reductions of less than 40% may not be detected despite extensive sampling of 48,804 specimens. These results demonstrate that dinotefuran can markedly reduce local abundance of L. delicatula with little apparent effect on nontarget insects when applied shortly after hatch, and that aerial applications can match or exceed the effectiveness of applications from the ground.

Spotted Lanternfly (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) Nymphal Dispersion Patterns and Their Influence on Field Experiments

The spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) (White, 1845), is an invasive pest in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Understanding this pest's dispersion patterns is fundamental for development of management and surveillance programs. To address this knowledge gap, we quantified spotted lanternfly nymph dispersion patterns by instar for rural and urban/suburban habitats, and we compared the number of sample units required for sticky traps and in situ visual counts to estimate population densities at several precisions. In addition, we assessed the ability of two experimental designs (completely random and randomized complete block) to detect management practices' impacts in the field. All instars typically followed an aggregated dispersion pattern. Sample size and time requirements for checking and replacing sticky traps and for conducting in situ counts were similar, but in situ counts do not require purchasing traps, installation time, or delays before treatment, and do not remove insects. Although the cost for using in situ counts is likely less than for sticky traps, early instar spotted lanternfly nymph populations are harder to visually detect than later instars because of their small size, which may negate any cost advantage when treatments are applied early. In general, using a randomized complete block design resulted in higher statistical power than a completely random design, allowing detection of proportional population reductions of 10-20% less with equal replication. Studies aiming to evaluate treatments that reduce spotted lanternfly numbers by less than 60% will require researchers to evaluate the feasibility of using the required large sample sizes.

Dispersion Patterns and Sample Size Estimates for Egg Masses of Spotted Lanternfly (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae)

The spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula (White), is a new invasive pest in the United States. To quantify spotted lanternfly population abundance, one must understand this pest's dispersion pattern, that is, the spatial arrangement of individuals within a population. Spotted lanternflies overwinter in egg masses from late fall to May, making this life stage suitable for population assessments. We measured the dispersion pattern of egg masses at two types of sites: a suburban housing development, where we used individual trees as the sampling unit, and rural woodlots, where we used individual trees and also plots with 5.64 m radius as sampling units. Plots were the same size as those recommended for monitoring the gypsy moth, a well-studied pest with similar egg laying habit to the spotted lanternfly. Egg masses in both sampling units were counted up to a height of 3 m. With trees as the sampling unit, egg masses were aggregated in 12 of 20 rural sampling universes, randomly dispersed at 6, and completely absent at 2. Similar patterns were seen when using the 5.64-m radius rural sampling units and for suburban sampling universes. We calculated sample size requirements for a range of mean densities at a precision of 25 and 30%. Additionally, the vertical distribution of egg masses was characterized on the invasive tree of heaven [Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle], a preferred host for spotted lanternflies. For small trees, there was a positive relationship between number of egg masses in the bottom 3 m of the tree and the total count.

A Method for a Long-Term Marking of Spotted Lanternfly (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) Using a Stable Isotope of Nitrogen

Developing a lifelong marking method for Lycorma delicatula (White, 1845) is crucial to investigate ecological processes. Here we validate a marking method using stable isotope enrichment (15N) of host plants to track spotted lanternfly (SLF), an invasive species causing economic damage on grapes, hardwood forest and landscape tree species. To validate this method, we first determined the isotope dosage to be sprayed on the host plants and subsequently detected in SLF. Second, we examined whether 15N mark remains detectable from the nymphal to adult stage. We demonstrated that two stable isotope dosages applied to the host plants were assimilated by the insect and equally detectable in the exoskeleton, wings, and mature eggs ready to be oviposited. This safe and reliable method can be used to examine fundamental processes of the biology and ecology of SLF that range from dietary resources and resource allocation to food-web structure and dispersal patterns.

The role of frugivorous birds and bats in the colonization of cloud forest plant species in burned areas in western Mexico

The extension of montane cloud forests in western Mexico is threatened by several disturbances that limit their extension. In this study we aim to assess the contribution of birds and bats in the dispersal and colonization of cloud–forest plants in contiguous surface–burned pine forests. We sampled seed rain and sapling establishment over one year in two surface–burned sites, which differed in the size of their closest cloud forest patch. A total of 17 plant species were found, most of which were late–successional trees, shrubs and climbers. Distance influenced the seed rain of only one dispersed taxon (Solanum sp.) and had no effect on the sapling distribution of this or other plants. In turn, marked differences were found between sites, with more seeds dispersed and higher sapling density in the site that was next to the larger cloud forest patch. The role of long–distance dispersers and the existence of seed banks before fire could explain the little importance of distance from seed source on seed dispersal and sapling distribution. Nevertheless, dispersal by birds and bats before or after fire facilitates the regeneration and conservation of cloud forests in disturbed areas formerly occupied by other habitats.

Histopathologische Qualität von Prostatastanzzylindern: Vergleich einer MR-kompatiblen Biopsienadel mit einer im Ultraschall eingesetzten ferromagnetischen Biopsienadel

PURPOSE

The histopathologic quality of core biopsy specimens obtained via MRI-guided prostate biopsy using a 16G MR-compatible needle was compared to that of biopsies obtained via ultrasound-guided biopsy using a conventional 18G stainless steel biopsy needle.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed for a total of 247 transrectal prostate biopsy specimens obtained from 32 patients. A total of 117 tissue cores were obtained from 15 patients (PSA of 10.8 ng/ml, age 64 years) who underwent an MRI-guided prostate biopsy using a 16G (1.7 mm) MR-compatible biopsy needle made of titanium alloy. The remaining 130 tissue cores were obtained from 17 patients (PSA of 6.7 ng/ml, age 68 years) who underwent a transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy using an 18G (1.3 mm) ferromagnetic stainless steel biopsy needle. The length and width of the histologic sections prepared from the tissue cores were measured to calculate the area. The histopathologic quality of the specimens was assessed microscopically using tissue fragmentation, the presence of crush artifacts, and the overall accessibility as criteria. Each of these features was assigned a score from 0 to 3. All 3 features contributed equally to the overall score which ranged from 0 (no tissue) to 9 (optimal quality).

RESULTS

The overall quality scores assigned to the biopsies obtained with a 16G MR-compatible needle and an 18G ferromagnetic needle can be considered to be equivalent to a mean difference between patient related median scores of the specimens of - 0.05 (95 % confidence interval [- 0.46; 0.36]) and a given equivalence limit of 1. The MRI biopsies showed more tissue fragmentation (p = 0.001) but fewer crush artifacts (p = 0.022) while the accessibility did not differ significantly between the two needle types (p = 0.064). There was also no significant difference in the calculated areas of the tissue cores (p = 0.236). According to the different calibers of the biopsy needles, the lengths (p = 0.008) and widths (p = 0.000) of the biopsy specimens differed significantly.

CONCLUSIONS

The core biopsy specimens obtained with an MR-compatible 16G titanium alloy biopsy needle are of the same histopathologic quality as specimens obtained with a ferromagnetic 18G stainless steel needle.

Net radiation balance for two forested slopes on opposite sides of a valley

Measurements of the net radiation balance of two forested sites on the opposite slopes of a valley in south-western Germany, made over 3 years, are presented in this study. Radiation sensors were mounted horizontally on two measurement towers above two beech stands. The direct part of the measured short-wave incoming radiation was adjusted according to the slope's angle to convert horizontally measured radiation data into surface-parallel radiation fluxes. During periods when contemporaneous measurements of slope-parallel and horizontal radiation fluxes were available, the calculation of surface-parallel radiation fluxes from the horizontally recorded net radiation components were compared with measured values. The net radiative fluxes parallel to the slopes were calculated for a period of 36 months and analysed. Results show that the different aspects of both sites cause significant differences of the net radiation balance. In June, when the elevation of the sun is highest, incoming solar radiation K downward arrow received on the NE-slope was 9% lower than K downward arrow received on the SW-slope. During the winter months, the differences were much greater and incoming solar radiation to the NE-slope was 50% of that to the SW-slope. Due to the differing solar irradiance, net radiation fluxes were significantly higher on the SW-slope than on the NE-slope. For long-wave radiation only small differences between both slopes could be found. Since radiative fluxes determine the energy balance and hence the microclimate and water balance of a forest stand, these differences in the net radiation balance between the slopes are important for the vegetation.

[The relationship between the perceived threat of environmental problems and the formation of action intentions]

The results of a study using questionnaires at two measuring points in high schools in North Germany are reported and discussed. This article analyzes the students' reasons and motivation for more or less environmentally friendly behavior. An integrated theoretical concept of motivation for human action formed the theoretical basis. The action genesis process was subdivided into the phases of forming motives, intentions and volition. Following a presentation of this theoretical concept and its definition with regard to competing and compatible theoretical hypotheses, the methodological procedure is described whereby the various motivation structures of the pupils questioned were analyzed. Mixed distribution models were used which allow modelling of complex multivariate relationships (latent class analysis and mixed Rasch models). The results show strong positive relationships among the variables of the motivation, the intention and the volition phases, but with isolated area-specific motivation patterns and moderator effects of certain cognitive variables.

[Numerical studies of the effect of prosthetic implants on the strain energy density distribution in the femur]

In this study the distribution of the strain energy density (SED) in the natural femur as well as changes of it due to the implantation of an artificial hip joint has been investigated. Because of recently published theoretical considerations the volume related SED was used to describe the respective biomechanical loading situation completely. By means of parameter variation different load cases were simulated. The calculated SED-distributions were compared with the respective results of the natural femur. Thus, the known reasons of failures of hip joint prostheses has been proofed numerical. It was shown that the SED is a suitable mechanical parameter to simulate bone remodeling after hip joint replacement.

Standardization of gastric aspirate technique improves yield in the diagnosis of tuberculosis in children

BACKGROUND

The diagnosis of tuberculous disease in children remains a difficult one, based on epidemiologic investigation, Mantoux skin testing and suggestive radiologic findings. Because children with pulmonary tuberculosis are unable to produce sputum, gastric aspirates remain the procedure of choice for microbiologic confirmation of tuberculous disease; however, yield is frequently low.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effect of a standardized gastric aspirate collection protocol on diagnostic culture yield.

METHODS

The gastric aspirate culture yield for Mycobacterium tuberculosis in 13 historical control children with clinically confirmed tuberculosis from 1979 to 1994 was compared with the yield in 8 children with tuberculous disease after institution of a standardized gastric aspirate collection protocol involving physician education, strict timing of collection, base neutralization of aspirate specimens and expedited processing.

RESULTS

Retrospective survey of gastric aspirate results in Rhode Island from 1979 to 1994 revealed that only 1 of 13 cases (8%) of pediatric pulmonary tuberculosis were confirmed in this manner. During a 12-month period after institution of a protocol, gastric aspirates yielded positive cultures in 4 of 8 children (50%) with pulmonary tuberculosis, a yield that compares favorably with the sensitivities of 20 to 52% published in the literature.

CONCLUSIONS

Attention to the technique of gastric aspirate collection, and expedited processing in particular, appears to improve the yield of this diagnostic procedure for pediatric tuberculosis.

Food-initiated outbreak of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus analyzed by pheno- and genotyping

An outbreak of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) involving 27 patients and 14 health-care workers (HCW) was studied. The outbreak started in the hematology unit of the University Hospital Rotterdam, Dijkzigt, The Netherlands, and spread to the surgical unit. Twenty-one patients (77.8%) developed clinical disease, and five died. Subsequently, MRSA was detected in food and in the throat of one of the HCW who prepared food for hematology patients. Food contaminated by an HCW most likely caused the first case of MRSA septicemia. This route of transmission has not been described before. The outbreak strain was probably transmitted to the surgical unit by a colonized nurse, where it caused an explosive outbreak. Airborne probably transmitted to the surgical unit by a colonized nurse, where it caused an explosive outbreak. Airborne MRSA transmission played an important role in disseminating the organism. The outbreak was controlled within 6 months by intensifying surveillance, temporarily closing the affected wards, treating carriers, and instituting an MRSA ward outside the hospital. Phage typing, insertion sequence probing, protein A gene typing, and DNA fingerprinting by PCR revealed that all outbreak-related isolates were identical. By pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, all but one of the outbreak-related isolates were determined to be identical. Protein A gene typing identified numerous (11) repeat units in all outbreak-related isolates, which supports the suggestion that the outbreak strain may have been more virulent and more transmissible than other MRSA strains. Pheno- and genotyping studies underlined the value of DNA fingerprinting methods for investigation of MRSA epidemiology. Optimal discriminatory power was achieved by combining the results of four genotyping methods.