bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on Development Environment, Problems and Countermeasures of Cold Chain Logistics
Authors: Zheng Lin , Zhou Ran , Li Xiaojun , Wang Yisheng
Published: April 2024

As the demand for fresh food products among Chinese residents grows rapidly, the development of cold chain logistics has ushered in a “golden age.” Using PEST analysis tool, this paper comprehensively analyzes the development environment of cold chain logistics in China from the four dimensions of politics, economy, society and technology, analyzes the outstanding problems existing in the development of cold chain logistics in infrastructure, standard system and information construction, and puts forward countermeasures and suggestions to promote the high-quality development of cold chain logistics from three aspects: strengthening the guidance of infrastructure, standard guarantee and technology empowerment.
Tratamento com raloxifeno induz à expressão dos receptores de kisspeptina, insulina e androgênio em ossos de ratas adultas castradas
Authors: Condi Fernanda Lopes de Freitas , Fuchs Luiz Fernando Portugal , Carvalho Katia Candido , Baracat Edmund Chada
Published: April 2024

Objetivo Avaliar os efeitos do estrogênio, raloxifeno e genisteína na expressão de KISS1 (kisspeptina), KISS1R (receptor da kisspeptina), AR (receptor de androgênio) e INSR (receptor de insulina) nos ossos de ratas ovariectomizadas.

Métodos Quarenta e oito ratas adultas foram divididas aleatoriamente em 6 grupos, contendo 8 animais cada: G1–controle não ovariectomizado); G2–ovariectomizado e tratado com estrogênios conjugados equinos (50 µg/Kg/dia); G3–ovariectomizado e tratado com raloxifeno (0,75 mg/kg/dia); G4–ovariectomizado que recebeu extrato de soja com genisteína (300 mg/kg/dia); G5–ovariectomizado que recebeu estrogênio e genisteína; e G6–ovariectomizado que recebeu estrogênio e raloxifeno. Após 3 meses da cirurgia, os animais castrados receberam os fármacos diariamente por via oral, durante 120 dias. Todos os animais foram sacrificados após esse período, por aprofundamento da anestesia. A tíbia esquerda foi removida para extração de RNA total e análise da expressão gênica de KISS1, KISS1R, AR e INSR, por reação de cadeia de polimerase quantitativa em tempo real (quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, qRT-PCR, em inglês).

Resultados KISS1 não foi detectado em nenhum dos grupos tratados. KISS1R, INSR e AR mostraram maior expressão no grupo G3 (p < 0,001), enquanto menores níveis de transcritos para esses genes foram observados em G4 e G5. Os animais de G2 apresentaram hipoexpressão dos genes avaliados.

Conclusão Os resultados indicam que o raloxifeno, isolado ou combinado com estrogênio, foi capaz de induzir a expressão de genes associados à recuperação da homeostase do tecido ósseo em ratas ovariectomizadas.
Ausência de recursos didáticos de alta qualidade sobre a capsulite adesiva no YouTube
Authors: Yüce Ali , Gür Volkan , Yerli Mustafa , Misir Abdulhamit
Published: April 2024

Objetivo O advento da Internet proporcionou recursos novos e de fácil acesso para pacientes que procuram mais informações sobre saúde. Muitos médicos e organizações de saúde publicam vídeos informativos nesta plataforma e quase todos os pacientes procuram tais vídeos online para uma segunda opinião.

Métodos As frases “frozen shoulder (ombro congelado)”, “frozen shoulder treatment (tratamento de ombro congelado)”, “adhesive capsulitis (capsulite adesiva)” e “adhesive capsulitis treatment (tratamento de capsulite adesiva)” foram inseridas na barra de pesquisa do YouTube para uma consulta normal. A informatividade e a qualidade geral dos vídeos sobre capsulite adesiva foram avaliadas usando três escalas distintas.

Resultados Os valores de média e desvio padrão dos sistemas de pontuação do Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) foram 1,25 ± 0,51, DISCERN, 39,4 ± 13,4, Global Quality Score (GQS, Índice de Qualidade Global em português) 2,83 ± 0,96 e Adhesive Capsulitis Specific Score (ACSS, Escore Específico de Capsulite Adesiva em português), 7,43 ± 4,86, respectivamente. O número de visualizações, a taxa de visualizações e as curtidas tiveram uma correlação positiva com GQS, DISCERN e ACSS. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os valores medianos de JAMA, GQS e DISCERN de acordo com a fonte/carregador do vídeo (p > 0,05).

Conclusão Os vídeos do YouTube sobre capsulite adesiva precisam ter maior qualidade, confiabilidade e qualidade instrutiva. Há necessidade de vídeos confiáveis sobre capsulite adesiva, com citações instrutivas e de alta qualidade.
Estabilidade de osteotomias proximais em modelos do fêmur pediátrico fixadas por hastes intramedulares flexíveis e avaliadas pelo método dos elementos finitos
Authors: Cruz Mário Augusto Ferreira , Santana José Vinícius Lima , Battaglion Leonardo Rigobello , Volpon José Batista
Published: April 2024

Objetivo Avaliar a estabilidade de osteotomias criadas nas regiões subtrocantérica e trocantérica em modelo de fêmur pediátrico, fixadas por hastes intramedulares flexíveis.

Método A partir de um modelo de fêmur pediátrico com duas hastes elásticas de titânio, foram obtidos cortes tomográficos que foram convertidos para um modelo tridimensional. Neste modelo foi criado uma malha com elementos tetraédricos, de acordo com o método dos elementos finitos. Foram obtidos três modelos virtuais, e realizadas osteotomias em regiões diferentes: mediodiafisária, subtrocantérica e trocantérica. Foi aplicado um carregamento vertical de 85N no topo da cabeça do fêmur, obtidos os deslocamentos, a tensão máxima e mínima principal e tensão equivalente de Von Mises no implante.

Resultados Com o carregamento aplicado foram observados deslocamentos no local da osteotomia de 0,04mm no grupo diafisário, 0,5mm no subtrocantérico e 0,06mm no trocantérico. A tensão máxima principal foi 10,4Pa, 7,52Pa e 26,4Pa nos grupos diafisário, subtrocantérico e trocantérico, respectivamente. Ou seja, a tensão máxima foi em torno de 40% maior no grupo trocantérico, em relação ao diafisário (controle). A face de tensão mínima do osso localizou-se na cortical interna do fêmur. A tensão equivalente de Von Mises nos implantes ocorreu na osteotomia, com valor máximo de 27,6Pa no grupo trocantérico.

Conclusão Tanto nas osteotomias no nível trocantérico, quanto subtrocantérico, a estabilidade da fixação foi muitas vezes menor que no modelo diafisário, sugerindo que as hastes intramedulares flexíveis não são implantes adequados para as fixações proximais do fêmur.
Carbon starvation raises capacities in bacterial antibiotic resistance and viral auxiliary carbon metabolism in soils
Authors: Xu Qicheng , Zhang He , Vandenkoornhuyse Philippe , Guo Shiwei , Kuzyakov Yakov , Shen Qirong , Ling Ning
Published: April 2024

Organic carbon availability in soil is crucial for shaping microbial communities, yet, uncertainties persist concerning microbial adaptations to carbon levels and the ensuing ecological and evolutionary consequences. We investigated organic carbon metabolism, antibiotic resistance, and virus–host interactions in soils subjected to 40 y of chemical and organic fertilization that led to contrasting carbon availability: carbon-poor and carbon-rich soils, respectively. Carbon-poor soils drove the enrichment of putative genes involved in organic matter decomposition and exhibited specialization in utilizing complex organic compounds, reflecting scramble competition. This specialization confers a competitive advantage of microbial communities in carbon-poor soils but reduces their buffering capacity in terms of organic carbon metabolisms, making them more vulnerable to environmental fluctuations. Additionally, in carbon-poor soils, viral auxiliary metabolic genes linked to organic carbon metabolism increased host competitiveness and environmental adaptability through a strategy akin to “piggyback the winner.” Furthermore, putative antibiotic resistance genes, particularly in low-abundance drug categories, were enriched in carbon-poor soils as an evolutionary consequence of chemical warfare (i.e., interference competition). This raises concerns about the potential dissemination of antibiotic resistance from conventional agriculture that relies on chemical-only fertilization. Consequently, carbon starvation resulting from long-term chemical-only fertilization increases microbial adaptations to competition, underscoring the importance of implementing sustainable agricultural practices to mitigate the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance and to increase soil carbon storage.
HASPIDE: a project for the development of hydrogenated amorphous silicon radiation sensors on a flexible substrate
Authors: Tosti L. , Antognini L. , Aziz S. , Bashiri A. , Calcagnile L. , Caputo D. , Caricato A.P. , Catalano R. , De Cesare G. , Chilà D. , Cirrone G.A.P. , Croci T. , Cuttone G. , Dunand S. , Fabi M. , Frontini L. , Grimani C. , Ionica M. , Kanxheri K. , Large M. , Liberali V. , Lovecchio N. , Martino M. , Maruccio G. , Mazza G. , Menichelli M. , Monteduro A.G. , Morozzi A. , Moscatelli F. , Nascetti A. , Pallotta S. , Passeri D. , Pedio M. , Petasecca M. , Petringa G. , Peverini F. , Piccolo L. , Placidi P. , Quarta G. , Rizzato S. , Sabbatini F. , Servoli L. , Stabile A. , Talamonti C. , Thomet J.E. , Villani M. , Wheadon R.J. , Wyrsch N. , Zema N.
Published: April 2024

Hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) is a material with a very good radiation hardness and with the possibility of deposition on flexible substrates like Polyimide (PI). Exploiting these properties, the HASPIDE (Hydrogenated Amorphous Silicon PIxels DEtectors) project has the goal of developing a-Si:H detectors on flexible substrates for beam dosimetry and profile monitoring, neutron detection and space experiments. The detectors for this experiment will be developed in two different structures: the n-i-p diode structure, which has been used up to now for the construction of the planar a-Si:H detectors, and the recently developed charge selective contact structure. In the latter the doped layers (n or p) are replaced with charge selective materials namely electron-selective conductive metal-oxides (TiO2 or Al:ZnO) and hole-selective conductive metal oxides (MoO
x
). In this paper preliminary data on the capabilities of these detectors to measure X-ray and electron fluxes will be presented. In particular, the linearity, the sensitivity, the stability and dark current in various conditions will be discussed.
Performance testing of gas-tight portable RPC for muography applications
Authors: Kumar V. , Basnet S. , Cortina Gil E. , Demin P. , Gamage R.M.I.D. , Giammanco A. , Karnam R. , Moussawi M. , Samalan A. , Tytgat M. , Youssef A.
Published: April 2024

This paper reports the latest developmental efforts for a position-sensitive glass-based Resistive Plate Chamber (RPC) and a multi-channel Data AcQuisition (DAQ) system tailored for muon tracking in muography applications. The designed setup prioritizes portability, aiming for field applications where both the detector and the DAQ operate effectively in external environmental conditions. Comprehensive discussions on hardware development activities and signal processing techniques are included, incorporating noise filtering to enhance the accurate detection of real muons. A muon absorption measurement has also been carried out to understand the behavior of these detectors from an application perspective.
Modeling exports of dissolved organic carbon from landscapes: a review of challenges and opportunities
Authors: Wei Xinyuan , Hayes Daniel J , Butman David E , Qi Junyu , Ricciuto Daniel M , Yang Xiaojuan
Published: April 2024

Inland waters receive large quantities of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) from soils and act as conduits for the lateral transport of this terrestrially derived carbon, ultimately storing, mineralizing, or delivering it to oceans. The lateral DOC flux plays a crucial role in the global carbon cycle, and numerous models have been developed to estimate the DOC export from different landscapes. We reviewed 34 published models and compared their characteristics to identify challenges in model applications and opportunities for future model development. We classified these models into three types: indicator-driven, hydrology-forced, and process-based DOC export simulation models. They differ mainly in their environmental inputs, simulation approaches for soil DOC production, leaching from soils to inland waters, and transit through inland waters. It is essential to consider landscape characteristics, climate conditions, available data, and research questions when selecting the most appropriate model. Given the substantial assumptions associated with these models, sufficient measurements are required to benchmark estimates. Accurate accounting of terrestrially derived DOC export to oceans requires incorporating the DOC produced in aquatic ecosystems and deposited with rainwater; otherwise, global export estimates may be overestimated by 40.7%. Additionally, improving the representation of mineralization and burial processes in inland waters allows for more accurate accounting of carbon sequestration through land ecosystems. When all the inland water processes are ignored or assuming DOC leaching is equivalent to DOC export, the loss of soil carbon through this lateral flux could be underestimated by 43.9%.
Mandelbrot sets for fixed template iterations
Authors: Comerford Mark , Rǎdulescu Anca , Cavanagh Kieran
Published: April 2024

We study the dynamics of template iterations, consisting of arbitrary compositions of functions chosen from a finite set of polynomials. In particular, we focus on templates using complex unicritical maps in the family

{

z
d

+
c
,
c
∈

C

,
d
≥
2
}

\{ z^d + c, c \in \mathbb {C}, d \ge 2 \}

. We examine the dependence on parameters of the connectedness locus for a fixed template and show that, for most templates, the connectedness locus moves upper semicontiuously. On the other hand, one does not in general have lower semicontinuous dependence, and we show this by means of a counterexample.
Geodesics in generalizations of the Sierpinski carpet
Authors: Berkove Ethan , Karangozishvili Elene , Smith Derek
Published: April 2024

We analyze geodesics in a 3-parameter family of fractals that contains the Sierpinski carpet and Menger sponge, generalizing results in the literature. Between any two points in one of these fractals, we construct a geodesic path, where path lengths are induced by the 1-norm. For any of these fractals we then determine the maximum possible ratio of the geodesic metric to the Euclidean metric, and we provide examples to show that this upper bound is sharp.
Unicritical and maximally critical laminations
Authors: Burdette Brittany , Falcione Caleb , Hale Cameron , Mayer John
Published: April 2024

We study the correspondence between unicritical laminations and maximally critical laminations with rotational and identity return polygons. Laminations are a combinatorial and topological way to study Julia sets. Laminations give information about the structure of parameter space of degree

d
d

polynomials with connected Julia sets.
On fractal dimension of the graph of nonstationary fractal interpolation function
Authors: Chandra Subhash , Abbas Syed
Published: April 2024

This article aims to study fractal dimension of the nonstationary fractal interpolation function (FIF) on function spaces. We estimate the Hausdorff dimension and the box dimension of nonstationary FIF on convex-Lipschitz space. We also compute the upper box dimension of the nonstationary FIF on oscillation spaces. Furthermore, we study the fractal dimension of the nonstationary FIF and the Katugampola fractional integral on Hölder space and bounded variational space.
The bistable mitotic switch in fission yeast
Authors: Novák Béla , Tyson John J.
Published: April 2024

In favorable conditions, eukaryotic cells proceed irreversibly through the cell division cycle (G1-S-G2-M) in order to produce two daughter cells with the same number and identity of chromosomes of their progenitor. The integrity of this process is maintained by “checkpoints” that hold a cell at particular transition points of the cycle until all requisite events are completed. The crucial functions of these checkpoints seem to depend on irreversible bistability of the underlying checkpoint control systems. Bistability of cell cycle transitions has been confirmed experimentally in frog egg extracts, budding yeast cells and mammalian cells. For fission yeast cells, a recent paper by Patterson et al. (2021) provides experimental evidence for an abrupt transition from G2 phase into mitosis, and we show that these data are consistent with a stochastic model of a bistable switch governing the G2/M checkpoint. Interestingly, our model suggests that their experimental data could also be explained by a reversible/sigmoidal switch, and stochastic simulations confirm this supposition. We propose a simple modification of their experimental protocol that could provide convincing evidence for (or against) bistability of the G2/M transition in fission yeast.
A Compatible System of Growth and Yield Equations for Slash Pine Fitted with Restricted Three-Stage Least Squares
Authors: Borders B. E. , Bailey R. L.
Published: April 2024

A system of compatible and interrelating equations (after Clutter 1963) was developed to predict growth and yield in volume, basal area, and dominant height for site-prepared slash pine plantations in the Southeast. Because of logical restrictions on certain parameters and contemporaneous correlations among the variables, the usual unrestricted least squares approach to fitting equations is not appropriate for such a system. The wealth of developments in econometrics for fitting such systems of interrelating equations was reviewed and tested, and restricted three-stage least squares gave the best results. Measures of goodness of fit and precision are nearly as good with restricted three-stage least squares for this system and data as with the conventional unrestricted least squares approach. Methods for placing confidence limits on predicted yields are demonstrated. Forest Sci. 32:185-201.
Total Cubic Volume Equations Implied by Diameter-Based Merchantable to Total Volume Ratio Models
Authors: Lynch Thomas B.
Published: April 2024

Standard total cubic foot volume equations were derived from models used to predict the ratio of merchantable to total cubic foot volume. This was accomplished by an extension of the methods used by Clutter (1980) to derive taper equations from variable-top merchantable volume equations. Taper curves developed by using the derived volume equation were constrained to pass through stump diameter at stump height. Together with Clutter's (1980) results, the volume equation developed was part of a compatible system of total volume and taper equations derived from a specified form of diameter-based merchantable to total volume ratio model. Forest Sci. 32:262-267.
Linkage Among Genes Controlling Monoterpene Constituent Levels in Loblolly Pine
Authors: Squillace A. E. , Swindel Benee F.
Published: April 2024

Linkages among four loci controlling cortical monoterpene composition were studied. Results suggested that three (myrcene, limonene, and β-phellandrene) are closely linked, while the fourth (β-pinene) is less closely linked to the others. Data from both full-sib and half-sib families were utilized. The latter required knowledge of recessive gene frequencies in the male parents, and efficiencies varied greatly with the magnitude of these frequencies. Although no bias is expected when half-sib families are used to detect linkage, estimates of recombination rates may be biased if linkage disequilibrium is present. However, recombination rates obtained from half-sib families were usually not greatly different from those obtained from full-sibs. Some new generalized methods are presented for detecting linkage and for estimating rates of recombination. Forest Sci. 32:97-112.
Fusiform Rust Gradient in a Loblolly Pine Plantation
Authors: Snow G. A. , Wells O. O. , Switzer G. L.
Published: April 2024

A gradient of fusiform rust incidence in a 10-yr-old loblolly pine planting in east central Mississippi was related to the occurrence of susceptible oak species in its immediate proximity. The incidence of rust decreased from a high of 8.8 galls per tree within 25 m of the side of the planting with numerous oaks to a low of 2.3 galls per tree at a distance of 150-200 m. The gradient was apparently caused by inoculum produced on these oaks. Forest Sci. 32: 372-376.
Site Quality Influences on Biomass Estimates for White Spruce Plantations
Authors: Harding R. B. , Grigal D. F.
Published: April 2024

Separate biomass estimation equations were developed for white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) from plantations of low, medium, and high site quality in northern Minnesota. Site quality was defined by site index. Differences in regression coefficients among these quality-specific equations were statistically significant (P < 0.005). Estimates of aboveground biomass for a dominant tree based on those equations differed from an estimate based on an overall equation from all data. As tree size increased, estimates from the overall equation were less than those from the specific equation for high-quality sites, and greater than those from the equation for low-quality sites. Site quality differences can significantly affect biomass estimates for white spruce in plantations. In most cases, however, the practical significance of these effects should be small. Forest Sci. 32:443-446.
Predicting Scenic Beauty of Timber Stands
Authors: Brown Thomas C. , Daniel Terry C.
Published: April 2024

The psychophysical approach to developing scenic beauty models is extended to the timber stand level. Ponderosa pine timber stands are shown to be quite homogenous in terms of variables important in the prediction of scenic beauty. Candidate timber stand scenic beauty models are presented, along with the results of cross-validation experiments. The models agree with earlier studies that focused on one-acre plots, suggesting that scenic beauty increases with increases in herbage and large pine and with decreases in downed wood, and tree grouping. Finally, judgments of the scenic beauty of individual color slides taken within timber stands provide valid estimates of overall stand scenic beauty. These results suggest substantial potential for modeling the scenic beauty of conventionally delineated timber stands based on standard forest inventory information. Forest Sci. 32:471-487.
The Role of Alkanes in Epicuticular Wax Relative to Tolerance of Pine Species to Saline Spray
Authors: simini Michael , Leone Ida A.
Published: April 2024

A study of the epicuticular waxes on the foliage of saline-spray tolerant Japanese black pine (Pinus thunbergii) and salt-sensitive eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) showed a greater percentage of longer chain alkanes in the former species (87 percent) than in the latter (68 percent). Alkane concentrations increased with increasing temperature and longer photoperiod. The longer chain alkanes are reportedly more resistant to the penetration of polar solutions than are shorter chain alkanes.

Alkane concentration was greater for both pine species in trees grown at higher vs lower temperatures and longer vs shorter photoperiods, corresponding inversely to trends previously reported by the authors with respect to foliar salt uptake by both pines and other species at these respective temperatures and photoperiods. Forest Sci. 32:487-492.
Benomyl Root Treatment Controls Brown-Spot Disease on Longleaf Pine in the Southern United States
Authors: Kais A. G. , Cordell C. E. , Affeltranger C. E.
Published: April 2024

Root systems of longleaf pine seedlings, Pinus palustris Mill., were wetted and then coated with various benomyl/kaolin (clay) mixtures (0 to 20 percent a.i. benomyl) prior to seedlings being outplanted on sites in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. Survival, percent brown-spot needle blight infection (caused by Scirrhia acicola (Dearn.) Siggers), and growth were evaluated annually for 3 years following planting. Seedling survival generally decreased in a west to east gradient. Survival also decreased with increased benomyl levels at all sites. Interactions of survival and levels of benomyl with measured soil properties were investigated. For increased benomyl levels there was a negative correlation of survival with increased percentage of sand in the soil and a positive correlation of survival with increased levels of silt in the soil. Benomyl root treatments provided effective brown-spot disease control during the 3-year period, which in turn stimulated rapid height growth. A 5 percent a.i. benomyl/kaolin mixture is recommended for root treatment over the natural range of longleaf pine in the southern United States. Forest Sci. 32:506-511.
Multiobjective Regional Forest Planning Using the Noninferior Set Estimation (NISE) Method in Tanzania and the United States
Authors: Allen Julia C.
Published: April 2024

Multiple objective management of public forests based on centralized regional planning is mandated by law in the United States and by development policy in developing countries. Multiple objective programming (MOP) methods have been applied to this problem, but public forests have multiple users whose relative preferences for forest products often cannot be determined, so preference-based goal programming and multiobjective linear programming solutions may be inaccurate or inflexible. The use of noninferior set generating algorithms to solve MOP's encourages more flexible planning by providing a range of possible solutions (the noninferior set), but requires or generates too much information. The NISE (noninferior set estimation) method is an MOP solution technique that uses repeated linear program (LP) solutions to generate an estimate of the true noninferior set, with a known error. The method provides explicit tradeoffs between objectives and requires little interaction with forest users. The NISE method is illustrated for a problem of forest management in Tanzania, and its applicability to centralized forest planning in the United States and developing countries is discussed in the light of legal, political, and institutional constraints. Forest Sci. 32:517-533.
Binary-Search SPOC: An Optimal Control Theory Version of ECHO
Authors: Lyon Kenneth S. , Sedjo Roger A.
Published: April 2024

Two models for identifying the optimal harvest of old-growth forests—the supply potential optimal control model, SPOC, and the economic harvest optimization model, ECHO—are compared theoretically and numerically. Walker's ECHO restart procedure to solve convergence problems is examined and found to be theoretically sound. The primary difference between the models is that SPOC incorporates the effects of future rotations while ECHO does not. A new algorithm, binary-search SPOC, is identified which incorporates the effects of future rotations by including a difference equation for the shadow value of these rotations. This algorithm is the solution to a discrete time optimal control problem.

The numerical analysis of Walker's original problem revealed that the ECHO solution was very close in the early years when the implicit land rental was low and rising, but generated the wrong long-run equilibrium. Forest Sci. 32:576-584.
Regeneration of Fraser Fir at Mt. Mitchell, North Carolina, After Depredations by the Balsam Woolly Adelgid
Authors: Witter John A. , Ragenovich Iral R.
Published: April 2024

The long-term ecological consequences of balsam woolly adelgid (Adelges piceae(Ratzeburg)) damage to Fraser fir (Abies fraseri (Pursh) Poir.) are considered. Study areas were established and vegetation sampled during 1966 in western North Carolina near and on Mt. Mitchell in each of three forest types: fir, spruce-fir, and spruce-fir-hardwood. Study areas were resampled in 1978. In 1966, mortality caused by the balsam woolly adelgid on Fraser fir stems over 244 cm tall averaged 82, 98, and 95 percent in the fir, spruce-fir, and spruce-fir-hardwood types, respectively. The average number of live Fraser fir seedlings per hectare for all study areas in 1966 and 1978 were 25,809 and 14,026, respectively. The height class distribution of Fraser fir seedlings changed dramatically with approximately 1 percent of the trees over 61-cm tall in 1966, and 75 percent over 61-cm tall in 1978. The fir, spruce-fir, and spruce-fir-hardwood types are well-stocked with Fraser fir regeneration and fir should be an important species in all three forest types in the future. Forest Sci. 32:585-594.
Cortical Monoterpene Variation Among Slash Pine Ramets by Season, Aspect, Crown Position, and Bud Vigor
Authors: Kossuth Susan V. , Muse H. David
Published: April 2024

Cortical monoterpene composition from all buds of four grafted ramets, 10-12 years old, from one clone, was analysed to determine the best location and time of year to sample to obtain repeatable values in determining individual tree phenotypes. A total of 1,415 buds were analysed representing various sampling positions in the crown during the 4 seasons of the year. The content of α-pinene, β-pinene, and β-phellandrene in individual buds ranged from 19.0 to 47.7, 18.2 to 59.4, and 4.5 to 31.9 percent, respectively. Statistically significant differences were found among the sampling units for the three monoterpenes for crown position, bud vigor, and season of year; however, these differences were relatively small and each grouping gave essentially the same tree phenotype. No differences were found between aspects. In a separate analysis it was determined that sampling five buds from the lower crown would give a monoterpene phenotype within 5 percent of the bud population mean for all three major monoterpenes with a 95 percent confidence limit. Bud diameter and length of flush increased progressively from the lower to upper crown and low- to high-vigor buds. Flush lengths and bud diameters were the same for both aspects of the trees. Forest Sci. 32:605-613.
Basal Area Prediction and Projection Equations for Pine Plantations
Authors: Pienaar Leon V. , Shiver Barry D.
Published: April 2024

Generalized stand-level basal area prediction and projection equations for unthinned as well as thinned plantations are proposed. Appropriate slash pine data sets from long-term spacing and thinning studies, representing a wide range in site quality, planting densities, and thinning intensities, are used to demonstrate the utility of these equations. Examples of the use of these equations are given to illustrate the importance of past thinning history for the prediction and projection of basal area in plantations of the same age, trees per acre, and average dominant height. Forest Sci. 32:626-633.
Wildfire Impacts on the Present Net Value of Timber Stands: Illustrations in the Northern Rocky Mountains
Authors: Mills Thomas J. , Flowers Patrick J.
Published: April 2024

Change in the present net value of the timber resource as a result of a wildfire is a primary input into the determination of economically efficient fire management programs. A procedure was developed to estimate the change in present net value of timber outputs, termed here "net value change." The timber net value change was then estimated for a large number of hypothetical fire situations in the northern Rocky Mountains to determine how fire situation characteristics affect net value change. Each hypothetical fire situation was described by eight variables: timber management emphasis or objective, cover type, stand size, productivity class, slope class, roading, percent mortality, and fire size. The mean net value change for poletimber stands was greater ($289 per acre burned) than the net value change for seedling and sapling ($148 per acre burned) or sawtimber stands ($133 per acre burned). The timber net value change varied considerably about these means, however, depending on the value of the variables that describe the fire situation. Forest Sci. 32:707-724.
Leaf Area Prediction Equations for Young Southeastern Hardwood Stems
Authors: Bacon Catherine G. , Zedaker Shepard M.
Published: April 2024

Sixteen common hardwood species were sampled in young pine plantations of the Virginia Piedmont to develop predictive equations for leaf area from stem cross-sectional area. Leaf area (total surface area) was found to be linearly related to stem cross-sectional area for each species, with coefficients of determination (R²) ranging from 0.87 to 0.98. Slope coefficients ranged from 0.336 to 0.833 m²/cm² and were significantly different for all but two of the species. A comparison within species showed no significant difference in slopes between single stems and multistemmed sprouts. Forest Sci. 32:818-821.
Critical Height Sampling and Volumes by Cylindrical Shells
Authors: Lynch Thomas B.
Published: April 2024

The approach to unbiasedness used by McTague and Bailey (1985) is extended to prove that the critical height sampling stand volume estimator is unbiased for any tree taper. This is done by using the method of cylindrical shells to calculate individual tree volumes as solids of rotation. The bias that occurs when attempting to estimate total stand volume by sighting sample trees at dbh rather than stump diameter is discussed. Adjustments for bias are proposed when taper functions other than those used by McTague and Bailey (1985) are applicable, though the bias would be negligible in most practical applications. Forest Sci. 32:829-834.
In Vitro Digestibility of Juniperus osteosperma (Torr.) Little from 17 Utah Sites
Authors: Bunderson E. D. , Welch Bruce L. , Weber D. J.
Published: April 2024

Fall in vitro digestibility was determined on forage collected from Utah juniper (Juniperus osteosperma) trees from 17 sites throughout the pinyon-juniper zone of Utah. On an individual tree basis, the in vitro digestibility ranged from 33.4 to 53.1 percent of dry matter. Forage from mature and juvenile trees was significantly more digested than forage from seedlings. Forage collected from some sites was sigificantly more digested than from other sites. Digestibility across sites ranged from 39.2 to 47.9 percent of dry matter digested. Utah juniper was more digestible than some winter range plants such as antelope bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata), Gambel oak (Quercus gambelii), chokecherry (Prunus virginiana), and less than others such as big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) and black sagebrush (Artemisia nova). It is an average to slightly above average winter food for deer. Genetic improvement or selection for superior nutritive cultivars may be possible. Forest Sci. 32:834-840.
A Multiattribute Utility Model for Incorporating Risk in Fire Management Planning
Authors: Teeter Lawrence D. , Dyer A. Allen
Published: April 2024

The potential variability of investment returns often perplexes the investment selection process. On national forests, the relative efficiency of alternative fire management strategies is investigated using a modification of traditional cost plus loss methods. Current procedures do not indicate potential variability in the performance of these alternatives, however. A multiattribute utility model is presented as the appropriate framework for evaluating alternatives when decision-makers are concerned with the risk and efficiency implications of selecting a particular strategy. Among fire management planners, the term risk usually relates a perception of the variability of potential damages. A risk measure is defined and an index is created to indicate the performance of each fire management strategy relative to the potential performance of a standard established as a benchmark. Utility functions for the risk attribute were assessed using hypothetical lotteries where the value (utility) of risk was a function of its deviation from a risk benchmark. Two-attribute utility functions indicated surveyed respondents' preferences for attaining risk and efficiency related objectives. Analysis yielded two conclusions: (1) that fire management planners are not risk-averse, and (2) including risk as an attribute of the decision problem can significantly influence investment selection. Forest Sci. 32:1032-1048.
Energy Yield of Black Locust Biomass Fuel
Authors: Stringer Jeffrey W. , Carpenter Stanley B.
Published: April 2024

Detailed analysis of 2- to 10-year-old black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) biomass components provided an accurate energy content and energy yield determination as well as an index defining a relative ceiling on the delivered cost for black locust biomass in comparison with other fuels such as coal and forest residues. Total energy content of individual biomass components ranged from 20.97 x 106 J kg-1 for leaf tissue to 19.23 x 106 J kg-1 for current years' growth. Annual total energy yields ranged from 33.75 to 76.79 x 109 J ha-1 yr-1 for 3- and 9-year-old stands, respectively. Nine-year-old stands also exhibited the highest annual net whole-tree and woody biomass (whole-tree less foliage) energy yields of 32.71 and 30.73 x 109 J ha-1 yr-1. The net annual energy yields were consistently greater for whole-tree biomass compared with woody biomass due to the foliage included in the whole-tree biomass. The relative cost indices maintained a high degree of variability between comparison fuels. Bituminous coal and forest residues were lowest with an overall mean cost index for woody biomass of $13.28 mt-1 and $13.72 mt-1, respectively. Woody biomass maintained a greater relative index than whole-tree biomass over all age classes due to its inherently higher conversion efficiency. Forest Sci. 32:1049-1057.
Rectifying Radii on Off-Center Increment Cores
Authors: Liu C. J.
Published: April 2024

A geometric model for rectifying radii on an off-center core has been developed and found to be sufficiently accurate and consistent, with an average error of 1/120. The estimation procedure described should prove useful to foresters, biologists, dendrochronologists, archaeologists, and other researchers who use tree-ring data in their scientific investigations. Forest Sci. 32:1058-1061.
Estimation of Log Volume by Importance Sampling
Authors: Furnival George M. , Valentine Harry T. , Gregoire Timothy G.
Published: April 2024

Importance sampling is proposed as a technique for estimating log volume that eliminates the bias of conventional methods arising from irregular log taper. In a trial of the technique, the average relative sampling error for individual logs, based on a measurement of one cross-section per log, was 5.2%. To estimate an aggregate volume, a two-stage sampling procedure is suggested in which importance sampling constitutes the second stage. Optimal sampling strategy is discussed briefly. Forest Sci. 32:1073-1078.
Effects of Precommercial Thinning on Understory Vegetation and Deer Habitat Utilization on Big Level Island in Southeast Alaska
Authors: Doerr Joseph G. , Sandburg Nancy H.
Published: April 2024

Available evidence suggests that many wildlife species are affected by the low understory production that characterizes closed-canopy, even-aged stands in southeastern Alaska (Wallmo and Schoen 1980; Alaback 1982; Van Horne 1981, 1982; Kessler and Kogut 1985). Precommercial thinning has been suggested as a method of prolonging or maintaining understory as young clearcuts develop into pole stands (United States Department of Agriculture 1986). Information on the effects of thinning on understory growth and the response of wildlife to thinning in southeastern Alaska is lacking. This study reports on the effects of precommercial thinning on understory development and utilization by Sitka black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus sitkensis) on a small island 18 years after treatment. Forest Sci. 32:1092-1095.
The Influence of Gypsy Moth on the Composition and Nutrient Content of Litter Fall in a Pennsylvania Oak Forest
Authors: Grace J. R.
Published: April 2024

Litter fall was studied on gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar (L.))-defoliated plots and undefoliated plots in a Pennsylvania oak forest. Litter, collected throughout the year, was separated by plant and insect component and analyzed for dry weight and five major nutrients. Total biomass of litter falling on the defoliated and the undefoliated areas was not significantly different. Within the undefoliated plots, 90% of the litter was deposited during the autumn, and tree leaves were the major litter component. Major litter components within the defoliated plots included insect frass, leaf fragments, and tree leaves; 56% of the litter was deposited during the growing season. The nutrient content of litter totaled 73.1 kg/ha on the undefoliated plots, and tree leaves contributed 85% of all nutrients. The nutrient content of litter on the defoliated plots amounted to 94.6 kg/ha; leaf fragments, insect frass, and tree leaves contributed 34, 25, and 29% of all nutrients. Gypsy moth defoliation caused a statistically significant increase in the quantities of N, P, and K and a significant decrease in the quantity of Ca contained in litter fall. These differences are attributed to the gypsy moth altering the composition and seasonal distribution of litter fall. The significance of this nutrient shift is viewed as a further detriment to the health and vigor of host trees. Forest Sci. 32:855-870.
An Approach for Optimizing Residual Diameter Class Distributions When Thinning Even-Aged Stands
Authors: Roise J. P.
Published: April 2024

The determination of optimal residual diameter class distributions along with optimal timing of thinning and harvest is formulated as an unconstrained nonlinear program. Two structural characteristics of the problem are noted. A nonlinear programming algorithm is modified to take advantage of these characteristics. An example is used to illustrate the technique. The total number of variables within the formulation can be reduced to a small fraction of active variables. The ratio between active and total variables is approximately 0.3, or an approximate 70% reduction in problem size is experienced. The same amount of reduction would be expected in any similar formulation. Forest Sci 32:871-881.
Leaf-to-Twig Transfer Conserves Nitrogen and Phosphorus in Nutrient Poor and Enriched Cypress Swamps
Authors: Dierberg Forest E. , Straub Peter A. , Hendry Charles D.
Published: April 2024

The external and internal N and P cycling of cypress trees in natural and sewage-enriched cypress swamps in north central Florida was investigated. Based on monthly changes in foliar and twig nutrient pools sampled for a year, concentrations of N and P in leaves decreased over the growing season. Nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations in the twigs increased immediately prior to leaf abscission. In both swamps, nutrients were available for early-season leaf growth the next spring. There were significant differences between the natural and sewage-enriched swamps in N concentrations in twigs, N and P concentrations in foliage, and changes in P concentrations in foliage; seasonal changes in N and P concentrations in twigs and N in foliage were not different between swamps. Nutrient increases in leaves were very rapid during early spring, but by May there was a slow decrease of N and P, probably from being retranslocated back to the twigs. Concentrations of total organic N in throughfall were significantly enriched in the natural swamp relative to precipitation, while ammonium concentrations in throughfall were signficantly lower than in precipitation. Leaf fall plus foliar leaching, which were 1.25 kg P ha-1 and 20.3 kg N ha-1 in the natural swamp and 6.1 kg P ha-1 and 51.6 kg N ha-1 in the sewage amended swamp, returned 87 and 66% of the P and N, respectively, taken up by the trees each year in both swamps, indicating that more nitrogen than phosphorus on a percentage basis was permanently added to the above-water cypress each year. Adding sewage increased the importance of root uptake: 7.2 kg P ha-1 and 78.2 kg N ha-1 accounted for 34 and 48% of the uptake required for net primary production in the swamp receiving sewage effluent while in the natural swamp only 17% of the P (1.4 kg P ha-1) and 31% of the N (30.8 kg N ha-1) required for net production was supplied by root uptake. The internal biochemical cycle of leaf-to-twig transfer of nutrients (7.0 kg P ha-1 and 68.1 kg N ha-1 in the natural dome; 13.8 kg P ha-1 and 83.6 kg N ha-1 in the sewage-enriched swamp) was more important in conserving nutrients than leaf fall, leaf leaching, and root uptake, suggesting that the major nutrient conservation strategy in cypress swamps is redistribution of nutrients from abscissing leaves to more permanent tissue before leaf senescence. Forest Sci 32:900-913.
Budbreak for Twenty-Three Upland Hardwoods Compared Under Forest Canopies and in Recent Clearcuts
Authors: McGee Charles E.
Published: April 2024

Patterns of budbreak and leaf development were monitored on 23 upland hardwoods on the Cumberland Plateau of middle Tennessee. These patterns varied by species, topographical location, and the presence or absence of a forest canopy. Most species began budbreak earlier in coves on the Plateau escarpment than on the Plateau top. Most tolerant species began budbreak earlier under forest canopies than in open clearcuts. Six species of Quercus consistently had budbreak and leaf appearance earlier under canopies than in clearcuts. Apparently, the propensity of some species to initiate growth early under a canopy increases their shade tolerance by allowing some leaf development before crown closure. These patterns are not necessarily beneficial once the canopy is removed.

Time requirements for completion of the budbreak process varied substantially within species. Individual Cornus florida, Quercus alba, and Carya sp. began and completed budbreak within 2 days. Other individuals of the same species and size required up to 25 days to complete budbreak. Forest Sci. 32:924-935.
Role of Company Sales in Funding Research and Development by Major U.S. Paper Companies
Authors: Bullard Steven H. , Straka Thomas J.
Published: April 2024

Forestry research is conducted by state and federal agencies and by many private firms. Studies of research productivity and efficiency are increasingly common in forestry, due to the greater scale of research activity, and increasing competition for both public and private funds. Research evaluations rely on accurate measures of research inputs and outputs. This article presents an equation to predict research inputs for five major firms in the U.S. pulp and paper industry. Pulp and paper research by major U.S. companies is very closely related to corporate sales each year. The relationship empirically supports important assumptions that have been used in studies evaluating aggregate returns to research. Forest Sci. 32:936-943.
Factors Limiting Denitrification in Soils from Mature and Disturbed Southeastern Hardwood Forests
Authors: Davidson Eric A. , Swank Wayne T.
Published: April 2024

The relative importance of O2, NO3-, organic carbon, and acidity on denitrification was studied in a full 26 factorial experiment. Soils were collected from two forested watersheds (WS) (disturbed and reference) and at two slope positions (stream-bank and hillside). Combinations of four incubation treatments (with and without H2O flooding, NO3- amendment, glucose amendment, and at ~pH 5 or ~pH 6) were applied in a full factorial design. An ANOVA of N2O production during 24-hr aerobic incubations under 10 kPa acetylene revealed that all main effects were significant. Flooding with H2O increased N2O production by three orders of magnitude in disturbed WS soils exhibiting high ambient NO3-. Both flooding and NO3- amendment were necessary to increase N2O production in reference WS soils exhibiting low ambient NO3-. Glucose amendment increased N2O production in the mineral soil sampled at 6-15 cm depth more than in the 0-6 cm sample. Carbon limitation is probably unimportant for denitrification in surface horizons at Coweeta, but C-limitation occurs with increasing soil depth. Although acid treatment had a minor inhibitory effect on denitrification rates, acid forest soils apparently support denitfifier populations capable of appreciable NO3- reduction. For. Sci. 33(1):135-144.