bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimating water fluxes in Douglas-fir plantations
Authors: Riha Susan J. , Campbell Gaylon S.
Published: December 2007

A model was developed to estimate water fluxes in Douglas-fir (Pseudotsugamenziesii (Mirb.) Franco) plantations using daily measurements of precipitation and maximum and minimum air temperatures. Soil water flow was modeled using a one-dimensional finite element solution to the Richards equation, with precipitation and root uptake of water included as source and sink terms. Soil hydraulic properties varied as a function of depth. Root uptake of water was based on an analog water uptake model modified to include root resistance and cylindrical flow of water. Potential evapotranspiration was calculated assuming leaf and air temperature did not differ and assuming stomatal conductance was dependent on the vapor density deficit of the air. Model validity was tested by comparing predictions with field measurements of soil water content made in the summer of 1978 at two locations in western Washington. In general, the model predicted the observed drying of the soil. Aspects of the simulated water budget for these Douglas-fir stands considered most significant were (i) the use of soil-stored water for transpiration in the summer, (ii) the net flux of water into the root zone from deeper in the soil during the summer, (iii) the dependence of water reaching the soil in the summer on the intensity of rainfall, (iv) the large percentage of the total transpiration that occurred in spring and fall, and (v) the large amount of water moving out of the soil profile in the winter.
Pollination of the eastern dwarf mistletoe
Authors: Baker F. A. , French D. W. , Kulman H. M. , Davis O. , Bright R. C.
Published: December 2007

Flowering and pollination of Arceuthobiumpusillum Peck growing on Piceamariana (Mill.) B.S.P. were studied in 1978–1980 in Carlton County, MN. Staminate flowers opened in April and abscission was complete by mid-June. The average number of pistillate flowers per aerial shoot ranged from 4.8 to 5.1. From the flowering period to seed dispersal (September of the same year), 36–59% of pistillate aerial shoots were lost. Based on March flower counts, 0.3–2.4 fruits matured per aerial shoot, i.e., 5–35% of pistillate flowers developed into mature fruits. Although insect exclusion studies demonstrated that wind pollination did occur, few grains ofArceuthobium pollen were collected with vaseline slides or a Rotorod sampler. Fifty-nine species of insects trapped on sticky-board traps carried pollen of Arceuthobium. Entomophily is considered the most important pollination mechanism for this dwarf mistletoe.
Nonsymbiotic nitrogen fixation in the topsoil of some forest stands in central Sweden
Authors: Nohrstedt Hans-Örjan
Published: December 2007

Studies on nonsymbiotic dinitrogen fixation (C2H2) in soil were conducted in 20 different forest stands in central Sweden. The stands were between 40 and 120 years old and included both coniferous and deciduous types. The relationships between nitrogenase activity and site productivity, stand composition, and soil properties were examined. Based on three samplings during the growing season, a considerable difference in activity was found to occur between the stands. The highest yearly mean activity for a stand was 200 times the lowest value. The activity was positively and significantly correlated to site productivity. The effect of stand composition on the activity in the forest floor was studied on five sites. The activity was similar under spruce (Piceaabies (L.) Karst.) and pine (Pinussylvestris L.), higher under spruce than beech (Fagussylvatica L.), and much higher under birch (Betulapendula Roth) than spruce when compared two by two on identical parent material. The activity under birch was mainly concentrated in the birch leaf litter. Evaluating the influence of soil properties by regression analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between activity and pH. The soil acidity alone explained 85% of the variation in yearly mean activity among the 15 coniferous stands. The conversion factor between C2H2 reduction and 15N2 fixation was determined for five soils and ranged from 1.6 to 5.6. The N2 fixation down to a depth of 6 cm during the growing season was estimated to 0.4–1.4 kg ha−1 in these soils.
The effect of failure in extended and intermittent photoperiodic lighting on the growth of white spruce container seedlings
Authors: Arnott J. T. , Simmons C. S.
Published: December 2007

White spruce seedlings (seed source, 58°50′ N) were grown in a container nursery at Victoria, B.C. (48°28′ N) under the following two photoperiod regimes: (i) natural day length artifically extended to 18 h (120 lx from an incandescent source); (ii) natural day length with dark period interruption for 2.5 min every 30 min (120 lx from an incandescent source). Beginning on July 17, 12 weeks after sowing, batches of seedlings experienced a simulated failure of the lighting systems of from 0 to 9 nights. Although the reduced photoperiod did not fit the usual definition of a short day, failure of the lighting system in (i) and (ii) caused significant reductions in seedling shoot length and dry weight and a significant increase in root dry weight.
Postdrainage forest productivity of peatlands in Sweden
Authors: Hånell Björn
Published: December 2007

The objective of this investigation was to determine a method for grouping and classifying peatlands in Sweden on the basis of site quality after drainage. Initially, sites were grouped in six vegetation types, defined by the presence and abundance of certain species in the field layer. Then, pure and mixed stands of mainly Pinussylvestris, Piceaabies, and Betulapubescens, for which the original vegetation type was known, were investigated. Data from temporary sample plots on these previously drained areas were used to reconstruct stand development after drainage. The reconstruction was based on single-tree functions derived from regression analysis. A computer routine was used to calculate stand yield in the period between ditching and data collection. With the use of this productivity analysis, the initial classification into vegetation types was revised and expanded to eight site types. From the same analysis, stand functions for form height and basal area increment were derived. These functions were used to calculate forest productivity on peatlands by simulation of postdrainage stand development. For each site type, postdrainage productivity was calculated for different climatic conditions and expressed in cubic metres per hectare annually. The accuracy of the productivity figures is discussed. A key for determining site types is presented.
The influence of stemflow from standing dead trees on the fluxes of some ions in a mixed deciduous forest
Authors: Waiters Robert J. , Price Anthony G.
Published: December 2007

Stemflow was collected from live and dead trees of trembling aspen, largetooth aspen, and maple from a mixed deciduous forest in Chalk River, Ontario, for each rain event occurring between May and August, 1984. The data showed that the chemistry of dead-tree stemflow is qualitatively different from that of live trees, with dead-tree stemflow contributing very large proportions of the total amounts of nitrate and phosphate available within the system. Given the increasing mortality of these tree species in the Chalk River area, dead-tree stemflows may assume major importance in influencing nutrient cycling of nitrogen and phosphorus within the forest.
Infection of lodgepole pine and white spruce by Alberta isolates of Armillaria
Authors: Mugala Martin S. , Blenis Peter V. , Hiratsuka Yasuyuki , Mallett Kenneth I.
Published: December 2007

Two experiments were conducted to test the hypothesis that white spruce (Piceaglauca (Moench) Voss) is less liable than lodgepole pine (Pinuscontorta Dougl. var. latifolia Engelm.) to be attacked by Alberta isolates of Armillaria. In the first experiment, 27 two-year-old containerized pine and spruce were inoculated with each of 19 different isolates representing North American biological species (NABS) I and V, the Foothills variant of NABS I, and A. mellea s.str. In the second experiment, 10 containerized seedlings of both species were inoculated with eight different isolates of NABS I and transferred to 2-L pots 2 months later. Inoculum survived better in association with spruce seedlings than with pine. In both experiments, spruce seedlings were more frequently infected than pine seedlings, and more likely to die when infected, although this difference was significant only in the first experiment. Favoring or planting spruce on sites with Armillaria root rot, therefore, cannot be recommended in Alberta.
Nutrient cycling following whole-tree and conventional harvest in northern mixed forest
Authors: Hendrickson O. Q. , Chatarpaul L. , Burgess D.
Published: December 2007

Soil and water chemistry and soil-respiration activity were studied in a mature, mixed conifer and hardwood forest and in adjacent whole-tree harvest (WTH) and conventional harvest (CH) areas dominated by hardwood sprouts. Compared with the uncut mature forest, forest floor contents of N and K were lower in the WTH area 3 years after harvest; Ca and Mg were higher in the CH area, probably owing to inputs in logging slash. Mineral soil Ca and pH were higher in the harvested areas than in the uncut area. During the 2nd year after harvest, cation concentrations in forest floor leachate varied in the order WTH > CH > uncut area, but differences largely disappeared the next year. Soil water NO3 concentrations were slightly elevated in the CH area, but only 1.6 kg N•ha−1•year−1 leached below the rooting zone. Bulk precipitation K and Mg concentrations were lower in the WTH area than in the CH area owing to the loss of canopy leaching from the residual stand. Slightly higher amounts of cations were found in the snowpack under the mature forest canopy. Midwinter rains caused movement of NO3 and H within the snowpack. Despite the higher soil-respiration rates in the harvested areas, no differences in soil organic matter pools were observed relative to the uncut area; harvest-related inputs of slash, decaying roots, and stumps may have offset respiratory carbon losses. Current high nutrient demands of rapidly growing sprouts in the WTH area greatly exceed nutrient inputs in bulk precipitation; this may lead to future growth declines.
Some effects of infection by Arceuthobiumamericanum on the population dynamics of Pinuscontorta in Oregon
Authors: Wanner James L. , Tinnin Robert O.
Published: December 2007

We examined a stand of Pinuscontorta var. murrayana (Grev. and Balf.) Engelm. having trees ranging in level of infection by Arceuthobiumamericanum Nutt. ex Engelm. from none to heavy (dwarf mistletoe rating 0–6). The following varied inversely with the level of infection in one of two years of sampling: cone production, cone length, seed mass, and radial growth at breast height. The following not measured more than once, but also varied inversely with the level of infection: pollen production, stem volume, survival of trees older than 45 years, and soil pH. Varying directly with the level of infection were 1st-year seedling density, survival of 1-year-old-seedlings, survival of 26- to 45-year-old trees, soil organic matter, abundance of litter, and soil calcium. We found that total basal area was similar in all study plots, regardless of the level of infection. These data are consistent with suggestions of reduced carbohydrate reserves within the trees as a result of infection, improved conditions for seedling survival in heavily infected stands, and freed resources in heavily infected stands (due to death of mature trees), leading to an increased population density of seedlings and saplings. We suggest that in the stand we studied, the parasite promotes an environment (through modification of the host) that favors regeneration of the host and thereby of itself.
Risk-efficient species–site selection decisions for southern pines
Authors: Caulfield Jon P. , Shoulders Eugene , Lockaby B. Graeme
Published: December 2007

Selecting the correct tree species to plant on a site is crucial to the investment returns from the final stand. Species-selection decisions based on average investment performance do not account for risk, however. Mean-variance and stochastic dominance analysis can be used to select risk-efficient investment alternatives by comparing distributions of returns. A 20-year-old species comparison trial consisting of loblolly (Pinustaeda L.), slash (Pinuselliottii Engelm.), and longleaf (Pinuspalustris Mill.) pines established in the West Gulf was analyzed to determine which species were risk efficient on dry, wet, and intermediate sites. Distributions of net present values for each species were compared. Longleaf pine was found risk inefficient by first-degree stochastic dominance and mean-variance dominance on all sites. Slash was second-degree stochastic dominant and mean-variance dominant to loblolly pine on wet sites. Both slash and loblolly pines were second-degree stochastic efficient on intermediate and dry sites. A sensitivity analysis of stumpage prices is presented, and factors that may influence the results of the analysis, such as measurement age and site preparation method, are discussed.
Herbicide field studies in forestry: statistical and other considerations
Authors: Borders Bruce E. , Shiver Barry D.
Published: December 2007

Research concerning herbicide use to control unwanted vegetation in intensively managed pine plantations is increasing. The need for appropriate experimental design and adequate treatment replication is discussed. Situations are discussed in which multiple comparison tests are correct, and these are contrasted with situations in which response surface analyses are correct. Treatment definition and treatment evaluation and analysis procedures are suggested that will ensure that research time, effort, and money are used in an efficient manner.
Fire behavior in mature jack pine
Authors: Stocks B. J.
Published: December 2007

Between 1973 and 1983 a series of 12 experimental fires, each 0.4 ha in size, was conducted in a mature jack pine (Pinusbanksiana Lamb.) stand (1899 origin) in north central Ontario. The fires were carried out under a broad range of burning conditions to gather quantitative fire behavior data for forest fire management purposes. Fire weather severity, as expressed through the component codes and indices of the Canadian Forest Fire Weather Index System, was strongly correlated with fire behavior and impact characteristics (i.e., rate of spread, depth of burn, fuel consumption, and frontal fire intensity). Guidelines for the quantitative prediction of the fire behavior in major Canadian forest fuel types are currently being developed, primarily on the basis of this type of experimental fire data combined with information gathered on selected wildfires.
Mineralization and immobilization of soil nitrogen in two Douglas-fir stands 15 and 22 years after nitrogen fertilization
Authors: Strader Russell H. , Binkley Dan
Published: December 2007

Additions of 15N-labelled ammonium chloride were used to examine the role of microbial immobilization in long-term growth response of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsugamenziesii (Mirb.) Franco) plantations to nitrogen fertilization. Soil samples were collected in the summer of 1986 from fertilized (448 or 470 kg N/ha) and nonfertilized plots at previously established N fertilization experiments near Shawnigan Lake, British Columbia, and the Wind River Experimental Forest near Carson, Washington. Douglas-fir on these sites were reported to still be responding to N fertilization after 12 and 18 years. Less than 2% of the added 15N was recovered as mineral N after a 14-day laboratory incubation of soil samples from the fertilized and nonfertilized plots. This indicates that gross mineralization could be over 50 times greater than net mineralization in these infertile soils if the remaining 98% of the added 15N was all biologically immobilized. Net mineralization was significantly greater (p ≤ 0.10) in soils from the fertilized plots than in those from the non-fertilized plots at the Wind River site. Though the current differences in N availability did not appear to be related to differences in microbial immobilization, such large rates of immobilization warrant closer scrutiny as a factor in long-term response to fertilization.
Height and growth habit of Norway spruce rooted cuttings compared between two serial propagation cycles
Authors: Foster G. S. , Bentzer B. G. , Hellberg A. R. , Podzorski A. C.
Published: December 2007

Rooted cuttings from 10 Norway spruce (Piceaabies (L.) Karst.) clones, arising from both second and third serial propagation cycles, were established in a field trial. Total height was measured annually for 6 years, while growth habit was measured for the first 5 years. Results of analyses for height revealed (i) significant clonal variance at each age, (ii) no differences between propagation cycles at any age, and (iii) a significant clone × propagation cycle interaction at all ages. A similar variation pattern existed for growth habit: (i) significant clonal variance at each age; (ii) propagation cycle differences were significant only at age 2; and (iii) the clone × propagation cycle interaction was significant only at ages 1,3, and 4.
Principal components analysis of tree stem profiles
Authors: Real Pedro L. , Moore James A. , Newberry James D.
Published: December 2007

The use of principal components analysis to study tree stem profiles was critically analyzed during 1085 destructively sampled Douglas-fir trees and 1260 simulated trees with known geometric shapes. Interpretation about the meaning of each principal component is provided and contrasted with others in the forestry literature. Nearly identical results with both the destructively sampled and simulated trees, along with certain theoretical consideratons, indicate that the principal components are related to tree form as opposed to tree profile or taper. Therefore, principal components analysis is a useful analytical tool for stratifying trees into different form groups.
Potential effects of climate change on stand development in the Pacific Northwest
Authors: Dale Virginia H. , Franklin Jerry F.
Published: December 2007

Long-term climate and stand structure records and projections from a simulation model are used to explore effects of predicted changes in temperature on forest development in the Pacific Northwest. Few climate trends have occurred during the past 92 years, although there have been variations in September temperatures. The lack of climate trends makes it impossible to relate past changes in stand development to climate. Measures of stand development from six long-term forest plots over the past 7 decades are typical of Douglas-fir stands: stem density declines, leaf area stabilizes, aboveground biomass increases, and shifts in size distribution occur. These changes are consistent with patterns of natural succession. A computer model projected forest development under two climate scenarios: current temperature conditions and temperature warming (such as that predicted under a doubling of atmospheric CO2). The model predicted changes in species composition, leaf area, and stem density in response to temperature increases. Total aboveground biomass is not sensitive to the simulated temperature alterations. Predicted biomass stability suggests that the Pacific Northwest forest would continue to store large amounts of carbon in the living trees even with climatic warming. Therefore, the predicted temperature change would not alter the role of the Pacific Northwest forests as a major storage location of terrestrial carbon. Changes in precipitation patterns or in disturbance frequency or intensity that might occur with climatic warming could alter these predictions.
Optimal design with variable cost and precision requirements
Authors: Penner Margaret
Published: December 2007

A method for incorporating variable costs and differing precision requirements into optimal design theory is developed and discussed. In many studies and experiments, particularly in the biological sciences, the cost of each observation can vary considerably depending on the attributes of the sample. Ignoring observation costs leads to designs that maximize precision for a given sample size. However, by incorporating costs, efficiency is maximized by optimizing precision per unit cost. An example is presented that demonstrates the efficiency of a weighted optimal design in comparison with several alternatives. The weighted optimal design is most efficient at meeting the experimenter's precision objectives. Comparing designs allows the introduction of additional criteria such as design flexibility into the evaluation process. Explicitly incorporating both cost and precision in the search for a sampling design ensures time is wisely spent considering study objectives, including precision requirements.
Screening jack pine seedlings for resistance to Cronartiumquercuum f.sp. banksianae and Endocronartiumharknessii
Authors: Burnes T. A. , Blanchette R. A. , Stewart W. K. , Mohn C. A.
Published: December 2007

Jack pine (Pinusbanksiana Lamb.) seedlings grown from nine seed lots were tested for resistance to two different gall rusts, Cronartiumquercuum (Berk.) Miyable ex. Shirai f.sp. banksianae Burdsall and Snow and Endocronartiumharknessii (J.P. Moore) Y. Hiratsuka. Resistance to C. quercuum f.sp. banksianae or E. harknessii was found among the seed sources tested. Resistance to one rust was not correlated with resistance to the other. Several seed sources were intermediately resistant to both rust fungi. The results demonstrate the need to screen for resistance to both gall rust fungi if seedlings are to be planted in an area where the two rusts are present.
Genetic variation and parameter estimates in Taxusbrevifolia (Pacific yew)
Authors: Wheeler N.C. , Jech K.S. , Masters S.A. , O'Brien C.J. , Stonecypher R.W. , Timmons D.W. , Lupkes A.
Published: December 2007

Pacific yew (Taxusbrevifolia Nutt.) is a shade-tolerant gymnosperm native to the western United States and Canada. It recently gained attention as the source of Taxol® (paclitaxel), a promising new anticancer drug. Large-scale harvest of mature Pacific yew trees for the extraction of paclitaxel has resulted in the need for improved forest management practices and an increased understanding of the amount and distribution of genetic variation in the species. We partitioned estimates of genetic variance for allozyme, metric, and taxane traits into region, population, family, and within family components in seedling common-garden tests. Genetic diversity, genetic distance, and Nei's Gst values were estimated based on gene frequencies for 22 isozyme loci. Concentrations of taxanes were determined for needles and roots using HPLC. Populations of Pacific yew are more distinct from one another than is typical of long-lived, wind-pollinated conifers in western North America, but there is little regional differentiation. Yew populations have notably less allozyme diversity than most other gymnosperms with similar life-history characteristics. Most genetic variation in all traits occurs within the population, and much of that is within family. Heritabilities for growth and taxane traits ranged from low to moderately high. Gene conservation or management strategies should include broad sampling among and within populations of Pacific yew. Opportunities for genetic selection to develop improved lines or cultivars for the production of paclitaxel exist, but use of currently domesticated yew species is more time and cost efficient.
Growth and ectomycorrhizal formation of container-grown Douglas-fir seedlings inoculated with Laccariabicolor under four levels of nitrogen fertilization
Authors: Gagnon J. , Langlois C.G. , Bouchard D. , Tacon F. Le
Published: December 2007

Container-grown Douglas-fir (Pseudotsugamenziesii (Mirb.) Franco) seedlings were inoculated at the time of sowing with a Laccariabicolor (Maire) Orton mycelial suspension produced in a fermentor. They were grown in a peat moss–vermiculite substrate under four levels of N fertilization (7.2, 14.4, 21.6, and 28.7 mg/seedling per season (N1, N2, N3, and N4, respectively)) to determine the N level suitable for both ectomycorrhizal development and seedling growth. After 18 weeks in the greenhouse, seedlings inoculated with L. bicolor had 44%, 32%, 44%, and 5% of their short roots mycorrhizal when fertilized with N1, N2, N3, and N4, respectively. Only when they were fertilized with N4 did the L. bicolor seedlings have significantly greater shoot height than the controls. For the other growth parameters, they were not significantly different from control seedlings for any of the N levels. After 18 weeks, regardless of the level of N, seedlings inoculated with L. bicolor had significantly lower N concentrations (%) and contents (mg/seedling) than the uninoculated ones. Consequently, for the same production of biomass, the mycorrhizal seedlings had taken up less N than the nonmycorrhizal ones. The efficiency of applied N, expressed in terms of produced biomass, decreased when the N fertilization increased; mycorrhizal and nonmycorrhizal seedlings did not tend to be different. The efficiency of the absorbed N also decreased with the level of applied N, but less rapidly, and tended to be greater for the mycorrhizal seedlings than for the nonmycorrhizal ones. Therefore, the mycorrhizal infection improved the utilization of the absorbed N. N3 was the best of the four N levels used, since it was the only one that maximized both the ectomycorrhizal formation and the growth of the seedlings. In other words, a total seedling N concentration of 1.6% and a substrate fertility of 52 ppm N are appropriate to optimize both the ectomycorrhizal development and the growth of Douglas-fir seedlings.
Long-term effects of repeated N fertilization and straw application in a jack pine forest. 1. Twenty-two-year growth response
Authors: Weetman G.F. , Dallaire L.C. , Fournier R.
Published: December 2007

Sample plots in a 45-year-old jack pine (Pinusbanksiana Lamb.) stand were fertilized six times with N or N, P, and K in a 10-year period to maintain four foliar N regimes. Volume growth response 3.6% above controls was obtained by repeated applications of 56 kg N•ha−1 associated with the target foliar N concentration of 1.4%. Application of 1344 kg N•ha−1 over 10 years killed trees and reduced growth. Growth response lasted 3 to 5 years after the application of 336 kg N•ha−1 and 7 to 9 years after the applications of 672 and 1344 kg N•ha−1. Additions of P and K with N did not produce a significant difference in growth, based on diameter data. Volume growth response to a single application of straw was similar to that obtained by repeated N additions, and lasted for 11 years.
Long-term effects of repeated N fertilization and straw application in a jack pine forest. 2. Changes in the ericaceous ground vegetation
Authors: Prescott C.E. , Kumi J.W. , Weetman G.F.
Published: December 2007

The cover of the ericaceous shrub Kalmiaangustifolia L. in a jack pine (Pinusbanksiana Lamb.) forest was reduced after repeated fertilization with N or N–P–K, or a single application of straw. Kalmia reductions were greatest in plots that received the highest total N loading (1344 kg N•ha−1), but were also apparent in plots that received 672 kg N•ha−1. The reductions could not be attributed to shading, since tree volume response was small in the plots that received the highest N loading. There was an overall reduction in the amount of ground vegetation in the fertilized plots, so the decline could not be attributed to increased competition from invading species. There was a general negative relationship between the abundance of Kalmia and N availability in the forest floor, in fertilized and straw-amended plots. The reductions in Kalmia cover were still apparent 14 years after the last fertilization and 24 years after the straw application, as was higher N availability. Treatments such as repeated N fertilization or organic amendments that increase N availability in the forest floor may be an option for control of Kalmia in conifer plantations.
Long-term effects of repeated N fertilization and straw application in a jack pine forest. 3. Nitrogen availability in the forest floor
Authors: Prescott C.E. , Kishchuk B.E. , Weetman G.F.
Published: December 2007

A long-term increase in N availability was evident in higher rates of net N mineralization and lower C/N ratios in jack pine (Pinusbanksiana Lamb.) forest floors that received 672 kg N•ha−1 in six applications or a single application of straw. There was no evidence of increased N availability in plots that received P and K in addition to N. Litter N concentrations were higher in N-fertilized and straw-treated plots, but rates of C mineralization and litter decomposition were not increased. Additions of N in repeated small applications or in conjunction with readily decomposable C in straw likely resulted in high retention of N in the ecosystem. The long-term increase in N availability was attributed to increased recycling of N, retention of added N in the ecosystem, and reductions in the ericaceous ground vegetation.
ON PT-DISTRIBUTION OF GLUON PRODUCTION RATE IN CONSTANT CHROMOELECTRIC FIELD
Authors: PAK D. G.
Published: December 2007

A complete expression for the pT-distribution of the gluon production rate in the homogeneous chromoelectric field has been obtained. Our result contains a new additional term proportional to the singular function [Formula: see text]. We demonstrate that the presence of this term is consistent with the dual symmetry of QCD effective action and allows to reproduce the known result for the total imaginary part of the effective action after integration over transverse momentum.
MULTI-PHOTON INTERFERENCE AND TEMPORAL DISTINGUISHABILITY OF PHOTONS
Authors: OU Z. Y.
Published: December 2007

A number of recent interference experiments involving multiple photons are reviewed. These experiments include generalized photon bunching effects, generalized Hong-Ou-Mandel interference effects and multi-photon interferometry for demonstrations of multi-photon de Broglie wavelength. The multi-photon states used in these experiments are from two pairs of photons in parametric down-conversion. We find that the size of the interference effect in these experiments, characterized by the visibility of the interference pattern, is governed by the degree of distinguishability among different pairs of photons. Based on this discovery, we generalize the concept of multi-photon temporal distinguishability and relate it to a number of multi-photon interference effects. Finally, we make an attempt to interpret the coherence theory by multi-photon interference via the concept of temporal distinguishability of photons.
FIFTY YEARS OF HARD-SPHERE BOSE GAS: 1957–2007
Authors: HUANG KERSON
Published: December 2007

Fifty years ago, Yang and I worked on the dilute hard-sphere Bose gas, which has been experimentally realized only relatively recently. I recount the background of that work, subsequent developments, and fresh understanding. In the original work, we had to rearrange the perturbation series, which was equivalent to the Bogoliubov transformation. A deeper reason for the rearrangement has been a puzzle. I can now explain it as a crossover from ideal gas to interacting gas behavior, a phenonmenon arising from Bose statistics. The crossover region is infinitesimally small for a macroscopic system, and thus unobservable. However, it is experimentally relevant in mesoscopic systems, such as a Bose gas trapped in an external potential, or on an optical lattice.
A MULTIDISCIPLINARY APPROACH FOR SUPPORTING KNOWLEDGE-BASED DECISION MAKING IN COLLABORATIVE SETTINGS
Authors: EVANGELOU CHRISTINA E. , KARACAPILIDIS NIKOS
Published: December 2007

Collaborative decision making is a core organizational activity that comprises a series of knowledge representation and processing tasks. Moreover, it is often carried out through argumentative discourses between the stakeholders involved. This paper exploits and elaborates on the synergy that occurs between the decision making and knowledge management processes in such contexts. The proposed multidisciplinary approach is supported by a web-based software tool. Being based on a well-defined ontology model, our approach facilitates decision makers in achieving a common understanding, while also enhancing collaboration and exploitation of organizational knowledge resources. Strategy development is the particular knowledge domain considered in this paper to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed tool.
MODELLING ROBOTIC COGNITIVE MECHANISMS BY HIERARCHICAL COOPERATIVE COEVOLUTION
Authors: MANIADAKIS MICHAIL , TRAHANIAS PANOS
Published: December 2007

Recently, many brain modelling efforts attempt to support cognitive abilities of artificial organisms. The present work introduces a computational framework to address brain modelling, emphasizing on the integrative performance of substructures. Specifically, we present an agent-based representation of brain areas, together with a hierarchical cooperative coevolutionary scheme, which is able to highlight both the speciality of brain areas and their cooperative performance. The inherent ability of coevolutionary methods to design cooperative partial structures supports the design of partial brain models and, at the same time, provides a consistent method to achieve their integration. As a result, the proposed approach proceeds in either an incremental or a compound mode. Furthermore, the performance of the model in lesion conditions is considered during the design process to enforce the reliability of the result. Implemented models are embedded in a robotic platform to support its behavioral capabilities.
TREATMENT OF SCAPHOID NONUNION USING VOLAR BICONCAVE CANCELLOUS BONE GRAFTING
Authors: Yasuda M. , Ando Y. , Masada K.
Published: December 2007

We report the results of 28 patients with scaphoid nonunion treated with curettage and biconcave cancellous bone grafting from the distal radius using a volar approach and pin fixation. This study consisted of 28 patients (24 males and 4 females). The mean age at surgery was 28 years. The mean interval from injury to surgery was 22 months. The mean follow-up period was 20 months. By Russe classification, there were 6 distal third nonunions, 19 middle third nonunions and 3 proximal third nonunions. We reviewed final function and radiographic appearance. Bony union was achieved in all cases. Pins were removed at a mean of 7 weeks after surgery. Post-activity pain resolved in all cases. Mean wrist extension was 79° and mean flexion 77°. Mean grip strength was 35.8 kgf. The mean postoperative radio-lunate angle was 4.9° (-21–28.8) compared to -5.9° (-37.5–17.5) preoperatively. No complications were encountered. Our procedure is straightforward and not technically demanding. An STT arthrotomy is not necessary and the technique allows for concurrent correction of carpal instability. Bony union was achieved in all cases with no complications.
2007 JSSH TRAVELLING FELLOW REPORT
Authors: Jeon In-Ho
Published: December 2007

The Japanese Society for Surgery of the Hand (JSSH) selects one young hand surgeon under 40 years of age, as a representative to participate in the annual meeting of the JSSH. In previous years, one Indian and one Vietnamese surgeon were selected as traveling fellows and had the opportunity to give talks and participate in operations and meetings.
INTRA-TENDON SHEATH INJECTION FOR TRIGGER FINGER: THE RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL
Authors: Jianmongkol Surut , Kosuwon Weerachai , Thammaroj Tala
Published: December 2007

The most common technique used for non-surgical treatment of trigger fingers is the direct injection of steroids into the flexor tendon sheath over the metacarpal head. However, this method causes more pian to the patient and can result in tendon rupture due to insertion of needle into the tendon. Carlson and Curtis described the mid-axial injection technique which is simple and relatively painless. We aim to compare the pain result from the injection between these two methods. The prospective randomised control trial study was designed. There were 103 trigger fingers included in the study which were divided into two groups: the conventional technique of injection (CI technique) and the mid-axial injection technique (MAI technique). The visual analogue scale for pain score had been recorded at the time of injection: one, three and six weeks. The complication after injection and the recurrent symptoms within one year were also recorded. The Student's t-test, Chi-squared and Fisher-exact analysis were used for statistical testing. The results showed that the mean VAS pain scores immediately after needle insertion were 40.19 ± 23.3 and 48.39 ± 26.5 in the MAI and CI technique groups, respectively. The MAI technique was less painful than the CI technique (p < 0.05). There were no complications from the injections in both methods. However, the recurrent rate seems to be higher in the conventional technique (p = 0.23). We concluded that the MAI injection technique provided less pain result than the CI technique and there were no complications from this injection technique.
NEGLECTED FRACTURE DISLOCATION OF THE SECOND AND THIRD CARPOMETACARPAL JOINTS: A CASE REPORT
Authors: Makino Takeshi , Fujioka Hiroyuki , Kokubu Takeshi
Published: December 2007

We report a rare case of neglected fracture dislocation of the second and third carpometacarpal joints, which was treated by arthrodesis of the involved joints.
Studies of UCP2 transgenic and knockout mice reveal that liver UCP2 is not essential for the antiobesity effects of fish oil
Authors: Tsuboyama-Kasaoka Nobuyo , Sano Kayo , Shozawa Chikako , Osaka Toshimasa , Ezaki Osamu
Published: December 2007

Uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) is a possible target molecule for energy dissipation. Many dietary fats, including safflower oil and lard, induce obesity in C57BL/6 mice, whereas fish oil does not. Fish oil increases UCP2 expression in hepatocytes and may enhance UCP2 activity by activating the UCP2 molecule or altering the lipid bilayer environment. To examine the role of liver UCP2 in obesity, we created transgenic mice that overexpressed human UCP2 in hepatocytes and examined whether UCP2 transgenic mice showed less obesity when fed a high-fat diet (safflower oil or lard). In addition, we examined whether fish oil had antiobesity effects in UCP2 knockout mice. UCP2 transgenic and wild-type mice fed a high-fat diet (safflower oil or lard) developed obesity to a similar degree. UCP2 knockout and wild-type mice fed fish oil had lower rates of obesity than mice fed safflower oil. Remarkably, safflower oil did not induce obesity in female UCP2 knockout mice, an unexpected phenotype for which we presently have no explanation. However, this unexpected effect was not observed in male UCP2 knockout mice or in UCP2 knockout mice fed a high-lard diet. These data indicate that liver UCP2 is not essential for fish oil-induced decreases in body fat.
Oxidative stress-induced insulin resistance in rat skeletal muscle: role of glycogen synthase kinase-3
Authors: Dokken Betsy B. , Saengsirisuwan Vitoon , Kim John S. , Teachey Mary K. , Henriksen Erik J.
Published: December 2007

Oxidative stress can contribute to the multifactorial etiology of whole body and skeletal muscle insulin resistance. No investigation has directly assessed the effect of an in vitro oxidant stress on insulin action in intact mammalian skeletal muscle. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to characterize the molecular actions of a low-grade oxidant stress (H2O2) on insulin signaling and glucose transport in isolated skeletal muscle of lean Zucker rats. Soleus strips were incubated in 8 mM glucose for 2 h in the absence or presence of 100 mU/ml glucose oxidase, which produces H2O2at ∼90 μM. By itself, H2O2significantly ( P < 0.05) activated basal glucose transport activity, net glycogen synthesis, and glycogen synthase activity and increased phosphorylation of insulin receptor (Tyr), Akt (Ser473), and GSK-3β (Ser9). In contrast, this oxidant stress significantly inhibited the expected insulin-mediated enhancements in glucose transport, glycogen synthesis, and these signaling factors and allowed GSK-3β to retain a more active form. In the presence of CT-98014, a selective GSK-3 inhibitor, the ability of insulin to stimulate glucose transport and glycogen synthesis during exposure to this oxidant stress was enhanced by 20% and 39% ( P < 0.05), respectively, and insulin stimulation of the phosphorylation of insulin receptor, Akt, and GSK-3 was significantly increased by 36–58% ( P < 0.05). These results indicate that an oxidant stress can directly and rapidly induce substantial insulin resistance of skeletal muscle insulin signaling, glucose transport, and glycogen synthesis. Moreover, a small, but significant, portion of this oxidative stress-induced insulin resistance is associated with a reduced insulin-mediated suppression of the active form of GSK-3β.
Protective effects of low-dose carbon monoxide against renal fibrosis induced by unilateral ureteral obstruction
Authors: Wang Lin , Lee Ji-Yang Sophie , Kwak Joon Hyeok , He Yanjuan , Kim Sung Il , Choi Mary E.
Published: December 2007

Tubulointerstitial fibrosis is a hallmark of chronic progressive kidney disease leading to end-stage renal failure. An endogenous product of heme oxygenase activity, carbon monoxide (CO), has been shown to exert cytoprotection against tissue injury. Here, we explored the effects of exogenous administration of low-dose CO in an in vivo model of renal fibrosis induced by unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) and examined whether CO can protect against kidney injury. UUO in mice leads to increased extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition and tubulointerstitial fibrosis within 4 to 7 days. Kidneys of mice exposed to low-dose CO, however, had markedly reduced ECM deposition after UUO. Moreover, low-dose CO treatment inhibited the induction of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and major ECM proteins, type 1 collagen and fibronectin, in kidneys after UUO. In contrast, these anti-fibrotic effects of CO treatment were abrogated in mice carrying null mutation of Mkk3, suggesting involvement of the MKK3 signaling pathway in mediating the CO effects. Additionally, in vitro CO exposure markedly inhibited TGF-β1-induced expression of α-SMA, collagen, and fibronectin in renal proximal tubular epithelial cells. Our findings suggest that low-dose CO exerts protective effects, via the MKK3 pathway, to inhibit development of renal fibrosis in obstructive nephropathy.
Potential New Indications of Topical Calcineurin Inhibitors
Authors: Luger Thomas , Paul Carle
Published: December 2007

The topical calcineurin inhibitors pimecrolimus (Elidel®) and tacrolimus (Protopic®) were initially developed for the treatment of atopic eczema (atopic dermatitis), a chronic or chronically relapsing skin condition most prevalent in infants and children. Their main advantages compared with conventional topical corticosteroid therapy are that they are more selective in their mode of action, do not induce skin atrophy and are not associated with significant systemic absorption. In addition, topical calcineurin inhibitors may represent a useful alternative to topical corticosteroids for the treatment of a number of other inflammatory skin diseases. Preferred sites for the use of topical calcineurin inhibitors are areas such as the face, neck, flexures, and genital areas, which are more susceptible to topical corticosteroid side effects. The efficacy of topical calcineurin inhibitors has been demonstrated for flexural psoriasis, seborrhoeic, contact and hand eczema. Preliminary data also support the efficacy of topical calcineurin inhibitors in lichen planus, facial lupus erythematosus, autoimmune bullous dermatosis, and vitiligo. In these latter indications, controlled studies are needed to better understand the efficacy and safety of topical calcineurin inhibitors and their role in disease management.
Dementia Diagnostics in Primary Care: A Representative 8-Year Follow-Up Study in Lower Saxony, Germany
Authors: Maeck Lienhard , Haak Sebastian , Knoblauch Anita , Stoppe Gabriela
Published: December 2007

Aim: To investigate whether primary-care physicians’ competency regarding dementia diagnostics improved from 1993 to 2001. Methods: In a representative follow-up survey 122 out of 170 (71.8%) family physicians (FPs) were randomly assigned to 2 written case samples presenting patients with slight memory impairment (case 1a: female vs. case 1b: male) and moderate dementia [vascular type (case 2a) vs. Alzheimer’s disease (case 2b)]. Potential diagnostic workup was inquired by a structured face-to-face interview. Results: ‘Basic’ diagnostics like history taking or laboratory investigations were considered in the first place. In case 1, neuropsychological screening was significantly more frequently considered at follow-up (19.3% in 1993 vs. 31.1% in 2001); it still would have been applied rarely in case 2 (2a: 14.1 vs. 14.8%; 2b: 23.5 vs. 24.6%). Neuroimaging remained not to be considered as a standard procedure, and only a minority of FPs would have performed a screening for depression (2001: 1a: 6.7%; 1b: 11.3%; 2a: 0.0%; 2b: 1.6%). Conclusions: With regard to dementia diagnostics in primary care, guideline adherence remained low at follow-up. Structured training efforts aiming at FPs appear to be necessary.
Stem Cell Factor in a Rat Model of Serum Nephrotoxic Nephritis
Authors: El Kossi M.M. , Haylor J.L. , Johnson T.S. , El Nahas A.M.
Published: December 2007

Background: Stem cell factor (SCF) has been implicated in many disease processes characterized by tissue remodelling and fibrosis. The growth factor (SCF) was evaluated in a rat model of nephrotoxic serum nephritis (NTN), characterized by early inflammation followed by later tissue fibrosis. Methods: NTN was induced in male Wistar Kyoto rats using rabbit anti-rat glomerular basement membrane antibodies. Animals were sacrificed at days 7, 15, 30 and 45 (n = 4–10 per group). Rats’ kidneys were immunostained for ED1 as marker of inflammation, CD34, SCF, c-kit, mast cell tryptase and markers of fibrosis; collagens III and IV and α-SMA. Changes in SCF protein and mRNA content were evaluated by Western blotting and Northern blotting, respectively. Results: In the NTN kidney, levels of immunoreactive SCF and SCF receptor (c-kit) were significantly higher in glomerular, tubular and interstitial compartments. Mast cells were barely detectable in NTN and control rat sections. Double immunostaining showed the co-localization of SCF with α-SMA and of the SCF receptor with CD34 and ED1 positive cells. Immunostainable SCF protein in each of the 3 compartments, glomerular, tubular and interstitial, showed a positive linear correlation with serum creatinine, proteinuria, glomerulosclerosis score and interstitial fibrosis scores. Using multivariate analysis, immunostainable tubular SCF was a predictor of glomerular sclerosis and immunostainable glomerular SCF predicted tubular atrophy. Increased SCF immunostain was not a consequence of altered transcription as there was a fall in SCF mRNA determined by Northern blotting. Western blotting of NTN kidney homogenates revealed two bands for SCF, a 43-kDa band which decreased, and a 19-kDa band which increased throughout the study. Conclusion: These results highlight the potential role of SCF and its receptor in the remodelling process of the NTN kidney. Upregulation of SCF may involve a translational mechanism, with the soluble SCF protein KL-S1 (19 kDa) being derived from the transmembrane SCF protein KL-1 (43 kD) by proteolytic cleavage. The immunohistochemical staining of few CD34+ cells in NTN kidneys warrants further evaluation of the nature of these cells in the context of the inflammatory as well as the fibrotic processes.