bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Separating Duff and Litter for Improved Mass and Carbon Estimates
Authors: Chojnacky David , Amacher Michael , Gavazzi Michael
Published: August 2019

Mass and carbon load estimates, such as those from forest soil organic matter (duff and litter), inform forestry decisions. The US Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) Program systematically collects data nationwide: a down woody material protocol specifies discrete duff and litter depth measurements, and a soils protocol specifies mass and carbon of duff and litter combined. Sampling duff and litter separately via the soils protocol would increase accuracy of subsequent bulk density calculations and mass and carbon estimates that use them. At 57 locations in North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia, we measured depth, mass, and carbon of duff and litter separately. Duff depth divided by total depth varied from 20% to 56%, duff was 1–4 times denser than litter, and the calculated median carbon-to-mass ratio for hardwood duff (0.37) was less than that for litter (0.45). Using FIA depth measurements, we calculated mass from (1) our mean density values, (2) a mass versus depth regression model we developed, and (3) published density values. Model mass calculations were lower than those using our mean densities, possibly because the latter ignore density differences with layer thickness. Our model could provide valuable mass and carbon estimates if fully developed with future FIA data (duff and litter separated).
Technical Note: Afforestation in North Mississippi on Retired Farmland Using Pinus echinata: First-Year Results
Authors: Kushla John D.
Published: August 2019

In March 2005, 1-0 bareroot shortleaf pine was planted on retired fields of the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Experiment Station near Holly Springs, Mississippi. Objectives of the study were to evaluate (1) subsoiling and (2) herbaceous weed control (HWC) on 1st-year seedling survival and size. Treatments were replicated three times in a randomized complete block design. The subsoiling treatment was completed in December 2004. The HWC treatment was 4-oz Arsenal AC + 2-oz Oust XP product per sprayed acre applied in a 4-ft band over the row in April 2005. In addition, mowing was completed three times between rows during the first growing season. First-year seedling measurements were completed by March 2006 on seedling survival, groundline diameter (GLD), and total height. Subsoil tillage did not have a significant effect on 1st-year survival, diameter, or height. HWC had a significant effect on shortleaf GLD but not survival or height.
Technical Note: Patterns of Urban Forest Debris from the 2004 and 2005 Florida Hurricane Seasons
Authors: Staudhammer Christina L. , Escobedo Francisco , Luley Christopher , Bond Jerry
Published: August 2019

Urban tree debris generation and damage resulting from seven hurricanes during the 2004 and 2005 Florida hurricane seasons was analyzed using a random sample of communities in highly affected counties. Woody debris amounts, rates, and costs for cleanup were quantified, as were the spatial patterns of damage across the state. Average debris volume per mile of street segment was 488 cubic yards, and cost of removal and disposal averaged $21.50 per cubic yard. Urban forest structure, community characteristics, and hurricane severity influenced debris and cost results. Spatial analyses indicated that debris results were clustered into northwest and southeast areas of the state, which represent two distinct ecoregions in Florida. Although southeastern Florida had much higher costs per cubic yard than the northwest, the debris volume per road mile was higher in the northwest portion of the state. On a per-mile basis, Hurricane Ivan was responsible for the greatest debris volume, and Hurricane Katrina was the most expensive. These results can be used to help communities plan for hurricane response and management activities and to estimate potential damage to their urban forest resource.
Dynamic Site Index Equation for Thinned Stands of Even-Aged Natural Longleaf Pine
Authors: Lauer Dwight K. , Kush John S.
Published: August 2019

A dynamic site equation derived using the generalized algebraic difference approach was developed for thinned stands of natural longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.) in the East Gulf region of the United States using 40 years of measurements on 285 permanent plots. The base model predicts height growth of trees once they reach 4.5 ft and was fit using a varying parameter for each tree and global parameters that are constant for all 3,267 trees. Parameters were estimated in one step using the dummy variable approach and a first-order autoregressive error term to account for serial correlation. The final base-age invariant equation allows the user to specify the number of years required for trees to reach 4.5 ft in height.
Realizing the Economic Value of a Forested Landscape in a Viewshed
Authors: Poudyal Neelam C. , Hodges Donald G. , Fenderson John , Tarkington Ward
Published: August 2019

Existing literature on nonmarket valuation indicates an ambiguous value of the view of a forest due largely to the fact that these studies relied on inappropriate proxies or poor measures of forest view. The current study attempts to fill this gap by using GIS to measure the actual forest area that is visible from a house and then using a hedonic regression model to examine how its value is reflected in residential housing price. A spatial hedonic model of residential housing price was applied to housing sales data in a forested landscape located in the southeastern portion of Cheatham County and the adjacent Scottsboro-Bells Bend area of Davidson County, near Nashville, Tennessee. Results indicate that increasing the size of forest area visible from a house by 1 ac increased the house price by $30. The findings imply that residents place a significant value on and likely pay a price premium to preserve the view of a forest. Findings from this study could be useful in evaluating viewshed protection policies as a hedge against development pressures that threaten the forested landscapes and in designing market protocols for scenic view as an ecosystem service.
Prediction of Whole-Stem α-Cellulose Yield, Lignin Content, and Wood Density in Juvenile and Mature Loblolly Pine
Authors: Aspinwall Michael J. , Li Bailian , McKeand Steven E. , Isik Fikret , Gumpertz Marcia L.
Published: August 2019

Models were developed for predicting whole-stem α-cellulose yield, lignin content, and wood density in 14- and 20-year-old loblolly pine across three different sites. Also, the relationships between juvenile-, transition-, and mature-wood α-cellulose yield, lignin content, and wood density at breast-height and overall whole-stem wood property values were examined. Whole-stem wood property weighted averages were calculated by taking 12-mm core samples at breast height and at 2.4-m incremental heights up each tree, and breast-height wood property values were then used to predict whole-stem weighted averages. Despite large differences in growth across sites and both ages, whole-stem models based on whole cores taken at breast height were not significantly different among sites, and coefficients of determination (R2) were 0.87, 0.74, and 0.78 for α-cellulose, lignin, and wood density, respectively. Generally, whole-stem prediction models based on sections of wood at breast height were not significantly different among sites and were less effective than cores as predictors, explaining between 39 and 82% of the variation in whole-stem wood traits. The results of this study indicate that the relationship between breast height and whole-stem wood chemical properties (and density) is predictable and consistent across sites in both juvenile and mature loblolly pine.
Equations Relating Compacted and Uncompacted Live Crown Ratio for Common Tree Species in the South
Authors: Randolph KaDonna C.
Published: August 2019

Species-specific equations to predict uncompacted crown ratio (UNCR) from compacted live crown ratio (CCR), tree length, and stem diameter were developed for 24 species and 12 genera in the southern United States. Using data from the US Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis program, nonlinear regression was used to model UNCR with a logistic function. Model performance was evaluated with standard fit statistics (root mean squared error, mean absolute error, mean error, and model efficiency) and by comparing the results of using the observed and predicted UNCR values in secondary applications. Root mean squared error for the regression models ranged from 0.062 to 0.176 UNCR and averaged 0.114 UNCR across all models. Height to live crown base calculations and crown width estimations based on the observed and predicted UNCR values were in close agreement. Overall, the models performed well for the Pinus and Taxodium genera and several individual hardwood species; however, model performance was generally poor for the Acer, Quercus, and Carya genera.
Economic Potential of Agroforestry and Forestry in the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley with Incentive Programs and Carbon Payments
Authors: Frey Gregory E. , Mercer D. Evan , Cubbage Frederick W. , Abt Robert C.
Published: August 2019

Conversion of bottomland hardwood forests in the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley (LMAV) to agricultural land has caused a loss of ecosystem services. The primary approaches to reverse this have been the Wetlands Reserve Program and the Conservation Reserve Program, which provide financial incentives to landowners to reforest. However, other forest production regimes and forestry financing mechanisms will be necessary to meet reforestation goals. Using capital budgeting techniques, we estimated financial returns from eight agroforestry and seven forestry systems to compare to returns from agriculture on marginal and average lands in the LMAV, as an indicator for potential adoption. In all but a few cases, agriculture had higher returns than agroforestry and forestry, even on marginal lands, and this is especially true when considering federal agricultural payments. We then estimated the break-even carbon net revenue per metric ton that would create a large enough financial incentive to favor forestry or agroforestry systems over agriculture. Given prospective moderate prices from carbon credits from afforestation and reforestation activities and high costs for implementing those activities, a few forestry and agroforestry systems might have potential on marginal agricultural land in the LMAV, subject to requirements such as providing evidence that reforestation would not have taken place without carbon payments. Regimes that maintain a large carbon stock on site by avoiding clearcutting performed better under carbon markets.
Comparing the Use of Three Dendrometers for Measuring Diameters at Breast Height
Authors: Liu Shangbin , Bitterlich Walter , Cieszewski Chris J. , Zasada Michal J.
Published: August 2019

Three dendrometers are used to measure dbh. Two of the devices are the well-known and widely used d-tape and caliper. The third device is the lesser-known sector fork. In this study, measurements of dbh were collected from each dendrometer for each tree in nine plots, with each of the three plots nested in one of the diameter classes (small, medium, and large). The results from repeated-measures analysis of variance show that different dendrometers, the interaction between the dendrometer and diameter class, and the interaction between the dendrometer and plot significantly affected the dbh measurements. Statistically significant differences were detected in most of the comparisons of dbh measured by the three dendrometers. However, the actual mean differences and limits of agreement (Bland, J.M., and D.G. Altman. 1986. Statistical methods for assessing agreement between two methods of clinical measurement. Lancet 1:307–310) were small enough to support the claim that the dbh measurements made by the three dendrometers agree well in measurements of the small and medium trees (in this study, dbh of <16 in.). Thus, these statistically significant differences are not biologically and/or practically important. For the large trees (dbh 16 in. or more), the dbh measured by d-tape and caliper still agreed well. The sector fork should be used cautiously in measuring large trees.
Annual Brush Control Increases Early Growth of Loblolly Pine
Authors: Cain M. D. , Mann W. F.
Published: August 2019

Hardwoods and herbaceous vegetation quickly invaded a north Louisiana loblolly (Pinus taeda L.) site following chopping and planting. In the sixth year, more than 20,000 stems per acre were competing with the pines. Where hardwoods were cut down annually, loblolly volume at age 6 was 49 percent higher than on untreated areas. Annually cutting and grubbing-out hardwood roots resulted in a larger increase in volume, but not significantly greater than topping alone.
Five-Year-Old Cottonwood Plantation on a Clay Site: Growth, Yield, and Soil Properties
Authors: Krinard R. M. , Kennedy H. E.
Published: August 2019

A random sample of Stoneville select cottonwood (Populus deltoides Bartr.) clones planted on recent old-field clay soils at 12- by 12-foot spacing averaged 75-percent survival after five years. The growth and yield was about half that expected from planted cottonwood on medium-textured soils. Soil moisture analysis showed more height growth in years with greater moisture late in the growing season. Significantly less soil N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and organic matter were in the plantation after five years than at the start. Also, no clear relationship existed between nutrient level and fifth-year average height.
Nutrient Conservation in Forestry: A Perspective
Authors: Bengtson George W.
Published: August 2019

Losses of plant nutrients and costs of their replacement after various methods of harvest and site preparation are estimated and discussed. Current fertilization practice in southern pine silviculture is reviewed, and factors limiting its effectiveness and means of maximizing benefits are emphasized. The intent is to encourage southern forest managers to use presently available information to evaluate alternative techniques of harvest, site preparation, and fertilization, and to devise more ecologically acceptable and cost-effective practices.
Field Performance of Container-Grown Loblolly Pine Seedlings with Specific Ectomycorrhizae on a Reforestation Site In South Carolina
Authors: Ruehle John L.
Published: August 2019

Container-grown loblolly pine seedlings (Pinus taeda L.) with Pisolithus tinctorius, Thelephora terrestris, or no ectomycorrhizae (control) were outplanted on a South Carolina reforestation site. Two years after planting, seedlings initially colonized with Pisolithus or Thelephora had greater survival, height, and root collar diameter than control seedlings. Growth data were integrated into seedling volume indices (D²H). Seedlings with ectomycorrhizae at planting had nearly a three-fold greater D²H than seedlings initially without ectomycorrhizae. These results provided additional field validation for the hypothesis regarding benefits of ectomycorrhizae on this type of planting stock.
Application of a Small Forwarder in Plantation Thinning
Authors: Lanford B. L.
Published: August 2019

Thinning the South's managed pine stands is a major problem facing forest landowners in the immediate future. A small log-length forwarder–the Gafner Iron Mule–was examined as a potential improvement to the most common current method–he bobtail truck system. Forwarders are less sensitive to weather and terrain, require less access area in a stand, provide more man-day productivity, and allow greater payloads and less maintenance on highway haul vehicles than the bobtail truck. Travel speeds of the forwarders studied were influenced only by the distance traveled. Loading and unloading were a constant time per swing cycle. Large piles of wood were less expensive to forward than small piles. Production rates were increased and cost rates decreased by increasing the length of logs forwarded.
Black Locust Biomass Prediction on Eastern Kentucky Strip Mines
Authors: Rowell Charles E. , Carpenter Stanley B.
Published: August 2019

Regression equations to predict dry weight of above-ground biomass are developed from a sample of 1,371 trees collected in 130 direct-seeded black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) stands on ten reclaimed surface mines in the Cumberland Plateau region of eastern Kentucky. Equations using the log 10 transformation of diameter squared times height were derived for each of the one- to ten-year age classes within the sample. Two equations were selected that best estimated woody biomass of trees after consolidating the one- to four-year and five- to ten-year age classes. An equation was also provided that encompasses all age classes; however, the estimation of individual tree woody biomass was not as representative as was the value provided by each of the two separate equations.
Characteristics and Cavity-Nesting Bird Use of Picloram-Created Snags in the Central Appalachians
Authors: McComb William C. , Rumsey Robert L.
Published: August 2019

A soil-applied herbicide rate of 40 lb/acre TORDON 10K created snags (dead trees) and/or habitat characteristics desirable for foraging and nesting cavity-nesting birds in eastern Kentucky. Integration of picloram pellet application into TSI programs would allow stand quality improvement and a sustained supply of potential feeding and nesting sites for cavity-dependent birds.
Early Field Performance of Loblolly Pine Seedlings with
Pisolithus Tinctorius Ectomycorrhizae on Two Lower Coastal Plain Sites
Authors: Leach Gregory N. , Gresham Homer H.
Published: August 2019

Bare root seedlings of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) with Pisolithus tinctorius (Pers.) Coker and Couch (Pt) ectomycorrhizae were outplanted on typical reforestation sites in the lower coastal plain in Florida and Georgia. After two growing seasons, survival and height growth of seedlings with heavy Pt colonization at planting were not significantly different from control seedlings naturally infected with other ectomycorrhizae. Mycelial inoculum added to the nursery soil resulted in greater Pt colonization of seedlings than basidiospore inoculum applied in an inert coating on encapsulated seed.
Regenerating Southern Appalachian Mixed Hardwood Stands with the Shelterwood Method
Authors: Loftis David L.
Published: August 2019

Shelterwood cuts, with understory treatment by cutting or herbicide application, can be used to regenerate southern Appalachian hardwoods. Cuts with residual basal area ranging from 25 to 66 square feet per acre and overwood retained from 5 to 13 years established desirable, well-stocked stands. However, species composition was essentially the same as in clearcuts with intolerant species, especially yellow-poplar, dominating. Oak regeneration did not benefit from either higher residual basal area or longer periods of overstory retention, even though oaks were prominent in the overstories of all stands. Only where larger oak advance reproduction was numerous before the initial cut did oaks become a prominent component of the new stand.
Feasibility of Aerial Spraying of Southern Pine Seed Orchards¹
Authors: Barry John W. , Barber Larry R. , Kenney Patricia A. , Overgaard Neil
Published: August 2019

A series of aerial applications were made with a helicopter and a biplane to evaluate the feasibility of using aircraft to apply 5 gallons per acre of a water-base spray to southern pine seed orchards. Application parameters were established by a mathematical model which predicts spray coverage. Data obtained on spray deposition at the canopy top and in the tree crown provide a basis for using aircraft to apply pesticides to seed orchards. More spray deposits were found in the upper tree crown than in the lower tree crown. The helicopter achieved higher quantities of deposit in the crown than the biplane. On a percentage basis, however, spray observed at each of the 3 crown levels was comparable in both aircraft. A greater number of spray drops was observed on the slash pine (Pinus elliottii Engelm.) needles than on the Ocala sand pine (Pinus clausa var. clausa (Chapm. Ex Engelm.) Vasey ex Sarg.), suggesting that higher application rates may be required to achieve comparable coverage in densely foliated pines. Under conditions similar to these trials, i.e. aircraft tank mix, drop size, foliage, meteorology, release height, and swath width, one should expect comparable results when treating southern pine seed orchards.
Using a Makeri Harvester to Thin a Natural Loblolly Pine Stand for the First Time
Authors: Jackson Ben D. , Hackfeld Michael C. , Jenkins Michael W.
Published: August 2019

The Makeri, a small tracked harvester, was performance tested in the first commercial thinning of a 14-year-old natural loblolly pine stand (Pinus taeda L.) in the flatwoods of Louisiana. Productivity of the machine in winter conditions on wet, poorly drained soils was studied. Results from work sampling and a time study indicated a 73% utilization rate and an hourly output of 45.9 trees or 88.1 ft³.
Sediment Concentrations from Intensively Prepared Wetland Sites¹
Authors: Askew George R. , Williams Thomas M.
Published: August 2019

Suspended sediment concentrations were measured in water draining from a 5,900-acre Carolina bay undergoing conversion to loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) plantations. Samples were collected during the first storm-flow event of each month between January 1981 and December 1982 from subwatersheds involved in some of several phases of conversion. Suspended sediment concentration in water leaving the bay averaged only 16 mg/1 for 13 storms. Road erosion and ditch installation produced the highest suspended sediment concentrations. Suspended sediment concentrations decreased substantially with increasing distance from the sediment source. Logging and site preparation activities did not cause an appreciable increase in suspended sediment when equipment did not operate in the drainage ditches.
Growth of Loblolly Pine Treated With Hexazinone, Sulfometuron Methyl, and Metsulfuron Methyl For Herbaceous Weed Control
Authors: Michael J. L.
Published: August 2019

Aerial application of 0.25 pounds active ingredient per acre of sulfometuron methyl [Oust(TM), formerly DPX-5648] or 2.0 pounds of hexazinone [Velpar L (TM)] postemergent in May 1982, resulted in good weed control. Weeds controlled on the silty clay coastal plain soil included pokeweed (Phytolacca americana L.), ragweed (Ambrosia sp.), goldenrod (Solidago sp.), and evening primrose (Oenothera sp.). Growth of 1-year-old loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) seedlings released with sulfometuron methyl or hexazinone was significantly improved in comparison to untreated seedlings. No significant pine mortality was associated with either treatment. On similar sites where blackberry (Rubus sp.), honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica Thunberg), and herbaceous weeds are the major problem, application of sulfometuron methyl from pre-emergence to the postemergent stage (when weeds are up to 12 to 18 inches in height) is recommended. Hexazinone is recommended as a postemergent treatment for herbaceous weed control. Treatment with metsulfuron methyl (formerly DPX-T6376-21) did not result in any growth responses significantly greater than untreated seedlings. Impacts of deer browsing on seedlings resulted in a slight height reduction the first and second growing seasons following planting but by the end of the third growing season browsed seedlings had made up the difference. No diameter differences were associated with deer browsing at any time during the study.
Impact of Intensive Forest Management Practices on the Bulk Density of Lower Coastal Plain and Piedmont Soils
Authors: Gent J. A. , Ballard R.
Published: August 2019

Trafficking during harvesting significantly increased soil bulk density to depths of 3 to 6 inches in areas outside of primary skid trails and 9 to 12 inches in primary skid trails. On the Coastal Plain site, bedding was effective in offsetting soil compaction in areas outside of primary skid trails, forming a new soil surface, 7 to 8 inches in height, over the surface trafficked during harvest. Bedding may not be so effective in the skid trails, because the original soil surface under the bed was so compacted that root growth may be inhibited. On the Piedmont site, disking was effective in restoring bulk density to preharvest levels in the upper 3 to 5 inches of soil, but soil compaction in the upper 3 to 9 inches of drum-chopped areas may result in reduced root growth, because of mechanical impedance.
Intensive Harvesting and Site Preparation Decrease Soil Nitrogen Availability in Young Plantations
Authors: Vitousek Peter M. , Matson Pamela A.
Published: August 2019

Intensive harvesting and site preparation remove large amounts of nitrogen and other nutrients. The effects of these removals on the nitrogen-supplying power of remaining soil were examined in five 1- to 5-year-old loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) plantation trials. Whole-tree harvest and shear-pile-disk site preparation reduced nitrogen availability relative to stem-only harvest and chop-and-burn preparation. Net nitrogen mineralization during 30-day incubation averaged 7.8 μg N/g of soil in stem-only/chopped plots in the two youngest sites; the corresponding value in the whole-tree/ shear-pile-disk sites was 4.2 μg N/g of soil. Herbicide applications were associated with increased nitrogen availability up to 3 years after the last application.1
Site Index Curves for Loblolly Pine Plantations on Cutover Site-Prepared Lands
Authors: Amateis Ralph L. , Burkhart Harold E.
Published: August 2019

Stem analysis data collected from dominant and codominant loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) trees in cutover, site-prepared plantations were used to develop site index curves. The data were collected over much of the natural range of loblolly pine. A separable differential equation which expresses height growth as a function of both height and age was used to develop the site index curves. These site index curves should be applicable to loblolly pine plantations on cutover, site-prepared lands through much of the South.1
Work Scheduling for American Mothers, 1990 and 2012
Authors: Hepburn Peter
Published: August 2019

American working conditions have deteriorated over the last 40 years. One commonly-noted change is the rise of nonstandard and unstable work schedules. Such schedules, especially when held by mothers, negatively affect family functioning and the well-being and development of children; they have implications for the intergenerational transmission of disadvantage. This article describes and compares the working schedules—in terms of type, duration, and variability—of American mothers in 1990 and 2012 in an attempt to assess whether nonstandard and unstable schedules are growing more common. Analyses demonstrate that evening work has increased in prevalence for single mothers but not for their partnered peers. Mothers in both single-mother and two-partner households experienced considerably greater within-week schedule variability and higher likelihood of weekend work in 2012 than they did in 1990. These changes resulted from widespread shifts in the nature of work, especially affecting less educated mothers.
A18 HIV-2 molecular epidemiology in Spain: 30 years since the first case
Authors: Requena S , Caballero E , Lozano A B , Tellez R , Morano L , Nieto M C , Margall N , Soriano V , de Mendoza C ,   on behalf of the HIV-2 Spanish Study Group
Published: August 2019

HIV-2 is a retrovirus that mainly infects West Africans. In Europe, HIV-2 has been circulating since the 1980s, and more recent immigration has contributed to its spread. Excluding HIV-2 in all HIV seropositive individuals precludes misinterpretation of viral loads (VL) and antiretroviral (ART) choices. Surveillance registers enables tracking of epidemic spread and identification of major contributors, allowing the establishment of convenient preventive measures. The HIV-2 Spanish study group was founded in 1989. Since then, blood specimens from HIV-2 carriers have been collected. More than 40 Spanish hospitals are part of the group and provide clinical and epidemiological data. Records for each HIV-2 patient include country of origin, gender, age, transmission category, monitoring of HIV-2 VL, CD4 counts, drug resistance, and HIV-2 subtype. Up to December 2017, 354 HIV-2+ individuals were identified in Spain and incidence (15–20/year) has been stable within the last decade. At diagnosis, mean age was 44.6 years and 63 per cent were male. The majority were Africans (78%), whereas 16.5 per cent were native Spaniards. 78.2 per cent acquired HIV-2 by heterosexual contact. HIV-2 subtyping using the HIV2EU tool was performed in 126 subjects: 86 Africans and 27 native Spaniards. The subtype distribution was as follows: 108 (85.7%) HIV-2 subtype A and 18 (14.3%) B. Africans and Spaniards were mostly infected with subtype A (87.2% and 77.8%, respectively). HIV-2 subtype B was found in six native Spaniards (22.2%; 6/27), five patients from Equatorial Guinea (71.4%; 5/7), four from Senegal (18.1%; 4/22), two from Ivory Coast (100%; 2/2), and one from Burkina Faso (50%; 1/2). Using phylogenetic analyses, two clusters were identified among homosexual Spanish men (subtype A: 8 men and subtype B: 2 men with viral isolates related to Malian and Senegalese isolates). Before starting ART, CD4 count mean values for subtype A and B were 378 and 357, respectively. Corresponding VL values were 2.63 and 2.32 HIV-2 RNA log copies/ml, respectively.
A33 Using serological and surveillance data to infer the introduction date and unobserved transmission dynamics of Zika virus in Fiji 2013–7
Authors: Henderson A , Hué S , Kucharski A
Published: August 2019

Zika virus (ZIKV) has been circulating in the South Pacific since 2007, and transmission in Fiji was first confirmed in 2015. To better understand the history and transmission dynamics of ZIKV in Fiji, we combined a transmission dynamic model with serological and surveillance data from Central Division, Fiji. A longitudinal population representative of seroepidemiological data were available from participants sampled in 2013, 2015, and 2017. In addition, ZIKV case reports were available from 2015 and 2016. Using a Bayesian approach, we fitted a transmission dynamic model with a seasonally varying transmission to these data. We also estimated the virus introduction date, given the effect this has on transmission dynamics as it interacts with the observed seasonal pattern of transmission. We found evidence that the virus was introduced in October 2013 (95% credible interval: April 2013–April 2014) and that the strong seasonal transmission pattern meant the virus persisted for several years with multiple waves of infection in consecutive years. It is important to corroborate this evidence against other work done in the same area. A phylogenetic analysis was performed on 5 ZIKV strains obtained from Fiji in 2015 and 2016, which were aligned with 33 E gene sequences from the Pacific, Americas, and Africa. This analysis showed evidence of virus persistence over multiple years in Central Division, Fiji. The estimated most recent common ancestor of the group isolated from Central Division was November 2013 (95% credible interval: March 2013–July 2015). Our modeling estimate is consistent with these results despite the very different methods being used. The availability of detailed case and serology data in an island outbreak setting, combined with mathematical models, presented a unique opportunity to gain crucial insights into these infections. Our analysis provides evidence that seasonal variation in transmission, combined with other co-circulating flaviviruses, means the timing of ZIKV introduction can have a major impact on outbreak transmission dynamics.
A48 Identification and full-genome characterization of Alpha- and Beta-Coronaviruses viruses from bats in Italy
Authors: De Sabato L , Vaccari G , Lelli D , Lavazza A , Castrucci M R , Moreno A
Published: August 2019

Bats are the natural reservoir of Coronaviruses (CoVs). Human CoVs cause mild respiratory diseases worldwide, but, in the last decade, two Beta-CoVs [Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS)-CoV and severe acute respiratory syndrome] caused thousands of deaths and cases worldwide. Phylogenetic analysis suggested the evolutionary origin of mammalian CoVs is derived from bats. In this study, we characterized three Alpha-CoVs and two Beta-CoVs demonstrating the circulation of bat strains in Italy. Isolates were sequenced using a next-generation sequencing approach and genomes reconstructed using the online tool Galaxy Aries. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted using MEGA7 and MrBayes. Similarity plots were generated using SSE v1.2. The structure of the receptor binding domain (RBD) in the S protein was predicted by sequence-homology method using the protein data bank. Bioinformatics analysis permitted the identification of 2 Beta-CoV complete genomes of 30 kb and three Alpha-CoV of 28 kb (named BatCoV-ITA1-5). BatCoV-ITA1 and 2 formed a monophyletic group with MERS-CoV sequences. The comparison of the concatenated domains within ORF1ab confirmed their classification into the MERS-CoV species. The 3D structure of RBD of Italian strains showed two amino acid deletions located in a region corresponding to the external subdomain of MERS-RBD. BatCoV-Ita3 and BatCoV-Ita4/5 were classified into two novel Alpha-CoV species by comparison of concatenated domains within ORF1ab. Due to the high divergence with the Alpha human spike protein strains, it was impossible to establish the protein structure and the potential affinity to human receptor. The Italian strains showed the typical organization of Alpha and Beta-CoVs. We reported two Beta-CoVs closely related to MERS-CoVs from bats belonging to common Italian species (Pipistrellus kuhlii and Hypsugo savii). The analysis of the RBD in the spike protein indicates significant differences from human RBD known to date. The three Alpha-CoV strains were classified into two novel species, confirming the high heterogeneity of CoV strains in bats. Although the studies conducted cannot confirm a risk for humans, surveillance studies are needed to investigate the genetic diversity of CoVs in bats. Because this exceeds what is known for other hosts, it is compatible with bats being the major reservoir of mammalian CoVs.
A Lodgepole Pine Density Management Diagram
Authors: McCarter James B. , Long James N.
Published: August 2019

A diagram is presented that can greatly facilitate density management of lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) stands. Together with site index tables or curves, the diagram can be used to estimate average tree sizes and total yields produced under various density management regimes. Its use is illustrated with three alternative regimes. West. J. Appl. For. 1:6-11, Jan. 1986
Cache and Nest Characteristics of the Red Squirrel in an Arizona Mixed-Conifer Forest
Authors: Patton David R. , Vahle J. Robert
Published: August 2019

The red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) is closely associated with mature- to old-growth forest conditions of large coniferous trees, dense canopy closure, and a structure of all-aged trees. In Arizona, mixed-conifer forests with these stand conditions provide red squirrels with suitable opportunities for food gathering, sites for food caching, and trees for nesting. Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), white fir (Abies con-color), and blue spruce (Picea pungens) are the most important species in red squirrel habitat. Red squirrels contribute to the functioning of the forest ecosystem by spreading the spores of mycorrhizal underground fungi, which may be necessary for the survival of coniferous trees. West. J. Appl. For. 1:48-51, April 1986
Ten-Year Results of a Ponderosa Pine Progeny Test in the Black Hills
Authors: Shepperd Wayne D. , McElderry Sue E.
Published: August 2019

Ten-year survival and growth of seedlings from 77 parent trees from throughout the Black Hills were compared, using a cluster-analysis technique. Five clusters were identified that account for most of the variability in survival and growth of the open-pollinated families. One cluster, containing 6 families, exhibited exceptional survival and growth. Another, containing 12 families, exhibited poor survival and growth. The performance of families in these two groups appears to be related to location and elevation of parent trees. West. J. Appl. For. 1:79-83, July 1986.
Analysis of Stumpage Rate Adjustment Policy on Western National Forests
Authors: Schuster Ervin G. , Niccolucci Michael J.
Published: August 2019

This study analyzed the effect of USDA Forest Service stumpage rate adjustment (SRA) on timber revenues and initial stumpage bids. SRAs adjust harvest prices up or down from initial bid prices, based on subsequent product market indices. Revenue generation was addressed by simulating harvest revenues from 600 timber sales from the western United States during the 1980s and early 1990s. The current 50/100 policy (50% of price index increases and 100% of price index decreases) performed poorly, and the 100/50 option performed best. The effect of SRA policy on initial bid prices was analyzed with statistical models constructed from 1813 timber sales. In Region 6, stumpage prices received from flat rate sales exceeded those from SRA sales by about 3%, but in the aggregate of other western Regions (Regions 1-5), stumpage prices for SRA sales exceeded those of flat rate sales by about 12%. West. J. Appl. For. 10(2):53-58
Long-Term Response of Old-Growth Stands to Varying Levels of Partial Cutting in the Eastside Pine Type
Authors: Dolph K. Leroy , Mori Sylvia R. , Oliver William W.
Published: August 2019

An experiment was started in 1938 to compare methods of harvest cutting in the eastside pine type of northeastern California. The study was designed as a randomized block experiment that included 10 blocks with four to six plots per block. Each plot on which a single treatment was applied is 20 ac. Treatments removed approximately 16, 54, 74, and 95% of the original volume. One uncut control plot was established in each block. The plots were remeasured 5, 10, and 20 yr after establishment and again in 1990-1991. During the last 30 yr growth period, net growth of the sawtimber component increased with the intensity of cut and ranged from -6 ft³/ac/yr in the controls to 28 ft³/ac/yr in the 95% removal plots. Net yield during the 50 yr period was highest in the 74% removal plots and averaged 5351 ft³/ac. The number of stems in the small diameter classes has increased four to five times in all treatment plots. We theorize that this influx of small trees has increased the competitive stress and resulting mortality of the old-growth trees. West. J. Appl. For. 10(3):101-108.
Foliar Fertilization During Bud Initiation Improves Container-Grown Ponderosa Pine Seedling Viability
Authors: Montville Mark E. , Wenny David L. , Dumroese R. Kasten
Published: August 2019

Our objective was to determine if avoiding nutrient stress during bud initiation of ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa vat. ponderosa) grown in a container nursery would enhance seedling viability. Nitrogen stress was avoided by applying foliar fertilizer at rates between 324 and 972 ppm N to greenhouse-grown seedlings. Foliar fertilization maintained higher seedling nitrogen levels and increased root collar diameter by 45%. Height was slightly increased, cold-hardiness slightly reduced, and root growth potential unaffected by foliar fertilizer applications. Nursery managers can improve seedling viability by adding foliar fertilizer applications to their growing regimes. West. J. Appl. For. 11(4):114-119.
Root Volume and Growth of Ponderosa Pine and Douglas-Fir Seedlings: A Summary of Eight Growing Seasons
Authors: Rose R. , Haase D. L. , Kroiher F. , Sabin T.
Published: August 2019

This is the final summary of two studies on the relationship between root volume and seedling growth; early results were published previously. Survival, growth, and stem volume were determined for 2+0 ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) and Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) seedlings after 8 growing seasons. For each species, seedlings from three seedlots were assigned to one of three root-volume categories [<4.5 cm3 (RV1), 4.5-7 cm3 (RV2), and >7 cm3 (RV3) for ponderosa pine; <9 cm3 (RV1), 9-13 cm3 (RV2), and >13 cm3 (RV3) for Douglas-fir]. On a dry harsh ponderosa pine site on the eastern slopes of Mt. Hood in Oregon, where gopher and cattle damage decreased the number of seedlings, more seedlings in the highest root-volume category survived (70%) than in the smaller root-volume categories (62% and 50%). Douglas-fir on a good site in the Coast Range of Oregon showed significantly greater height and stem volume for the largest root-volume category, whereas annual shoot growth and survival did not differ. Root volume is one of several potentially useful criteria for predicting long-term growth and survival after outplanting. West. J. Appl. For. 12(3):69-73.
Ten-Year Survival and Growth of Planted Douglas-Fir and Western Redcedar After Seven Site-Preparation Treatments
Authors: Stein William I.
Published: August 2019

Western redcedar (Thuja plicata) and Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) were planted together after applying seven site-preparation methods at one site in the Oregon Coast Ranges. Survival and growth of cedar were markedly less than Douglas-fir on this favorable site where both species were components of the original stand. Repeated browsing severely impeded the cedar. Site preparation by broadcast burning generally yielded the best results, but sowing grass after broadcast burning produced Douglas-fir responses similar to those for no site preparation. Where grass was sown, herbaceous cover was more abundant and taller, salmonberry differed little in density but was slightly taller, and development of red alder (Alnus rubra) was delayed. Red alder is currently overtopping conifers in all treatments, and release is needed to ensure sufficient conifer survival. This single example illustrates that much more effort than just planting a mix of species is required to establish a desired mixed stand. West. J. Appl. For. 12(3):74-80.
Soil Changes and Tree Seedling Response Associated with Site Preparation in Northern Idaho
Authors: Page-Dumroese Deborah S. , Jurgensen Martin F. , Harvey Alan E. , Graham Russell T. , Tonn Jonalea R.
Published: August 2019

Conifer regeneration in western North America is often hampered by low soil moisture, poor soil nutrient status, and competing vegetation. Three site preparation techniques were evaluated at two different elevations in northern Idaho as potential remedies for these problems: (1) soil mounds without control of competing vegetation, (2) soil mounds with herbicidal control of competing vegetation, and (3) scalping (removal of soil surface organic horizons and mineral topsoil). Treatments were evaluated for effects on soil nutrient levels, soil physical properties, and the growth of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca) and western white pine (Pinus monticola) seedlings. Both species generally grew best when planted in the mounded treatment with competing vegetation removed and worst after scalping. Mounding with herbicide application resulted in the lowest bulk density, best seedling growth, and increased water availability. Mounding may be a viable site preparation method in the Inland Northwest on less productive sites that have severe competition. Scalping, especially when competition was not a problem, generally did not produce favorable seedling growth responses. Scalping may also reduce longer term seedling growth by removing surface organic matter. West. J. Appl. For. 12(3):81-88.
Fall Rate of Lodgepole Pine Killed by the Mountain Pine Beetle in Central Oregon
Authors: Mitchell Russel G. , Preisler Haiganoush K.
Published: August 2019

The fall rate of nearly 600 lodgepole pines(Pinus contorta)killed by the mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae) in central Oregon was investigated in thinned and unthinned stands. Estimates were obtained by fitting a complementary log-log model to the conditional probabilities of trees falling within a given year. Snags began falling 3 yr after death in thinned stands and 5 yr in unthinned stands. Small trees fell slightly faster than large trees in thinned stands, but tree size was not a factor in the fall rate in unthinned stands. In thinned stands, 50% were down in 8 yr and 90% were down in 12 yr. In unthinned stands, 50% were down in 9 yr and 90% were down in 14 yr. No particular calendar year had tree fall that was significantly greater than average. All beetle-killed trees broke off at the ground when they fell. The rate that trees fall in different environments may be related to the speed of bole decay at the ground level. West. J. Appl. For. 13(1):23-26.
Effects of Planting Density on Early Growth of Giant Sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum)
Authors: Heald Robert C. , Barrett Tara M.
Published: August 2019

Almost no information exists for stocking and growth of young giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum) plantations. This study measured 2,086 giant sequoia seedlings, planted at true spacings of 7 to 20 ft, over a period of 7 yr. Compared to other species that have been studied, giant sequoia shows remarkably early and extensive effects of intertree competition. Unlike results for other species, spacing substantially affects early height growth of sequoia. A general least squares model showed that crown width, stem diameter, and height increased linearly with the natural log of spacing distance at 4, 5, and 7 yr after planting (all P-values < 0.0001). By 7yr, trees at wide spacing (14-20 ft) were showing 45-78% wider annual diameter growth and 29-67% higher annual height growth than trees at one-half each respective spacing (7-10 ft). Results indicate that for close initial planting densities (7-12 ft spacings), early precommercial thinning (before 7 yr after planting) may be required to avoid intertree competition. West. J. Appl. For. 14(2):65-72.
Ecoregion-Based Individual Tree Height-Diameter Models for Lodgepole Pine in Alberta
Authors: Huang Shongming
Published: August 2019

Using the felled tree data, ecoregion-based height-diameter models were developed for lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia) in Alberta. A large number of height-diameter functions were evaluated, and the Chapman-Richards function was found to produce some of the most satisfactory fits. Residual analysis was conducted to identify the error structure of the models. A weighting factor of wi = 1/Di was found appropriate for achieving the equal error variance assumption. Differences of the height-diameter models among different ecoregions were examined and tested using the nonlinear extra sum of squares method. Most height-diameter relationships were found to be different among different ecoregions. Ecoregions of similar height-diameter relationships were combined to provide a composite model to facilitate the practical use of such relationships. West. J. Appl. For. 14(4):186-193.
Dwarf Mistletoe Pruning May Induce Douglas-Fir Beetle Attacks
Authors: Hadfield James S. , Flanagan Paul T.
Published: August 2019

Fresh attacks of Douglas-firs (Pseudotsuga menziesii) by Douglas-fir beetles (Dendroctonus pseudotsugae) were found in a campground that had trees pruned to remove Douglas-fir dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium douglasii) infections. All Douglas-firs with a diameter at breast height (dbh) of at least 12.7 cm were examined. Beetle attacks were found on 41% of the pruned trees and 5% of the unpruned trees. Among pruned trees, both the average number of branches pruned and the average dbh were greater in trees attacked by Douglas-fir beetles than in unattacked trees. West. J. Appl. For. 15(1):34-36.
Technical Note: Why Quadratic Mean Diameter?
Authors: Curtis Robert O. , Marshall David D.
Published: August 2019

Quadratic mean diameter is the measure of average tree diameter conventionally used in forestry, rather than arithmetic mean diameter. The historical and practical reasons for this convention are reviewed. West. J. Appl. For. 15(3):137-139.