bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Texture and anisotropy in cold rolled and recovery annealed AA 5182 sheets
Authors: Engler O.
Published: September 2014

Plastic anisotropy of Al alloy sheet is mainly caused by crystallographic texture, but it may be modulated by other microstructural parameters, including grain shape, arrangement of second phase particles and substructure, e.g. dislocation arrangement. In the present study, we have determined the anisotropic properties of thin sheet of the alloy AA 5182 in the cold rolled and in two back annealed (recovered) states. The texture combined with information on anisotropic grain morphology was utilised to model in-plane anisotropy with the help of polycrystal–plasticity simulations. It turned out that the aspect ratio of the substructural features in the as deformed microstructure, which was found to change significantly with progressing recovery, affects anisotropic behaviour besides the ubiquitous influence of crystallographic texture.
Systemic levels of the endothelium-derived soluble adhesion molecules endocan and E-selectin in patients with suspected deep vein thrombosis
Authors: Mosevoll Knut Anders , Lindås Roald , Wendelbo Øystein , Bruserud Øystein , Reikvam Håkon
Published: September 2014

The initial evaluation of patients with suspected deep vein thrombosis includes the use of biomarkers reflecting activation of the coagulation system. However, the thromboembolic process and neighboring inflammatory responses also affect endothelial cells, and endothelial cell markers may therefore be altered by the disease. In the present population-based single-center study, we investigated the plasma levels of the endothelium-specific biomarkers soluble E-selectin and endocan in a consecutive and unselected group of 120 patients admitted to hospital for suspected deep vein thrombosis. Blood samples were collected when patients arrived at the hospital. DVT patients showed evidence for an acute phase reaction with increased serum C-reactive protein levels, but this was similar to many other patients admitted with suspected but not verified thrombosis. Plasma endocan and E-selectin levels did not differ between patients with thrombosis, healthy controls and the patients without verified thrombosis (i.e. patients with other causes of their symptoms, including various inflammatory and non-inflammatory conditions). However, the combined use of endothelial biomarkers, C-reactive protein and D-dimer could be used to identify patient subsets with different frequencies of venous thrombosis. Thus, analysis of plasma biomarker profiles including endothelial cell markers may be helpful in the initial evaluation of patients with deep vein thrombosis.
Chiropractic treatment approaches for spinal musculoskeletal conditions: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Clijsters Mattijs , Fronzoni Francesco , Jenkins Hazel
Published: September 2014

Background

There are several chiropractic spinal manipulative technique systems. However, there is limited research differentiating the efficacy of these techniques. Additionally, chiropractors may also use ancillary procedures in the treatment of musculoskeletal pain, a variable that also needs to be considered when measuring the efficacy of chiropractic therapy. No data is currently available regarding the frequency of usage of chiropractic technique systems or ancillary procedures for the treatment of specific musculoskeletal conditions. Knowing which technique systems and ancillary procedures are used most frequently may help to direct future research. The aim of this research was to provide insight into which treatment approaches are used most frequently by Australian chiropractors to treat spinal musculoskeletal conditions.

Methods

Cross-sectional survey design. The survey was sent online to the members of the two main Australian chiropractic associations between 30th June 2013 and 7th August 2013. The participants were asked to provide information on treatment choices for specific spinal musculoskeletal conditions.

Results

280 respondents. Diversified manipulative technique was the first choice of treatment for most of the included conditions. Diversified was used significantly less in 4 conditions; cervical disc syndrome with radiculopathy and cervical central stenosis were more likely to be treated with Activator; flexion distraction technique was used almost as much as Diversified in the treatment of lumbar disc syndrome with radiculopathy and lumbar central stenosis. More experienced Australian chiropractors use more Activator and soft tissue therapy and less Diversified technique compared to their less experienced peers. The majority of responding chiropractors used ancillary procedures such as soft tissue techniques and exercise prescription in the treatment of spinal musculoskeletal conditions.

Conclusion

This survey provides information on commonly used treatment choices to the chiropractic profession. Treatment choices changed based on the region of disorder and whether neurological symptoms were present rather than with specific diagnoses. Diversified technique was the most commonly used spinal manipulative therapy, however, ancillary procedures such as soft tissue techniques and exercise prescription were also commonly utilised. This information may help direct future studies into the efficacy of chiropractic treatment for spinal musculoskeletal disorders.
Cancer genomics just got personal
Authors: Marszalek Rafal T
Published: September 2014

No abstract
Editorial: Gigantism: a new way to prolong neutrophil life
Authors: Berton Giorgio
Published: September 2014

Discussion on the existence of long-lived giant neutrophils that grow in size by internalizing cell debris from dying neutrophils.
Phase I/II Study of the Antibody-Drug Conjugate Glembatumumab Vedotin in Patients With Locally Advanced or Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Bendell Johanna , Saleh Mansoor , Rose April A.N. , Siegel Peter M. , Hart Lowell , Sirpal Surendra , Jones Suzanne , Green Jennifer , Crowley Elizabeth , Simantov Ronit , Keler Tibor , Davis Thomas , Vahdat Linda
Published: September 2014

Purpose

Glycoprotein NMB (gpNMB), a novel transmembrane protein overexpressed in 40% to 60% of breast cancers, promotes metastases in animal models and is a prognostic marker of a poor outcome in patients. The antibody-drug conjugate glembatumumab vedotin consists of a fully human anti-gpNMB monoclonal antibody, conjugated via a cleavable linker to monomethyl auristatin E. Glembatumumab vedotin is generally well tolerated, with observed objective responses in advanced melanoma. This is, to our knowledge, the first study of glembatumumab vedotin in breast cancer.

Patients and Methods

Eligible patients had advanced/metastatic breast cancer with at least two prior chemotherapy regimens, including taxane, anthracycline, and capecitabine. A standard 3+3 dose escalation was followed by a phase II expansion. Immunohistochemistry for gpNMB was performed retrospectively for patients with available tumor tissue.

Results

Forty-two patients were enrolled. Dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) consisted of worsening neuropathy at 1.34 mg/kg. After excluding patients with baseline neuropathy more than grade 1, no DLT occurred through 1.88 mg/kg (the phase II dose). The phase II primary activity end point was met (12-week progression-free survival [PFS12] = 9 of 27 patients; 33%). Sixteen of 19 (84%) patients tested had gpNMB-positive tumors. At the phase II dose, median PFS was 9.1 weeks for all patients, 17.9 weeks for patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), and 18.0 weeks for patients with gpNMB-positive tumors. Two patients had confirmed partial responses; both had gpNMB-positive tumors and one had TNBC.

Conclusion

Glembatumumab vedotin has an acceptable safety profile. Preliminary evidence of activity in treatment-resistant metastatic breast cancer requires confirmation, such as the phase II randomized trial (EMERGE) that also examines the relationship between activity and gpNMB distribution/intensity.
Phase I/II Study of the Antibody-Drug Conjugate Glembatumumab Vedotin in Patients With Advanced Melanoma
Authors: Ott Patrick A. , Hamid Omid , Pavlick Anna C. , Kluger Harriet , Kim Kevin B. , Boasberg Peter D. , Simantov Ronit , Crowley Elizabeth , Green Jennifer A. , Hawthorne Thomas , Davis Thomas A. , Sznol Mario , Hwu Patrick
Published: September 2014

Purpose

The antibody-drug conjugate glembatumumab vedotin links a fully human immunoglobulin G2 monoclonal antibody against the melanoma-related glycoprotein NMB (gpNMB) to the potent cytotoxin monomethyl auristatin E. This study evaluated the safety and activity of glembatumumab vedotin in patients with advanced melanoma.

Patients and Methods

Patients received glembatumumab vedotin every 3 weeks (schedule 1) in a dose escalation and phase II expansion at the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD). Dosing during 2 of 3 weeks (schedule 2) and weekly (schedule 3) was also assessed. The primary end points were safety and pharmacokinetics. The secondary end points included antitumor activity, gpNMB expression, and immunogenicity.

Results

One hundred seventeen patients were treated using schedule 1 (n = 79), schedule 2 (n = 15), or schedule 3 (n = 23). The MTDs were 1.88, 1.5, and 1.0 mg/kg for schedules 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Grade 3/4 treatment-related toxicities that occurred in two or more patients included rash, neutropenia, fatigue, neuropathy, arthralgia, myalgia, and diarrhea. Three treatment-related deaths (resulting from pneumococcal sepsis, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and renal failure) occurred at doses exceeding the MTDs. In the schedule 1 phase II expansion cohort (n = 34), five patients (15%) had a partial response and eight patients (24%) had stable disease for ≥ 6 months. The objective response rate (ORR) was 2 of 6 (33%) for the schedule 2 MTD and 3 of 12 (25%) for the schedule 3 MTD. Rash was correlated with a greater ORR and improved progression-free survival.

Conclusion

Glembatumumab vedotin is active in advanced melanoma. The schedule 1 MTD (1.88 mg/kg once every 3 weeks) was associated with a promising ORR and was generally well tolerated. More frequent dosing was potentially associated with a greater ORR but increased toxicity.
Cognitive Function After the Initiation of Adjuvant Endocrine Therapy in Early-Stage Breast Cancer: An Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Ganz Patricia A. , Petersen Laura , Castellon Steven A. , Bower Julienne E. , Silverman Daniel H.S. , Cole Steven W. , Irwin Michael R. , Belin Thomas R.
Published: September 2014

Purpose

This report examines cognitive complaints and neuropsychological (NP) testing outcomes in patients with early-stage breast cancer after the initiation of endocrine therapy (ET) to determine whether this therapy plays any role in post-treatment cognitive complaints.

Patients and Methods

One hundred seventy-three participants from the Mind Body Study (MBS) observational cohort provided data from self-report questionnaires and NP testing obtained at enrollment (T1, before initiation of ET), and 6 months later (T2). Bivariate analyses compared demographic and treatment variables, cognitive complaints, depressive symptoms, quality of life, and NP functioning between those who received ET versus not. Multivariable linear regression models examined predictors of cognitive complaints at T2, including selected demographic variables, depressive symptoms, ET use, and other medical variables, along with NP domains that were identified in bivariate analyses.

Results

Seventy percent of the 173 MBS participants initiated ET, evenly distributed between tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors. ET-treated participants reported significantly increased language and communication (LC) cognitive complaints at T2 (P = .003), but no significant differences in NP test performance. Multivariable regression on LC at T2 found higher LC complaints significantly associated with T1 LC score (P < .001), ET at T2 (P = .004), interaction between ET and past hormone therapy (HT) (P < .001), and diminished improvement in NP psychomotor function (P = .05). Depressive symptoms were not significant (P = .10).

Conclusion

Higher LC complaints are significantly associated with ET 6 months after starting treatment and reflect diminished improvements in some NP tests. Past HT is a significant predictor of higher LC complaints after initiation of ET.
Visual pigments, oil droplets, lens, and cornea characterization in the whooping crane (Grus americana)
Authors: Porter Megan L. , Kingston Alexandra C.N. , McCready Robert , Cameron Evan G. , Hofmann Christopher M. , Suarez Lauren , Olsen Glenn H. , Cronin Thomas W. , Robinson Phyllis R.
Published: September 2014

Vision has been investigated in many species of birds, but few studies have considered the visual systems of large birds and the particular implications of large eyes and long-life spans on visual system capabilities. To address these issues we investigated the visual system of the whooping crane, Grus americana (Gruiformes: Gruidae). G. americana (an endangered species) is one of only two North American crane species and represents a large, long-lived bird where ultraviolet sensitivity may be degraded by chromatic aberrations and entrance of ultraviolet light into the eye could be detrimental to retinal tissues. To investigate the whooping crane visual system we used microspectrophotometry to determine the absorbance spectra of retinal oil droplets and to investigate if the ocular media (i.e., the lens and cornea) absorbs UV light. In vitro expression and reconstitution was used to determine the absorbance spectra of rod and cone visual pigments. The rod visual pigments had wavelengths of peak absorbance (λmax) at 500 nm, while the cone visual pigments λmax values were determined to be 404 nm (SWS1), 450 nm (SWS2), 499 nm (RH2), and 561 nm (LWS), similar to other characterized bird visual pigment absorbance values. The oil droplet cutoff wavelength (λcut) values similarly fell within ranges recorded from other avian species: 576 nm (R-type), 522 nm (Y-type), 506 nm (P-type), and 448 nm (C-type). We confirm that G. americana has a violet-sensitive visual system, although based on the λmax of the SWS1 visual pigment (404 nm) may also have some ability for UV sensitivity.
Larval size and age affect colonization in a marine invertebrate
Authors: Marshall Dustin J. , Steinberg Peter D.
Published: September 2014

The relationship between offspring size and performance determines the optimal trade-off between producing many small offspring or fewer large offspring and the existence of this relationship has become a central tenet of life-history theory. For organisms with multiple life-history stages, the relationship between offspring size and performance is the product of the effects of offspring size in each life-history stage. Marine invertebrates have long been a model system for examining the evolutionary ecology of offspring size, and whilst offspring size effects have been found in several life-history stages, the crucial stage of colonization has received less attention. We examined the effect of offspring size on the settlement response of sea-urchin larvae (Heliocidaris erythrogramma) to preferred and less preferred hostplants, how these effects changed over the larval period and estimated the success of juveniles in the field on preferred and less preferred host plants. We found that smaller larvae became competent to respond to preferred host plant cues sooner than larger larvae but larger larvae rejected less preferred host plants for longer than smaller larvae. Overall, smaller H. erythrogramma larvae are likely to have less dispersal potential and are more likely to settle in less preferred habitats whereas larger larvae appear to have an obligately longer dispersal period but settle in preferred habitats. Our results suggest that marine invertebrates that produce non-feeding larvae may have the potential to affect the dispersal of their offspring in previously unanticipated ways and that offspring size is subject to a complex web of selection across life-history stages.
Pay What You Want as a Marketing Strategy in Monopolistic and Competitive Markets
Authors: Schmidt Klaus M. , Spann Martin , Zeithammer Robert
Published: September 2014

Pay what you want (PWYW) can be an attractive marketing strategy to price discriminate between fair-minded and selfish customers, to fully penetrate a market without giving away the product for free, and to undercut competitors that use posted prices. We report on laboratory experiments that identify causal factors determining the willingness of buyers to pay voluntarily under PWYW. Furthermore, to see how competition affects the viability of PWYW, we implement markets in which a PWYW seller competes with a traditional seller. Finally, we endogenize the market structure and let sellers choose their pricing strategy. The experimental results show that outcome-based social preferences and strategic considerations to keep the seller in the market can explain why and how much buyers pay voluntarily to a PWYW seller. We find that PWYW can be viable on a monopolistic market, but it is less successful as a competitive strategy because it does not drive traditional posted-price sellers out of the market. Instead, the existence of a posted-price competitor reduces buyers' payments and prevents the PWYW seller from fully penetrating the market. When given the choice, most sellers opt for setting a posted price rather than a PWYW pricing strategy. We discuss the implications of these results for the use of PWYW as a marketing strategy.

Data, as supplemental material, are available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2014.1946 .

This paper was accepted by Uri Gneezy, behavioral economics.
Discriminative validity of sensory evaluation in a whiplash-associated disorder II population
Authors: Rushton Alison , Wright Christine , Kontakiotis Nikolaos , Mystrakis Anastasios , Frydas Dimitrios , Heneghan Nicola
Published: September 2014

Aim:

Evidence suggests chronic whiplash is associated with sensory hypersensitivity. Understanding the degree of sensory impairment could enhance rehabilitation strategies. This preliminary study determined whether differences in sensory evaluation occur post whiplash injury.

Methods:

Single-blinded, case control observational study using a convenience sample of 20 participants (median age 28.5 years, low disability) with chronic grade II whiplash-associated disorder (CWADII) and 22 control participants (median age 26 years) with no history of whiplash/neck injury. Outcome measures included vibration and cold pain perception threshold, and joint position error.

Results:

Significant associations using Kendall's tau correlation coefficient were found between: vibration thresholds (thenar and hypothenar eminences) for the CWADII group (p<0.01); cold pain thresholds (thenar, 5th metacarpophalangeal, mid cervical spine) in both groups (p<0.01); joint positioning errors (global positioning following right/left rotations, left rotation/extension) (p<0.01) in the CWADII group; and between vertical direction errors (following right/left rotation) in both groups (p<0.01). Discrimination between groups was not identified using separate logistic regressions on vibration or cold pain thresholds (thenar eminence) or on global flexion/extension/right rotation position errors (p>0.01).

Conclusions:

The findings do not support the use of vibration, cold pain threshold or joint position error to identify individuals with CWADII with low disability.
Validity and reliability of the Portuguese version of the Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity questionnaire
Authors: Silva Anabela G , Queirós Alexandra , Alvarelhão Joaquim , Rocha Nelson P
Published: September 2014

Aim:

To translate and validate a European Portuguese version of the Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity (RAPA) questionnaire.

Methods:

The original English version of RAPA was translated into Portuguese following standardized procedures. Fifty-five Portuguese older adults were assessed in two sessions, approximately one week apart. Test-retest reliability was evaluated by weighted kappa (K). Construct validity was evaluated by Spearman's correlation coefficient between the RAPA and the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS 2.0) and the short physical performance battery (SPPB) (gait and chair stands tests, and total score); and by the Mann-Whitney U test between participants with and without depression and able and unable to complete the SPPB balance test.

Results:

Weighted K was 0.67 (95% CI=0.52–0.81) for reliability. A significant correlation was found between the RAPA and WHODAS 2.0 (rs=–0.47, p<0.01), gait test (rs=–0.45, p<0.01) and total SPPB score (rs=0.45, p<0.01). Participants able to complete the SPPB balance test had higher levels of physical activity than those unable (3.25±1.23 vs 2.37±1.30, p<0.05), and those without depression had higher levels of physical activity than those with depression (3.24±1.23 vs 2.50±1.34, p<0.05).

Conclusions:

The European Portuguese version of the RAPA questionnaire seems valid. However, its reliability requires further investigation.
Survival and early seedling growth of conifers with different shade tolerance in a Sitka spruce spacing trial and relationship to understorey light climate
Authors: Mason William , Edwards Colin , Hale Sophie
Published: September 2014

Alternative silvicultural systems to clearfelling are being adopted in Great Britain as a means of increasing the species and structural diversity of conifer plantation forests. One area where knowledge is lacking is the critical level of below-canopy light for survival and growth of young seedlings. This was investigated by planting seedlings of European larch Larix decidua (Mill.), Scots pine Pinus sylvestris L., Sitka spruce Picea sitchensis (Bong.(Carr.)), Douglas fir Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.(Franco.)), and western hemlock Tsuga heterophylla (Raf. (Sarg.)) in a Sitka spruce plantation thinned to 3 different spacings. The incident light intensity beneath the canopy ranged from about 2 to over 60 per cent of full light. Planting in an adjoining open area provided an indication of growth under full light. Growth and survival of these seedlings were followed for 4 growing seasons. The highest seedling survival was found under the widest spacing and declined with closer spacing and lower light intensity. Only Douglas fir and western hemlock seedlings survived at the closest spacing, and in low percentages. The tallest seedlings of each species were found in the open grown conditions but survival was variable due to increased weed competition. Species-specific growth responses showed little difference under high light conditions but performance at low light was generally consistent with shade tolerance rankings in the literature except that Sitka spruce shade tolerance was slightly lower than expected. Minimum light requirements for these species increased from 10 to 30 per cent of full light with decreasing shade tolerance. Other studies of incident light in Sitka spruce plantations indicated that target basal areas in the range 25â30 m2 haâ1 are required if these light conditions are to be met, which suggests an irregular shelterwood system with frequent interventions should be favoured.
Impacts of different thinning regimes on the yield of uneven-structured Scots pine stands on drained peatland
Authors: Kojola Soili , Penttilä Timo , Laiho Raija
Published: September 2014

Drained peatlands in northern Europe comprise more than 10 million ha of forestland and thus constitute a considerable production potential in forestry. Much of this area consists of stands dominated by Scots pine and close to maturity regarding commercial thinning. The trees within these stands typically vary in terms of age, size, and growth rate. The impacts of silvicultural cuttings on these uneven-structured stands are inadequately known. We simulated the impacts of a control regime with no thinnings, and three different thinning regimes, involving different thinning intensities, on the development of fifteen pine-dominated stands in Finland. The simulations started from the first thinnings and were continued until regeneration maturity. The predicted total yields ranged from 244 to 595 m3 haâ1, depending on site and thinning regime. The highest total yields were observed for the control regime in which 18â38% of the yield was, however, predicted to self-thin by the end of the simulation. Thus, the differences in the yields of merchantable wood were fairly small among the compared regimes. However, the regimes involving thinnings generally needed less time than the control regime to reach regeneration maturity. The mean annual increment of total stem volume was at its highest in the control regime. The highest mean annual increment of merchantable wood was obtained in the regime involving two moderate thinnings, but excluding the most low-productive sites where thinnings did not increase the yield of merchantable wood.
Reproductive biology of Faidherbia albida (Del.) A. Chev
Authors: Gassama-Dia Yaye , Sané Djibril , N'Doye Mansor
Published: September 2014

Phenology, flowering and fructification were studied in 5 natural populations of Faidherbia albida in a semi-arid zone in Senegal. In this species, the inflorescence acts as the reproductive unit; the basal flowers, opening first, have a low rate of fertilisation; the maximum rate of fertilisation (65%) was obtained in the apical flowers. Stigmatic receptivity, tested by esterasic reaction, was maximal immediately after anthesis. Stigmata of F. albida can bear simultaneously 2 or 3 polyads. Controlled pollination revealed that allogamy is the dominant reproductive system (ISI = 0.2) in natural populations of F. albida. Intra-specific variability in selfing (ISI ranging from 0 to 0.54) was also observed. Despite of the complete reproductive mechanism during flowering, only a small number of ripe pods (1.25%) is produced, and an average of 70% of the ovules per carpel are fertilized.
Nutrient allocation, accumulation and above-ground biomass in grey alder and hybrid alder plantations
Authors: Uri Veiko , Tullus Hardi , Lõhmus Krista
Published: September 2014

The aim of the present work was to investigate the nutrient (N,P,K) allocation and accumulation in grey alder (Alnus incana (L.) Moench) and hybrid alder (Alnus incana (L.) Moench x Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn.) plantations growing on former agricultural land and to estimate the above-ground biomass production during 4 years after establishment. In August of the 4th year, when leaf mass was at its maximum, the amount of nitrogen accumulated in above-ground biomass of grey alder stand was 142.0 kg haâ1, the amount of phosphorus 16.3 kg haâ1 and the amount of potassium 49.5 kg haâ1. The amount of nitrogen accumulated in a hybrid alder stand totalled 76.8 kg haâ1, that of phosphorus 6.2 kg haâ1 and that of potassium 28.2 kg haâ1. The smaller amounts of N,P and K bound in the hybrid alder plantation are related to the smaller biomass of the stand. Still, the amounts of N,P and K consumed for the production of one ton of biomass were similar in the case of up to 4-year-old grey alder and hybrid alder stands. In the 4th year, the amount of nutrients consumed in one ton of biomass produced were: 16.0 kg N, 1.6 kg P and 5.4 kg K for grey alder and 14.6 kg N, 1.1 kg P and 5.2 kg K for hybrid alder. In the 4th year the total above-ground biomass (dry mass) of grey alder (15750 plants haâ1) amounted to 12.3 t haâ1, current annual increment being 6.7 t haâ1. In hybrid alder stands (6700 plants haâ1), the respective figures were 6.1 t haâ1 and 4.5 t haâ1. Comparison of the production capacity on the basis of mean stem mass in the 4th year revealed that the stem mass of grey alder exceeded that of hybrid alder (0.64 kg and 0.58 kg, respectively). Grey alder outpaced hybrid alder in height growth; in the 4th year after establishment, the mean height of the grey alder stand was 4.6 Â± 0.9 m and that of the hybrid alder plantation 3.5 Â± 0.9 m.
Foliar potassium concentrations of bilberry, bog bilberry and downy birch as indicators of potassium nutrition of Scots pine on a drained peatland
Authors: Kaunisto Seppo , Sarjala Tytti
Published: September 2014

Leaves of bilberry (V. myrtillus), bog bilberry (V. uliginosum) and downy birch (B. pubescens) were collected five times during a growing season from 18 plots in a drainage area, and needles of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) once during the following winter from the same plots at Parkano, southern Finland. The aim was to study the potassium nutrition of the test plants and relationships between the foliar potassium concentrations of Scots pine and of the test plants. The estimation of the potassium nutrition of test plants was based on the accumulation of putrescine in foliage. Apart from single observations, elevated putrescine concentrations were found when the potassium concentrations were < 5 mg gâ1 in bilberry, < 4 mg gâ1 in bog bilberry and < 6 mg gâ1 in downy birch, and the highest concentrations below the potassium levels of 3.0â3.5 mg gâ1. At the concentrations of 2â3 mg gâ1 the accumulation increased pronouncedly in bog bilberry but less in downy birch and only slightly in bilberry. The foliar potassium concentrations in test plants correlated closely with the concentrations in pine needles. The concentrations of all species in August were quite stable at the levels of the severe and slight potassium deficiency of pine (3.5 and 4.5 mg gâ1 respectively) indicating that August would be suitable for collecting foliage. The concentrations in bog bilberry were very close to the concentrations in pine at the severe and those in bilberry at the slight deficiency level of pine. All test plants could be used for predicting the potassium nutrition of Scots pine, but additional research is needed for the practical application of the method.
Anchorage and asymmetry in the root system of Pinus peuce
Authors: Mickovski Slobodan , Ennos A.
Published: September 2014

The relationship between the anchorage mechanics and root architecture of Pinus peuce was investigated by carrying out winching tests and examining excavated root systems of 20 mature trees. The root system was dominated by 6.1Â±1.3 lateral roots, more than 70% of the lateral root cross sectional area (CSA) being distributed in the uppermost 10 cm of soil. Anchorage strength was related to the size of the tree and CSA. The overturning moment of trees was proportional to the diameter at breast height (DBH) to the power of 1.6. The trees exhibited significant asymmetry in anchorage rigidity, but although there was clustering of lateral roots in a preferred direction the root asymmetry was not significantly correlated with the asymmetry in anchorage rigidity, suggesting that much of the anchorage is provided by tap and sinker roots, rather than the laterals. However, the major laterals showed dorsoventral eccentricity, the more eccentric ones being those that were distributed closer to the soil surface and which pointed perpendicular to the direction of greatest resistance. This suggests that this is a result of thigmomorphogenetic effects. These results are compared with those for the related P. sylvestris and suggest that the assimilation and anchorage characteristics of root systems are controlled independently of each other.
Economic evaluation of container seedling packing and disinfection machinery
Authors: Rantala Juho , Väätäinen Kari , Kiljunen Nuutti , Harstela Pertti
Published: September 2014

Productivity and costs of packing container seedlings were studied in a mechanised line for packing and disinfecting seedling trays. The hypothesis was that adequate cost-efficiency could be achieved when some common principles of mechanisation were applied. Results indicated that the unit costs are lower than those of manual packing, if these principles were applied and the annual number of packed seedlings exceeded 6 million. However, most of the nurseries in Finland are still too small to gain a real advantage from large-scale production.
Estimating individual tree growth with the k-nearest neighbour and k-Most Similar Neighbour methods
Authors: Sironen Susanna , Kangas Annika , Maltamo Matti , Kangas Jyrki
Published: September 2014

The purpose of this study was to examine the use of non-parametric methods in estimating tree level growth models. In non-parametric methods the growth of a tree is predicted as a weighted average of the values of neighbouring observations. The selection of the nearest neighbours is based on the differences between tree and stand level characteristics of the target tree and the neighbours. The data for the models were collected from the areas owned by Kuusamo Common Forest in Northeast Finland. The whole data consisted of 4051 tally trees and 1308 Scots pines (Pinus sylvestris L.) and 367 Norway spruces (Picea abies Karst.). Models for 5-year diameter growth and bark thickness at the end of the growing period were constructed with two different non-parametric methods: the k-nearest neighbour regression and k-Most Similar Neighbour method. Diameter at breast height, tree height, mean age of the stand and basal area of the trees larger than the subject tree were found to predict the diameter growth most accurately. The non-parametric methods were compared to traditional regression growth models and were found to be quite competitive and reliable growth estimators.
Effects of wood ash fertilization on forest soil chemical properties
Authors: Saarsalmi Anna , Mälkönen Eino , Piirainen Sirpa
Published: September 2014

The effects of wood ash fertilization on soil chemical properties were studied in three young Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) plantations and a Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) plantation with different site fertility in southern Finland. The dose of 3 t haâ1 of loose wood ash was applied to 4 replicate plots (25 x 25 m) at each experiment. Humus layer and mineral soil samples were taken before the treatment and 7 and 16 years after wood ash application. Results showed that neutralization as well as fertilization effects of wood ash on forest soil were of long duration. An ash-induced pH increase of 0.6â1.0 pH units and exchangeable acidity (EA) decrease of 58â83% were detected in the humus layer 16 years after wood ash application. The decrease in acidity was most pronounced on the Calluna site with initially the lowest pH and highest EA. In the mineral soil the increase in pH was observed later than in the humus layer. After 16 years, the mineral soil pH was increased (0.2â0.3 pH units) on the Vaccinium and Myrtillus sites. A corresponding and in most cases a significant increase in the extractable Ca and Mg concentrations was detected in both the humus layer and in the mineral soil. Wood ash significantly increased the effective cation exchange capacity (CECe) and base saturation (BS) but decreased the concentration of exchangeable Al in both soil layers on all the sites. No response of N availability to wood ash application could be found.
Forecasting probability distributions of forest yield allowing for a Bayesian approach to management planning
Authors: Nyström Kenneth , Ståhl Göran
Published: September 2014

Probability distributions of stand basal area were predicted and evaluated in young mixed stands of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) and birch (Betula pendula Roth and Betula pubescens Ehrh.) in Sweden. Based on an extensive survey of young stands, individual tree basal area growth models were estimated using a mixed model approach to account for dependencies in data and derive the variance/covariance components needed. While most of the stands were reinventoried only once, a subset of the stands was revisited a second time. This subset was used to evaluate the accuracy of the predicted stand basal area distributions. Predicting distributions of forest yield, rather than point estimates, allows for a Bayesian approach to planning and decisions can be made with due regard to the quality of the information.
Variation in flowering abundance and its impact on the genetic diversity of the seed crop in a Norway spruce seed orchard
Authors: Nikkanen Teijo , Ruotsalainen Seppo
Published: September 2014

The variation in flowering abundance was studied in a Norway spruce seed orchard, located in southern Finland (62Â°13'N, 25Â°24'E), consisting of 67 clones from northern Finland (64Â°â67Â°N). The flowering variation in 1984â1996 was studied at the annual, clonal and graft level. In addition, the genetic diversity of an imaginary seed crop was estimated using a concept of status number. The between-year variation was large in both female and male flowering. Differences in flowering abundance among the clones were large and statistically significant in all the years studied. The average broad-sense heritability values for female and male flowering were 0.37 and 0.38, respectively, but varied considerably from year to year. The correlations between the flowering abundance of the clones in different years were usually positive and significant. However, the correlations for two pairs of successive good flowering years showed that the same clones usually flowered well in the first year in both pairs of years, and the other clones in the second year. The clonal differences in flowering could not be explained by geographic origin, but were more dependent on the graft size. Our results demonstrate that the variation in the ramet number, flowering abundance and pollen contamination must be included when estimating the genetic diversity of the seed crop in a seed orchard. The relative status number of the seed orchard was 84% of the number of clones when the variation in the ramet number was included. The relative status numbers after adjusting for the variation in female and male flowering were on the average 46 and 55%, respectively, and 59% when adjusting for both genders together. Pollen contamination increased the status number considerably.
Economic and ecological effects of diameter-limit and BDq management regimes: simulation results for northern hardwoods
Authors: Buongiorno Joseph , Kolbe Audra , Vasievich Mike
Published: September 2014

The long-term financial and ecological effects of diameter-limit regimes and basal-area-diameter-q-ratio (BDq) regimes were compared by simulation in the case of northern hardwood forests. Varying the cutting cycle between 10 and 20 years had little effect on returns or stand structure. A 28-cm diameter-limit cut gave the highest production and financial returns, and the highest species diversity, but considerably lower size diversity. A 38-cm diameter-limit cut and a heavy BDq selection harvest gave high returns, while maintaining high levels of diversity. On lands of equal site quality, Michiganâs stands were more productive than Wisconsinâs. The results suggest that it is possible to manage northern hardwood stands sustainably with diameter-limit cuts, combined with removal of poorly performing understory trees. Adjusting the diameter limit gave rise to stands similar in productivity and structure to those obtained by BDq cutting regimes. Given their simplicity of implementation and monitoring, more attention should be given to diameter-limit cutting regimes, with attendant stand improvement measures, as a practical means for uneven-aged management of northern hardwoods.
Social forestry reconsidered
Authors: Hyde William , Köhlin Gunnar
Published: September 2014

This paper reviews the expectations for forestryâs contribution to rural development â and for its special contributions to the most disadvantaged, to women and the landless users of the forest commons. A growing literature challenges some of these expectations; in particular, certain expectations about cultural differences and physical stocks as explanatory factors for patterns of household behavior. This literature could also be used to support a call for sharper definitions of deforestation, improved indicators of the effects of forest resources on the rural poor, and improved design of forest policy interventions. Our paper reviews the literature, suggests some unifying themes, and identifies the critical issues that remain unanswered. The primary contention arising from this literature is that households follow systematic patterns of economic behavior in their consumption and production of forest resources, and that policy interventions in social forestry should be analyzed with regard to markets, policies, and institutions. Markets for forest resources generally exist in some form â although they may be thin. Successful forestry projects and policies require careful identification of the target populations and careful estimation of market and market-related effects on the household behavior of these populations. Institutional structures that assure secure rights for scarce forest resources are uniquely important in a forest enviornment often characterized by open access resources and weak government administration. Social and community forestry, improved stoves, improved strains of multi-purpose trees, and even private commercial forest operations can all improve local welfare, but only where scarcity is correctly identified and the appropriate institutions are in place. An increasing number of observations of afforestation from developing countries around the world is evidence that forestry activities do satisfy these conditions in selective important cases. The critical point for policy is to identify the characteristics of these successful cases that are predictive of other cases where new forestry activities can be welfare enhancing.
Use of uncertain inventory data in forestry scenario models and consequential incorrect harvest decisions
Authors: Eid Tron
Published: September 2014

Uncertainty in long-term timber production analyses usually focus success of regeneration, growth/mortality of trees and future fluctuations of timber prices/harvest costs, while uncertainty related to inventory data is paid less attention. At the same time, evaluations of inventory methods usually stop when the error level is stated, while the uncertainty accompanied by using the data is seldom considered. The present work addresses uncertain inventory data in long-term timber production analyses. Final harvest decisions, i.e. possible outcome intervals with respect to timing and expected net present value-losses due to incorrect timing, were considered. A case study was presented where inventory data errors according to different error levels were generated randomly. The selected error levels were based on observations from practical forest inventories in Norway. The analysis tool was GAYA-JLP. The impact of errors on decisions was derived through repeated computations of management strategies maximising net present value without harvest path constraints. A real rate of discount of 3% and an error level of 15% resulted in expected net present value-losses of 1 NOK haâ1 for basal area, 63 NOK haâ1 for mean height, 210 NOK haâ1 for site quality, 240 NOK haâ1 for stand age, and 499 NOK haâ1 when random errors occurred simultaneously for all these variables. The expected net present value-losses varied considerably. The largest losses appeared for stands with ages around optimal economical rotation ages. The losses were also relatively large for young stands, while they were relatively low for overmature stands. The experiences from the case study along with considerations related to other sources of uncertainty may help us to get a more realistic attitude to the reliability of long-term timber production analyses. The results of the study may also serve as a starting point in a decision oriented inventory planning concept, in which alternatives for inventory design and intensity are based on considerations with respect to inventory costs as well as net present value-losses.
Market model with long-term effects – empirical evidence from Finnish forestry returns
Authors: Heikkinen Veli-Pekka , Kanto Antti
Published: September 2014

The aim of the study is to reformulate the conventional market model by considering also long-run characteristics of forestry returns. Finnish stumpage prices and the stock market index are found co-integrated. Co-integration relationship between timber and stock market indicates that there are factors in timber market like high transaction costs, illiquidity or temporal lack of information, and in the Finnish case, price recommendations that are priced by market. The presence of long-run effects may make the short-term market model mis-specified and it may give misleading and incomplete results concerning the expected risk and return of forestry. In our case, the market model risk beta was only slightly biased. This study indicates that an error-correction model is more appropriate model than the market model.
The KITE Model for Assessment of Academic Software Products
Authors: Rojas Galeano Sergio Andrés , Diosa Henry Alberto , Melgarejo Rey Miguel Alberto
Published: September 2014

We reflect on the topic of assessing the merit of soft-ware products developed by research groups within the
academia. For this aim, a model is proposed consisting of four determinants defining the scoring of an arbitrary software product: new knowledge dissemination effect (K), impact in target population (I), technological in-novation (T), and engineering achievement (E). These determinants are integrated into a “KITE” graphical model. The model admits both a geometric or numeric interpretation, enabling decision makers to analyze pro-files of software productivity of an academic unit, from a quantitative or qualitative viewpoint. The ratings en-abling the software to be scored in each determinant are
also described. Preliminary test lists are sketched as a
proposal of measurement instruments for these scores, according to the model.
Harmonization in hemolysis detection and prevention. A working group of the Catalonian Health Institute (ICS) experience
Authors: Fernandez Pilar , Llopis María Antonia , Perich Carmen , Alsina Maria Jesús , Alvarez Virtudes , Biosca Carmen , Busquets Gloria , Domenech Maria Vicenta , Gómez Rubén , Llovet Isabel , Minchinela Joana , Pastor Rosa , Ruiz Rosa , Tarrés Ester , Ibarz Mercè , Simón Margarita , Montesinos Mercè
Published: September 2014

Hemolysis is the main cause of non-quality samples in clinical laboratories, producing the highest percentage of rejections in the external assurance programs of preanalytical quality. The objective was to: 1) study the agreement between the detection methods and quantification of hemolysis; 2) establish comparable hemolysis interference limits for a series of tests and analytical methods; and 3) study the preanalytical variables which most influence hemolysis production.

Different hemoglobin concentration standards were prepared using the reference method. Agreement was studied between automated methods [hemolytic indexes (HI)] and reference method, as well as the interference according to hemolysis degree in various biochemical tests was measured. Preanalytical variables which could influence hemolysis production were studied: type of extraction, type of tubes, transport time, temperature and centrifugation conditions.

Good agreement was obtained between hemoglobin concentrations measured using the reference method and HI, for the most of studied analyzers, particularly those giving quantitative HI. The hemolysis interference cut-off points obtained for the majority of tests studied (except LDH, K) are dependent on the method/analyzer utilized. Furthermore, discrepancies have been observed between interference limits recommended by the manufacturer. The preanalytical variables which produce a lower percentage of hemolysis rejections were: centrifugation at the extraction site, the use of lower volume tubes and a transport time under 15 min at room temperature.

The setting of interference limits (cut-off) for each used test/method, and the study of preanalytical variability will assist to the results harmonization for this quality indicator.