Proteomic analysis of the major birch allergen Bet v 1 predicts allergenicity for 15 birch species.

PubMed

Schenk, Martijn F; Cordewener, Jan H G; America, Antoine H P; Peters, Jeroen; Smulders, Marinus J M; Gilissen, Luud J W J

2011-08-12

Pollen of the European and Asian white birch (Betula pendula and B. platyphylla) causes hay fever in humans. The allergenic potency of other birch species is largely unknown. To identify birch trees with a reduced allergenicity, we assessed the immunochemical characteristics of 15 species and two hybrids, representing four subgenera within the genus Betula, while focusing on the major pollen allergen Bet v 1. Antigenic and allergenic profiles of pollen extracts from these species were evaluated by SDS-PAGE and Western blot using pooled sera of birch-allergic individuals. Tryptic digests of the Bet v 1 bands were analyzed by LC-MS(E) to determine the abundance of various Bet v 1 isoforms. Bet v 1 was the most abundant pollen protein across all birch species. LC-MS(E) confirmed that pollen of all species contained a mixture of multiple Bet v 1 isoforms. Considerable differences in Bet v 1 isoform composition exist between birch species. However, isoforms that are predicted to have a high IgE-reactivity prevailed in pollen of all species. Immunoblotting confirmed that all pollen extracts were similar in immune-reactivity, implying that pollen of all birch species is likely to evoke strong allergic reactions. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Organic matter characteristics in boreal forest soils under stands of silver birch, Norway spruce, and Norway spruce with a mixture of silver birch

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smolander, A.; Kitunen, V.

2012-04-01

The aim was to study how tree species and a tree species mixture affect microbial C and N transformations and two major plant secondary compound groups, terpenes and phenolic compounds in soil. The study site was a tree-species experiment in middle-eastern part of Finland containing plots of 43-year-old silver birch, Norway spruce and Norway spruce with a mixture of silver birch (22 and 37 % birch of the total stem number). Soil was podzol and humus type mor. Samples were taken from the organic layer. C and N in the microbial biomass, rates of C mineralization (CO2 evolution), net N mineralization and nitrification, and concentrations of total water-soluble phenolic compounds, condensed tannins and different kind of terpenes were measured. Amounts of C and N in the microbial biomass and the rates of C mineralization and net N mineralization were all lower under spruce than birch, and particularly net N mineralization was stimulated by birch mixture. Concentrations of total water-soluble phenolic compounds were on a similar level, irrespective of tree species. However, there were less low-molecular-weight phenolics and more high-molecular-weight phenolics under spruce than birch. Concentrations of condensed tannins and both sesqui- and diterpenes were all higher under spruce than birch but the concentrations of triterpenes were similar in all soils. The difference between tree species was greatest with monoterpenes which were measured from both organic layer and soil atmosphere: high concentrations under spruce and negligible under birch. Birch mixture tended to decrease the concentrations of condensed tannins and mono-, sesqui- and diterpenes.

Thinning and pruning in young birch stands

Treesearch

Richard M. Godman; David A. Marquis

1969-01-01

Yellow birch and paper birch are similar in that both are light-demanding throughout most of their life and require freedom from competition to produce high-value products. However, the two species differ markedly in other silvical characteristics. Yellow birch seldom constitutes a large proportion of the stand: it grows slowly and is long-lived. In contrast, paper...

HOW to Grow and Maintain a Healthy Birch Tree

Treesearch

Steven Katovich; Robert Wawrzynski; Dennis Haugen; Barbara Spears

1997-01-01

Birch trees are prized for their outstanding bark characteristics and their graceful delicate foliage. Numerous species and cultivars are used in landscapes, and almost all are distinctive in bark coloration, growth form, and susceptibility to certain insect pests. Though homeowners often desire birch as an ornamental tree, they soon discover that birch can be very...

Evaluation of the retail market potential for locally produced paper birch lumber in Alaska.

Treesearch

David L. Nicholls

2002-01-01

An evaluation of the retail market potential for random-width paper birch ( Betula papyrifera Marsh.) lumber in Alaska was conducted. Information from lumber manufacturers and retail managers was used to identify current barriers to customer acceptance of locally produced paper birch lumber. Major retail markets and paper birch producing regions throughout Alaska were...

Establishing an Alaskan birch syrup industry: Birch Syrup—It’s the Un-maple!TM

Treesearch

Marlene Cameron

2001-01-01

Ten years ago a small group of Alaskans began commercial production of birch syrup from the sap of the paper birch, Betula papyrifera, and established an industry that is expanding in response to demand and has the potential to make a significant contribution to Alaska's economy. There are still many problems to be solved; research and...

Root-Crown Relations of Young Sugar Maple and Yellow Birch

Treesearch

Carl H. Tubbs

1977-01-01

Young forest-grown sugar maple and yellow birch (1 to 6 inches d.b.h.) crowns were mapped and roots excavated. Crown dimensions were compared. Sugar maple roots usually terminated within a few feet of the crown perimeter. Yellow birch roots frequently terminated well outside crown perimeters and roots of birch were more irregularly distributed than those of maple....

Consumer preferences and willingness to pay for character-marked cabinets from Alaska birch.

Treesearch

Geof Donovan; David Nicholls

2003-01-01

Alaska birch lumber has a higher occurrence of defects (knots, bark pockets, flecks, spalting, etc.) when compared to competing hardwoods. These defects are a disadvantage when birch lumber is graded under standard National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA) grading rules. This paper examines whether defects and other character markings found in birch lumber may be an...

Silvical characteristics of yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis)

Treesearch

Adrian M. Gilbert

1960-01-01

Of the birches in the Northeast, the yellow birch is the elite species, by far the most valuable as a timber tree. More than that, it is one of the largest deciduous trees of northeastern America. It may reach 100 feet in height and more than 3 feet in diameter, and may live to 300 years of age. Pioneers told tales of the gigantic yellow birches they saw.

A method to derive vegetation distribution maps for pollen dispersion models using birch as an example

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pauling, A.; Rotach, M. W.; Gehrig, R.; Clot, B.

2012-09-01

Detailed knowledge of the spatial distribution of sources is a crucial prerequisite for the application of pollen dispersion models such as, for example, COSMO-ART (COnsortium for Small-scale MOdeling - Aerosols and Reactive Trace gases). However, this input is not available for the allergy-relevant species such as hazel, alder, birch, grass or ragweed. Hence, plant distribution datasets need to be derived from suitable sources. We present an approach to produce such a dataset from existing sources using birch as an example. The basic idea is to construct a birch dataset using a region with good data coverage for calibration and then to extrapolate this relationship to a larger area by using land use classes. We use the Swiss forest inventory (1 km resolution) in combination with a 74-category land use dataset that covers the non-forested areas of Switzerland as well (resolution 100 m). Then we assign birch density categories of 0%, 0.1%, 0.5% and 2.5% to each of the 74 land use categories. The combination of this derived dataset with the birch distribution from the forest inventory yields a fairly accurate birch distribution encompassing entire Switzerland. The land use categories of the Global Land Cover 2000 (GLC2000; Global Land Cover 2000 database, 2003, European Commission, Joint Research Centre; resolution 1 km) are then calibrated with the Swiss dataset in order to derive a Europe-wide birch distribution dataset and aggregated onto the 7 km COSMO-ART grid. This procedure thus assumes that a certain GLC2000 land use category has the same birch density wherever it may occur in Europe. In order to reduce the strict application of this crucial assumption, the birch density distribution as obtained from the previous steps is weighted using the mean Seasonal Pollen Index (SPI; yearly sums of daily pollen concentrations). For future improvement, region-specific birch densities for the GLC2000 categories could be integrated into the mapping procedure.

Birch nutrition

Treesearch

Merrill C. Hoyle; John C. Bjorkbom

1969-01-01

Much of the slow growth and low quality of our birches and other northern hardwoods in New England can be traced to inadequate soil fertility. This problem can be overcome by remedial fertilization, which will enhance the production of healthy, vigorous birch trees.

Recombinant Mal d 1 facilitates sublingual challenge tests of birch pollen-allergic patients with apple allergy.

PubMed

Kinaciyan, T; Nagl, B; Faustmann, S; Kopp, S; Wolkersdorfer, M; Bohle, B

2016-02-01

It is still unclear whether allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) with birch pollen improves birch pollen-related food allergy. One reason for this may be the lack of standardized tests to assess clinical reactions to birch pollen-related foods, for example apple. We tested the applicability of recombinant (r) Mal d 1, the Bet v 1-homolog in apple, for oral challenge tests. Increasing concentrations of rMal d 1 in 0.9% NaCl were sublingually administered to 72 birch pollen-allergic patients with apple allergy. The dose of 1.6 μg induced oral allergy syndromes in 26.4%, 3.2 μg in 15.3%, 6.3 μg in 27.8%, 12.5 μg in 8.3%, 25 μg in 11.1%, and 50 μg in 4.2% of the patients. No severe reactions occurred. None of the patients reacted to 0.9% NaCl alone. Sublingual administration of 50 μg of rMal d 1 induced no reactions in three nonallergic individuals. Our approach allows straight forward, dose-defined sublingual challenge tests in a high number of birch pollen-allergic patients that inter alia can be applied to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of birch pollen AIT on birch pollen-related food allergy. © 2015 The Authors. Allergy Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

High correlation of specific IgE sensitization between birch pollen, soy and apple allergens indicates pollen-food allergy syndrome among birch pollen allergic patients in northern China.

PubMed

Hao, Guo-Dong; Zheng, Yi-Wu; Wang, Zhi-Xiang; Kong, Xing-Ai; Song, Zhi-Jing; Lai, Xu-Xin; Spangfort, Michael D

2016-05-01

Birch pollen sensitization and associated pollen-food syndrome among Chinese allergic patients have not been investigated. Sera from 203 allergic patients from the northern part of China and collected during February to July 2014 were investigated. Specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) against birch pollen extract Bet v and major birch pollen allergen Bet v 1 were measured using the ADVIA Centaur. The presence of major apple allergen Mal d 1 and soy bean allergen Gly m 4 specific IgE was measured by ImmunoCAP 100. Among the 203 sera, 34 sera (16.7%) had specific IgE to Bet v and of these, 28 sera (82.4%) contained Bet v 1-specific IgE. Among the 28 sera with Bet v 1-specific IgE, 27 sera (96.4%) contained Mal d 1-specific IgE and 22 sera (78.6%) contained Gly m 4-specific IgE. Of the 34 Bet v-positive sera, 6 sera (17.6%) contained no specific IgE for Bet v 1, Mal d 1, or Gly m 4. Almost all Bet v-positive sera were donated during the birch pollen season. The prevalence of birch allergy among patients visiting health care during pollen season can be as high as 16.7% in Tangshan City. The majority of Chinese birch allergic patients are IgE-sensitized to the major birch pollen allergen Bet v 1 as well as to the major apple allergen Mal d 1 and soy bean allergen Gly m 4. A relatively high number of patients (17.6%) are IgE-sensitized to birch pollen allergen(s) other than Bet v 1. The high prevalence of specific IgE to Mal d 1 and Gly m 4 among Bet v 1-sensitized patients indicates that pollen-food allergy syndrome could be of clinical relevance in China.

Immersion freezing of birch pollen washing water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Augustin, S.; Wex, H.; Niedermeier, D.; Pummer, B.; Grothe, H.; Hartmann, S.; Tomsche, L.; Clauss, T.; Voigtländer, J.; Ignatius, K.; Stratmann, F.

2013-11-01

Birch pollen grains are known to be ice nucleating active biological particles. The ice nucleating activity has previously been tracked down to biological macromolecules that can be easily extracted from the pollen grains in water. In the present study, we investigated the immersion freezing behavior of these ice nucleating active (INA) macromolecules. Therefore we measured the frozen fractions of particles generated from birch pollen washing water as a function of temperature at the Leipzig Aerosol Cloud Interaction Simulator (LACIS). Two different birch pollen samples were considered, with one originating from Sweden and one from the Czech Republic. For the Czech and Swedish birch pollen samples, freezing was observed to start at -19 and -17 °C, respectively. The fraction of frozen droplets increased for both samples down to -24 °C. Further cooling did not increase the frozen fractions any more. Instead, a plateau formed at frozen fractions below 1. This fact could be used to determine the amount of INA macromolecules in the droplets examined here, which in turn allowed for the determination of nucleation rates for single INA macromolecules. The main differences between the Swedish birch pollen and the Czech birch pollen were obvious in the temperature range between -17 and -24 °C. In this range, a second plateau region could be seen for Swedish birch pollen. As we assume INA macromolecules to be the reason for the ice nucleation, we concluded that birch pollen is able to produce at least two different types of INA macromolecules. We were able to derive parameterizations for the heterogeneous nucleation rates for both INA macromolecule types, using two different methods: a simple exponential fit and the Soccer ball model. With these parameterization methods we were able to describe the ice nucleation behavior of single INA macromolecules from both the Czech and the Swedish birch pollen.

m-BIRCH: an online clustering approach for computer vision applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Madan, Siddharth K.; Dana, Kristin J.

2015-03-01

We adapt a classic online clustering algorithm called Balanced Iterative Reducing and Clustering using Hierarchies (BIRCH), to incrementally cluster large datasets of features commonly used in multimedia and computer vision. We call the adapted version modified-BIRCH (m-BIRCH). The algorithm uses only a fraction of the dataset memory to perform clustering, and updates the clustering decisions when new data comes in. Modifications made in m-BIRCH enable data driven parameter selection and effectively handle varying density regions in the feature space. Data driven parameter selection automatically controls the level of coarseness of the data summarization. Effective handling of varying density regions is necessary to well represent the different density regions in data summarization. We use m-BIRCH to cluster 840K color SIFT descriptors, and 60K outlier corrupted grayscale patches. We use the algorithm to cluster datasets consisting of challenging non-convex clustering patterns. Our implementation of the algorithm provides an useful clustering tool and is made publicly available.

Can antibrowsing defense regulate the spread of woody vegetation in arctic tundra?

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bryant, John P.; Joly, Kyle; Chapin, F. Stuart; DeAngelis, Donald L.; Kielland, Knut

2014-01-01

Global climate warming is projected to promote the increase of woody plants, especially shrubs, in arctic tundra. Many factors may affect the extent of this increase, including browsing by mammals. We hypothesize that across the Arctic the effect of browsing will vary because of regional variation in antibrowsing chemical defense. Using birch (Betula) as a case study, we propose that browsing is unlikely to retard birch expansion in the region extending eastward from the Lena River in central Siberia across Beringia and the continental tundra of central and eastern Canada where the more effectively defended resin birches predominate. Browsing is more likely to retard birch expansion in tundra west of the Lena to Fennoscandia, Iceland, Greenland and South Baffin Island where the less effectively defended non-resin birches predominate. Evidence from the literature supports this hypothesis. We further suggest that the effect of warming on the supply of plant-available nitrogen will not significantly change either this pan-Arctic pattern of variation in antibrowsing defense or the resultant effect that browsing has on birch expansion in tundra. However, within central and east Beringia warming-caused increases in plant-available nitrogen combined with wildfire could initiate amplifying feedback loops that could accelerate shrubification of tundra by the more effectively defended resin birches. This accelerated shrubification of tundra by resin birch, if extensive, could reduce the food supply of caribou causing population declines. We conclude with a brief discussion of modeling methods that show promise in projecting invasion of tundra by woody plants.

Defects in birch associated with injuries made by Xyloterinus politus Say.

Treesearch

Alex L. Shigo

1966-01-01

The purpose of this note is to give a brief pictorial description of the internal defects in paper birch (Betula papyrifera Marsh.) and yellow birch (B. alleghaniensis Britt.) that are associated with external signs of infestation by the ambrosia beetle Xyloterinus politus (fig. 1). The information was gained...

Elevated CO2 alters birch resistance to Lagomorpha herbivores

Treesearch

William J. Mattson; Kari Kuokkanen; Pekka Niemela; Riitta Julkunen-Tiitto; Seppo Kellomaki; Jorma Tahvanainen

2004-01-01

We studied the three-way interaction of elevated CO2, nitrogen (N), and temperature (T), and the two-way interaction of elevated CO2 and early-season defoliation on the secondary chemistry and resistance of Eurasian silver birch (Betula pendula) and North American paper birch (B. papyrifera...

Management of birch for aesthetics and recreation

Treesearch

John H. Noyes

1969-01-01

When paper birch and yellow birch are managed for aesthetic and recreation purposes, timber values become secondary, although in some instances compatibility exists among the several objectives. At times, timber and wood-products production is excluded entirely in the interests of aesthetics and recreation. In keying forest-management practices to the appearance...

Diseases of birch

Treesearch

Alex L. Shigo

1969-01-01

Paper birch and yellow birch are not attacked by pathogens that cause widespread killing. Most of their diseases are associated with accidents and negligence. The major problems are discoloration and decay associated with wounds on low-vigor trees. Many of these problems could be alleviated through better management. And better management depends on better...

Animal damage to birch

Treesearch

James S. Jordan; Francis M. Rushmore

1969-01-01

A relatively few animal species are responsible for most of the reported damage to the birches. White-tailed deer, yellow-bellied sapsuckers, porcupines, moose, and hares are the major animals involved. We will review reports of damage, discuss the underlying causes, and describe possible methods of control. For example, heavy deer browsing that eliminates birch...

Deciduous birch canopy as unexpected contributor to stand level atmospheric reactivity in boreal forests

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bäck, Jaana; Taipale, Ditte; Aalto, Juho

2017-04-01

In boreal forests, deciduous trees such as birches may in future climate become more abundant due to their large biomass production capacity, relatively good resource use ability and large acclimation potential to elevated CO2 levels and warmer climate. Increase in birch abundance may lead to unpredicted consequences in atmospheric composition. Currently it is acknowledged that conifers such as Scots pine and Norway spruce are important sources for volatile organic compounds (VOCs), especially monoterpenes, throughout the year, although the strong temperature relationships implies that emissions are highest in summertime. However, the dynamics of the deciduous birch foliage VOC emissions and their relationship with environmental drivers during the development, maturation and senescence of foliage has not been well analyzed. Long-term measurements of birch, which are unfortunately very sparse, can provide very useful information for the development of biosphere-atmosphere models that simulate boreal and subarctic forested areas where birch is often a sub-canopy species, occurs as a mixture among conifers or forms even pure stands in the higher latitudes. We measured the branch level VOC emissions from a mature Silver birch with proton transfer reaction mass spectrometer during 2014 and 2015 at the SMEAR II station (Station for Measuring Ecosystem-Atmosphere Relations), southern Finland. Our results showed that the Silver birch foliage is a huge source for both short-chained volatiles such as methanol, acetaldehyde and acetone, as well as for monoterpenes. The mean emission rates from birch leaves were 5 to 10 times higher than the corresponding emissions from Scots pine shoots. We compared several semi-empirical model approaches for determining the birch foliage monoterpene standardized emission potentials, and utilized the continuous emission measurements from the two growing seasons for development of a novel algorithm which accounts for the leaf development and senescence in addition to prevailing temperature and light conditions. With these improvements and inputs to the 1D biosphere-atmosphere model SOSAA (model to Simulate Organic vapours, Sulphuric Acid and Aerosols), we showed that the contribution of Silver birch to stand scale atmospheric reactivity may exceed the ones from conifers, and therefore specific land use and species distribution patterns should be accounted for in biosphere-atmosphere models describing the surface-atmosphere exchange of reactive gases.

The Clinical Impact of Bet v 6 in Birch Pollen-Sensitized Patients.

PubMed

Gellrich, Donata; Eder, Katharina; San Nicoló, Marion; Berghaus, Alexander; Gröger, Moritz

2017-01-01

Bet v 6, a minor birch pollen allergen, is commercially available for allergen-specific IgE antibody testing. However, there is hardly any literature on the clinical impact of Bet v 6. The aim of the present study was to analyze if testing specific IgE against Bet v 6 can add valuable benefit to the standard diagnostics of birch pollen-sensitized patients, especially in patients with unknown sensitization-eliciting allergens. Birch pollen-sensitized patients with missing IgE reactivity against Bet v 1, 2, and 4 were tested for specific IgE antibodies against Bet v 6. For comparison, an equal number of randomly selected patients with birch pollen sensitization, regardless of their individual sensitization patterns, were tested for specific anti-Bet v 6. Of 57 cases with missing reactivity against the standard birch pollen allergens, 2 patients were positive for Bet v 6. In the representative sample, 3 patients showed specific IgE against Bet v 6 - resulting in a total prevalence of 5%. None of the Bet v 6-positive patients showed allergic symptoms after exposure to birch pollen or an oral allergy syndrome. An increased prevalence of asthma and a higher degree of sensitization were the only distinctive clinical features in Bet v 6-positive patients. Among birch pollen-sensitized patients, the prevalence of specific IgE against Bet v 6 is low. Further, sensitization to Bet v 6, which shows characteristics of a panallergen, remains clinically silent. Therefore, determination of anti-Bet v 6 is not considered useful in the clinical routine. © 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Are the birch trees in Southern England a source of Betula pollen for North London?

PubMed

Skjøth, C A; Smith, M; Brandt, J; Emberlin, J

2009-01-01

Birch pollen is highly allergenic. Knowledge of daily variations, atmospheric transport and source areas of birch pollen is important for exposure studies and for warnings to the public, especially for large cities such as London. Our results show that broad-leaved forests with high birch tree densities are located to the south and west of London. Bi-hourly Betula pollen concentrations for all the days included in the study, and for all available days with high birch pollen counts (daily average birch pollen counts>80 grains/m3), show that, on average, there is a peak between 1400 hours and 1600 hours. Back-trajectory analysis showed that, on days with high birch pollen counts (n=60), 80% of air masses arriving at the time of peak diurnal birch pollen count approached North London from the south in a 180 degree arc from due east to due west. Detailed investigations of three Betula pollen episodes, with distinctly different diurnal patterns compared to the mean daily cycle, were used to illustrate how night-time maxima (2200-0400 hours) in Betula pollen counts could be the result of transport from distant sources or long transport times caused by slow moving air masses. We conclude that the Betula pollen recorded in North London could originate from sources found to the west and south of the city and not just trees within London itself. Possible sources outside the city include Continental Europe and the Betula trees within the broad-leaved forests of Southern England.

[Clinical symptoms of the allergic rhinitis and coexisting cross reactions in patients treated with the birch and/or grasses allergens against a background of the pollen exposure].

PubMed

Myszkowska, Dorota; Mazur, Marcel; Ziemianin, Monika; Wach-Pizoń, Małgorzata; Czarnobilska, Ewa

During specific immunotherapy (SIT) it is recommended to monitor the patient symptoms in relation to the exposure of allergen which the patient is treated. The aim of the study was to analyze the clinical symptoms of allergic rhinitis (AR) and cross reactivity in patients undergoing specific immunotherapy using pollen allergens (SIT) (birch and/or grasses) against the pollen exposure in 2014-2016. The study group, consisted of patients with pollen allergy, treated by SIT with birch and grasses allergens, who showed oral allergy symptoms. Patients of the control group were sensitive to birch and/or grasses allergens and they were not treated with SIT. The analyses were based on the results of questionnaires and patient symptom diaries. Timing of the pollen seasons of birch and grasses were similar, however the significantly higher concentration of birch pollen was found in 2014 and 2016, comparing to 2015. The strongest relationship between the pollen concentration and symptoms severity was revealed in the study group in patients desensitized by combined vaccine (birch/grasses), while in the control group, in patients sensitive to both taxa. In 35.3% of patients in the study group, a significant decrease in symptoms after foods was found, especially in patients desensitized with mixed vaccine (birch, grasses) after consumption of vegetables and in patients desensitized with grasses allergens after the fruits and nuts. SIT has a significant impact on the symptoms score reduction, which could be modified by the changeable seasonal pollen exposure.

Natural regeneration of birch in New England

Treesearch

Stanley M. Filip

1969-01-01

Almost any method of cutting will provide some natural regeneration of birch in the northern hardwood forests of New England. However, where high proportions of yellow and paper birch are to be naturally regenerated, cutting and cultural measures must be given special consideration. Generally some form of clearcutting—patches, strips, or blocks—and...

Differential response of Aspen and Birch trees to heat stress under elevated carbon dioxide

Treesearch

Joseph N.T. Darbah; Thomas D. Sharkey; Carlo Calfapietra; David F. Karnosky

2010-01-01

The effect of high temperature on photosynthesis of isoprene-emitting (aspen) and non-isoprene-emitting (birch) trees were measured under elevated CO2 and ambient conditions. Aspen trees tolerated heat better than birch trees and elevated CO2 protected photosynthesis of both species against moderate heat stress. Elevated CO...

How to Grow and Maintain a Healthy Birch Tree

Treesearch

Steven Katovich; Robert Wawrzynski; Dennis Haugen; Barbara Spears

1997-01-01

This publication is targeted for the upper Midwestern states. However, much of the material discussed is relevant anywhere birch is grown as a landscape tree. Birch trees are prized for their outstanding bark characteristics and their graceful, delicate foliage. Numerous species and cultivars are used in landscapes, and almost all are distinctive in bark...

Mating frequency and fecundity in Agrilus anxius (Coleoptera: Buprestidae)

Treesearch

Claire E. Rutledge; Melody A. Keena

2012-01-01

Bronze birch borers (Agrilus anxius Gory) (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), a key pest of birches in North America, have the potential to be a major threat to Eurasian birch forests. Therefore, the consequences of single versus multiple mating on the longevity, fecundity and fertility of female A. anxius were examined. There were three...

77 FR 6556 - Birch Power Company; Notice of Preliminary Permit Application Accepted for Filing and Soliciting...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-02-08

... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Project No. 13102-000] Birch Power... Intervene, and Competing Applications On December 1, 2011, Birch Power Company filed an application for a preliminary permit, pursuant to section 4(f) of the Federal Power Act (FPA), proposing to study the...

Cross-reactivity of IgE antibodies with allergens in birch pollen, fruits and vegetables.

PubMed

Halmepuro, L; Vuontela, K; Kalimo, K; Björkstén, F

1984-01-01

Allergens extracted from apple, carrot, celery tuber and orange were coupled to radioallergosorbent test (RAST) discs. These and commercial birch, mugwort and timothy pollen discs were used to study sera from 90 patients for the presence of IgE antibodies which react with the allergens in question. Individual sera frequently gave positive results with several discs - in particular with birch pollen, apple, carrot and celery tuber discs. If IgE antibodies to birch pollen or apple allergens were detected, there was a 90% chance of antibodies being found also to the second one of these two source materials. Skin tests and patient histories indicated similar clustering of allergies. RAST inhibition experiments showed that the clustering phenomenon was due to cross-reactivity. All immunological determinants in fruits and vegetables appeared to be present also in birch pollen, but all birch pollen determinants were not present in fruits and vegetables. 45 children with atopic dermatitis were studied to establish whether a positive orange RAST would correlate with a history of atopic dermatitis aggravated by orange. The results were negative.

Algological and Mycological Characterization of Soils under Pine and Birch Forests in the Pasvik Reserve

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Korneikova, M. V.; Redkina, V. V.; Shalygina, R. R.

2018-02-01

The structure of algological and mycological complexes in Al-Fe-humus podzols (Albic Podzols) under pine and birch forests of the Pasvik Reserve is characterized. The number of micromycetes is higher in more acid soils of the pine forest, while the species diversity is greater under the birch forest. The genus Penicillium includes the largest number of species. The greatest abundance and occurrence frequency are typical for Penicillium spinulosum, P. glabrum, and Trichoderma viride in pine forest and for Umbelopsis isabellina, Mucor sp., Mortierella alpina, P. glabrum, Aspergillus ustus, Trichoderma viride, and T. koningii in birch forest. Cyanobacteria-algal cenoses of the investigated soils are predominated by green algae. Soils under birch forest are distinguished by a greater diversity of algal groups due to the presence of diatoms and xanthophytes. Species of frequent occurrence are represented by Pseudococcomyxa simplex and Parietochloris alveolaris in soils of the pine forest and by Tetracystis cf. aplanospora, Halochlorella rubescens, Pseudococcomyxa simplex, Fottea stichococcoides, Klebsormidium flaccidum, Hantzschia amphioxys, Microcoleus vaginatus, and Aphanocapsa sp. in soils under birch forest

Distribution and expression characteristics of triterpenoids and OSC genes in white birch (Betula platyphylla suk.).

PubMed

Yin, Jing; Ren, Chun-Lin; Zhan, Ya-Guang; Li, Chun-Xiao; Xiao, Jia-Lei; Qiu, Wei; Li, Xin-Yu; Peng, Hong-Mei

2012-03-01

Betulin and oleanolic acids (pentacyclic triterpenoid secondary metabolites) have broad pharmacological activities and can be potentially used for the development of anti-cancer and anti-AIDS drugs. In this study, we detected the accumulation and the distribution characteristics of betulin and oleanolic acid in various organs of white birch at different ages. We also determined the expression of 4 OSC genes (LUS, β-AS, CAS1 and CAS2) involved in the triterpenoid synthesis pathways by real time RT-PCR. The result showed that the 1-year old birch can synthesize betulin and oleanolic acid. In addition, betulin and oleanolic acids were mainly distributed in the bark, while the content in the root skin and leaf was very low. The content of betulin and oleanolic acid in birch varied in different seasons. The content of betulin and oleanolic acid and their corresponding LUS and β-AS gene expression were very low in 1-year old birch. With increasing age of birch, betulin content was increased, while oleanolic acid was decreased. Similar changes were also observed for their corresponding synthesis genes LUS and β-AS. In the leaf of 1-year old plant, the highest expression of CAS1 and CAS2 occurred at end of September, while expression of LUS and the β-AS was low from June to October. In the stem skin,high expression of β-AS and the LUS genes occurred from the end of July to September. In the root, high expression of the β-AS gene was observed at the end of October. These results indicated that triterpenoid gene expression was similar to the triterpene accumulation. Expression of LUS gene and β-AS gene in birch with different ages were corresponding to the betulinic and oleanolic acid accumulation. Expression of CAS1 and CAS2 genes were elevated with increasing age of birch. This study provides molecular mechanisms of triterpenes synthesis in birch plants.

Effects of soil temperature and elevated atmospheric CO2 concentration on gas exchange, in vivo carboxylation and chlorophyll fluorescence in jack pine and white birch seedlings.

PubMed

Zhang, Shouren; Dang, Qing-Lai

2005-05-01

One-year-old jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) and current-year white birch (Betula papyrifera Marsh.) seedlings were grown in ambient (360 ppm) or twice ambient (720 ppm) atmospheric CO2 concentration ([CO2]) and at three soil temperatures (Tsoil = 7, 17 and 27 degrees C initially, increased to 10, 20 and 30 degrees C two months later, respectively) in a greenhouse for 4 months. In situ foliar gas exchange, in vivo carboxylation characteristics and chlorophyll fluorescence were measured after 2.5 and 4 months of treatment. Low Tsoil suppressed net photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (g(s)) and transpiration rate (E) in jack pine in both CO2 treatments and g(s) and E in white birch in ambient [CO2], but enhanced instantaneous water-use efficiency (IWUE) in both species after 2.5 months of treatment. Treatment effects on g(s) and E remained significant throughout the 4-month study. Low Tsoil reduced maximal carboxylation rate (Vcmax) and PAR-saturated electron transport rate (Jmax) in jack pine in elevated [CO2] after 2.5 months of treatment, but not after 4 months of treatment. Low Tsoil increased actual photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (PSII) in the light (DeltaF/Fm') in jack pine, but decreased DeltaF/Fm' in white birch after 4 months of treatment. In response to low Tsoil, photosynthetic linear electron transport to carboxylation (Jc) decreased in jack pine after 2.5 months and in white birch after 4 months of treatment. Low Tsoil increased the ratio of the photosynthetic linear electron transport to oxygenation (Jo) to the total photosynthetic linear electron transport rate through PSII (Jo/J(T)) in both species after 2.5 months of treatment, but the effects became statistically insignificant in white birch after 4 months of treatment. High Tsoil decreased foliar N concentration in white birch. Elevated [CO2] increased Pn, IWUE and Jc but decreased Jo/J(T) in both species at both measurement times except Jc in white birch after 2.5 months of treatment. Elevated [CO2] also decreased g(s) and E in white birch at high Tsoil, Vcmax in both species and triose phosphate utilization in white birch at low Tsoil after 4 months of treatment, and DeltaF/Fm' in white birch after 2.5 months of treatment. Elevated [CO2] also increased foliar N concentration in both species. Low Tsoil caused no permanent damage to PSII in either species, but jack pine responded and acclimated to low Tsoil more quickly than white birch. Photosynthetic down-regulation and a decrease in photosynthetic electron transport to photorespiration occurred in both species in response to elevated [CO2].

Next-generation transcriptome analysis in transgenic birch overexpressing and suppressing APETALA1 sheds lights in reproduction development and diterpenoid biosynthesis.

PubMed

Huang, Haijiao; Chen, Su; Li, Huiyu; Jiang, Jing

2015-09-01

Overexpression of BpAP1 could cause early flowering in birch. BpAP1 affected the expression of many flowering-related unigenes and diterpenoid biosynthesis in transgenic birch, and BpPI was a putative target gene of BpAP1. APETALA1 (AP1) is an MADS-box transcription factor that is involved in the flowering process in plants and has been a focus of genetic studies examining flower development. Here, we carried out transcriptome analysis of birch (Betula platyphylla Suk.), including BpAP1 overexpression lines, BpAP1 suppression lines, and non-transgenic line (NT). Compared with NT, we detected 8302 and 7813 differentially expressed unigenes in 35S::BpAP1 and 35S::BpAP1RNAi transgenic lines, respectively. Overexpression and suppression of BpAP1 in birch affected diterpenoid biosynthesis and altered expression of many flowering-related unigenes. Moreover, combining information from the RNA-seq database and the birch genome, we predicted downstream target genes of BpAP1. Among the 166 putative target genes of BpAP1, there was a positive correlation between BpAP1 and BpPI. These results provide references for further examining the relationship between BpAP1 and its target genes, and reveal that BpAP1 functions as a transcription regulator in birch.

Birch management on industry lands

Treesearch

Kendall S. Norcott

1969-01-01

I have no revolutionary ideas to offer concerning the management of white and yellow birch. The most I can hope to accomplish is to acquaint you with Brown Company's current and past operating procedures in northern hardwoods, and to relate some of my observations of the results we are getting from harvesting substantial volumes of birch and other commercial...

Birch timber resources of North America

Treesearch

Kenneth L. Quigley; Harold M. Babcock

1969-01-01

The genus Betula is composed of about 40 species of trees and shrubs. This paper deals with two of the most important: paper birch and yellow birch—their geographic ranges, areas of importance, cover types in which they are found, cubic- and board-foot volumes, estimates of growth-allowable cut, removal, and future volume trends. Our data are drawn from...

Potential role of soil calcium in recovery of paper birch following ice storm injury in Vermont, USA

Treesearch

Joshua M. Halman; Paul G. Schaberg; Gary J. Hawley; Christopher F. Hansen

2011-01-01

In recent years, an increased number of mature paper birch (Betula papyrifera Marsh.) and heart-leafed paper birch (B. papyrifera var. cordifolia (Regel) Fern.) in northeastern United States forests have exhibited decline symptoms including foliar loss, reduced fine branching, and tree mortality. We assessed crown health, radial...

Silvical characteristics of paper birch (Betula papyrifera

Treesearch

Russell J. Hutnik; Frank E. Cunningham

1961-01-01

Paper birch (Betula papyrifera Marsh) is commonly known also as white birch. The bark, which gives not only name but also unique character to this tree, is distinguishable from the white bark of other species by its pearly surface, its creamy cast, and its chalky whiteness that rubs off onto clothing. This bark separates easily into papery thin...

Progress in birch genetics and tree improvement

Treesearch

Knud E. Clausen; Peter W. Garrett

1969-01-01

Little interest has been shown in genetic improvement of our native birches until fairly recently, except for the birch breeding and testing begun by the Northeastern Forest Experiment Station in 1940. Before we can begin improvement of a particular species or genus, we need to know how much genetic variation is present and how various characteristics are inherited....

Genome sequencing and population genomic analyses provide insights into the adaptive landscape of silver birch

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Silver birch, Betula pendula, is a common pioneer tree species in boreal forests across Eurasia. In contrast to most other trees, which have generation times from several years to decades, birch can be induced to flower within one year. This, together with a small 440 Mb genome and advanced breedi...

Alaska birch for edge-glued panel production—considerations for wood products manufacturers

Treesearch

David Nicholls

2010-01-01

Edge-glued panels could become a natural extension for the birch (Betula papyrifera Marsh.) lumber industry in Alaska, resulting in greater utilization of the birch resource while allowing producers to explore a wider variety of products and markets. Key advantages of edge-glued panel production include the relatively low cost of equipment, the...

Ice Nuclei from Birch Trees

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Felgitsch, Laura; Seifried, Teresa; Winkler, Philipp; Schmale, David, III; Grothe, Hinrich

2017-04-01

While the importance of heterogeneous ice nucleation in the atmosphere is known, we still know very little about the substances triggering these freezing events. Recent findings support the theory that biological ice nuclei (IN) exhibit the ability to play an important role in these processes. Huffman et al. (2013) showed a burst of biological IN over woodlands triggered by rain events. Birch pollen are known to release a high number of efficient IN if incubated in water (Pummer et al. 2012). Therefore birches are of interest in our research on this topic. Plants native to the timberline, such as birch trees, have to cope with very cold climatic conditions, rendering freezing avoidance impossible. These plants trigger freezing in their extracellular spaces to control the freezing process and avoid intracellular freezing, which would have lethal consequences. The plants hereby try to freeze at a temperature well above homogeneous freezing temperatures but still at temperatures low enough to not be effected by brief night frosts. To achieve this, IN are an important tool. The specific objective of our work was to study the potential sources and distribution of IN in birch trees. We collected leaves, fruit, bark, and trunk cores from a series of mature birch trees in Tyrol, Austria at different altitudes and sampling sites. We also collected samples from a birch tree in an urban park in Vienna, Austria. Our data show a sampling site dependence and the distribution of IN throughout the tree. Our data suggest that leaves, bark, and wood of birch can function as a source of IN, which are easily extracted with water. The IN are therefore not restricted to pollen. Hence, the amount of IN, which can be released from birch trees, is tremendous and has been underrated so far. Future work aims to elucidate the nature, contribution, and potential ecological roles of IN from birch trees in different habitats. Huffman, J.A., Prenni, A.J., DeMott, P.J., Pöhlker, C., Mason, R.H., Robinson, N.H., Frohlich-Nowoisky, J., Tobo, Y., Després, V.R., Garcia, E., Gochis, D.J., Harris, E., Müller-Germann, I., Ruzene, C., Schmer, B., Sinha, B., Day, D.A., Andreae, M.O., Jimenez, J.L., Gallagher, M., Kreidenweis, S.M., Bertram, A.K., and Pöschl, U.: High concentrations of biological aerosol particles and ice nuclei during and after rain, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 13, 1651-1664, 2013. Pummer, B.G., Bauer, H., Bernardi, J., Bleicher, S., and Grothe, H.: Suspendable macromolecules are responsible for ice nucleation activity of birch and conifer pollen, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 12, 2541-2550, 2012.

Responses of human birch pollen allergen-reactive T cells to chemically modified allergens (allergoids).

PubMed

Dormann, D; Ebner, C; Jarman, E R; Montermann, E; Kraft, D; Reske-Kunz, A B

1998-11-01

Allergoids are widely used in specific immunotherapy for the treatment of IgE-mediated allergic diseases. The aim of this study was to analyse whether a modification of birch pollen allergens with formaldehyde affects the availability of T-cell epitopes. Efficient modification of the allergens was verified by determining IgE and IgG binding activity using ELISA inhibition tests. T-cell responses to birch pollen allergoids were analysed in polyclonal systems, using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of five birch pollen-allergic individuals, as well as birch pollen extract-reactive T-cell lines (TCL), established from the peripheral blood of 14 birch pollen-allergic donors. To determine whether the modification of natural (n)Bet v 1 with formaldehyde or maleic anhydride results in epitope-specific changes in T-cell reactivities, 22 Bet v 1-specific T-cell clones (TCC), established from nine additional birch pollen-allergic individuals, were tested for their reactivity with these products. The majority of PBMC and TCL showed a reduced response to the birch pollen extract allergoid. Bet v 1-specific TCC could be divided into allergoid-reactive and -non-reactive TCC. No simple correlation between possible modification sites of formaldehyde in the respective T-cell epitopes and the stimulatory potential of the allergoid was observed. Mechanisms of suppression or of anergy induction were excluded as an explanation for the non-reactivity of representative TCC. All TCC could be stimulated by maleylated and unmodified nBet v 1 to a similar extent. These results demonstrate differences in the availability of T-cell epitopes between allergoids and unmodified allergens, which are most likely due to structural changes within the allergen molecule.

Correlation between the morphogenetic types of litter and their properties in bog birch forests

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Efremova, T. T.; Efremov, S. P.; Avrova, A. F.

2010-08-01

A formalized arrangement of morphogenetic types of litter according to the physicochemical parameters provided their significant grouping in three genetic associations. The litter group (highly decomposed + moderately decomposed) is confined to the tall-grass group of bog birch forests. The rhizomatous (roughly decomposed) litter is formed in the sedge-reed grass bog birch forests. The litter group (peaty + peatified + peat) is associated with the bog-herbaceous-moss group of forest types. The genetic associations of the litters (a) reliably characterize the edaphic conditions of bog birch forests and (b)correspond to formation of the peat of certain ecological groups. We found highly informative the acid-base parameters, the exchangeable cations (Ca2+ + Mg2+) and the total potential acidity, which differentiated the genetic associations of litter practically with 100% probability. The expediency of studying litters under groups of forest types rather than under separate types of bog birch forests was demonstrated.

Management of birch for wildlife habitat

Treesearch

Samuel P. Shaw

1969-01-01

The list of wildlife species known to prefer paper birch and yellow birch as food ls a long one. To mention a few: beavers and porcupines chew on the bark and wood; sapsuckers feed on the sap; other songbirds—notably the redpoll, pine siskin, and chikadee—relish the seeds; ruffed grouse eat the catkins, buds, and seeds (in northern Maine and Canada...

Birch management on New Hampshire state lands

Treesearch

Sargent Goodhue

1969-01-01

Paper birch occurs on New Hampshire's state forests in association with almost all other upland species. The quality wood is found as far south as the Sunapee Range and the Lake Winnipesaukee area. In this northern zone, there is a ready market that recognizes grade and makes paper birch management worthwhile. In the white pine area in the southeastern part of the...

Spatial dynamics of the invasive defoliator amber-marked birch leafminer across the Anchorage landscape

Treesearch

J.E. Lundquist; R.M. Reich; M. Tuffly

2012-01-01

The amber-marked birch leafminer has caused severe infestations of birch species in Anchorage, AK, since 2002. Its spatial distribution has been monitored since 2006 and summarized using interpolated surfaces based on simple kriging. In this study, we developed methods of assessing and describing spatial distribution of the leafminer as they vary from year to year, and...

An entomopathogenic fungus and nematode prove ineffective for biocontrol of an invasive leaf miner Profenusa thomsoni in Alaska

Treesearch

Robert Progar; J.J. Kruse; John Lundquist; K.P. Zogas; M.J. Rinella

2015-01-01

A non-native invasive sawfly, the amber-marked birch leaf miner Profenusa thomsoni (Konow), was first detected in south-central Alaska in 1996 and is now widely distributed throughout urban and wild birch trees in Alaska. Impacts have been considered primarily aesthetic because leaf miners cause leaves of birch trees (Betula...

Fertilization increases diameter growth of birch-beech-maple trees in New Hampshire

Treesearch

L. O. Safford

1973-01-01

In a 60-year-old northern hardwood stand treated with lime plus NPK fertilizer, the following increases in average basal area growth rate over untreated trees were observed: sugar maple 128 percent, paper birch 69 percent, yellow birch 51 percent, and beech 20 percent. Magnitude of response was inversely related to relative growth rate of the species. Growth rate...

Evidence for gap flows in the Birch Creek Valley, Idaho

Treesearch

D. Finn; B. Reese; B. Butler; N. Wagenbrenner; K. L. Clawson; J. Rich; E. Russell; Z. Gao; H. Liu

2016-01-01

A field study was conducted of flows in the Birch Creek Valley in eastern Idaho. There is a distinct topographic constriction in the Birch Creek Valley that creates two subbasins: an upper and lower valley. The data were classified into one of three groups based on synoptic influence (weak/absent, high wind speeds, and other evidence of synoptic influence). Gap flows...

Seed fall in an oldgrowth northern hardwood forest

Treesearch

Raymond E. Graber; William B. Leak; William B. Leak

1992-01-01

Seed fall was measured for 11 years in a 200-year-old stand of sugar maple, yellow birch, and beech in New Hampshire. Yellow birch had 5 good seed years, sugar maple had 3, and beech had none. Viable seed fall of yellow birch began in August and continued through autumn and winter. Most of the viable sugar maple seed fell during a short period in October. Beech seed...

Alaska birch crafts and gifts: marketing practices and demographics.

Treesearch

Rosemarie Braden; David Nicholls

2004-01-01

Craft and gift producers in Alaska who use birch as a primary species were surveyed via mail, telephone calls, and site visits. Forty-two usable mail surveys were obtained for a response rate of 38.5 percent. Firms were in business an average of 13 years and utilized an average of 4,778 board feet of birch per year to produce a variety of craft items, including turned...

Does lignin modification affect feeding preference or growth performance of insect herbivores in transgenic silver birch (Betula pendula Roth)?

PubMed

Tiimonen, Heidi; Aronen, Tuija; Laakso, Tapio; Saranpää, Pekka; Chiang, Vincent; Ylioja, Tiina; Roininen, Heikki; Häggman, Hely

2005-11-01

Transgenic silver birch (Betula pendula Roth) lines were produced in order to modify lignin biosynthesis. These lines carry COMT (caffeate/5-hydroxyferulate O-methyltransferase) gene from Populus tremuloides driven by constitutive promoter 35S CaMV (cauliflower mosaic virus) or UbB1 (ubiquitin promoter from sunflower). The decreased syringyl/guaiacyl (S/G) ratio was found in stem and leaf lignin of 35S CaMV-PtCOMT transgenic silver birch lines when compared to non-transformed control or UbB1-PtCOMT lines. In controlled feeding experiments the leaves of transgenic birch lines as well as controls were fed to insect herbivores common in boreal environment, i.e., larvae of Aethalura punctulata, Cleora cinctaria and Trichopteryx carpinata (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) as well as the adults of birch leaf-feeding beetles Agelastica alni (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) and Phyllobius spp. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). The feeding preferences of these herbivores differed in some cases among the tested birch lines, but these differences could not be directly associated to lignin modification. They could as well be explained by other characteristics of leaves, either natural or caused by transgene site effects. Growth performance of lepidopteran larvae fed on transgenic or control leaves did not differ significantly.

Simulation of water-surface elevations for a hypothetical 100-year peak flow in Birch Creek at the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory, Idaho

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Berenbrock, C.; Kjelstrom, L.C.

1997-10-01

Delineation of areas at the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory that would be inundated by a 100-year peak flow in Birch Creek is needed by the US Department of Energy to fulfill flood-plain regulatory requirements. Birch Creek flows southward about 40 miles through an alluvium-filled valley onto the northern part of the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental laboratory site on the eastern Snake River Plain. The lower 10-mile reach of Birch Creek that ends in Birch Creek Playa near several Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory facilities is of particular concern. Twenty-six channel cross sections were surveyed to developmore » and apply a hydraulic model to simulate water-surface elevations for a hypothetical 100-year peak flow in Birch Creek. Model simulation of the 100-year peak flow (700 cubic feet per second) in reaches upstream from State Highway 22 indicated that flow was confined within channels even when all flow was routed to one channel. Where the highway crosses Birch Creek, about 315 cubic feet per second of water was estimated to move downstream--115 cubic feet per second through a culvert and 200 cubic feet per second over the highway. Simulated water-surface elevation at this crossing was 0.8 foot higher than the elevation of the highway. The remaining 385 cubic feet per second flowed southwestward in a trench along the north side of the highway. Flow also was simulated with the culvert removed. The exact location of flood boundaries on Birch Creek could not be determined because of the highly braided channel and the many anthropogenic features (such as the trench, highway, and diversion channels) in the study area that affect flood hydraulics and flow. Because flood boundaries could not be located exactly, only a generalized flood-prone map was developed.« less

Study on the Modification of Bleached Eucalyptus Kraft Pulp Using Birch Xylan

Treesearch

Wenjia Han; Chuanshan Zhao; Thomas Elder; Rendang Yang; Dongho Kim; Yunqiao Pu; Jeffery Hsieh; Arthur J. Ragauskas

2012-01-01

In this study, birch xylan was deposited onto elementally chlorine free (ECF) bleached eucalyptus kraft pulp, and the corresponding changes in physical properties were determined. An aqueous 5% birch xylan solution at pH 9 was added to 5 wt% slurry of bleached kraft eucalyptus fibers, with stirring at 70 C for 15 min after which the pH was adjusted to 5–6. The xylan...

Super earth interiors and validity of Birch's Law for ultra-high pressure metals and ionic solids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ware, Lucas Andrew

2015-01-01

Super Earths, recently detected by the Kepler Mission, expand the ensemble of known terrestrial planets beyond our Solar System's limited group. Birch's Law and velocity-density systematics have been crucial in constraining our knowledge of the composition of Earth's mantle and core. Recently published static diamond anvil cell experimental measurements of sound velocities in iron, a key deep element in most super Earth models, are inconsistent with each other with regard to the validity of Birch's Law. We examine the range of validity of Birch's Law for several metallic elements, including iron, and ionic solids shocked with a two-stage light gas gun into the ultra-high pressure, temperature fluid state and make comparisons to the recent static data.

Acidic fog and temperature effects on stigmatic receptivity in two birch species

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hughes, R.N.; Cox, R.M.

Factorial assays were performed to determine the effects of simulated acid fog (SAF) and temperature on stigmatic receptivity in two birch species. Excised reproductive branches were sampled from representative individuals of mountain paper birch (Betula cordifolia Regel.) and paper birch (Betula papyrifera Marsh.) in populations adjacent to the Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick, Canada. Since 1979 these trees have exhibited branch dieback in association with abnormal foliar browning symptoms. This browning has been linked with acidity and nitrate deposited by fog, which is frequent in the area. In general, experimental results indicated that pollen germination increased with temperature, but pHmore » effects were less obvious. Similarly, pollen tube growth responded positively to temperature and was little affected by fog acidity. ANOVA tests indicated a significant difference (P < 0.05) between species in their pollen germination response only at 12{degrees}C, and not at the other three temperatures tested. For pollen tube growth, significant differences between species (P < 0.05) were demonstrated at 12 and 22{degrees}C. A significant pH effect was demonstrated at 27{degrees}C for germination, while pH effects on tube growth were significant at 27 and 12{degrees}C (P < 0.01). A response surface regression analysis indicated that acidity significantly affected pollen germination in mountain paper birch (P < 0.001) but not in paper birch. Temperature was not a significant factor for in vivo pollen germination in either species. For pollen tube growth, however, temperature was more important than pH and produced highly significant effects in both species (P < 0.001). Acidity was also a significant factor in pollen tube growth for paper birch. 39 refs., 4 figs., 3 tabs.« less

Environmental Assessment for the Joint Advanced Weapons Scoring System Installation in the Oklahoma Range, Donnelly West Training Area, Alaska

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-06-01

complex, formally known as the Birch Creek Shist. Figure 3-3 – Proposed Donnelly Ridge Tower Site 3.1.4 Soils 3.1.4.1 The Delta Creek channel...in elevation, and fire history. Major vegetation types include white and black spruce coniferous forests; paper birch and poplar broadleaf forests...consists primarily of black spruce, dwarf birch , willow, sedges, and grasses (Figure 3-4). 3.2.2 Wildlife 3.2.2.1 The lands associated

Phenolic Compounds and Expression of 4CL Genes in Silver Birch Clones and Pt4CL1a Lines

PubMed Central

Sutela, Suvi; Hahl, Terhi; Tiimonen, Heidi; Aronen, Tuija; Ylioja, Tiina; Laakso, Tapio; Saranpää, Pekka; Chiang, Vincent; Julkunen-Tiitto, Riitta; Häggman, Hely

2014-01-01

A small multigene family encodes 4-coumarate:CoA ligases (4CLs) catalyzing the CoA ligation of hydroxycinnamic acids, a branch point step directing metabolites to a flavonoid or monolignol pathway. In the present study, we examined the effect of antisense Populus tremuloides 4CL (Pt4CL1) to the lignin and soluble phenolic compound composition of silver birch (Betula pendula) Pt4CL1a lines in comparison with non-transgenic silver birch clones. The endogenous expression of silver birch 4CL genes was recorded in the stems and leaves and also in leaves that were mechanically injured. In one of the transgenic Pt4CL1a lines, the ratio of syringyl (S) and guaiacyl (G) lignin units was increased. Moreover, the transcript levels of putative silver birch 4CL gene (Bp4CL1) were reduced and contents of cinnamic acid derivatives altered. In the other two Pt4CL1a lines changes were detected in the level of individual phenolic compounds. However, considerable variation was found in the transcript levels of silver birch 4CLs as well as in the concentration of phenolic compounds among the transgenic lines and non-transgenic clones. Wounding induced the expression of Bp4CL1 and Bp4CL2 in leaves in all clones and transgenic lines, whereas the transcript levels of Bp4CL3 and Bp4CL4 remained unchanged. Moreover, minor changes were detected in the concentrations of phenolic compounds caused by wounding. As an overall trend the wounding decreased the flavonoid content in silver birches and increased the content of soluble condensed tannins. The results indicate that by reducing the Bp4CL1 transcript levels lignin composition could be modified. However, the alterations found among the Pt4CL1a lines and the non-transgenic clones were within the natural variation of silver birches, as shown in the present study by the clonal differences in the transcripts levels of 4CL genes, soluble phenolic compounds and condensed tannins. PMID:25502441

Waterlogging in late dormancy and the early growth phase affected root and leaf morphology in Betula pendula and Betula pubescens seedlings.

PubMed

Wang, Ai-Fang; Roitto, Marja; Sutinen, Sirkka; Lehto, Tarja; Heinonen, Jaakko; Zhang, Gang; Repo, Tapani

2016-01-01

The warmer winters of the future will increase snow-melt frequency and rainfall, thereby increasing the risk of soil waterlogging and its effects on trees in winter and spring at northern latitudes. We studied the morphology of roots and leaves of 1-year-old silver birch (Betula pendula Roth) and pubescent birch (Betula pubescens Ehrh.) seedlings exposed to waterlogging during dormancy or at the beginning of the growing season in a growth-chamber experiment. The experiment included 4-week dormancy (Weeks 1-4), a 4-week early growing season (Weeks 5-8) and a 4-week late growing season (Weeks 9-12). The treatments were: (i) no waterlogging, throughout the experiment ('NW'); (ii) 4-week waterlogging during dormancy (dormancy waterlogging 'DW'); (iii) 4-week waterlogging during the early growing season (growth waterlogging 'GW'); and (iv) 4-week DW followed by 4-week GW during the early growing season ('DWGW'). Dormancy waterlogging affected the roots of silver birch and GW the roots and leaf characteristics of both species. Leaf area was reduced in both species by GW and DWGW. In pubescent birch, temporarily increased formation of thin roots was seen in root systems of GW seedlings, which suggests an adaptive mechanism with respect to excess soil water. Additionally, the high density of non-glandular trichomes and their increase in DWGW leaves were considered possible morphological adaptations to excess water in the soil, as was the constant density of stem lenticels during stem-diameter growth. The higher density in glandular trichomes of DWGW silver birch suggests morphological acclimation in that species. The naturally low density of non-glandular trichomes, low density of stem lenticels in waterlogged seedlings and decrease in root growth seen in DWGW and DW silver birch seedlings explain, at least partly, why silver birch grows more poorly relative to pubescent birch in wet soils. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Interspecific variation in nighttime transpiration and stomatal conductance in a mixed New England deciduous forest.

PubMed

Daley, Michael J; Phillips, Nathan G

2006-04-01

Transpiration is generally assumed to be insignificant at night when stomata close in response to the lack of photosynthetically active radiation. However, there is increasing evidence that the stomata of some species remain open at night, which would allow for nighttime transpiration if there were a sufficient environmental driving force. We examined nighttime water use in co-occurring species in a mixed deciduous stand at Harvard Forest, MA, using whole-tree and leaf-level measurements. Diurnal whole-tree water use was monitored continuously with Granier-style sap flux sensors in paper birch (Betula papyrifera Marsh.), red oak (Quercus rubra L.) and red maple (Acer rubrum L.). An analysis was conducted in which nighttime water flux could be partitioned between refilling of internal water stores and transpiration. Substantial nighttime sap flux was observed in all species and much of this flux was attributed to the refilling of depleted water stores. However, in paper birch, nighttime sap flux frequently exceeded recharge estimates. Over 10% of the total daily sap flux during the growing season was due to transpiration at night in paper birch. Nighttime sap flux was over 8% of the total daily flux in red oak and 2% in red maple; however, this flux was mainly associated with recharge. On nights with elevated vapor pressure deficit, sap flux continued through the night in paper birch, whereas it reached zero during the night in red oak and red maple. Measurements of leaf-level gas exchange on a night with elevated vapor pressure deficit showed stomatal conductance dropping by only 25% in paper birch, while approaching zero in red oak and red maple. The study highlighted differences in ecophysiological controls on sap flux exerted by co-occurring species. Paper birch is a fast-growing, shade-intolerant species with an earlier successional status than red oak and red maple. Risking water loss through nighttime transpiration may provide paper birch with an ecological advantage by enabling the species to maximize photosynthesis and support rapid growth. Nighttime transpiration may also be a mechanism for delivering oxygen to respiring cells in the deep sapwood of paper birch.

Spatial heterogeneity in the timing of birch budburst in response to future climate warming in Ireland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Caffarra, Amelia; Zottele, Fabio; Gleeson, Emily; Donnelly, Alison

2014-05-01

In order to predict the impact of future climate warming on trees it is important to quantify the effect climate has on their development. Our understanding of the phenological response to environmental drivers has given rise to various mathematical models of the annual growth cycle of plants. These models simulate the timing of phenophases by quantifying the relationship between development and its triggers, typically temperature. In addition, other environmental variables have an important role in determining the timing of budburst. For example, photoperiod has been shown to have a strong influence on phenological events of a number of tree species, including Betula pubescens (birch). A recently developed model for birch (DORMPHOT), which integrates the effects of temperature and photoperiod on budburst, was applied to future temperature projections from a 19-member ensemble of regional climate simulations (on a 25 km grid) generated as part of the ENSEMBLES project, to simulate the timing of birch budburst in Ireland each year up to the end of the present century. Gridded temperature time series data from the climate simulations were used as input to the DORMPHOT model to simulate future budburst timing. The results showed an advancing trend in the timing of birch budburst over most regions in Ireland up to 2100. Interestingly, this trend appeared greater in the northeast of the country than in the southwest, where budburst is currently relatively early. These results could have implications for future forest planning, species distribution modeling, and the birch allergy season.

Rhizosphere C flux from tree roots to soil: spatial and temporal differences between sugar maple and yellow birch saplings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Phillips, R. P.; Fahey, T. J.

2003-12-01

Rhizosphere carbon flux (RCF) has rarely been measured for intact root-soil systems. We measured RCF for eight year-old saplings of sugar maple (Acer saccharum) and yellow birch (Betula allegheniensis) collected from Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest and transplanted into 35 cm diameter pots with native soil horizons intact. We hypothesized birch roots which support ectomycorrhizal fungi would release more C to the rhizosphere than sugar maple roots which support vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Saplings (n=5) were pulse-labeled with 13CO2 at ambient CO2 concentrations for 4-6 hours, and the label was chased through rhizosphere and bulk soil pools in organic and mineral horizons for 7 days. We observed immediate appearance of the label in rhizosphere soil, and there was a striking difference in the temporal pattern of 13C concentration between species. In maple, peak concentration of the label appeared at day 1 and declined over time whereas in birch the label increased in concentration over the 7 day chase period. As a result, total RCF was 2-3 times greater from birch roots. We estimate at least 5% and 10% of NPP may be released from this flux pathway in sugar maple and yellow birch saplings respectively. These results suggest that rhizosphere C flux likely represents a substantial proportion of NPP in northern hardwood forests, and may be influenced by trees species and mycorrhizal association.

Towards numerical forecasting of long-range air transport of birch pollen: theoretical considerations and a feasibility study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sofiev, M.; Siljamo, P.; Ranta, H.; Rantio-Lehtimäki, A.

2006-07-01

This paper considers the feasibility of numerical simulation of large-scale atmospheric transport of allergenic pollen. It is shown that at least small grains, such as birch pollen, can stay in the air for a few days, which leads to a characteristic scale for their transport of ˜103 km. The analytical consideration confirmed the applicability of existing dispersion models to the pollen transport task and provided some reference parameterizations of the key processes, including dry and wet deposition. The results were applied to the Finnish Emergency Dispersion Modelling System (SILAM), which was then used to analyze pollen transport to Finland during spring time in 2002-2004. Solutions of the inverse problems (source apportionment) showed that the main source areas, from which the birch flowering can affect Finnish territory, are the Baltic States, Russia, Germany, Poland, and Sweden—depending on the particular meteorological situation. Actual forecasting of pollen dispersion required a birch forest map of Europe and a unified European model for birch flowering, both of which were nonexistent before this study. A map was compiled from the national forest inventories of Western Europe and satellite images of broadleaf forests. The flowering model was based on the mean climatological dates for the onset of birch forests rather than conditions of any specific year. Utilization of probability forecasting somewhat alleviated the problem, but the development of a European-wide flowering model remains the main obstacle for real-time forecasting of large-scale pollen distribution.

[Distribution characteristics of soil organic carbon of burned area under different restorations.

PubMed

Li, Hong Yun; Xin, Ying; Zhao, Yu Sen

2016-09-01

The distribution characteristics of soil organic carbon (SOC), soil dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and soil microbial biomass carbon (MBC) under different restorations were studied in Larix gmelinii plantation, Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica plantation, artificial promotion poplar-birch forest and the natural secondary poplar-birch forest restored from burned area after the severe fire of Greater Xing' an Mountains in 1987. The results showed that the variations in SOC, DOC and MBC ranged from 9.63 to 79.72 g·kg -1 , from 33.21 to 186.30 mg·kg -1 and from 200.85 to 1755.63 mg·kg -1 , respectively, which decreased with soil depth increasing. There was significant diffe-rence in SOC, DOC and MBC among different restorations, with the maximum carbon contents for artificial promotion poplar-birch forest, followed by L. gmelinii plantation, natural secondary poplar-birch forest and P. sylvestris var. mongolica plantation successively. The soil microbial quotient va-ried from 1.1% under P. sylvestris var. mongolica plantation to 2.3% under artificial promotion poplar-birch forest, and its vertical distributions were different in the four restoration forests. Correlation analysis indicated that MBC had a significant positive correlation with SOC and DOC, respectively. The activity of soil organic carbon in artificial promotion poplar-birch forest was higher than in other forest stands, suggesting a stronger capacity of the soil carbon cycle through natural regeneration with artificial promotion on burned area in Greater Xing'an Mountains.

Phenolic compounds in ectomycorrhizal interaction of lignin modified silver birch

PubMed Central

Sutela, Suvi; Niemi, Karoliina; Edesi, Jaanika; Laakso, Tapio; Saranpää, Pekka; Vuosku, Jaana; Mäkelä, Riina; Tiimonen, Heidi; Chiang, Vincent L; Koskimäki, Janne; Suorsa, Marja; Julkunen-Tiitto, Riitta; Häggman, Hely

2009-01-01

Background The monolignol biosynthetic pathway interconnects with the biosynthesis of other secondary phenolic metabolites, such as cinnamic acid derivatives, flavonoids and condensed tannins. The objective of this study is to evaluate whether genetic modification of the monolignol pathway in silver birch (Betula pendula Roth.) would alter the metabolism of these phenolic compounds and how such alterations, if exist, would affect the ectomycorrhizal symbiosis. Results Silver birch lines expressing quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides L.) caffeate/5-hydroxyferulate O-methyltransferase (PtCOMT) under the 35S cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) promoter showed a reduction in the relative expression of a putative silver birch COMT (BpCOMT) gene and, consequently, a decrease in the lignin syringyl/guaiacyl composition ratio. Alterations were also detected in concentrations of certain phenolic compounds. All PtCOMT silver birch lines produced normal ectomycorrhizas with the ectomycorrhizal fungus Paxillus involutus (Batsch: Fr.), and the formation of symbiosis enhanced the growth of the transgenic plants. Conclusion The down-regulation of BpCOMT in the 35S-PtCOMT lines caused a reduction in the syringyl/guaiacyl ratio of lignin, but no significant effect was seen in the composition or quantity of phenolic compounds that would have been caused by the expression of PtCOMT under the 35S or UbB1 promoter. Moreover, the detected alterations in the composition of lignin and secondary phenolic compounds had no effect on the interaction between silver birch and P. involutus. PMID:19788757

Hydraulic responses to environmental perturbations in Tsuga canadensis and Betula lenta.

PubMed

Daley, Michael J; Phillips, Nathan G; Pettijohn, Justin C; Hadley, Julian

2008-09-01

Eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis (L). Carr.) is a late-successional species found across the northeastern United States of America that is currently threatened by the exotic pest, hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae Annand). Because whole-tree physiological characteristics may scale to influence ecosystem processes, we considered whole-tree hydraulic controls in eastern hemlock and the replacement species black birch (Betula lenta L.). Through a series of misting perturbations, whole-tree resistances (R), capacitances (C) and time constants (tau) were determined from time series sap flux data in eastern hemlock and black birch. Black birch trees responded more rapidly to environmental perturbations than eastern hemlock. Utilizing the step function after applied treatments, whole-tree tau ranged between 9.4 and 24.8 min in eastern hemlock trees compared with 5.9 to 10.5 min in black birch. Species was not a significant predictor of R or C when controlling for tree size. In both species, R decreased with sapwood area and C increased. Our tau results indicate that the loss and replacement of eastern hemlock by black birch will decrease the lag between transpiration and absorption of water from the soil and potentially alter the diurnal pattern of carbon and water uptake.

Multi-Approach Analysis for the Identification of Proteases within Birch Pollen.

PubMed

McKenna, Olivia E; Posselt, Gernot; Briza, Peter; Lackner, Peter; Schmitt, Armin O; Gadermaier, Gabriele; Wessler, Silja; Ferreira, Fatima

2017-07-04

Birch pollen allergy is highly prevalent, with up to 100 million reported cases worldwide. Proteases in such allergen sources have been suggested to contribute to primary sensitisation and exacerbation of allergic disorders. Until now the protease content of Betula verrucosa , a birch species endemic to the northern hemisphere has not been studied in detail. Hence, we aim to identify and characterise pollen and bacteria-derived proteases found within birch pollen. The pollen transcriptome was constructed via de novo transcriptome sequencing and analysis of the proteome was achieved via mass spectrometry; a cross-comparison of the two databases was then performed. A total of 42 individual proteases were identified at the proteomic level. Further clustering of proteases into their distinct catalytic classes revealed serine, cysteine, aspartic, threonine, and metallo-proteases. Further to this, protease activity of the pollen was quantified using a fluorescently-labelled casein substrate protease assay, as 0.61 ng/mg of pollen. A large number of bacterial strains were isolated from freshly collected birch pollen and zymographic gels with gelatinase and casein, enabled visualisation of proteolytic activity of the pollen and the collected bacterial strains. We report the successful discovery of pollen and bacteria-derived proteases of Betula verrucosa .

Exhaled particles as markers of small airway inflammation in subjects with asthma.

PubMed

Larsson, Per; Lärstad, Mona; Bake, Björn; Hammar, Oscar; Bredberg, Anna; Almstrand, Ann-Charlotte; Mirgorodskaya, Ekaterina; Olin, Anna-Carin

2017-09-01

Exhaled breath contains suspended particles of respiratory tract lining fluid from the small airways. The particles are formed when closed airways open during inhalation. We have developed a method called Particles in Exhaled air (PExA ® ) to measure and sample these particles in the exhaled aerosol. Here, we use the PExA ® method to study the effects of birch pollen exposure on the small airways of individuals with asthma and birch pollen allergy. We hypothesized that birch pollen-induced inflammation could change the concentrations of surfactant protein A and albumin in the respiratory tract lining fluid of the small airways and influence the amount of exhaled particles. The amount of exhaled particles was reduced after birch pollen exposure in subjects with asthma and birch pollen allergy, but no significant effect on the concentrations of surfactant protein A and albumin in exhaled particles was found. The reduction in the number of exhaled particles may be due to inflammation in the small airways, which would reduce their diameter and potentially reduce the number of small airways that open and close during inhalation and exhalation. © 2015 The Authors. Clinical Physiology and Functional Imaging published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Degradability of dissolved soil organic carbon and nitrogen in relation to tree species.

PubMed

Kiikkilä, Oili; Kitunen, Veikko; Smolander, Aino

2005-06-01

The degradability and chemical characteristics of water-extractable dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and nitrogen (DON) from the humus layer of silver birch (Betula pendula Roth), Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) stands were compared in short-term incubation of soil solutions. For all extracts the degradation of DOC and DON was low (12-17% loss) and increased in the order: birch, spruce and pine. In the humus layer under pine a relatively larger pool of rapidly degrading dissolved soil organic matter (DOM) was indicated by the [3H]thymidine incorporation technique, which measures the availability of DOM to bacteria. The degradation of DOC was explained by a decrease in the hydrophilic fraction. For DON, however, both the hydrophilic and hydrophobic fractions tended to decrease during incubation. No major differences in concentrations of hydrophilic and hydrophobic fractions were detected between tree species. Molecular size distribution of DOC and DON, however, revealed slight initial differences between birch and conifers as well as a change in birch extract during incubation. The depletion of very rapidly degrading fractions (e.g., root exudates and compounds from the litter) may explain the low degradability of DOM in the humus layer under birch.

The effect of anti-IgE treatment on in vitro leukotriene release in children with seasonal allergic rhinitis.

PubMed

Kopp, Matthias Volkmar; Brauburger, Jens; Riedinger, Frank; Beischer, Dorothee; Ihorst, Gabriele; Kamin, Wolfgang; Zielen, Stefan; Bez; Friedrichs, Frank; Von Berg, Andrea; Gerhold, Kerstin; Hamelmann, Eckard; Hultsch; Kuehr, Joachim

2002-11-01

Binding of allergens with IgE to the IgE receptors on mast cells and basophils results in the release of inflammatory mediators as sulfidoleukotrienes (SLTs), triggering allergic cascades that result in allergic symptoms, such as asthma and rhinitis. We sought to investigate whether anti-IgE (Oma-lizumab), a humanized monoclonal anti-IgE antibody, in addition to specific immunotherapy (SIT) affects the leukotriene pathway. Ninety-two children (age range, 6-17 years) with sensitization to birch and grass pollens and with seasonal allergic rhinitis were included in a phase III, placebo- controlled, multicenter clinical study. All subjects were randomized to one of 4 treatment groups. Two groups subcutaneously received birch SIT and 2 groups received grass SIT for at least 14 weeks before the start of the birch pollen season. After 12 weeks of SIT titration, placebo or anti-IgE was added for 24 weeks. The primary clinical efficacy variable was symptom load (ie, the sum of daily symptom severity score and rescue medication score during pollen season). Blood samples taken at baseline and at the end of study treatment after the grass pollen season were used for separation of leukocytes in this substudy. After in vitro stimulation of the blood cells with grass and birch pollen allergens, SLT release (LTC4, LTD4, and LTE4) was quantified by using the ELISA technique. Before the study treatment, SLT release to birch and grass pollen exposure did not differ significantly among the 4 groups. Under treatment with anti-IgE + SIT-grass (n = 23), a lower symptom load occurred during the pollen season compared to placebo + SIT-grass (n = 24, P =.012). The same applied to both groups receiving birch SIT (n = 23 and n = 22, respectively; P =.03). At the end of treatment, the combination of anti-IgE plus grass SIT, as well as anti-IgE plus birch SIT, resulted in significantly lower SLT release after stimulation with the corresponding allergen (416 ng/L [5th-95th percentile, 1-1168] and 207 ng/L [1-860 ng/L], respectively) compared with placebo plus SIT (2490 ng/L [384-6587 ng/L], P =.001; 2489 ng/L [1-5670 ng/L], P =.001). In addition, treatment with anti-IgE was also followed by significantly lower SLT releases to the allergens unrelated to SIT (grass SIT: 300 ng/L [1-2432 ng/L] in response to birch allergen; birch SIT: 1478 ng/L [1-4593 ng/L] in response to grass pollen) in comparison with placebo (grass SIT: 1850 ng/L [1-5499 ng/L], P =.001; birch SIT: 2792 ng/L [154-5839 ng/L], P =.04]. Anti-IgE therapy reduces leukotriene release of peripheral leukocytes stimulated with allergen in children with allergic rhinitis undergoing allergen immunotherapy independent of the type of SIT allergen used.

Molecular cloning and characterization of a birch pollen minor allergen, Bet v 5, belonging to a family of isoflavone reductase-related proteins.

PubMed

Karamloo, F; Schmitz, N; Scheurer, S; Foetisch, K; Hoffmann, A; Haustein, D; Vieths, S

1999-11-01

Birch pollen is a major cause of pollinosis and is responsible for cross-reactive oral allergies to fruits, nuts, and vegetables. The major allergen, Bet v 1, has been extensively characterized, and 3 minor allergens, Bet v 2, Bet v 3, and Bet v 4, have been cloned and sequenced. Recently, another birch pollen protein with an apparent mass of 35 kd was described as a new IgE-binding protein in birch pollen with cross-reacting homologues in plant foods. The aim of this study was to determine the primary structure of the 35-kd birch pollen allergen and to investigate its immunologic properties. On the basis of a known complementary DNA fragment, a PCR strategy was applied to obtain the full-length nucleotide sequence of the coding region. The protein was expressed as His-Tag fusion protein in Escherichia coli and purified by Ni-chelate affinity chromatography. Nonfusion protein was obtained by cyanogen bromide treatment of the fusion protein. IgE-binding characteristics and potential allergenicity were investigated by immunoblot, immunoblot inhibition analysis, rat basophil leukemia-cell mediator release assay, and basophil histamine release and compared with those of natural (n) Bet v 5, recombinant (r)Bet v 1, and rBet v 2. Recombinant Bet v 5 has a mass of 33 kd, an isoelectric point of 9.0, and sequence identity of 60% to 80% to isoflavone reductase homologue proteins from various plants. On immunoblots the recombinant Bet v 5 bound IgE from 9 (32%) of 28 sera from patients allergic to birch pollen with a CAP class of at least 3; Bet v 1 was detected by 89% of these patients. IgE immunoblot and inhibition experiments showed that nBet v 5 and rBet v 5 shared identical epitopes. A rabbit antiserum raised against pea isoflavone reductase and patients' IgE reacted with Bet v 5 and proteins of similar size in several vegetable foods, including exotic fruits. A similar reaction pattern was obtained with 2 Bet v 5-specific mAbs. Furthermore, Bet v 5 triggered a dose-dependent mediator release from rat basophil leukemia 2H3 cells passively sensitized with murine anti-birch pollen IgE and from basophils of a Bet v 5-reactive subject with birch pollen allergy. In contrast, no mediator release could be induced from basophils of a subject who was monosensitized to Bet v 1. This 33-kd protein, designated as Bet v 5, is a new minor allergen in birch pollen and may be responsible for pollen-related oral allergy to specific foods in a minority of patients with birch pollen allergy. Amino acid sequence comparison and immunoreactivity to anti-isoflavone reductase serum indicate that Bet v 5 is related to isoflavone reductase, a protein family that is involved in plant defense reactions.

Climate change effect on Betula (birch) and Quercus (oak) pollen seasons in US

PubMed Central

Zhang, Yong; Bielory, Leonard; Georgopoulos, Panos G.

2013-01-01

Climatic change is expected to affect the spatiotemporal patterns of airborne allergenic pollen, which has been found to act synergistically with common air pollutants, such as ozone, to cause Allergic Airway Disease (AAD). Observed airborne pollen data from six stations from 1994 to 2011 at Fargo (North Dakota), College Station (Texas), Omaha (Nebraska), Pleasanton (California), Cherry Hill and Newark (New Jersey) in the US were studied to examine climate change effects on trends of annual mean and peak value of daily concentrations, annual production, season start, and season length of Betula (birch) and Quercus (oak) pollen. The Growing Degree Hour (GDH) model was used to establish a relationship between start/end dates and differential temperature sums using observed hourly temperatures from surrounding meteorology stations. Optimum GDH models were then combined with meteorological information from the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model, and land use land coverage data from the Biogenic Emissions Land use Database, version 3.1 (BELD3.1), to simulate start dates and season lengths of birch and oak pollen for both past and future years across the contiguous US (CONUS). For most of the studied stations, comparison of mean pollen indices between the periods of 1994–2000 and 2001–2011 showed that birch and oak trees were observed to flower 1–2 weeks earlier; annual mean and peak value of daily pollen concentrations tended to increase by 13.6%–248%. The observed pollen season lengths varied for birch and for oak across the different monitoring stations. Optimum initial date, base temperature, and threshold GDH for start date was found to be March 1, 8°C, and 1879 hours respectively for birch; March 1, 5°C, and 4760 hours respectively for oak. Simulation results indicated that responses of birch and oak pollen seasons to climate change are expected to vary for different regions. PMID:23793955

Ecological role of reindeer summer browsing in the mountain birch (Betula pubescens ssp. czerepanovii) forests: effects on plant defense, litter decomposition, and soil nutrient cycling.

PubMed

Stark, Sari; Julkunen-Tiitto, Riitta; Kumpula, Jouko

2007-03-01

Mammalian herbivores commonly alter the concentrations of secondary compounds in plants and, by this mechanism, have indirect effects on litter decomposition and soil carbon and nutrient cycling. In northernmost Fennoscandia, the subarctic mountain birch (Betula pubescens ssp. czerepanovii) forests are important pasture for the semidomestic reindeer (Rangifer tarandus). In the summer ranges, mountain birches are intensively browsed, whereas in the winter ranges, reindeer feed on ground lichens, and the mountain birches remain intact. We analyzed the effect of summer browsing on the concentrations of secondary substances, litter decomposition, and soil nutrient pools in areas that had been separated as summer or winter ranges for at least 20 years, and we predicted that summer browsing may reduce levels of secondary compounds in the mountain birch and, by this mechanism, have an indirect effect on the decomposition of mountain birch leaf litter and soil nutrient cycling. The effect of browsing on the concentration of secondary substances in the mountain birch leaves varied between different years and management districts, but in some cases, the concentration of condensed tannins was lower in the summer than in the winter ranges. In a reciprocal litter decomposition trial, both litter origin and emplacement significantly affected the litter decomposition rate. Decomposition rates were faster for the litter originating from and placed into the summer range. Soil inorganic nitrogen (N) concentrations were higher in the summer than in the winter ranges, which indicates that reindeer summer browsing may enhance the soil nutrient cycling. There was a tight inverse relationship between soil N and foliar tannin concentrations in the winter range but not in the summer range. This suggests that in these strongly nutrient-limited ecosystems, soil N availability regulates the patterns of resource allocation to condensed tannins in the absence but not in the presence of browsing.

Mimotopes for Api g 5, a Relevant Cross-reactive Allergen, in the Celery-Mugwort-Birch-Spice Syndrome.

PubMed

Lukschal, Anna; Wallmann, Julia; Bublin, Merima; Hofstetter, Gerlinde; Mothes-Luksch, Nadine; Breiteneder, Heimo; Pali-Schöll, Isabella; Jensen-Jarolim, Erika

2016-03-01

In the celery-mugwort-birch-spice syndrome, a significant proportion of IgE is directed against high molecular weight (HMW) glycoproteins, including the celery allergen Api g 5. BIP3, a monoclonal antibody originally raised against birch pollen, recognizes HMW allergens in birch and mugwort pollens, celery, and Apiaceae spices. Our aim was to generate mimotopes using BIP3 for immunization against the HMW allergens relevant in the celery-mugwort-birch-spice cross reactivity syndrome. Mimotopes were selected from a random-peptide display library by BIP3 and applied in IgE inhibition assays. The 3 phage clones with the highest inhibitory capacity were chosen for immunization of BALB/c mice. Mouse immune sera were tested for IgG binding to blotted birch pollen extract and used for inhibiting patients' IgE binding. Furthermore, sera were tested for binding to Api g 5, to horseradish peroxidase (HRP) as a second glycoprotein, or to non-glycosylated control allergen Phl p 5 in ELISA, and the specific Api g 5-specific IgG titers were determined. Three rounds of biopanning resulted in phage clones exhibiting 7 different sequences including 1 dominant, 1-6-cyclo-CHKLRCDKAIA. Three phage clones had the capacity to inhibit human IgE binding and induced IgG to the HMW antigen when used for immunizing BALB/c mice. The induced BIP3-mimotope IgG reached titers of 1:500 specifically to Api g 5, but hardly reacted to glycoprotein HRP, revealing a minor role of carbohydrates in their epitope. The mimotopes characterized in this study mimic the epitope of BIP3 relevant for Api g 5, one of the cross-reactive HMW allergens relevant in the celery-mugwort-birch-spice syndrome. BIP3 mimotopes may be used in the future for hyposensitization in this clinical syndrome by virtue of good and specific immunogenicity.

Gnomonia canker, shoot blight, and leaf spot of yellow birch.

Treesearch

Kenneth J. Jr. Kessler

1978-01-01

Describes a canker, shoot blight, and leaf spot disease of yellow birch seedlings in the northern Great Lakes region and tells how and when trees become infected by the fungal causal agent, Gnomonia setacea.

Hazardous Waste Cleanup: Jersey Plating Company in Boonton, New Jersey

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The Jersey Plating Company occupies approximately one-quarter acre at 214 Birch Street, in Boonton, New Jersey. The facility is bordered by Birch and Union Streets, and surrounded by residential, commercial and light-industrial properties.

[137Cs and 90Sr accumulation in birch wood (Betula pendula Roth.) growing in regions with different soil conditions].

PubMed

Perevolotskiĭ, A N; Bulavik, I M; Perevolotskaia, T V; Paskrobko, L A; Andrush, S N

2005-01-01

The studies of 137Cs and 90Sr accumulation characteristics by birch wood (Betula pendula Roth.) growing in different edaphic conditions. Were conducted was stated that the increase in soil fertility from trophotops A to D results in 5-fold 137Cs transfer factor decrease and 2-fold decrease of 90Sr. Soil humidity increase for each grade of trophic net results happens the increase of 137Cs transfer factors to wood and decrease for 90Sr. Total activity of 37Cs and 90Sr in birch wood plantation depends on plantation productivity and on radionuclide transfer factors depending on different plantation conditions. In the most prevailing edaphotops (B2, B3, C2 and C3) birch wood accumulates 0.6-1.2% of 137Cs and 13-19% of 90Sr from total activity of radionuclides in biogeocenosis.

Regenerating yellow birch in the Lake States

Treesearch

Richard M. Godman; Gayne G. Erdmann

1992-01-01

The future of the yellow birch supply in the Lake States is uncertain. Growing-stock volume has declined more than one third since 1963, prompting the search for better ways to handle the difficult job of regenerating the species.

Development of yellow birch nursery stock not affected by transplanting

Treesearch

William B. Leak

1959-01-01

In nursery seedbeds, severe root competition soon develops among seedlings of yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis). This is due to the characteristic root system of the species - wide-spreading lateral growth with little downward penetration (fig. 1).

Rooting greenwood cuttings of yellow birch

Treesearch

William J. Gabriel

1961-01-01

Yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis Britton) is one of the commercially important species now under study in the hardwood tree-improvement program at our Research center at Burlington, Vt. A preliminary step in this program is to acquire information about vegetative propagation.

Long-Term Storage of Yellow and Paper Birch Seed

Treesearch

Knud E. Clausen

1975-01-01

Storage of yellow and paper birch seeds for 12 years does not appear practical but seed visibility can usually be maintained for at least 8 years, if the seeds are kept in closed containers at 36? to 40?F.

Ethylene Insensitivity Modulates Ozone-Induced Cell Death in Birch1

PubMed Central

Vahala, Jorma; Ruonala, Raili; Keinänen, Markku; Tuominen, Hannele; Kangasjärvi, Jaakko

2003-01-01

We have used genotypic variation in birch (Betula pendula Roth) to investigate the roles of ozone (O3)-induced ethylene (ET), jasmonic acid, and salicylic acid in the regulation of tissue tolerance to O3. Of these hormones, ET evolution correlated best with O3-induced cell death. Disruption of ET perception by transformation of birch with the dominant negative mutant allele etr1-1 of the Arabidopsis ET receptor gene ETR1 or blocking of ET perception with 1-methylcyclopropene reduced but did not completely prevent the O3-induced cell death, when inhibition of ET biosynthesis with aminooxyacetic acid completely abolished O3 lesion formation. This suggests the presence of an ET-signaling-independent but ET biosynthesis-dependent component in the ET-mediated stimulation of cell death in O3-exposed birch. Functional ET signaling was required for the O3 induction of the gene encoding β-cyanoalanine synthase, which catalyzes detoxification of the cyanide formed during ET biosynthesis. The results suggest that functional ET signaling is required to protect birch from the O3-induced cell death and that a decrease in ET sensitivity together with a simultaneous, high ET biosynthesis can potentially cause cell death through a deficient detoxification of cyanide. PMID:12746524

Differential gene expression in senescing leaves of two silver birch genotypes in response to elevated CO2 and tropospheric ozone.

PubMed

Kontunen-Soppela, Sari; Riikonen, Johanna; Ruhanen, Hanna; Brosché, Mikael; Somervuo, Panu; Peltonen, Petri; Kangasjärvi, Jaakko; Auvinen, Petri; Paulin, Lars; Keinänen, Markku; Oksanen, Elina; Vapaavuori, Elina

2010-06-01

Long-term effects of elevated CO(2) and O(3) concentrations on gene expression in silver birch (Betula pendula Roth) leaves were studied during the end of the growing season. Two birch genotypes, clones 4 and 80, with different ozone growth responses, were exposed to 2x ambient CO(2) and/or O(3) in open-top chambers (OTCs). Microarray analyses were performed after 2 years of exposure, and the transcriptional profiles were compared to key physiological characteristics during leaf senescence. There were genotypic differences in the responses to CO(2) and O(3). Clone 80 exhibited greater transcriptional response and capacity to alter metabolism, resulting in better stress tolerance. The gene expression patterns of birch leaves indicated contrasting responses of senescence-related genes to elevated CO(2) and O(3). Elevated CO(2) delayed leaf senescence and reduced associated transcriptional changes, whereas elevated O(3) advanced leaf senescence because of increased oxidative stress. The combined treatment demonstrated that elevated CO(2) only temporarily alleviated the negative effects of O(3). Gene expression data alone were insufficient to explain the O(3) response in birch, and additional physiological and biochemical data were required to understand the true O(3) sensitivity of these clones.

Birch Stands Growth Increase in Western Siberia

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kharuk, Viacheslav I.; Kuzmichev, Valeriy V.; Im, Sergey T.; Ranson, Kenneth J.

2014-01-01

Birch (Betula pendula Roth) growth within the Western Siberia forest-steppe was analyzed based on long-term (1897-2006) inventory data (height, diameter at breast height [dbh], and stand volume). Analysis of biometry parameters showed increased growth at the beginning of twenty-first century compared to similar stands (stands age = 40-60 years) at the end of nineteenth century. Mean height, dbh, and stem volume increased from 14 to 20 m, from 16 to 22 cm, and from approx. 63 to approx. 220 cu m/ha, respectively. Significant correlations were found between the stands mean height, dbh, and volume on the one hand, and vegetation period length (r(sub s) = 0.71 to 0.74), atmospheric CO2 concentration (r(sub s) = 0.71 to 0.76), and drought index (Standardized Precipitation-Evapotranspiration Index, r(sub s) = -0.33 to -0.51) on the other hand. The results obtained have revealed apparent climate-induced impacts (e.g. increase of vegetation period length and birch habitat drying due to drought increase) on the stands growth. Along with this, a high correlation of birch biometric parameters and [CO2] in ambient air indicated an effect of CO2 fertilization. Meanwhile, further drought increase may switch birch stand growth into decline and greater mortality as has already been observed within the Trans-Baikal forest-steppe ecotone.

Evaluating the efficacy of epinastine ophthalmic solution using a conjunctivitis allergen challenge model in patients with birch pollen allergic conjunctivitis.

PubMed

Tagawa, Yoshiaki; Namba, Kenichi; Nakazono, Yumi; Iwata, Daiju; Ishida, Susumu

2017-04-01

The efficacy of epinastine 0.05% ophthalmic solution for pollen allergic conjunctivitis has already been shown in a conjunctival allergen challenge (CAC) test using cedar pollen as a challenge. The present study investigated the efficacy of this solution against birch pollen conjunctivitis in a CAC test. Ten adult subjects (eight males and two females) with asymptomatic birch pollen conjunctivitis were enrolled in this study. The average age of the subjects was 41.1 years. This study was conducted during a period without birch pollen dispersion. In each subject, the epinastine 0.05% ophthalmic solution was instilled in one eye, and an artificial tear fluid was instilled in the fellow eye in a double-blind manner. Five minutes or 4 h after the drug instillation, both eyes were challenged with an optimal concentration of birch pollen, and ocular itching and conjunctival hyperemia were then graded. Tears were collected before the drug instillation and 20 min after the pollen challenge, and the histamine level was measured. The ocular itching scores and palpebral conjunctival hyperemia scores of the epinastine-treated eyes were significantly lower than those of the contralateral control eyes when the eyes were pretreated with the drug 4 h before the CAC. There was a significant correlation between the tear histamine level and mean ocular itching score of three time points (3, 5 and 10 min) following the CAC in the control eyes but not the epinastine-treated eyes. Epinastine is effective in suppressing ocular itching and conjunctival hyperemia in birch pollen conjunctivitis. Copyright © 2017 Japanese Society of Allergology. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Fine root morphological adaptations in Scots pine, Norway spruce and silver birch along a latitudinal gradient in boreal forests.

PubMed

Ostonen, Ivika; Lõhmus, Krista; Helmisaari, Heljä-Sisko; Truu, Jaak; Meel, Signe

2007-11-01

Variability in short root morphology of the three main tree species of Europe's boreal forest (Norway spruce (Picea abies L. Karst.), Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and silver birch (Betula pendula Roth)) was investigated in four stands along a latitudinal gradient from northern Finland to southern Estonia. Silver birch and Scots pine were present in three stands and Norway spruce was present in all stands. For three fertile Norway spruce stands, fine root biomass and number of root tips per stand area or unit basal area were assessed from north to south. Principal component analysis indicated that short root morphology was significantly affected by tree species and site, which together explained 34.7% of the total variability. The range of variation in mean specific root area (SRA) was 51-74, 60-70 and 84-124 m(2) kg(-1) for Norway spruce, Scots pine and silver birch, respectively, and the corresponding ranges for specific root length were 37-47, 40-48 and 87-97 m g(-1). The range of variation in root tissue density of Norway spruce, Scots pine and silver birch was 113-182, 127-158 and 81-156 kg m(-3), respectively. Sensitivity of short root morphology to site conditions decreased in the order: Norway spruce > silver birch > Scots pine. Short root SRA increased with site fertility in all species. In Norway spruce, fine root biomass and number of root tips per m(2) decreased from north to south. The differences in morphological parameters among sites were significant but smaller than the site differences in fine root biomass and number of root tips.

Forest statistics for Minnesota's Aspen-Birch Unit.

Treesearch

Neal P. Kingsley

1991-01-01

The fifth inventory of Minnesota's Aspen-Birch Unit reports 8.7 million acres of land, of which 7.4 million acres are forested. This bulletin present statistical highlights and contains detailed tables of forest area, as well as timber volume, growth, removals, mortality, and ownership.

VIEW FROM EAST SIDE OF ELM DRIVE/BIRCH CIRCLE BLOCK, SHOWING ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

VIEW FROM EAST SIDE OF ELM DRIVE/BIRCH CIRCLE BLOCK, SHOWING SLOPING TOPOGRAPHY. VIEW FACING WEST. - Camp H.M. Smith and Navy Public Works Center Manana Title VII (Capehart) Housing, Intersection of Acacia Road and Brich Circle, Pearl City, Honolulu County, HI

The effects of short- and long-term air pollutants on plant phenology and leaf characteristics.

PubMed

Jochner, Susanne; Markevych, Iana; Beck, Isabelle; Traidl-Hoffmann, Claudia; Heinrich, Joachim; Menzel, Annette

2015-11-01

Pollution adversely affects vegetation; however, its impact on phenology and leaf morphology is not satisfactorily understood yet. We analyzed associations between pollutants and phenological data of birch, hazel and horse chestnut in Munich (2010) along with the suitability of leaf morphological parameters of birch for monitoring air pollution using two datasets: cumulated atmospheric concentrations of nitrogen dioxide and ozone derived from passive sampling (short-term exposure) and pollutant information derived from Land Use Regression models (long-term exposure). Partial correlations and stepwise regressions revealed that increased ozone (birch, horse chestnut), NO2, NOx and PM levels (hazel) were significantly related to delays in phenology. Correlations were especially high when rural sites were excluded suggesting a better estimation of long-term within-city pollution. In situ measurements of foliar characteristics of birch were not suitable for bio-monitoring pollution. Inconsistencies between long- and short-term exposure effects suggest some caution when interpreting short-term data collected within field studies. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

In vitro pollen responses of two birch species to acidity and temperature

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hughes, R.N.; Cox, R.M.

Paper birch (Betula papyrifera Marsh.) and mountain paper birch (Betula cordifolia Regel) near the Bay of Fundy coast frequently intercept acidic advection marine fogs. Chemical deposition by these fogs is thought to be a factor contributing to the observed foliar browning symptoms associated with a marked deterioration of these trees in the area. In vitro experiments were performed to test whether pollen germination in these two birch species would be affected by acidity at levels routinely found in the fog. The combined effect of temperature with acidity was also examined. Pollen germination in both species was inhibited below pH 5.6more » (P < 0.0001) and the effect of incubation temperature was also significant (P < 0.01) in both species. There was no difference in in vitro pollen germination between species (P > 0.05) in response to acidity, based on combined data from 12 trees of each; the optimum germination temperature was 22{degrees}C for B. papyrifera and 21{degrees}C for B. cordifolia.« less

Connection of Gnomonia intermedia to Discula betulina and its relationship to other taxa in Gnomoniaceae.

PubMed

Green, Sarah; Castlebury, Lisa A

2007-01-01

Discula betulina is a foliar pathogen on birch (Betula) and Gnomonia intermedia is found on overwintered birch leaves. Perithecia of G. intermedia developed in vitro on colonies of D. betulina isolated from birch tissues in late summer, and single ascospores of G. intermedia consistently developed into colonies similar to D. betulina, producing typical D. betulina conidia. Isolates of D. betulina could be grouped into two mating types, which produced fertile perithecia of G. intermedia when mated with each other. Mycelia from single-ascospore and single-conidial isolates were inoculated onto shoots of downy birch, causing lesions and die-back from which D. betulina was consistently isolated. ITS region ribosomal DNA sequence analysis confirmed the results of the morphological and mating studies, and found that the closest known relatives of G. intermedia/D. betulina are Gnomoniella nana and Sirococcus clavigignenti-juglandacearum. The conclusion from these studies is that D. betulina is the anamorph of G. intermedia.

Betula pendula: A Promising Candidate for Phytoremediation of TCE in Northern Climates.

PubMed

Lewis, Jeffrey; Qvarfort, Ulf; Sjöström, Jan

2015-01-01

Betula pendula (Silver birch) trees growing on two contaminated sites were evaluated to assess their capacity to phytoscreen and phytoremediate chlorinated aliphatic compounds and heavy metals. Both locations are industrially-contaminated properties in central Sweden. The first was the site of a trichloroethylene (TCE) spill in the 1980s while the second was polluted with heavy metals by burning industrial wastes. In both cases, sap and sapwood from Silver birch trees were collected and analyzed for either chlorinated aliphatic compounds or heavy metals. These results were compared to analyses of the surface soil, vadose zone pore air and groundwater. Silver birch demonstrated the potential to phytoscreen and possibly phytoremediate TCE and related compounds, but it did not demonstrate the ability to effectively phytoextract heavy metals when compared with hyperaccumulator plants. The capacity of Silver birch to phytoremediate TCE appears comparable to tree species that have been employed in field-scale TCE phytoremediation efforts, such as Populus spp. and Eucalyptus sideroxylon rosea.

Networked web-cameras monitor congruent seasonal development of birches with phenological field observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peltoniemi, Mikko; Aurela, Mika; Böttcher, Kristin; Kolari, Pasi; Loehr, John; Karhu, Jouni; Kubin, Eero; Linkosalmi, Maiju; Melih Tanis, Cemal; Nadir Arslan, Ali

2017-04-01

Ecosystems' potential to provide services, e.g. to sequester carbon is largely driven by the phenological cycle of vegetation. Timing of phenological events is required for understanding and predicting the influence of climate change on ecosystems and to support various analyses of ecosystem functioning. We established a network of cameras for automated monitoring of phenological activity of vegetation in boreal ecosystems of Finland. Cameras were mounted on 14 sites, each site having 1-3 cameras. In this study, we used cameras at 11 of these sites to investigate how well networked cameras detect phenological development of birches (Betula spp.) along the latitudinal gradient. Birches are interesting focal species for the analyses as they are common throughout Finland. In our cameras they often appear in smaller quantities within dominant species in the images. Here, we tested whether small scattered birch image elements allow reliable extraction of color indices and changes therein. We compared automatically derived phenological dates from these birch image elements to visually determined dates from the same image time series, and to independent observations recorded in the phenological monitoring network from the same region. Automatically extracted season start dates based on the change of green color fraction in the spring corresponded well with the visually interpreted start of season, and field observed budburst dates. During the declining season, red color fraction turned out to be superior over green color based indices in predicting leaf yellowing and fall. The latitudinal gradients derived using automated phenological date extraction corresponded well with gradients based on phenological field observations from the same region. We conclude that already small and scattered birch image elements allow reliable extraction of key phenological dates for birch species. Devising cameras for species specific analyses of phenological timing will be useful for explaining variation of time series of satellite based indices, and it will also benefit models describing ecosystem functioning at species or plant functional type level. With the contribution of the LIFE+ financial instrument of the European Union (LIFE12 ENV/FI/000409 Monimet, http://monimet.fmi.fi)

Efficacy and safety of 4 months of sublingual immunotherapy with recombinant Mal d 1 and Bet v 1 in patients with birch pollen-related apple allergy.

PubMed

Kinaciyan, Tamar; Nagl, Birgit; Faustmann, Sandra; Frommlet, Florian; Kopp, Stephan; Wolkersdorfer, Martin; Wöhrl, Stefan; Bastl, Katharina; Huber, Hans; Berger, Uwe; Bohle, Barbara

2018-03-01

Birch pollen-related apple allergy is among the most prevalent food allergies in adolescent/adult subjects and mainly results from sensitization to the major birch pollen allergen Bet v 1 and subsequent cross-reaction with the apple protein Mal d 1. However, specific immunotherapy with birch pollen has inconsistent effects on apple allergy. We sought to compare the safety and efficacy of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) with 2 formulations containing either rMal d 1 or rBet v 1 on birch pollen-related apple allergy. Sixty participants with birch pollen-related apple allergy were randomized to daily sublingual application of placebo (n = 20) or 25 μg of rMal d 1 (n = 20) or rBet v 1 (n = 20) for 16 weeks. Adverse events were regularly recorded. Sublingual challenges with standardized doses of rMal d 1, skin prick tests with recombinant allergens, and measurements of allergen-specific IgE and IgG 4 antibodies were performed before and after treatment. Both formulations caused comparable, mainly local adverse events. No systemic reactions occurred. Compared with the placebo and rBet v 1-treated groups, SLIT with rMal d 1 reduced rMal d 1-induced oral symptoms (P = .001 and P = .038) accompanied by longitudinally reduced rMal d 1-specific cutaneous reactions (P = .022) and enhanced IgG 4 /IgE ratios (P = .012). SLIT with rBet v 1 neither improved the clinical reactivity to rMal d 1 nor enhanced rMal d 1-specific IgG 4 /IgE ratios. Participants receiving placebo showed no allergen-specific changes. Sublingual treatment with a recombinant food allergen was safe and clinically effective, as determined by using standardized challenges. We present a promising approach for the effective treatment of birch pollen-related apple allergy. Copyright © 2017 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Development of SSR Markers and Genetic Diversity in White Birch (Betula platyphylla)

PubMed Central

Hao, Wei; Wang, Shengji; Liu, Huajing; Zhou, Boru; Wang, Xinwang; Jiang, Tingbo

2015-01-01

In order to study genetic diversity of white birch (Betula platyphylla), 544 primer pairs were designed based on the genome-wide Solexa sequences. Among them, 215 primer pairs showed polymorphism between five genotypes and 111 primer pairs that presented clear visible bands in genotyping 41 white birch plants that were collected from 6 different geographical regions. A total of 717 alleles were obtained at 111 loci with a range of 2 to 12 alleles per locus. The results of statistic analysis showed that polymorphic frequency of the alleles ranged from 17% to 100% with a mean of 55.85%; polymorphism information content (PIC) of the loci was from 0.09 to 0.58 with a mean of 0.30; and gene diversity between the tested genotypes was from 0.01 to 0.66 with a mean of 0.36. The results also indicated that major allele frequency ranged from 0.39 to 1.00 with an mean of 0.75; expected heterozygosity from 0.22 to 0.54 with a mean of 0.46; observed heterozygosity from 0.02 to 0.95 with a mean of 0.26; Nei's index from 0.21 to 0.54 with a mean of 0.46; and Shannon's Information from 0.26 to 0.87 with a mean of 0.66. The 41 white birch genotypes at the 111 selected SSR loci showed low to moderate similarity (0.025-0.610), indicating complicated genetic diversity among the white birch collections. The UPGMA-based clustering analysis of the allelic constitution of 41 white birch genotypes at 111 SSR loci suggested that the six different geographical regions can be further separated into four clusters at a similarity coefficient of 0.22. Genotypes from Huanren and Liangshui provenances were grouped into Cluster I, genotypes from Xiaobeihu and Qingyuan provenances into Cluster II, genotypes from Finland provenance into Cluster III, and genotypes from Maoershan into Cluster IV. The information provided in this study could help for genetic improvement and germplasm conservation, evaluation and utilization in white birch tree breeding program. PMID:25923698

Exploring the spatio-temporal relationship between two key aeroallergens and meteorological variables in the United Kingdom

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khwarahm, Nabaz; Dash, Jadunandan; Atkinson, Peter M.; Newnham, R. M.; Skjøth, C. A.; Adams-Groom, B.; Caulton, Eric; Head, K.

2014-05-01

Constructing accurate predictive models for grass and birch pollen in the air, the two most important aeroallergens, for areas with variable climate conditions such as the United Kingdom, require better understanding of the relationships between pollen count in the air and meteorological variables. Variations in daily birch and grass pollen counts and their relationship with daily meteorological variables were investigated for nine pollen monitoring sites for the period 2000-2010 in the United Kingdom. An active pollen count sampling method was employed at each of the monitoring stations to sample pollen from the atmosphere. The mechanism of this method is based on the volumetric spore traps of Hirst design (Hirst in Ann Appl Biol 39(2):257-265, 1952). The pollen season (start date, finish date) for grass and birch were determined using a first derivative method. Meteorological variables such as daily rainfall; maximum, minimum and average temperatures; cumulative sum of Sunshine duration; wind speed; and relative humidity were related to the grass and birch pollen counts for the pre-peak, post peak and the entire pollen season. The meteorological variables were correlated with the pollen count data for the following temporal supports: same-day, 1-day prior, 1-day mean prior, 3-day mean prior, 7-day mean prior. The direction of influence (positive/negative) of meteorological variables on pollen count varied for birch and grass, and also varied when the pollen season was treated as a whole season, or was segmented into the pre-peak and post-peak seasons. Maximum temperature, sunshine duration and rainfall were the most important variables influencing the count of grass pollen in the atmosphere. Both maximum temperature (pre-peak) and sunshine produced a strong positive correlation, and rain produced a strong negative correlation with grass pollen count in the air. Similarly, average temperature, wind speed and rainfall were the most important variables influencing the count of birch pollen in the air. Both wind speed and rain produced a negative correlation with birch pollen count in the air and average temperature produced a positive correlation.

The relationship between birch pollen, air pollution and weather types and their effect on antihistamine purchase in two Swedish cities.

PubMed

Grundström, Maria; Dahl, Åslög; Ou, Tinghai; Chen, Deliang; Pleijel, Håkan

2017-01-01

Exposure to elevated air pollution levels can aggravate pollen allergy symptoms. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between airborne birch ( Betula ) pollen, urban air pollutants NO 2 , O 3 and PM 10 and their effects on antihistamine demand in Gothenburg and Malmö, Sweden, 2006-2012. Further, the influence of large-scale weather pattern on pollen-/pollution-related risk, using Lamb weather types (LWTs), was analysed. Daily LWTs were obtained by comparing the atmospheric pressure over a 16-point grid system over southern Sweden (scale ~3000 km). They include two non-directional types, cyclonic (C) and anticyclonic (A) and eight directional types depending on the wind direction (N, NE, E…). Birch pollen levels were exceptionally high under LWTs E and SE in both cities. Furthermore, LWTs with dry and moderately calm meteorological character (A, NE, E, SE) were associated with strongly elevated air pollution (NO 2 and PM 10 ) in Gothenburg. For most weather situations in both cities, simultaneously high birch pollen together with high air pollution had larger over-the-counter (OTC) sales of antihistamines than situations with high birch pollen alone. LWTs NE, E, SE and S had the highest OTC sales in both cities. In Gothenburg, the city with a higher load of both birch pollen and air pollution, the higher OTC sales were especially obvious and indicate an increased effect on allergic symptoms from air pollution. Furthermore, Gothenburg LWTs A, NE, E and SE were associated with high pollen and air pollution levels and thus classified as high-risk weather types. In Malmö, corresponding high-risk LWTs were NE, E, SE and S. Furthermore, occurrence of high pollen and air pollutants as well as OTC sales correlated strongly with vapour pressure deficit and temperature in Gothenburg (much less so in Malmö). This provides evidence that the combination of meteorological properties associated with LWTs can explain high levels of birch pollen and air pollution. Our study shows that LWTs represent a useful tool for integrated daily air quality forecasting/warning.

Sugar maple and yellow birch seedling growth after simulated browsing.

Treesearch

Frederick T. Metzger

1977-01-01

Simulating natural damage to leaders of forest-grown seedlings of yellow birch and sugar maple resulted in no loss of vigor but a loss in net height growth. Leader elongation depended upon seedling, shoot, and bud characteristics rather than on the extent of damage.

Precommercial Crop-Tree Thinning in a Mixed Northern Hardwood Stand

Treesearch

Nancy G. Voorhis; Nancy G. Voorhis

1990-01-01

Analysis of growth measurements taken 7 years after thinning an 8-year-old hardwood stand showed significant diameter and crown-diameter growth increases. Further analysis showed dissimilarities in the pattern of response of the three species observed: yellow birch, sugar maple, and paper birch.

Scarification and gap size have interacting effects on northern temperate seedling establishment

Treesearch

John L. Willis; Michael B. Walters; Kurt W. Gottschalk

2015-01-01

After decades focused on promoting economically valuable species, management of northern temperate forests has increasingly become focused on promoting tree species diversity. Unfortunately, many formerly common species that could contribute to diversity including yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis Britton.), paper birch (Betula papyrifera...

Silvicultural guide for paper birch in the northeast (revised)

Treesearch

L. O. Safford

1983-01-01

This revised guide provides practical information on silvicultural treatments to grow paper birch as a timber crop. It covers treatments for existing stands, the regeneration of new stands, and subsequent culture to maturity. The stocking chart has been revised to reflect results of current growth studies.

Green above-stump weights for red oak, red maple and white birch in northern Michigan.

Treesearch

Helmuth M. Steinhilb; Edwin S. Miyata; Thomas R. Crow

1983-01-01

Presents the green weights of the above-stump portion of trees, boles, and residue for red oak, red maple, and white birch in northern Michigan. Estimating equations and green weight tables are included for the tree components of each species.

Relationship of stump diameter to d.b.h. for yellow birch in the Northeast

Treesearch

Frederick E. Hampf

1955-01-01

This is the fourth report on a series of studies to show the relationship of stump diameter to diameter breast high (d.b.h.) for commercially important tree species in the Northeast. This report is for yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis).

Mapping the birch and grass pollen seasons in the UK using satellite sensor time-series.

PubMed

Khwarahm, Nabaz R; Dash, Jadunandan; Skjøth, C A; Newnham, R M; Adams-Groom, B; Head, K; Caulton, Eric; Atkinson, Peter M

2017-02-01

Grass and birch pollen are two major causes of seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever) in the UK and parts of Europe affecting around 15-20% of the population. Current prediction of these allergens in the UK is based on (i) measurements of pollen concentrations at a limited number of monitoring stations across the country and (ii) general information about the phenological status of the vegetation. Thus, the current prediction methodology provides information at a coarse spatial resolution only. Most station-based approaches take into account only local observations of flowering, while only a small number of approaches take into account remote observations of land surface phenology. The systematic gathering of detailed information about vegetation status nationwide would therefore be of great potential utility. In particular, there exists an opportunity to use remote sensing to estimate phenological variables that are related to the flowering phenophase and, thus, pollen release. In turn, these estimates can be used to predict pollen release at a fine spatial resolution. In this study, time-series of MERIS Terrestrial Chlorophyll Index (MTCI) data were used to predict two key phenological variables: the start of season and peak of season. A technique was then developed to estimate the flowering phenophase of birch and grass from the MTCI time-series. For birch, the timing of flowering was defined as the time after the start of the growing season when the MTCI value reached 25% of the maximum. Similarly, for grass this was defined as the time when the MTCI value reached 75% of the maximum. The predicted pollen release dates were validated with data from nine pollen monitoring stations in the UK. For both birch and grass, we obtained large positive correlations between the MTCI-derived start of pollen season and the start of the pollen season defined using station data, with a slightly larger correlation observed for birch than for grass. The technique was applied to produce detailed maps for the flowering of birch and grass across the UK for each of the years from 2003 to 2010. The results demonstrate that the remote sensing-based maps of onset flowering of birch and grass for the UK together with the pollen forecast from the Meteorology Office and National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit (NPARU) can potentially provide more accurate information to pollen allergy sufferers in the UK. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Release of Bet v 1 from birch pollen from 5 European countries. Results from the HIALINE study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buters, Jeroen T. M.; Thibaudon, Michel; Smith, Matt; Kennedy, Roy; Rantio-Lehtimäki, Auli; Albertini, Roberto; Reese, Gerald; Weber, Bernhard; Galan, Carmen; Brandao, Rui; Antunes, Celia M.; Jäger, Siegfried; Berger, Uwe; Celenk, Sevcan; Grewling, Łukasz; Jackowiak, Bogdan; Sauliene, Ingrida; Weichenmeier, Ingrid; Pusch, Gudrun; Sarioglu, Hakan; Ueffing, Marius; Behrendt, Heidrun; Prank, Marje; Sofiev, Mikhail; Cecchi, Lorenzo; Hialine Working Group

2012-08-01

Exposure to allergens is pivotal in determining sensitization and allergic symptoms in individuals. Pollen grain counts in ambient air have traditionally been assessed to estimate airborne allergen exposure. However, the exact allergen content of ambient air is unknown. We therefore monitored atmospheric concentrations of birch pollen grains and the matched major birch pollen allergen Bet v 1 simultaneously across Europe within the EU-funded project HIALINE (Health Impacts of Airborne Allergen Information Network). Pollen count was assessed with Hirst type pollen traps at 10 l min-1 at sites in France, United Kingdom, Germany, Italy and Finland. Allergen concentrations in ambient air were sampled at 800 l min-1 with a Chemvol® high-volume cascade impactor equipped with stages PM > 10 μm, 10 μm > PM > 2.5 μm, and in Germany also 2.5 μm > PM > 0.12 μm. The major birch pollen allergen Bet v 1 was determined with an allergen specific ELISA. Bet v 1 isoform patterns were analyzed by 2D-SDS-PAGE blots and mass spectrometric identification. Basophil activation was tested in an FcɛR1-humanized rat basophil cell line passively sensitized with serum of a birch pollen symptomatic patient. Compared to 10 previous years, 2009 was a representative birch pollen season for all stations. About 90% of the allergen was found in the PM > 10 μm fraction at all stations. Bet v 1 isoforms pattern did not vary substantially neither during ripening of pollen nor between different geographical locations. The average European allergen release from birch pollen was 3.2 pg Bet v 1/pollen and did not vary much between the European countries. However, in all countries a >10-fold difference in daily allergen release per pollen was measured which could be explained by long-range transport of pollen with a deviating allergen release. Basophil activation by ambient air extracts correlated better with airborne allergen than with pollen concentration. Although Bet v 1 is a mixture of different isoforms, its fingerprint is constant across Europe. Bet v 1 was also exclusively linked to pollen. Pollen from different days varied >10-fold in allergen release. Thus exposure to allergen is inaccurately monitored by only monitoring birch pollen grains. Indeed, a humanized basophil activation test correlated much better with allergen concentrations in ambient air than with pollen count. Monitoring the allergens themselves together with pollen in ambient air might be an improvement in allergen exposure assessment.

Release of Bet v 1 from birch pollen from 5 European countries. Results from the HIALINE study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

The HIALINE working Group; Buters, Jeroen T. M.; Thibaudon, Michel; Smith, Matt; Kennedy, Roy; Rantio-Lehtimäki, Auli; Albertini, Roberto; Reese, Gerald; Weber, Bernhard; Galan, Carmen; Brandao, Rui; Antunes, Celia M.; Jäger, Siegfried; Berger, Uwe; Celenk, Sevcan; Grewling, Łukasz; Jackowiak, Bogdan; Sauliene, Ingrida; Weichenmeier, Ingrid; Pusch, Gudrun; Sarioglu, Hakan; Ueffing, Marius; Behrendt, Heidrun; Prank, Marje; Sofiev, Mikhail; Cecchi, Lorenzo

2012-08-01

Exposure to allergens is pivotal in determining sensitization and allergic symptoms in individuals. Pollen grain counts in ambient air have traditionally been assessed to estimate airborne allergen exposure. However, the exact allergen content of ambient air is unknown. We therefore monitored atmospheric concentrations of birch pollen grains and the matched major birch pollen allergen Bet v 1 simultaneously across Europe within the EU-funded project HIALINE (Health Impacts of Airborne Allergen Information Network).Pollen count was assessed with Hirst type pollen traps at 10 l min-1 at sites in France, United Kingdom, Germany, Italy and Finland. Allergen concentrations in ambient air were sampled at 800 l min-1 with a Chemvol® high-volume cascade impactor equipped with stages PM > 10 μm, 10 μm > PM > 2.5 μm, and in Germany also 2.5 μm > PM > 0.12 μm. The major birch pollen allergen Bet v 1 was determined with an allergen specific ELISA. Bet v 1 isoform patterns were analyzed by 2D-SDS-PAGE blots and mass spectrometric identification. Basophil activation was tested in an FcɛR1-humanized rat basophil cell line passively sensitized with serum of a birch pollen symptomatic patient.Compared to 10 previous years, 2009 was a representative birch pollen season for all stations. About 90% of the allergen was found in the PM > 10 μm fraction at all stations. Bet v 1 isoforms pattern did not vary substantially neither during ripening of pollen nor between different geographical locations. The average European allergen release from birch pollen was 3.2 pg Bet v 1/pollen and did not vary much between the European countries. However, in all countries a >10-fold difference in daily allergen release per pollen was measured which could be explained by long-range transport of pollen with a deviating allergen release. Basophil activation by ambient air extracts correlated better with airborne allergen than with pollen concentration.Although Bet v 1 is a mixture of different isoforms, its fingerprint is constant across Europe. Bet v 1 was also exclusively linked to pollen. Pollen from different days varied >10-fold in allergen release. Thus exposure to allergen is inaccurately monitored by only monitoring birch pollen grains. Indeed, a humanized basophil activation test correlated much better with allergen concentrations in ambient air than with pollen count. Monitoring the allergens themselves together with pollen in ambient air might be an improvement in allergen exposure assessment.

Birch's Mantle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anderson, D. L.

2002-12-01

Francis Birch's 1952 paper started the sciences of mineral physics and physics of the Earth's interior. Birch stressed the importance of pressure, compressive strain and volume in mantle physics. Although this may seem to be an obvious lesson many modern paradoxes in the internal constitution of the Earth and mantle dynamics can be traced to a lack of appreciation for the role of compression. The effect of pressure on thermal properties such as expansivity can gravitational stratify the Earth irreversibly during accretion and can keep it chemically stratified. The widespread use of the Boussinesq approximation in mantle geodynamics is the antithesis of Birchian physics. Birch pointed out that eclogite was likely to be an important component of the upper mantle. Plate tectonic recycling and the bouyancy of oceanic crust at midmantle depths gives credence to this suggestion. Although peridotite dominates the upper mantle, variations in eclogite-content may be responsible for melting- or fertility-spots. Birch called attention to the Repetti Discontinuity near 900 km depth as an important geodynamic boundary. This may be the chemical interface between the upper and lower mantles. Recent work in geodynamics and seismology has confirmed the importance of this region of the mantle as a possible barrier. Birch regarded the transition region (TR ; 400 to 1000 km ) as the key to many problems in Earth sciences. The TR contains two major discontinuities ( near 410 and 650 km ) and their depths are a good mantle thermometer which is now being exploited to suggest that much of plate tectonics is confined to the upper mantle ( in Birch's terminology, the mantle above 1000 km depth ). The lower mantle is homogeneous and different from the upper mantle. Density and seismic velocity are very insensitive to temperature there, consistent with tomography. A final key to the operation of the mantle is Birch's suggestion that radioactivities were stripped out of the deeper parts of Earth and placed in the crust and upper mantle. This resolves the lower mantle overheating paradox but the stratified mantle slows down the cooling of the Earth. A completely thermodynamically self-consistent treatment of mantle dynamics, with volume and temperature-dependent parameters has not yet been attempted but the essence of this approach is contained in the 1952 paper, which is must reading for all students of Earth's interior. One implication of this paper is that lower mantle structures should be gigantic and long-lived, a prediction spectacularly confirmed by modern seismic tomography.

Defensive effect of surface flavonoid aglycones of Betula pubescens leaves against first instar Epirrita autumnata larvae.

PubMed

Lahtinen, Maria; Salminen, Juha-Pekka; Kapari, Lauri; Lempa, Kyösti; Ossipov, Vladimir; Sinkkonen, Jari; Valkama, Elena; Haukioja, Erkki; Pihlaja, Kalevi

2004-11-01

The surface of birch leaves contains glandular trichomes that secrete exudates containing flavonoid aglycones. We investigated the biological activities of white birch (Betula pubescens) leaf surface exudates against larvae of the autumnal moth, Epirrita autumnata, a common insect pest of birch. We found that tree-specific mortality (up to 100%) of first instar larvae correlated strongly with the tree-specific contents of surface flavonoid aglycones (r(s) = 0.905) in emerging leaves. We also found that first instars clearly preferred birch buds from which surface exudates had been removed. In addition, the duration of the first instar was shortened by 29%, and the weights and relative growth rates of first instars improved by 8% and 52%, respectively, as a result of removal of the exudates from their leaf diet. The correlation of tree-specific foliar contents of flavonoid aglycones, especially 5-hydroxy-4',7-dimethoxyflavanone, with changes in larval performance, suggests that flavonoid aglycones are responsible for the changes observed in first instar larval performance. The results show that chemical characteristics of birch leaves are effective against neonate E. autumnata larvae. However, the removal of leaf surface exudates from fully expanded leaves did not affect the leaf acceptance for the voracious fifth instars. This is probably a result of reduction in contents of flavonoid aglycones compared to those of emerging leaves.

Delivery Systems for Birch-Bark Triterpenoids and Their Derivatives in Anticancer Research.

PubMed

Mierina, Inese; Vilskersts, Reinis; Turks, Maris

2018-05-29

Birch-bark triterpenoids and their semi-synthetic derivatives possess a wide range of biological activities including cytotoxic effects on various tumour cell lines. However, due to the low solubility and bioavailability, their medicinal applications are rather limited. The use of various nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems is rapidly developing approach to the solubilisation of insufficiently bioavailable pharmaceuticals. Herein, the drug delivery systems deemed to be applicable for birch-bark triterpenoid structures are reviewed. The aforementioned disadvantages of birch-bark triterpenoids and their semi-synthetic derivatives can be overcome through their incorporation into organic nanoparticles, which include various dendrimeric systems, as well as embedding the active compounds into polymer matrices or complexation with carbohydrate nanoparticles without covalent bonding. Some of the known triterpenoid delivery systems consist of nanoparticles featuring inorganic cores covered with carbohydrates or other polymers. Methods for delivering the title compounds through encapsulation and emulsification into lipophilic media are also suitable. Besides, the birch-bark triterpenoids can form self-assembling systems with increased bio-availability. Even more, the self-assembling systems are used as carriers for delivering other chemotherapeutic agents. Another advantage besides increased bioavailability and anticancer activity is the reduced overall systemic toxicity in most of the cases, when triterpenoids are delivered with any of the carriers. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

Applying the shelterwood system

Treesearch

Richard M. Godman

1992-01-01

The 2-cut shelterwood silvicultural system is the most reliable method we have for regenerating even-aged hardwoods. Unlike other systems it can be used for all hardwood species, both small- and large-seeded, but will probably be used most often for the small-seeded ones such as yellow birch, paper birch, and hemlock.

Timber resource of Minnesota's Aspen-Birch Unit, 1977.

Treesearch

John S. Jr. Spencer; Arnold J. Ostrom

1979-01-01

The fourth inventory of Minnesota's Aspen-Birch Unit shows solid gains in growing-stock and sawtimber volumes between 1962 and 1977, but a 13% decline in commercial forest area. This report gives statistical highlights and contains detailed tables of forest area a well as timber volume, growth, mortality, ownership, and use.

Yield and quality of seed from yellow birch progenies.

Treesearch

Knud E. Clausen

1980-01-01

Seed yield in 8- ad 9-year-old yellow birch varied among families and years but averaged more than 1,500 seeds per tree. Long catkins contained more seed than short ones. Seed quality was poor due to insufficient pollination and to differences among trees in flowering phenology.

Edge-glued panels from Alaska hardwoods: retail manager perspectives

Treesearch

David Nicholls; Matthew Bumgardner; Valerie Barber

2010-01-01

In Alaska, red alder (Alnus rubra Bong.) and paper birch (Betula papyrifera Marsh.) are both lesser-known hardwoods grown, harvested, and manufactured into appearance products, with potential for increased utilization. The production of edgeglued panels from red alder and paper birch offers one expansion opportunity for wood...

Growth and Survival of Northern Hardwood Sprouts After Burning

Treesearch

Donald A. Perala

1974-01-01

Root collar sprouting of nine hardwoods was measured annually after a prescribed burn. Basswood, red oak, and paper birch were the most vigorous sprouters; sugar maple and yellow birch the least; and American elm, bur oak, ironwood and red maple were intermediate. Parent tree diameter influenced spreading.

Applying site-index curves to northern hardwoods in New Hampshire

Treesearch

Dale S. Solomon

1968-01-01

Describes a new method for testing site-index curves. Study results indicate that Vermont site-index curves for yellow birch, paper birch, white ash, and sugar maple, and New York-Connecticut curves for red maple, can be applied satisfactorily in New Hampshire when used with certain precautions and corrections.

Winter Birch Trees

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sweeney, Debra; Rounds, Judy

2011-01-01

Trees are great inspiration for artists. Many art teachers find themselves inspired and maybe somewhat obsessed with the natural beauty and elegance of the lofty tree, and how it changes through the seasons. One such tree that grows in several regions and always looks magnificent, regardless of the time of year, is the birch. In this article, the…

Polyoxometalate delignification of birch kraft pulp and effect on residual lignin

Treesearch

Biljana Bujanovic; Richard S. Reiner; Sally A. Ralph; Rajai H. Atalla

2011-01-01

To advance the understanding of delignification with polyoxometalates (POMs) that have been explored for use in bleaching of chemical pulps, the transformation of lignin during anaerobic treatment of birch kraft pulp with an equilibrated POM mixture composed of Na5(+2)[SiV1(-0.1)MoW10(+0.1)O

Our birch resources

Treesearch

Edward P. Cliff

1969-01-01

Both the quality of the landscape and timber production will receive attention during the sessions that follow, for the two are inseparably related throughout the northern hardwood regions of the United States and Canada. These forests that provide birch and other fine hardwood timber for consumer use also provide some of the finest opportunities for outdoor recreation...

Inhibition of snowshoe hare succinate dehydrogenase activity as a mechanism of deterrence for papyriferic acid in birch

Treesearch

Jennifer Sorensen Forbey; Xinzhu Pu; Dong Xu; Knut Kielland; John Bryant

2011-01-01

The plant secondary metabolite papyriferic acid (PA) deters browsing by snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus) on the juvenile developmental stage of the Alaska paper birch (Betula neoalaskana). However, the physiological mechanism that reduces browsing remains unknown. We used pharmacological assays and molecular modeling to test the...

Nutrient transport in surface runoff and interflow from an aspen-birch forest

Treesearch

D.R. Timmons; E.S. Verry; R.E. Burwell; R.F. Holt

1977-01-01

Nutrients transported in surface runoff and interflow from an undisturbed aspen-birch (Populus tremuloides Michx., and Betula papyrifera Marsh.) forest (6.48 ha) in northern Minnesota were measured for 3 years. Surface runoff from snowmelt accounted for 97% of the average annual surface runoff and for 57% of the average annual...

How much scarification from summer logging?

Treesearch

David A. Marquis; John C. Bjorkbom

1960-01-01

Scarification of the soil creates seedbeds that are favorable for the establishment of both paper birch and yellow birch. Logging in the summer often has been recommended as a method of obtaining these seedbeds. However, our observations on experimental logging jobs have shown that logging alone does not provide scarification over enough of the area to assure...

Selecting superior yellow birch trees; a preliminary guide.

Treesearch

Knud E. Clausen; Richard M. Godman

1967-01-01

Describes procedures to follow and characteristics to consider in selecting superior yellow birch trees. The first selection should be on the basis of tree quality. Characteristics to consider are as follows: for the stem--straightness, roundness, taper grain, self-pruning, and absence of defects; for the crown--apical dominance, branch angle, and branch diameter;...

Crown Release Increases Diameter Growth and Bole Sprouting of Pole-Size Yellow Birch

Treesearch

Gayne G. Erdmann; Ralph M. Jr. Peterson

1971-01-01

During the second and third years after release, dominant, codominant, and intermediate pole-size yellow birch grew nearly twice as fast in diameter as unreleased poles. Growth rates were also related to foliage density. Epicormic sprouting was increased by crown release but most sprouting occured in the second log.

VIEW OF DATE DRIVE, FROM INTERSECTION WITH BIRCH CIRCLE, WITH ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

VIEW OF DATE DRIVE, FROM INTERSECTION WITH BIRCH CIRCLE, WITH FACILITY 809 ON LEFT, 816 ON RIGHT. NOTE THE MANY DATE PALMS. VIEW FACING NORTHWEST - Camp H.M. Smith and Navy Public Works Center Manana Title VII (Capehart) Housing, Intersection of Acacia Road and Brich Circle, Pearl City, Honolulu County, HI

Collar crack of birch

Treesearch

Alex L. Shigo

1964-01-01

The name "Collar crack" is suggested for a condition of birches observed in the past 4 years during field studies of forest disease problems in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. The first close observations of this condition were made during the summer of 1963. This is a report on those observations and an explanation of the possible cause.

Antioxidants from slow pyrolysis bio-oil of birch wood: Application for biodiesel and biobased lubricants

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Birch wood was slowly pyrolyzed to produce bio-oil and biochar. Slow pyrolysis conditions including reaction temperature, residence time, and particle size of the feed were optimized to maximize bio-oil yield. Particle size had an insignificant effect, whereas yields of up to 56% were achieved using...

Stocking, growth, and yield of birch stands

Treesearch

Dale S. Solomon; William B. Leak

1969-01-01

Intensive forest management depends heavily upon our ability to measure, control, and predict the growth, yield, or general development of timber stands, regardless of whether the management goal is for timber, aesthetics, recreation, water, or wildlife. A large amount of mensurational data about birch stands has been developed in recent years or synthesized from...

Proanthocyanidins of mountain birch leaves: quantification and properties.

PubMed

Ossipova, S; Ossipov, V; Haukioja, E; Loponen, J; Pihlaja, K

2001-01-01

Proanthocyanidins (PAs; condensed tannins) are present in mountain birch leaves in soluble and cell wall-bound forms. Crude preparations of soluble PAs were isolated from birch leaves and purified by chromatography on a Sephadex LH-20 column with a yield of about 7% of leaf dry mass. Some chemical characteristics were elucidated with 13C-NMR and HPLC-ECI-MS. Birch leaf PAs were mainly delphinidin type oligo- and polymers with average molecular mass of about 3000. In order to quantify PAs, the method involving heating PA-containing materials in 1-butanol:hydrochloric acid (95:5, v/v), and spectrophotometric determination of the anthocyanidin monomers so formed was modified and optimised. Mature leaves were characterised by a relatively high content of PAs: mean values for soluble and bound PAs were 103 and 40 mg/g dry mass, respectively. In mature leaves the soluble PAs determined the total protein precipitation capacity (PPC) of extracts. In young leaves, the contribution of PAs to the total content of phenolics and the total PPC of tannins was about 20-25% only.

Seasonal variation in biomass and carbohydrate partitioning of understory sugar maple (Acer saccharum) and yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis) seedlings.

PubMed

Gaucher, Catherine; Gougeon, Sébastien; Mauffette, Yves; Messier, Christian

2005-01-01

We investigated seasonal patterns of biomass and carbohydrate partitioning in relation to shoot growth phenology in two age classes of sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) and yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis Britt.) seedlings growing in the understory of a partially harvested forest. The high root:shoot biomass ratio and carbohydrate concentration of sugar maple are characteristic of species with truncated growth patterns (i.e., cessation of aboveground shoot growth early in the growing season), a conservative growth strategy and high shade tolerance. The low root:shoot biomass ratio and carbohydrate concentration of yellow birch are characteristic of species with continuous growth patterns, an opportunistic growth strategy and low shade tolerance. In both species, starch represented up to 95% of total nonstructural carbohydrates and was mainly found in the roots. Contrary to our hypothesis, interspecific differences in shoot growth phenology (i.e., continuous versus truncated) did not result in differences in seasonal patterns of carbohydrate partitioning. Our results help explain the niche differentiation between sugar maple and yellow birch in temperate, deciduous understory forests.

Contamination of pine and birch wood dust with microscopic fungi and determination of its sterol contents.

PubMed

Stuper-Szablewska, Kinga; Rogoziński, Tomasz; Perkowski, Juliusz

2017-06-27

Wood compounds, especially sterols, are connected with the level of contamination with microscopic fungi. Within this study, tests were conducted on wood dust samples collected at various work stations in a pine and birch timber conversion plant. Their contamination with mycobiota was measured as the concentration of ergosterol (ERG) by ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC). Another aim of this study was to assess the effect of contamination with microscopic fungi on the sterol contents in wood dusts. Analyses were conducted on five sterols: desmosterol, cholesterol, lanosterol, stigmasterol, and β-sitosterol using UPLC and their presence was confirmed using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The results of chemical analyses showed the greatest contamination with mycobiota in birch wood dust. We also observed varied contents of individual sterols depending on the wood dust type. Their highest concentration was detected in birch dust. The discriminant analysis covering all tested compounds as predictors showed complete separation of all tested wood dust types. The greatest discriminatory power was found for stigmasterol, desmosterol, and ergosterol.

Wound-induced Oxidative Responses in Mountain Birch Leaves

PubMed Central

RUUHOLA, TEIJA; YANG, SHIYONG

2006-01-01

• Aims The aim of the study was to examine oxidative responses in subarctic mountain birch, Betula pubescens subsp. czerepanovii, induced by herbivory and manual wounding. • Methods Herbivory-induced changes in polyphenoloxidase, peroxidase and catalase activities in birch leaves were determined. A cytochemical dye, 3,3-diaminobenzidine, was used for the in situ and in vivo detection of H2O2 accumulation as a response to herbivory and wounding. To localize peroxidase activity in leaves, 10 mm H2O2 was applied to the dye reagent. • Key Results Feeding by autumnal moth, Epirrita autumnata, larvae caused an induction in polyphenoloxidase and peroxidase activities within 24 h, and a concomitant decrease in the activity of antioxidative catalases in wounded leaves. Wounding also induced H2O2 accumulation, which may have both direct and indirect defensive properties against herbivores. Wound sites and guard cells showed a high level of peroxidase activity, which may efficiently restrict invasion by micro-organisms. • Conclusion Birch oxidases together with their substrates may form an important front line in defence against herbivores and pathogens. PMID:16254021

Vig r 6, the cytokinin-specific binding protein from mung bean (Vigna radiata) sprouts, cross-reacts with Bet v 1-related allergens and binds IgE from birch pollen allergic patients’ sera

PubMed Central

Guhsl, Eva Elisabeth; Hofstetter, Gerlinde; Hemmer, Wolfgang; Ebner, Christof; Vieths, Stefan; Vogel, Lothar; Breiteneder, Heimo; Radauer, Christian

2014-01-01

Scope Birch pollen associated allergy to mung bean sprouts is caused by cross-reactivity between the birch pollen allergen Bet v 1 and the mung bean allergen Vig r 1. We aimed to determine the allergenicity of the cytokinin-specific binding protein from mung bean (Vig r 6), another allergen related to Bet v 1 with only 31% sequence identity. Methods and results Bet v 1, Gly m 4, Vig r 1, and Vig r 6 were produced in Escherichia coli. In an ELISA, 73 and 32% of Bet v 1-sensitized birch-allergic patients’ sera (n = 60) showed IgE binding to Vig r 1 and Vig r 6, respectively. Of 19 patients who reported allergic reactions or had positive prick-to-prick tests to mung bean sprouts, 79% showed IgE binding to Vig r 1 and 63% showed IgE binding to Vig r 6. Bet v 1 completely inhibited IgE binding to both mung bean allergens. Vig r 6 showed partial cross-reactivity with Vig r 1 and activated basophils sensitized with mung bean allergic patients’ sera. Conclusion We demonstrated IgE cross-reactivity despite low sequence identity between Vig r 6 and other Bet v 1-related allergens. Thus, IgE binding to Vig r 6 may contribute to birch pollinosis-associated mung bean sprout allergy. PMID:23996905

Impacts of Elevated Atmospheric CO 2 and O 3 on Paper Birch ( Betula papyrifera ): Reproductive Fitness

DOE PAGES

Darbah, Joseph N. T.; Kubiske, Mark E.; Nelson, Neil; ...

2007-01-01

Atmospheric CO 2 and tropospheric O 3 are rising in many regions of the world. Little is known about how these two commonly co-occurring gases will affect reproductive fitness of important forest tree species. Here, we report on the long-term effects of CO 3 and O 3 for paper birch seedlings exposed for nearly their entire life history at the Aspen FACE (Free Air Carbon Dioxide Enrichment) site in Rhinelander, WI. Elevated CO 2 increased both male and female flower production, while elevated O 3 increased female flower production compared to trees in control rings. Interestingly, very little flowering hasmore » yet occurred in combined treatment. Elevated CO 2 had significant positive effect on birch catkin size, weight, and germination success rate (elevated CO 2 increased germination rate of birch by 110% compared to ambient CO 2 concentrations, decreased seedling mortality by 73%, increased seed weight by 17%, increased root length by 59%, and root-to-shoot ratio was significantly decreased, all at 3 weeks after germination), while the opposite was true of elevated O 3 (elevated O 3 decreased the germination rate of birch by 62%, decreased seed weight by 25%, and increased root length by 15%). Under elevated CO 2 , plant dry mass increased by 9 and 78% at the end of 3 and 14 weeks, respectively. Also, the root and shoot lengths, as well as the biomass of the seedlings, were increased for seeds produced under elevated CO 2 , while the reverse was true for seedlings from seeds produced under the elevated O 3 . Similar trends in treatment differences were observed in seed characteristics, germination, and seedling development for seeds collected in both 2004 and 2005. Our results suggest that elevated CO 2 and O 3 can dramatically affect flowering, seed production, and seed quality of paper birch, affecting reproductive fitness of this species.« less

Impacts of elevated atmospheric CO2 and O3 on paper birch (Betula papyrifera): reproductive fitness.

PubMed

Darbah, Joseph N T; Kubiske, Mark E; Nelson, Neil; Oksanen, Elina; Vaapavuori, Elina; Karnosky, David F

2007-03-21

Atmospheric CO2 and tropospheric O3 are rising in many regions of the world. Little is known about how these two commonly co-occurring gases will affect reproductive fitness of important forest tree species. Here, we report on the long-term effects of CO2 and O3 for paper birch seedlings exposed for nearly their entire life history at the Aspen FACE (Free Air Carbon Dioxide Enrichment) site in Rhinelander, WI. Elevated CO2 increased both male and female flower production, while elevated O3 increased female flower production compared to trees in control rings. Interestingly, very little flowering has yet occurred in combined treatment. Elevated CO2 had significant positive effect on birch catkin size, weight, and germination success rate (elevated CO2 increased germination rate of birch by 110% compared to ambient CO2 concentrations, decreased seedling mortality by 73%, increased seed weight by 17%, increased root length by 59%, and root-to-shoot ratio was significantly decreased, all at 3 weeks after germination), while the opposite was true of elevated O3 (elevated O3 decreased the germination rate of birch by 62%, decreased seed weight by 25%, and increased root length by 15%). Under elevated CO2, plant dry mass increased by 9 and 78% at the end of 3 and 14 weeks, respectively. Also, the root and shoot lengths, as well as the biomass of the seedlings, were increased for seeds produced under elevated CO2, while the reverse was true for seedlings from seeds produced under the elevated O3. Similar trends in treatment differences were observed in seed characteristics, germination, and seedling development for seeds collected in both 2004 and 2005. Our results suggest that elevated CO2 and O3 can dramatically affect flowering, seed production, and seed quality of paper birch, affecting reproductive fitness of this species.

Hourly pattern of allergenic alder and birch pollen concentrations in the air: Spatial differentiation and the effect of meteorological conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Borycka, K.; Kasprzyk, I.

2018-06-01

In temperate climate widespread alder and birch are an important source of strong aeroallergens. The diurnal pattern of airborne pollen concentrations depends on the rhythm of pollen release from anthers as well as weather conditions, convection air currents, long-distance transport, pollen trap location and local vegetation. The aim of the study was to present a diurnal pattern of Alnus (alder) and Betula (birch) pollen concentrations in the air in a horizontal and vertical gradient and examine the weather parameters that had the greatest impact on the pattern. The study was conducted in Rzeszów City, southeast Poland over three years. Pollen grains were collected using a Hirst volumetric spore trap at three sampling points: two at 12 m the agl, and one at 1.5 m agl. Data were analysed using circular statistics and a nonlinear function. For alder, three models of hourly patterns were elaborated and the most common presented early morning minimum and early afternoon maximum. For birch, the most common model has one peak at night and a marked decrease in concentrations in early morning, although a second model has peak during early afternoon. A model with 3 peaks is much less common. These models are characteristic for warm temperate climate regions, where alders and birches are common. The diurnal patterns did not depend on the localization of traps or proximity of the pollen source, although these factors influenced the hourly concentrations, with higher values observed at roof level. Significant relationships between the hourly pollen counts and meteorological parameters were observed only for alder. Three incidents of increasing birch pollen concentrations were observed during the first two hours of precipitation and linked to a convection effect. Unstable weather conditions caused by air convection might strongly modify the circadian pattern and cause the nightly peaks concentrations. The general results are that people suffering from allergies may be exposed to high birch and alder pollen concentrations at almost all times during the day with the exception of the morning hours, as well as during the first hours of convective precipitation. Precise information on pollen concentrations aids in allergy prevention, so cities should provide aerobiological monitoring at least at "roof level" and "nose level".

The effect of cisplatin administration on certain trace elements homeostasis in rats and the protective effect of silver birch (Betula pendula) sap.

PubMed

Muselin, Florin; Dumitrescu, Eugenia; Berbecea, Adina; Doma, Alexandru Octavian; Brezovan, Diana; Savici, Jelena; Trif, Alexandra; Cristina, Romeo Teodor

2018-02-07

A clinically active structure with known antitumor activities is cisplatin (CDDP), but this it comes with toxicity characteristics which can be faded by the beneficial effects of Silver birch (Betula pendula) sap. We aimed to assess the cisplatin activity on: Mn, Mg, Cu, Fe and Zn homeostasis in rats and to observe the effect of birch sap. Healthy Wistar rats (n = 10/group) were divided in four groups: Control: receiving 1 mL saline I.P. way + water; E1: cisplatin 20 mg kgbw -1 , I.P.; E2: cisplatin 20 mg kgbw -1 , I.P. + birch sap and Control sap group: 1 mL saline I.P. + birch sap. Blood was collected: at the trial's start and after 48 h, and blood and organs (liver, kidney and spleen) for the cytoarchitecture investigation and readings were sampled after seven days. Samples were processed in nitric acid by microwave digestion and readings were completed by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy, the outcomes being statistically analyzed by ANOVA. Cisplatin produced a significant imbalance in the trace elements homeostasis, the birch sap administration recovering them usual homeostasis status. Comparatively with the Control, rats exposed to cisplatin presented a not significant (p > 0.05) decrease of Zn (-26.74%) and Mg (-10.25%), a significant (p < 0.05) decrease of Cu (-27.73%) at 48 h, a highly significant (p < 0.01) decrease of Cu (-56.08%) and Fe (-85.35%) at seven days after administration and a not significant (p > 0.05) increase of Mn (+28.16%). Birch sap administration after Cisplatin was followed by restoration or nevertheless significant increase (p < 0.05) of the investigated trace elements Zn (+56.88% to 48 h/+89.94% after seven days), Mg (+26.86%/+95.74%), Cu (+23.13%/+74.56%), Fe (+39.64%/+440.11%) and Mn (+4.30%/+15.87%), suggesting them defence against cisplatin. Histology revealed the order of main altered organs after the CDDP exposure: kidney, spleen and liver. The study recommended the important protective role of Betula pendula sap against diverse cisplatin deleterious side-effects. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Allergen-induced Th1 and Th2 cytokine secretion in relation to specific allergen sensitization and atopic symptoms in children.

PubMed

Jenmalm, M C; Van Snick, J; Cormont, F; Salman, B

2001-10-01

Allergic diseases are believed to be due to T helper (Th)2-like immunity to allergens in affected tissues, and immune responses to allergens are characterized by a cross-regulation between Th1 and Th2 cells. Atopic individuals may develop IgE antibodies to only one or more allergens. However, the mechanisms behind sensitization to a specific allergen, e.g. why an individual develops IgE to cat but not birch, are not known. Our aim was to study birch- and cat-induced Th1 and Th2 cytokine secretion in children who were sensitized to birch but not to cat, and vice versa. The subjects in the study were 60 12-year-old children. Seventeen of the children were sensitized (skin prick test and circulating IgE positive) to birch but not cat, 13 were sensitized to cat but not birch, 11 were sensitized both to birch and cat, and 19 children were skin prick test and circulating IgE negative. Forty-six children had a history of atopic symptoms, and 42 of them had current symptoms. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were separated from venous blood and stimulated with cat or birch allergen. The levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-9, IL-10, IL-13 and IFN-gamma in the cell supernatants were analysed by ELISA. Sensitized children produced more of the Th2 cytokines IL-4, IL-5, IL-9 and IL-13 than non-sensitized atopic and non-atopic children in response to stimulation with the allergen they were sensitized to. High levels of the Th2 cytokines IL-4 and IL-5 and low levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 were associated with atopic symptoms, and high cat-induced IL-9 levels with asthma. The Th2 cytokines IL-4, IL-5, IL-9 and IL-13 were all commonly detected in sensitized children after stimulation with the specific, in contrast to an unrelated, allergen. Atopic symptoms were associated with increased levels of IL-4 and IL-5 and tended to be associated with low levels of IL-10, and asthma with high cat-induced IL-9 levels.

Addition of phosphorus to subsoil promotes root development of yellow birch

Treesearch

Merrill C. Hoyle

1965-01-01

Pot-culture studies have indicated that roots of yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis Britton) develop more prolifically in humus than in sandy mineral soil (Hoyle 1965; Winget et al. 1963; Redmond 1954; and Tubbs 1963). This situation has also been observed during root-excavation studies (Redmond 1957; Spaulding and MacAloney 1931). Results of these...

Maine's forests 2008

Treesearch

George L. McCaskill; William H. McWilliams; Charles J. Barnett; Brett J. Butler; Mark A. Hatfield; Cassandra M. Kurtz; Randall S. Morin; W. Keith Moser; Charles H. Perry; Christopher W. Woodall

2011-01-01

The second annual inventory of Maine's forests was completed in 2008 after more than 3,160 forested plots were measured. Forest land occupies almost 17.7 million acres, which represents 82 percent of the total land area of Maine. The dominant forest-type groups are maple/beech/yellow birch, spruce/fir, white/red/jack pine, and aspen/white birch. Statewide volume...

Releasing yellow birch saplings and poles

Treesearch

Gayne G. Erdmann; Ralph M., Jr. Peterson

1992-01-01

Yellow birch needs moisture, nutrients, overhead light, and enough space for the crown to expand in order to compete successfully with faster-growing northern hardwoods. By releasing crowns early, you can increase the number of future veneer and saw log trees in a stand and double the growth rate, thus cutting rotations in half. If you delay crown release too long,...

Influence of edging practices on cutting yields of Alaska birch lumber

Treesearch

David L. Nicholls; J.W. Funck; C.C. Brunner; J.E. Reeb

2009-01-01

Birch lumber is often characterized by a high degree of knots, bark pockets, heartwood, and other features which force sawmill owners to decide whether to edge and trim boards to produce standard grade lumber vs. proprietary grade character-marked lumber. In addition, the edging strategies used with irregularly shaped flitches can greatly influence cut-stock recovery....

Birch regeneration: a stochastic model

Treesearch

William B. Leak

1968-01-01

The regeneration of a clearcutting with paper or yellow birch is expressed as an elementary stochastic (probabalistic) model that is computationally similar to an absorbing Markov chain. In the general case, the model contains 29 states beginning with the development of a flower (ament) and terminating with the abortion of a flower or seed, or the development of an...

Insect enemies of birch

Treesearch

James G. Conklin

1969-01-01

Native birches are subject to attack by insects at all stages of growth from the germinating seedling to the mature tree. All parts of the tree—roots, stem, branches, foliage, and even the developing seed—may be utilized as feeding sites by insects of one kind or another. An enumeration of the many insects recorded in the literature as feeders on...

Birch symposium proceedings

Treesearch

W.T. Doolittle; P.E. Bruns

1969-01-01

This symposium on yellow and paper birch is the third in a series of meetings devoted to discussion of our fine hardwood timber species. The first meeting, held at Carbondale, Illinois, in 1966, dealt with black walnut. The second, held at Houghton, Michigan, in 1968, dealt with sugar maple. The purpose of this third meeting is to bring together our present knowledge...

The Authoritarian Character of the John Birch Society: The Functional Utility of Alarmist Discourse.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smith, Craig Allen

Conventional wisdom holds that the right-wing John Birch Society disintegrated during the late 1960s. An examination of the society's periodical readership indicates that it has, instead, expanded. Moreover, this expansion occurred during a period of ideological dissonance for the organization, a fact that undermines confidence in the explanation…

Some harvest options and their consequences for the aspen, birch, and associated forest types of the Lake States.

Treesearch

L.F Ohmann; H.O. Batzer; R.R. Buech; D.C. Lothner; D. A. Perala; A.L. Schipper; E.S. Verry

1978-01-01

Describes some harvest options and their consequences in terms of timber investment return, water yield and quality, wildlife, visual quality, and disease and insect impact for the aspen, white birch, red pine, white pine, jack pine, black spruce, spruce-fir, and white-cedar forest types of the Lake States.

Wood properties of trembling aspen and paper birch after 5 years of exposure to elevated concentrations of CO2 and O3

Treesearch

Katri Kostiainen; Seija Kaakinen; Elina Warsta; Mark E. Kubiske; Neil D. Nelson; Jaak Sober; David F. Karnosky; Pekka Saranpaa; Elina Vapaavuori

2008-01-01

We investigated the interactive effects of elevated concentrations of carbon dioxide ([CO2]) and ozone ([O3]) on radial growth, wood chemistry and structure of five 5-year-old trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) clones and the wood chemistry of paper birch (Betula papyrifera...

Paper birch (Wiigwaas) of the Lake States, 1980-2010

Treesearch

W. Keith Moser; Mark H. Hansen; Dale Gormanson; Jonathan Gilbert; Alexandra Wrobel; Marla R. Emery; Michael J. Dockry

2015-01-01

Data on paper birch (Betula papyrifera L.; wiigwaas in the Ojibwe language), collected by the Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program of the U.S. Forest Service on forested lands in the Great Lakes region (Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin) from 1980 through 2010, are reported. Also presented are results and analysis of a supplemental inventory...

Prehydrolysis of birch wood with sulfur dioxide

Treesearch

Edward L. Springer; Kimball A. Libkie

1980-01-01

Work in progress on prehydrolysis of white birch (Betula papyrifera) wood with sulfur dioxide presents an alternative means for producing a relatively concentrated pentose solution with a very small requirement for steam or other forms of energy. The key ideas are to conduct the prehydrolysis reaction at a very low liquor-to-wood ratio (called vapor-phase cooking in...

Chapter 2:Basic properties of undervalued hardwoods

Treesearch

John I. Zerbe

2005-01-01

Among the most abundant of our undervalued hardwoods are the soft maples. However, other species that are also underutilized include some species of birch and some lower grades of the hard maples. This chapter covers physical, mechanical, and other important properties of different soft maples, hard maples, and yellow birch and compares them with the properties of...

Primary utilization of birch

Treesearch

Henry W. Saunders

1969-01-01

From an industry point-of-view, procurement of raw material and primary manufacture present problems today and challenges for tomorrow. So that you may become more familiar with the white birch industry and more specifically with Saunders Brothers, I will briefly explain some of the products we manufacture and some of the methods we use to make them. In some ways, we...

Spice allergy in celery-sensitive patients.

PubMed

Stäger, J; Wüthrich, B; Johansson, S G

1991-08-01

Scratch tests (SCT) with powdered commercial spices were performed in 70 patients with positive skin tests to birch and/or mugwort pollens and celery. Positive SCT to aniseed, fennel, coriander and cumin--all from the same botanical family (Apiaceae) as celery--were observed in more than 24 patients. Spices from unrelated families (red pepper, white pepper, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon) elicited positive immediate skin test reactions only in three of 11 patients. Specific serum IgE to spices (determined in 41 patients with positive RAST to celery) up to class 3 were seen especially in patients with celery-mugwort or celery-birch-mugwort association, and concerned various botanical families. Celery-birch association pattern was linked to positive reactions (RAST classes 1-2) to spices from the Apiaceae family only.

Vig r 6, the cytokinin-specific binding protein from mung bean (Vigna radiata) sprouts, cross-reacts with Bet v 1-related allergens and binds IgE from birch pollen allergic patients' sera.

PubMed

Guhsl, Eva Elisabeth; Hofstetter, Gerlinde; Hemmer, Wolfgang; Ebner, Christof; Vieths, Stefan; Vogel, Lothar; Breiteneder, Heimo; Radauer, Christian

2014-03-01

Birch pollen associated allergy to mung bean sprouts is caused by cross-reactivity between the birch pollen allergen Bet v 1 and the mung bean allergen Vig r 1. We aimed to determine the allergenicity of the cytokinin-specific binding protein from mung bean (Vig r 6), another allergen related to Bet v 1 with only 31% sequence identity. Bet v 1, Gly m 4, Vig r 1, and Vig r 6 were produced in Escherichia coli. In an ELISA, 73 and 32% of Bet v 1-sensitized birch-allergic patients' sera (n = 60) showed IgE binding to Vig r 1 and Vig r 6, respectively. Of 19 patients who reported allergic reactions or had positive prick-to-prick tests to mung bean sprouts, 79% showed IgE binding to Vig r 1 and 63% showed IgE binding to Vig r 6. Bet v 1 completely inhibited IgE binding to both mung bean allergens. Vig r 6 showed partial cross-reactivity with Vig r 1 and activated basophils sensitized with mung bean allergic patients' sera. We demonstrated IgE cross-reactivity despite low sequence identity between Vig r 6 and other Bet v 1-related allergens. Thus, IgE binding to Vig r 6 may contribute to birch pollinosis-associated mung bean sprout allergy. © 2013 The Authors. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research published by Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Additional indications for the low allergenic properties of the apple cultivars Santana and Elise.

PubMed

Vlieg-Boerstra, B J; van de Weg, W E; van der Heide, S; Skypala, I; Bures, P; Ballmer-Weber, B K; Hoffmann-Sommergruber, K; Zauli, D; Ricci, G; Dubois, A E J

2013-12-01

Patients with Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS) to fresh apple may tolerate low allergenic apple cultivars. We aimed to investigate if the low allergenic properties of Elise and Santana, as previously identified in a Dutch population, could be generalised within North West Europe within the birch pollen region with regard to both the prevalence and degree of sensitization. Prick-to-prick tests (PTP) were performed in eighty-five adult patients with OAS to fresh apple in Great Britain, Switzerland and Northern Italy, before the birch pollen season, using the putatively low allergenic apple cultivars Elise, Santana, Granny Smith, Modi and Mcintosh, as well as the putatively high allergenic apple cultivars Golden Delicious and Kanzi. No significant differences in percentages of negative responses of PTPs were found between the three countries. Negative responses did not differ from negative responses to the different apple cultivars we previously found in 2006/2007 in the Netherlands. The size of the PTPs of all apple cultivars tested were correlated to the size of the skin prick tests with birch pollen. These results add to the indications for the low allergenic properties of the low allergenic apple cultivars Santana and Elise, as the number of negative responses were reproducible in three countries within the birch pollen region and were similar to previous results in the Netherlands. These results justify oral challenge studies with Elise and Santana within the birch pollen region, to establish the low allergenic properties for the benefit for apple allergic consumers for definite conclusions.

The potential for developing alternate grading rules for birch lumber in Alaska

Treesearch

D. Nicholls; D. Parrent; K.J. Pavia

2004-01-01

Alaska birch lumber is often characterized by small knots and other character defects that can reduce its value when graded according to conventional hardwood lumber-grading rules. In this study, 626 boards (2,782 board feet of lumber) were graded; first according to standard National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA) rules, and then a second time using an alternative...

Ozone-induced H2O2 accumulation in field-grown aspen and birch is linked to foliar ultrastructure and peroxisomal activity

Treesearch

E. Oksanen; E. Häikiö; J. Sober; D.F. Karnosky

2003-01-01

Saplings of three aspen (Populus tremuloides) genotypes and seedlings of paper birch (Betula papyrifera) were exposed to elevated ozone (1.5x ambient) and 560 p.p.m. CO2, singly and in combination, from 1998 at the Aspen-FACE (free-air CO2 enrichment) site (Rhinelander, USA).

Development of old-growth northern hardwoods on Bartlett Experimental Forest - a 22-year record

Treesearch

Stanley M. Filip; David A. Marquis; William B. Leak

1960-01-01

Northern hardwood forests provide the industries of New England with their most valuable woods: yellow birch and sugar maple for veneer, paper birch for turning stock, and other hardwood species for a variety of specialty products. As a result of recent developments in hardwood pulping, these northern hardwood forests now represent a tremendous reservoir of raw...

The population and seasonal dynamics of weevils developing in the soil of birch stands

Treesearch

E. Kula

2003-01-01

Curculionidae developing in the soil of birch stands in an air-polluted region were classified using the method of soil photoeclectors on the basis of their population dynamics (1986-2000) and phenology of their emergence from where they developed. In the course of 15 years we saw two evident culminations in the population density of Polydrusus undatus...

Response of paper birch seedlings to nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium

Treesearch

John C. Bjorkbom

1973-01-01

The effects of N, P, and K on the growth of paper birch seedlings were tested in sand culture tests. Each element was tested singly at different supplies while holding constant the supply of all other elements. Seedling growth increased with increasing amounts of nitrogen. Three to 4 percent in the foliage indicated an adequate supply. Seedlings were relatively...

Identification of phanerosporic acid in birch degraded by Phanerochaete chrysosporium

Treesearch

Michael D. Mozuch; Philip J. Kersten

2003-01-01

Extracts of Phanerochaete chrysosporium cultures grown on birch or on a malt extract-peptone-glucose agar medium were analysed by HPLC. A major component from the two sources appears to be identical by HPLC and UV- visible spectrometry. The product isolated from agar-grown cultures was purified to apparent homogeneity and structure analysis by NMR indicates that the...

Effects of decadal exposure to interacting elevated CO2 and/or O3 on paper birch (Betula papyrifera) reproduction

Treesearch

Joseph N.T. Darbah; Mark E. Kubiske; Neil Nelson; Elina Oksanan; Elina Vapaavuori; David F. Karnosky

2008-01-01

We studied the effects of long-term exposure (nine years) of birch (Betula papyrifera) trees to elevated CO2 and/or O3 on reproduction and seedling development at the Aspen FACE (Free-Air Carbon Dioxide Enrichment) site in Rhinelander, WI. We found that elevated CO2 increased both...

Growth Response of Seedling Yellow Birch to Humus-Soil Mixtures

Treesearch

Carl H. Tubbs; Robert R. Oberg

1966-01-01

Previous observations of the establishment of yellow birch have cited the importance of mixed humus-mineral soil seedbeds. Godman and Krefting pointed out that both germination and growth were enhanced. Subsequent studies have shown that while germination in the absence of competition is adequate on mineral soil of a Podzol A under a wide variety of light and...

Multivariate regression model for predicting yields of grade lumber from yellow birch sawlogs

Treesearch

Andrew F. Howard; Daniel A. Yaussy

1986-01-01

A multivariate regression model was developed to predict green board-foot yields for the common grades of factory lumber processed from yellow birch factory-grade logs. The model incorporates the standard log measurements of scaling diameter, length, proportion of scalable defects, and the assigned USDA Forest Service log grade. Differences in yields between band and...

Impacts of elevated atmospheric CO2 and O3 on Paper Birch (Betula papyrifera): reproductive fitness

Treesearch

Joseph N.T. Darbah; Mark E. Kubiske; Neil Nelson; Elina Oksanen; Elina Vaapavuori; David F. Karnosky

2007-01-01

Atmospheric CO2 and tropospheric O3 are rising in many regions of the world. Little is known about how these two commonly co-occurring gases will affect reproductive fitness of important forest tree species. Here, we report on the long-term effects of CO2 and O3 for paper birch...

Production & germination of paper birch seed and its dispersal into a forest opening

Treesearch

John C. Bjorkbom; John C. Bjorkbom

1971-01-01

Knowledge of the seed-crop characteristics of paper birch (Betula papyrifera Marsh.) is essential to the success of carefully planned silvicultural measures aimed at the natural regeneration of this species. In general, we know how much seed is produced, when it is dispersed, and what its germination characteristics are. But more specific information about all three...

Management of birch for other uses

Treesearch

Oliver P. Wallace

1969-01-01

The management of any species for wood implies that there is a market, or confidence that there will be a market, for the wood. Certainly public programs to encourage forest owners to grow wood are based on the premise that markets exist and will continue to exist. Although the growing and cultivating of birches for wildlife and aesthetic quality also has direct costs...

Estimating the spread rate of urea formaldehyde adhesive on birch (Betula pendula Roth) veneer using fluorescence

Treesearch

Toni Antikainen; Anti Rohumaa; Christopher G. Hunt; Mari Levirinne; Mark Hughes

2015-01-01

In plywood production, human operators find it difficult to precisely monitor the spread rate of adhesive in real-time. In this study, macroscopic fluorescence was used to estimate spread rate (SR) of urea formaldehyde adhesive on birch (Betula pendula Roth) veneer. This method could be an option when developing automated real-time SR measurement for...

Shotgun Bisulfite Sequencing of the Betula platyphylla Genome Reveals the Tree’s DNA Methylation Patterning

PubMed Central

Su, Chang; Wang, Chao; He, Lin; Yang, Chuanping; Wang, Yucheng

2014-01-01

DNA methylation plays a critical role in the regulation of gene expression. Most studies of DNA methylation have been performed in herbaceous plants, and little is known about the methylation patterns in tree genomes. In the present study, we generated a map of methylated cytosines at single base pair resolution for Betula platyphylla (white birch) by bisulfite sequencing combined with transcriptomics to analyze DNA methylation and its effects on gene expression. We obtained a detailed view of the function of DNA methylation sequence composition and distribution in the genome of B. platyphylla. There are 34,460 genes in the whole genome of birch, and 31,297 genes are methylated. Conservatively, we estimated that 14.29% of genomic cytosines are methylcytosines in birch. Among the methylation sites, the CHH context accounts for 48.86%, and is the largest proportion. Combined transcriptome and methylation analysis showed that the genes with moderate methylation levels had higher expression levels than genes with high and low methylation. In addition, methylated genes are highly enriched for the GO subcategories of binding activities, catalytic activities, cellular processes, response to stimulus and cell death, suggesting that methylation mediates these pathways in birch trees. PMID:25514241

Soy allergy in perspective.

PubMed

Ballmer-Weber, Barbara K; Vieths, Stefan

2008-06-01

The purpose of this paper is to review and discuss studies on soy allergy. In Central Europe soy is a clinically relevant birch pollen-related allergenic food. Crossreaction is mediated by a Bet v 1 homologous protein, Gly m 4. Additionally, birch pollen allergic patients might acquire through Bet v 1 sensitization allergies to mungbean or peanut, in which Vig r 1 and Ara h 8 are the main cross-reactive allergens. Threshold doses in soy allergic individuals range from 10 mg to 50 g of soy and are more than one order of magnitude higher than in peanut allergy. No evidence was found for increased allergenicity of genetically modified soybeans. In Europe, both primary and pollen-related food allergy exist. The diagnosis of legume allergy in birch pollen-sensitized patients should not be excluded on a negative IgE testing to legume extracts. Bet v 1 related allergens are often underrepresented in extracts. Gly m 4 from soy and Ara h 8 from peanut are nowadays commercially available and are recommended in birch pollen allergic patients with suspicion of soy or peanut allergy, but negative extract-based diagnostic tests to screen for IgE specific to these recombinant allergens.

The long range transport of birch (Betula) pollen from Poland and Germany causes significant pre-season concentrations in Denmark

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ambelas Skjoth, C.; Sommer, J.; Stach, A.; Smith, M.; Brandt, J.; Christensen, J. H.; Frohn, L. M.; Geels, C.; Hansen, K. M.; Hedegaard, G. B.

2009-04-01

In Denmark, where birch pollen is considered to be among the most important allergenic pollen, about one million people suffer from seasonal allergic rhinitis. In Denmark, the official reported pollen forecast is based on the daily weather forecast, the pollen calendar and local 24-h measurements. Birch pollen has the potential for long-range transport but the present Danish pollen forecast does not account for birch pollen being transported into the country from distant sources.. Long-range transport episodes are intermittent and often out of the main pollen season, where individuals in general will be medically unprotected. Here we use an integrated approach to investigate whether or not Denmark receives significant quantities of birch pollen from Poland and Germany before local trees start to flower. In 2006 we used a combination of phenological observations and pollen measurements in Poland (Poznań) and Denmark (Copenhagen). Seasonal and diurnal variations in birch pollen measurement from Copenhagen (2000-2006) were examined with the aim of identifying pre-seasonal episodes originating from long-range transport. The 2.5% accumulation method was used for identifying start of season. If daily pollen counts exceeded 30 grains/m3 either before the local flowering season began or on the actual start day, the episode was chosen for investigation with back trajectory analysis. A birch forest inventory for Northern Europe was produced and implemented in DEHM-Pollen along with a simple unified pollen release model SUPREME to investigate the 2006 campaign in detail. In 2006, full flowering took place in Poznan between 20th and 28th of April and daily concentrations varied between 739 and 2169 grains/m3. In Copenhagen phenological observations showed that local flowering was initiated the 2nd of May. In Copenhagen several episodes with pollen concentrations at 108, 244 and 41 grains/m3 were recorded the 23rd, 26th and 27th of April, respectively. Back-trajectory analysis showed that for those tree dates the origin of the air masses was Poland including the Poznan region. 11 possible pre-seasonal long-range transport episodes in 2000-2006 were identified during analyses of the measured pollen data. All possible long-range transport episodes were investigated with back trajectories. In all investigated episodes, the air masses Copenhagen originated directly from either Germany or Poland. The model results from DEHM pollen for 2006 show several episodes in Copenhagen with high pollen concentration for the 23rd - 24th and 26th - 27th of April, respectively. These pre-seasonal peaks in 2006 were modelled well with respect to timing and magnitude. During this period the SUPREME model only predicts birch pollen emission south of Denmark. Long-range transport episodes of birch pollen from Poland and Germany has happened almost every year since 2000 and it is therefore likely that this is a general pattern. It is shown that DEHM-Pollen for the year 2006 is able to simulate pre-seasonal pollen concentrations in Denmark, where key components include a well calibrated emission model and emission inventory. Furthermore, all model components are prepared for full implementation in the THOR air pollution and forecasting system. During pre-seasonal, pollen allergy patients are in general medically unprotected. Such episodes will therefore have a full impact with respect to allergic reactions among the allergy patients. The use of the integrated approach improves knowledge of such episodes. Furthermore, an implementation of DEHM-Pollen in the THOR system has the potential to provide early warnings of severe pre-seasonal pollen episodes to the entire Danish population, by forecasting how far and how severe a possible pre-seasonal birch pollen cloud will progress into Denmark.

[The use of nucleolar morphological characteristics of birch seedlings for the assessment of environmental pollution].

PubMed

Karpova, S S; Kalaev, V N; Artiukov, V G; Trofimova, V A; OstashkovaL G, A D; Savko

2006-01-01

Micronucleus frequency in buccal mucosa from the oral cavity of children as well as nucleolar structural characteristics (surface area of single nucleoli as well as their number and type) in the root meristem of seed progeny of birch (Betula pendula Roth) were studied in some districts of Voronezh City and Voronezh Region (Novovoronezh Town, Zemlyansk Village). Similar trends of changes in cytogenetic parameters have been revealed for both subjects. Regression analysis allowed us to generate an equation relating the cytogenetic parameters of birch seed progeny (surface area of single nucleoli) and humans (frequency of micronuclei in buccal mucosa of children). This study can be considered as a result of cytogenetic monitoring of environmental pollution in some areas of Voronezh City and Voronezh Region.

Influence of Biomass Pretreatment Process Time on Furfural Extraction from Birch Wood

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brazdausks, Prans; Puke, Maris; Vedernikovs, Nikolajs; Kruma, Irena

2013-12-01

Furfural is a biomass derived-chemical that can be used to replace petrochemicals. In this study, dilute sulphuric acid hydrolysis was used for hemicelluloses secession from birch wood. The reaction was investigated at different biomass treatment times (10-90 min, increasing it by 10 min). We found that the greatest amount of furfural 1.4-2.6%, which is 9.7-17.7% from theoretical possible yield, was formed in the first 30 min of the beginning of birch wood pentoses monosaccharide dehydration, but the greatest yield of furfural 10.3%, which is 70.0% from the theoretical yield, can be obtained after 90 min. Given that furfural yield generally does not exceed 50% from the theoretical amount, the result can be considered as very good.

Proteomic Analysis of Responsive Proteins Induced in Japanese Birch Plantlet Treated with Salicylic Acid

PubMed Central

Suzuki, Hiromu; Takashima, Yuya; Ishiguri, Futoshi; Yoshizawa, Nobuo; Yokota, Shinso

2014-01-01

The present study was performed to unravel the mechanisms of systemic acquired resistance (SAR) establishment and resistance signaling pathways against the canker-rot fungus (Inonotus obliquus strain IO-U1) infection in Japanese birch plantlet No.8. Modulation of protein-profile induced by salicylic acid (SA)-administration was analyzed, and SA-responsive proteins were identified. In total, 5 specifically expressed, 3 significantly increased, and 3 significantly decreased protein spots were identified using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) and the sequence tag method. These proteins were malate dehydrogenase, succinate dehydrogenase, phosphoglycerate kinase, diaminopimalate decarboxylase, arginase, chorismate mutase, cyclophilin, aminopeptidase, and unknown function proteins. These proteins are considered to be involved in SAR-establishment mechanisms in the Japanese birch plantlet No 8. PMID:28250384

Cloning and expression of BpMYC4 and BpbHLH9 genes and the role of BpbHLH9 in triterpenoid synthesis in birch.

PubMed

Yin, Jing; Li, Xin; Zhan, Yaguang; Li, Ying; Qu, Ziyue; Sun, Lu; Wang, Siyao; Yang, Jie; Xiao, Jialei

2017-11-21

Birch (Betula platyphylla Suk.) contains triterpenoids with anti-HIV and anti-tumor pharmacological activities. However, the natural abundance of these triterpenoids is low, and their chemical synthesis is costly. Transcription factors have the ability to regulate the metabolite pathways of triterpenoids via multi-gene control, thereby improving metabolite yield. Thus, transcription factors have the potential to facilitate the production of birch triterpenoids. Plant bHLH (basic helix-loop-helix) transcription factors play important roles in stress response and secondary metabolism. In this study, we cloned two genes, BpMYC4 and BpbHLH9, that encode bHLH transcription factors in Betula platyphylla Suk. The open reading frame (ORF) of BpMYC4 was 1452 bp and encoded 483 amino acids, while the ORF of BpbHLH9 was 1140 bp and encoded 379 amino acids. The proteins of BpMYC4 and BpbHLH9 were localized in the cell membrane and nucleus. The tissue-specific expression patterns revealed that BpMYC4 expression in leaves was similar to that in the stem and higher than in the roots. The expression of BpbHLH9 was higher in the leaves than in the root and stem. The expressions of BpMYC4 and BpbHLH9 increased after treatment with abscisic acid, methyl jasmonate, and gibberellin and decreased after treatment with ethephon. The promoters of BpMYC4 and BpbHLH9 were isolated using a genome walking approach, and 900-bp and 1064-bp promoter sequences were obtained for BpMYC4 and BpbHLH9, respectively. The ORF of BpbHLH9 was ligated into yeast expression plasmid pYES3 and introduced into INVScl and INVScl1-pYES2-SS yeast strains. The squalene and total triterpenoid contents in the different INVScl1 transformants decreased in the following order INVScl1-pYES-SS-bHLH9 > INVScl1-pYES3-bHLH9 > INVScl1-pYES2- BpSS > INVScl-pYES2. In BpbHLH9 transgenic birch, the relative expression of the genes that encodes for enzymes critical for triterpenoid synthesis showed a different level of up-regulation compair with wild birch(control), and the contents of betulinic acid, oleanolic acid and betulin in bHLH9-8 transgenic birch were increased by 11.35%, 88.34% and 23.02% compared to in wild birch, respectively. Our results showed that the modulation of BpbHLH9 by different hormones affected triterpenoid synthesis and triterpenoid contents. This is the first report of the cloning of BpbHLH9, and the findings are important for understanding the regulatory role of BpbHLH9 in the synthesis of birch triterpenoids.

Early stand development in a red oak-paper birch stand regenerated through the shelterwood system in northern Wisconsin

Treesearch

Terry F. Strong

2005-01-01

A study was established 20 years ago in northern Wisconsin to examine the minimum size of seedlings to ensure seedling survival after the overstory was removed in a red oak (Quercus rubra L.) and paper birch (Betula papyrifera Marsh.) stand. About 65 percent of the site was scarified in 1985 with a woods disc. The overstory was...

Summer planting of container-grown northern hardwoods

Treesearch

Raymond Graber

1978-01-01

Seedlings of paper birch and yellow birch were grown in Styrofoam blocks of two cavity sizes, 40 cc and 125 cc, in four different soil mixes. After 16 weeks, the seedlings were outplanted on a cleared forest site in mid July. Seedling survival for all treatments after two growing seasons was very good (98.8 percent). The effects of container size and soil mix were...

Photographic guide of selected external defect indicators and associated internal defects in yellow birch

Treesearch

Everette D. Rast; John A. Beaton; David L. Sonderman

1991-01-01

To properly classify or grade logs or trees, one must be able to correctly identify defect indicators and assess the effect of the underlying defect on possible end products. This guide assists the individual in identifying the surface defect indicator and shows the progressive stages of the defect throughout its development for yellow birch. Eleven types of external...

Bolt, log, and tree grades for birch

Treesearch

Roswell D. Carpenter

1969-01-01

A birch tree is made up of a variety of round pieces of wood that can be used to manufacture many different products. To convert the tree into its best end use, it is first necessary to classify the usable round pieces into major product classes. These product classes will vary from low-quality wood suitable only for pulpwood or charcoal to high-quality wood for making...

Some benefits, problems, and concerns of a secondary user of yellow birch

Treesearch

John E. Bent

1969-01-01

S. Bent & Brothers, Inc. is a small furniture company located in Gardner, Massachusetts, specializing in the manufacture of Early American wooden seat chairs. Because of our size and our specialization, we do not necessarily represent the industry in our ideas about and use of yellow birch as a primary raw material. Our company during the past 100 years has made...

An economic evaluation of precommercial thinning in predominately paper birch stands

Treesearch

Orris D. McCauley; David P. Worley

1969-01-01

Before timber managers invest their time and money in precommercial thinnings in paper birch stands, they should know what thinning options are open to them and should have some idea of the response they might expect from the alternatives. Equipped with a knowledge of these options, the manager can select the monetary and output goals that best suit his own situation...

Birch seeds will germinate under a water-light treatment without pre-chilling

Treesearch

George Yelenosky

1961-01-01

The seed of yellow and paper birches, like that of many other species, often exhibits delayed germination, which apparently is due to embryo dormancy. Stratification is usually recommended for overcoming this dormancy before the seed is sown or before it is tested for germination. This involves a chilling treatment for 1 to 2 1/2 months, which is best done under...

Growth response to fertilizer in a young aspen-birch stand

Treesearch

Miroslaw M. Czapowskyj; Lawrence O. Safford

1978-01-01

A thinned aspen-birch-red maple stand was fertilized with N, P, and N plus P, both with and without lime (L). Overall, treatments with N increased height growth by an average of 79 percent, and volume growth by 69 percent, over treatments without N. Lime tended to increase both average height and volume growth over each corresponding treatment without lime. The amount...

Ten-year growth of planted paper birch in old fields in Maine

Treesearch

John C. Bjorkbom; John C. Bjorkbom

1973-01-01

Early results of planting paper birch in old fields in Maine have not been very encouraging. Observations of seven plantations in a study established in 1959 by the Northeastern Forest Experiment Station showed low survival and slow growth over the first five growing seasons. Removing the sod in advance of planting gave better results than planting directly in the sod...

Birch veneer and plywood demand: projected needs of the industry

Treesearch

Clark E. McDonald

1969-01-01

Production of hardwood plywood in the United States has increased steadily from 1955 to 1967 - almost doubling during this period (table 1). The peak year for shipments of hardwood plywood was 1965, for all species (1,668,313,000 square feet surface measure) and also for birch ( 600,72 3,000 square feet surface measure). The U.S. Bureau of Census figures are not...

Academic Success for Students of Color . . . At What Cost? The Importance of School Context at Birch High School

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chambers, Terah T. Venzant; Tabron, Lolita A.

2013-01-01

Kiara, an African American rising freshman, has aspirations to become a medical doctor. She enrolls at Birch High School because of the reputation of the principal, Mr. Brown, whose vision for academic excellence permeates every corner of the school. Kiara graduates from high school with top honors, but realizes her success may have come at a…

Plant Uptake of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances at a Contaminated Fire Training Facility to Evaluate the Phytoremediation Potential of Various Plant Species.

PubMed

Gobelius, Laura; Lewis, Jeffrey; Ahrens, Lutz

2017-11-07

Fire training facilities and other areas suffer from serious per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) contamination in soil, surface water, and groundwater due to regular practices with PFAS-containing aqueous firefighting foams (AFFFs). Therefore, the uptake of 26 PFASs in plants and the contamination of soil and groundwater has been investigated at a fire training site at Stockholm Arlanda airport, Stockholm (Sweden) in 2016. Elevated ∑ 26 PFAS levels were detected in soil and groundwater ranging from 16 to 160 ng g -1 dry weight (dw) and 1200-34 000 ng L -1 , respectively. Samples from different plant species and tissues (i.e., roots, trunk/cores, twigs, leaves/needles) of the local plant community were taken, namely silver birch (Betula pendula), Norway spruce (Picea abies), bird cherry (Prunus padus), mountain ash (Sorbus aucuparia), ground elder (Aegopodium podagraria), long beechfern (Phegopteris connectilis), and wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca). The plants showed a high variability of concentrations with highest ∑ 26 PFAS concentrations in vegetative compartments with up to 97 ng g -1 wet weight (ww) and 94 ng g -1 ww in birch leaves and spruce needles, respectively. Annual ground cover plants such as long beechfern and ground elder, and bushes like bird cherry showed concentrations up to 6.9, 23, and 21 ng g -1 ww, respectively. The bioconcentration factors (BCFs; plant/soil ratios) were highest in foliage, while the total tree burden of ∑ 26 PFASs per tree was up to 11 mg for birch and 1.8 mg for spruce. Considering a shelterwood system with mixed stands of silver birch and spruce in combination with regular harvest of leaves and birch sap and an understory of ground elder, it is potentially feasible to remove 1.4 g of ∑ 26 PFASs per year and hectare from (heavily) contaminated sites. An alternative approach is the coppicing of birch trees in combination with an understory of ground elder, potentially removing 0.65 g yr -1 ha -1 of ∑ 26 PFASs, while a simple meadow with ground elder can remove 0.55 g yr -1 ha -1 ∑ 26 PFASs.

Impacts of changing climate on the productivity of Norway spruce dominant stands with a mixture of Scots pine and birch in relation to water availability in southern and northern Finland.

PubMed

Ge, Zhen-Ming; Kellomäki, Seppo; Peltola, Heli; Zhou, Xiao; Wang, Kai-Yun; Väisänen, Hannu

2011-03-01

A process-based ecosystem model was used to assess the impacts of changing climate on net photosynthesis and total stem wood growth in relation to water availability in two unmanaged Norway spruce (Picea abies) dominant stands with a mixture of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) and birch (Betula sp.). The mixed stands were grown over a 100-year rotation (2000-99) in southern and northern Finland with initial species shares of 50, 25 and 25% for Norway spruce, Scots pine and birch, respectively. In addition, pure Norway spruce, Scots pine and birch stands were used as a comparison to identify whether species' response is different in mixed and pure stands. Soil type and moisture conditions (moderate drought) were expected to be the same at the beginning of the simulations irrespective of site location. Regardless of tree species, both annual net canopy photosynthesis (P(nc)) and total stem wood growth (V(s)) were, on average, lower on the southern site under the changing climate compared with the current climate (difference increasing toward the end of the rotation); the opposite was the case for the northern site. Regarding the stand water budget, evapotranspiration (E(T)) was higher under the changing climate regardless of site location. Transpiration and evaporation from the canopy affected water depletion the most. Norway spruce and birch accounted for most of the water depletion in mixed stands on both sites regardless of climatic condition. The annual soil water deficit (W(d)) was higher on the southern site under the changing climate. On the northern site, the situation was the opposite. According to our results, the growth of pure Norway spruce stands in southern Finland could be even lower than the growth of Norway spruce in mixed stands under the changing climate. The opposite was found for pure Scots pine and birch stands due to lower water depletion. This indicates that in the future the management should be properly adapted to climate change in order to sustain the productivity of mixed stands dominated by Norway spruce.

Microbial activities related to C and N cycling and microbial community structure in the rhizospheres of Pinus sylvestris, Picea abies and Betula pendula seedlings in an organic and mineral soil.

PubMed

Priha; Grayston; Pennanen; Smolander

1999-10-01

The aim of this study was to determine whether Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) and silver birch (Betula pendula Roth) seedlings have a selective influence on the soil microbial community structure and activity and whether this varies in different soils. Seedlings of pine, spruce and birch were planted into pots of two soil types: an organic soil and a mineral soil. Pots without seedlings were also included. After one growing season, microbial biomass C (C(mic)) and N (N(mic)), C mineralization, net ammonification, net nitrification, denitrification potential, phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) patterns and community level physiological profiles (CLPPs) were measured in the rhizosphere soil of the seedlings. In the organic soil, C(mic) and N(mic) were higher in the birch rhizosphere than in pine and spruce rhizosphere. The C mineralization rate was not affected by tree species. Unplanted soil contained the highest amount of mineral N and birch rhizosphere the lowest, but rates of net N mineralization and net nitrification did not differ between treatments. The microbial community structure, measured by PLFAs, had changed in the rhizospheres of all tree species compared to the unplanted soil. Birch rhizosphere was most clearly separated from the others. There was more of the fungal specific fatty acid 18:2omega6,9 and more branched fatty acids, common in Gram-positive bacteria, in this soil. CLPPs, done with Biolog GN plates and 30 additional substrates, separated only birch rhizosphere from the others. In the mineral soil, roots of all tree species stimulated C mineralization in soil and prevented nitrification, but did not affect C(mic) and N(mic), PLFA patterns or CLPPs. The effects of different tree species did not vary in the mineral soil. Thus, in the mineral soil, the strongest effect on soil microbes was the presence of a plant, regardless of the tree species, but in the organic soil, different tree species varied in their influence on soil microbes.

Allergy immunotherapy with a hypoallergenic recombinant birch pollen allergen rBet v 1-FV in a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Klimek, Ludger; Bachert, Claus; Lukat, Karl-Friedrich; Pfaar, Oliver; Meyer, Hanns; Narkus, Annemie

2015-01-01

Pollen extracts and chemically modified allergoids are used successfully in allergen immunotherapy (AIT). Recombinant extracts offer potential advantages with respect to pharmaceutical quality, standardization and dosing. A hypoallergenic recombinant folding variant of the major birch pollen allergen (rBet v 1-FV) was compared with an established native birch preparation. A pre-seasonal, randomized, actively controlled phase II study was performed in birch pollen allergic rhino-conjunctivitis with or without asthma, GINA I/ II. 51 patients (24 rBet v 1-FV, 27 native extract) started therapy with subcutaneous allergen immunotherapy (SCIT). Primary end-point was a combined symptom medication score (SMS), changes in nasal provocation test, visual rating score and specific antibody responses secondary end-points. After one pre-seasonal treatment course the combined SMS was 5.86 (median; IQR: 14.02) for the rBet v 1-FV group versus 12.40 (median; IQR: 9.32) for the comparator during the three weeks pollen season (p = 0.330). After treatment in the second year, scores were 3.00 (median; IQR: 6.50) and 2.93 (4.86) respectively. Allergen tolerance in a nasal provocation test improved to a comparable extent in both groups. Significant increases in birch pollen-specific IgG1 and IgG4 were observed in both treatment groups following the first treatment phase and remained significantly raised until the end of the study. In this first in man, proof of concept phase II trial no statistical difference between rBet v 1-FV and an established natural pollen extract could be observed. rBet v 1-FV could be administered in higher doses than the native protein with no increase in adverse effects. The study was registered in clinicalTrials.gov (NCT00266526).

Elevated Air Humidity Changes Soil Bacterial Community Structure in the Silver Birch Stand.

PubMed

Truu, Marika; Ostonen, Ivika; Preem, Jens-Konrad; Lõhmus, Krista; Nõlvak, Hiie; Ligi, Teele; Rosenvald, Katrin; Parts, Kaarin; Kupper, Priit; Truu, Jaak

2017-01-01

Soil microbes play a fundamental role in forest ecosystems and respond rapidly to changes in the environment. Simultaneously with the temperature increase the climate change scenarios also predict an intensified hydrological cycle for the Baltic Sea runoff region. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of elevated air humidity on the top soil microbial community structure of a silver birch ( Betula pendula Roth.) stand by using a free air humidity manipulation facility (FAHM). The bacterial community structures of bulk soil and birch rhizosphere were analyzed using high-throughput sequencing of bacteria-specific16S rRNA gene fragments and quantification of denitrification related genes. The increased air humidity altered both bulk soil and rhizosphere bacterial community structures, and changes in the bacterial communities initiated by elevated air humidity were related to modified soil abiotic and biotic variables. Network analysis revealed that variation in soil bacterial community structural units is explained by altered abiotic conditions such as increased pH value in bulk soil, while in rhizosphere the change in absorptive root morphology had a higher effect. Among root morphological traits, the absorptive root diameter was strongest related to the bacterial community structure. The changes in bacterial community structures under elevated air humidity are associated with shifts in C, N, and P turnover as well as mineral weathering processes in soil. Increased air humidity decreased the nir and nosZ gene abundance in the rhizosphere bacterial community. The potential contribution of the denitrification to the N 2 O emission was not affected by the elevated air humidity in birch stand soil. In addition, the study revealed a strong link between the bacterial community structure, abundance of denitrification related genes, and birch absorptive root morphology in the ecosystem system adaptation to elevated air humidity.

Modulation of allergic immune responses by mucosal application of recombinant lactic acid bacteria producing the major birch pollen allergen Bet v 1.

PubMed

Daniel, C; Repa, A; Wild, C; Pollak, A; Pot, B; Breiteneder, H; Wiedermann, U; Mercenier, A

2006-07-01

Probiotic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are able to modulate the host immune system and clinical trials have demonstrated that specific strains have the capacity to reduce allergic symptoms. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the potential of recombinant LAB producing the major birch pollen allergen Bet v 1 for mucosal vaccination against birch pollen allergy. Recombinant Bet v 1-producing Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactococcus lactis strains were constructed. Their immunogenicity was compared with purified Bet v 1 by subcutaneous immunization of mice. Intranasal application of the live recombinant strains was performed to test their immunomodulatory potency in a mouse model of birch pollen allergy. Bet v 1 produced by the LAB was recognized by monoclonal anti-Bet v 1 and IgE antibodies from birch pollen-allergic patients. Systemic immunization with the recombinant strains induced significantly lower IgG1/IgG2a ratios compared with purified Bet v 1. Intranasal pretreatment led to reduced allergen-specific IgE vs enhanced IgG2a levels and reduced interleukin (IL)-5 production of splenocytes in vitro, indicating a shift towards non-allergic T-helper-1 (Th1) responses. Airway inflammation, i.e. eosinophils and IL-5 in lung lavages, was reduced using either Bet v 1-producing or control strains. Allergen-specific secretory IgA responses were enhanced in lungs and intestines after pretreatment with only the Bet v 1-producing strains. Mucosal vaccination with live recombinant LAB, leading to a shift towards non-allergic immune responses along with enhanced allergen-specific mucosal IgA levels offers a promising approach to prevent systemic and local allergic immune responses.

The clinical relevance of birch pollen profilin cross-reactivity in sensitized patients.

PubMed

Wölbing, F; Kunz, J; Kempf, W E; Grimmel, C; Fischer, J; Biedermann, T

2017-04-01

Overlapping seasons and cross-reactivity, especially to grass pollen profilin, can hamper the diagnosis of birch pollen allergy. To identify the primary sensitizing allergen and the clinical relevance of cross-sensitization, we correlated sensitization profiles with in vitro and in vivo tests, symptom scores, and pollen counts. A total of 433 patients with positive skin prick test (SPT) to birch pollen were analyzed regarding IgE to major birch and grass pollen allergens Bet v 1 and Phl p 1/p 5 and the profilins Bet v 2 and Phl p 12. Subgroups were analyzed by basophil activation test (BAT) and CAP-FEIA-based cross- and self-inhibition tests. A total of 349 patients were sensitized to Bet v 1, 44 patients to both Bet v 1 and Bet v 2, and 15 patients to Bet v 2 only. From Bet v 2-sensitized patients, 40 were also sensitized to Phl p 12. Ex vivo, Bet v 2 and Phl p 12 induced dose-dependent activation in basophils of these patients. Cross- and self-inhibition tests with both allergens confirmed cross-reactivity. However, semiquantitative analysis of SPTs demonstrated markedly increased reactivity to grass compared to birch pollen extract in Bet v 2 only sensitized patients. Accordingly, in most of those patients, clinical symptoms precisely correlated with grass pollen counts. Identification of the clinically relevant and sensitizing allergen needs correlation of actual pollen counts with clinical symptoms and sensitization status to major allergens. Semiquantitative analysis of SPT or BAT and determining profilin-specific IgE can contribute to making the diagnosis. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

The allergen Bet v 1 in fractions of ambient air deviates from birch pollen counts.

PubMed

Buters, J T M; Weichenmeier, I; Ochs, S; Pusch, G; Kreyling, W; Boere, A J F; Schober, W; Behrendt, H

2010-07-01

Proof is lacking that pollen count is representative for allergen exposure, also because allergens were found in nonpollen-bearing fractions of ambient air. We monitored simultaneously birch pollen and the major birch pollen allergen Bet v 1 in different size fractions of ambient air from 2004 till 2007 in Munich, Germany. Air was sampled with a ChemVol high-volume cascade impactor equipped with stages for particulate matter (PM)>10 microm, 10 microm>PM>2.5 microm, and 2.5 microm>PM>0.12 microm. Allergen was determined with a Bet v 1-specific ELISA. Pollen count was assessed with a Burkard pollen trap. We also measured the development of allergen in pollen during ripening. About 93 +/- 3% of Bet v 1 was found in the PM > 10 microm fraction, the fraction containing birch pollen. We did not measure any Bet v 1 in 2.5 microm > PM > 0.12 microm. Either in Munich no allergen was in this fraction or the allergen was absorbed to diesel soot particles that also deposit in this fraction. Pollen released 115% more Bet v 1 in 2007 than in 2004. Also within 1 year, the release of allergen from the same amount of pollen varied more than 10-fold between different days. This difference was explained by a rapidly increasing expression of Bet v 1 in pollen in the week just before pollination. Depending on the day the pollen is released during ripening, its potency varies. In general, pollen count and allergen in ambient air follow the same temporal trends. However, because a 10-fold difference can exist in allergen potency of birch pollen, symptoms might be difficult to correlate with pollen counts, but perhaps better with allergen exposure.

Effects of sample drying and storage, and choice of extraction solvent and analysis method on the yield of birch leaf hydrolyzable tannins.

PubMed

Salminen, Juha-Pekka

2003-06-01

In this study, I investigated the effects of different methods of sample drying and storage, and the choice of extraction solvent and analysis method on the concentrations of 14 individual hydrolyzable tannins (HTs), and insoluble ellagitannins in birch (Betula pubescens) leaves. Freeze- and vacuum-drying of birch leaves were found to provide more reliable results than air- or oven-drying. Storage of leaves at -20 degrees C for 3 months before freeze-drying did not cause major changes in tannin content, although levels of 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloylglucose and isostrictinin were altered. Storage of dried leaf material at -20 degrees C is preferred because 1 year storage of freeze-dried leaves at 4 degrees C and at room temperature decreased the concentration of the pedunculagin derivative, one of the main ellagitannins of birch. Furthermore, storage at room temperature increased the levels of isostrictinin and 2,3-(S)-HHDP-glucose, indicating possible HT catabolism. Of the extraction solvents tested, aqueous acetone was superior to pure acetone, or aqueous or pure methanol. The addition of 0.1% ascorbic acid into 70% acetone significantly increased the yield of ellagitannins. presumably by preventing their oxidation. By comparing the conventional rhodanine assay and the HPLC-ESI-MS assay for quantification of leaf galloylglucoses, the former tends to underestimate total concentrations of galloylglucoses in birch leaf extract. On the basis of the outcomes of all the method and solvent comparisons, their suitability for qualitative and quantitative analysis of plant HTs is discussed, emphasizing that each plant species, with its presumably unique HT composition, is likely to have a unique combination of ideal conditions for tissue preservation and extraction.

Elevated Air Humidity Changes Soil Bacterial Community Structure in the Silver Birch Stand

PubMed Central

Truu, Marika; Ostonen, Ivika; Preem, Jens-Konrad; Lõhmus, Krista; Nõlvak, Hiie; Ligi, Teele; Rosenvald, Katrin; Parts, Kaarin; Kupper, Priit; Truu, Jaak

2017-01-01

Soil microbes play a fundamental role in forest ecosystems and respond rapidly to changes in the environment. Simultaneously with the temperature increase the climate change scenarios also predict an intensified hydrological cycle for the Baltic Sea runoff region. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of elevated air humidity on the top soil microbial community structure of a silver birch (Betula pendula Roth.) stand by using a free air humidity manipulation facility (FAHM). The bacterial community structures of bulk soil and birch rhizosphere were analyzed using high-throughput sequencing of bacteria-specific16S rRNA gene fragments and quantification of denitrification related genes. The increased air humidity altered both bulk soil and rhizosphere bacterial community structures, and changes in the bacterial communities initiated by elevated air humidity were related to modified soil abiotic and biotic variables. Network analysis revealed that variation in soil bacterial community structural units is explained by altered abiotic conditions such as increased pH value in bulk soil, while in rhizosphere the change in absorptive root morphology had a higher effect. Among root morphological traits, the absorptive root diameter was strongest related to the bacterial community structure. The changes in bacterial community structures under elevated air humidity are associated with shifts in C, N, and P turnover as well as mineral weathering processes in soil. Increased air humidity decreased the nir and nosZ gene abundance in the rhizosphere bacterial community. The potential contribution of the denitrification to the N2O emission was not affected by the elevated air humidity in birch stand soil. In addition, the study revealed a strong link between the bacterial community structure, abundance of denitrification related genes, and birch absorptive root morphology in the ecosystem system adaptation to elevated air humidity. PMID:28421053

Randomised controlled trials define shape of dose-response for Pollinex Quattro Birch allergoid immunotherapy.

PubMed

Worm, Margitta; Higenbottam, Tim; Pfaar, Oliver; Mösges, Ralph; Aberer, Werner; Gunawardena, Kulasiri; Wessiepe, Dorothea; Lee, Denise; Kramer, Matthias F; Skinner, Murray; Lees, Bev; Zielen, Stefan

2018-05-19

The Birch Allergoid, Tyrosine Adsorbate, Monophosphoryl Lipid A (POLLINEX ® Quattro Plus 1.0 ml Birch 100%) is an effective, well-tolerated short course subcutaneous immunotherapy. We performed two phase II studies to determine its optimal cumulative dose. The studies were conducted in Germany, Austria and Poland (EudraCT numbers: 2012-004336-28 PQBirch203 and 2015-000984-15 PQBirch204) using a wide range of cumulative doses. In both studies, subjects were administered 6 therapy injections weekly outside the pollen season. Conjunctival Provocation Tests were performed at screening, baseline and 3-4 weeks after completing treatment, to quantify the reduction of Total Symptom Scores (as the primary endpoint) with each cumulative dose. Multiple Comparison Procedure and Modelling analysis was used to test for the dose-response, shape of the curve, and estimation of the median effective dose (ED 50 ), a measure of potency. Statistically significant dose-responses (p<0.01 & 0.001) were seen respectively. The highest cumulative dose in PQBirch204 (27300 standardised units [SU]) approached a plateau. Potency of the PQ Birch was demonstrated by an ED 50 2723 SU, just over half the current dose. Prevalence of treatment-emergent adverse events was similar for active doses, most being short-lived and mild. Compliance was over 85% in all groups. Increasing the cumulative dose of PQ Birch 5.5-fold from 5100 to 27300 SU achieved an absolute point difference from placebo of 1.91, a relative difference 32.3% and an increase of efficacy of 50%, without compromising safety. The cumulative dose-response was confirmed to be curvilinear in shape. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Cavities in trees around spring seeps in the maple-beech-birch forest type

Treesearch

Andrew B. Carey; William M. Healy

1981-01-01

We examined 913 trees of 15 species in the vicinity of eight spring seeps in a second-growth maple-beech-birch forest. We found that 18 percent of the trees had large dead limbs that indicated top rot. We found 37 cavities in 27 trees (3.0 percent). However, only seven cavities were being used by wildlife in September and mice (Peromyscus sp.) used...

Early flowering and seed production in a yellow birch progeny test

Treesearch

Knud E. Clausen

1976-01-01

Trees in a yellow birch progeny test began to bear seed when 7 years old and the proportion of fruiting trees increased in the following 2 years. Male catkins were produced at age 8 and the number of trees with males increased greatly the following years. Although there is much variation between and within families in earliness of flowering and in number of flowers and...

Generic Environmental Impact Statement. Air Force Low Altitude Flying Operations. Preliminary Draft. Volume 3

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-01-01

landing strip at Circle. Lodging is available primarily at Circle Hot Springs, approximately 30 miles southwest of Circle. In general, hiking, snowmobiling... timberline ), coniferous forest, and several widespread deciduous species. Coniferous and deciduous forest, alpine and deciduous scrub, shrub tundra, and...white and paper birch, quaking aspen, and balsam poplar. Common shrub species (above and below timberline ) are alder, willow, glandular birch

The volume of selected hardwood species suitable for turnery bolts in Maine, 1970

Treesearch

Neal P. Kingsley

1973-01-01

During the last Forest Survey of Maine, data were collected about the four hardwood species-paper birch, yellow birch, sugar maple, and beech-that are used by turneries. Analysis of the data showed that only about 18 percent of the volume of growing stock in trees 8 inches d.b.h. and larger in these species is acceptable for turning bolts, according to the criteria...

Concentrations of Ca and Mg in early stages of sapwood decay in red spruce, eastern hemlock, red maple, and paper birch

Treesearch

Kevin T. Smith; Walter C. Shortle; Jody Jellison; Jon Connolly; Jonathan Schilling

2007-01-01

The decay of coarse woody debris is a key component in the formation of forest soil and in the biogeochemical cycles of Ca and Mg. We tracked changes in density and concentration of Ca and Mg in sapwood of red maple (Acer rubrum L.), red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.), paper birch (Betula papyrifera Marsh.), and...

The influence of lathe check depth and orientation on the bond quality of phenol-formaldehyde-bonded birch plywood

Treesearch

Anti Rohumaa; Christopher G. Hunt; Mark Hughes; Charles R. Frihart; Janne Logren

2013-01-01

During the rotary peeling of veneer for plywood or the laminated veneer lumber manufacture, checks are formed in the veneer that are as deep as 70 – 80 % of the veneer thickness. The results of this study show that, during adhesive bond testing, deep lathe checks in birch (Betula pendula Roth.) veneer significantly reduce the shear strength and the...

Variations in phenology and growth of European white birch (Betula pendula) clones.

PubMed

Rousi, Matti; Pusenius, Jyrki

2005-02-01

Phenology can have a profound effect on growth and climatic adaptability of northern tree species. Although the large interannual variations in dates of bud burst and growth termination have been widely discussed, little is known about the genotypic and spatial variations in phenology and how these sources of variation are related to temporal variation. We measured bud burst of eight white birch (Betula pendula Roth) clones in two field experiments daily over 6 years, and determined the termination of growth for the same clones over 2 years. We also measured yearly height growth. We found considerable genetic variation in phenological characteristics among the birch clones. There was large interannual variation in the date of bud burst and especially in the termination of growth, indicating that, in addition to genetic effects, environmental factors have a strong influence on both bud burst and growth termination. Height growth was correlated with timing of growth termination, length of growth period and bud burst, but the relationships were weak and varied among years. We accurately predicted the date of bud burst from the temperature accumulation after January 1, and base temperatures between +2 and -1 degrees C. There was large clonal variation in the duration of bud burst. Interannual variation in bud burst may have important consequences for insect herbivory of birches.

Stomatal regulation, structural acclimation and metabolic shift towards defensive compounds reduce O3 load in birch under chronic O3 stress

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oksanen, E.; Riikonen, J.; Kontunen-Soppela, S.; Maenpaa, M.; Rousi, M.

2009-12-01

Northern forests are encountering new threats due to continuously increasing load of oxidative stress, e.g. due to rising tropospheric O3 levels, and simultaneous climate warming, which is more intense in northern latitudes as compared to global means. The proportion of silver birch (Betula pendula) in Finnish forests is expected to increase with climate warming. Unfortunately, we have growing evidence that the vitality and the carbon sink strength of birch trees are weakened under chronic O3 stress. In this study we investigated the effects of slightly elevated O3 concentration (1.3 x the ambient), temperature (T) and their combination on the antioxidant defense, gas exchange and leaf growth of Betula pendula saplings (clone 12) growing in open-field conditions over two growing seasons. The plants were measured for SLA (specific leaf area), total leaf area, net photosynthesis (Pn), stomatal conductance (gs), maximum rate of carboxylation (Vc,max), maximum rate of electron transport (Jmax), relative stomatal limitation to photosynthesis (ls), dark respiration (Rd), apoplastic concentrations of AA (ascorbic acid), DHA (dehydroascobate) and total ascorbate, the redox state of apoplastic ascorbate, and total antioxidant capacity. Elevated O3 enhanced the total antioxidant capacity in the apoplast in the first year of the experiment at the ambient T. However, during the second year of the experiment, the saplings responded to elevated O3 level by closing the stomata and by developing leaves with a lower leaf area per mass, rather than by accumulating ascorbate in the apoplast. O3 did not affect the total leaf area, whereas Pn was slightly and gs significantly reduced in the second year. Elevated T enhanced the total leaf area, Pn and Vc,max, redox state of ascorbate and total antioxidant capacity in the apoplast. The effects of T and O3 on total leaf area and net photosynthesis were counteractive. We were not able to detect significant differences in Rd between the treatments. Our results with birch suggest that (1) apoplastic AA plays only a minor and transient role in O3 defence whereas (2) stomatal regulation and structural plasticity of leaves are more important long-term mechanisms leading to O3 avoidance in chronic O3 stress with relatively low O3 concentrations. The role of antioxidant capacity was, however, modified by temperature in a complex manner. We should also remember that the clonal differences are wide in birch responses to O3 and therefore the role of AA in scavencing ROS in the apoplast maybe more important in other birch genotypes. Our previous studies with O3-stressed birches have indicated a considerable shift in leaf metabolome towards quercetin-phenolic compounds and chlorogenic acid, which have good radical-scavencing properties, and compounds related to leaf cuticular wax layer. Therefore we can conclude that the long-term protection of birch against chronic O3 stress in mainly composed of stomatal closure, secondary compounds and structural acclimation.

Mississippi River Headwaters Reservoirs. Minnesota Master Plan for Public Use Development and Resource Management.

DTIC Science & Technology

1977-12-06

Red Oak Woodchuck• ~~Paper BirchWodhc White Tailed Deer SHRUBS BIRDS Chokecherry Great Blue HeronAlwde Common Egret Dogwood Woodduck HERBS...SHRUBS BIRDS Hazelnut Eagle Chokecherry Hawks Juneberry Great Horned Owl Woodpeckers HERBS Chickadee Hepatica Wren Violet Warblers Solomons Seal Sparrows...Snowshoe Hare N. Red Oak Woodchuck Paper Birch White Tailed Deer SHRUBS BIRDS Chokecherry Great Blue Heron Alder Common Egret Dogwood Woodduck HERBS

Growing Season Definition and Use in Wetland Delineation: A Literature Review

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-08-01

1999.) Location (Source) Species Date of First Flower Eastern Massachusetts ( Debbie Flanders, personal communication, 1998) Acer rubrum April 8–14...obvious stunting of growth but no mortality. The species order of most-to-least recovery of wetland bottomland trees is as follows: river birch (Betula...silver birch (Betula pendula) ecotypes. Physiologia Plantarum 117: 206–212. Lipson, D. A., and R. K. Monson. 1998. Plant-microbe competition for

The influence of log soaking temperature on surface quality and integrity performance of birch (Betula pendula Roth) veneer

Treesearch

Anti Rohumaa; Toni Antikainen; Christopher G. Hunt; Charles R. Frihart; Mark Hughes

2016-01-01

Wood material surface properties play an important role in adhesive bond formation and performance. In the present study, a test method was developed to evaluate the integrity of the wood surface, and the results were used to understand bond performance. Materials used were rotary cut birch (Betula pendula Roth) veneers, produced from logs soaked at 20 or 70 °C prior...

Dilute acid hydrolysis of paper birch : kinetics studies of xylan and acetyl-group hydrolysis

Treesearch

Mark T. Maloney; Thomas W. Chapman; Andrew J. Baker

1985-03-01

Batch hydrolysis kinetics of paper birch (Betula papyrifera) xylan and its associated acetyl groups in dilute sulfuric acid have been measured for acid concentrations of between 0.04 and 0.18 M and temperatures of between 100 and 170°C. Only 5% of the cellulose was hydrolyzed for up to 85% xylan removal. Rate data were correlated well by a parallel reaction model based...

A Catskill Flora and Economic Botany, III: Apetalae. Including the Poplars, Willows, Hickories, Birches, Beeches, Oaks, Elms, Nettles, Sorrels, Docks, and Smartweeds. Bulletin No. 443, New York State Museum.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brooks, Karl L.

This compendium deals with the ecology and economic importance of the poplars, willows, hickories, birches, beeches, oaks, elms, nettles, sorrels, docks, and smartweeds growing in New York's Catskills. Provided are keys for identifying each plant to species by flowers, foliage, or winter buds. A line drawing accompanies a summary of basic data…

Transcriptomic Analysis of Phenotypic Changes in Birch (Betula platyphylla) Autotetraploids

PubMed Central

Mu, Huai-Zhi; Liu, Zi-Jia; Lin, Lin; Li, Hui-Yu; Jiang, Jing; Liu, Gui-Feng

2012-01-01

Plant breeders have focused much attention on polyploid trees because of their importance to forestry. To evaluate the impact of intraspecies genome duplication on the transcriptome, a series of Betula platyphylla autotetraploids and diploids were generated from four full-sib families. The phenotypes and transcriptomes of these autotetraploid individuals were compared with those of diploid trees. Autotetraploids were generally superior in breast-height diameter, volume, leaf, fruit and stoma and were generally inferior in height compared to diploids. Transcriptome data revealed numerous changes in gene expression attributable to autotetraploidization, which resulted in the upregulation of 7052 unigenes and the downregulation of 3658 unigenes. Pathway analysis revealed that the biosynthesis and signal transduction of indoleacetate (IAA) and ethylene were altered after genome duplication, which may have contributed to phenotypic changes. These results shed light on variations in birch autotetraploidization and help identify important genes for the genetic engineering of birch trees. PMID:23202935

[Report of Quambalaria cyanescens associated with birch].

PubMed

Antropova, A B; Bilanenko, E N; Mokeeva, V L; Chekunova, L N; Kachalkin, A V; Shtaer, O V; Kamzolkina, O V

2014-01-01

Long-term microbiological investigation of the pollen of silver birch (Betula pendula) in the Mos- cow, and Moscow region areas revealed that: almost one-third of the analyzed samples, contained the fungus identified by morphological, cultural, and molecular genetic techniques as Quambalaria cyanescens (de Hoog & G. A. de Vries) Z.W. de Beer, Begerow & R. Bauer. This species was previously known mostly as a syrmbiont of tropical plants of the generaEucalyptus and Cortyminbia and has not been isolated in Russia. We revealed a close association between Quambalaria cyanescens and silver birch. The micromycete was regulaly detected in pollen samples, as well as on the.inside and outside of the aments, on the surface of leaves and branches. It was never isolated from other plant species in the investigated area. The data on the morphological and cultural characteristics of the fungus, its cell ultrastructure, and occurrence are presented, as well as the phylogenetic analysis of the isolated strains.

Design of plywood and paper flywheel rotors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hagen, D. L.

Technical and economic design factors of cellulosic rotors are compared with conventional materials for stationary flywheel energy storage systems. Wood species, operation in a vacuum, assembly and costs of plywood rotors are evaluated. Wound kraft paper, twine and veneer rotors are examined. Two bulb attachments are designed. Support stiffness is shown to be constrained by the material strength, rotor configuration and speed ratio. Plywood moisture equilibrium during manufacture and assembly is critical. Disk shaping and rotor assembly are described. Potential self-centering dynamic balancing methods and equipment are described. Detailed measurements of the distribution of strengths, densities and specific energy of conventional Finnish Birch plywood and of custom made hexagonal Birch plywood are detailed. High resolution tensile tests were performed while monitoring the acoustic emissions with micoprocessor controlled data acquisition. Preliminary duration of load tests were performed on vacuum dried hexagonal birch plywood. Economics of cellulosic and conventional rotors were examined.

Changes in tree growth, biomass and vegetation over a 13-year period in the Swedish sub-Arctic.

PubMed

Hedenås, Henrik; Olsson, Håkan; Jonasson, Christer; Bergstedt, Johan; Dahlberg, Ulrika; Callaghan, Terry V

2011-09-01

This study was conducted in the Swedish subArctic, near Abisko, in order to assess the direction and scale of possible vegetation changes in the alpine-birch forest ecotone. We have re-surveyed shrub, tree and vegetation data at 549 plots grouped into 61 clusters. The plots were originally surveyed in 1997 and re-surveyed in 2010. Our study is unique for the area as we have quantitatively estimated a 19% increase in tree biomass mainly within the existing birch forest. We also found significant increases in the cover of two vegetation types--"birch forest-heath with mosses" and "meadow with low herbs", while the cover of snowbed vegetation decreased significantly. The vegetation changes might be caused by climate, herbivory and past human impact but irrespective of the causes, the observed transition of the vegetation will have substantial effects on the mountain ecosystems.

Assessment of hydrology, water quality, and trace elements in selected placer-mined creeks in the birch creek watershed near central, Alaska, 2001-05

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kennedy, Ben W.; Langley, Dustin E.

2007-01-01

Executive Summary The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management, completed an assessment of hydrology, water quality, and trace-element concentrations in streambed sediment of the upper Birch Creek watershed near Central, Alaska. The assessment covered one site on upper Birch Creek and paired sites, upstream and downstream from mined areas, on Frying Pan Creek and Harrison Creek. Stream-discharge and suspended-sediment concentration data collected at other selected mined and unmined sites helped characterize conditions in the upper Birch Creek watershed. The purpose of the project was to provide the Bureau of Land Management with baseline information to evaluate watershed water quality and plan reclamation efforts. Data collection began in September 2001 and ended in September 2005. There were substantial geomorphic disturbances in the stream channel and flood plain along several miles of Harrison Creek. Placer mining has physically altered the natural stream channel morphology and removed streamside vegetation. There has been little or no effort to re-contour waste rock piles. During high-flow events, the abandoned placer-mine areas on Harrison Creek will likely contribute large quantities of sediment downstream unless the mined areas are reclaimed. During 2004 and 2005, no substantial changes in nutrient or major-ion concentrations were detected in water samples collected upstream from mined areas compared with water samples collected downstream from mined areas on Frying Pan Creek and Harrison Creek that could not be attributed to natural variation. This also was true for dissolved oxygen, pH, and specific conductance-a measure of total dissolved solids. Sample sites downstream from mined areas on Harrison Creek and Frying Pan Creek had higher median suspended-sediment concentrations, by a few milligrams per liter, than respective upstream sites. However, it is difficult to attach much importance to the small downstream increase, less than 10 milligrams per liter, in median suspended-sediment concentration for either basin. During low-flow conditions in 2004 and 2005, previously mined areas investigated on Harrison Creek and on Frying Pan Creek did not contribute substantial suspended sediments to sample sites downstream from the mined areas. No substantial mining-related water- or sediment-quality problems were detected at any of the sites investigated in the upper Birch Creek watershed during low-flow conditions. Average annual streamflow and precipitation were near normal in 2002 and 2003. Drought conditions, extreme forest fire impact, and low annual streamflow set apart the 2004 and 2005 summer seasons. Daily mean streamflow for upper Birch Creek varied throughout the period of record-from maximums of about 1,000 cubic feet per second to minimums of about 20 cubic feet per second. Streamflow increased and decreased rapidly in response to rainfall and rapid snowmelt events because the steep slopes, thin soil cover, and permafrost areas in the watershed have little capacity to retain runoff. Median suspended-sediment concentrations for the 115 paired samples from Frying Pan Creek and 101 paired samples from Harrison Creek were less than the 20 milligrams per liter total maximum daily load. The total maximum daily load was set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for the upper Birch Creek basin in 1996. Suspended-sediment paired-sample data were collected using automated samplers in 2004 and 2005, primarily during low-flow conditions. Suspended-sediment concentrations in grab samples from miscellaneous sites ranged from less than 1 milligram per liter during low-flow conditions to 1,386 milligrams per liter during a high-flow event on upper Birch Creek. Streambed-sediment samples were collected at six sites on Harrison Creek, two sites on Frying Pan Creek, and one site on upper Birch Creek. Trace-element concentrations of mercury, lead, and zinc in streambed sedimen

Laboratory Mass Production and Genetics of ’Anopheles Freeborni’

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-07-19

Pfahler, and Dr. Don Hall. Thanks to Dr. Bob Washino for his help and support during my stay in California. I also thank Debbie Dritz, Greg ii Lanzaro...colonies, can be varied by changing environmental conditions such as temperature (Moos 1955) and crowding ( Birch 1955). In California, the frequency of In...Fosfatasi alcaline di A. tr borni ed b. labranchiae. Riv. Parassitol. 29:297-303. Birch , L. C. 1955. Selection in Drosophila pseudoobscura in relation to

The Haw River Sites: Archaeological Investigations at Two Stratified Sites in the North Carolina Piedmont. Volume I.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-04-01

pounded by Regina Bynum, Karen Webster, Monica Collett, Tracie Drake, Cynthia Hicks and Debbie Gallant. Dr. Mueller’s tenure as principal...fluvial terraces, and the swamp forests of the poorly drained depressions. The canopy is dense and closed, and is chiefly represented by river birch ...climax dominated by river birch (Betula nigra), sycamore (Platamus occidentalis), and box elder (Acer negundo) with ash (Fraximus spp.), elm (Ulmus

The effects of various combinations of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium on paper birch seedling growth

Treesearch

John C. Bjorkbom

1973-01-01

The combined effects of various concentrations of N, P, and K on the growth of paper birch seedlings were tested in sand culture tests. All other elements were held constant. The best seedling growth and dry weight of foliage generally occurred at concentrations of 400 p.p.m. N, 50 p.p.m. P or 600 p.p.m. N, 75 p.p.m. P. The concentration of K had relatively little...

The influence of felling season and log-soaking temperature on the wetting and phenol formaldehyde adhesive bonding characteristics of birch veneer

Treesearch

Anti Rohumaa; Christopher G. Hunt; Charles R. Frihart; Pekka Saranpää; Martin Ohlmeyer; Mark Hughes

2014-01-01

Most adhesive studies employing wood veneer as the substrate assume that it is a relatively uniform material if wood species and veneer thickness are constant. In the present study, veneers from rotary cut birch (Betula pendula Roth) were produced from logs harvested in spring, autumn and winter, and soaked at 20°C and 70°C prior to peeling. Firstly...

Developmental and anatomical changes in leaves of yellow birch and red kidney bean exposed to simulated acid precipitation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Paparozzi, E.T.; Tukey, H.B. Jr.

Leaves of Betula alleghaniensis Britt. (yellow birch) and Phaseolus vulgaris L cv. Red Kidney (bean) were examined microscopically during development and after exposure to simulated rain of pH 5.5, 4.3, 3.2, and 2.8. Yellow birch leaves attained maximal leaf area, midvein length, and cuticle thickness at 21 days. Trichomes were either long, unicellular, or multicellular with caplike head and stalk. Epicuticular wax was a bumpy and amorphous layer. The 2nd trifoliolate leaf of red kidney bean attained maximal leaf area, midvein length, and cuticle thickness when the 3rd trifoliolate leaf was expanding. Trichomes present were long, with a unicellular headmore » and a multicellular base; long, unicellular, and terminally hooked; and small and multicellular. Epicuticular wax was present as small irregular flakes. After 2 days of pH 2.8 and 4 days of pH 3.2 simulated acid rain, round yellow and small tan lesions appeared on birch and bean leaves, respectively. Most injury occurred on or between small veins. Most trichome types were uninjured. Lesions formed as a result of collapsed epidermal and highly plasmolyzed palisade cells. The cuticle was still present over injured epidermal cells and epicuticular waxes were unchanged. There was not statistical difference in mean cuticle thickness due to pH of simulated rain. 25 references, 10 figures, 4 tables.« less

Vitrification, a complementary cryopreservation method for Betula pendula Roth.

PubMed

Ryynänen, Leena; Aronen, Tuija

2005-10-01

Cryopreservation--the storage of plant germplasm in liquid nitrogen--provides a modern tool for the conservation of forest genetic resources. It is especially applicable for species in which their micropropagation can be initiated from mature tree buds, e.g., silver birch (Betula pendula Roth), thus enabling the conservation of specific genotypes: endangered elite trees and trees expressing rare, valuable or interesting characteristics. The aim of the present study was to develop a vitrification protocol applicable for the cryostorage of silver birch that avoids the use of expensive sophisticated freezers. The average recovery of vitrified axillary silver birch buds was 71% using a protocol that started with four-week cold hardening of bud-bearing in vitro donor shoots on modified medium under short day conditions. After cold hardening, the excised axillary buds were precultivated on medium containing 0.7 M sucrose for 24 h under the same conditions as during the cold hardening period. Following preculture, the buds were treated with loading solution containing 2M glycerol and 0.4 M sucrose for 20 min at room temperature. Finally, the buds were dehydrated with PVS2 cryoprotectant for 120 min followed by direct immersion in liquid nitrogen. According to the morphology and the RAPD profiles of regenerated plants in the greenhouse, the genetic fidelity of the vitrified birch material seems to have remained unchanged.

Variation Analysis of Physiological Traits in Betula platyphylla Overexpressing TaLEA-ThbZIP Gene under Salt Stress

PubMed Central

Xiao, Zhenhai; Wang, Fuwei; Li, Shuchun; Zang, Lina; Zheng, Mi; Li, Ying; Qu, Guan-Zheng

2016-01-01

The aim of this study was to determine whether transgenic birch (Betula platyphylla) ectopic overexpressing a late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) gene and a basic leucine zipper (bZIP) gene from the salt-tolerant genus Tamarix (salt cedar) show increased tolerance to salt (NaCl) stress. Co-transfer of TaLEA and ThbZIP in birch under the control of two independent CaMV 35S promoters significantly enhanced salt stress. PCR and northern blot analyses indicated that the two genes were ectopically overexpressed in several dual-gene transgenic birch lines. We compared the effects of salt stress among three transgenic birch lines (L-4, L-5, and L-8) and wild type (WT). In all lines, the net photosynthesis values were higher before salt stress treatment than afterwards. After the salt stress treatment, the transgenic lines L-4 and L-8 showed higher values for photosynthetic traits, chlorophyll fluorescence, peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities, and lower malondialdehyde and Na+ contents, compared with those in WT and L-5. These different responses to salt stress suggested that the transcriptional level of the TaLEA and ThbZIP genes differed among the transgenic lines, resulting in a variety of genetic and phenotypic effects. The results of this research can provide a theoretical basis for the genetic engineering of salt-tolerant trees. PMID:27802286

Photosynthetic characteristics in genetically modified sense-RbcS silver birch lines.

PubMed

Kontunen-Soppela, Sari; Sillanpää, Maarit; Tuhkanen, Eeva-Maria; Sutinen, Sirkka; Kangasjärvi, Jaakko; Vapaavuori, Elina; Häggman, Hely

2010-07-01

Transgenic silver birch lines carrying extra copies of endogenous small subunit of Rubisco (RbcS)-gene under 35S CaMV promoter were used to study the carbon use efficiency of silver birch (Betula pendula Roth). A five week greenhouse experiment was carried out with four transgenic lines, R3.2, R7.2, E5 and E25, and their corresponding wild types (wt). The first fully developed leaves were used for analyses. Three of the produced lines, R3.2, E5 and E25, differed from the wt lines. Line R3.2 showed an altered growth rhythm; its chlorophyll content, Rubisco amount and activity as well as photosynthetic characteristics were reduced at the beginning of the experiment, which resulted in decreased biomass and growth. In lines E25 and E5, the biomass accumulation was shifted to roots, and in line E25, the total biomass was also reduced. In line E25, the differences were particularly marked in the dry mass, indicating a difference in water use, seen as increased transpiration. Introduction of sense RbcS decreased the Rubisco amount in birch leaves to 80% of wt at times during the tree development, but the lower amount of Rubisco was usually not seen in photosynthesis. The accumulation and distribution of biomass within the plants was altered. 2010 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

A nonallergenic birch pollen allergy vaccine consisting of hepatitis PreS-fused Bet v 1 peptides focuses blocking IgG toward IgE epitopes and shifts immune responses to a tolerogenic and Th1 phenotype.

PubMed

Marth, Katharina; Breyer, Isabella; Focke-Tejkl, Margarete; Blatt, Katharina; Shamji, Mohamed H; Layhadi, Janice; Gieras, Anna; Swoboda, Ines; Zafred, Domen; Keller, Walter; Valent, Peter; Durham, Stephen R; Valenta, Rudolf

2013-04-01

Allergen-specific immunotherapy is the only allergen-specific and disease-modifying treatment for allergy. The construction and characterization of a vaccine for birch pollen allergy is reported. Two nonallergenic peptides, PA and PB, derived from the IgE-reactive areas of the major birch pollen allergen Bet v 1 were fused to the hepatitis B surface protein, PreS, in four recombinant fusion proteins containing different numbers and combinations of the peptides. Fusion proteins expressed in Escherichia coli and purified to homogeneity showed a lack of IgE reactivity and allergenic activity when tested with sera and basophils from patients allergic to birch pollen. Compared to Bet v 1 allergen, peptides PA and PB showed reduced T cell activation in PBMCs from allergic patients, whereas PreS fusion proteins induced less IL-5 and more IL-10 and IFN-γ. Immunization of rabbits with the fusion proteins, in particular with a PreS fusion protein 2PAPB-PreS, containing two copies of each peptide, induced high levels of IgG Abs against the major IgE-reactive site on Bet v 1 and related allergens. These IgG Abs inhibited allergic patients' IgE binding to Bet v 1 better than did IgG induced by immunization with complete Bet v 1. Furthermore, 2PAPB-PreS-induced IgG inhibited Bet v 1-induced basophil activation in allergic patients and CD23-facilitated allergen presentation. Our study exemplifies novel beneficial features for a PreS carrier-based peptide vaccine for birch pollen, which, in addition to the established reduction in allergenic activity, include the enhanced focusing of blocking Ab responses toward IgE epitopes, immunomodulatory activity, and reduction of CD23-facilitated allergen presentation.

Morphological plasticity of ectomycorrhizal short roots in Betula sp and Picea abies forests across climate and forest succession gradients: its role in changing environments

PubMed Central

Ostonen, Ivika; Rosenvald, Katrin; Helmisaari, Heljä-Sisko; Godbold, Douglas; Parts, Kaarin; Uri, Veiko; Lõhmus, Krista

2013-01-01

Morphological plasticity of ectomycorrhizal (EcM) short roots (known also as first and second order roots with primary development) allows trees to adjust their water and nutrient uptake to local environmental conditions. The morphological traits (MTs) of short-living EcM roots, such as specific root length (SRL) and area, root tip frequency per mass unit (RTF), root tissue density, as well as mean diameter, length, and mass of the root tips, are good indicators of acclimation. We investigated the role of EcM root morphological plasticity across the climate gradient (48–68°N) in Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst) and (53–66°N) birch (Betula pendula Roth., B. pubescens Ehrh.) forests, as well as in primary and secondary successional birch forests assuming higher plasticity of a respective root trait to reflect higher relevance of that characteristic in acclimation process. We hypothesized that although the morphological plasticity of EcM roots is subject to the abiotic and biotic environmental conditions in the changing climate; the tools to achieve the appropriate morphological acclimation are tree species-specific. Long-term (1994–2010) measurements of EcM roots morphology strongly imply that tree species have different acclimation-indicative root traits in response to changing environments. Birch EcM roots acclimated along latitude by changing mostly SRL [plasticity index (PI) = 0.60], while spruce EcM roots became adjusted by modifying RTF (PI = 0.68). Silver birch as a pioneer species must have a broader tolerance to environmental conditions across various environments; however, the mean PI of all MTs did not differ between early-successional birch and late-successional spruce. The differences between species in SRL, and RTF, diameter, and length decreased southward, toward temperate forests with more favorable growth conditions. EcM root traits reflected root-rhizosphere succession across forest succession stages. PMID:24032035

Morphological plasticity of ectomycorrhizal short roots in Betula sp and Picea abies forests across climate and forest succession gradients: its role in changing environments.

PubMed

Ostonen, Ivika; Rosenvald, Katrin; Helmisaari, Heljä-Sisko; Godbold, Douglas; Parts, Kaarin; Uri, Veiko; Lõhmus, Krista

2013-01-01

Morphological plasticity of ectomycorrhizal (EcM) short roots (known also as first and second order roots with primary development) allows trees to adjust their water and nutrient uptake to local environmental conditions. The morphological traits (MTs) of short-living EcM roots, such as specific root length (SRL) and area, root tip frequency per mass unit (RTF), root tissue density, as well as mean diameter, length, and mass of the root tips, are good indicators of acclimation. We investigated the role of EcM root morphological plasticity across the climate gradient (48-68°N) in Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst) and (53-66°N) birch (Betula pendula Roth., B. pubescens Ehrh.) forests, as well as in primary and secondary successional birch forests assuming higher plasticity of a respective root trait to reflect higher relevance of that characteristic in acclimation process. We hypothesized that although the morphological plasticity of EcM roots is subject to the abiotic and biotic environmental conditions in the changing climate; the tools to achieve the appropriate morphological acclimation are tree species-specific. Long-term (1994-2010) measurements of EcM roots morphology strongly imply that tree species have different acclimation-indicative root traits in response to changing environments. Birch EcM roots acclimated along latitude by changing mostly SRL [plasticity index (PI) = 0.60], while spruce EcM roots became adjusted by modifying RTF (PI = 0.68). Silver birch as a pioneer species must have a broader tolerance to environmental conditions across various environments; however, the mean PI of all MTs did not differ between early-successional birch and late-successional spruce. The differences between species in SRL, and RTF, diameter, and length decreased southward, toward temperate forests with more favorable growth conditions. EcM root traits reflected root-rhizosphere succession across forest succession stages.

Quantitative DNA Analyses for Airborne Birch Pollen

PubMed Central

Müller-Germann, Isabell; Vogel, Bernhard; Vogel, Heike; Pauling, Andreas; Fröhlich-Nowoisky, Janine; Pöschl, Ulrich; Després, Viviane R.

2015-01-01

Birch trees produce large amounts of highly allergenic pollen grains that are distributed by wind and impact human health by causing seasonal hay fever, pollen-related asthma, and other allergic diseases. Traditionally, pollen forecasts are based on conventional microscopic counting techniques that are labor-intensive and limited in the reliable identification of species. Molecular biological techniques provide an alternative approach that is less labor-intensive and enables identification of any species by its genetic fingerprint. A particularly promising method is quantitative Real-Time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), which can be used to determine the number of DNA copies and thus pollen grains in air filter samples. During the birch pollination season in 2010 in Mainz, Germany, we collected air filter samples of fine (<3 μm) and coarse air particulate matter. These were analyzed by qPCR using two different primer pairs: one for a single-copy gene (BP8) and the other for a multi-copy gene (ITS). The BP8 gene was better suitable for reliable qPCR results, and the qPCR results obtained for coarse particulate matter were well correlated with the birch pollen forecasting results of the regional air quality model COSMO-ART. As expected due to the size of birch pollen grains (~23 μm), the concentration of DNA in fine particulate matter was lower than in the coarse particle fraction. For the ITS region the factor was 64, while for the single-copy gene BP8 only 51. The possible presence of so-called sub-pollen particles in the fine particle fraction is, however, interesting even in low concentrations. These particles are known to be highly allergenic, reach deep into airways and cause often severe health problems. In conclusion, the results of this exploratory study open up the possibility of predicting and quantifying the pollen concentration in the atmosphere more precisely in the future. PMID:26492534

Changes in the areal extents of the Athabasca River, Birch River, and Cree Creek Deltas, 1950-2014, Peace-Athabasca Delta, Canada

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Timoney, Kevin; Lee, Peter

2016-04-01

Deltas form where riverborne sediment accumulates at the interface of river mouths and their receiving water bodies. Their areal extent is determined by the net effect of processes that increase their extent, such as sediment accumulation, and processes that decrease their extent, such as erosion and subsidence. Through sequential mapping and construction of river discharge and sediment histories, this study examined changes in the subaerial extents of the Cree Creek and Athabasca River Deltas (both on the Athabasca River system) and the Birch River Delta in northern Canada over the period 1950-2014. The purpose of the study was to determine how, when, and why the deltas changed in areal extent. Temporal growth patterns were similar across the Athabasca and Birch River systems indicative of a climatic signal. Little or no areal growth occurred from 1950 to 1968; moderate growth occurred between 1968 and the early to mid-1980s; and rapid growth occurred between 1992 and 2012. Factors that affected delta progradation included dredging, sediment supply, isostatic drowning, delta front bathymetry, sediment capture efficiency, and storms. In relation to sediment delivered, areal growth rates were lowest in the Athabasca Delta, intermediate in the Birch Delta, and highest in the Cree Creek Delta. Annual sediment delivery is increasing in the Cree Creek Delta; there were no significant trends in annual sediment delivery in the Birch and Athabasca Deltas. There was a lag of up to several years between sediment delivery events and progradation. Periods of delta progradation were associated with low water levels of the receiving basins. Predicted climate-change driven declines in river discharge and lake levels may accelerate delta progradation in the region. In the changing ecosystems of northeastern Alberta, inadequate monitoring of vegetation, landforms, and sediment regimes hampers the elucidation of the nature, rate, and causality of ecosystem changes.

Combined effects of environmental disturbance and climate warming on insect herbivory in mountain birch in subarctic forests: Results of 26-year monitoring.

PubMed

Kozlov, M V; Zverev, V; Zvereva, E L

2017-12-01

Both pollution and climate affect insect-plant interactions, but the combined effects of these two abiotic drivers of global change on insect herbivory remain almost unexplored. From 1991 to 2016, we monitored the population densities of 25 species or species groups of insects feeding on mountain birch (Betula pubescens ssp. czerepanovii) in 29 sites and recorded leaf damage by insects in 21 sites in subarctic forests around the nickel-copper smelter at Monchegorsk, north-western Russia. The leaf-eating insects demonstrated variable, and sometimes opposite, responses to pollution-induced forest disturbance and to climate variations. Consequently, we did not discover any general trend in herbivory along the disturbance gradient. Densities of eight species/species groups correlated with environmental disturbance, but these correlations weakened from 1991 to 2016, presumably due to the fivefold decrease in emissions of sulphur dioxide and heavy metals from the smelter. The densities of externally feeding defoliators decreased from 1991 to 2016 and the densities of leafminers increased, while the leaf roller densities remained unchanged. Consequently, no overall temporal trend in the abundance of birch-feeding insects emerged despite a 2-3°C elevation in spring temperatures. Damage to birch leaves by insects decreased during the observation period in heavily disturbed forests, did not change in moderately disturbed forests and tended to increase in pristine forests. The temporal stability of insect-plant interactions, quantified by the inverse of the coefficient of among-year variations of herbivore population densities and of birch foliar damage, showed a negative correlation with forest disturbance. We conclude that climate differently affects insect herbivory in heavily stressed versus pristine forests, and that herbivorous insects demonstrate diverse responses to environmental disturbance and climate variations. This diversity of responses, in combination with the decreased stability of insect-plant interactions, increases the uncertainty in predictions on the impacts of global change on forest damage by insects. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A Nonallergenic Birch Pollen Allergy Vaccine Consisting of Hepatitis PreS–Fused Bet v 1 Peptides Focuses Blocking IgG toward IgE Epitopes and Shifts Immune Responses to a Tolerogenic and Th1 Phenotype

PubMed Central

Marth, Katharina; Breyer, Isabella; Focke-Tejkl, Margarete; Blatt, Katharina; Shamji, Mohamed H.; Layhadi, Janice; Gieras, Anna; Swoboda, Ines; Zafred, Domen; Keller, Walter; Valent, Peter; Durham, Stephen R.; Valenta, Rudolf

2014-01-01

Allergen-specific immunotherapy is the only allergen-specific and disease-modifying treatment for allergy. The construction and characterization of a vaccine for birch pollen allergy is reported. Two nonallergenic peptides, PA and PB, derived from the IgE-reactive areas of the major birch pollen allergen Bet v 1 were fused to the hepatitis B surface protein, PreS, in four recombinant fusion proteins containing different numbers and combinations of the peptides. Fusion proteins expressed in Escherichia coli and purified to homogeneity showed a lack of IgE reactivity and allergenic activity when tested with sera and basophils from patients allergic to birch pollen. Compared to Bet v 1 allergen, peptides PA and PB showed reduced T cell activation in PBMCs from allergic patients, whereas PreS fusion proteins induced less IL-5 and more IL-10 and IFN-γ. Immunization of rabbits with the fusion proteins, in particular with a PreS fusion protein 2PAPB-PreS, containing two copies of each peptide, induced high levels of IgG Abs against the major IgE-reactive site on Bet v 1 and related allergens. These IgG Abs inhibited allergic patients’ IgE binding to Bet v 1 better than did IgG induced by immunization with complete Bet v 1. Furthermore, 2PAPB-PreS–induced IgG inhibited Bet v 1–induced basophil activation in allergic patients and CD23-facilitated allergen presentation. Our study exemplifies novel beneficial features for a PreS carrier–based peptide vaccine for birch pollen, which, in addition to the established reduction in allergenic activity, include the enhanced focusing of blocking Ab responses toward IgE epitopes, immunomodulatory activity, and reduction of CD23-facilitated allergen presentation. PMID:23440415

The Military/Media Clash and the New Principle of War: Media Spin

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-06-01

the War (New York: Birch Lane Press, 1991), 23. 124. U.S. News & World Report staff, Triumph Without Victory: The Unreported History of the Persian... Birch Lane Press, 1991. Williams, Pete. "The Persian Gulf, The Pentagon, The Press." Defense 91, May/June 1991, 10-15. ___ "The Press and the Persian Gulf...January 1992, 1. Nathan, Debbie . "Just the Good News Please: The Pentagon Prefers ’Hi-Mom’ Coverage." The Progressive, February 1991, 25-28. "No

Suitability of temperature sum models to simulate the flowering period of birches on regional scale as basis for realistic predictions of the allergenic potential of atmospheric pollen loads

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Biernath, Christian; Hauck, Julia; Klein, Christian; Thieme, Christoph; Heinlein, Florian; Priesack, Eckart

2014-05-01

Persons susceptible to allergenic pollen grains need to apply suppressive pharmacy before the occurrence of the first allergy symptoms. Patient targeted medication could be improved if forecasts of the allergenic potential of pollen (biochemical composition of the pollen grain) and the onset, duration, and end of the pollen season are precise on regional scale. In plant tissue the biochemical composition may change within hours due to the resource availability for plant growth and plant internal nutrient re-mobilization. As these processes highly depend on both, the environmental conditions and the development stage of a plant, precise simulations of the onset and duration of the flowering period are crucial to determine the allergenic potential of tissues and pollen. Here, dynamic plant models that consider the dependence of the chemical composition of tissue on the development stage of the plant embedded in process-based ecosystem models seem promising tools; however, today dynamic plant growth is widely ignored in simulations of atmospheric pollen loads. In this study we raise the question whether frequently applied temperature sum models (TSM) could precisely simulate the plant development stages in case of birches on regional scale. These TSM integrate average temperatures above a base temperature below which no further plant development is assumed. In this study, we therefore tested the ability of TSM to simulate the flowering period of birches on more than 100 sites in Bavaria, Germany over a period of three years (2010-2012). Our simulations indicate that the often applied base temperatures between 2.3°C and 3.5°C for the integration of daily or hourly average temperatures, respectively, in Europe are too high to adequately simulate the onset of birch flowering in Bavaria where a base temperature of 1°C seems more convenient. A more regional calibration of the models to sub-regions in Bavaria with comparable climatic conditions could further improve the simulation results if compared to simulations using a model that was adjusted to only one representative location in Bavaria. Our simulation results suggest that birch phenology needs to be modelled on a more regional scale to derive precise predictions of the flowering period. Some weak simulation results are suspected to be due to the high genetic diversity of birches and their high adaptive potential to a wide range of environmental conditions which indeed is a characteristic for many pioneer species. The high adaptive potential could be an explanation why authors who calibrate their models to other climatic regions observe better simulation results using higher base temperatures. However, our simulations indicate that the simulation results may be biased if the base temperatures are assumed constant for one species and transferred to larger or smaller scales, to other regions with different climatic conditions, or when applied to extrapolate birch pollen seasons to future climate conditions.

Comparison of throughfall chemistry in a mature hemlock forest and an early-successional deciduous forest resulting from salvage logging in Whately, Massachusetts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zukswert, J. M.; Rhodes, A. L.; Dwyer, C. H.; Sweezy, T.

2012-12-01

Removal of foundation species as a result of disturbance events such as exotic species invasions can alter community composition and ecosystem function. The current hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae) infestation in eastern North America that threatens the eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis), a foundation species, has motivated salvage logging efforts. Ecological succession resulting from salvage logging of hemlock would eventually produce a deciduous hardwood forest. The chemistry of throughfall beneath a mature hemlock forest canopy is expected to be more acidic than throughfall from a mature deciduous forest canopy because hemlock foliage releases more organic acids and fewer base cations. The chemical composition of throughfall during the early successional transition from hemlock to deciduous is less understood. We hypothesize that throughfall chemistry in a deciduous forest consisting primarily of juvenile trees may be more similar to direct precipitation because leaf area index is smaller. Differences between hemlock throughfall and direct precipitation may be larger due to the denser canopy of these mature trees. We compared the chemical composition of precipitation, hemlock throughfall, and black birch throughfall for 26 precipitation events from 4 March to 30 July 2012. The black birch (Betula lenta) forest patch resulted from salvage logging of hemlocks twenty years ago at the MacLeish Field Station in Whately, MA. From the three plots we measured the volume of water collected and pH, acid neutralizing capacity, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and concentrations of cations (Ca2+, K+, Na+, Mg2+, NH4+), anions (Cl-, NO3-, SO42-), and dissolved silica. Precipitation totaled 405 mm during the course of the study. Throughfall totaled 347 mm in the black birch plot and 315 mm in the hemlock plot. The proportion of precipitation passing through the forest canopy was smaller in hemlock throughfall than black birch throughfall during small precipitation events (depth < 10 mm), but appeared comparable in larger events. Before leaf emergence, differences between base cation and DOC deposition were not significant (p>0.05, n = 5) for throughfall and direct precipitation. After leaf emergence, base cation and DOC deposition was significantly (p<0.05, n = 21) greater in throughfall than direct precipitation. Additionally, K+, Mg2+, and DOC deposition were significantly greater in hemlock throughfall than black birch throughfall. Black birch throughfall had significantly less H+ deposition than direct precipitation, which suggests that the black birch canopy appears to neutralize the acidity of the precipitation. H+ deposition in hemlock throughfall, however, was not significantly different than precipitation, which could be due to its higher DOC. These results suggest that the successional stage of a deciduous forest canopy has an effect on throughfall chemistry. Lower deposition of base cations prior to and during this juvenile stage could affect soil chemistry by increasing soil acidity and lowering base saturation.

Degradation of lignin in birch sawdust treated by a novel Myrothecium verrucaria coupled with ultrasound assistance.

PubMed

Wang, Qing-Fang; Niu, Li-Li; Jiao, Jiao; Guo, Na; Zang, Yu-Ping; Gai, Qing-Yan; Fu, Yu-Jie

2017-11-01

Combined treatment of a novel fungal endophyte Myrothecium verrucaria coupled with ultrasound assistance was conducted to enhance lignin degradation in birch sawdust. The optimum treatment conditions were confirmed as the materials to liquid ratio 1:20, temperature 30°C, time 4days and pH 7, respectively. The results showed that the combined treatment led to the lignin degradation reaching 67.95±2.14%, while the lignin degradation were 45.50±2.12% and 13.75±0.66% with separate fungal treatment and ultrasound treatment, respectively. Moreover, SEM and FTIR analysis indicated that combined treatment significantly altered surface morphology and chemical structure of birch sawdust. The combined treatment greatly increased lignin removal during short time in mild environment. Therefore, these results demonstrated that the combined treatment of fungal endophyte coupled with ultrasound assistance has the high potential for the removal lignin in lignocellulose. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Genome sequencing and population genomic analyses provide insights into the adaptive landscape of silver birch.

PubMed

Salojärvi, Jarkko; Smolander, Olli-Pekka; Nieminen, Kaisa; Rajaraman, Sitaram; Safronov, Omid; Safdari, Pezhman; Lamminmäki, Airi; Immanen, Juha; Lan, Tianying; Tanskanen, Jaakko; Rastas, Pasi; Amiryousefi, Ali; Jayaprakash, Balamuralikrishna; Kammonen, Juhana I; Hagqvist, Risto; Eswaran, Gugan; Ahonen, Viivi Helena; Serra, Juan Alonso; Asiegbu, Fred O; de Dios Barajas-Lopez, Juan; Blande, Daniel; Blokhina, Olga; Blomster, Tiina; Broholm, Suvi; Brosché, Mikael; Cui, Fuqiang; Dardick, Chris; Ehonen, Sanna E; Elomaa, Paula; Escamez, Sacha; Fagerstedt, Kurt V; Fujii, Hiroaki; Gauthier, Adrien; Gollan, Peter J; Halimaa, Pauliina; Heino, Pekka I; Himanen, Kristiina; Hollender, Courtney; Kangasjärvi, Saijaliisa; Kauppinen, Leila; Kelleher, Colin T; Kontunen-Soppela, Sari; Koskinen, J Patrik; Kovalchuk, Andriy; Kärenlampi, Sirpa O; Kärkönen, Anna K; Lim, Kean-Jin; Leppälä, Johanna; Macpherson, Lee; Mikola, Juha; Mouhu, Katriina; Mähönen, Ari Pekka; Niinemets, Ülo; Oksanen, Elina; Overmyer, Kirk; Palva, E Tapio; Pazouki, Leila; Pennanen, Ville; Puhakainen, Tuula; Poczai, Péter; Possen, Boy J H M; Punkkinen, Matleena; Rahikainen, Moona M; Rousi, Matti; Ruonala, Raili; van der Schoot, Christiaan; Shapiguzov, Alexey; Sierla, Maija; Sipilä, Timo P; Sutela, Suvi; Teeri, Teemu H; Tervahauta, Arja I; Vaattovaara, Aleksia; Vahala, Jorma; Vetchinnikova, Lidia; Welling, Annikki; Wrzaczek, Michael; Xu, Enjun; Paulin, Lars G; Schulman, Alan H; Lascoux, Martin; Albert, Victor A; Auvinen, Petri; Helariutta, Ykä; Kangasjärvi, Jaakko

2017-06-01

Silver birch (Betula pendula) is a pioneer boreal tree that can be induced to flower within 1 year. Its rapid life cycle, small (440-Mb) genome, and advanced germplasm resources make birch an attractive model for forest biotechnology. We assembled and chromosomally anchored the nuclear genome of an inbred B. pendula individual. Gene duplicates from the paleohexaploid event were enriched for transcriptional regulation, whereas tandem duplicates were overrepresented by environmental responses. Population resequencing of 80 individuals showed effective population size crashes at major points of climatic upheaval. Selective sweeps were enriched among polyploid duplicates encoding key developmental and physiological triggering functions, suggesting that local adaptation has tuned the timing of and cross-talk between fundamental plant processes. Variation around the tightly-linked light response genes PHYC and FRS10 correlated with latitude and longitude and temperature, and with precipitation for PHYC. Similar associations characterized the growth-promoting cytokinin response regulator ARR1, and the wood development genes KAK and MED5A.

Comparison of forest edge effects on throughfall deposition in different forest types.

PubMed

Wuyts, Karen; De Schrijver, An; Staelens, Jeroen; Gielis, Leen; Vandenbruwane, Jeroen; Verheyen, Kris

2008-12-01

This study examined the influence of distance to the forest edge, forest type, and time on Cl-, SO4(2-), NO3(-), and NH4+ throughfall deposition in forest edges. The forests were dominated by pedunculate oak, silver birch, or Corsican/Austrian pine, and were situated in two regions of Flanders (Belgium). Along transects, throughfall deposition was monitored at distances of 0-128 m from the forest edge. A repeated-measures analysis demonstrated that time, forest type, and distance to the forest edge significantly influenced throughfall deposition of the ions studied. The effect of distance to the forest edge depended significantly on forest type in the deposition of Cl-, SO4(2-), and NO3(-): the edge effect was significantly greater in pine stands than in deciduous birch and oak stands. This finding supports the possibility of converting pine plantations into oak or birch forests in order to mitigate the input of nitrogen and potentially acidifying deposition.

Structure of the Major Apple Allergen Mal d 1

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

More than 70% of birch pollen-allergic patients develop allergic cross-reactions to the major allergen found in apple fruits (Malus domestica), the 17.5 kDa protein Mal d 1. Allergic reactions against this protein result from initial sensitization to the major allergen from birch pollen, Bet v 1. Immunologic cross-reactivity of Bet v 1-specific IgE antibodies with Mal d 1 after apple consumption can subsequently provoke severe oral allergic syndromes. This study presents the three-dimensional NMR solution structure of Mal d 1 (isoform Mal d 1.0101, initially cloned from ‘Granny Smith’ apples). This protein is composed of a seven-stranded antiparallel β-sheet and three α-helices that form a large internal cavity, similar to Bet v 1 and other cross-reactive food allergens. The Mal d 1 structure provides the basis for elucidating the details of allergic cross-reactivity between birch pollen and apple allergens on a molecular level. PMID:28161953

Assessing five evolving microbial enzyme models against field measurements from a semiarid savannah—What are the mechanisms of soil respiration pulses?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xia; Niu, Guo-Yue; Elshall, Ahmed S.; Ye, Ming; Barron-Gafford, Greg A.; Pavao-Zuckerman, Mitch

2014-09-01

Soil microbial respiration pulses in response to episodic rainfall pulses (the "Birch effect") are poorly understood. We developed and assessed five evolving microbial enzyme models against field measurements from a semiarid savannah characterized by pulsed precipitation to understand the mechanisms to generate the Birch pulses. The five models evolve from an existing four-carbon (C) pool model to models with additional C pools and explicit representations of soil moisture controls on C degradation and microbial uptake rates. Assessing the models using techniques of model selection and model averaging suggests that models with additional C pools for accumulation of degraded C in the dry zone of the soil pore space result in a higher probability of reproducing the observed Birch pulses. Degraded C accumulated in dry soil pores during dry periods becomes immediately accessible to microbes in response to rainstorms, providing a major mechanism to generate respiration pulses. Explicitly representing the transition of degraded C and enzymes between dry and wet soil pores in response to soil moisture changes and soil moisture controls on C degradation and microbial uptake rates improve the models' efficiency and robustness in simulating the Birch effect. Assuming that enzymes in the dry soil pores facilitate degradation of complex C during dry periods (though at a lower rate) results in a greater accumulation of degraded C and thus further improves the models' performance. However, the actual mechanism inducing the greater accumulation of labile C needs further experimental studies.

Recombinant allergens Pru av 1 and Pru av 4 and a newly identified lipid transfer protein in the in vitro diagnosis of cherry allergy.

PubMed

Scheurer, S; Pastorello, E A; Wangorsch, A; Kästner, M; Haustein, D; Vieths, S

2001-04-01

In central and northern Europe food allergy to fruits of the Rosaceae family is strongly associated with birch pollinosis because of the existence of IgE cross-reactive homologous allergens in birch pollen and food. By contrast, in the Mediterranean population allergic reactions to these fruits frequently are not related to birch pollen allergy and are predominantly elicited by lipid transfer proteins (LTPs). We sought to determine the prevalence of IgE sensitization to the recombinant cherry allergens Pru av 1 and Pru av 4 in comparison with cherry extract within a representative group of patients who were allergic to cherries recruited in Germany and to compare the relevance of IgE to cherry LTPs in Italian patients. Recombinant Pru av 1 and rPru av 4 were available from earlier studies. The cDNA of the cherry LTPs was obtained by using a PCR-cloning strategy. The protein was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified by means of metal chelate affinity chromatography. Sera from 101 German patients with birch pollinosis and oral allergy syndrome to cherry and sera from 7 Italian patients with cherry allergy were investigated by using enzyme allergosorbent tests for IgE reactivity with cherry extract, rPru av 1, rPru av 4, and the recombinant cherry LTP. Inhibition experiments were performed to compare the IgE reactivity of natural and recombinant cherry LTPs and to investigate potential cross-reactivity with birch pollen allergens. The LTP from cherry comprises 91 amino acids and a 26 amino acid signal peptide. The mature cherry LTP shows high amino acid sequence identity with allergenic LTPs from peach (Pru p 3, 88%), apricot (Pru ar 3, 86%), and maize (Zea m 14, 59%) and displays no IgE cross-reactivity with birch pollen. The IgE prevalences in the German patients were as follows: LTP, 3 of 101 (3%); rPru av 1, 97 of 101 (96.0%); rPru av 4, 16 of 101 (16.2%); and cherry extract, 98 of 101 (97%). All 7 Italian patients had IgE against the cherry LTP. Recombinant allergens are useful tools for a more accurate in vitro IgE-based diagnosis of cherry allergy. Taken together, they mimic the allergenic activity of cherry extract, having slightly higher biologic activity. Sensitization to the cherry LTP is relevant for a minority of patients recruited in Germany, but our data indicate that it may be a major allergen in Italy.

Birch pollen-related food allergy to legumes: identification and characterization of the Bet v 1 homologue in mungbean (Vigna radiata), Vig r 1.

PubMed

Mittag, D; Vieths, S; Vogel, L; Wagner-Loew, D; Starke, A; Hunziker, P; Becker, W-M; Ballmer-Weber, B K

2005-08-01

Recently allergic reactions to legumes mediated by Bet v 1-homologous food allergens were described for soy and peanut. In this study we assessed allergic reactions to another legume, to mungbean seedlings, and identified its Bet v 1-homologous allergen Vig r 1. Ten patients were selected who had a history of allergic reactions to mungbean seedlings and a respiratory allergy to birch pollen. The Bet v 1 homologue in mungbean seedlings, Vig r 1, was cloned by a PCR strategy, expressed in Escherichia coli, and purified by preparative SDS-PAGE. In all sera, specific IgE against birch pollen, Bet v 1, Bet v 2, Vig r 1, and the Bet v 1 homologues in soy (Gly m 4) and cherry (Pru av 1) was determined by CAP-FEIA. Cross-reactivity of specific IgE with Vig r 1, Bet v 1, Gly m 4, and Pru av 1 was assessed by immunoblot inhibition. Expression of Vig r 1 during development of mungbean seedlings and under wounding stress was analysed by immunoblotting. The Vig r 1 double band was analysed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight and liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). All patients were sensitized to birch pollen and Bet v 1, 20% to Bet v 2, and 90% to Gly m 4. Seventy percent of the patients showed IgE binding to a double band at 15 kDa in mungbean extract that was inhibited after pre-incubation of sera with rBet v 1. PCR cloning revealed that the mungbean homologue of Bet v 1 had a molecular weight of 16.2 kDa, a calculated pI of 4.6% and 42.8% amino acid sequence identity with Bet v 1. MS analysis confirmed similarity of the double band with the deduced Vig r 1 sequence, but also indicated the existence of other Vig r 1 isoforms. ImmunoCAP analysis detected IgE against Vig r 1 in 80% of the sera. IgE binding to Vig r 1 was inhibited with Gly m 4 in six of six and with rPru av 1 in four of six patients. Vig r 1 expression occurred during development of seedlings and was increased by wounding stress. Food allergy to mungbean seedlings can be caused by primary sensitization to birch pollen and is mediated by Vig r 1 in the majority of the patients with birch pollen-related allergy to mungbean seedlings.

Investigation of heterogeneous ice nucleation in pollen suspensions and washing water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dreischmeier, Katharina; Budke, Carsten; Koop, Thomas

2014-05-01

Biological particles such as pollen often show ice nucleation activity at temperatures higher than -20 °C. Immersion freezing experiments of pollen washing water demonstrate comparable ice nucleation behaviour as water containing the whole pollen bodies (Pummer et al., 2012). It was suggested that polysaccharide molecules leached from the grains are responsible for the ice nucleation. Here, heterogeneous ice nucleation in birch pollen suspensions and their washing water was investigated by two different experimental methods. The optical freezing array BINARY (Bielefeld Ice Nucleation ARraY) allows the direct observation of freezing of microliter-sized droplets. The IN spectra obtained from such experiments with birch pollen suspensions over a large concentration range indicate several different ice nucleation active species, two of which are present also in the washing water. The latter was probed also in differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) experiments of emulsified sub-picoliter droplets. Due to the small droplet size in the emulsion samples and at small concentration of IN in the washing water, such DSC experiments can exhibit the ice nucleation behaviour of a single nucleus. The two heterogeneous freezing signals observed in the DSC thermograms can be assigned to two different kinds of ice nuclei, confirming the observation from the BINARY measurements, and also previous studies on Swedish birch pollen washing water (Augustin et al., 2012). The authors gratefully acknowledge funding by the German Research Foundation (DFG) through the project BIOCLOUDS (KO 2944/1-1) and through the research unit INUIT (FOR 1525) under KO 2944/2-1. We particularly thank our INUIT partners for fruitful collaboration and sharing of ideas and IN samples. S. Augustin, H. Wex, D. Niedermeier, B. Pummer, H. Grothe, S. Hartmann, L. Tomsche, T. Clauss, J. Voigtländer, K. Ignatius, and F. Stratmann, Immersion freezing of birch pollen washing water, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 13, 10989-11003, 2013. B. Pummer, H Bauer, J. Bernardi, S. Bleicher, H. Grothe, Suspendable macromolecules are responsible for ice nucleation activity of birch and conifer pollen, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 12, 2541-2550, 2012.

The variation of methane flux rates from boreal tree species at the beginning of the growing season

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haikarainen, Iikka; Halmeenmäki, Elisa; Machacova, Katerina; Pihlatie, Mari

2016-04-01

Boreal forests are considered as net sink for atmospheric methane (CH4) because of the CH4 oxidizing bacteria in the aerobic soil layer. However, within the last decades it has become more evident that trees play an important role in the global CH4 budget by offering pathways for anaerobically produced CH4 from deeper soil layers to the atmosphere. Furthermore, trees may also act as independent sources of CH4. To confirm magnitude, variability and the origin of the tree mediated CH4 emissions more research is needed, especially in boreal forests which have been in a minority in such investigation. We measured tree stem and shoot CH4 exchange of three boreal tree species at the beginning of the growing season (13.4.-13.6.2015) at SMEAR II station in Hyytiälä, located in southern Finland (61° 51'N, 24° 17'E, 181 asl). The fluxes were measured from silver birch (Betula pendula), downy birch (B. pubescens) and Norway spruce (Picea abies) on two sites with differing soil type and characteristics (paludified and mineral soil), vegetation and forest structure by using the static chamber technique. Scaffold towers were used for measurements at multiple stem heights and shoots. The aim was to study the vertical profile of CH4 fluxes at stem and shoot level and compare these fluxes among the studied species, and to observe temporal changes in CH4 flux over the beginning of the growing season. We found that all the trees emitted CH4 from their stems and shoots. Overall, the birches showed higher emissions compared to the spruces. The emission rates were considerably larger in the lower parts of the birch stems than upper parts, and these emissions increased during the growing season. The spruces had more variation in the stem CH4 flux, but the emission rates of the upper parts of the stem exceeded the birch emissions at the same height. The shoot fluxes of all the studied trees indicated variable CH4 emissions without a clear pattern regarding the vertical profile and progress of the growing season.

A Broadband IR Compact High Resolution Spectrometer (BIRCHES) for a Lunar Water Distribution (LWaDi) Cubesat Mission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clark, Pamela E.; Macdowall, Robert J.; Reuter, Dennis; Mauk, Robin

2014-11-01

We are in the process of developing the BIRCH (Broadband IR for Cubesats with High Resolution) Spectrometer for characterization of a range of deep space targets. BIRCH is the first extremely compact Broadband IR spectrometer with high spectral resolution designed to measure water type and component distribution for a science-driven cubesat mission, such as the lunar orbital mission LWaDi (Lunar Water Distribution) designed to determine the systematics of lunar water and volatiles as a function of time of day, latitude, and terrain. The development of cubesat form factor instruments, such as BIRCH, capable of providing high priority science goals identified in the decadal survey is critical to achieve low cost planetary exploration promised by the cubesat paradigm by exploring volatile systems via orbiting or landed packages. On the Moon, as well as Mercury, Mars, and the asteroids, the source, distribution, and role of volatiles is a question of major importance, and has implications for formation processes, including interior structure, differentiation, and the origin of life in the early solar system. The form and distribution of water has implications for human exploration, resource exploitation, and sample curation. Recent lunar missions gave unanticipated evidence for the water from NIR instruments not optimized for finding it. Our instrument includes a compact broadband HgCdTe detector with a linear variable filter and a compact cryocooler (for operation below 140K) attached to a compact optical system with 2 off-axis parabolic mirrors and variable field stop operating below 240K. Its 10 nm or better resolution and longer wavelength upper range (1.3 to 3.7 microns) are necessary to identify and separate features associated with water type (adsorbed, bound, ice) and components. Its 4-sided adjustable iris at the field stop enables a constant spot size (10 x 10 km) regardless of altitude. BIRCH will be able to provide systematic and extensive enough information to understand water’s life cycle, temporal and spatial distribution and interactions as a function of lunar cycles, characteristic features, and regolith composition.

Root growth and water relations of oak and birch seedlings.

PubMed

Osonubi, O; Davies, W J

1981-01-01

First year seedlings of English oak (Quercus Cobur) and silver birch (Betula pendula) were subjected to pressure-volume analysis to investigate the water potential components and cell wall properties of single leaves. It was hoped that this rapid-drying technique would differentiate between reductions in plant solute potential resulting from dehydration and the effects of solute accumulation.Comparison of results from these experiments with those of slow drying treatments (over a number of days) with plants growing in tubes of soil, indicated that some solute accumulation may have occurred in drying oak leaves. High leaf turgor and leaf conductance were maintained for a significant period of the drying cycle. Roots of well-watered oak plants extended deep into the soil profile, and possibly as a result of solute regulation and therefore turgor maintenance, root growth of unwatered plants was greater than that of their well-watered counterparts. This was particularly the case deep in the profile. As a result of deep root penetration, water deep in the soil core was used by oak plants to maintain plant turgor, and quite low soil water potentials were recorded in the lower soil segments.Root growth of well-watered birch seedlings was prolific but roots of both well-watered and unwatered plants were restricted to the upper part of the profile. Root growth of unwatered plants was reduced despite the existence of high soil water potentials deep in the profile. Shallow rooting birch seedlings were unable to use this water.Pressure-volume analysis indicated that significant reductions of water potential, which are required for water uptake from drying soil, would occur in oak with only a small reduction in plant water content compared to the situation in birch. This was a result of the low solute potential in oak leaves combined with a high modulus of elasticity of cell walls. Deep rooting of oak seedlings, combined with these characteristics, which will be particularly important when soil deep in the profile begins to dry, mean that this species may be comparatively successful when growing on dry sites.

Two Birch Species Demonstrate Opposite Latitudinal Patterns in Infestation by Gall-Making Mites in Northern Europe

PubMed Central

Skoracka, Anna; Zverev, Vitali; Lewandowski, Mariusz; Zvereva, Elena L.

2016-01-01

Latitudinal patterns in herbivory, i.e. variations in plant losses to animals with latitude, are generally explained by temperature gradients. However, earlier studies suggest that geographical variation in abundance and diversity of gall-makers may be driven by precipitation rather than by temperature. To test the above hypothesis, we examined communities of eriophyoid mites (Acari: Eriophyoidea) on leaves of Betula pendula and B. pubescens in boreal forests in Northern Europe. We sampled ten sites for each of five latitudinal gradients from 2008–2011, counted galls of six morphological types and identified mites extracted from these galls. DNA analysis revealed cryptic species within two of six morphologically defined mite species, and these cryptic species induced different types of galls. When data from all types of galls and from two birch species were pooled, the percentage of galled leaves did not change with latitude. However, we discovered pronounced variation in latitudinal changes between birch species. Infestation by eriophyoid mites increased towards the north in B. pendula and decreased in B. pubescens, while diversity of galls decreased towards the north in B. pendula and did not change in B. pubescens. The percentage of galled leaves did not differ among geographical gradients and study years, but was 20% lower in late summer relative to early summer, indicating premature abscission of infested leaves. Our data suggest that precipitation has little effect on abundance and diversity of eriophyoid mites, and that climate warming may impose opposite effects on infestation of two birch species by galling mites, favouring B. pendula near the northern tree limit. PMID:27835702

Clinical Significance of Component Allergens in Fagales Pollen-Sensitized Peanut Allergy in Korea

PubMed Central

Park, Kyung Hee; Son, Young Woong; Lee, Sang Chul; Jeong, Kyunguk; Sim, Da Woon; Park, Hye Jung; Lee, Sooyoung; Lee, Jae-Hyun

2016-01-01

Purpose Clinical features of peanut allergy can range from localized to systemic reactions. Because peanut and birch pollen have cross-reactivity, peanut can lead to localized allergic reaction in Fagales pollen-sensitized oral allergy syndrome (OAS) patients without peanut sensitization per se. The purpose of this study was to discriminate true peanut food allergy from cross-reactive hypersensitivity in birch-sensitized peanut allergy. Methods Birch-sensitized (n=81) and peanut anaphylaxis patients (n=12) were enrolled. Peanut-related allergic reactions and sensitization profiles were examined. Specific IgE to Fagales tree pollens (birch, oak), peanut, and their component allergens (Bet v 1, Bet v 2, Ara h 1, Ara h 2, Ara h 3, Ara h 8, and Ara h 9) were evaluated. Based on these specific IgEs and clinical features, the patients were classified into 4 groups: group 1 (Fagales pollen allergy without OAS), group 2 (Fagales pollen allergy with OAS), group 3 (OAS with peanut anaphylaxis), and group 4 (peanut anaphylaxis). Results After peanut consumption, one-third of OAS patients experienced oral symptoms not associated with peanut sensitization. Ara h 1 or Ara h 2 was positive in peanut anaphylaxis patients, whereas Ara h 8 was positive in OAS patients. There were 4 patients with both peanut anaphylaxis and OAS (group 3). Both Ara h 2 and Ara h 8 were positive in these patients. Foods associated with OAS in Korea showed unique patterns compared to Westernized countries. Conclusions Ara h 2 and Ara h 8 may be important component allergens for discriminating peanut allergy. PMID:27582401

DNA typing of birch: Development of a forensic STR system for Betula pendula and Betula pubescens.

PubMed

Wesselink, Monique; Dragutinović, Aleksandar; Noordhoek, Jeroen W; Bergwerff, Leonie; Kuiper, Irene

2018-04-07

Although botanical trace evidence is often encountered in case investigations, the utilization of such traces in forensic investigations is still limited. Development of a forensic STR system for the two species of Betula (birch) indigenous to and abundant in North West Europe is a step in enhancing the applicability of traces from these species. We describe six microsatellite markers developed for birch species in detail, including repeat structure, and we propose a nomenclature for the encountered alleles. To assess the population characteristics, the genetic composition of wild, planted and intermediate populations of Betula pendula (a diploid species) and Betula pubescens (a tetraploid species) were investigated. The genetic differences between these two species were larger than the differences between populations of one species, even when both species co-occurred at one location. Therefore allele frequencies were estimated for both species separately. General, conservative random match probabilities were estimated for wild trees based on these allele frequencies (5∙10 -6 for the diploid B. pendula and 1∙10 -13 for the tetraploid B. pubescens), illustrating the potential relevance if trace evidence secured from a suspect is found to match a birch tree growing on or near a crime scene. Apart from wild trees, planted Betula trees also occur that may not originate from seeds, but may have been propagated through cloning. Based on the studied Betula trees, the random match probability of a potentially planted profile might be as high as 1.4∙10 -2 . Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

High Environmental Ozone Levels Lead to Enhanced Allergenicity of Birch Pollen

PubMed Central

Beck, Isabelle; Jochner, Susanne; Gilles, Stefanie; McIntyre, Mareike; Buters, Jeroen T. M.; Schmidt-Weber, Carsten; Behrendt, Heidrun; Ring, Johannes; Menzel, Annette; Traidl-Hoffmann, Claudia

2013-01-01

Background Evidence is compelling for a positive correlation between climate change, urbanisation and prevalence of allergic sensitisation and diseases. The reason for this association is not clear to date. Some data point to a pro-allergenic effect of anthropogenic factors on susceptible individuals. Objectives To evaluate the impact of urbanisation and climate change on pollen allergenicity. Methods Catkins were sampled from birch trees from different sites across the greater area of Munich, pollen were isolated and an urbanisation index, NO2 and ozone exposure were determined. To estimate pollen allergenicity, allergen content and pollen-associated lipid mediators were measured in aqueous pollen extracts. Immune stimulatory and modulatory capacity of pollen was assessed by neutrophil migration assays and the potential of pollen to inhibit dendritic cell interleukin-12 response. In vivo allergenicity was assessed by skin prick tests. Results The study revealed ozone as a prominent environmental factor influencing the allergenicity of birch pollen. Enhanced allergenicity, as assessed in skin prick tests, was mirrored by enhanced allergen content. Beyond that, ozone induced changes in lipid composition and chemotactic and immune modulatory potential of the pollen. Higher ozone-exposed pollen was characterised by less immune modulatory but higher immune stimulatory potential. Conclusion It is likely that future climate change along with increasing urbanisation will lead to rising ozone concentrations in the next decades. Our study indicates that ozone is a crucial factor leading to clinically relevant enhanced allergenicity of birch pollen. Thus, with increasing temperatures and increasing ozone levels, also symptoms of pollen allergic patients may increase further. PMID:24278250

Effects of Elevated Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide and Tropospheric Ozone on Phytochemical Composition of Trembling Aspen ( Populus tremuloides ) and Paper Birch ( Betula papyrifera ).

PubMed

Couture, John J; Meehan, Timothy D; Rubert-Nason, Kennedy F; Lindroth, Richard L

2017-01-01

Anthropogenic activities are altering levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) and tropospheric ozone (O 3 ). These changes can alter phytochemistry, and in turn, influence ecosystem processes. We assessed the individual and combined effects of elevated CO 2 and O 3 on the phytochemical composition of two tree species common to early successional, northern temperate forests. Trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides) and paper birch (Betula papyrifera) were grown at the Aspen FACE (Free-Air Carbon dioxide and ozone Enrichment) facility under four combinations of ambient and elevated CO 2 and O 3 . We measured, over three years (2006-08), the effects of CO 2 and O 3 on a suite of foliar traits known to influence forest functioning. Elevated CO 2 had minimal effect on foliar nitrogen and carbohydrate levels in either tree species, and increased synthesis of condensed tannins and fiber in aspen, but not birch. Elevated O 3 decreased nitrogen levels in both tree species and increased production of sugar, condensed tannins, fiber, and lignin in aspen, but not birch. The magnitude of responses to elevated CO 2 and O 3 varied seasonally for both tree species. When co-occurring, CO 2 offset most of the changes in foliar chemistry expressed under elevated O 3 alone. Our results suggest that levels of CO 2 and O 3 predicted for the mid-twenty-first century will alter the foliar chemistry of northern temperate forests with likely consequences for forest community and ecosystem dynamics.

New EAACI definition on pollen season mirrors symptom load for grass and birch pollen-induced allergic rhinitis.

PubMed

Karatzas, Kostas; Katsifarakis, Nikos; Riga, Marina; Werchan, Barbora; Werchan, Matthias; Berger, Uwe; Pfaar, Oliver; Bergmann, Karl-Christian

2018-05-23

The use of allergen immunotherapy (AIT) for allergic rhinitis and its clinical efficacy in clinical trials depends on the effective determination of pollen allergens exposure time-periods. We evaluate pollen data from Germany to examine the new definitions on pollen season and peak pollen period start and end as proposed by the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) in a recently published Position Paper. The aim was to demonstrate the ability of these definitions to mirror symptom loads for grass and birch pollen-induced allergic rhinitis based on real-life data. Data coming from four Pollen monitoring stations in the Berlin and Brandenburg area in Germany and for 3 years (2014 - 2016) were used to investigate the correlation of season definitions, birch and grass pollen counts and total nasal symptom and mediation scores as reported by patients in "Patients Hayfever Diaries" (PHDs). After the identification of pollen periods on the basis of the EACCI criteria, a statistical analysis was employed, followed by a detailed graphical investigation. The analysis revealed that the definitions of pollen season as well as peak pollen period start and end as proposed by the EAACI are correlated to symptom loads for grass and birch pollen-induced allergic rhinitis reported by patients in PHDs. Based on our analysis, the validity of the EAACI definitions on pollen season is confirmed. Their use is recommended in future clinical trials on AIT as well as in daily routine for optimal patient care. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Better Indigenous Risk stratification for Cardiac Health study (BIRCH) protocol: rationale and design of a cross-sectional and prospective cohort study to identify novel cardiovascular risk indicators in Aboriginal Australian and Torres Strait Islander adults.

PubMed

Rémond, Marc G W; Stewart, Simon; Carrington, Melinda J; Marwick, Thomas H; Kingwell, Bronwyn A; Meikle, Peter; O'Brien, Darren; Marshall, Nathaniel S; Maguire, Graeme P

2017-08-23

Of the estimated 10-11 year life expectancy gap between Indigenous (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) and non-Indigenous Australians, approximately one quarter is attributable to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Risk prediction of CVD is imperfect, but particularly limited for Indigenous Australians. The BIRCH (Better Indigenous Risk stratification for Cardiac Health) project aims to identify and assess existing and novel markers of early disease and risk in Indigenous Australians to optimise health outcomes in this disadvantaged population. It further aims to determine whether these markers are relevant in non-Indigenous Australians. BIRCH is a cross-sectional and prospective cohort study of Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australian adults (≥ 18 years) living in remote, regional and urban locations. Participants will be assessed for CVD risk factors, left ventricular mass and strain via echocardiography, sleep disordered breathing and quality via home-based polysomnography or actigraphy respectively, and plasma lipidomic profiles via mass spectrometry. Outcome data will comprise CVD events and death over a period of five years. Results of BIRCH may increase understanding regarding the factors underlying the increased burden of CVD in Indigenous Australians in this setting. Further, it may identify novel markers of early disease and risk to inform the development of more accurate prediction equations. Better identification of at-risk individuals will promote more effective primary and secondary preventive initiatives to reduce Indigenous Australian health disadvantage.

The effect of increased air humidity on fine root and rhizome biomass and turnover of silver birch forest ecosystem - a FAHM study.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ostonen, I.; Kupper, P.; Sõber, J.; Aosaar, J.; Varik, M.; Lõhmus, K.

2012-04-01

A facility for free air humidity manipulation (FAHM) was established to investigate the effect of increased air humidity on belowground biomass and turnover in silver birch (Betula pendula Roth.) forest ecosystems with respect to rising air humidity predicted for Northern Europe. Fine root and rhizomes are short-lived and recognized as the most important component contributing to below-ground C fluxes in forests. The FAHM system enables air relative humidity to be increased on average 7 units (%) over the ambient level during mist fumigation. The experimental site contains humidified (H) and control (C) plots; each plot contains sectors with diverse "forest" understory and early successional grasses. The trees were planted in 2006, humidification started in spring 2008, and soil cores to study fine root and rhizome biomass and turnover were taken in 2007, 2009 and 2010. In July 2009, total fine root and rhizome biomass was 8 tons per ha in C and 16 tons per ha in H plots. The roots of understory formed 86% in C and 93% H plots, respectively. Our preliminary data suggest that the increased humidity affected more the roots of understory plants: fine root and rhizome biomass and production increased approximately twice by increasing air humidity. However, the tendency was similar for fine root biomass and production of silver birch. Fine root turnover speeded up for both silver birch and understory roots in H plots. Hence, changes in air humidity can significantly affect forest carbon cycling.

Differences in ecosystem carbon distribution and nutrient cycling linked to forest tree species composition in a mid-successional boreal forest

USGS Publications Warehouse

Melvin, April M.; Mack, Michelle C.; Johnstone, Jill F.; McGuire, A. David; Genet, Helene; Schuur, Edward A.G.

2015-01-01

In the boreal forest of Alaska, increased fire severity associated with climate change is expanding deciduous forest cover in areas previously dominated by black spruce (Picea mariana). Needle-leaf conifer and broad-leaf deciduous species are commonly associated with differences in tree growth, carbon (C) and nutrient cycling, and C accumulation in soils. Although this suggests that changes in tree species composition in Alaska could impact C and nutrient pools and fluxes, few studies have measured these linkages. We quantified C, nitrogen, phosphorus, and base cation pools and fluxes in three stands of black spruce and Alaska paper birch (Betula neoalaskana) that established following a single fire event in 1958. Paper birch consistently displayed characteristics of more rapid C and nutrient cycling, including greater aboveground net primary productivity, higher live foliage and litter nutrient concentrations, and larger ammonium and nitrate pools in the soil organic layer (SOL). Ecosystem C stocks (aboveground + SOL + 0–10 cm mineral soil) were similar for the two species; however, in black spruce, 78% of measured C was found in soil pools, primarily in the SOL, whereas aboveground biomass dominated ecosystem C pools in birch forest. Radiocarbon analysis indicated that approximately one-quarter of the black spruce SOL C accumulated prior to the 1958 fire, whereas no pre-fire C was observed in birch soils. Our findings suggest that tree species exert a strong influence over C and nutrient cycling in boreal forest and forest compositional shifts may have long-term implications for ecosystem C and nutrient dynamics.

First report of an attractant for a tumbling flower beetle (Coleoptera: Mordellidae).

PubMed

Rutledge, Claire E; Young, Daniel K

2007-08-01

In 2004 and 2005, large numbers of the tumbling flower beetle, Falsomordellistena bihamata (Melsheimer), were found on traps baited with sweet birch oil, whereas significantly fewer individuals were found on control traps. In both years, peak captures were at 680 DD10 degrees C. Trapping was conducted in Naugatuck State Forest in Naugatuck, CT. Little is known about the ecology and biology of the tumbling flower beetles (Coleoptera: Mordellidae), and the larval food plant for this species is not known. Thus, we cannot say why the beetle is attracted to sweet birch oil. Sweet birch oil is approximately 99.8% methyl salicylate (MeSA). MeSA is found constitutively in large quantities in some plants, but it is also an important signal in, and product of, plant stress-response pathways. MeSA has been found to attract both herbivores that need stressed plants as food and natural enemies of herbivores in stressed plants. To our knowledge, this is the first report of mass trapping of a tumbling flower beetle. Fuller understanding of the phenomenon awaits further study.

A new method for the quantification of monosaccharides, uronic acids and oligosaccharides in partially hydrolyzed xylans by HPAEC-UV/VIS.

PubMed

Lorenz, Dominic; Erasmy, Nicole; Akil, Youssef; Saake, Bodo

2016-04-20

A new method for the chemical characterization of xylans is presented, to overcome the difficulties in quantification of 4-O-methyl-α-D-glucuronic acid (meGlcA). In this regard, the hydrolysis behavior of xylans from beech and birch wood was investigated to obtain the optimum conditions for hydrolysis, using sulfuric acid. Due to varying linkage strengths and degradation, no general method for complete hydrolysis can be designed. Therefore, partial hydrolysis was applied, yielding monosaccharides and small meGlcA containing oligosaccharides. For a new method by HPAEC-UV/VIS, these samples were reductively aminated by 2-aminobenzoic acid. By quantification of monosaccharides and oligosaccharides, as well as comparison with borate-HPAEC and (13)C NMR-spectroscopy, we revealed that the concentrations meGlcA are significantly underestimated compared to conventional methods. The detected concentrations are 85.4% (beech) and 76.3% (birch) higher with the new procedure. Furthermore, the quantified concentrations of xylose were 9.3% (beech) and 6.5% (birch) higher by considering the unhydrolyzed oligosaccharides as well. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of root medium pH on root water transport and apoplastic pH in red-osier dogwood (Cornus sericea) and paper birch (Betula papyrifera) seedlings.

PubMed

Zhang, W; Zwiazek, J J

2016-11-01

Soil pH is a major factor affecting plant growth. Plant responses to pH conditions widely vary between different species of plants. However, the exact mechanisms of high pH tolerance of plants are largely unknown. In the present study, we compared the pH responses of paper birch (Betula papyrifera) seedlings, a relatively sensitive species to high soil pH, with red-osier dogwood (Cornus sericea), reported to be relatively tolerant of high pH conditions. We examined the hypotheses that tolerance of plants to high root zone pH is linked to effective control of root apoplastic pH to facilitate nutrient and water transport processes In the study, we exposed paper birch and red-osier dogwood seedlings for six weeks to pH 5, 7 and 9 under controlled-environment conditions in hydroponic culture. Then, we measured biomass, gas exchange, root hydraulic conductivity, ferric chelate reductase (FCR) activity, xylem sap pH and the relative abundance of major elements in leaf protoplasts and apoplasts. The study sheds new light on the rarely studied high pH tolerance mechanisms in plants. We found that compared with paper birch, red-osier dogwood showed greater growth, higher gas exchange, and maintained higher root hydraulic conductivity as well as lower xylem sap pH under high pH conditions. The results suggest that the relatively high pH tolerance of dogwood is associated with greater water uptake ability and maintenance of low apoplastic pH. These traits may have a significant impact on the uptake of Fe and Mn by leaf cells. © 2016 German Botanical Society and The Royal Botanical Society of the Netherlands.

Large-Scale Variations in Lumber Value Recovery of Yellow Birch and Sugar Maple in Quebec, Canada

PubMed Central

Hassegawa, Mariana; Havreljuk, Filip; Ouimet, Rock; Auty, David; Pothier, David; Achim, Alexis

2015-01-01

Silvicultural restoration measures have been implemented in the northern hardwoods forests of southern Quebec, Canada, but their financial applicability is often hampered by the depleted state of the resource. To help identify sites most suited for the production of high quality timber, where the potential return on silvicultural investments should be the highest, this study assessed the impact of stand and site characteristics on timber quality in sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) and yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis Britt.). For this purpose, lumber value recovery (LVR), an estimate of the summed value of boards contained in a unit volume of round wood, was used as an indicator of timber quality. Predictions of LVR were made for yellow birch and sugar maple trees contained in a network of more than 22000 temporary sample plots across the Province. Next, stand-level variables were selected and models to predict LVR were built using the boosted regression trees method. Finally, the occurrence of spatial clusters was verified by a hotspot analysis. Results showed that in both species LVR was positively correlated with the stand age and structural diversity index, and negatively correlated with the number of merchantable stems. Yellow birch had higher LVR in areas with shallower soils, whereas sugar maple had higher LVR in regions with deeper soils. The hotspot analysis indicated that clusters of high and low LVR exist across the province for both species. Although it remains uncertain to what extent the variability of LVR may result from variations in past management practices or in inherent site quality, we argue that efforts to produce high quality timber should be prioritized in sites where LVR is predicted to be the highest. PMID:26313689

Efficacy of combination treatment with anti-IgE plus specific immunotherapy in polysensitized children and adolescents with seasonal allergic rhinitis.

PubMed

Kuehr, Joachim; Brauburger, Jens; Zielen, Stefan; Schauer, Uwe; Kamin, Wolfgang; Von Berg, Andrea; Leupold, Wolfgang; Bergmann, Karl-Christian; Rolinck-Werninghaus, Claudia; Gräve, Michael; Hultsch, Thomas; Wahn, Ulrich

2002-02-01

Specific immunotherapy (SIT) and treatment with monoclonal anti-IgE antibody have complementary modes of action. The purpose of this study was to determine whether combined therapy could provide better efficacy than either treatment alone. We conducted a randomized, double-blinded trial to assess the efficacy and safety of subcutaneously administered anti-IgE (omalizumab) or placebo in children and adolescents with seasonal allergic rhinitis in both a birch pollen season and a grass pollen season (sequential seasons together lasting an average of 84 days). There were 4 treatment arms. Each subject was started on SIT-birch or SIT-grass, and anti-IgE or placebo was started before and maintained during the anticipated pollen seasons (a total of 24 weeks). The primary efficacy variable was symptom load, the sum of daily symptom severity score plus rescue medication use. A total of 221 subjects (intent-to-treat population) aged 6 to 17 years were analyzed for efficacy. Combination therapy reduced symptom load over the 2 pollen seasons by 48% (P <.001) over SIT alone. When analyzed separately by season, the 2 groups receiving unrelated SIT were considered placebo controls. In the grass season, symptom loads were as follows: unrelated (birch) SIT + placebo, 0.89 (reference value); unrelated (birch) SIT + anti-IgE, 0.49 (-45%); SIT-grass + placebo, 0.61 (-32%); SIT-grass + anti-IgE, 0.26 (-71%). Anti-IgE therapy conferred a protective effect independent of the type of allergen. Additional clinical benefit was demonstrated in both pollen seasons, whether there was coverage by SIT or not. This combination might prove useful for the treatment of allergic rhinitis, particularly for polysensitized patients.

Climate Induced Birch Mortality in Trans-Baikal Lake Region, Siberia

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kharuk, V. I.; Ranson, K. J.; Oskorbin, P. A.; Im, S. T.; Dvinskaya, M. L.

2013-01-01

The Trans-Baikal (or Zabailkal'e) region includes the forest-steppe ecotones south and east of Lake Baikal in Russia and has experienced drought for several years. The decline and mortality of birch (Betula pendula) stands within the forest-steppe ecotone Trans-Baikal region was studied based on a temporal series of satellite data, ground measurements, and tree ring analysis. During the first decade of the 21st century birch stands decline and mortality were observed on )about 5% of the total area of stands within our 1250 km(exp 2 study area. Birch forest decline and mortality occurs mainly at the margins of stands, within the forest-steppe ecotone on slopes with direct insolation. During the first decade of the 21st century summer (June-August) precipitation was about 25% below normal. Soil water content measurements were lowest within dead stands and highest within healthy stands and intermediate within damaged stands. Drought impact on stands was amplified by an increase in summer air temperatures (+0.9 C) in comparison with the previous decade. Tree ring data of ''surviving'' and ''dead'' tree groups showed a positive correlation with summer/annual precipitation and negative correlation with summer air temperatures. Temperature and precipitation extreme anomalies tend to occur in the region with a period of about 27 years. The observed anomaly was the most severe since the beginning of meteorological observations in the year 1900. Data for the other sites showed a positive climate impact on the growth and expansion of Siberian forests. That is, the same species (B. pendula) showed considerable increase (1.4 times both in height and stem volume) during 20th-21st centuries as temperature increased but precipitation remained at adequate levels.

Predicting the decomposition of Scots pine, Norway spruce, and birch stems in Finland.

PubMed

Mäkinen, Harri; Hynynen, Jari; Siitonen, Juha; Sievänen, Risto

2006-10-01

Models were developed for predicting the decomposition of dead wood for the main tree species in Finland, based on data collected from long-term thinning experiments in southern and central Finland. The decomposition rates were strongly related to the number of years after tree death. In contrast to previous studies, which have used the first-order exponential model, we found that the decomposition rate was not constant. Therefore, the Gompertz and Chapman-Richard's functions were fitted to the data. The slow initial decomposition period was mainly due to the fact that most dead trees remained standing as snags after their death. The initial period was followed by a period of rapid decomposition and, finally, by a period of moderately slow decomposition. Birch stems decomposed more rapidly than Scots pine and Norway spruce stems. Decomposition rates of Norway spruce stems were somewhat lower than those of Scots pine. Because the carbon concentration of decaying boles was relatively stable (about 50%) the rate of carbon loss follows that of mass loss. Models were also developed for the probability that a dead tree remains standing as a snag. During the first years after death, the probability was high. Thereafter, it decreased rapidly, the decrease being faster for birch stems than for Scots pine and Norway spruce stems. Almost all stems had fallen down within 40 years after their death. In Scots pine and Norway spruce, most snags remained hard and belonged to decay class 1. In birch, a higher proportion of snags belonged to the more advanced decay classes. The models provide a framework for predicting dead wood dynamics in managed as well as dense unthinned stands. The models can be incorporated into forest management planning systems, thereby facilitating estimates of carbon dynamics.

Changes in vegetation cover and composition in the Swedish mountain region.

PubMed

Hedenås, Henrik; Christensen, Pernilla; Svensson, Johan

2016-08-01

Climate change, higher levels of natural resource demands, and changing land use will likely lead to changes in vegetation configuration in the mountain regions. The aim of this study was to determine if the vegetation cover and composition have changed in the Swedish region of the Scandinavian Mountain Range, based on data from the long-term landscape biodiversity monitoring program NILS (National Inventory of Landscapes in Sweden). Habitat type and vegetation cover were assessed in 1740 systematically distributed permanent field plots grouped into 145 sample units across the mountain range. Horvitz-Thompson estimations were used to estimate the present areal extension of the alpine and the mountain birch forest areas of the mountain range, the cover of trees, shrubs, and plants, and the composition of the bottom layer vegetation. We employed the data from two subsequent 5-year monitoring periods, 2003-2007 and 2008-2012, to determine if there have been any changes in these characteristics. We found that the extension of the alpine and the mountain birch forest areas has not changed between the inventory phases. However, the total tree canopy cover increased in the alpine area, the cover of graminoids and dwarf shrubs and the total cover of field vegetation increased in both the alpine area and the mountain birch forest, the bryophytes decreased in the alpine area, and the foliose lichens decreased in the mountain birch forest. The observed changes in vegetation cover and composition, as assessed by systematic data in a national and regional monitoring scheme, can validate the results of local studies, experimental studies, and models. Through benchmark assessments, monitoring data also contributes to governmental policies and land-management strategies as well as to directed cause and effect analyses.

Large-Scale Variations in Lumber Value Recovery of Yellow Birch and Sugar Maple in Quebec, Canada.

PubMed

Hassegawa, Mariana; Havreljuk, Filip; Ouimet, Rock; Auty, David; Pothier, David; Achim, Alexis

2015-01-01

Silvicultural restoration measures have been implemented in the northern hardwoods forests of southern Quebec, Canada, but their financial applicability is often hampered by the depleted state of the resource. To help identify sites most suited for the production of high quality timber, where the potential return on silvicultural investments should be the highest, this study assessed the impact of stand and site characteristics on timber quality in sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) and yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis Britt.). For this purpose, lumber value recovery (LVR), an estimate of the summed value of boards contained in a unit volume of round wood, was used as an indicator of timber quality. Predictions of LVR were made for yellow birch and sugar maple trees contained in a network of more than 22000 temporary sample plots across the Province. Next, stand-level variables were selected and models to predict LVR were built using the boosted regression trees method. Finally, the occurrence of spatial clusters was verified by a hotspot analysis. Results showed that in both species LVR was positively correlated with the stand age and structural diversity index, and negatively correlated with the number of merchantable stems. Yellow birch had higher LVR in areas with shallower soils, whereas sugar maple had higher LVR in regions with deeper soils. The hotspot analysis indicated that clusters of high and low LVR exist across the province for both species. Although it remains uncertain to what extent the variability of LVR may result from variations in past management practices or in inherent site quality, we argue that efforts to produce high quality timber should be prioritized in sites where LVR is predicted to be the highest.

Comprehensive Transcriptome Analysis of Response to Nickel Stress in White Birch (Betula papyrifera)

PubMed Central

Theriault, Gabriel; Michael, Paul; Nkongolo, Kabwe

2016-01-01

White birch (Betula papyrifera) is a dominant tree species of the Boreal Forest. Recent studies have shown that it is fairly resistant to heavy metal contamination, specifically to nickel. Knowledge of regulation of genes associated with metal resistance in higher plants is very sketchy. Availability and annotation of the dwarf birch (B. nana) enables the use of high throughout sequencing approaches to understanding responses to environmental challenges in other Betula species such as B. papyrifera. The main objectives of this study are to 1) develop and characterize the B. papyrifera transcriptome, 2) assess gene expression dynamics of B. papyrifera in response to nickel stress, and 3) describe gene function based on ontology. Nickel resistant and susceptible genotypes were selected and used for transcriptome analysis. A total of 208,058 trinity genes were identified and were assembled to 275,545 total trinity transcripts. The transcripts were mapped to protein sequences and based on best match; we annotated the B. papyrifera genes and assigned gene ontology. In total, 215,700 transcripts were annotated and were compared to the published B. nana genome. Overall, a genomic match for 61% transcripts with the reference genome was found. Expression profiles were generated and 62,587 genes were found to be significantly differentially expressed among the nickel resistant, susceptible, and untreated libraries. The main nickel resistance mechanism in B. papyrifera is a downregulation of genes associated with translation (in ribosome), binding, and transporter activities. Five candidate genes associated to nickel resistance were identified. They include Glutathione S–transferase, thioredoxin family protein, putative transmembrane protein and two Nramp transporters. These genes could be useful for genetic engineering of birch trees. PMID:27082755

Vegetation-Associated Impacts on Arctic Tundra Bacterial and Microeukaryotic Communities

PubMed Central

Shi, Yu; Xiang, Xingjia; Shen, Congcong; Neufeld, Josh D.; Walker, Virginia K.

2014-01-01

The Arctic is experiencing rapid vegetation changes, such as shrub and tree line expansion, due to climate warming, as well as increased wetland variability due to hydrological changes associated with permafrost thawing. These changes are of global concern because changes in vegetation may increase tundra soil biogeochemical processes that would significantly enhance atmospheric CO2 concentrations. Predicting the latter will at least partly depend on knowing the structure, functional activities, and distributions of soil microbes among the vegetation types across Arctic landscapes. Here we investigated the bacterial and microeukaryotic community structures in soils from the four principal low Arctic tundra vegetation types: wet sedge, birch hummock, tall birch, and dry heath. Sequencing of rRNA gene fragments indicated that the wet sedge and tall birch communities differed significantly from each other and from those associated with the other two dominant vegetation types. Distinct microbial communities were associated with soil pH, ammonium concentration, carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratio, and moisture content. In soils with similar moisture contents and pHs (excluding wet sedge), bacterial, fungal, and total eukaryotic communities were correlated with the ammonium concentration, dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) content, and C/N ratio. Operational taxonomic unit (OTU) richness, Faith's phylogenetic diversity, and the Shannon species-level index (H′) were generally lower in the tall birch soil than in soil from the other vegetation types, with pH being strongly correlated with bacterial richness and Faith's phylogenetic diversity. Together, these results suggest that Arctic soil feedback responses to climate change will be vegetation specific not just because of distinctive substrates and environmental characteristics but also, potentially, because of inherent differences in microbial community structure. PMID:25362064

Vegetation-associated impacts on arctic tundra bacterial and microeukaryotic communities.

PubMed

Shi, Yu; Xiang, Xingjia; Shen, Congcong; Chu, Haiyan; Neufeld, Josh D; Walker, Virginia K; Grogan, Paul

2015-01-01

The Arctic is experiencing rapid vegetation changes, such as shrub and tree line expansion, due to climate warming, as well as increased wetland variability due to hydrological changes associated with permafrost thawing. These changes are of global concern because changes in vegetation may increase tundra soil biogeochemical processes that would significantly enhance atmospheric CO2 concentrations. Predicting the latter will at least partly depend on knowing the structure, functional activities, and distributions of soil microbes among the vegetation types across Arctic landscapes. Here we investigated the bacterial and microeukaryotic community structures in soils from the four principal low Arctic tundra vegetation types: wet sedge, birch hummock, tall birch, and dry heath. Sequencing of rRNA gene fragments indicated that the wet sedge and tall birch communities differed significantly from each other and from those associated with the other two dominant vegetation types. Distinct microbial communities were associated with soil pH, ammonium concentration, carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratio, and moisture content. In soils with similar moisture contents and pHs (excluding wet sedge), bacterial, fungal, and total eukaryotic communities were correlated with the ammonium concentration, dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) content, and C/N ratio. Operational taxonomic unit (OTU) richness, Faith's phylogenetic diversity, and the Shannon species-level index (H') were generally lower in the tall birch soil than in soil from the other vegetation types, with pH being strongly correlated with bacterial richness and Faith's phylogenetic diversity. Together, these results suggest that Arctic soil feedback responses to climate change will be vegetation specific not just because of distinctive substrates and environmental characteristics but also, potentially, because of inherent differences in microbial community structure. Copyright © 2015, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Elevated air humidity affects hydraulic traits and tree size but not biomass allocation in young silver birches (Betula pendula)

PubMed Central

Sellin, Arne; Rosenvald, Katrin; Õunapuu-Pikas, Eele; Tullus, Arvo; Ostonen, Ivika; Lõhmus, Krista

2015-01-01

As changes in air temperature, precipitation, and air humidity are expected in the coming decades, studies on the impact of these environmental shifts on plant growth and functioning are of major importance. Greatly understudied aspects of climate change include consequences of increasing air humidity on forest ecosystems, predicted for high latitudes. The main objective of this study was to find a link between hydraulic acclimation and shifts in trees’ resource allocation in silver birch (Betula pendula Roth) in response to elevated air relative humidity (RH). A second question was whether the changes in hydraulic architecture depend on tree size. Two years of application of increased RH decreased the biomass accumulation in birch saplings, but the biomass partitioning among aboveground parts (leaves, branches, and stems) remained unaffected. Increased stem Huber values (xylem cross-sectional area to leaf area ratio) observed in trees under elevated RH did not entail changes in the ratio of non-photosynthetic to photosynthetic tissues. The reduction of stem–wood density is attributable to diminished mechanical load imposed on the stem, since humidified trees had relatively shorter crowns. Growing under higher RH caused hydraulic conductance of the root system (KR) to increase, while KR (expressed per unit leaf area) decreased and leaf hydraulic conductance increased with tree size. Saplings of silver birch acclimate to increasing air humidity by adjusting plant morphology (live crown length, slenderness, specific leaf area, and fine-root traits) and wood density rather than biomass distribution among aboveground organs. The treatment had a significant effect on several hydraulic properties of the trees, while the shifts were largely associated with changes in tree size but not in biomass allocation. PMID:26528318

Implementation and Comparison of Acoustic Travel-Time Measurement Procedures for the Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager Time-Distance Helioseismology Pipeline

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Couvidat, S.; Zhao, J.; Birch, A. C.; Kosovichev, A. G.; Duvall, T. L., Jr.; Parchevsky, K.; Scherrer, P. H.

2009-01-01

The Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager (HMI) instrument on board the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) satellite is designed to produce high-resolution Doppler velocity maps of oscillations at the solar surface with high temporal cadence. To take advantage of these high-quality oscillation data, a time-distance helioseismology pipeline has been implemented at the Joint Science Operations Center (JSOC) at Stanford University. The aim of this pipeline is to generate maps of acoustic travel times from oscillations on the solar surface, and to infer subsurface 3D flow velocities and sound-speed perturbations. The wave travel times are measured from cross covariances of the observed solar oscillation signals. For implementation into the pipeline we have investigated three different travel-time definitions developed in time-distance helioseismology: a Gabor wavelet fitting (Kosovichev and Duvall, 1997), a minimization relative to a reference cross-covariance function (Gizon and Birch, 2002), and a linearized version of the minimization method (Gizon and Birch, 2004). Using Doppler velocity data from the Michelson Doppler Imager (MDI) instrument on board SOHO, we tested and compared these definitions for the mean and difference travel-time perturbations measured from reciprocal signals. Although all three procedures return similar travel times in a quiet Sun region, the method of Gizon and Birch (2004) gives travel times that are significantly different from the others in a magnetic (active) region. Thus, for the pipeline implementation we chose the procedures of Kosovichev and Duvall (1997) and Gizon and Birch (2002). We investigated the relationships among these three travel-time definitions, their sensitivities to fitting parameters, and estimated the random errors they produce

Defining thresholds of specific IgE levels to grass pollen and birch pollen allergens improves clinical interpretation.

PubMed

Van Hoeyveld, Erna; Nickmans, Silvie; Ceuppens, Jan L; Bossuyt, Xavier

2015-10-23

Cut-off values and predictive values are used for the clinical interpretation of specific IgE antibody results. However, cut-off levels are not well defined, and predictive values are dependent on the prevalence of disease. The objective of this study was to document clinically relevant diagnostic accuracy of specific IgE for inhalant allergens (grass pollen and birch pollen) based on test result interval-specific likelihood ratios. Likelihood ratios are independent of the prevalence and allow to provide diagnostic accuracy information for test result intervals. In a prospective study we included consecutive adult patients presenting at an allergy clinic with complaints of rhinitis or rhinoconjunctivitis. The standard for diagnosis was a suggestive clinical history of grass or birch pollen allergy and a positive skin test. Specific IgE was determined with the ImmunoCAP Fluorescence Enzyme Immuno-Assay. We established specific IgE test result interval related likelihood ratios for clinical allergy to inhalant allergens (grass pollen, rPhl p 1,5, birch pollen, rBet v 1). The likelihood ratios for allergy increased with increasing specific IgE antibody levels. The likelihood ratio was <0.03 for specific IgE <0.1 kU/L, between 0.1 and 1.4 for specific IgE between 0.1 kU/L and 0.35 kU/L, between 1.4 and 4.2 for specific IgE between 0.35 kU/L and 3.5 kU/L, >6.3 for specific IgE>0.7, and very high (∞) for specific IgE >3.5 kU/L. Test result interval specific likelihood ratios provide a useful tool for the interpretation of specific IgE test results for inhalant allergens. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The effects of wood dusts on the redox status and cell death in mouse macrophages (RAW 264.7) and human leukocytes in vitro.

PubMed

Naarala, J; Kasanen, J-P; Pasanen, P; Pasanen, A-L; Liimatainen, A; Pennanen, S; Liesivuori, J

2003-07-11

Wood dusts are classified as carcinogenic to humans and also produce other toxic, allergic, and acute effects in woodworkers. However, little is known about causative agents in wood dusts and their mechanisms of action. The effects of different tree species and particle size for biological activity were studied. The differences in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cell death (necrotic and apoptotic) between mouse macrophage (RAW 264.7) cells and human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) for pine, birch, and beech dust exposures were investigated in vitro. The pine and birch dust exposure (1-100 microg/ml) produced concentration-dependent ROS production in both the cells, which was one order of magnitude higher with pine dust. The ROS production was faster in human PNML than murine RAW cells. The higher concentrations (500 and/or 1000 microg/ml) decreased ROS formation. With pine and birch dust exposure, this was probably due to the necrotic cell death. The pine dust concentrations of 500 and 1000 microg/ml were cytotoxic to human PMNL. The beech dust exposure activated the ROS production and decreased the cell viability only at the highest concentrations, being least potent of the three dusts. A sign of the apoptotic cell death in the murine RAW cells was observed at the pine dust concentration of 100 microg/ml. The exposure to the birch and beech dusts with a smaller particle size (<5 microm) produced greater ROS production than exposure to the corresponding dust with a wide range of particle sizes. However, changing the particle size did not affect the cell viability. The results indicate that the type of wood dust (tree species and possibly particle size) has a significant impact on the function and viability of phagocytic cells.

Mercury levels in lichens from different host trees around a chlor-alkali plant in New Brunswick, Canada.

PubMed

Sensen, Marion; Richardson, David H S

2002-07-03

Mercury concentrations were determined in the epiphytic lichen Hypogymnia physodes along five transects starting from a chlor-alkali plant located at Dalhousie, New Brunswick, a landfill site and a nearby electricity generating station. Lichen samples were collected from white birch (Betula papyrifera) and spruce (Picea sp.) or balsam fir (Abies balsamea). Average lichen background mercury values were 0.088+/-0.005 microg/g from white birch and 0.148+/-0.046 microg/g from spruce trees, with a detection limit of 0.05 microg/g. The chlor-alkali plant and a power plant were identified, respectively, as a major source and a minor source of elevated mercury levels in lichens. At 125 m north-west of the New Brunswick Power plant, 0.28 microg/g Hg were found in Hypogymnia physodes from spruce trees, while at 250 m west (downwind) of the chlor-alkali plant, 3.66 microg/g of mercury were determined. High values, 0.98 microg/g in lichens from spruce trees and 0.79 microg/g in lichen samples from white birch were also measured at 125 m south of the chlor-alkali plant and decreased exponentially with distance. The sphere of influence of the chlor-alkali plant with respect to mercury deposition was estimated to extend 2.4-3.4 km from the plant. The mercury concentrations in Hypogymnia physodes collected from white birch were significantly lower than the concentrations in the same lichen from spruce trees in areas with elevated levels of mercury, but not in areas with low mercury levels. The magnitude of this difference dropped with distance from the source.

CO2 response to rewetting of hydrophobic soils - Can soil water repellency inhibit the 'Birch effect'?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sanchez-Garcia, Carmen; Urbanek, Emilia; Doerr, Stefan

2017-04-01

Rewetting of dry soils is known to cause a short-term CO2 pulse commonly known as the 'Birch effect'. The displacement of CO2 with water during the process of wetting has been recognised as one of the sources of this pulse. The 'Birch effect' has been extensively observed in many soils, but some studies report a lack of such phenomenon, suggesting soil water repellency (SWR) as a potential cause. Water infiltration in water repellent soils can be severely restricted, causing overland flow or increased preferential flow, resulting in only a small proportion of soil pores being filled with water and therefore small gas-water replacement during wetting. Despite the suggestions of a different response of CO2 fluxes to wetting under hydrophobic conditions, this theory has never been tested. The aim of this study is to test the hypothesis that CO2 pulse does not occur during rewetting of water repellent soils. Dry homogeneous soils at water-repellent and wettable status have been rewetted with different amounts of water. CO2 flux as a response to wetting has been continuously measured with the CO2 flux analyser. Delays in infiltration and non-uniform heterogeneous water flow were observed in water repellent soils, causing an altered response in the CO2 pulse in comparison to typically observed 'Birch effect' in wettable systems. The main conclusion from the study is that water repellency not only affects water relations in soil, but has also an impact on greenhouse gas production and transport and therefore should be included as an important parameter during the sites monitoring and modelling of gas fluxes.

Heterotrophic cultivation of Auxenochlorella protothecoides using forest biomass as a feedstock for sustainable biodiesel production.

PubMed

Patel, Alok; Matsakas, Leonidas; Rova, Ulrika; Christakopoulos, Paul

2018-01-01

The aim of this work was to establish a process for the heterotrophic growth of green microalgae using forest biomass hydrolysates. To provide a carbon source for the growth of the green microalgae, two forest biomasses (Norway spruce and silver birch) were pretreated with a hybrid organosolv-steam explosion method, resulting in inhibitor-free pretreated solids with a high cellulose content of 77.9% w/w (birch) and 72% w/w (spruce). Pretreated solids were hydrolyzed using commercial cellulolytic enzymes to produce hydrolysate for the culture of algae. The heterotrophic growth of A. protothecoides was assessed using synthetic medium with glucose as carbon source, where the effect of sugar concentration and the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio were optimized, resulting in accumulation of lipids at 5.42 ± 0.32 g/L (64.52 ± 0.53% lipid content) after 5 days of culture on glucose at 20 g/L. The use of birch and spruce hydrolysates was favorable for the growth and lipid accumulation of the algae, resulting in lipid production of 5.65 ± 0.21 g/L (66 ± 0.33% lipid content) and 5.28 ± 0.17 g/L (63.08 ± 0.71% lipid content) when grown on birch and spruce, respectively, after only 120 h of cultivation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of using organosolv pretreated wood biomass hydrolysates for the growth and lipid production of microalgae in the literature. The pretreatment process used in this study provided high saccharification of biomass without the presence of inhibitors. Moreover, the lipid profile of this microalga showed similar contents to vegetable oils which improve the biodiesel properties.

Invariant Functional Forms for K(r,P) Type Equations of State for Hydrodynamically Driven Flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hrbek, George

2001-06-01

At the 11th American Physical Society Topical Group Meeting on Shock Compression of Condensed Matter, Group Theoretic Methods, as defined by Lie were applied to the problem of temperature independent, hydrodynamic shock in a Birch-Murnaghan continuum. (1) Group parameter ratios were linked to the physical quantities (i.e., KT, K'T, and K''T) specified for the various order Birch-Murnaghan approximations. This technique has now been generalized to provide a mathematical formalism applicable to a wide class of forms (i.e., K(r,P)) for the equation of state. Variations in material expansion and resistance (i.e., counter pressure) are shown to be functions of compression and material variation ahead of the expanding front. Illustrative examples include the Birch-Murnaghan, Vinet, Brennan-Stacey, Shanker, Tait, Poirier, and Jones-Wilkins-Lee (JWL) forms. The results of this study will allow the various equations of state, and their respective fitting coefficients, to be compared with experiments. To do this, one must introduce the group ratios into a numerical simulation for the flow and generate the density, pressure, and particle velocity profiles as the shock moves through the material. (2) (1) Hrbek, G. M., Invariant Functional Forms For The Second, Third, And Fourth Order Birch-Murnaghan Equation of State For Materials Subject to Hydrodynamic Shock, Proceedings of the 11th American Physical Society Topical Group Meeting on Shock Compression of Condensed Matter (SCCM Shock 99), Snowbird, Utah (2) Hrbek, G. M., Physical Interpretation of Mathematically Invariant K(r,P) Type Equations Of State For Hydrodynamically Driven Flows, Submitted to the 12th American Physical Society Topical Group Meeting on Shock Compression of Condensed Matter (SCCM Shock 01), Atlanta, Georgia

Allergen extracts and recombinant proteins: comparison of efficiency of in vitro allergy diagnostics using multiplex assay on a biological microchip.

PubMed

Smoldovskaya, Olga; Feyzkhanova, Guzel; Arefieva, Alla; Voloshin, Sergei; Ivashkina, Olga; Reznikov, Yuriy; Rubina, Alla

2016-01-01

Immunological test systems for diagnostics of type I hypersensitivity involve the following types of antigens: whole allergen extracts, individual highly purified proteins and their recombinant analogues. The goal of this study was to compare the results obtained with whole allergen extracts (birch pollen, cat dander, and timothy grass pollen) and their respective recombinant proteins in biochip-based immunoassay. Multiplex fluorescent immunoassay of 139 patients' blood serum samples was carried out using biological microchips (biochips). sIgE concentrations for the chosen allergens and their recombinant components were measured. ROC analysis was used for comparison of the results and determination of diagnostic accuracy. The results for the birch pollen extract and its recombinant allergens have shown that the diagnostic accuracy of the methods utilizing the whole allergen extract, its major component Bet v 1 and the combination of major and minor components (Bet v 1 and Bet v 2) was the same. Values for diagnostic accuracy for the cat dander extract and its major recombinant component Fel d 1 were equal. In contrast with birch pollen and cat dander allergens, using of recombinant components of timothy grass pollen (Phl p 1, Phl p 5, Phl p 7 and Phl p 12) did not allow reaching the diagnostic accuracy of using natural extract. Multiplex analysis of samples obtained from patients with allergy to birch pollen and cat dander using biological microchips has shown that comparable accuracy was observed for the assay with natural extracts and recombinant allergens. In the case of timothy grass allergen, using the recombinant components may be insufficient.

Foliar fungi of Betula pendula: impact of tree species mixtures and assessment methods

PubMed Central

Nguyen, Diem; Boberg, Johanna; Cleary, Michelle; Bruelheide, Helge; Hönig, Lydia; Koricheva, Julia; Stenlid, Jan

2017-01-01

Foliar fungi of silver birch (Betula pendula) in an experimental Finnish forest were investigated across a gradient of tree species richness using molecular high-throughput sequencing and visual macroscopic assessment. We hypothesized that the molecular approach detects more fungal taxa than visual assessment, and that there is a relationship among the most common fungal taxa detected by both techniques. Furthermore, we hypothesized that the fungal community composition, diversity, and distribution patterns are affected by changes in tree diversity. Sequencing revealed greater diversity of fungi on birch leaves than the visual assessment method. One species showed a linear relationship between the methods. Species-specific variation in fungal community composition could be partially explained by tree diversity, though overall fungal diversity was not affected by tree diversity. Analysis of specific fungal taxa indicated tree diversity effects at the local neighbourhood scale, where the proportion of birch among neighbouring trees varied, but not at the plot scale. In conclusion, both methods may be used to determine tree diversity effects on the foliar fungal community. However, high-throughput sequencing provided higher resolution of the fungal community, while the visual macroscopic assessment detected functionally active fungal species. PMID:28150710

The impact of climate change on ecosystem carbon dynamics at the Scandinavian mountain birch forest-tundra heath ecotone.

PubMed

Sjögersten, Sofie; Wookey, Philip A

2009-02-01

Changes in temperature and moisture resulting from climate change are likely to strongly modify the ecosystem carbon sequestration capacity in high-latitude areas, both through vegetation shifts and via direct warming effects on photosynthesis and decomposition. This paper offers a synthesis of research addressing the potential impacts of climate warming on soil processes and carbon fluxes at the forest-tundra ecotone in Scandinavia. Our results demonstrated higher rates of organic matter decomposition in mountain birch forest than in tundra heath soils, with markedly shallower organic matter horizons in the forest. Field and laboratory experiments suggest that increased temperatures are likely to increase CO2 efflux from both tundra and forest soil providing moisture availability does not become limiting for the decomposition process. Furthermore, colonization of tundra heath by mountain birch forest would increase rates of decomposition, and thus CO2 emissions, from the tundra heath soils, which currently store substantial amounts of potentially labile carbon. Mesic soils underlying both forest and tundra heath are currently weak sinks of atmospheric methane, but the strength of this sink could be increased with climate warming and/or drying.

Climate change and its impact on birch pollen quantities and the start of the pollen season an example from Switzerland for the period 1969-2006

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frei, Thomas; Gassner, Ewald

2008-09-01

As published by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) global warming is a reality and its impact is huge like the increase of extreme weather events, glacier recession, sea level rise and also effects on human health. Among them allergies to airborne pollen might increase or change in pattern due to the invasion of new allergic plants or due to different behavior of plants like earlier flowering. In this study we used the longest Swiss airborne pollen data set to examine the influence of the temperature increase on the time of flowering. In the case of Basel, where pollen data for 38 years are available, it was shown that due to a temperature increase the start of flowering in the case of birch occurred about 15 days earlier. Apart from a shift of the start of the flowering there is also a trend towards higher annual birch pollen quantities and an increase of the highest daily mean pollen concentrations. Due to global warming and because symptoms may appear earlier in the year people suffering from a pollen allergy might face a new unaccustomed situation.

Structural study of biologically significant ligands with major birch pollen allergen Betv1 by docking and molecular dynamics simulation

PubMed Central

Kundu, Sangeeta; Roy, Debjani

2010-01-01

The major birch pollen allergen, Betv1 of Betula verrucosa is the main causative agent of birch pollen allergy in humans. Betv1 is capable of binding several physiological ligands including fatty acids, flavones, cytokinins and sterols. Until now, no structural information from crystallography or NMR is available regarding binding mode of any of these ligands into the binding pocket of Betv1. In the present study thirteen ligands have been successfully docked into the hydrophobic cavity of Betv1 and binding free energies of the complexes have been calculated using AutoDock 3.0.5. A linear relationship with correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.6 is obtained between ΔGbs values plotted against their corresponding IC50 values. The complex formed between Betv1 and the best docking pose for each ligand has been optimized by molecular dynamics simulation. Here, we describe the ligand binding of Betv1, which provides insight into the biological function of this protein. This knowledge is required for structural alteration or inhibition of some of these ligands in order to modify the allergenic properties of this protein. PMID:20978606

NMR resonance assignments of a hypoallergenic isoform of the major birch pollen allergen Bet v 1.

PubMed

Ahammer, Linda; Grutsch, Sarina; Wallner, Michael; Ferreira, Fatima; Tollinger, Martin

2017-10-01

In Northern America and Europe a great number of people are suffering from birch pollen allergy and pollen related food allergies. The trigger for these immunological reactions is the 17.5 kDa major birch pollen allergen Bet v 1, which belongs to the family of PR-10 (pathogenesis-related) proteins. In nature, Bet v 1 occurs as a mixture of various isoforms that possess different immunological properties despite their high sequence identities. Bet v 1.0102 (Bet v 1d), which is investigated here, is a hypoallergenic isoform of Bet v 1 and a potential candidate for allergen-specific immunotherapy. We assigned the backbone and side chain 1 H, 13 C and 15 N resonances of this protein and predicted its secondary structure. The NMR-chemical shift data indicate that Bet v 1.0102 is composed of three α-helices and a seven stranded β-sheet, in agreement with the known structure of the hyperallergenic isoform Bet v 1.0101 (Bet v 1a). Our resonance assignments create the foundation for detailed characterization of the dynamic properties of Bet v 1 isoforms by NMR relaxation measurements.

Screening of polyphenolic plant extracts for anti-obesity properties in Wistar rats.

PubMed

Boqué, Noemi; Campión, Javier; de la Iglesia, Rocío; de la Garza, Ana L; Milagro, Fermín I; San Román, Belén; Bañuelos, Óscar; Martínez, J Alfredo

2013-03-30

Polyphenols have been reported to prevent chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases. The objective of the study was to conduct a screening for potential anti-obesity polyphenolic plant extracts using a diet-induced animal model. Rats were fed a high-fat-sucrose (HFS) diet with or without supplementation of different polyphenolic plant extracts (almond, apple, cinnamon, orange blossom, hamamelis, lime blossom, grape vine, and birch) for 56-64 days. Body weight gain was lower in rats supplemented with apple, cinnamon, hamamelis and birch extracts as compared to HFS non-supplemented group. Moreover, apple and cinnamon extracts prevented the increase in fat mass promoted by the HFS diet. Insulin resistance, estimated by the homostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index, was reduced in rats fed apple, cinnamon, hamamelis and birch extracts. Apple extract also prevented the HFS-induced hyperglycaemia and hyperleptinaemia. Only apple and cinnamon extracts were finally considered as potentially important anti-obesogenic extracts, due to their body fat-lowering effects, while the improvement of obesity-related metabolic complications by apple polyphenols highlights this extract as a promising functional food ingredient for the management of obesity and its metabolic complications. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry.

Ventilation scheme, room location and meteorological factors influence indoor birch pollen concentrations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jochner, Susanne; Matiu, Michael; Michaelis, Rico; Menzel, Annette

2017-04-01

Allergenic pollen, often in co-occurrence with air pollutants from traffic and industries aggravating its pollen allergenicity, constitutes a major health risk for the urban population during the pollen season. Airborne pollen concentrations are traditionally monitored with fixed pollen traps mounted >10 m above ground on flat roof tops. However, the personal exposure of allergic people mostly depends on their main residences and the local emission patterns. Consequently, the assessment of indoor pollen is essential for human health since people stay most of the day inside buildings. In our study, hourly indoor birch pollen concentrations were measured on eight days in April 2015 with portable pollen traps in five rooms of a university building at Freising, Germany. A traditional pollen trap on the roof of the building provided the background birch pollen concentration which was compared to the respective outdoor values right in front of the rooms. The office and lab rooms were characterised by different aspects and window ventilation schemes. Meteorological data were equally measured at a nearby climate station and directly in front of the windows. The observed flowering phenology of 56 birch trees in the nearer surrounding partly explained daily peaks in airborne pollen concentrations. As expected, outdoor pollen concentrations were larger than indoor concentrations: Mean indoor/outdoor (I/O) ratio was highest (0.75) in a south oriented room with fully opened window and additional mechanical ventilation, followed by two rooms with fully opened windows orientated to the west and north (0.35, 0.12) and lowest in east oriented neighbouring rooms with tilted window (0.19) and with windows only opened for short ventilation (0.07). The latter two rooms even had a birch tree directly flowering in front of the façade. Hourly I/O ratios depended on meteorology and increased with outside temperature and wind speed oriented perpendicular to the window opening. As also known from literature, indoor concentrations additionally depended on the previously measured concentrations, indicative of accumulation of pollen inside the rooms. Two follow-up studies on grass pollen at the TUM building in Freising (2015) and a KIT building in Garmisch-Partenkirchen (2016) largely confirmed these findings on indoor concentrations of allergenic pollen.

A dose rate causes no fluctuating asymmetry indexes changes in silver birch (Betula pendula (L.) Roth.) leaves and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) needles in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone.

PubMed

Kashparova, Elena; Levchuk, Sviatoslav; Morozova, Valeriia; Kashparov, Valery

2018-06-04

The assessment of the fluctuating asymmetry based on measurement of the parameters of left and right parts of silver birch (Betula pendula (L.) Roth.) leaves and relative sizes of pairs of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) needles from the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone (ChEZ) was carried out. Twelve samples of both birch leaves and pairs of needles were collected from 10 trees at 5 sites in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone and also at one control site located outside the ChEZ. Values of gamma dose rate in the air varied between the sites from 0.1 to 40 μGy h -1 . Activity concentrations of 90 Sr and 137 Cs in the birch leaves varied over the range of 0.9÷2460 kBq kg -1 and 0.1÷339 kBq·kg -1 (DW), respectively. In addition to the above, in the Scots pine needles, these ranges were 0.7 ÷1970 kBq kg -1 f for 90 Sr and 0.1÷78 kBq kg -1 (DW) for 137 Cs. From the values of the radionuclides activity concentrations in the plants, the internal dose rate is estimated to be in the range of 0.1 ÷ 274 μGy h -1 . The main sources of the internal dose rate were radiation of 90 Sr and 90 Y. Indices of fluctuating asymmetry of silver birch leaves and Scots pine needles varied over the range of 0.048 ± 0.007 ÷ 0.060 ± 0.009 and 0.014 ± 0.002 ÷ 0.018 ± 0.002, respectively, and did not statistically differ for all experimental sites. The indices also did not depend on the external or internal dose rate of ionizing radiation for plants. The above findings seem to be consistent with other research effort in terms of understanding the response of organisms to chronic pollutant exposure and the long-term effects of large scale nuclear accidents. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The impact of wood ice cream sticks' origin on the aroma of exposed ice cream mixes.

PubMed

Jiamyangyuen, S; Delwiche, J F; Harper, W J

2002-02-01

The effect of volatile compounds in white birch sticks obtained from four different geographical locations on the aroma of ice cream mix was investigated. Sensory evaluation, (specifically, a series of warmed-up paired comparisons) was conducted on stick-exposed ice cream mixes to determine whether aroma differences in those mixes could be detected. Batches of ice cream mix were exposed to the sticks and aged for 6 d at 4 degrees C and then assessed by the panelists by pairwise comparison. Findings suggest that differences in aroma of mixes that have been exposed to white birch sticks from four different geographical origins can be distinguished perceptually.

P$sup 32$-TESTS FOR INVESTIGATING THE COMPETITION BETWEEN TREE ROOTS AND REGROWTH IN SOUTHERN TAIGA FORESTS (in Russian)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Karpov, V.G.

1962-09-21

Introduction of radioactive materials into soil nutrients represents an excellent tool for determining utilization of the nutrient and its ultimate distribution between the various components of the phytocaenosis; therefore P/sup 32/labeled solutions were used for clarifying the competition between the roots of mature birch, Betulla verrucosa, and fir, Picea excelsa, seedlings. The test area contained 30to 35-year-old trees at a density of about 7 to 8 thousand trees per bectare. During the summer of 1960 fir seedlings were planted in areas removed from the influence of the birch roots and near the trees without interfering with interaction between the 2more » systems; at the latter location the soil contained 730 to 1100 g/m/sup 2/ of roots. In July 1961 10 mg/liter P solution, labeled with P/sup 32/ was introduced into the soil; the original activity of the solution was 65 mu c/liter. Results indicated that competition by the birch roots strongly inhibits the P/sup 32/ uptake by the 2-year-old seedlings; the radioactivity of the fir needles planted in isolated areas was 5 to 8 times higher than that in seedlings planted near the mature trees. (TTT)« less

How does solar ultraviolet-B radiation improve drought tolerance of silver birch (Betula pendula Roth.) seedlings?

PubMed

Robson, T Matthew; Hartikainen, Saara M; Aphalo, Pedro J

2015-05-01

We hypothesized that solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation would protect silver birch seedlings from the detrimental effects of water stress through a coordinated suite of trait responses, including morphological acclimation, improved control of water loss through gas exchange and hydraulic sufficiency. To better understand how this synergetic interaction works, plants were grown in an experiment under nine treatment combinations attenuating ultraviolet-A and ultraviolet-B (UVB) from solar radiation together with differential watering to create water-deficit conditions. In seedlings under water deficit, UV attenuation reduced height growth, leaf production and leaf length compared with seedlings receiving the full spectrum of solar radiation, whereas the growth and morphology of well-watered seedlings was largely unaffected by UV attenuation. There was an interactive effect of the treatment combination on water relations, which was more apparent as a change in the water potential at which leaves wilted or plants died than through differences in gas exchange. This suggests that changes occur in the cell wall elastic modulus or accumulation of osmolites in cells under UVB. Overall, the strong negative effects of water deficit are partially ameliorated by solar UV radiation, whereas well-watered silver birch seedlings are slightly disadvantaged by the solar UV radiation they receive. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Competition and facilitation in industrial barrens: variation in performance of mountain birch seedlings with distance from nurse plants.

PubMed

Eränen, Janne K; Kozlov, Mikhail V

2007-04-01

In stressful environments inter-plant facilitation is an important phenomenon co-occurring with competition. However, most experiments in natural ecosystems have only contrasted "sheltered" and "exposed" microsites, thus missing possible non-linearity of effects and not giving any information about the scale at which these interactions operate. In the current experiment we studied the net effect of nurse trees on mountain birch seedlings at various planting distances. Seedlings were planted in two highly stressful subarctic industrial barren sites around the nickel-copper smelter in Monchegorsk, NW Russia, at five distances (from 10 to 100 cm) from mature birch trees that were circa 100 cm in height. The survival and growth of seedlings were monitored for six years and the results were analyzed in respect to several environmental characteristics. Despite the fact that interaction strengths varied between years and between two study sites, both survival and growth of seedlings indicated optimum performance at middle distances and decreasing performance closer to and further from the nurse tree. We suggest that adverse effects on seedling performance at short distances are explained by competition and/or accumulation of pollutants under nurse plants, whereas at long distances these adverse effects appear due to lack of shelter, as shown by higher wind stress and lower soil water content.

Experimental evidence for herbivore limitation of the treeline.

PubMed

Speed, James D M; Austrheim, Gunnar; Hester, Alison J; Mysterud, Atle

2010-11-01

The treeline ecotone divides forest from open alpine or arctic vegetation states. Treelines are generally perceived to be temperature limited. The role of herbivores in limiting the treeline is more controversial, as experimental evidence from relevant large scales is lacking. Here we quantify the impact of different experimentally controlled herbivore densities on the recruitment and survival of birch Betula pubescens tortuosa along an altitudinal gradient in the mountains of southern Norway. After eight years of summer grazing in large-scale enclosures at densities of 0, 25, and 80 sheep/km2, birch recruited within the whole altitudinal range of ungrazed enclosures, but recruitment was rarer in enclosures with low-density sheep and was largely limited to within the treeline in enclosures with high-density sheep. In contrast, the distribution of saplings (birch older than the experiment) did not differ between grazing treatments, suggesting that grazing sheep primarily limit the establishment of new tree recruits rather than decrease the survival of existing individuals. This study provides direct experimental evidence that herbivores can limit the treeline below its potential at the landscape scale and even at low herbivore densities in this climatic zone. Land use changes should thus be considered in addition to climatic changes as potential drivers of ecotone shifts.

Indoor birch pollen concentrations differ with ventilation scheme, room location, and meteorological factors.

PubMed

Menzel, A; Matiu, M; Michaelis, R; Jochner, S

2017-05-01

Indoor pollen concentrations are an underestimated human health issue. In this study, we measured hourly indoor birch pollen concentrations on 8 days in April 2015 with portable pollen traps in five rooms of a university building at Freising, Germany. These data were compared to the respective outdoor values right in front of the rooms and to background pollen data. The rooms were characterized by different aspects and window ventilation schemes. Meteorological data were equally measured directly in front of the windows. Outdoor concentration could be partly explained with phenological data of 56 birches in the surrounding showing concurrent high numbers of trees attaining flowering stages. Indoor pollen concentrations were lower than outdoor concentrations: mean indoor/outdoor (I/O) ratio was highest in a room with fully opened window and additional mechanical ventilation (.75), followed by rooms with fully opened windows (.35, .12) and lowest in neighboring rooms with tilted window (.19) or windows only opened for short ventilation (.07). Hourly I/O ratios depended on meteorology and increased with outside temperature and wind speed oriented perpendicular to the window opening. Indoor concentrations additionally depended on the previously measured concentrations, indicating accumulation of pollen inside the rooms even after the full flowering period. © 2016 The Authors. Indoor Air Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

New data on the natural environment of the Middle and Late Neopleistocene interglacial periods in the east of the European Subarctic Region of Russia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Andreicheva, L. N.; Marchenko-Vagapova, T. I.

2017-11-01

The data obtained from investigation of the Middle and Late Neopleistocene lake sediments in the European Subarctic Region of Russia are reported. Chirva, Rodionovo (Scklov), Sula (Mikulino), and Byzovaya (Leningrad) sediments were subject to palynological analysis and investigation of particle size distribution and mineral composition. The spore-pollen spectra of the Chirva sediments demonstrate two climatic optima: the lower optimum is dominated by the pollen of Pinus sylvestris and broad-leaved species (up to 10%); the upper optimum is dominated by Picea sp. and Pinus sylvestris, while the pollen of Picea sect. Omorica and broad-leaved species are sporadic. The Rodionovo flora is characterized by a more xerophilous composition relative to the Chirva flora and a higher pollen content of pine, birch, wormseed plants, and wormwood. The climatic optimum of the Sula interglacial is distinguished by boreal vegetation, including spruce, birch, and birch-spruce forests with sparse broad-leaved species. The Byzovaya interstadial is marked by seven stages of changes in the vegetation: from tundra and forest-tundra communities to taiga forests with some broad-leaved species. The natural climatic sedimentation conditions in the Middle and Late Neopleistocene interglacial periods are reconstructed. The mineral composition of sediments was largely formed owing to underlying deposits.

Groundwater and surface-water interaction and effects of pumping in a complex glacial-sediment aquifer, phase 2, east-central Massachusetts

USGS Publications Warehouse

Eggleston, Jack R.; Zarriello, Phillip J.; Carlson, Carl S.

2015-12-31

Model simulations indicate that under average base-flow conditions, the Birch Road wells have a small effect on flow in the Sudbury River during most months, even at the maximum pumping rate of 4.9 ft3/s (3.17 Mgal/d). Maximum percent streamflow depletion in the Sudbury River caused by simulated pumping takes place during simulated drought conditions, when streamflow decreased by as much as 21 percent under maximum continuous pumping. Simulations also indicate that groundwater withdrawals at the Birch Road site could be managed so that adverse streamflow impacts are substantially ameliorated. Under the most ecologically conservative simulated drought conditions, simulated streamflow depletion was reduced from 21 percent to 3 percent by pumping at the maximum rate for 6 months rather than for 12 months. Simulations that return 10 percent of the Birch Road well withdrawals to Pod Meadow Pond indicate a modest reduction in the Sudbury River streamflow depletion and provide a larger percentage increase to streamflow just downstream of the pond. The groundwater model also indicates that well locations can have a large effect on the sustainable pumping rate and so should be chosen carefully. The model provides a tool for evaluating alternative pumping rates and schedules not included in this analysis.

Sources of variation in concentrations of nickel and copper in mountain birch foliage near a nickel-copper smelter at Monchegorsk, north-western Russia: results of long-term monitoring.

PubMed

Kozlov, Mikhail V

2005-05-01

Concentrations of nickel and copper, two principal metal pollutants of the 'Severonikel' smelter at Monchegorsk, NW Russia, were measured in unwashed leaves of mountain birch, Betula pubescens subsp. czerepanovii, collected in eight study sites along the pollution gradient during 1991-2003. In spite of significant decline in metal emissions, concentrations of foliar metals in most of the study sites did not decrease, indicating that soil contamination remains extremely high. Multiyear mean values peaked at 6.6 km S of the smelter, where they were 20-25 times higher than in the most distant study site. Concentrations of both metals demonstrated pronounced annual variation, which was explained by the meteorological conditions of early summer: higher precipitation in May increased foliar concentrations of both metals, whereas higher precipitation in June resulted in lower foliar concentrations of nickel. These data suggest that ecotoxicological situation in metal-contaminated areas can be modified by the expected climate change. In heavily polluted sites individual birch trees generally retained their ranks in terms of metal contamination during 1995-2003, demonstrating that the use of the same set of trees can significantly increase the accuracy of the monitoring data.

Seasonal variation of birch and grass pollen loads and allergen release at two sites in the German Alps

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jochner, Susanne; Lüpke, Marvin; Laube, Julia; Weichenmeier, Ingrid; Pusch, Gudrun; Traidl-Hoffmann, Claudia; Schmidt-Weber, Carsten; Buters, Jeroen T. M.; Menzel, Annette

2015-12-01

Less vegetated mountainous areas may provide better conditions for allergy sufferers. However, atmospheric transport can result in medically relevant pollen loads in such regions. The majority of investigations has focused on the pollen load, expressed as daily averages of pollen per cubic meter of air (pollen grains/m³); however, the severity of allergic symptoms is also determined by the actual allergen content of this pollen, its pollen potency, which may differ between high and low altitudes. We analysed airborne birch and grass pollen concentrations along with allergen content (birch: Bet v 1, grass: Phl p 5) at two different altitudes (734 and 2650 m a.s.l.) in the Zugspitze region (2009-2010). Back-trajectories were calculated for the high altitude site and for specific days with abrupt increases in pollen potency. We observed several days with medically relevant pollen concentrations at the highest site. In addition, a few days with pollen were not associated with allergens and vice versa. The calculated seasonal mean allergen release per pollen grain was 1.8-3.3 pg Bet v 1 and 5.7 pg Phl p 5 in the valley and 1.1-3.7 pg Bet v 1 and 0.7-1.5 pg Phl p 5 at the high altitude site. Back-trajectories revealed that high pollen potency at the higher site was generally associated with south-westerly to south-easterly (birch), or northerly (grass) wind directions. By investigating days with sudden increases in pollen potency, however, it was difficult to draw definitive conclusions on long- or short-range transport. Our findings suggest that people allergic to pollen might suffer less at higher altitudes and further indicate that a risk assessment relying on the actual concentration of airborne pollen does not necessarily reflect the actual allergy exposure of individuals.

Thermokarst rates intensify due to climate change and forest fragmentation in an Alaskan boreal forest lowland.

PubMed

Lara, Mark J; Genet, Hélène; McGuire, Anthony D; Euskirchen, Eugénie S; Zhang, Yujin; Brown, Dana R N; Jorgenson, Mark T; Romanovsky, Vladimir; Breen, Amy; Bolton, William R

2016-02-01

Lowland boreal forest ecosystems in Alaska are dominated by wetlands comprised of a complex mosaic of fens, collapse-scar bogs, low shrub/scrub, and forests growing on elevated ice-rich permafrost soils. Thermokarst has affected the lowlands of the Tanana Flats in central Alaska for centuries, as thawing permafrost collapses forests that transition to wetlands. Located within the discontinuous permafrost zone, this region has significantly warmed over the past half-century, and much of these carbon-rich permafrost soils are now within ~0.5 °C of thawing. Increased permafrost thaw in lowland boreal forests in response to warming may have consequences for the climate system. This study evaluates the trajectories and potential drivers of 60 years of forest change in a landscape subjected to permafrost thaw in unburned dominant forest types (paper birch and black spruce) associated with location on elevated permafrost plateau and across multiple time periods (1949, 1978, 1986, 1998, and 2009) using historical and contemporary aerial and satellite images for change detection. We developed (i) a deterministic statistical model to evaluate the potential climatic controls on forest change using gradient boosting and regression tree analysis, and (ii) a 30 × 30 m land cover map of the Tanana Flats to estimate the potential landscape-level losses of forest area due to thermokarst from 1949 to 2009. Over the 60-year period, we observed a nonlinear loss of birch forests and a relatively continuous gain of spruce forest associated with thermokarst and forest succession, while gradient boosting/regression tree models identify precipitation and forest fragmentation as the primary factors controlling birch and spruce forest change, respectively. Between 1950 and 2009, landscape-level analysis estimates a transition of ~15 km² or ~7% of birch forests to wetlands, where the greatest change followed warm periods. This work highlights that the vulnerability and resilience of lowland ice-rich permafrost ecosystems to climate changes depend on forest type. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Phenylcoumaran benzylic ether and isoflavonoid reductases are a new class of cross-reactive allergens in birch pollen, fruits and vegetables.

PubMed

Karamloo, F; Wangorsch, A; Kasahara, H; Davin, L B; Haustein, D; Lewis, N G; Vieths, S

2001-10-01

We investigated the biochemical function of the birch pollen allergen Bet v 6 and its role in the IgE-cross-reactivity between birch pollen and plant foods, and characterized Pyr c 5, a Bet v 6-related food allergen, from pear; the proteins were expressed as His-Tag fusion proteins in Eschershia coli and purified by Ni-chelate affinity chromatography under native conditions. Nonfusion proteins were obtained by factor Xa protease treatment. The highest degree of amino-acid sequence identity of Pyr c 5 and Bet v 6 was found with a plant protein related to a defense mechanism, which we have named phenylcoumaran benzylic ether reductase (PCBER) based on its ability to catalyze the NADPH-dependent reduction of 8-5' linked lignans such as dehydrodiconiferyl alcohol to give isodihydrodehydrodiconiferyl alcohol. Enzymatic assays with recombinant Pyr c 5 and Bet v 6 showed PCBER catalytic activity for both recombinant allergens. Both Pyr c 5 and Bet v 6 allergens had similar IgE binding characteristics in immunoblotting and enzyme allergosorbent tests (EAST), and bound IgE from 10 sera of birch-pollen-allergic patients including six pear-allergic subjects. EAST inhibition experiments with Pyr c 5 as the solid phase antigen suggested that homologous allergens may be present in many vegetable foods such as apple, peach, orange, lychee fruit, strawberry, persimmon, zucchini (courgette), and carrot. In extracts of pear, apple, orange, and persimmon, the presence of proteins of approximately 30-35 kDa containing Bet v 6 cross-reactive epitopes was demonstrated with two Bet v 6-specific monoclonal antibodies. Recombinant Pyr c 5 triggered a strong, dose-dependent mediator release from basophils of a pear-allergic subject, suggesting that Pyr c 5 has the potential to elicit type I allergic reactions.

Perinatal maternal administration of Lactobacillus paracasei NCC 2461 prevents allergic inflammation in a mouse model of birch pollen allergy.

PubMed

Schabussova, Irma; Hufnagl, Karin; Tang, Mimi L K; Hoflehner, Elisabeth; Wagner, Angelika; Loupal, Gerhard; Nutten, Sophie; Zuercher, Adrian; Mercenier, Annick; Wiedermann, Ursula

2012-01-01

The hygiene hypothesis implies that microbial agents including probiotic bacteria may modulate foetal/neonatal immune programming and hence offer effective strategies for primary allergy prevention; however their mechanisms of action are poorly understood. We investigated whether oral administration of Lactobacillus paracasei NCC 2461 to mothers during gestation/lactation can protect against airway inflammation in offspring in a mouse model of birch pollen allergy, and examined the immune mechanisms involved. BALB/c mice were treated daily with L. paracasei in drinking water or drinking water alone in the last week of gestation and during lactation. Their offspring were sensitized with recombinant Bet v 1, followed by aerosol challenge with birch pollen extract. Maternal exposure to L. paracasei prevented the development of airway inflammation in offspring, as demonstrated by attenuation of eosinophil influx in the lungs; reduction of IL-5 levels in bronchoalveolar lavage, and in lung and mediastinal lymph node cell cultures; and reduced peribronchial inflammatory infiltrate and mucus hypersecretion. While allergen-specific IgE and IgG antibody levels remained unchanged by the treatment, IL-4 and IL-5 production in spleen cell cultures were significantly reduced upon allergen stimulation in offspring of L. paracasei treated mice. Offspring of L. paracasei supplemented mothers had significantly reduced Bet v 1-specific as well as Concanavalin A-induced responses in spleen and mesenteric lymph node cell cultures, suggesting the modulation of both antigen-specific and mitogen-induced immune responses in offspring. These effects were associated with increased Foxp3 mRNA expression in the lungs and increased TGF-beta in serum. Our data show that in a mouse model of birch pollen allergy, perinatal administration of L. paracasei NCC 2461 to pregnant/lactating mothers protects against the development of airway inflammation in offspring by activating regulatory pathways, likely through TLR2/4 signalling.

Implementation and Comparison of Acoustic Travel-Time Measurement Procedures for the Solar Dynamics Observatory-Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager Time-Distance Helioseismology Pipeline

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Couvidat, S.; Zhao, J.; Birch, A. C.; Kosovichev, A. G.; Duvall, Thomas L., Jr.; Parchevsky, K.; Scherrer, P. H.

2010-01-01

The Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager (HMI) instrument onboard the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) satellite is designed to produce high-resolution Doppler-velocity maps of oscillations at the solar surface with high temporal cadence. To take advantage of these high-quality oscillation data, a time - distance helioseismology pipeline (Zhao et al., Solar Phys. submitted, 2010) has been implemented at the Joint Science Operations Center (JSOC) at Stanford University. The aim of this pipeline is to generate maps of acoustic travel times from oscillations on the solar surface, and to infer subsurface 3D flow velocities and sound-speed perturbations. The wave travel times are measured from cross-covariances of the observed solar oscillation signals. For implementation into the pipeline we have investigated three different travel-time definitions developed in time - distance helioseismology: a Gabor-wavelet fitting (Kosovichev and Duvall, SCORE'96: Solar Convection and Oscillations and Their Relationship, ASSL, Dordrecht, 241, 1997), a minimization relative to a reference cross-covariance function (Gizon and Birch, Astrophys. J. 571, 966, 2002), and a linearized version of the minimization method (Gizon and Birch, Astrophys. J. 614, 472, 2004). Using Doppler-velocity data from the Michelson Doppler Imager (MDI) instrument onboard SOHO, we tested and compared these definitions for the mean and difference traveltime perturbations measured from reciprocal signals. Although all three procedures return similar travel times in a quiet-Sun region, the method of Gizon and Birch (Astrophys. J. 614, 472, 2004) gives travel times that are significantly different from the others in a magnetic (active) region. Thus, for the pipeline implementation we chose the procedures of Kosovichev and Duvall (SCORE'96: Solar Convection and Oscillations and Their Relationship, ASSL, Dordrecht, 241, 1997) and Gizon and Birch (Astrophys. J. 571, 966, 2002). We investigated the relationships among these three travel-time definitions, their sensitivities to fitting parameters, and estimated the random errors that they produce.

Perinatal Maternal Administration of Lactobacillus paracasei NCC 2461 Prevents Allergic Inflammation in a Mouse Model of Birch Pollen Allergy

PubMed Central

Schabussova, Irma; Hufnagl, Karin; Tang, Mimi L. K.; Hoflehner, Elisabeth; Wagner, Angelika; Loupal, Gerhard; Nutten, Sophie; Zuercher, Adrian; Mercenier, Annick; Wiedermann, Ursula

2012-01-01

Background The hygiene hypothesis implies that microbial agents including probiotic bacteria may modulate foetal/neonatal immune programming and hence offer effective strategies for primary allergy prevention; however their mechanisms of action are poorly understood. We investigated whether oral administration of Lactobacillus paracasei NCC 2461 to mothers during gestation/lactation can protect against airway inflammation in offspring in a mouse model of birch pollen allergy, and examined the immune mechanisms involved. Methods BALB/c mice were treated daily with L. paracasei in drinking water or drinking water alone in the last week of gestation and during lactation. Their offspring were sensitized with recombinant Bet v 1, followed by aerosol challenge with birch pollen extract. Results Maternal exposure to L. paracasei prevented the development of airway inflammation in offspring, as demonstrated by attenuation of eosinophil influx in the lungs; reduction of IL-5 levels in bronchoalveolar lavage, and in lung and mediastinal lymph node cell cultures; and reduced peribronchial inflammatory infiltrate and mucus hypersecretion. While allergen-specific IgE and IgG antibody levels remained unchanged by the treatment, IL-4 and IL-5 production in spleen cell cultures were significantly reduced upon allergen stimulation in offspring of L. paracasei treated mice. Offspring of L. paracasei supplemented mothers had significantly reduced Bet v 1-specific as well as Concanavalin A-induced responses in spleen and mesenteric lymph node cell cultures, suggesting the modulation of both antigen-specific and mitogen-induced immune responses in offspring. These effects were associated with increased Foxp3 mRNA expression in the lungs and increased TGF-beta in serum. Conclusion Our data show that in a mouse model of birch pollen allergy, perinatal administration of L. paracasei NCC 2461 to pregnant/lactating mothers protects against the development of airway inflammation in offspring by activating regulatory pathways, likely through TLR2/4 signalling. PMID:22792257

Isolation and identification of plant phenolic compounds in birch leaves: Air pollution stress and leaf phenolics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Loponen, Jyrki Mikael

Chromatographic (analytical and preparative HPLC), chemical (hydrolysis) and spectroscopic (UV, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and MS) techniques proved to be suitable tools for the structure identification of plant phenolic compounds. More than 30 individual phenolic compounds were detected and quantified. Detailed information of the structures of individual compounds was determined after isolation from birch leaves. Ten flavonoid glycosides were identified. Two of them, myricetin-3-O-α-L-(acetyl)-rhamnopyranoside and quercetin-3-O-α-L-(4/prime'-O-acetyl)- rhamnopyranoside, have been rarely found in birch leaves. Further, some characterized major phenolics with non- flavonoid structures in our study were 1-O-galloyl- β-D-(2-O-acetyl)-glucopyranose, gallic, chlorogenic, neochlorogenic, cis- and trans-forms of 3- and 5-p-coumaroylquinic acids. The presence of gallotannin group was evidenced by strong positive correlations between concentrations of these gallotannins (preliminary identified by HPLC and UV spectra) and the protein precipitation capacity of extracts. Content of gallotannins decreased with leaf growth and maturation. It is known that concentrations of phenolic compounds regularly increase in slowly growing stressed plants and therefore, it is natural that they are also sensitive to different forms of air pollution. Total content and the contents of some individual phenolics correlated negatively with the distance from the pollution source in our study area. In addition to comparing absolute concentrations of compounds in question, the within-tree correlations or within-tree variations of the relevant compounds between polluted and control areas were an alternative approach. Differences in pairwise correlations between the investigated leaf phenolic compounds indicated the competition between some gallotannins and p-coumaroylquinic acids on the polluted but not on the control site. Air pollution seems to be a stress factor for birch trees associated with accumulation, variability, as well as between-compound correlations of individual phenolics in leaves. Effects of atmospheric stress factors on phenolics with different structures result from the activation of the shikimate pathway.

Thermokarst rates intensify due to climate change and forest fragmentation in an Alaskan boreal forest lowland

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lara, M.; Genet, Helene; McGuire, A. David; Euskirchen, Eugénie S.; Zhang, Yujin; Brown, Dana R. N.; Jorgenson, M.T.; Romanovsky, V.; Breen, Amy L.; Bolton, W.R.

2016-01-01

Lowland boreal forest ecosystems in Alaska are dominated by wetlands comprised of a complex mosaic of fens, collapse-scar bogs, low shrub/scrub, and forests growing on elevated ice-rich permafrost soils. Thermokarst has affected the lowlands of the Tanana Flats in central Alaska for centuries, as thawing permafrost collapses forests that transition to wetlands. Located within the discontinuous permafrost zone, this region has significantly warmed over the past half-century, and much of these carbon-rich permafrost soils are now within ~0.5 °C of thawing. Increased permafrost thaw in lowland boreal forests in response to warming may have consequences for the climate system. This study evaluates the trajectories and potential drivers of 60 years of forest change in a landscape subjected to permafrost thaw in unburned dominant forest types (paper birch and black spruce) associated with location on elevated permafrost plateau and across multiple time periods (1949, 1978, 1986, 1998, and 2009) using historical and contemporary aerial and satellite images for change detection. We developed (i) a deterministic statistical model to evaluate the potential climatic controls on forest change using gradient boosting and regression tree analysis, and (ii) a 30 × 30 m land cover map of the Tanana Flats to estimate the potential landscape-level losses of forest area due to thermokarst from 1949 to 2009. Over the 60-year period, we observed a nonlinear loss of birch forests and a relatively continuous gain of spruce forest associated with thermokarst and forest succession, while gradient boosting/regression tree models identify precipitation and forest fragmentation as the primary factors controlling birch and spruce forest change, respectively. Between 1950 and 2009, landscape-level analysis estimates a transition of ~15 km² or ~7% of birch forests to wetlands, where the greatest change followed warm periods. This work highlights that the vulnerability and resilience of lowland ice-rich permafrost ecosystems to climate changes depend on forest type.

Levels of selected trace elements in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), silver birch (Betula pendula L.), and Norway maple (Acer platanoides L.) in an urbanized environment.

PubMed

Kosiorek, Milena; Modrzewska, Beata; Wyszkowski, Mirosław

2016-10-01

The aim of the study was to determine the concentrations of selected trace elements in needles and bark of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), leaves and bark of silver birch (Betula pendula L.), and Norway maple (Acer platanoides L.), as well as in the soil in which the trees grew, depending on their localization and hence the distribution of local pollution sources. The content of trace elements in needles of Scots pine, leaves of silver birch, and Norway maple and in bark of these trees depended on the location, tree species, and analyzed organ. The content of Fe, Mn, and Zn in needles, leaves, and bark of the examined tree species was significantly higher than that of the other elements. The highest average content of Fe and Mn was detected in leaves of Norway maple whereas the highest average content of Zn was found in silver birch leaves. The impact of such locations as the center of Olsztyn or roadside along Road 51 on the content of individual elements tended to be more pronounced than the influence of the other locations. The influence of the sampling sites on the content of trace elements in tree bark was less regular than the analogous effect in needles and leaves. Moreover, the relevant dependences were slightly different for Scots pine than for the other two tree species. The concentrations of heavy metals determined in the soil samples did not exceed the threshold values set in the Regulation of the Minister for the Environment, although the soil along Road 51 and in the center of Olsztyn typically had the highest content of these elements. There were also significant correlations between the content of some trace elements in soil and their accumulation in needles, leaves, and bark of trees.

Assessing seedbank recruitment windows of opportunity in thaw slump thermokarsts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huebner, D. C.; Bret-Harte, M. S.

2013-12-01

Tall shrub thickets (>1m) of birch and willow have been observed in stabilized lobes of thaw slump thermokarsts (gullies cause by thawed permafrost) in the Low Arctic near Toolik Lake, Alaska. We tested whether there are differences in seedling recruitment and establishment in thermokarsts vs outside the disturbance by comparing in-situ seedling presence, greenhouse germination of natural seedbanks, and cohort age groups of willow (Salix spp.) and birch in two 50m transects sampled in thermokarst lobes of different age: one young lobe of 7 y.a. at Lake NE-14, and one older lobe of 22 y.a. at Lake I-minus 1 vs. two transects outside the lobes. Young thermokarsts may provide germination windows of opportunity for fast growing species like graminoids and deciduous shrubs. In-situ seedling observations generally agreed with expectations. Fifteen times as many live seedlings were observed in the young lobe vs. outside, composed mainly of graminoids and willows, and five times more seedlings were observed inside the older lobe vs. outside, including 25% birch. Germination trials of seedbanks, as expected, showed a reverse trend. The smaller seedbanks in the young lobe had far fewer germinants than outside: over 49 times more seedlings germinated in the outside seedbank compared to the thermokarst, and were composed mainly of longer-lived evergreen shrubs in the genera Ledum and Rhododendron. The older lobe, by contrast, showed seven times greater germination than outside and was composed mainly of graminoids. Birch made up only 5%, reflecting variation in species composition between sites. ANOVA of seedbank germination across sites showed unit increase in number of germinated seeds was negatively correlated to percent cover of bare soil, positively correlated to the amount of organic matter present in the surface soil as reflected in sample volume, and positively correlated to thaw depth. Reverse trends in germination trials vs. presence of live seedlings may be explained by lower seedbank quality but higher recruitment in younger lobes due to greater viable seed input and turnover, particularly of short-lived seeds such as willow, whereas older lobes and undisturbed tundra may have larger seedbanks whose recruitment of new individuals may be limited under natural conditions. Age cohort comparisons between willow species (Salix pulchra or S. glauca), as expected, found over 80% of individuals sampled at the young lobe between 3-4 y.a., while outside showed more variable distribution across six cohorts spanning five to 35 y.a. For both birch and willow, there was more cohort variability in the older lobe than outside, suggesting recruitment outcomes could have site-species interactions.

The transformation of vegetation vertical zonality affected by anthropogenic impact in East Fennoscandia (Russia)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sidorik, Vadim; Miulgauzen, Daria

2017-04-01

Ecosystems of East Fennoscandia have been affected by intensive anthropogenic influence that resulted in their significant transformation. Study of ecosystems in the framework of vegetation vertical zonality disturbance as well as its recovery allows to understand the trends of anthropogenically induced changes. The aim of the present research is the comparative analysis of vegetation vertical zonality of the two uplands in East Fennoscandia which may be considered as unaffected and affected by anthropogenic impact. The objects of key studies carried out in the north-west of Kola Peninsula in the vicinity of the Pechenganikel Mining and Metallurgical Plant are represented by ecosystems of Kalkupya (h 357 m) and Hangaslachdenvara (h 284 m) uplands. They are characterized by the similarity in sequence of altitudinal belts due to the position on the northern taiga - forest-tundra boundary. Plant communities of Kalkupya upland have no visible signs of anthropogenic influence, therefore, they can be considered as model ecosystems of the area. The sequence of altitudinal belts is the following: - up to 200 m - pine subshrub and green moss ("zonal") forest replaced by mixed pine and birch forest near the upper boundary; - 200-300 m - birch crooked subshrub wood; - above 300 m - tundra subshrub and lichen communities. Ecosystems of Hangaslachdenvara upland have been damaged by air pollution (SO2, Ni, Cu emissions) of the Pechenganikel Plant. This impact has led to plant community suppression and formation of barren lands. Besides the soil cover was significantly disturbed, especially upper horizons. Burying of soil profiles, represented by Podzols (WRB, 2015), also manifested itself in the exploited part of the area. The vegetation cover of Hangaslachdenvara upland is the following: - up to 130 m - birch and aspen subshrub and grass forest instead of pine forest ("zonal"); - 130-200 m - barren lands instead of pine forest ("zonal"); - above 200 m - barren lands instead of birch crooked subshrub wood, which stretched to the north-east, proving the leading role of prevailing southwestern winds in pollution spreading in the area. As the anthropogenic impact decreases due to the Plant's emissions decline, there have been identified signs of ecosystem restoration. The beginning restoration helps parvifoliate forests to grow in barren lands, including the above-mentioned birch and aspen forest on Hangaslachdenvara upland. Reductive processes of soil formation are responsible for the development of soddy or raw humus horizons in the substrate overlaying the well-developed Podzols. Nevertheless, there is no restoration above 130 m on Hangaslachdenvara upland owing to the barrier effect, in other words, intensive deposition and accumulation of air pollutants on the upland's top. Thus, there has been defined that the anthropogenic impact led to total vegetation vertical zonality modification and physical disturbance of soil cover in East Fennoscandia. The typical taiga scheme of "coniferous forest - birch crooked wood - tundra subshrub and lichen communities" altitudinal belts was replaced by that of "parvifoliate forest - barren land" altitudinal belts. However, after the reduction of anthropogenic influence "zonal" plant communities begin to restore gradually and weak developed soils are forming.

Unravelling the distinct crystallinity and thermal properties of suberin compounds from Quercus suber and Betula pendula outer barks.

PubMed

Sousa, Andreia F; Gandini, Alessandro; Caetano, Ana; Maria, Teresa M R; Freire, Carmen S R; Neto, Carlos Pascoal; Silvestre, Armando J D

2016-12-01

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the potential of suberin (a naturally occurring aromatic-aliphatic polyester ubiquitous to the vegetable realm) as a renewable source of chemicals and, in particular, to assess their physical properties. A comparison between cork and birch suberin fragments obtained by conventional depolymerisation processes (hydrolysis or methanolysis) is provided, focusing essentially on their thermal and crystallinity properties. It was found that suberin fragments obtained by the hydrolysis depolymerisation of birch had a high degree of crystallinity, as indicated by their thermal analysis and corroborated by the corresponding XRD diffractions, as opposed to hydrolysis-depolymerised cork suberin counterparts, which were essentially amorphous. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Heterologous overexpression of the birch FRUITFULL-like MADS-box gene BpMADS4 prevents normal senescence and winter dormancy in Populus tremula L.

PubMed

Hoenicka, Hans; Nowitzki, Olaf; Hanelt, Dieter; Fladung, Matthias

2008-04-01

MADS-box genes have been shown to be important to flower and vegetative tissue development, senescence and winter dormancy in many plant species. Heterologous overexpression of known MADS-box genes has also been used for unravelling gene regulation mechanisms in forest tree species. The constitutive expression of the BpMADS4 gene from birch in poplar, known to induce early flowering in birch and apple, induced broad changes in senescence and winter dormancy but no early flowering. Other analyses revealed that 35S::BpMADS4 poplars maintained photosynthetic activity, chlorophyll and proteins in leaves under winter conditions. BpMADS4 may be influencing transcription factors regulating the senescence and dormancy process due to homology with poplar proteins related to both traits. Little is known of the regulatory genes that co-ordinate senescence, dormancy, chlorophyll/protein degradation, and photosynthesis at the molecular level. Dissecting the molecular characteristics of senescence regulation will probably involve the understanding of multiple and novel regulatory pathways. The results presented here open new horizons for the identification of regulatory mechanisms related to dormancy and senescence in poplar and other temperate tree species. They confirm recent reports of common signalling intermediates between flowering time and growth cessation in trees (Böhlenius et al. in Science 312:1040-1043, 2006) and additionally indicate similar connections between flowering time signals and senescence.

Occupational allergy to flowers: immunoblot analysis of allergens in freesia, gerbera and chrysanthemum pollen.

PubMed

van Toorenenbergen, A W

2014-10-01

High exposure to pollen from ornamental flowers can induce an IgE-mediated occupational allergy in florists and horticulture workers. We investigated IgE-binding antigens in chrysanthemum, freesia and gerbera pollen by immunoblot analysis and analysed the cross-reactivity of these pollen with birch, grass and mugwort pollen. In immunoblots with chrysanthemum pollen, major IgE-binding structures were seen with a molecular weight (MW) of approximately 25, 45 and 65 kD. In the immunoblots with freesia pollen, IgE from freesia pollen was directed against two proteins with an MW of approximately 15 kD. Most sera showed IgE binding to an approximately 15 kD band in gerbera pollen; with some sera additional bands were seen in the range of 30-50 kD. IgE binding to chrysanthemum pollen was inhibited by mugwort pollen only, whereas IgE binding to freesia pollen was suppressed by birch, grass and mugwort pollen. The inhibitory activity of birch and grass pollen extract on IgE binding to gerbera pollen extract was serum dependent and ranged from no inhibition to complete inhibition. Occupational exposure to many different flowers induced IgE against all three types of pollen. Exposure in greenhouses to gerbera flowers elicited mainly IgE against gerbera pollen. Mugwort pollen extract inhibited IgE binding to pollen from all three flowers. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Effective Method of Purification of Betulin from Birch Bark: The Importance of Its Purity for Scientific and Medicinal Use

PubMed Central

Šiman, Pavel; Filipová, Alžběta; Tichá, Alena; Niang, Mohamed; Bezrouk, Aleš; Havelek, Radim

2016-01-01

A new and relatively simple method for purification of betulin from birch bark extract was developed in this study. Its five purification steps are based on the differential solubility of extract components in various solvents and their crystallization and/or precipitation, on their affinity for Ca(OH)2 in ethanol, and on the affinity of some impurities for silica gel in chloroform. In addition, all used solvents can be simply recycled. Betulin of more than 99% purity can be prepared by this method with minimal costs. Various observations including crystallization of betulin, changes in crystals during heating, and attempt of localization of betulin in outer birch bark are also described in this work. The original extract, fraction without betulinic acid and lupeol, amorphous fraction of pure betulin, final crystalline fraction of pure betulin and commercial betulin as a standard were employed to determine the antiproliferative/cytotoxic effect. We used WST-1 tetrazolium-based assays with triple negative breast cancer cell line BT-549. The decrease in cell survival showed clear relationship with the purity of the samples, being most pronounced using our final product of pure crystalline betulin. WST-1 proliferation/cytotoxicity test using triple negative breast cancer cell line BT-549 clearly showed the importance of purity of betulin for biological experiments and, apparently, for its medicinal use. PMID:27152419

Blood eosinophils from asymptomatic allergics have a reduced capacity to produce oxygen-free radicals.

PubMed

Woschnagg, C; Rak, S; Venge, P

1998-12-01

The eosinophil granulocyte is an inflammatory cell that plays an active part in diseases such as asthma and rhinitis. This study aimed to investigate oxidative metabolism by blood eosinophils taken from allergic rhinitis patients, asthmatics, and nonallergic controls before and during the birch-pollen season. Twenty patients with allergy to birch pollen and seasonal symptoms of rhinitis, some of whom were also asthmatic, were followed before and during the birch-pollen season in Sweden. The cells were purified using a Percoll gradient and the MACS system. Eosinophil purity in all samples was > 95%. Oxidative metabolism was measured by a chemiluminescence (CL) assay, with luminol and lucigenin acting as enhancers, and PMA, serum-treated zymosan (STZ), interleukin (IL)-5, or RANTES as stimuli. The allergic subjects showed reduced luminol CL when activated before the season with PMA (P = 0.040) or STZ (P = 0.0055). This was not seen during pollen exposure. STZ-activated lucigenin CL was also reduced before the season (P = 0.0027). The reduction was most evident in the group with asymptomatic rhinitis. In terms of eosinophil stimulation, IL-5 and RANTES were equally effective in allergic and nonallergic subjects, both before and during the pollen season. Blood eosinophils from asymptomatic allergics may have a lower capacity to produce oxygen-free radicals than eosinophils from nonallergics.

Scandinavian Treelines are Impacted by Herbivory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cairns, D. M.; Granberg, T. C.; Lafon, C. W.; Young, A. B.; Moen, J.

2011-12-01

Forest tundra boundaries occur world wide in both Arctic and alpine locations and respond to changes in climate over both short and long time spans. The treeline environments of Fennoscandia are particularly sensitive indicators of climate change. Trees at these treelines are subject to herbivory by a variety of large and small animals, and recent studies have shown that herbivores may be limiting the ability of treeline to migrate upslope in response to climate change. However, the data are typically for small areas. In this paper, we present the results of a dendroecological study of mountain birch (Betula pubescens ssp. czerepanovii) that encompasses a large portion of the Swedish Scandes in northern Sweden. Results are based on data from more than 4700 stems gathered at 65 sites in Norrbotten and Vasterbotten counties. Stems from small trees reveal the historical establishment of new individuals at the treeline, and data from large trees are used to detect outbreaks of the autumnal moth. These data indicate that historic autumnal moth outbreaks can be identified and that the effects of reindeer herbivory are equivocal. Data from mountain birch seedlings and saplings indicate that pulses in mountain birch establishment are influenced by both climate and herbivory. These results indicate that the response of both the pattern and location of the treeline should be interpreted as a complex interaction of both climate and herbivory.

Overexpression of a MADS-Box Gene from Birch (Betula platyphylla) Promotes Flowering and Enhances Chloroplast Development in Transgenic Tobacco

PubMed Central

Qu, Guan-Zheng; Zheng, Tangchun; Liu, Guifeng; Wang, Wenjie; Zang, Lina; Liu, Huanzhen; Yang, Chuanping

2013-01-01

In this study, a MADS-box gene (BpMADS), which is an ortholog of AP1 from Arabidopsis, was isolated from birch (Betula platyphylla). Transgenic Arabidopsis containing a BpMADS promoter::GUS construct was produced, which exhibited strong GUS staining in sepal tissues. Ectopic expression of BpMADS significantly enhanced the flowering of tobacco (35S::BpMADS). In addition, the chloroplasts of transgenic tobacco exhibited much higher growth and division rates, as well rates of photosynthesis, than wild-type. A grafting experiment demonstrated that the flowering time of the scion was not affected by stock that overexpressed BpMADS. In addition, the overexpression of BpMADS resulted in the upregulation of some flowering-related genes in tobacco. PMID:23691043

Overexpression of a MADS-box gene from birch (Betula platyphylla) promotes flowering and enhances chloroplast development in transgenic tobacco.

PubMed

Qu, Guan-Zheng; Zheng, Tangchun; Liu, Guifeng; Wang, Wenjie; Zang, Lina; Liu, Huanzhen; Yang, Chuanping

2013-01-01

In this study, a MADS-box gene (BpMADS), which is an ortholog of AP1 from Arabidopsis, was isolated from birch (Betula platyphylla). Transgenic Arabidopsis containing a BpMADS promoter::GUS construct was produced, which exhibited strong GUS staining in sepal tissues. Ectopic expression of BpMADS significantly enhanced the flowering of tobacco (35S::BpMADS). In addition, the chloroplasts of transgenic tobacco exhibited much higher growth and division rates, as well rates of photosynthesis, than wild-type. A grafting experiment demonstrated that the flowering time of the scion was not affected by stock that overexpressed BpMADS. In addition, the overexpression of BpMADS resulted in the upregulation of some flowering-related genes in tobacco.

AmeriFlux US-UMd UMBS Disturbance

DOE Data Explorer

Curtis, Peter [Ohio State University; Gough, Christopher [Virginia Commonwealth University

2016-01-01

This is the AmeriFlux version of the carbon flux data for the site US-UMd UMBS Disturbance. Site Description - The UMBS Disturbance site is an artificial disturbance site that has recently been created as part of the Forest Accelerate Succession ExperimenT (FASET). In Spring 2008, every aspen and birch tree (>6,700, ~35% canopy LAI), the dominant early successional trees, were girdled over 39 ha of the FASET treatment plot to stimulate a disturbance that will move the forest into a later successional stage, dominated by maples, oaks, and white pine. This treatment caused aspen and birch mortality within 2 - 3 years. As a result of the changed canopy structure, there is a divergence in net ecosystem exchange between the control plot (enhanced carbon uptake) and the treatment plot (reduced carbon uptake).

Leaf photosynthesis/respiration relationships of different tree species in the northwestern part of Russia.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pridacha, V.; Sazonova, T.; Olchev, A.

2012-04-01

Measurements of leaf photosynthesis, respiration and stomatal conductance of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst), Silver (Betula pendula Roth), White (Betula pubescens) and Karelian (Betula pendula var. carelica) birches were provided using the portable photosynthesis system LI-6400 (Li-Cor, USA) on the experimental plots of the Forest research Institute of Karelian Research Center of RAS in Petrozavodsk, Russia. LI-6400 allows to provide the measurements of photosynthesis and respiration rates of individual leaves at various PAR, temperatures, humidity and concentration of CO2 in the measuring chamber. During the field campaigns in 2011 the CO2 and light response curves of photosynthesis of leaves under different air temperatures as well as the temperature response functions of dark respiration (Rd) of the leaves of different species were estimated. The measuring program is include also the measurements of nitrogen content in leaves. The method suggested by Sharkey et al (2007) was used to estimate the maximal velocity of Rubisco for carboxylation (Vcmax), the rate of electron transport at light saturation (Jmax), photorespiratory compensation point as well as the rate of use of triose phosphates (TPU) that characterizes the availability of internal inorganic phosphates (Ci) in leaves for Calvin's cycle. It was assumed that the initial slope of the relationship between leaf photosynthesis rate and CO2 concentration in sub-stomatal air space (Ci < 200 ppm) can be considered as an area of Rubisco limitation of photosynthesis. The upper part of CO2 response curve from approximately 300 ppm and higher is influenced by, first of all, the rate of regeneration of RuBP, and after that by availability of inorganic phosphate in leaves. The temperature dependences of Vcmax, Jmax and TPU were estimated using the statistical analysis of Vcmax and Jmax data set using equations suggested by Medlin et al (2002). Temperature dependence function of TPU was derived using algorithm proposed by Sharkey et al (2007). The results of field measurements in summer 2011 show a relatively weak differences among Vcmax, Jmax and TPU, and also Rd for Silver, White and Karelian birches. The maximal values of Vcmax (T=25° C) are obtained for the Karelian birch (Vcmax (T=25° C) = 117 μmol m-2 s-1), and the minimum values - for the Silver birch (Vcmax (T=25° C) = 97 μmol m-2 s-1). The maximum values Jmax (T=25° C) are obtained for the White birch (Jmax (T=25° C) = 164 μmol m-2 s-1), and minimum also for the Silver birch (Jmax (T=25° C) = 157 μmol m-2 s-1). Values TPU max are varied from 11.0 to 12.3 μmol m-2 s-1, and Rd (T=25° C) - from 2.0 to 2.4 μmol m-2 s-1. The results of provided leaf photosynthesis, respiration and stomatal conductance measurements were used in the process-based Mixfor-SVAT model (Olchev et al 2002, 2008) to derive the possible response of CO2/H2O budgets of Karelian forest ecosystems to future climatic changes. The study was supported by grants (11-04-01622-a and 09-04-00299-a) of the Russian Foundation of Basic Research (RFBR).

Geochemistry of the Birch Creek Drainage Basin, Idaho

USGS Publications Warehouse

Swanson, Shawn A.; Rosentreter, Jeffrey J.; Bartholomay, Roy C.; Knobel, LeRoy L.

2003-01-01

The U.S. Survey and Idaho State University, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Energy, are conducting studies to describe the chemical character of ground water that moves as underflow from drainage basins into the eastern Snake River Plain aquifer (ESRPA) system at and near the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory (INEEL) and the effects of these recharge waters on the geochemistry of the ESRPA system. Each of these recharge waters has a hydrochemical character related to geochemical processes, especially water-rock interactions, that occur during migration to the ESRPA. Results of these studies will benefit ongoing and planned geochemical modeling of the ESRPA at the INEEL by providing model input on the hydrochemical character of water from each drainage basin. During 2000, water samples were collected from five wells and one surface-water site in the Birch Creek drainage basin and analyzed for selected inorganic constituents, nutrients, dissolved organic carbon, tritium, measurements of gross alpha and beta radioactivity, and stable isotopes. Four duplicate samples also were collected for quality assurance. Results, which include analyses of samples previously collected from four other sites, in the basin, show that most water from the Birch Creek drainage basin has a calcium-magnesium bicarbonate character. The Birch Creek Valley can be divided roughly into three hydrologic areas. In the northern part, ground water is forced to the surface by a basalt barrier and the sampling sites were either surface water or shallow wells. Water chemistry in this area was characterized by simple evaporation models, simple calcite-carbon dioxide models, or complex models involving carbonate and silicate minerals. The central part of the valley is filled by sedimentary material and the sampling sites were wells that are deeper than those in the northern part. Water chemistry in this area was characterized by simple calcite-dolomite-carbon dioxide models. In the southern part, ground water enters the ESRPA. In this area, the sampling sites were wells with depths and water levels much deeper than those in the northern and central parts of the valley. The calcium and carbon water chemistry in this area was characterized by a simple calcite-carbon dioxide model, but complex calcite-silicate models more accurately accounted for mass transfer in these areas. Throughout the geochemical system, calcite precipitated if it was an active phase in the models. Carbon dioxide either precipitated (outgassed) or dissolved depending on the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in water from the modeled sites. Dolomite was an active phase only in models from the central part of the system. Generally the entire geochemical system could be modeled with either evaporative models, carbonate models, or carbonate-silicate models. In both of the latter types of models, a significant amount of calcite precipitated relative to the mass transfer to and from the other active phases. The amount of calcite precipitated in the more complex models was consistent with the amount of calcite precipitated in the simpler models. This consistency suggests that, although the simpler models can predict calcium and carbon concentrations in Birch Creek Valley ground and surface water, silicate-mineral-based models are required to account for the other constituents. The amount of mass transfer to and from the silicate mineral phases was generally small compared with that in the carbonate phases. It appears that the water chemistry of well USGS 126B represents the chemistry of water recharging the ESRPA by means of underflow from the Birch Creek Valley.

Introduction of complementary foods in infancy and atopic sensitization at the age of 5 years: timing and food diversity in a Finnish birth cohort.

PubMed

Nwaru, B I; Takkinen, H-M; Niemelä, O; Kaila, M; Erkkola, M; Ahonen, S; Tuomi, H; Haapala, A-M; Kenward, M G; Pekkanen, J; Lahesmaa, R; Kere, J; Simell, O; Veijola, R; Ilonen, J; Hyöty, H; Knip, M; Virtanen, S M

2013-04-01

To study the associations between timing and diversity of introduction of complementary foods during infancy and atopic sensitization in 5-year-old children. In the Finnish DIPP (type 1 diabetes prediction and prevention) birth cohort (n = 3781), data on the timing of infant feeding were collected up to the age of 2 years and serum IgE antibodies toward four food and four inhalant allergens measured at the age of 5 years. Logistic regression was used for the analyses. Median duration of exclusive and total breastfeeding was 1.4 (interquartile range: 0.2-3.5) and 7.0 (4.0-11.0) months, respectively. When all the foods were studied together and adjusted for confounders, short duration of breastfeeding decreased the risk of sensitization to birch allergen; introduction of oats <5.1 months and barley <5.5 months decreased the risk of sensitization to wheat and egg allergens, and oats additionally associated with milk, timothy grass, and birch allergens. Introduction of rye <7.0 months decreased the risk of sensitization to birch allergen. Introduction of fish <6 months and egg ≤11 months decreased the risk of sensitization to all the specific allergens studied. The introduction of <3 food items at 3 months was associated with sensitization to wheat, timothy grass, and birch allergens; the introduction of 1-2 food items at 4 months and ≤4 food items at 6 months was associated with all endpoints, but house dust mite. These results were particularly evident among high-risk children when the results were stratified by atopic history, indicating the potential for reverse causality. The introduction of complementary foods was consecutively done, and with respect to the timing of each food, early introduction of complementary foods may protect against atopic sensitization in childhood, particularly among high-risk children. Less food diversity as already at 3 months of age may increase the risk of atopic sensitization. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Development and recovery from winter embolism in silver birch: seasonal patterns and relationships with the phenological cycle in oceanic Scotland.

PubMed

Strati, Sara; Patiño, Sandra; Slidders, Caley; Cundall, Edward P; Mencuccini, Maurizio

2003-07-01

Silver birch (Betula pendula Roth) is increasingly used in the United Kingdom for reforestation. However, recent evidence indicates that, under some circumstances, planted birch can suffer serious and repeated mortality of the apical leaders and branches, with consequent loss of apical dominance and the formation of a contorted stem. Plants from 37 seed sources of silver birch from Scotland and northern England planted at two sites were compared for several characteristics related to hydraulic architecture, vulnerability to freeze-thaw cycle induced embolism and spring recovery from winter embolism during the period 2000-2002. Phenological rhythms were also monitored in late winter-early spring to document relationships between phenology and water relations parameters. Significant differences were found across seed sources in stage of bud flushing for four dates in spring. Early flushing seed sources differed by about 1 to 2 weeks from late-flushing seed sources across the two sites. Wintertime xylem embolism in stems reached a peak of about 50 to 70% loss of xylem hydraulic conductivity, depending on the size and position of the sample shoots in the canopy. Small apical shoots were significantly more embolized than large basal shoots. Development of winter embolism was coupled to the occurrence of frost events. As percent loss of hydraulic conductivity increased during the winter, wood relative water content declined. Embolism reversal occurred rapidly in spring at the time of development of positive root pressure. No significant differences in the degree of winter embolism in 2001 were found among the three seed sources examined. The investigation was expanded in the winter-spring of 2002 to include 10 seed sources across both sites. Significant differences were found in degree of winter embolism across sites, dates and seed sources. For each date, there was a significant relationship between flushing scores and wood relative water contents across the two sites and all seed sources, suggesting that differences in time of flushing across sites and seed sources were likely caused by differences in the time of occurrence of root pressure, a necessary precondition to flushing.

Contrasting drivers and trends of coniferous and deciduous tree growth in interior Alaska.

PubMed

Cahoon, Sean M P; Sullivan, Patrick F; Brownlee, Annalis H; Pattison, Robert R; Andersen, Hans-Erik; Legner, Kate; Hollingsworth, Teresa N

2018-03-22

The boreal biome represents approximately one third of the world's forested area and plays an important role in global biogeochemical and energy cycles. Numerous studies in boreal Alaska have concluded that growth of black and white spruce is declining as a result of temperature-induced drought stress. The combined evidence of declining spruce growth and changes in the fire regime that favor establishment of deciduous tree species has led some investigators to suggest the region may be transitioning from dominance by spruce to dominance by deciduous forests and/or grasslands. Although spruce growth trends have been extensively investigated, few studies have evaluated long-term radial growth trends of the dominant deciduous species (Alaska paper birch and trembling aspen) and their sensitivity to moisture availability. We used a large and spatially extensive sample of tree cores from interior Alaska to compare long-term growth trends among contrasting tree species (white and black spruce vs. birch and aspen). All species showed a growth peak in the mid-1940s, although growth following the peak varied strongly across species. Following an initial decline from the peak, growth of white spruce showed little evidence of a trend, while black spruce and birch growth showed slight growth declines from ~1970 to present. Aspen growth was much more variable than the other species and showed a steep decline from ~1970 to present. Growth of birch, black and white spruce was sensitive to moisture availability throughout most of the tree-ring chronologies, as evidenced by negative correlations with air temperature and positive correlations with precipitation. However, a positive correlation between previous July precipitation and aspen growth disappeared in recent decades, corresponding with a rise in the population of the aspen leaf miner (Phyllocnistis populiella), an herbivorous moth, which may have driven growth to a level not seen since the early 20th century. Our results provide important historical context for recent growth and raise questions regarding competitive interactions among the dominant tree species and exchanges of carbon and energy in the warming climate of interior Alaska. © 2018 by the Ecological Society of America.

Ice nucleation rates of single protein complexes and single macromolecules

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stratmann, F.; Wex, H.; Niedermeier, D.; Hartmann, S.; Augustin, S.; Clauss, T.; Voigtlaender, J.; Pummer, B.; Grothe, H.

2012-12-01

With our flow-tube LACIS (Leipzig Aerosol cloud Interaction Simulator), we measured immersion freezing of droplets containing biological ice nucleating (IN) agents. From our measurements, we were able to deduce ice nucleation rates for single IN protein complexes (for Snomax) and for IN macromolecules (in the case of Birch pollen). For the measurements, aerosol particles were produced from solutions/suspensions of either Snomax (deadened and partly fractionalized pseudomonas syringae bacteria) or of Birch pollen washing water (BW in the following). All particles were dried and size selected before entering LACIS. In LACIS, particles were activated to droplets, and we measured the fraction of all droplets that froze (F(ice)) as function of temperature. For Snomax, a strong increase in F(ice) was observed around -7 to -10°C, for BW around -19 to -25°C, respectively. After this initial steep increase, F(ice) stayed constant for both examined substances down to -35°C. We found that the values of F(ice) in the plateau region depended on the dry particle size. The initial solution used to generate the particles contained parts of bacteria with ice active protein complexes on them in the case of Snomax, or IN macromolecules in the case of BW (Pummer et al., 2011). We show that the distribution of the IN proteins or IN molecules in the aerosol particles follows the Poisson distribution. With this knowledge, derivation of the ice nucleation rates for single IN protein complexes or for single IN macromolecules is possible. Combining the Poisson distribution with a stochastic model and using the derived nucleation rates, we can reproduce not only our measurements for both examined substances, but also past measurements done for Snomax and even pseudomonas syringae bacteria. As an additional peculiarity, we seem to observe two different macromolecules being ice active for Birch trees growing in Central Europe or Northern Europe, with the latter initiating freezing at slightly warmer temperatures. Pummer, B. G. et al. (2012), Suspendable macromolecules are responsible for ice nucleation activity of birch and conifer pollen, Aerosol Chem. Phys., 12, 2541-2550.

Comparison of 226Ra nuclide from soil by three woody species Betula pendula, Sambucus nigra and Alnus glutinosa during the vegetation period.

PubMed

Soudek, Petr; Petrová, Sárka; Benesová, Dagmar; Tykva, Richard; Vanková, Radomíra; Vanek, Tomás

2007-01-01

The uptake of 226Ra from the contaminated soil was compared in three woody species: alder (Alnus glutinosa), birch (Betula pendula) and elder (Sambucus nigra). The 226Ra activities increased during the vegetation periods (in 2003, 2004 and 2005) both in the leaves and flowers+seeds. The highest accumulation was found in birch, reaching 0.41 Bq/g DW in the leaves (at the end of the vegetation period in 2003). The lowest 226Ra accumulation was determined in alder. The extent of 226Ra accumulation in the leaves of woody species demonstrates that these pioneer woody species can be used as remediation alternative to the use of herbs, provided that the removal of fallen leaves could be achieved in the end of vegetation period.

Genome-Scale Transcriptome Analysis in Response to Nitric Oxide in Birch Cells: Implications of the Triterpene Biosynthetic Pathway

PubMed Central

Zeng, Fansuo; Sun, Fengkun; Li, Leilei; Liu, Kun; Zhan, Yaguang

2014-01-01

Evidence supporting nitric oxide (NO) as a mediator of plant biochemistry continues to grow, but its functions at the molecular level remains poorly understood and, in some cases, controversial. To study the role of NO at the transcriptional level in Betula platyphylla cells, we conducted a genome-scale transcriptome analysis of these cells. The transcriptome of untreated birch cells and those treated by sodium nitroprusside (SNP) were analyzed using the Solexa sequencing. Data were collected by sequencing cDNA libraries of birch cells, which had a long period to adapt to the suspension culture conditions before SNP-treated cells and untreated cells were sampled. Among the 34,100 UniGenes detected, BLASTX search revealed that 20,631 genes showed significant (E-values≤10−5) sequence similarity with proteins from the NR-database. Numerous expressed sequence tags (i.e., 1374) were identified as differentially expressed between the 12 h SNP-treated cells and control cells samples: 403 up-regulated and 971 down-regulated. From this, we specifically examined a core set of NO-related transcripts. The altered expression levels of several transcripts, as determined by transcriptome analysis, was confirmed by qRT-PCR. The results of transcriptome analysis, gene expression quantification, the content of triterpenoid and activities of defensive enzymes elucidated NO has a significant effect on many processes including triterpenoid production, carbohydrate metabolism and cell wall biosynthesis. PMID:25551661

Evaluating the relationship between leaf chlorophyll concentration and SPAD-502 chlorophyll meter readings.

PubMed

Uddling, J; Gelang-Alfredsson, J; Piikki, K; Pleijel, H

2007-01-01

Relationships between chlorophyll concentration ([chl]) and SPAD values were determined for birch, wheat, and potato. For all three species, the relationships were non-linear with an increasing slope with increasing SPAD. The relationships for birch and wheat were strong (r (2) approximately 0.9), while the potato relationship was comparatively weak (r (2) approximately 0.5). Birch and wheat had very similar relationships when the chlorophyll concentration was expressed per unit leaf area, but diverged when it was expressed per unit fresh weight. Furthermore, wheat showed similar SPAD-[chl] relationships for two different cultivars and during two different growing seasons. The curvilinear shape of the SPAD-[chl] relationships agreed well with the simulated effects of non-uniform chlorophyll distribution across the leaf surface and multiple scattering, causing deviations from linearity in the high and low SPAD range, respectively. The effect of non-uniformly distributed chlorophyll is likely to be more important in explaining the non-linearity in the empirical relationships, since the effect of scattering was predicted to be comparatively weak. The simulations were based on the algorithm for the calculation of SPAD-502 output values. We suggest that SPAD calibration curves should generally be parameterised as non-linear equations, and we hope that the relationships between [chl] and SPAD and the simulations of the present study can facilitate the interpretation of chlorophyll meter calibrations in relation to optical properties of leaves in future studies.

Hardwood Veneer Timber Volume In Upper Michigan

Treesearch

E.W. Fobes; Gary R. Lindell

1969-01-01

Forests in Upper Michigan contain approximately 1.5 billion board feet of veneer logs of which three-fourths is hard maple and yellow birch. About 14 percent of the hardwood sawtimber is suitable for veneer logs.

Promotion of adventitious root formation of difficult-to-root hardwood tree species

Treesearch

Paula M. Pijut; Keith E. Woeste; Charles H. Michler

2011-01-01

North American hardwood tree species, such as alder (Alnus spp.), ash (Fraxinus spp.), basswood (Tilia spp.), beech (Fagus spp.), birch (Betula spp.), black cherry (Prunus seratina), black walnut (Juglans nigra), black willow (...

Camp H.M. Smith and Navy Public Works Center Manana Title ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

Camp H.M. Smith and Navy Public Works Center Manana Title VII (Capehart) Housing, Four-Bedroom, Single-Family Type 10, Birch Circle, Elm Drive, Elm Circle, and Date Drive, Pearl City, Honolulu County, HI

Camp H.M. Smith and Navy Public Works Center Manana Title ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

Camp H.M. Smith and Navy Public Works Center Manana Title VII (Capehart) Housing, Three-Bedroom Single-Family Type 7, Birch Circle, Elm Drive, Elm Circle, and Date Drive, Pearl City, Honolulu County, HI

Camp H.M. Smith and Navy Public Works Center Manana Title ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

Camp H.M. Smith and Navy Public Works Center Manana Title VII (Capehart) Housing, Three-Bedroom Single-Family Type 9, Birch Circle, Elm Drive, Elm Circle, and Date Drive, Pearl City, Honolulu County, HI

8. Historic American Buildings Survey, Arthur C. Haskell, Photographer, Dec. ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

8. Historic American Buildings Survey, Arthur C. Haskell, Photographer, Dec. 1934. (d) After-- Corner Birch and Summer Sts., looking Northwest. - Highway Cut-off Demolition Area, Summer, Winter, High & Merrimac Streets, Newburyport, Essex County, MA

7. Historic American Buildings Survey, Arthur C. Haskell, Photographer. April, ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

7. Historic American Buildings Survey, Arthur C. Haskell, Photographer. April, 1934. (d) Before--Corner Birch and Summer Sts. looking Northwest. - Highway Cut-off Demolition Area, Summer, Winter, High & Merrimac Streets, Newburyport, Essex County, MA

78 FR 29199 - Avani International Group, Inc., Birch Mountain Resources Ltd., Capital Reserve Canada Ltd...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-05-17

..., Inc.), IXI Mobile, Inc., Laureate Resources & Steel Industries Inc., Millennium Energy Corp., Shannon... & Steel Industries, Inc. because it has not filed any periodic reports since the period ended August 31...

Effects of decadal exposure to interacting elevated CO2 and/or O3 on paper birch (Betula papyrifera) reproduction.

PubMed

Darbah, Joseph N T; Kubiske, Mark E; Nelson, Neil; Oksanen, Elina; Vapaavuori, Elina; Karnosky, David F

2008-10-01

We studied the effects of long-term exposure (nine years) of birch (Betula papyrifera) trees to elevated CO(2) and/or O(3) on reproduction and seedling development at the Aspen FACE (Free-Air Carbon Dioxide Enrichment) site in Rhinelander, WI. We found that elevated CO(2) increased both the number of trees that flowered and the quantity of flowers (260% increase in male flower production), increased seed weight, germination rate, and seedling vigor. Elevated O(3) also increased flowering but decreased seed weight and germination rate. In the combination treatment (elevated CO(2)+O(3)) seed weight is decreased (20% reduction) while germination rate was unaffected. The evidence from this study indicates that elevated CO(2) may have a largely positive impact on forest tree reproduction and regeneration while elevated O(3) will likely have a negative impact.

CO2 flux studies of different hemiboreal forest ecosystems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krasnova, Alisa; Krasnov, Dmitrii; Noe, Steffen M.; Uri, Veiko; Mander, Ülo; Niinemets, Ülo; Soosaar, Kaido

2017-04-01

Hemiboreal zone is a transition between boreal and temperate zones characterized by the combination of climatic and edaphic conditions inherent in both zones. Hemiboreal forests are typically presented by mixed forests types with different ratios of deciduous and conifer tree species. Dominating tree species composition affects the functioning of forest ecosystem and its influence on biogeochemical cycles. We present the result of ecosystem scale CO2 eddy-covariance fluxes research conducted in 4 ecosystems (3 forests sites and 1 clear-cut area) of hemiboreal zone in Estonia. All 4 sites were developing under similar climatic conditions, but different forest management practices resulted in different composition of dominating tree species: pine forest with spruce trees as a second layer (Soontaga site); spruce/birch forest with single alder trees (Liispõllu site); forest presented by sectors of pine, spruce, birch and clearcut areas (SMEAR Estonia site); 5-years old clearcut area (Kõnnu site).

Pollen-imprinted polyurethanes for QCM allergen sensors.

PubMed

Jenik, Michael; Seifner, Alexandra; Lieberzeit, Peter; Dickert, Franz L

2009-05-01

Molecularly imprinted polymers for detecting plant pollen were designed as artificial recognition materials for quartz crystal microbalances in the gaseous phase. Imprints of birch (diameter, 25 mum) and nettle (diameter, 15 mum) pollen can be generated by polydimethylsiloxane stamping technique as proven by atomic force microscopy. If pollen grains are able to access the cavities and thus are incorporated, the resulting sensors display Sauerbrey-like negative frequency shifts. Non-Sauerbrey behaviour can be observed as soon as pollen is prevented from entering the selective hollows: this results in grain mobility on the electrode surface leading to frequency increases. Access to the cavities is determined by the diameter ratio between pollen grains and imprints as can be revealed during cross-selectivity measurements of nettle and birch pollen imprinted layers. When the amount of pollen grains on the electrode surface exceeds the number of available imprints, the excess particles move freely, resulting in positive, non-Sauerbrey frequency shifts.

Trace Element Concentrations in Tree Leaves and Lichen Collected Along a Metal Pollution Gradient Near Olkusz (Southern Poland).

PubMed

Zakrzewska, Marta; Klimek, Beata

2018-02-01

The aim of the study was to assess the metal pollution in the vicinity of the Bukowno smelter near Olkusz in southern Poland. Birch and oak leaves, pine needles and a lichen Hypogymnia physodes, overgrowing pine bark were collected at stands at different distances from the smelter and analysed for cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) content. Concentrations of metals in the lichen were usually higher than in the tree leaves/needles and decreased with distance from the smelter, apart from the Cu content. The strongest correlation was noticed between Cd and Pb concentrations, which indicates a common pollution source (the smelter). Our results show that birch leaves can be potentially useful as a bioindicator of Zn air pollution since this species was shown to accumulate high amounts of zinc, related to environmental pollution with that metal, in their leaves.

[Community stability for spruce-fir forest at different succession stages in Changbai Mountains, Northeast China].

PubMed

Zhang, Meng-tao; Zhang, Qing; Kang, Xin-gang; Yang, Ying-jun; Xu, Guang; Zhang, Li-xin

2015-06-01

Based on the analysis of three forest communities (polar-birch secondary forest, spruce-fir mixed forest, spruce-fir near pristine forest) in Changbai Mountains, a total of 22 factors of 5 indices, including the population regeneration, soil fertility (soil moisture and soli nutrient), woodland productivity and species diversity that reflected community characteristics were used to evaluate the stability of forest community succession at different stages by calculating subordinate function values of a model based on fuzzy mathematics. The results that the indices of population regeneration, soli nutrient, woodland productivity and species diversity were the highest in the spruce-fir mixed forest, and the indices of soil moisture were the highest in the spruce-fir near-pristine forest. The stability of three forest communities was in order of natural spruce-fir mixed forest > spruce-fir near pristine forest > polar-birch secondary forest.

Glued Joint Behavior of Ribs for Wood-Based Composite Plates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frolovs, G.; Rocens, K.; Sliseris, J.

2015-11-01

This article presents experimental investigations of composite sandwich plywood plates with cell type core and their connections between skin layers of birch plywood and a core of straight and curved plywood honeycomb-type ribs. This shape of core ribs provides several improvements for these plates in the manufacturing process as well as improves the mechanical properties of plywood plates. This specific form of ribs allows simplifying the manufacturing of these plates although it should be detailed and improved. The most typical cases (series of specimens) were compared to the results obtained from FEM (ANSYS) simulations. All thicknesses of elements are chosen according to plywood supplier assortment. Standard birch plywood (Riga Ply) plates were used - three layer plywood was chosen for skin elements (Surfaces) and three or five layer plywood was chosen for edge elements. Different bond pressures were taken to compare their influence on joint strength and stiffness.

Effects of acidity on tree Pollen germination and tube growth. Final report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Van Ryn, D.M.; Jacobson, J.S.

Most of the northeastern hardwood forests in North America are exposed repeatedly to acidic rainfall at pH values below 5.0. Pollen germination, tube growth and fertilization, important parts of the reproductive process, are sensitive to changes in their chemical environment. Accordingly, the authors investigated the effects of acidity on pollen germination and tube elongation of four northeastern tree species: flowering dogwood, black birch, yellow birch, and sugar maple. Pollen was collected and germinated in a growth medium acidified to pH values ranging from 5.0 to 2.6. Pollen was found to be sensitive to acidification of the germination medium to belowmore » pH 4.2. These results suggest that acidic rain that now occurs in eastern North America may influence reproductive processes that are necessary for seed set and regeneration in northern hardwood forests.« less

Oxidative Processing Lowers the Ice Nucleation Activity of Birch and Alder Pollen

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gute, Ellen; Abbatt, Jonathan P. D.

2018-02-01

Pollen carry water extractable compounds with ice nucleating (IN) activity. This study investigates whether the hydroxyl radical, as the major atmospheric oxidant, can affect the IN activity of silver birch and grey alder subpollen particles under in-cloud conditions for deposition freezing mode conditions at 234 K. It is found that oxidation increases the supersaturation ratio with respect to ice necessary for the onset of ice nucleation and decreases the fraction of particles which initiate ice nucleation. This reduction of IN activity under equivalent oxidation conditions does not occur with a mineral dust sample (Arizona Test Dust). Chemical analysis of fresh and oxidized pollen material indicates a change of molecular structure with a loss of conjugation and an increase in oxidized functional groups, such as carbonyls. This is the first demonstration that in-cloud oxidation may lower the IN abilities of biological particles such as pollen.

High pressure structural behavior of YGa2: A combined experimental and theoretical study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sekar, M.; Shekar, N. V. Chandra; Babu, R.; Sahu, P. Ch.; Sinha, A. K.; Upadhyay, Anuj; Singh, M. N.; Babu, K. Ramesh; Appalakondaiah, S.; Vaitheeswaran, G.; Kanchana, V.

2015-03-01

High pressure structural stability studies were carried out on YGa2 (AlB2 type structure at NTP, space group P6/mmm) up to a pressure of 35 GPa using both laboratory based rotating anode and synchrotron X-ray sources. An isostructural transition with reduced c/a ratio, was observed at 6 GPa and above 17.5 GPa, the compound transformed to orthorhombic structure. Bulk modulus B0 for the parent and high pressure phases were estimated using Birch-Murnaghan and modified Birch-Murnaghan equation of state. Electronic structure calculations based on projector augmented wave method confirms the experimentally observed two high pressure structural transitions. The calculations also reveal that the 'Ga' networks remains as two dimensional in the high pressure isostructural phase, whereas the orthorhombic phase involves three dimensional networks of 'Ga' atoms interconnected by strong covalent bonds.

Mineralogy of selected sedimentary interbeds at or near the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, Idaho

USGS Publications Warehouse

Reed, Michael F.; Bartholomay, Roy C.

1994-01-01

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Project Office at the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory (INEL), in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Energy and Idaho State University, analyzed 66 samples from sedimentary interbed cores during a 38-month period beginning in October 1990 to determine bulk and clay mineralogy. These cores had been collected from 19 sites in the Big Lost River Basin, 2 sites in the Birch Creek Basin, and 1 site in the Mud Lake Basin, and were archived at the USGS lithologic core library at the INEL. Mineralogy data indicate that the core samples from the Big Lost River Basin have larger mean and median percentages of quartz, total feldspar, and total clay minerals, but smaller mean and median percentages of calcite than the core samples from the Birch Creek Basin. Core samples from the Mud Lake Basin have abundant quartz, total feldspar, calcite, and total clay minerals.

Changes in spectral properties of detached birch leaves

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Daughtry, C. S. T.; Biehl, L. L.

1985-01-01

A study conducted in order to determine the rate of changes in spectral properties of detached leaves and to evaluate the effectiveness of low temperature and cytokinins for delaying the changes, is examined. For five minutes, leaves from red birch are immersed in water or 0.001 M BAP, and then stored in plastic bags in the dark at either 5 or 25 C. Using a spectroradiometer and an integrating sphere, total directional-hemispherical reflectance and transmittance of the adaxial surface of the leaves are measured over the 400-1100 nm wavelength region. The results indicate that for leaves stored at 5 C for one week, the changes in the spectral properties are less than 5 percent of the initial values, whereas storage at 25 C promotes rapid senescence and large changes in the spectral properties. It is shown that low temperature is more effective than BAP in delaying senescence.

A revision of infrageneric classification in Astelia Banks & Sol. ex R.Br. (Asteliaceae)

PubMed Central

Birch, Joanne L.

2015-01-01

Abstract Systematic investigations and phylogenetic analyses have indicated that Astelia, as currently circumscribed, is paraphyletic, with Collospermum nested within it. Further, Astelia subgenus Astelia is polyphyletic, and Astelia subgenera Asteliopsis and Tricella are paraphyletic, as currently circumscribed. Revision of the subgeneric classification of Astelia is warranted to ensure classification accurately reflects the evolutionary history of these taxa. Collospermum is relegated to synonymy within Astelia. Astelia is dioecious or polygamodioecious, with a superior ovary, anthers dorsi- or basifixed, pistillodes or pistils that have a single short or poorly defined style, a 3 lobed stigma, and fleshy uni- or trilocular fruit with funicular hairs that are poorly to well developed. Astelia subgenus Collospermum (Skottsb.) Birch is described. A key to Astelia sections is provided. Astelia hastata Colenso, Astelia montana Seem., and Astelia microsperma Colenso pro parte are resurrected and the new combination Astelia samoense (Skottsb.) Birch, comb. nov. is made. PMID:26312037

Changes versus homeostasis in alpine and sub-alpine vegetation over three decades in the sub-arctic.

PubMed

Hedenås, Henrik; Carlsson, Bengt A; Emanuelsson, Urban; Headley, Alistair D; Jonasson, Christer; Svensson, Brita M; Callaghan, Terry V

2012-01-01

Plant species distributions are expected to shift and diversity is expected to decline as a result of global climate change, particularly in the Arctic where climate warming is amplified. We have recorded the changes in richness and abundance of vascular plants at Abisko, sub-Arctic Sweden, by re-sampling five studies consisting of seven datasets; one in the mountain birch forest and six at open sites. The oldest study was initiated in 1977-1979 and the latest in 1992. Total species number increased at all sites except for the birch forest site where richness decreased. We found no general pattern in how composition of vascular plants has changed over time. Three species, Calamagrostis lapponica, Carex vaginata and Salix reticulata, showed an overall increase in cover/frequency, while two Equisetum taxa decreased. Instead, we showed that the magnitude and direction of changes in species richness and composition differ among sites.

The major birch allergen, Bet v 1, shows affinity for a broad spectrum of physiological ligands.

PubMed

Mogensen, Jesper E; Wimmer, Reinhard; Larsen, Jørgen N; Spangfort, Michael D; Otzen, Daniel E

2002-06-28

Bet v 1 is a 17-kDa protein abundantly present in the pollen of the White birch tree and is the primary cause of birch pollen allergy in humans. Its three-dimensional structure is remarkable in that a solvent-accessible cavity traverses the core of the molecule. The biological function of Bet v 1 is unknown, although it is homologous to a family of pathogenesis-related proteins in plants. In this study we first show that Bet v 1 in the native state is able to bind the fluorescent probe 8-anilino-1-naphthalenesulfonic acid (ANS). ANS binds to Bet v 1 with 1:1 stoichiometry, and NMR data indicate that binding takes place in the cavity. Using an ANS displacement assay, we then identify a range of physiologically relevant ligands, including fatty acids, flavonoids, and cytokinins, which generally bind with low micromolar affinity. The ability of these ligands to displace ANS suggests that they also bind in the cavity, although the exact binding sites seem to vary among different ligands. The cytokinins, for example, seem to bind at a separate site close to ANS, because they increase the fluorescence of the ANS. Bet v 1 complex. Also, the fluorescent sterol dehydroergosterol binds to Bet v 1 as demonstrated by direct titrations. This study provides the first qualitative and quantitative data on the ligand binding properties of this important pollen allergen. Our findings indicate that ligand binding is important for the biological function of Bet v 1.

[Contribution of soil fauna to the mass loss of Betula albosinensis leaf litter at early decomposition stage of subalpine forest litter in western Sichuan].

PubMed

Xia, Lei; Wu, Fu-Zhong; Yang, Wan-Qin; Tan, Bo

2012-02-01

In order to quantify the contribution of soil fauna to the decomposition of birch (Betula albosinensis) leaf litter in subalpine forests in western Sichuan of Southwest China during freeze-thaw season, a field experiment with different mesh sizes (0.02, 0.125, 1 and 3 mm) of litterbags was conducted in a representative birch-fir (Abies faxoniana) forest to investigate the mass loss rate of the birch leaf litter from 26 October, 2010 to 18 April, 2011, and the contributions of micro-, meso- and macro-fauna to the decomposition of the leaf litter. Over the freeze-thaw season, 11.8%, 13.2%, 15.4% and 19.5% of the mass loss were detected in the litterbags with 0.02, 0. 125, 1 and 3 mm mesh sizes, respectively. The total contribution of soil fauna to the litter decomposition accounted for 39.5% of the mass loss, and the taxa and individual relative density of the soil fauna in the litterbags had the similar variation trend with that of the mass loss rate. The contribution rate of soil fauna to the leaf litter mass loss showed the order of micro- < meso- < macro-fauna, with the highest contribution of micro-fauna (7.9%), meso-fauna (11.9%), and macro-fauna (22.7%) at the onset of freezing stage, deeply frozen stage, and thawing stage, respectively. The results demonstrated that soil fauna played an important role in the litter decomposition in subalpine forests of western Sichuan during freeze-thaw season.

Comprehensive Transcriptome Analysis of Developing Xylem Responding to Artificial Bending and Gravitational Stimuli in Betula platyphylla

PubMed Central

Wang, Chao; Zhang, Nan; Gao, Caiqiu; Cui, Zhiyuan; Sun, Dan; Yang, Chuanping; Wang, Yucheng

2014-01-01

Betula platyphylla Suk (birch) is a fast-growing woody species that is important in pulp industries and the biofuels. However, as an important pulp species, few studies had been performed on its wood formation. In the present study, we investigated the molecular responses of birch xylem to artificial bending and gravitational stimuli. After trunks of birch trees were subjected to bending for 8 weeks, the cellulose content was significantly greater in tension wood (TW) than in opposite wood (OW) or normal wood (NW), whereas the lignin content in TW was significantly lower than that in OW and NW. In addition, TW grew more rapidly than OW and generated TW-specific fibers with an additional G-layer. Three transcriptome libraries were constructed from TW, OW and NW of B. platyphylla, respectively, after the plants were subjected to artificial bending. Overall, 80,909 nonredundant unigenes with a mean size of 768 nt were assembled. Expression profiles were generated, and 9,684 genes were found to be significantly differentially expressed among the TW, OW and NW libraries. These included genes involved in secondary cell wall structure, wood composition, and cellulose or lignin biosynthesis. Our study showed that during TW formation, genes involved in cellulose synthesis were induced, while the expression of lignin synthesis-related genes decreased, resulting in increased cellulose content and decreased lignin levels in TW. In addition, fasciclin-like arabinogalactan proteins play important role in TW formation. These findings may provide important insights into wood formation at the molecular level. PMID:24586282

Simulated climate warming alters phenological synchrony between an outbreak insect herbivore and host trees.

PubMed

Schwartzberg, Ezra G; Jamieson, Mary A; Raffa, Kenneth F; Reich, Peter B; Montgomery, Rebecca A; Lindroth, Richard L

2014-07-01

As the world's climate warms, the phenologies of interacting organisms in seasonally cold environments may advance at differing rates, leading to alterations in phenological synchrony that can have important ecological consequences. For temperate and boreal species, the timing of early spring development plays a key role in plant-herbivore interactions and can influence insect performance, outbreak dynamics, and plant damage. We used a field-based, meso-scale free-air forest warming experiment (B4WarmED) to examine the effects of elevated temperature on the phenology and performance of forest tent caterpillar (Malacosoma disstria) in relation to the phenology of two host trees, aspen (Populus tremuloides) and birch (Betula papyrifera). Results of our 2-year study demonstrated that spring phenology advanced for both insects and trees, with experimentally manipulated increases in temperature of 1.7 and 3.4 °C. However, tree phenology advanced more than insect phenology, resulting in altered phenological synchrony. Specifically, we observed a decrease in the time interval between herbivore egg hatch and budbreak of aspen in both years and birch in one year. Moreover, warming decreased larval development time from egg hatch to pupation, but did not affect pupal mass. Larvae developed more quickly on aspen than birch, but pupal mass was not affected by host species. Our study reveals that warming-induced phenological shifts can alter the timing of ecological interactions across trophic levels. These findings illustrate one mechanism by which climate warming could mediate insect herbivore outbreaks, and also highlights the importance of climate change effects on trophic interactions.

White-fruited strawberry genotypes are not per se hypoallergenic.

PubMed

Franz-Oberdorf, Katrin; Eberlein, Bernadette; Edelmann, Kathrin; Bleicher, Philip; Kurze, Elisabeth; Helm, Dominic; Olbricht, Klaus; Darsow, Ulf; Ring, Johannes; Schwab, Wilfried

2017-10-01

The strawberry fruit Fra a 1-proteins are homologues of the major birch pollen allergen Bet v 1 and have essential biological functions in pigment formation during fruit ripening. Patients affected by allergy against birch pollen tolerated fruits of a naturally occurring white-fruited F.×ananassa genotype, which showed reduced levels of Fra a 1 proteins along with enzymes of the anthocyanin pigment pathway. We evaluated the cross-reactive allergenic potential of a number of naturally occurring white- and red-fruited strawberry varieties to detect genotypes with low allergenic reactivity, whose fruit might be tolerated by patients with mild allergy. Protein extracts of 51 different strawberry varieties (Fragaria×ananassa, F. vesca, and F. nilgerensis) were screened by Western blot analysis with a polyclonal Fra a 1.02 antibody. Besides, activation of basophils of eight atopic patients allergic to birch pollen were studied using Bet v 1a and different concentrations of 15 selected strawberry protein extracts out of the 51 strawberry genotypes. Median percentages of activated basophils stimulated by extracts from white- and red-fruited genotypes ranged from 36 to 84% and 44 to 76%, respectively indicating that white-fruited strawberry are not per se hypoallergenic. Protein extracts from white-fruited F. vesca cv. Yellow Wonder showed the lowest cross-reactivity but high biological variability. The knowledge about the allergenic potential of different strawberry genotypes may help to improve food safety and can serve as starting point for the development of red-fruited hypoallergenic strawberry cultivars. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Hardrock Elastic Physical Properties: Birch's Seismic Parameter Revisited

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, M.; Milkereit, B.

2014-12-01

Identifying rock composition and properties is imperative in a variety of fields including geotechnical engineering, mining, and petroleum exploration, in order to accurately make any petrophysical calculations. Density is, in particular, an important parameter that allows us to differentiate between lithologies and estimate or calculate other petrophysical properties. It is well established that compressional and shear wave velocities of common crystalline rocks increase with increasing densities (i.e. the Birch and Nafe-Drake relationships). Conventional empirical relations do not take into account S-wave velocity. Physical properties of Fe-oxides and massive sulfides, however, differ significantly from the empirical velocity-density relationships. Currently, acquiring in-situ density data is challenging and problematic, and therefore, developing an approximation for density based on seismic wave velocity and elastic moduli would be beneficial. With the goal of finding other possible or better relationships between density and the elastic moduli, a database of density, P-wave velocity, S-wave velocity, bulk modulus, shear modulus, Young's modulus, and Poisson's ratio was compiled based on a multitude of lab samples. The database is comprised of isotropic, non-porous metamorphic rock. Multi-parameter cross plots of the various elastic parameters have been analyzed in order to find a suitable parameter combination that reduces high density outliers. As expected, the P-wave velocity to S-wave velocity ratios show no correlation with density. However, Birch's seismic parameter, along with the bulk modulus, shows promise in providing a link between observed compressional and shear wave velocities and rock densities, including massive sulfides and Fe-oxides.

Outbreaks by canopy-feeding geometrid moth cause state-dependent shifts in understorey plant communities.

PubMed

Karlsen, Stein Rune; Jepsen, Jane Uhd; Odland, Arvid; Ims, Rolf Anker; Elvebakk, Arve

2013-11-01

The increased spread of insect outbreaks is among the most severe impacts of climate warming predicted for northern boreal forest ecosystems. Compound disturbances by insect herbivores can cause sharp transitions between vegetation states with implications for ecosystem productivity and climate feedbacks. By analysing vegetation plots prior to and immediately after a severe and widespread outbreak by geometrid moths in the birch forest-tundra ecotone, we document a shift in forest understorey community composition in response to the moth outbreak. Prior to the moth outbreak, the plots divided into two oligotrophic and one eutrophic plant community. The moth outbreak caused a vegetation state shift in the two oligotrophic communities, but only minor changes in the eutrophic community. In the spatially most widespread communities, oligotrophic dwarf shrub birch forest, dominance by the allelopathic dwarf shrub Empetrum nigrum ssp. hermaphroditum, was effectively broken and replaced by a community dominated by the graminoid Avenella flexuosa, in a manner qualitatively similar to the effect of wild fires in E. nigrum communities in coniferous boreal forest further south. As dominance by E. nigrum is associated with retrogressive succession the observed vegetation state shift has widespread implications for ecosystem productivity on a regional scale. Our findings reveal that the impact of moth outbreaks on the northern boreal birch forest system is highly initial-state dependent, and that the widespread oligotrophic communities have a low resistance to such disturbances. This provides a case for the notion that climate impacts on arctic and northern boreal vegetation may take place most abruptly when conveyed by changed dynamics of irruptive herbivores.

Shifts in microbial community structure and function in stream sediments during experimentally simulated riparian succession.

PubMed

Frossard, Aline; Gerull, Linda; Mutz, Michael; Gessner, Mark O

2013-05-01

Successional changes of terrestrial vegetation can profoundly influence stream ecosystem structure and function. We hypothesized that microbial enzyme production and community structure in stream beds depend on terrestrial litter inputs that reflect different stages of riparian succession. Outdoor experimental channels were supplied with leaf-litter of varying quantities and qualities to mimic litter supply during five successional stages: (1) an initial biofilm stage; (2) an open-land stage with grass litter; (3) a transitional stage with mixed grass and birch litter; (4) an early forest stage with birch litter; and (5) an advanced forest stage with 2.5 × the amount of birch litter. Mean potential activities of nitrogen- and phosphorus-acquiring enzymes in sediments (20.7 and 67.3 μmol g(-1) dry mass) were 12-70 times greater than those of carbon-acquiring enzymes (0.96-1.71 μmol g(-1) dry mass), with the former reduced 1.3-8.3-fold in channels with tree litter. These patterns could suggest gradually diminishing nutrient limitation of microbial activity during riparian succession, potentially linked both to an increasing supply by the added litter and to a lower nutrient demand as algal biomass and labile carbon supply by photosynthetic exudates declined. As the observed shifts in nutrient-acquiring enzymes were reflected in changes of sediment microbial communities, these results indicate that both the type and density of terrestrial vegetation control microbial community structure and function in stream sediments, particularly enzyme production related to nutrient cycling. © 2013 Federation of European Microbiological Societies. Published by Blackwell Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.

Camp H.M. Smith and Navy Public Works Center Manana Title ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

Camp H.M. Smith and Navy Public Works Center Manana Title VII (Capehart) Housing, U-Shaped Three-Bedroom Duplex Type 4, Acacia Road, Birch Circle, Cedar Drive and Elm Drive, Pearl City, Honolulu County, HI

Optimum germination temperatures

Treesearch

Richard M. Godman; Gilbert A. Mattson

1992-01-01

Why is sugar maple abundant under nearly all stand conditions, and why do hemlock and yellow birch, although differing in tolerance, occur together as a type? At least part of the answer may have to do with the optimum germinating temperatures for their seeds.

78 FR 8110 - North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-02-05

... will be held at the Hilton Hotel, Birch/Willow room, 500 West 3rd Avenue, Anchorage, AK. Council... assessment models for Aleutian Islands golden king crab and Norton Sound red king crab. The Agenda is subject...

Camp H.M. Smith and Navy Public Works Center Manana Title ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

Camp H.M. Smith and Navy Public Works Center Manana Title VII (Capehart) Housing, Three-Bedroom Single-Family Types 8 and 11, Birch Circle, Elm Drive, Elm Circle, and Date Drive, Pearl City, Honolulu County, HI

Camp H.M. Smith and Navy Public Works Center Manana Title ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

Camp H.M. Smith and Navy Public Works Center Manana Title VII (Capehart) Housing, U-Shaped Two-Bedroom Single-Family Type 6, Birch Circle, Elm Drive, Elm Circle, and Date Drive, Pearl City, Honolulu County, HI

4. Historic American Buildings Survey, Arthur C. Haskell, Photographer. Dec. ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

4. Historic American Buildings Survey, Arthur C. Haskell, Photographer. Dec. 1934. (b) After- View westerly from Summer St. between Washington and Birch Sts. - Highway Cut-off Demolition Area, Summer, Winter, High & Merrimac Streets, Newburyport, Essex County, MA

3. Historic American Buildings Survey, Arthur C. Haskell, Photographer, April, ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

3. Historic American Buildings Survey, Arthur C. Haskell, Photographer, April, 1934. (b) Before--View westerly from Summer St. between Washington and Birch Sts. - Highway Cut-off Demolition Area, Summer, Winter, High & Merrimac Streets, Newburyport, Essex County, MA

Sequential parametric optimization of methane production from different sources of forest raw material

PubMed Central

Matsakas, Leonidas; Rova, Ulrika; Christakopoulos, Paul

2015-01-01

The increase in environmental problems and the shortage of fossil fuels have led to the need for action in the development of sustainable and renewable fuels. Methane is produced through anaerobic digestion of organic materials and is a biofuel with very promising characteristics. The success in using methane as a biofuel has resulted in the operation of several commercial-scale plants and the need to exploit novel materials to be used. Forest biomass can serve as an excellent candidate for use as raw material for anaerobic digestion. During this work, both hardwood and softwood species—which are representative of the forests of Sweden—were used for the production of methane. Initially, when untreated forest materials were used for the anaerobic digestion, the yields obtained were very low, even with the addition of enzymes, reaching a maximum of only 40 mL CH4/g VS when birch was used. When hydrothermal pretreatment was applied, the enzymatic digestibility improved up to 6.7 times relative to that without pretreatment, and the yield of methane reached up to 254 mL CH4/g VS. Then the effect of chemical/enzymatic detoxification was examined, where laccase treatment improved the methane yield from the more harshly pretreated materials while it had no effect on the more mildly pretreated material. Finally, addition of cellulolytic enzymes during the digestion improved the methane yields from spruce and pine, whereas for birch separate saccharification was more beneficial. To achieve high yields in spruce 30 filter paper units (FPU)/g was necessary, whereas 15 FPU/g was enough when pine and birch were used. During this work, the highest methane yields obtained from pine and birch were 179.9 mL CH4/g VS and 304.8 mL CH4/g VS, respectively. For mildly and severely pretreated spruce, the methane yields reached 259.4 mL CH4/g VS and 276.3 mL CH4/g VS, respectively. We have shown that forest material can serve as raw material for efficient production of methane. The initially low yields from the untreated materials were significantly improved by the introduction of a hydrothermal pretreatment. Moreover, enzymatic detoxification was beneficial, but mainly for severely pretreated materials. Finally, enzymatic saccharification increased the methane yields even further. PMID:26539186

Does the increased air humidity affect soil respiration and carbon stocks?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kukumägi, Mai; Celi, Luisella; Said-Pullicino, Daniel; Kupper, Priit; Sõber, Jaak; Lõhmus, Krista; Kutti, Sander; Ostonen, Ivika

2013-04-01

Climate manipulation experiments at ecosystem-scale enable us to simulate, investigate and predict changes in carbon balance of forest ecosystems. Considering the predicted increase in air humidity and precipitation for northern latitudes, this work aimed at investigating the effect of increased air humidity on soil respiration, distribution of soil organic matter (SOM) among pools having different turnover times, and microbial, fine root and rhizome biomass. The study was carried out in silver birch (Betula pendula Roth.) and hybrid aspen (Populus tremula L. × P. tremuloides Michx.) stands in a Free Air Humidity Manipulation (FAHM) experimental facility containing three humidified (H; on average 7% above current ambient levels since 2008) and three control (C) plots. Soil respiration rates were measured monthly during the growing season using a closed dynamic chamber method. Density fractionation was adopted to separate SOM into two light fractions (free and aggregate-occluded particulate organic matter, fPOM and oPOM respectively), and one heavy fraction (mineral-associated organic matter, MOM). The fine root and rhizome biomass and microbial data are presented for silver birch stands only. In 2011, after 4 growing seasons of humidity manipulation soil organic carbon contents were significantly higher in C plots than H plot (13.5 and 12.5 g C kg-1, respectively), while soil respiration tended to be higher in the latter. Microbial biomass and basal respiration were 13 and 14% higher in H plots than in the C plots, respectively. Twice more fine roots of trees were estimated in H plots, while the total fine root and rhizome biomass (tree + understory) was similar in C and H plots. Fine root turnover was higher for both silver birch and understory roots in H plots. Labile SOM light fractions (fPOM and oPOM) were significantly smaller in H plots with respect to C plots (silver birch and hybrid aspen stands together), whereas no differences were observed in the contents of the more stable MOM. These results strongly suggest that, apart from the predicted increase in temperature and atmospheric carbon and nitrogen concentrations, an increase in free air humidity as a result of climate change may significantly influence the complex belowground carbon cycling by affecting biomass production, soil respiration and organic matter turnover.

Phase II Trial of Atezolizumab As First-Line or Subsequent Therapy for Patients With Programmed Death-Ligand 1-Selected Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer (BIRCH).

PubMed

Peters, Solange; Gettinger, Scott; Johnson, Melissa L; Jänne, Pasi A; Garassino, Marina C; Christoph, Daniel; Toh, Chee Keong; Rizvi, Naiyer A; Chaft, Jamie E; Carcereny Costa, Enric; Patel, Jyoti D; Chow, Laura Q M; Koczywas, Marianna; Ho, Cheryl; Früh, Martin; van den Heuvel, Michel; Rothenstein, Jeffrey; Reck, Martin; Paz-Ares, Luis; Shepherd, Frances A; Kurata, Takayasu; Li, Zhengrong; Qiu, Jiaheng; Kowanetz, Marcin; Mocci, Simonetta; Shankar, Geetha; Sandler, Alan; Felip, Enriqueta

2017-08-20

Purpose BIRCH was designed to examine the efficacy of atezolizumab, a humanized anti-programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) monoclonal antibody, in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) across lines of therapy. Patients were selected on the basis of PD-L1 expression on tumor cells (TC) or tumor-infiltrating immune cells (IC). Patients and Methods Eligible patients had advanced-stage NSCLC, no CNS metastases, and zero to two or more lines of prior chemotherapy. Patients whose tumors expressed PD-L1 using the SP142 immunohistochemistry assay on ≥ 5% of TC or IC (TC2/3 or IC2/3 [TC or IC ≥ 5% PD-L1-expressing cells, respectively]) were enrolled. Atezolizumab 1,200 mg was administered intravenously every 3 weeks. Efficacy-evaluable patients (N = 659) comprised three cohorts: first line (cohort 1; n = 139); second line (cohort 2; n = 268); and third line or higher (cohort 3; n = 252). The primary end point was independent review facility-assessed objective response rate (ORR; Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors [RECIST] version 1.1). Secondary end points included median duration of response, progression-free survival, and overall survival (OS). Results BIRCH met its primary objective of demonstrating a significant ORR versus historical controls. With a minimum of 12 months of follow-up, the independent review facility-assessed ORR was 18% to 22% for the three cohorts, and 26% to 31% for the TC3 or IC3 subgroup; most responses are ongoing. Responses occurred regardless of EGFR or KRAS mutation status. The median OS from an updated survival analysis (minimum of 20 month follow up) for cohort 1 was 23.5 months (26.9 months for TC3 or IC3 patients); the median OS in cohorts 2 and 3 was 15.5 and 13.2 months, respectively. The safety profile was similar across cohorts and consistent with previous atezolizumab monotherapy trials. Conclusion BIRCH demonstrated responses with atezolizumab monotherapy in patients with PD-L1-selected advanced NSCLC, with good tolerability. PD-L1 status may serve as a predictive biomarker for identifying patients most likely to benefit from atezolizumab.

A novel hybrid organosolv: steam explosion method for the efficient fractionation and pretreatment of birch biomass.

PubMed

Matsakas, Leonidas; Nitsos, Christos; Raghavendran, Vijayendran; Yakimenko, Olga; Persson, Gustav; Olsson, Eva; Rova, Ulrika; Olsson, Lisbeth; Christakopoulos, Paul

2018-01-01

The main role of pretreatment is to reduce the natural biomass recalcitrance and thus enhance saccharification yield. A further prerequisite for efficient utilization of all biomass components is their efficient fractionation into well-defined process streams. Currently available pretreatment methods only partially fulfill these criteria. Steam explosion, for example, excels as a pretreatment method but has limited potential for fractionation, whereas organosolv is excellent for delignification but offers poor biomass deconstruction. In this article, a hybrid method combining the cooking and fractionation of conventional organosolv pretreatment with the implementation of an explosive discharge of the cooking mixture at the end of pretreatment was developed. The effects of various pretreatment parameters (ethanol content, duration, and addition of sulfuric acid) were evaluated. Pretreatment of birch at 200 °C with 60% v/v ethanol and 1% w/w biomass H 2 SO 4 was proven to be the most efficient pretreatment condition yielding pretreated solids with 77.9% w/w cellulose, 8.9% w/w hemicellulose, and 7.0 w/w lignin content. Under these conditions, high delignification of 86.2% was demonstrated. The recovered lignin was of high purity, with cellulose and hemicellulose contents not exceeding 0.31 and 3.25% w/w, respectively, and ash to be < 0.17% w/w in all cases, making it suitable for various applications. The pretreated solids presented high saccharification yields, reaching 68% at low enzyme load (6 FPU/g) and complete saccharification at high enzyme load (22.5 FPU/g). Finally, simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) at 20% w/w solids yielded an ethanol titer of 80 g/L after 192 h, corresponding to 90% of the theoretical maximum. The novel hybrid method developed in this study allowed for the efficient fractionation of birch biomass and production of pretreated solids with high cellulose and low lignin contents. Moreover, the explosive discharge at the end of pretreatment had a positive effect on enzymatic saccharification, resulting in high hydrolyzability of the pretreated solids and elevated ethanol titers in the following high-gravity SSF. To the best of our knowledge, the ethanol concentration obtained with this method is the highest so far for birch biomass.

Holocene Vegetation Changes in Eastern Kamchatka Based on Pollen and Macrofossil Records

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dirksen, V.

2004-12-01

Little is known about the Quaternary climate and vegetation history of Kamchatka. Only a few previous studies have provided paleoenvironmental information for this area, but these studies have poor age control and are inconsistent To reconstruct paleoclimate and both regional and local vegetation history we are analyzing continuous, high-resolution pollen and macrofossil records from peats on Kamchatka. Thin, well-dated ash layers in these peats provide excellent age control; sections sampled thus far range in age back to 12,000 years. Herein we report results from one example, the Uka peat section (57.8oN 162.2oE; about 10 m a.s.l.). This section is located on a morainal terrace close to a small lake. The basal section is lacustrine clay with a few spores pointing to scarce vegetation under cold conditions, probably latest Pleistocene. This clay is replaced upward by limnic peat, probably early Holocene (pollen zone 1). This zone is characterized by dominance of shrub alder and birch, herbs, and ferns. The highest value (in the whole section) of sage and the absence of tree pollen suggest a treeless landscape and thin vegetation cover under still cold conditions, while increase in local aquatic pollen indicates lake filling and shrinking. In Zone 2 (ca. 8000-4000 BP), mire vegetation shows successive development of eutrophic fen including three pulses of sphagnum followed by sedge peaks. Pollen concentration is very low, probably indicating high deposition rates. A warming trend is suggested by the appearance ca. 5600 BP of tree birch, increasing to the end of zone 2, while alder strongly decreases. The most pronounced changes in both regional and local vegetation are found ca. 3800 BP, when tree birch pollen reaches its highest value and a few long-transported spruce pollen grains appear. The dominant (eutrophic) sedge is suddenly replaced by a more oligotrophic one. Such local components as grasses, shrub birch and willow increase, and total pollen concentration dramatically increases. All these features suggest drier conditions in zone 3 (3800-1200 BP), however it should be supported by further studies. Zone 4 (1200 BP to present) shows development of an oligotrophic peat bog indicated by high values of heath; the establishment of shrub pine is signaled by a sharp increase in its pollen.

Mission-Area Guide to Lead-Exposure Control

DTIC Science & Technology

1996-03-01

Bolyard - 303-692-3539 CONNECTICUT Debby Lafferty - 203-566-5808 DELAWARE Lisa Marencin - 302-739-4735 Wilmington- 302-995-8693 DISTRICT OF...MASSACHUSETTS Merrimack Valley Carmen Torres - 508-681-4940 Worcester Frank Birch - 508-799-8589 Southeastern Mass U. Carmen Maiocco

Manitoba

Atmospheric Science Data Center

2013-04-17

... black spruce, jack pine, tamarack, willow, and birch. Human population density is sparse, averaging about 1 person per 10 square ... Big Sand Lake, above image center, was reported to be under control on June 20, whereas the plume at lower left, to the west of Gold Sand ...

BEDROOM 2. VIEW FACING EAST Camp H.M. Smith and ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

BEDROOM 2. VIEW FACING EAST - Camp H.M. Smith and Navy Public Works Center Manana Title VII (Capehart) Housing, Three-Bedroom Single-Family Type 7, Birch Circle, Elm Drive, Elm Circle, and Date Drive, Pearl City, Honolulu County, HI

BEDROOM 3. VIEW FACING EAST Camp H.M. Smith and ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

BEDROOM 3. VIEW FACING EAST - Camp H.M. Smith and Navy Public Works Center Manana Title VII (Capehart) Housing, Four-Bedroom, Single-Family Type 10, Birch Circle, Elm Drive, Elm Circle, and Date Drive, Pearl City, Honolulu County, HI

MASTER BEDROOM. VIEW FACING NORTH Camp H.M. Smith and ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

MASTER BEDROOM. VIEW FACING NORTH - Camp H.M. Smith and Navy Public Works Center Manana Title VII (Capehart) Housing, Four-Bedroom, Single-Family Type 10, Birch Circle, Elm Drive, Elm Circle, and Date Drive, Pearl City, Honolulu County, HI

BEDROOM 3. VIEW FACING EAST Camp H.M. Smith and ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

BEDROOM 3. VIEW FACING EAST - Camp H.M. Smith and Navy Public Works Center Manana Title VII (Capehart) Housing, Three-Bedroom Single-Family Type 7, Birch Circle, Elm Drive, Elm Circle, and Date Drive, Pearl City, Honolulu County, HI

UTILITY ROOM. VIEW FACING WEST Camp H.M. Smith and ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

UTILITY ROOM. VIEW FACING WEST - Camp H.M. Smith and Navy Public Works Center Manana Title VII (Capehart) Housing, Three-Bedroom Single-Family Type 7, Birch Circle, Elm Drive, Elm Circle, and Date Drive, Pearl City, Honolulu County, HI

OBLIQUE VIEW FROM THE SOUTH Camp H.M. Smith and ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

OBLIQUE VIEW FROM THE SOUTH - Camp H.M. Smith and Navy Public Works Center Manana Title VII (Capehart) Housing, Three-Bedroom Single-Family Type 7, Birch Circle, Elm Drive, Elm Circle, and Date Drive, Pearl City, Honolulu County, HI

BATH. VIEW FACING NORTH Camp H.M. Smith and Navy ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

BATH. VIEW FACING NORTH - Camp H.M. Smith and Navy Public Works Center Manana Title VII (Capehart) Housing, Four-Bedroom, Single-Family Type 10, Birch Circle, Elm Drive, Elm Circle, and Date Drive, Pearl City, Honolulu County, HI

1. Historic American Buildings Survey, Arthur C. Haskell, Photographer April, ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

1. Historic American Buildings Survey, Arthur C. Haskell, Photographer April, 1934 (a) Before- Summer St. looking south from between Washington and Birch Streets. (Stockman House) - Highway Cut-off Demolition Area, Summer, Winter, High & Merrimac Streets, Newburyport, Essex County, MA

2. Historic American Buildings Survey, Arthur C. Haskell, Photographer. Dec. ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

2. Historic American Buildings Survey, Arthur C. Haskell, Photographer. Dec. 1934. (b) After- view of Summer St. looking south from between Washington and Birch Streets. - Highway Cut-off Demolition Area, Summer, Winter, High & Merrimac Streets, Newburyport, Essex County, MA

Proceedings of the Eighth Lake States Forest Tree Improvement conference, Sept. 12-13, 1967.

Treesearch

NCFES

1968-01-01

Presents 11 papers concerning recent research in forest genetics, physiology, and allied fields. Species discussed include red pine, jack pine, Scotch pine, black spruce, larch, yellow birch, sugar maple, silver maple, cottonwood, and walnut.

Determining the age of CO2 Released From Mountain Birch Forest and Heath in Arctic Sweden

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hartley, I. P.; Garnett, M. H.; Hopkins, D. W.; Sommerkorn, M.; Wookey, P. A.

2008-12-01

Nuclear weapons testing released a large amount of 14C into the atmosphere during the mid 20th Century. This radiocarbon pulse provides a tracer that can be used to determine the age of C released from plants and soils. Such information is critical for predicting how terrestrial C storage will respond to global change. If respired CO2 is mainly modern, then respiration and photosynthesis are tightly coupled. In contrast, if older C is being mineralized then there is more potential for climate change to induce C loss. We carried out one of the first studies to measure seasonal variations in the 14C content of CO2 released from arctic ecosystems. Using molecular sieves, we trapped CO2 respired from a mountain birch forest and heath near Abisko, northern Sweden and measured 14C contents by accelerator mass spectrometry. CO2 was collected from both vegetated plots (control) and clipped and trenched plots (CT) on three occasions during the 2007 growing season. In addition, we used a new passive sampling technique to collect CO2 from the CT plots during winter 2007-2008. Assuming that the respired C was derived from post bomb sources (justifiable as the majority of each soil profile was enriched with bomb C), we estimated the age of the CO2 and how it changed during the year in response to changes in plant activity and key environmental drivers. On the heath, the mean age of the CO2 respired from the control plots increased from 4 to 6 years old during the growing season. The CO2 respired from the CT plots increased from 5 years old in early June to 11 years old by July, but then declined to 8 years old in September. The C released during winter was also 8 years old. In the Birch forest, the mean age of CO2 respired from the CT plots increased from 4 years old in late May to 8-9 years old during July and September. However, during winter, the CO2 released was >10 years old. In the control plots, the age of respired CO2 increased from being 1 year old in late May to 6 years old in July, before declining to 3 years old in September. In contrast to the heath, differences between the CT and control plots were lowest mid season despite plant activity peaking during this time. In conclusion, the age of respired C was mainly less than 10 years old suggesting that respiration and photosynthesis are tightly coupled in these ecosystems. On average, the heath released slightly older CO2 than the birch forest so global warming may have more potential to induce C losses from this ecosystem, especially as seasonal patterns demonstrated that the decomposition of older soil C in the heath increased at higher temperatures. In the forest, high birch activity appeared to stimulate the decomposition of older C (priming). This may explain why organic C stocks are lower in the forests than heaths, and tree encroachment into the heaths could result in an overall loss of soil C.

"Default" versus "pre-atopic" IgG responses to foodborne and airborne pathogenesis-related group 10 protein molecules in birch-sensitized and nonatopic children.

PubMed

Hofmaier, Stephanie; Hatzler, Laura; Rohrbach, Alexander; Panetta, Valentina; Hakimeh, Dani; Bauer, Carl Peter; Hoffman, Ute; Forster, Johannes; Zepp, Fred; Schuster, Antje; Stock, Philippe; Wahn, Ulrich; Keil, Thomas; Lau, Susanne; Matricardi, Paolo Maria

2015-05-01

The route and dose of exposure are believed to be relevant factors in the sensitization process. Pathogenesis-related group 10 protein (PR-10) molecules are a family of allergenic proteins shared by many pollens (eg, birch and alder) and foods (eg, apple, peach, and soy). Children are exposed to both pollen-derived (inhaled) and food-derived (ingested) PR-10 molecules. We sought to investigate the role of route and dose of exposure in the evolution of IgG and IgE responses to recombinant PR-10 molecules. The German Multicentre Allergy Study examined a birth cohort born in 1990. Blood samples were collected at the ages of 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 10, and 13 years. Participants were included in the present analysis if they had (1) at least 1 serum sample at each of the 4 age periods or time points (1-3 years, 5-7 years, 10 years, and 13 years) and (2) IgE responses to birch (children with birch atopy) or no IgE response at all to 9 common aeroallergens and food allergens (nonatopic children). Therefore serum IgE antibodies to a panel of 4 airborne and 5 foodborne extracts, as well as to Bet v 1, were measured in singleplex assays, whereas IgG and IgE antibodies to a panel of 3 airborne PR-10 molecules (rBet v 1, rAln g 1, and rCor a 1.0101) and 7 foodborne PR-10 molecules (rCor a 1.0401, rMal d 1, rPru p 1, rGly m 4, rAra h 8, rApi g 1, and rDau c 1) were tested by using a multiplex microarray. In the present analyses we included 28 children with birch atopy and randomly selected 28 nonatopic children from the 190 children fulfilling the inclusion criteria. Two different patterns of IgG responses to PR-10 molecules were identified. Among nonatopic subjects, a "default" IgG response was directed mostly against foodborne PR-10, started often before age 2 years, stayed weak, and was mostly transient. Among all atopic subjects, the default IgG response at age 1 year was overwhelmed after age 2 years by an "pre-atopic" IgG response, which started with or shortly before the IgE response and was intense and persistent. This atopic IgG response, as well as the IgE response, involved progressively more foodborne PR-10 proteins with frequencies and levels related to their homology with Bet v 1. The results suggest that children have a default antibody response to PR-10 molecules, which is early, weak, and transient; does not involve IgE; and is initiated by foodborne PR-10. By contrast, an atopic antibody response to PR-10 molecules is delayed, strong, and persistent; involves both IgG and IgE; and is initiated by airborne PR-10. Copyright © 2014 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Prince William Forest Park American Beech , Approximately one mile ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

Prince William Forest Park American Beech , Approximately one mile from visitor’s center, south bank of the south fork of Quantico Creek, about 75 yards upstream from its confluence with Quantico Creek, Near Birch Bluff Trail, Triangle, Prince William County, VA

Environmental Assessment for Vigilant Warrior Training Site

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-07-01

occidentalis), river birch (Betula nigra), black willow (Salix nigra), red maple (Acer rubrum) and other hardwoods. The Vigilant Warrior site is...4004 L E C Maxwell Support Division April 9, 2008 Ms. Debbie Thomas Tribal Historic Preservation Officer Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas 571

The aspen-gray birch forests of the Anthracite Region

Treesearch

C. F. Burnham; M. J. Ferree; F. E. Cunningham

1947-01-01

This paper is a progress report of forest research in the Anthracite Region by personnel of the Station's branch at Kingston, Pa. It is the fourth in a series of seven reports dealing with the principal forest types in the Anthracite Region.

DINING ROOM. VIEW FACING NORTHWEST Camp H.M. Smith and ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

DINING ROOM. VIEW FACING NORTHWEST - Camp H.M. Smith and Navy Public Works Center Manana Title VII (Capehart) Housing, Three-Bedroom Single-Family Types 8 and 11, Birch Circle, Elm Drive, Elm Circle, and Date Drive, Pearl City, Honolulu County, HI

BATH. VIEW FACING NORTH Camp H.M. Smith and Navy ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

BATH. VIEW FACING NORTH - Camp H.M. Smith and Navy Public Works Center Manana Title VII (Capehart) Housing, U-Shaped Two-Bedroom Single-Family Type 6, Birch Circle, Elm Drive, Elm Circle, and Date Drive, Pearl City, Honolulu County, HI

BEDROOM 2. VIEW FACING EAST Camp H.M. Smith and ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

BEDROOM 2. VIEW FACING EAST - Camp H.M. Smith and Navy Public Works Center Manana Title VII (Capehart) Housing, U-Shaped Two-Bedroom Single-Family Type 6, Birch Circle, Elm Drive, Elm Circle, and Date Drive, Pearl City, Honolulu County, HI

Macronutrient deficiency symptoms in seedlings of four northern hardwoods.

Treesearch

Gayne G. Erdmann; Frederick T. Metzger; Robert R. Oberg

1979-01-01

Illustrates and describes the visual deficiency symptoms for N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S in sugar maple, red maple, white ash, and paper birch seedlings. Effects of these deficiencies on the development and nutrient composition of seedlings are also examined.

Volume tables for important second-growth northern hardwood forests in northeastern Wisconsin

Treesearch

Gayne G. Erdmann; Thomas R. Crow; Robert R. Oberg

1982-01-01

Cubic-foot volume equations are presented for sugar maple, basswood, yellow birch, and white ash. Conversion factors for board-foot and cordwood volumes are also provided. The equations are useful for even-aged, second-growth hardwoods in northeastern Wisconsin.

Combination treatment of elevated UVB radiation, CO2 and temperature has little effect on silver birch (Betula pendula) growth and phytochemistry.

PubMed

Lavola, Anu; Nybakken, Line; Rousi, Matti; Pusenius, Jyrki; Petrelius, Mari; Kellomäki, Seppo; Julkunen-Tiitto, Riitta

2013-12-01

Elevations of carbon dioxide, temperature and ultraviolet-B (UBV) radiation in the growth environment may have a high impact on the accumulation of carbon in plants, and the different factors may work in opposite directions or induce additive effects. To detect the changes in the growth and phytochemistry of silver birch (Betula pendula) seedlings, six genotypes were exposed to combinations of ambient or elevated levels of CO2 , temperature and UVB radiation in top-closed chambers for 7 weeks. The genotypes were relatively similar in their responses, and no significant interactive effects of three-level climate factors on the measured parameters were observed. Elevated UVB had no effect on growth, nor did it alter plant responses to CO2 and/or temperature in combined treatments. Growth in all plant parts increased under elevated CO2 , and height and stem biomass increased under elevated temperature. Increased carbon distribution to biomass did not reduce its allocation to phytochemicals: condensed tannins, most flavonols and phenolic acids accumulated under elevated CO2 and elevated UVB, but this effect disappeared under elevated temperature. Leaf nitrogen content decreased under elevated CO2 . We conclude that, as a result of high genetic variability in phytochemicals, B. pendula seedlings have potential to adapt to the tested environmental changes. The induction in protective flavonoids under UVB radiation together with the positive impact of elevated CO2 and temperature mitigates possible UVB stress effects, and thus atmospheric CO2 concentration and temperature are the climate change factors that will dictate the establishment and success of birch at higher altitudes in the future. © 2013 Scandinavian Plant Physiology Society.

Continuing Climate Warming Will Result in Failure of Post-Harvest Natural Regeneration across the Landscape in Interior Alaska

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morimoto, M.; Juday, G. P.; Huettmann, F.

2016-12-01

Following forest disturbance, the stand initiation stage decisively influences future forest structure. Understanding post-harvest regeneration, especially under climate change, is essential to predicting future carbon stores in this extensive forest biome. We apply IPCC B1, A1B, and A2 climate scenarios to generate plausible future forest conditions under different management. We recorded presence of white spruce, birch, and aspen in 726 plots on 30 state forest white spruce harvest units. We built spatially explicit models and scenarios of species presence/absence using TreeNet (Stochastic Gradient Boosting). Post-harvest tree regeneration predictions in calibration data closely matched the validation set, indicating tree regeneration scenarios are reliable. Early stage post-harvest regeneration is similar to post-fire regeneration and matches the pattern of long-term natural vegetation distribution, confirming that site environmental factors are more important than management practices. Post-harvest natural regeneration of tree species increases under moderate warming scenarios, but fails under strong warming scenarios in landscape positions with high temperatures and low precipitation. Under all warming scenarios, the most successful regenerating species following white spruce harvest is white spruce. Birch experiences about 30% regeneration failure under A2 scenario by 2050. White spruce and aspen are projected to regenerate more successfully when site preparation is applied. Although white spruce has been the major managed species, birch may require more intensive management. Sites likely to experience regeneration failure of current tree species apparently will experience biome shift, although adaptive migration of existing or new species might be an option. Our scenario modeling tool allows resource managers to forecast tree regeneration on productive managed sites that have made a disproportionate contribution to carbon flux in a critical region.

Umatilla River Subbasin Fish Habitat Improvement Program, 1996-2003 Summary Report.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

St. Hilaire, Danny R.; Montgomery, Michael; Bailey, Timothy D.

This annual report is in fulfillment of contractual obligations with Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), which is the funding source for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife's (ODFW), Umatilla River Subbasin Fish Habitat Improvement Program (Program). The last Annual Program Report was submitted in 1997, and described projects undertaken in 1995. This report describes Program activities carried out in 2003, along with a summary of projects undertaken during the years 1996 through 2002. The Program works cooperatively with private landowners to develop long-term restoration agreements, under which, passive and active Habitat Improvement Projects are conducted. Historically, projects have included livestockmore » exclusion fencing (passive restoration) to protect riparian habitats, along with the installation of instream structures (active restoration) to address erosion and improve fish habitat. In recent years, the focus of active restoration has shifted to bioengineering treatments and, more recently, to channel re-design and re-construction aimed at improving fish habitat, by restoring stable channel function. This report provides a summary table of past projects (1996-2002), along with a text description of more extensive habitat improvement projects, including: (1) Implementation of a four-phased project on the Lobato property (Birch Creek) beginning in 1996 and involving a demonstration bioengineering site and riparian improvements (fencing, planting), (2) Implementation of stable channel design/instream structure placement on the Houser property, East Birch Creek, beginning in 1998, an (3) Implementation of a joint, US Army Corps of Engineers/ODFW (cost share) project beginning in 2001 on the Brogoitti property, East Birch Creek, which involved implementation of stable channel design/construction and riparian improvement treatments.« less

IgE, IgG4 and IgA specific to Bet v 1-related food allergens do not predict oral allergy syndrome.

PubMed

Guhsl, E E; Hofstetter, G; Lengger, N; Hemmer, W; Ebner, C; Fröschl, R; Bublin, M; Lupinek, C; Breiteneder, H; Radauer, C

2015-01-01

Birch pollen-associated plant food allergy is caused by Bet v 1-specific IgE, but presence of cross-reactive IgE to related allergens does not predict food allergy. The role of other immunoglobulin isotypes in the birch pollen-plant food syndrome has not been investigated in detail. Bet v 1-sensitized birch pollen-allergic patients (n = 35) were diagnosed for food allergy by standardized interviews, skin prick tests, prick-to-prick tests and ImmunoCAP. Concentrations of allergen-specific IgE, IgG1, IgG4 and IgA to seven Bet v 1-related food allergens were determined by ELISA. Bet v 1, Cor a 1, Mal d 1 and Pru p 1 bound IgE from all and IgG4 and IgA from the majority of sera. Immunoglobulins to Gly m 4, Vig r 1 and Api g 1.01 were detected in <65% of the sera. No significant correlation was observed between plant food allergy and increased or reduced levels of IgE, IgG1, IgG4 or IgA specific to most Bet v 1-related allergens. Api g 1-specific IgE was significantly (P = 0.01) elevated in celeriac-allergic compared with celeriac-tolerant patients. Likewise, frequencies of IgE (71% vs 15%; P = 0.01) and IgA (86% vs 38%; P = 0.04) binding to Api g 1.01 were increased. Measurements of allergen-specific immunoglobulins are not suitable for diagnosing Bet v 1-mediated plant food allergy to hazelnut and Rosaceae fruits. In contrast, IgE and IgA to the distantly related allergen Api g 1 correlate with allergy to celeriac. © 2014 The Authors. Allergy Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Chemical modification of birch allergen extract leads to a reduction in allergenicity as well as immunogenicity.

PubMed

Würtzen, Peter Adler; Lund, Lise; Lund, Gitte; Holm, Jens; Millner, Anders; Henmar, Helene

2007-01-01

In Europe, specific immunotherapy is currently conducted with vaccines containing allergen preparations based on intact extracts. In addition to this, chemically modified allergen extracts (allergoids) are used for specific allergy treatment. Reduced allergenicity and thereby reduced risk of side effects in combination with retained ability to activate T cells and induce protective allergen-specific antibody responses has been claimed for allergoids. In the current study, we compared intact allergen extracts and allergoids with respect to allergenicity and immunogenicity. The immunological response to birch allergen extract, alum-adsorbed extract, birch allergoid and alum-adsorbed allergoid was investigated in vitro in human basophil histamine release assay and by stimulation of human allergen-specific T cell lines. In vivo, Bet v 1-specific IgG titers in mice were determined after repetitive immunizations. In all patients tested (n = 8), allergoid stimulations led to reduced histamine release compared to the intact allergen extract. However, the allergoid preparations were not recognized by Bet v 1-specific T cell lines (n = 7), which responded strongly to the intact allergen extract. Mouse immunizations showed a clearly reduced IgG induction by allergoids and a strongly potentiating effect of the alum adjuvant. Optimal IgG titers were obtained after 3 immunizations with intact allergen extracts, while 5 immunizations were needed to obtain maximal response to the allergoid. The reduced histamine release observed for allergoid preparations may be at the expense of immunological efficacy because the chemical modifications lead to a clear reduction in T cell activation and the ability to induce allergen-specific IgG antibody responses. Copyright 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Conjunctival provocation tests: a predictive factor for patients' seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms.

PubMed

Kruse, Kristian; Gerwin, Eva; Eichel, Andrea; Shah-Hosseini, Kija; Mösges, Ralph

2015-01-01

No parameters currently exist that can reliably predict the impact of preseasonal immunotherapy on the symptoms occurring during the season. The purpose of our studies was to prove a correlation between preseasonal conjunctival allergen challenge and coseasonal primary clinical endpoints using the total combined score, ie, a combination of symptoms and medication score, as the primary outcome parameter. Twelve weeks before both the birch and the grass pollen seasons, 2 separate prospective, double-blind, randomized, controlled studies were conducted followed by posttrial observations for each study during the active season. In the studies, patients who reacted to conjunctival allergen challenge were treated with sublingual immunotherapy tablets that contain either birch and/or alder or grass pollen allergoids. In all, 158 patients were included in the grass and 160 in the tree pollen study; of these, 100 and 109 patients, respectively, took part in the posttrial observations. When comparing patients with and without a positive reaction in the final conjunctival allergen challenge, the results revealed a significant difference in the total combined score (grass: P < .001; birch: P = .025). The same applied to the rescue medication score (P = .005; P = .025). A significant difference regarding the rhinoconjunctivitis symptom score was shown in the grass pollen study (P = .002), and the difference of well days was significant in the tree pollen study (P = .049). When comparing patients based on their reaction to allergen challenge after immunotherapy, each study leads to similarly significant results. Therefore, conjunctival allergen challenge can be used effectively as a parameter to predict allergic rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms during the season in patients treated with preseasonal sublingual immunotherapy tablets. Whether this can be transferred to untreated patients needs to be determined. Copyright © 2015 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Elevation of night-time temperature increases terpenoid emissions from Betula pendula and Populus tremula

PubMed Central

Ibrahim, Mohamed A.; Mäenpää, Maarit; Hassinen, Viivi; Kontunen-Soppela, Sari; Malec, Lukáš; Rousi, Matti; Pietikäinen, Liisa; Tervahauta, Arja; Kärenlampi, Sirpa; Holopainen, Jarmo K.; Oksanen, Elina J.

2010-01-01

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are expected to have an important role in plant adaptation to high temperatures. The impacts of increasing night-time temperature on daytime terpenoid emissions and related gene expression in silver birch (Betula pendula) and European aspen (Populus tremula) clones were studied. The plants were grown under five different night-time temperatures (6, 10, 14, 18, and 22 °C) while daytime temperature was kept at a constant 22 °C. VOC emissions were collected during the daytime and analysed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In birch, emissions per leaf area of the C11 homoterpene 4,8-dimethy1-nona-1,3,7-triene (DMNT) and several sesquiterpenes were consistently increased with increasing night-time temperature. Total sesquiterpene (SQT) emissions showed an increase at higher temperatures. In aspen, emissions of DMNT and β-ocimene increased from 6 °C to 14 °C, while several other monoterpenes and the SQTs (Z,E)-α-farnesene and (E,E)-α-farnesene increased up to 18 °C. Total monoterpene and sesquiterpene emission peaked at 18 °C, whereas isoprene emissions decreased at 22 °C. Leaf area increased across the temperature range of 6–22 °C by 32% in birch and by 59% in aspen. Specific leaf area (SLA) was also increased in both species. The genetic regulation of VOC emissions seems to be very complex, as indicated by several inverse relationships between emission profiles and expression of several regulatory genes (DXR, DXS, and IPP). The study indicates that increasing night temperature may strongly affect the quantity and quality of daytime VOC emissions of northern deciduous trees. PMID:20181662

A hypoallergenic variant of the major birch pollen allergen shows distinct characteristics in antigen processing and T-cell activation.

PubMed

Kitzmüller, C; Wallner, M; Deifl, S; Mutschlechner, S; Walterskirchen, C; Zlabinger, G J; Ferreira, F; Bohle, B

2012-11-01

BM4 is a novel genetically engineered variant of the major birch pollen allergen Bet v 1 that lacks the typical Bet v 1-like fold and displays negligible IgE-binding but strong T cell-activating capacity. The aim of this study was to elucidate possible differences between BM4 and Bet v 1 in internalization, antigen processing, and presentation. Proliferative responses to BM4 and Bet v 1 of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and Bet v 1-specific T-cell clones were compared. Fluorescently labeled BM4 and Bet v 1 were used to study surface binding, endocytosis, and intracellular degradation by monocyte-derived DC (mdDC). Both proteins were digested by endolysosomal extracts of mdDC. BM4- and Bet v 1-pulsed mdDC were employed to assess the kinetics of activation of Bet v 1-specific T-cell clones and the polarization of naïve T cells. BM4 displayed a significantly stronger T cell-activating capacity than Bet v 1. Furthermore, BM4 showed increased surface binding and internalization as well as faster endolysosomal degradation compared with Bet v 1. BM4-pulsed mdDC induced enhanced proliferative responses at earlier time-points in Bet v 1-specific T-cell clones and promoted less IL-5 production in T cells than Bet v 1-pulsed mdDC. The loss of the Bet v 1-fold changes the protein's interaction with the human immune system at the level of antigen-presenting cells resulting in altered T-cell responses. By combining low IgE-binding with strong and modulating T cell-activating capacity, BM4 represents a highly interesting candidate for specific immunotherapy of birch pollen allergy. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

CO 2 elevation improves photosynthetic performance in progressive warming environment in white birch seedlings.

PubMed

Zhang, Shouren; Dang, Qing-Lai

2013-01-01

White birch (Betula paperifera Mash) seedlings were exposed to progressively warming in greenhouses under ambient and elevated CO 2 concentrations for 5 months to explore boreal tree species' potential capacity to acclimate to global climate warming and CO 2 elevation. In situ foliar gas exchange, in vivo carboxylation characteristics and chlorophyll fluorescence were measured at temperatures of 26 (o)C and 37 (o)C. Elevated CO 2 significantly increased net photosynthetic rate (Pn) at both measurement temperatures, and Pn at 37 (o)C was higher than that at 26 (o)C under elevated CO 2. Stomatal conductance (gs) was lower at 37 (o)C than at 26 (o)C, while transpiration rate (E) was higher at 37 (o)C than that at 26 (o)C. Elevated CO 2 significantly increased instantaneous water-use efficiency (WUE) at both 26 (o)C and 37 (o)C, but WUE was markedly enhanced at 37 (o)C under elevated CO 2. The effect of temperature on maximal carboxylation rate (Vcmax), PAR-saturated electron transport rate (Jmax) and triose phosphate utilization (TPU) varied with CO 2, and the Vcmax and Jmax were significantly higher at 37 (o)C than at 26 (o)C under elevated CO 2. However, there were no significant interactive effects of CO 2 and temperature on TPU. The actual photochemical efficiency of PSII (DF/ Fm'), total photosynthetic linear electron transport rate through PSII (JT) and the partitioning of JT to carboxylation (Jc) were higher at 37 (o)C than at 26 (o)C under elevated CO 2. Elevated CO 2 significantly suppressed the partitioning of JT to oxygenation (Jo/JT). The data suggest that the CO 2 elevation and progressive warming greatly enhanced photosynthesis in white birch seedlings in an interactive fashion.

Landscape heterogeneity controls growth variability of alder, willow, and birch shrubs in response to observed increases in temperature and snow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tape, K. D.; Hallinger, M.; Buras, A.; Wilmking, M.

2013-12-01

Over the last decade, evidence has emerged for a circumarctic trend of increasing shrub cover in tundra regions. On the Alaskan tundra, repeat photography has shown spatial differences in shrub patch dynamics: since 1950, most patches expanded while some remained stable. In this study we explore the underpinnings of this landscape heterogeneity by sampling the three dominant shrubs of the Alaskan tundra--alder, willow and birch--and creating shrub ring width chronologies to determine the influence of climate variability on shrub growth. Shrubs of expanding patches of all three species grew at higher rates than shrubs of stable patches. Alder and willow shrubs in expanding patches exhibited mainly positive growth trends, while their counterparts in stable patches exhibited mainly negative growth trends. Birch shrub growth declined in expanding and stable patches. Alder and willow shrub growth rates and responses to climate were controlled more by soil characteristics than by their genus; expanding alder and willow shrubs showed significant positive correlations with spring and summer temperatures, whereas alder and willow shrubs of stable patches were negatively influenced by winter precipitation. The widely-scattered stable shrub patches sampled here are considered ';moist tussock tundra,' which covers 13.4% of the low arctic landscape. In moist tussock tundra, and presumably also wet tussock tundra, the negative influence of deeper snow on shrubs outweighed the positive influence of deeper snow on ground temperature and nutrient stocks articulated by the snow-shrub-microbe hypothesis. Thus, while shrubs of expanding patches have generally profited from warmer summers, shrubs of stable patches have suffered from increased soil moisture resulting from increased snowmelt water. These results underscore the spatial and temporal complexity in shrub-climate dynamics, which will require considerable finesse to appropriately integrate into modeling efforts.

Spatial pulses of water inputs in deciduous and hemlock forest stands

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guswa, A. J.; Mussehl, M.; Pecht, A.; Spence, C.

2010-12-01

Trees intercept and redistribute precipitation in time and space. While spatial patterns of throughfall are challenging to link to plant and canopy characteristics, many studies have shown that the spatial patterns persist through time. This persistence leads to wet and dry spots under the trees, creating spatial pulses of moisture that can affect infiltration, transpiration, and biogeochemical processes. In the northeast, the invasive hemlock woolly adelgid poses a significant threat to eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis), and replacement of hemlock forests by other species, such as birch, maple, and oak, has the potential to alter throughfall patterns and hydrologic processes. During the summers of 2009 and 2010, we measured throughfall in both hemlock and deciduous plots to assess its spatial distribution and temporal persistence. From 3 June to 25 July 2009, we measured throughfall in one hemlock and one deciduous plot over fourteen events with rainfall totaling 311 mm. From 8 June through 28 July 2010, we measured throughfall in the same two plots plus an additional hemlock stand and a young black birch stand, and rainfall totaled 148 mm over eight events. Averaged over space and time, throughfall was 81% of open precipitation in the hemlock stands, 88% in the mixed deciduous stand, and 100% in the young black birch stand. On an event basis, spatial coefficients of variation are similar among the stands and range from 11% to 49% for rain events greater than 5 mm. With the exception of very light events, coefficients of variation are insensitive to precipitation amount. Spatial patterns of throughfall persist through time, and seasonal coefficients of variation range from 13% to 33%. All stands indicate localized concentrations of water inputs, and there were individual collectors in the deciduous stands that regularly received more than twice the stand-average throughfall.

A significant carbon sink in temperate forests in Beijing: based on 20-year field measurements in three stands.

PubMed

Zhu, JianXiao; Hu, XueYang; Yao, Hui; Liu, GuoHua; Ji, ChenJun; Fang, JingYun

2015-11-01

Numerous efforts have been made to characterize forest carbon (C) cycles and stocks in various ecosystems. However, long-term observation on each component of the forest C cycle is still lacking. We measured C stocks and fluxes in three permanent temperate forest plots (birch, oak and pine forest) during 2011–2014, and calculated the changes of the components of the C cycle related to the measurements during 1992–1994 at Mt. Dongling, Beijing, China. Forest net primary production in birch, oak, and pine plots was 5.32, 4.53, and 6.73 Mg C ha-1 a-1, respectively. Corresponding net ecosystem production was 0.12, 0.43, and 3.53 Mg C ha-1 a-1. The C stocks and fluxes in 2011–2014 were significantly larger than those in 1992–1994 in which the biomass C densities in birch, oak, and pine plots increased from 50.0, 37.7, and 54.0 Mg C ha-1 in 1994 to 101.5, 77.3, and 110.9 Mg C ha-1 in 2014; soil organic C densities increased from 207.0, 239.1, and 231.7 Mg C ha-1 to 214.8, 241.7, and 238.4 Mg C ha-1; and soil heterotrophic respiration increased from 2.78, 3.49, and 1.81 Mg C ha-1 a-1 to 5.20, 4.10, and 3.20 Mg C ha-1 a-1. These results suggest that the mountainous temperate forest ecosystems in Beijing have served as a carbon sink in the last two decades. These observations of C stocks and fluxes provided field-based data for a long-term study of C cycling in temperate forest ecosystems.

Influence of meteorological parameters and air pollution on hourly fluctuation of birch (Betula L.) and ash (Fraxinus L.) airborne pollen.

PubMed

Puc, Małgorzata

2012-01-01

Pollen grains are one of the most important groups of atmospheric biological particles that originate allergic processes. Knowledge of intradiurnal variation of the atmospheric pollen may be useful for the treatment and prevention of pollen allergies. Intradiurnal fluctuation of hourly pollen counts in 24 h are related to the daily rhythm of anther opening, and modified by various interacting factors. Flowering and pollen production of individual species are influenced by genetic, phenological, ecological, meteorological and climatic factors. Estimation of the intradiurnal variability in the pollen count permits evaluation of the threat posed by allergens over a given area. Measurements performed in Szczecin over a period of 7 years (2006-2012) permitted analysis of hourly variation of the pollen count of birch (Betula) and ash (Fraxinus) in 24 h, and evaluation of the impact of weather conditions and the concentration of gas air pollutants on the intradiurnal patterns of both taxa. Aerobiological monitoring was conducted using a Hirst volumetric trap (Lanzoni VPPS 2000). Consecutive phases during the day were defined as 1, 5, 25, 50, 75, 95, 99% of annual total pollen. The analysis revealed that 50% of total daily pollen was noted at 14:00 for Betula and Fraxinus. The hourly distribution of birch pollen count skewed to the left and the majority of pollen of this taxon appears in the air in the first 12 hours of the day. However, for ash, the hourly distribution of pollen count skewed to the right. Statistically significant correlation was noted between the Betula and Fraxinus pollen concentration and the mean air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, air pressure, total radiation and nitrogen oxides (NO(x)).

Late Quaternary vegetation and climate history of the central Bering land bridge from St. Michael Island, western Alaska

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ager, T.A.

2003-01-01

Pollen analysis of a sediment core from Zagoskin Lake on St. Michael Island, northeast Bering Sea, provides a history of vegetation and climate for the central Bering land bridge and adjacent western Alaska for the past ???30,000 14C yr B.P. During the late middle Wisconsin interstadial (???30,000-26,000 14C yr B.P.) vegetation was dominated by graminoid-herb tundra with willows (Salix) and minor dwarf birch (Betula nana) and Ericales. During the late Wisconsin glacial interval (26,000-15,000 14C yr B.P.) vegetation was graminoid-herb tundra with willows, but with fewer dwarf birch and Ericales, and more herb types associated with dry habitats and disturbed soils. Grasses (Poaceae) dominated during the peak of this glacial interval. Graminoid-herb tundra suggests that central Beringia had a cold, arid climate from ???30,000 to 15,000 14C yr B.P. Between 15,000 and 13,000 14C yr B.P., birch shrub-Ericales-sedge-moss tundra began to spread rapidly across the land bridge and Alaska. This major vegetation change suggests moister, warmer summer climates and deeper winter snows. A brief invasion of Populus (poplar, aspen) occurred ca. 11,000-9500 14C yr B.P., overlapping with the Younger Dryas interval of dry, cooler(?) climate. During the latest Wisconsin to middle Holocene the Bering land bridge was flooded by rising seas. Alder shrubs (Alnus crispa) colonized the St. Michael Island area ca. 8000 14C yr B.P. Boreal forests dominated by spruce (Picea) spread from interior Alaska into the eastern Norton Sound area in middle Holocene time, but have not spread as far west as St. Michael Island. ?? 2003 University of Washington. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Late winter and early spring home range and habitat use of the endangered Carolina northern flying squirrel in western North Carolina

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ford, W. Mark; Kelly, Christine A.; Rodrigue, Jane L.; Odom, Richard H.; Newcomb, Douglas; Gilley, L. Michelle; Diggins, Corinne A.

2014-01-01

The Carolina northern flying squirrel Glaucomys sabrinus coloratus is an endangered subspecies that is restricted to high elevation forests in the southern Appalachian Mountains. Owing to rugged terrain and nocturnal habits, the subspecies’ natural history, home range characteristics and habitat preferences are poorly known. We radio-tracked 3 female and 2 male Carolina northern flying squirrels during late winter through spring 2012 in the Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina, USA. Tracked squirrels used 13 yellow birch Betula alleghaniensis and 9 red spruce Picea rubens as diurnal dens. Ten of the yellow birch dens were in cavities, whereas the remainders were dreys. Conversely, 8 of the red spruce dens were dreys and one was in a cavity. Mean (±SE) female 95 and 50% adaptive kernel home ranges were 6.50 ± 2.19 and 0.93 ± 0.33 ha, respectively, whereas the corresponding values for males were 12.6 ± 0.9 and 1.45 ± 0.1 ha, respectively. Squirrels used red spruce stands with canopies >20 m more than expected based on availability at the landscape and home range scales. Results should be interpreted cautiously because of small sample sizes and seasonal observations; however, they provide evidence that although northern hardwoods such as yellow birch are an important den habitat component, mature red spruce-dominated habitats with complex structure provide foraging habitats and are also den habitat. Our findings support efforts to improve the structural condition of extant red spruce forests and/or increase red spruce acreage to potentially benefit Carolina northern flying squirrels.

Physical Intrepretation of Mathematically Invariant K(r,P) Type Equations of State for Hydrodynamically Driven Flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hrbek, George

2001-06-01

At SCCM Shock 99, Lie Group Theory was applied to the problem of temperature independent, hydrodynamic shock in a Birch-Murnaghan continuum. (1) Ratios of the group parameters were shown to be linked to the physical parameters specified in the second, third, and fourth order BM-EOS approximations. This effort has subsequently been extended to provide a general formalism for a wide class of mathematical forms (i.e., K(r,P)) of the equation of state. Variations in material expansion and resistance (i.e., counter pressure) are shown to be functions of compression and material variation ahead of the expanding front. Specific examples included the Birch-Murnaghan, Vinet, Brennan-Stacey, Shanker, Tait, Poirier, and Jones-Wilkins-Lee (JWL) forms. (2) With these ratios defined, the next step is to predict the behavior of these K(r,P) type solids. To do this, one must introduce the group ratios into a numerical simulation for the flow and generate the density, pressure, and particle velocity profiles as the shock moves through the material. This will allow the various equations of state, and their respective fitting coefficients, to be compared with experiments, and additionally, allow the empirical coefficients for these EOS forms to be adjusted accordingly. (1) Hrbek, G. M., Invariant Functional Forms For The Second, Third, And Fourth Order Birch-Murnaghan Equation of State For Materials Subject to Hydrodynamic Shock, Proceedings of the 11th American Physical Society Topical Group Meeting on Shock Compression of Condensed Matter (SCCM Shock 99), Snowbird, Utah (2) Hrbek, G. M., Invariant Functional Forms For K(r,P) Type Equations Of State For Hydrodynamically Driven Flows, Submitted to the 12th American Physical Society Topical Group Meeting on Shock Compression of Condensed Matter (SCCM Shock 01), Atlanta, Georgia

Preboreal climate oscillations in Europe: Wiggle-match dating and synthesis of Dutch high-resolution multi-proxy records

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bos, Johanna A. A.; van Geel, Bas; van der Plicht, Johannes; Bohncke, Sjoerd J. P.

2007-08-01

In order to compare environmental and inferred climatic change during the Preboreal in The Netherlands, five terrestrial records were analysed. Detailed multi-proxy analyses including microfossils (e.g., pollen, spores, algae, and fungal spores), macroremains (e.g., seeds, fruits, wood, mosses, etc.), and loss on ignition measurements were carried out with high temporal resolution. To link the five Preboreal records, accurate chronologies were produced by AMS 14C wiggle-match dating. The Dutch records show that following the Lateglacial/Holocene climate warming, birch woodlands expanded between 11,530 and 11,500 cal BP during the Friesland Phase of the Preboreal. After the Friesland Phase, two distinct climatic shifts could be inferred: (1) around 11,430-11,350 cal BP the expansion of birch forests was interrupted by a dry continental phase with open grassland vegetation, the Rammelbeek Phase. This phase was coeval with the coldest part of the Preboreal oscillation (PBO) as observed in the δ 18O record of the Greenland ice-core records and has been attributed to a large meltwater flux that resulted in a temporary decrease of the thermohaline circulation in the North Atlantic. (2) At the start of the Late Preboreal, between 11,270 and 11,210 cal BP, a sudden shift to a more humid climate occurred and birch forests expanded again. A simultaneous increase in the cosmogenic nuclides 14C and 10Be suggests that these changes in climate and vegetation were forced by a sudden decline in solar activity. Expansion of pine occurred during the later part of the Late Preboreal. At the onset of the Boreal, between 10,770 and 10,700 cal BP, dense woodlands with hazel, oak, elm and pine started to develop in The Netherlands.

Direct amplification of DNA from fresh and preserved ectomycorrhizal root tips

Treesearch

Elizabeth Bent; D. Lee Taylor

2009-01-01

Methods are described by which DNA can be amplified directly from ectomycorrhizal root tip homogenates of a variety of plant species (Picea mariana (black spruce), Betula papyrifera (paper birch), Populus tremuloides (trembling aspen) and Alnus sp.(alder)), including root tips that have...

Deterioration of sugar maple following logging damage

Treesearch

Gene A. Hesterberg

1957-01-01

The northern hardwood forest comprises about 9 million acres in the Lake States region. Most of this timber is in Upper Michigan and Wisconsin, with lesser amounts in Minnesota, It consists primarily of sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.), yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis Britt,), basswood (Tilia americana...

Entrepreneurship: The Key to Economic Growth.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Butler, Stuart M., Ed.; Dennis, William J., Jr., Ed.

This publication provides the papers and discussions from a conference of economists, businesspersons, business historians, and politicians on entrepreneurship and public policy. "The Demographics of Entrepreneurship" (David Birch; Thomas Gray, commentator) describes research on the nature of job creation in the United States and Europe.…

Percent crown cover tables for applying the shelterwood system in New England

Treesearch

W. B. Leak; C. H. Tubbs

1983-01-01

Provides tables for estimating residual percent crown cover, using a 10-factor prism, of three species groups: (1) sugar and red maples, yellow and paper birches; (2) white ash, white pine, red spruce, balsam fir, and hemlock; and (3) beech.

78 FR 43189 - Birch Power Company; Notice of Application Tendered for Filing With the Commission and Soliciting...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-07-19

...: Federal Power Act 16 U.S.C. 791(a)-825(r). h. Applicant Contact: Nicholas E. Josten, GeoSense, 2742 Saint... State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO), as required by section 106 of the National Historic...

Lake States Pulpwood Production Reaches New High in 1970

Treesearch

James E. Blyth

1971-01-01

This 25th annual reports shows that 1970 Lake Sates pulpwood production rose to over 4? million cords. Output increased 206,000 cords in Wisconsin, 104,000 cords in Michigan, and 32,000 cords in Minnesota. Birch pulpwood harvesting has increased rapidly since 1967.

VIEW OF FRONT, RECESSED ENTRY. VIEW FACING EAST Camp ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

VIEW OF FRONT, RECESSED ENTRY. VIEW FACING EAST - Camp H.M. Smith and Navy Public Works Center Manana Title VII (Capehart) Housing, Three-Bedroom Single-Family Types 8 and 11, Birch Circle, Elm Drive, Elm Circle, and Date Drive, Pearl City, Honolulu County, HI

DETAIL OF GABLE VENT OVER CARPORT. VIEW FACING SOUTHEAST ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

DETAIL OF GABLE VENT OVER CARPORT. VIEW FACING SOUTHEAST - Camp H.M. Smith and Navy Public Works Center Manana Title VII (Capehart) Housing, Three-Bedroom Single-Family Type 9, Birch Circle, Elm Drive, Elm Circle, and Date Drive, Pearl City, Honolulu County, HI

HALL WITH FOYER IN THE BACKGROUND. VIEW FACING NORTH ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

HALL WITH FOYER IN THE BACKGROUND. VIEW FACING NORTH - Camp H.M. Smith and Navy Public Works Center Manana Title VII (Capehart) Housing, Three-Bedroom Single-Family Type 7, Birch Circle, Elm Drive, Elm Circle, and Date Drive, Pearl City, Honolulu County, HI

VIEW SHOWING STORAGE AREA IN CARPORT. VIEW FACING NORTH ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

VIEW SHOWING STORAGE AREA IN CARPORT. VIEW FACING NORTH - Camp H.M. Smith and Navy Public Works Center Manana Title VII (Capehart) Housing, Three-Bedroom Single-Family Type 9, Birch Circle, Elm Drive, Elm Circle, and Date Drive, Pearl City, Honolulu County, HI

KITCHEN SHOWING THE ORIGINAL CEILINGHEIGHT CABINETS. VIEW FACING SOUTH ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

KITCHEN SHOWING THE ORIGINAL CEILING-HEIGHT CABINETS. VIEW FACING SOUTH - Camp H.M. Smith and Navy Public Works Center Manana Title VII (Capehart) Housing, Four-Bedroom, Single-Family Type 10, Birch Circle, Elm Drive, Elm Circle, and Date Drive, Pearl City, Honolulu County, HI

FOYER SHOWING THE WOOD GRILLE. VIEW FACING NORTHWEST Camp ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

FOYER SHOWING THE WOOD GRILLE. VIEW FACING NORTHWEST - Camp H.M. Smith and Navy Public Works Center Manana Title VII (Capehart) Housing, U-Shaped Two-Bedroom Single-Family Type 6, Birch Circle, Elm Drive, Elm Circle, and Date Drive, Pearl City, Honolulu County, HI

OBLIQUE VIEW FROM THE SOUTH CORNER Camp H.M. Smith ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

OBLIQUE VIEW FROM THE SOUTH CORNER - Camp H.M. Smith and Navy Public Works Center Manana Title VII (Capehart) Housing, U-Shaped Two-Bedroom Single-Family Type 6, Birch Circle, Elm Drive, Elm Circle, and Date Drive, Pearl City, Honolulu County, HI

VIEW OF HALLWAY, LOOKING TOWARDS BEDROOMS. VIEW FACING SOUTHEAST ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

VIEW OF HALLWAY, LOOKING TOWARDS BEDROOMS. VIEW FACING SOUTHEAST - Camp H.M. Smith and Navy Public Works Center Manana Title VII (Capehart) Housing, Three-Bedroom Single-Family Type 9, Birch Circle, Elm Drive, Elm Circle, and Date Drive, Pearl City, Honolulu County, HI

Response to Pilaar Burch and Graham

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

We are delighted that our call for IsoBank, a database for isotopes, has generated interest among our colleagues, and we applaud Pilaar Birch and Graham in their letter for offering a potential repository, Neotoma Paleoecological Database. Their suggestion is promising, and should be explored. We en...

Another scale insect on beech

Treesearch

Alex L. Shigo

1962-01-01

A scale insect, tentatively identified as Xylococculus betulae (Perg.) Morrison, is responsible for one type of bark roughening that is commonly seen on American beech (Fagus grandifolia Ehrh.) trees in certain areas of New England. The insect has also been found on paper birch (Betula papyrifera Marsh.) and...

76 FR 33757 - Ocean Transportation Intermediary License; Applicants

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-06-09

... Club Drive, Bensenville, IL 60106. Officers: Dale Jordon, Director (Operations), (Qualifying Individual...), Application Type: Add OFF Service. Oceanic Link USA LLC (NVO & OFF), 5430 Jimmy Carter Blvd., Suite 216... NVO & OFF License. The Ultimate Logistics Service Corporation (NVO & OFF), 3 Birch Place, Pine Brook...

Radon mitigation at Birch Cliff Public School.

PubMed

Moridi, R; Becker, E

1996-01-01

In 1991, Canadian Institute for Radiation Safety (CAIRS) conducted a radon screening program in all Metropolitan Toronto public schools. Birch Cliff Public School had a radon progeny level higher than the action level of 4.16 x 10(-7) Jm-3 (20 mWL). Follow-up radon testing was carried out at the school. Locations on the ground floor and in the basement were tested. All locations on the ground floor had radon progeny levels below the action level. Six locations in the basement had readings above the action level. All cracks and openings in the basement were sealed and a new heating/ventilating (HV) system for the basement was designed and installed. Then, the basement was tested again. Radon progeny levels are now well below the action level with an average of 7.43 x 10(-8) Jm-3 (3.57 mWL). This is about one fifth of the average radon progeny level found in the first stage of follow-up testing.

Breeding Increases the Efficacy of Chondrostereum purpureum in the Sprout Control of Birch

PubMed Central

Hamberg, Leena; Vartiamäki, Henna; Hantula, Jarkko

2015-01-01

We tested whether the pairing of selected isolates could be used to increase the efficiency of a decay fungus Chondrostereum purpureum (Pers. Ex Fr.) Pouzar to control hardwood sprouting in Finland. We paired C. purpureum strains efficient in sprout control or highly active in laccase production, and tested the efficacy of their progeny in spout control experiments. This procedure resulted in a strain with an efficacy superior to that of the parental strains. The mortality of birch (Betula pendula Roth. and B. pubescens Ehrh.) 1 cm in stump diameter was 78%, 56% and 9% for the best progeny, the best parental strain and the control, respectively. Mortality was only slightly higher for B. pendula than for B. pubescens but no significant differences were found between the number or maximum height of stump sprouts. Our results showed that cross breeding of this decay fungus is a good alternative in attempts to produce efficient biocontrol agents against hardwood sprouting. PMID:25674794

[Peculiarities of mitosis and nucleolar characteristics of the birch plantlets under antropogenous pollution].

PubMed

Butorina, A K; Kalaev, V N; Karpova, S S

2002-01-01

A study was made of some cytogenetic characteristics (mitotic activity, the level and spectrum of pathological mitosis, nucleolar features in root tip cells) in birch plantlets. The seeds were collected in four districts of Voronezh and in the ecologically clean territory. The index of mitotic activity has a considerable resistance to anthropogenous pollution. In the experimental areas, the level and spectrum of pathological mitosis increase. In contaminated areas we observed changes of nucleolar characteristics (the increased surface area of nucleoli and their higher number in cells, the increased number of cells with highly active types of nucleoli, the appearance of residual nucleoli). These changes can be considered as possible mechanisms of adaptation to stress due to antropogenous pollution. It is suggested that the use of such indices as single nucleolar surface area or the level of pathological mitosis may be perspective for cytogenetic monitoring of the environment, and for prognostification of environmental conditions suitable or unsuitable for the human health.

137Cs distribution among annual rings of different tree species contaminated after the Chernobyl accident.

PubMed

Soukhova, N V; Fesenko, S V; Klein, D; Spiridonov, S I; Sanzharova, N I; Badot, P M

2003-01-01

The distributions of 137Cs among annual rings of Pinus sylvestris and Betula pendula at four experimental sites located in the most contaminated areas in the Russian territory after the Chernobyl accident in 1986 were studied. Trees of different ages were sampled from four forest sites with different tree compositions and soil properties. The data analysis shows that 137Cs is very mobile in wood and the 1986 rings do not show the highest contamination. The difference between pine and birch in the pattern of radial 137Cs distribution can be satisfactorily explained by the difference in radial ray composition. 137Cs radial distribution in the wood can be described as the sum of two exponential functions for both species. The function parameters are height, age and species dependent. The distribution of 137Cs in birch wood reveals much more pronounced dependence on site characteristics and/or the age of trees than pines. The data obtained can be used to assess 137Cs content in wood.

Thomas Birch's 'Weekly Letter' (1741-66): correspondence and history in the mid-eighteenth-century Royal Society.

PubMed

Ellis, Markman

2014-09-20

Thomas Birch (1705-66), Secretary of the Royal Society from 1752 to 1765, and Philip Yorke, second Earl of Hardwicke (1720-90), wrote a 'Weekly Letter' from 1741 to 1766, an unpublished correspondence of 680 letters now housed in the British Library (Additional Mss 35396-400). The article examines the dimensions and purposes of this correspondence, an important conduit of information for the influential coterie of the 'Hardwicke circle' gathered around Yorke in the Royal Society. It explores the writers' self-conception of the correspondence, which was expressed in deliberately archaic categories of seventeenth-century news exchange, such as the newsletter, aviso and a-la-main. It shows how the letter writers negotiated their difference in status through the discourse of friendship, and concludes that the 'Weekly Letter' constituted for the correspondents a form of private knowledge, restricted in circulation to their discrete group, and as such unlike the open and networked model of Enlightenment science.

Establishing correspondence in wood: the challenge and some solutions?

PubMed

Courtin, Gerard M; Fairgrieve, Scott I

2013-09-01

Establishing correspondence between the upper portion of a white birch sapling, a suspected weapon, and a potential source from a stand of trees was posed to one of us (GMC). A bending force shattered the sapling, precluding physical matching. Three white birch saplings were taken from the same stand of trees in a similar manner. Correspondence was achieved by measuring the width of the annual rings along four radii from a disk cut above and below the break. The regression coefficient of the data from the two disks from the same sapling was r(2) = 0.95. Regressing the upper disk against the lower disk of two other saplings resulted in r(2) values of 0.26 and 0.17, respectively. The various characteristics that are confined to a wood stem as part of its normal process of growth can be used to eliminate candidate saplings and establish correspondence between two pieces of wood. © 2013 American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

Changes in spectral properties of detached leaves

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Daughtry, C. S. T.; Biehl, L. L.

1984-01-01

If leaf senescence can be delayed for several days without significant changes in spectral properties, then samples of leaves at remote test sites could be prepared and shipped to laboratories to measure spectral properties. The changes in spectral properties of detached leaves were determined. Leaves from red birch and red pine were immersed in water or 0.001 M benzylaminopurine (BAP) and stored in plastic bags in the dark at either 5 or 25 C. Total directional-hemispherical reflectance and transmittance of the adaxial surface of birch leaves were measured over the 400 to 1100 nm wavelength region with a spectroradiometer and integrating sphere. Pine needles were taped together and reflectance of the mat of needles was measured. Spectral properties changed less than 5% of initial values during the first week when leaves were stored at 5 C. Storage at 25 C promoted rapid senescence and large changes in spectral properties. BAP delayed, but did not stop, senescence at 25 C.

Kinetic modeling of multi-feed simultaneous saccharification and co-fermentation of pretreated birch to ethanol.

PubMed

Wang, Ruifei; Koppram, Rakesh; Olsson, Lisbeth; Franzén, Carl Johan

2014-11-01

Fed-batch simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) is a feasible option for bioethanol production from lignocellulosic raw materials at high substrate concentrations. In this work, a segregated kinetic model was developed for simulation of fed-batch simultaneous saccharification and co-fermentation (SSCF) of steam-pretreated birch, using substrate, enzymes and cell feeds. The model takes into account the dynamics of the cellulase-cellulose system and the cell population during SSCF, and the effects of pre-cultivation of yeast cells on fermentation performance. The model was cross-validated against experiments using different feed schemes. It could predict fermentation performance and explain observed differences between measured total yeast cells and dividing cells very well. The reproducibility of the experiments and the cell viability were significantly better in fed-batch than in batch SSCF at 15% and 20% total WIS contents. The model can be used for simulation of fed-batch SSCF and optimization of feed profiles. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Breeding increases the efficacy of Chondrostereum purpureum in the sprout control of birch.

PubMed

Hamberg, Leena; Vartiamäki, Henna; Hantula, Jarkko

2015-01-01

We tested whether the pairing of selected isolates could be used to increase the efficiency of a decay fungus Chondrostereum purpureum (Pers. Ex Fr.) Pouzar to control hardwood sprouting in Finland. We paired C. purpureum strains efficient in sprout control or highly active in laccase production, and tested the efficacy of their progeny in spout control experiments. This procedure resulted in a strain with an efficacy superior to that of the parental strains. The mortality of birch (Betula pendula Roth. and B. pubescens Ehrh.) 1 cm in stump diameter was 78%, 56% and 9% for the best progeny, the best parental strain and the control, respectively. Mortality was only slightly higher for B. pendula than for B. pubescens but no significant differences were found between the number or maximum height of stump sprouts. Our results showed that cross breeding of this decay fungus is a good alternative in attempts to produce efficient biocontrol agents against hardwood sprouting.

The Impact of Artificial Forest Plantations on Mountain-Meadow Soils of Crimea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kostenko, I. V.

2018-05-01

A significant change in the properties of mountainous meadow soils of the Ai-Petri Plateau has taken place under the impact of artificial plantations of pine, birch, and larch created in the Crimean highlands in the middle of the 20th century. In comparison with the soils under meadow vegetation, the soils under forest vegetation are characterized by an increased content of large aggregates, a decrease in the humus content, and an increase in the soil acidity and in the iron content of the organomineral compounds. The most dramatic changes in the structural state of the soils are observed under the plantations of pine. The changes in the acidity and the iron content are most pronounced under larch stands. The decrease in the humus content is observed under all tree species. Thus, in the soil layer of 0-10 cm under pine, birch, and larch stands, the content of Corg is 1.2, 1.3, and 1.4 times lower, respectively, than that in the soil under meadow vegetation.

Polyphenols in strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) leaves induced by plant activators.

PubMed

Kårlund, Anna; Salminen, Juha-Pekka; Koskinen, Piia; Ahern, Jeffrey R; Karonen, Maarit; Tiilikkala, Kari; Karjalainen, Reijo O

2014-05-21

Strawberry leaves contain high amounts of diverse phenolic compounds potentially possessing defensive activities against microbial pathogens and beneficial properties for human health. In this work, young strawberry plants were treated with two plant activators, S-methylbenzo-1,2,3-thaidiazole-7-carbothiate (BTH) and birch wood distillate. Phenolic compounds from activator-treated and control leaves were subjected to quantitative analyses by HPLC-DAD, HPLC-ESI-MS, and microQTOF ESI-MS. Thirty-two different phenolic compounds were detected and characterized, and 21 different ellagitannins constituted the largest group of compounds in the strawberry leaves (37.88-45.82 mg/g dry weight, 47.0-54.3% of total phenolics). Treatment with BTH resulted in higher levels of individual ellagitannins, whereas treatment with birch wood distillate strongly increased the levels of chlorogenic acid in strawberry leaves compared with the control. The results suggest that different plant activators may be useful tools for the activation of different branches in the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis in strawberry.

Sound velocity measurements in dhcp-FeH up to 70 GPa with inelastic X-ray scattering: Implications for the composition of the Earth's core

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shibazaki, Yuki; Ohtani, Eiji; Fukui, Hiroshi; Sakai, Takeshi; Kamada, Seiji; Ishikawa, Daisuke; Tsutsui, Satoshi; Baron, Alfred Q. R.; Nishitani, Naoya; Hirao, Naohisa; Takemura, Kenichi

2012-01-01

We have determined the density evolution of the sound velocity of dhcp-FeH x ( x ≈ 1) up to 70 GPa at room temperature, by inelastic X-ray scattering and by X-ray diffraction. We find that the variation of VP with density is different for the ferromagnetic and nonmagnetic dhcp-FeH x, and that only nonmagnetic dhcp-FeH x follows Birch's law. Combining our results with Birch's law for iron and assuming an ideal two-component mixing model, we obtain an upper bound of the hydrogen content in the Earth's inner core, 0.23(6) wt.% H, corresponding to FeH 0.13(3). The iron alloy with 0.23(6) wt.% H can satisfy the density, and compressional and shear sound velocities of the PREM inner core, assuming that there are no other light elements in the inner core.

Thomas Birch's ‘Weekly Letter’ (1741–66): correspondence and history in the mid-eighteenth-century Royal Society

PubMed Central

Ellis, Markman

2014-01-01

Thomas Birch (1705–66), Secretary of the Royal Society from 1752 to 1765, and Philip Yorke, second Earl of Hardwicke (1720–90), wrote a ‘Weekly Letter’ from 1741 to 1766, an unpublished correspondence of 680 letters now housed in the British Library (Additional Mss 35396–400). The article examines the dimensions and purposes of this correspondence, an important conduit of information for the influential coterie of the ‘Hardwicke circle’ gathered around Yorke in the Royal Society. It explores the writers' self-conception of the correspondence, which was expressed in deliberately archaic categories of seventeenth-century news exchange, such as the newsletter, aviso and a-la-main. It shows how the letter writers negotiated their difference in status through the discourse of friendship, and concludes that the ‘Weekly Letter’ constituted for the correspondents a form of private knowledge, restricted in circulation to their discrete group, and as such unlike the open and networked model of Enlightenment science. PMID:25254279

Impact of Wetting/Oven-Drying Cycles on the Mechanical and Physical Properties of Birch Plywood

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sooru, M.; Kasepuu, K.; Kask, R.; Lille, H.

2015-11-01

The objective of this study was to explore some physical and mechanical properties and the dimensional stability of birch (Betula sp.) nine-ply veneers glued with phenol-formaldehyde (PF) after 10 cycles of soaking/oven-drying. The properties to be determined were bending strength (BS), modulus of elasticity in bending (MOE), Janka hardness (JH) and thickness swelling (TS), which were tested according to the European Standards (EN). An analytical equation was used for approximation of the change in the physical and mechanical properties of the samples depending on the number of cycles. It was shown that the values of the studied properties were affected most by the first soaking and drying cycles after which BS and MOE decreased continuously while the values of JH and TS stabilized. After 10 cycles the final values of BS, MOE, JH and TS accounted for 75-81%, 95%, 82% and 98.5% of the initial values, respectively.

Cultural Resources of the Ohio River Floodplain in Illinois,

DTIC Science & Technology

1977-10-15

Province. Dominants in this habitat are mostly white oak (Quercus alba ) and black oak (Quercus velutina), with pockets of post oak and blackjack oak...Stream-bank species include mostly black willow ( Salix nigra), cottonwood (Populus del- toides), sycamore, honey locust, river birch (Betula nigra), or

76 FR 19007 - Proposed Flood Elevation Determinations

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-04-06

... Birch Creek Road. Black Mingo Creek At the upstream side of None +14 Unincorporated Areas of County Line... Road. Boggy Swamp A At the Black Mingo None +25 Unincorporated Areas of Creek confluence. Williamsburg... mile None +35 Unincorporated Areas of upstream of the Black Williamsburg County. River confluence...

KITCHEN WITH THE FOYER IN BACKGROUND. VIEW FACING SOUTHEAST ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

KITCHEN WITH THE FOYER IN BACKGROUND. VIEW FACING SOUTHEAST - Camp H.M. Smith and Navy Public Works Center Manana Title VII (Capehart) Housing, Three-Bedroom Single-Family Types 8 and 11, Birch Circle, Elm Drive, Elm Circle, and Date Drive, Pearl City, Honolulu County, HI

VIEW OF FRONT, RECESSED ENTRY SHOWING FRONT WALK. VIEW FACING ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

VIEW OF FRONT, RECESSED ENTRY SHOWING FRONT WALK. VIEW FACING SOUTHWEST - Camp H.M. Smith and Navy Public Works Center Manana Title VII (Capehart) Housing, Three-Bedroom Single-Family Type 9, Birch Circle, Elm Drive, Elm Circle, and Date Drive, Pearl City, Honolulu County, HI

DETAIL OF TYPICAL BASEBOARD IN LIVING ROOM. VIEW FACING SOUTH ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

DETAIL OF TYPICAL BASEBOARD IN LIVING ROOM. VIEW FACING SOUTH - Camp H.M. Smith and Navy Public Works Center Manana Title VII (Capehart) Housing, Four-Bedroom, Single-Family Type 10, Birch Circle, Elm Drive, Elm Circle, and Date Drive, Pearl City, Honolulu County, HI

REAR OBLIQUE VIEW, SHOWING OPEN GRASSY REAR YARD. VIEW FACING ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

REAR OBLIQUE VIEW, SHOWING OPEN GRASSY REAR YARD. VIEW FACING NORTH - Camp H.M. Smith and Navy Public Works Center Manana Title VII (Capehart) Housing, Three-Bedroom Single-Family Type 9, Birch Circle, Elm Drive, Elm Circle, and Date Drive, Pearl City, Honolulu County, HI

REAR VIEW OF THE HOUSE FROM THE NORTHEAST SIDE ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

REAR VIEW OF THE HOUSE FROM THE NORTHEAST SIDE - Camp H.M. Smith and Navy Public Works Center Manana Title VII (Capehart) Housing, U-Shaped Two-Bedroom Single-Family Type 6, Birch Circle, Elm Drive, Elm Circle, and Date Drive, Pearl City, Honolulu County, HI

DINING ROOM DOOR TO THE CARPORT. VIEW FACING SOUTHEAST ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

DINING ROOM DOOR TO THE CARPORT. VIEW FACING SOUTHEAST - Camp H.M. Smith and Navy Public Works Center Manana Title VII (Capehart) Housing, U-Shaped Two-Bedroom Single-Family Type 6, Birch Circle, Elm Drive, Elm Circle, and Date Drive, Pearl City, Honolulu County, HI

OBLIQUE VIEW FROM ACROSS THE WEST, ACROSS THE STREET ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

OBLIQUE VIEW FROM ACROSS THE WEST, ACROSS THE STREET - Camp H.M. Smith and Navy Public Works Center Manana Title VII (Capehart) Housing, U-Shaped Two-Bedroom Single-Family Type 6, Birch Circle, Elm Drive, Elm Circle, and Date Drive, Pearl City, Honolulu County, HI

FRONT OBLIQUE SHOWING REAR OF CARPORT STORAGE AREA. VIEW FACING ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

FRONT OBLIQUE SHOWING REAR OF CARPORT STORAGE AREA. VIEW FACING SOUTH - Camp H.M. Smith and Navy Public Works Center Manana Title VII (Capehart) Housing, Three-Bedroom Single-Family Type 9, Birch Circle, Elm Drive, Elm Circle, and Date Drive, Pearl City, Honolulu County, HI

CLOSEUP OF STORAGE AREA IN ENCLOSED CARPORT. VIEW FACING WEST ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

CLOSEUP OF STORAGE AREA IN ENCLOSED CARPORT. VIEW FACING WEST - Camp H.M. Smith and Navy Public Works Center Manana Title VII (Capehart) Housing, Four-Bedroom, Single-Family Type 10, Birch Circle, Elm Drive, Elm Circle, and Date Drive, Pearl City, Honolulu County, HI

REAR ELEVATION SHOWING ENCLOSED CARPORT ON RIGHT SIDE. VIEW FACING ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

REAR ELEVATION SHOWING ENCLOSED CARPORT ON RIGHT SIDE. VIEW FACING SOUTHWEST - Camp H.M. Smith and Navy Public Works Center Manana Title VII (Capehart) Housing, Four-Bedroom, Single-Family Type 10, Birch Circle, Elm Drive, Elm Circle, and Date Drive, Pearl City, Honolulu County, HI

Fertilizing and thinning northern hardwoods in the Lake States.

Treesearch

Douglas M. Stone

1977-01-01

Reports results of fertilizing and thinning pole-size sugar maple and yellow birch crop trees on six different sites. Thinning significantly increased diameter growth, but fertilization did not. Crop trees on moist (moderately well-drained) soils have tended to respond to fertilization. Discusses silvicultural implications.

Student Control as a Planning and Design Factor in Educational Facilities.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lilley, H. Edward

Appropriate school facility design promotes a balance between student freedom and control. This report evaluates research on architectural approaches affecting student control and offers design recommendations. Since 1960, school discipline and vandalism problems have exploded. Senator Birch Bayh's committee reported that certain crimes are…

Proceedings of the ninth Lake States Forest Tree Improvement Conference, August 22-23, 1969.

Treesearch

USDA

1970-01-01

Presents nine papers concerning recent research in forest genetics, physiology, and allied fields. Species discussed include Scotch pine, red pine, jack pine, white pine, larch, white spruce, black spruce, balsam fir, yellow birch, sugar maple, red oak, American elm, and aspen.

The relative roles of climate and land use in the degradation of a terrestrial ecosystem: a case study from Kjarardalur, West Iceland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Erlendsson, Egill; Gísladóttir, Guðrún

2016-04-01

Around AD 870 the virgin environment of Iceland became populated by humans and mammal land herbivores. Since then, the island has lost nearly all of its native birch woodland, resulting in dramatic degradation of landscapes and ecosystems, attributed mainly to over-exploitation of woodlands and late-medieval climate deterioration. As part of policy making in agriculture, a heated debate is ongoing over limitations to sheep grazing in pastures suffering from long-term degradation. In this context the history of climate and land use is of great importance. Those who consider grazing a minimal attribute to land degradation argue that the harsh climate conditions of the little ice age are the primary mechanism behind the current degraded landscape. Others err on the side of caution and propose a careful approach to grazing. This study forms a contribution to the historical context of the impact of grazing upon the Icelandic terrestrial ecosystem. Using the analyses of pollen and spores from coprophilous fungi as principal methods, we present data about historical environmental change from within two different land holdings in Kjarardalur Valley, West Iceland. One dataset comes from within a landholding governed by the chieftain farm Reykholt, the other comes from within the land of the indipendent farm, Norðtunga. In the past the valley was used primarily as a pasture, associated with shielings (organised seasonal grazing). Pollen data from the pasture in Kjarardalur Valley, West Iceland, demonstrate a rapid loss of birch (Betula pubescens) woodland from grazing areas owned by the major farm and institution, Reykholt. The suppressive nature of grazing is demonstrated by the expansion of woodland as soon when animal stocks are reduced, probably as a consequence of the bubonic plague after AD 1402. Resumed exploitation of resources eventually depleted all birch woodland from the Reykholt landholding and precipitated soil erosion. The trajectory of environmental change in the adjacent woodland belonging to the independent farm, Norðtunga is quite different. There woodland and landscape stability recovered from an initial period of decline and survived throughout the 11 centuries of land use and unfavourable climate during the little ice age. After c. AD 1700 a significant rise in livestock numbers, particularly sheep, caused a decline in the remaining woodland at both sites. In the case of the Reykholt land holding this led to the final depletion of birch woodland. The research shows that careful land management, perhaps resulting from secular ownership of land, could have minimised the deterioration of terrestrial ecosystems.

Birch's Crustal Heat Production-Heat Flow Law: Key to Quantifying Mantle Heat Flow as a function of time

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blackwell, D. D.; Thakur, M.

2007-12-01

Birch (1968) first showed the linear correlation of surface heat flow and radioactive heat production (Qs = Qo + bAs ) in granites in New England, USA and discussed implications to the vertical scale of radioactive heat generation in the crust. Subsequently similar relationships have been found worldwide and numerous papers written describing more details and expanding the implications of Birch's Law. The results are a powerful contribution from heat flow research to the understanding of the lithosphere and its evolution. Models are both well constrained experimentally and simple in implications. However, there still exist thermal models of the crust and lithosphere that do not have the same firm foundation and involve unnecessary ad hoc assumptions. A main point of confusion has been that the several of the original relationships were so low in error as to be considered by some to be "fortuitous". Interestingly a "similar" relationship has been proposed based on regional scale averaging of Qs -As data. A second point of confusion is that one admissible crustal radioactivity distribution model (the constant heat generation to depth b) has been criticized as unrealistic for a number of reasons, including the effect of erosion. However, it is appropriate to refer to the Qs -As relationship as a law because in fact the relationship holds as long as the vertical distribution is "geologically realistic." as will be demonstrated in this paper. All geologic and geophysical models of the continental crust imply decreasing heat production as a function of depth (i.e. the seismic layering for example) except in very special cases. This general decrease with depth is the only condition required for the existence of a "linear" Qs -As relationship. A comparison of all the Qs -As relationships proposed for terrains not affected by thermal events over the last 150 to 200 Ma shows a remarkably uniformity in slope (10 ± 3 km) and intercept value (30 ± 5 mWm-2 ). Therefore these parameters of Birch's Law equation represent the starting place for discussions of lithospheric thermal regime and evolution. The stability of the values of intercept Qo for areas with thermal ages of Paleozoic and older prove that the lithosphere heat flow does not vary significantly with age as is demonstrated in the companion paper. The minimum mantle heat flow for preMesozoic thermal terrains is 20 - 25 mWm-2. This value is consistent with the lack of indication from xenolith data that lithosphere thickness changes with age and with theoretical models of mantle convection.

Dynamics in late-successional hemlock-hardwood forests over three decades

Treesearch

Kerry D. Woods

2000-01-01

Permanent plots in old-growth hemlock-northern hardwood forests of Michigan's upper peninsula have been remeasured over periods of 16-32 yr. A gradient from hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) to sugar maple (Acer saccharum) dominance is associated with increasing soil pH and calcium. Secondary species include yellow birch (...

Using trees on reclaimed mined lands in southern Illinois

Treesearch

Jim Sandusky

1980-01-01

In southern Illinois Peabody Coal Company included reforestation as a part of its ten year plan for the reclamation of acid mine spoil. Hand planted trees had highest survival rates. The species that proved most successful were black locust, autumn olive, sweetgum, black alder, loblolly pine, and river birch.

Growth of yellow-poplar and associated species in West Virginia ...as a guide to selective cutting

Treesearch

Carl J. Holcomb; C. Allen Bickford

1952-01-01

Yellow-poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera L.) has long been recognized as a valuable species. Lumbermen prize the long, straight, clear boles. Foresters like its silvicultural attributes. They also regard well the other species that are associated with it: ash, basswood, birch, maple, and cherry.

The Evolution of USDA Forest Service Experimental Forest Research on Northern Conifers in the Northeast

Treesearch

Laura S. Kenefic; Nicole S. Rogers

2017-01-01

The degraded stand pictured in this 1955 USDA Forest Service photograph from Maine was dominated by balsam fir (Abies balsamea), red maple (Acer rubrum), paper birch (Betula papyrifera), and American beech (Fagus grandifolia). Stands such as these were typical of second-growth, lowland...

76 FR 18215 - Birch Power Company; Notice of Intent To File License Application, Filing of Pre-Application...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-04-01

...-6152; e-mail_ [email protected]net i. FERC Contact: Jennifer Adams at (202) 502-8087; or e-mail at.../esubscription.asp to be notified via e-mail of new filing and issuances related to this or other pending...

BEDROOM 1 SHOWING THE OPENING IN THE EXTERIOR WALL FOR ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

BEDROOM 1 SHOWING THE OPENING IN THE EXTERIOR WALL FOR AN AIR CONDITIONER. VIEW FACING NORTHEAST - Camp H.M. Smith and Navy Public Works Center Manana Title VII (Capehart) Housing, U-Shaped Three-Bedroom Duplex Type 3, Acacia Road, Birch Circle, and Cedar Drive, Pearl City, Honolulu County, HI

United States Air Force Research Initiation Program for 1987. Volume 4.

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-04-01

devices containing an initial volume of 1.Oml TCE showed a decrease in performance and activity. 83-1 Acknowledgements Debbie Hollenbach (who completed...the Old German word for birch .) Parchment, the f’crvor of monks in medieval monasteries, and advancements in calligraphy and illumination turned books

Variation in height growth and growth

Treesearch

Knud E. Clausen

1968-01-01

Yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis Britt.) is an important hardwood species in the Lake States, northeastern United States, and eastern Canada. Since it produces valuable timber, the species is a logical candidate for genetic improvement. An understanding of the variation pattern in a species is, however, basic to any improvement program. In 1963...

International board-foot volume tables for trees in the Susitna River Basin, Alaska.

Treesearch

Frederic R. Larson

1990-01-01

International 1/4-inch board-foot volume equations and tables were derived from fall, buck, and scale data for 374 trees at 78 locations in the Susitna River Basin, Alaska. Tree species included white and black spruce, paper birch, black cottonwood, and quaking aspen.

Crystal structure of peanut (Arachis hypogaea) allergen Ara h 5

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Profilins from numerous species are known to be allergens, including food allergens, such as peanut (Arachis hypogaea) allergen Ara h 5, and pollen allergens, such as birch allergen Bet v 2. Patients with pollen allergy can also cross-react to peanut. Structural characterization of allergens will al...

Spear-Marked Black Moth

Treesearch

Richard A. Werner; Bruce H. Baker

1977-01-01

The spear-marked black moth, Rheumaptera hastata (L.) (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) is a serious defoliator of paper birch (Betula papyrifera Marsh.) in interior Alaska. Epidemic populations have occurred at 15- to 17- year intervals, persisted for 2 years, and then collapsed. Recorded outbreaks occurred in 1941, acreage unknown; from 1957 to 1958, 5 million acres (2...

Celticecis, a Genus of Gall Midges (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), Newly Reported for the Western Palearctic Region

Treesearch

Raymond J. Gagné; John C. Moser

1997-01-01

Many Holarctic genera of trees and shrubs are host over much of their ranges to particular genera of Cecidomyiidae. As examples, willows host gall midges of Rabdophaga and Iteomyia, oaks host Macrodiplosis and Polystepha, and birches host Semudobia in both the Nearctic and...

12. Photographic copy of construction drawing, dated September 29, 1932, ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

12. Photographic copy of construction drawing, dated September 29, 1932, Construction Division Office of the Quartermaster General, in possession of Selfridge Base Museum, Mt. Clemens, Michigan. PLAN 625-25?? SDO 163 (ELEVATIONS) - Selfridge Field, Building Nos. 246 & 253, 246 Birch Street & 253 Wagner Street, Mount Clemens, Macomb County, MI

Bibliography on Cold Regions Science and Technology, Volume 46, Part 1, 1992

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-01-01

analysis, snose cover is depleted and a bhoswl-shaped depression (a tree Ecology, Nutrient cycle. Bitmass.46-3969 well) forms. Around aspen and birch...ibscrsatuons ori heteroigenrerus asterlee hysis an miromehanis: arevew o selctedItow and siome attcmptS 1 tomidel percirlattirn in (%o moirds Ice hyscs

Stand changes in the first 10 years after seedbed preparation for paper birch

Treesearch

John C. Bjorkbom; John C. Bjorkbom

1972-01-01

Changes may take place rapidly in young forest stands. Stands that appear good may deteriorate unexpectedly: stands that hold little promise initially may suddenly show great potential. The ability to understand and predict such changes increases our ability to prescribe effective silvicultural treatments.

DINING ROOM SHOWING DOOR TO LANAI AND PASS THRU TO ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

DINING ROOM SHOWING DOOR TO LANAI AND PASS THRU TO KITCHEN (RIGHT). VIEW FACING SOUTHEAST - Camp H.M. Smith and Navy Public Works Center Manana Title VII (Capehart) Housing, Three-Bedroom Single-Family Type 7, Birch Circle, Elm Drive, Elm Circle, and Date Drive, Pearl City, Honolulu County, HI

FRONT OBLIQUE VIEW WITH STREET ON RIGHT HAND SIDE. VIEW ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

FRONT OBLIQUE VIEW WITH STREET ON RIGHT HAND SIDE. VIEW FACING WEST - Camp H.M. Smith and Navy Public Works Center Manana Title VII (Capehart) Housing, Three-Bedroom Single-Family Type 9, Birch Circle, Elm Drive, Elm Circle, and Date Drive, Pearl City, Honolulu County, HI

MAIN STREET FACING VIEW OF THE HOUSE. THIS VIEW IS ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

MAIN STREET FACING VIEW OF THE HOUSE. THIS VIEW IS FACING SOUTHWEST - Camp H.M. Smith and Navy Public Works Center Manana Title VII (Capehart) Housing, U-Shaped Two-Bedroom Single-Family Type 6, Birch Circle, Elm Drive, Elm Circle, and Date Drive, Pearl City, Honolulu County, HI

UTILITY ROOM WITH CANEC PANEL CEILING AND TONGUE AND GROOVE ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

UTILITY ROOM WITH CANEC PANEL CEILING AND TONGUE AND GROOVE WALL BOARDS. VIEW FACING NORTHWEST - Camp H.M. Smith and Navy Public Works Center Manana Title VII (Capehart) Housing, Four-Bedroom, Single-Family Type 10, Birch Circle, Elm Drive, Elm Circle, and Date Drive, Pearl City, Honolulu County, HI

INTERIOR VIEW OF FOYER WITH ENTRY DOOR ON THE RIGHT. ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

INTERIOR VIEW OF FOYER WITH ENTRY DOOR ON THE RIGHT. VIEW FACING EAST - Camp H.M. Smith and Navy Public Works Center Manana Title VII (Capehart) Housing, Three-Bedroom Single-Family Type 7, Birch Circle, Elm Drive, Elm Circle, and Date Drive, Pearl City, Honolulu County, HI

REAR ELEVATION WITH BASE OF PALM TREE IN FOREGROUND. VIEW ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

REAR ELEVATION WITH BASE OF PALM TREE IN FOREGROUND. VIEW FACING NORTH/NORTHEAST - Camp H.M. Smith and Navy Public Works Center Manana Title VII (Capehart) Housing, Three-Bedroom Single-Family Type 9, Birch Circle, Elm Drive, Elm Circle, and Date Drive, Pearl City, Honolulu County, HI

FOYER SHOWING WOOD GRILLE AT THE LIVING ROOM AND HALL ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

FOYER SHOWING WOOD GRILLE AT THE LIVING ROOM AND HALL TO BEDROOMS. VIEW FACING SOUTH - Camp H.M. Smith and Navy Public Works Center Manana Title VII (Capehart) Housing, Four-Bedroom, Single-Family Type 10, Birch Circle, Elm Drive, Elm Circle, and Date Drive, Pearl City, Honolulu County, HI

DINING ROOM. NOTE THE RECESSED PULLS ON THE SLIDING DOORS. ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

DINING ROOM. NOTE THE RECESSED PULLS ON THE SLIDING DOORS. VIEW FACING EAST - Camp H.M. Smith and Navy Public Works Center Manana Title VII (Capehart) Housing, U-Shaped Two-Bedroom Single-Family Type 6, Birch Circle, Elm Drive, Elm Circle, and Date Drive, Pearl City, Honolulu County, HI

MASTER BEDROOM SHOWING THE CLOSET WITH SLIDING DOORS. VIEW FACING ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

MASTER BEDROOM SHOWING THE CLOSET WITH SLIDING DOORS. VIEW FACING NORTHEAST - Camp H.M. Smith and Navy Public Works Center Manana Title VII (Capehart) Housing, Three-Bedroom Single-Family Types 8 and 11, Birch Circle, Elm Drive, Elm Circle, and Date Drive, Pearl City, Honolulu County, HI

UTILITY ROOM SHOWING THE JALOUSIE PANEL REAR DOOR. VIEW FACING ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

UTILITY ROOM SHOWING THE JALOUSIE PANEL REAR DOOR. VIEW FACING NORTHEAST - Camp H.M. Smith and Navy Public Works Center Manana Title VII (Capehart) Housing, U-Shaped Two-Bedroom Single-Family Type 6, Birch Circle, Elm Drive, Elm Circle, and Date Drive, Pearl City, Honolulu County, HI

VIEW OF LIVING ROOM DOORS SHOWN IN CLOSED POSITION. VIEW ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

VIEW OF LIVING ROOM DOORS SHOWN IN CLOSED POSITION. VIEW FACING WEST - Camp H.M. Smith and Navy Public Works Center Manana Title VII (Capehart) Housing, Three-Bedroom Single-Family Type 9, Birch Circle, Elm Drive, Elm Circle, and Date Drive, Pearl City, Honolulu County, HI

DETAILED VIEW OF PARTIALLY ENCLOSED LANAI AT THE FRONT OF ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

DETAILED VIEW OF PARTIALLY ENCLOSED LANAI AT THE FRONT OF THE HOUSE - Camp H.M. Smith and Navy Public Works Center Manana Title VII (Capehart) Housing, Three-Bedroom Single-Family Type 7, Birch Circle, Elm Drive, Elm Circle, and Date Drive, Pearl City, Honolulu County, HI

MASTER BATH SHOWING SINK WITH VANITY AND THE MEDICINE CABINET. ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

MASTER BATH SHOWING SINK WITH VANITY AND THE MEDICINE CABINET. VIEW FACING WEST - Camp H.M. Smith and Navy Public Works Center Manana Title VII (Capehart) Housing, U-Shaped Two-Bedroom Single-Family Type 6, Birch Circle, Elm Drive, Elm Circle, and Date Drive, Pearl City, Honolulu County, HI

VIEW OF REAR YARD WITH PLUMERIA TREES AND SMALL PALMS. ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

VIEW OF REAR YARD WITH PLUMERIA TREES AND SMALL PALMS. VIEW FACING EAST - Camp H.M. Smith and Navy Public Works Center Manana Title VII (Capehart) Housing, Three-Bedroom Single-Family Types 8 and 11, Birch Circle, Elm Drive, Elm Circle, and Date Drive, Pearl City, Honolulu County, HI

LINEN CLOSET IN THE HALL SHOWING THE BUILT IN SHELVES. ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

LINEN CLOSET IN THE HALL SHOWING THE BUILT IN SHELVES. VIEW FACING SOUTHEAST - Camp H.M. Smith and Navy Public Works Center Manana Title VII (Capehart) Housing, Three-Bedroom Single-Family Type 7, Birch Circle, Elm Drive, Elm Circle, and Date Drive, Pearl City, Honolulu County, HI

VIEW OF UTILITY ROOM, SHOWING ORIGINAL REAR DOOR WITH GLASS ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

VIEW OF UTILITY ROOM, SHOWING ORIGINAL REAR DOOR WITH GLASS JALOUSIES. VIEW FACING SOUTHWEST - Camp H.M. Smith and Navy Public Works Center Manana Title VII (Capehart) Housing, Three-Bedroom Single-Family Type 9, Birch Circle, Elm Drive, Elm Circle, and Date Drive, Pearl City, Honolulu County, HI