Sample records for linear phase fir

  1. Novel programmable microwave photonic filter with arbitrary filtering shape and linear phase.

    PubMed

    Zhu, Xiaoqi; Chen, Feiya; Peng, Huanfa; Chen, Zhangyuan

    2017-04-17

    We propose and demonstrate a novel optical frequency comb (OFC) based microwave photonic filter which is able to realize arbitrary filtering shape with linear phase response. The shape of filter response is software programmable using finite impulse response (FIR) filter design method. By shaping the OFC spectrum using a programmable waveshaper, we can realize designed amplitude of FIR taps. Positive and negative sign of FIR taps are achieved by balanced photo-detection. The double sideband (DSB) modulation and symmetric distribution of filter taps are used to maintain the linear phase condition. In the experiment, we realize a fully programmable filter in the range from DC to 13.88 GHz. Four basic types of filters (lowpass, highpass, bandpass and bandstop) with different bandwidths, cut-off frequencies and central frequencies are generated. Also a triple-passband filter is realized in our experiment. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first demonstration of a programmable multiple passband MPF with linear phase response. The experiment shows good agreement with the theoretical result.

  2. Efficient and Accurate Optimal Linear Phase FIR Filter Design Using Opposition-Based Harmony Search Algorithm

    PubMed Central

    Saha, S. K.; Dutta, R.; Choudhury, R.; Kar, R.; Mandal, D.; Ghoshal, S. P.

    2013-01-01

    In this paper, opposition-based harmony search has been applied for the optimal design of linear phase FIR filters. RGA, PSO, and DE have also been adopted for the sake of comparison. The original harmony search algorithm is chosen as the parent one, and opposition-based approach is applied. During the initialization, randomly generated population of solutions is chosen, opposite solutions are also considered, and the fitter one is selected as a priori guess. In harmony memory, each such solution passes through memory consideration rule, pitch adjustment rule, and then opposition-based reinitialization generation jumping, which gives the optimum result corresponding to the least error fitness in multidimensional search space of FIR filter design. Incorporation of different control parameters in the basic HS algorithm results in the balancing of exploration and exploitation of search space. Low pass, high pass, band pass, and band stop FIR filters are designed with the proposed OHS and other aforementioned algorithms individually for comparative optimization performance. A comparison of simulation results reveals the optimization efficacy of the OHS over the other optimization techniques for the solution of the multimodal, nondifferentiable, nonlinear, and constrained FIR filter design problems. PMID:23844390

  3. Efficient and accurate optimal linear phase FIR filter design using opposition-based harmony search algorithm.

    PubMed

    Saha, S K; Dutta, R; Choudhury, R; Kar, R; Mandal, D; Ghoshal, S P

    2013-01-01

    In this paper, opposition-based harmony search has been applied for the optimal design of linear phase FIR filters. RGA, PSO, and DE have also been adopted for the sake of comparison. The original harmony search algorithm is chosen as the parent one, and opposition-based approach is applied. During the initialization, randomly generated population of solutions is chosen, opposite solutions are also considered, and the fitter one is selected as a priori guess. In harmony memory, each such solution passes through memory consideration rule, pitch adjustment rule, and then opposition-based reinitialization generation jumping, which gives the optimum result corresponding to the least error fitness in multidimensional search space of FIR filter design. Incorporation of different control parameters in the basic HS algorithm results in the balancing of exploration and exploitation of search space. Low pass, high pass, band pass, and band stop FIR filters are designed with the proposed OHS and other aforementioned algorithms individually for comparative optimization performance. A comparison of simulation results reveals the optimization efficacy of the OHS over the other optimization techniques for the solution of the multimodal, nondifferentiable, nonlinear, and constrained FIR filter design problems.

  4. A low-noise delta-sigma phase modulator for polar transmitters.

    PubMed

    Zhou, Bo

    2014-01-01

    A low-noise phase modulator, using finite-impulse-response (FIR) filtering embedded delta-sigma (ΔΣ) fractional-N phase-locked loop (PLL), is fabricated in 0.18 μ m CMOS for GSM/EDGE polar transmitters. A simplified digital compensation filter with inverse-FIR and -PLL features is proposed to trade off the transmitter noise and linearity. Experimental results show that the presented architecture performs RF phase modulation well with 20 mW power dissipation from 1.6 V supply and achieves the root-mean-square (rms) and peak phase errors of 4° and 8.5°, respectively. The measured and simulated phase noises of -104 dBc/Hz and -120 dBc/Hz at 400-kHz offset from 1.8-GHz carrier frequency are observed, respectively.

  5. A Low-Noise Delta-Sigma Phase Modulator for Polar Transmitters

    PubMed Central

    Zhou, Bo

    2014-01-01

    A low-noise phase modulator, using finite-impulse-response (FIR) filtering embedded delta-sigma (ΔΣ) fractional-N phase-locked loop (PLL), is fabricated in 0.18 μm CMOS for GSM/EDGE polar transmitters. A simplified digital compensation filter with inverse-FIR and -PLL features is proposed to trade off the transmitter noise and linearity. Experimental results show that the presented architecture performs RF phase modulation well with 20 mW power dissipation from 1.6 V supply and achieves the root-mean-square (rms) and peak phase errors of 4° and 8.5°, respectively. The measured and simulated phase noises of −104 dBc/Hz and −120 dBc/Hz at 400-kHz offset from 1.8-GHz carrier frequency are observed, respectively. PMID:24719578

  6. Estimating extent of mortality associated with the Douglas-fir beetle in the Central and Northern Rockies

    Treesearch

    Jose F. Negron; Willis C. Schaupp; Kenneth E. Gibson; John Anhold; Dawn Hansen; Ralph Thier; Phil Mocettini

    1999-01-01

    Data collected from Douglas-fir stands infected by the Douglas-fir beetle in Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, and Utah, were used to develop models to estimate amount of mortality in terms of basal area killed. Models were built using stepwise linear regression and regression tree approaches. Linear regression models using initial Douglas-fir basal area were built for all...

  7. Time Delay Estimation

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1976-04-09

    of the signal and noise remain HH ***^-^*--~ 53 h, to r(Mc) h2(r» r(we) Figure 3-2 Sy&toetric Impulse Response for Two FIR Linear Phase...Inputs x,y and Outputs x.j. , 15 2-2 Linear System with Impulse Response h("r) 23 2-3 Model of Error Resulting from Linearly Filtering x(t) to...Corrupted with Additive Noise 42 2-6 Model of Directional Signal Corrupted with Additive Noise and Processed .... 45 2-7 Source Driving Two

  8. Dense grid sibling frames with linear phase filters

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Abdelnour, Farras

    2013-09-01

    We introduce new 5-band dyadic sibling frames with dense time-frequency grid. Given a lowpass filter satisfying certain conditions, the remaining filters are obtained using spectral factorization. The analysis and synthesis filterbanks share the same lowpass and bandpass filters but have different and oversampled highpass filters. This leads to wavelets approximating shift-invariance. The filters are FIR, have linear phase, and the resulting wavelets have vanishing moments. The filters are designed using spectral factorization method. The proposed method leads to smooth limit functions with higher approximation order, and computationally stable filterbanks.

  9. Equalization of nonlinear transmission impairments by maximum-likelihood-sequence estimation in digital coherent receivers.

    PubMed

    Khairuzzaman, Md; Zhang, Chao; Igarashi, Koji; Katoh, Kazuhiro; Kikuchi, Kazuro

    2010-03-01

    We describe a successful introduction of maximum-likelihood-sequence estimation (MLSE) into digital coherent receivers together with finite-impulse response (FIR) filters in order to equalize both linear and nonlinear fiber impairments. The MLSE equalizer based on the Viterbi algorithm is implemented in the offline digital signal processing (DSP) core. We transmit 20-Gbit/s quadrature phase-shift keying (QPSK) signals through a 200-km-long standard single-mode fiber. The bit-error rate performance shows that the MLSE equalizer outperforms the conventional adaptive FIR filter, especially when nonlinear impairments are predominant.

  10. An advanced real-time digital signal processing system for linear systems emulation, with special emphasis on network and acoustic response characterization

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gaydecki, Patrick; Fernandes, Bosco

    2003-11-01

    A fast digital signal processing (DSP) system is described that can perform real-time emulation of a wide variety of linear audio-bandwidth systems and networks, such as reverberant spaces, musical instrument bodies and very high order filter networks. The hardware design is based upon a Motorola DSP56309 operating at 110 million multiplication-accumulations per second and a dual-channel 24 bit codec with a maximum sampling frequency of 192 kHz. High level software has been developed to express complex vector frequency responses as both infinite impulse response (IIR) and finite impulse response (FIR) coefficients, in a form suitable for real-time convolution by the firmware installed in the DSP system memory. An algorithm has also been devised to express IIR filters as equivalent FIR structures, thereby obviating the potential instabilities associated with recursive equations and negating the traditional deficiencies of FIR filters respecting equivalent analogue designs. The speed and dynamic range of the system is such that, when sampling at 48 kHz, the frequency response can be specified to a spectral precision of 22 Hz when sampling at 10 kHz, this resolution increases to 0.9 Hz. Moreover, it is also possible to control the phase of any frequency band with a theoretical precision of 10-5 degrees in all cases. The system has been applied in the study of analogue filter networks, real-time Hilbert transformation, phase-shift systems and musical instrument body emulation, where it is providing valuable new insights into the understanding of psychoacoustic mechanisms.

  11. Adenovirus-mediated FIR demonstrated TP53-independent cell-killing effect and enhanced antitumor activity of carbon-ion beams.

    PubMed

    Kano, M; Matsushita, K; Rahmutulla, B; Yamada, S; Shimada, H; Kubo, S; Hiwasa, T; Matsubara, H; Nomura, F

    2016-01-01

    Combination therapy of carbon-ion beam with the far upstream element-binding protein (FBP)-interacting repressor, FIR, which interferes with DNA damage repair proteins, was proposed as an approach for esophageal cancer treatment with low side effects regardless of TP53 status. In vivo therapeutic antitumor efficacy of replication-defective adenovirus (E1 and E3 deleted adenovirus serotype 5) encoding human FIR cDNA (Ad-FIR) was demonstrated in the tumor xenograft model of human esophageal squamous cancer cells, TE-2. Bleomycin (BLM) is an anticancer agent that introduces DNA breaks. The authors reported that Ad-FIR involved in the BLM-induced DNA damage repair response and thus applicable for other DNA damaging agents. To examine the effect of Ad-FIR on DNA damage repair, BLM, X-ray and carbon-ion irradiation were used as DNA damaging agents. The biological effects of high linear energy transfer (LET) radiotherapy used with carbon-ion irradiation are more expansive than low-LET conventional radiotherapy, such as X-rays or γ rays. High LET radiotherapy is suitable for the local control of tumors because of its high relative biological effectiveness. Ad-FIR enhanced BLM-induced DNA damage indicated by γH2AX in vitro. BLM treatment increased endogenous nuclear FIR expression in TE-2 cells, and P27Kip1 expression was suppressed by TP53 siRNA and BLM treatment. Further, Ad-FIRΔexon2, a dominant-negative form of FIR that lacks exon2 transcriptional repression domain, decreased Ku86 expression. The combination of Ad-FIR and BLM in TP53 siRNA increased DNA damage. Additionally, Ad-FIR showed synergistic cell toxicity with X-ray in vitro and significantly increased the antitumor efficacy of carbon-ion irradiation in the xenograft mouse model of TE-2 cells (P=0.03, Mann-Whitney's U-test) and was synergistic with the sensitization enhancement ratio (SER) value of 1.15. Therefore, Ad-FIR increased the cell-killing activity of the carbon-ion beam that avoids late-phase severe adverse effects independently of the TP53 status in vitro. Our findings indicated the feasibility of the combination of Ad-FIR with DNA damaging agents for future esophageal cancer treatment.

  12. The Essential Complexity of Auditory Receptive Fields

    PubMed Central

    Thorson, Ivar L.; Liénard, Jean; David, Stephen V.

    2015-01-01

    Encoding properties of sensory neurons are commonly modeled using linear finite impulse response (FIR) filters. For the auditory system, the FIR filter is instantiated in the spectro-temporal receptive field (STRF), often in the framework of the generalized linear model. Despite widespread use of the FIR STRF, numerous formulations for linear filters are possible that require many fewer parameters, potentially permitting more efficient and accurate model estimates. To explore these alternative STRF architectures, we recorded single-unit neural activity from auditory cortex of awake ferrets during presentation of natural sound stimuli. We compared performance of > 1000 linear STRF architectures, evaluating their ability to predict neural responses to a novel natural stimulus. Many were able to outperform the FIR filter. Two basic constraints on the architecture lead to the improved performance: (1) factorization of the STRF matrix into a small number of spectral and temporal filters and (2) low-dimensional parameterization of the factorized filters. The best parameterized model was able to outperform the full FIR filter in both primary and secondary auditory cortex, despite requiring fewer than 30 parameters, about 10% of the number required by the FIR filter. After accounting for noise from finite data sampling, these STRFs were able to explain an average of 40% of A1 response variance. The simpler models permitted more straightforward interpretation of sensory tuning properties. They also showed greater benefit from incorporating nonlinear terms, such as short term plasticity, that provide theoretical advances over the linear model. Architectures that minimize parameter count while maintaining maximum predictive power provide insight into the essential degrees of freedom governing auditory cortical function. They also maximize statistical power available for characterizing additional nonlinear properties that limit current auditory models. PMID:26683490

  13. Tunable far infrared laser spectrometers

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

    Blake, G.A.; Laughlin, K.B.; Cohen, R.C.

    The state of the art in far infrared (FIR) spectroscopy is reviewed. The development of tunable, coherent FIR radiation sources is discussed. Applications of tunable FIR laser spectrometers for measurement of rotational spectra and dipole moments of molecular ions and free radicals, vibration-rotation-tunneling (VRT) spectra of weakly bound complexes, and vibration-rotation spectra of linear carbon clusters are presented. A detailed description of the Berkeley tunable FIR laser spectrometers is presented in the following article.

  14. High-speed spectral calibration by complex FIR filter in phase-sensitive optical coherence tomography.

    PubMed

    Kim, Sangmin; Raphael, Patrick D; Oghalai, John S; Applegate, Brian E

    2016-04-01

    Swept-laser sources offer a number of advantages for Phase-sensitive Optical Coherence Tomography (PhOCT). However, inter- and intra-sweep variability leads to calibration errors that adversely affect phase sensitivity. While there are several approaches to overcoming this problem, our preferred method is to simply calibrate every sweep of the laser. This approach offers high accuracy and phase stability at the expense of a substantial processing burden. In this approach, the Hilbert phase of the interferogram from a reference interferometer provides the instantaneous wavenumber of the laser, but is computationally expensive. Fortunately, the Hilbert transform may be approximated by a Finite Impulse-Response (FIR) filter. Here we explore the use of several FIR filter based Hilbert transforms for calibration, explicitly considering the impact of filter choice on phase sensitivity and OCT image quality. Our results indicate that the complex FIR filter approach is the most robust and accurate among those considered. It provides similar image quality and slightly better phase sensitivity than the traditional FFT-IFFT based Hilbert transform while consuming fewer resources in an FPGA implementation. We also explored utilizing the Hilbert magnitude of the reference interferogram to calculate an ideal window function for spectral amplitude calibration. The ideal window function is designed to carefully control sidelobes on the axial point spread function. We found that after a simple chromatic correction, calculating the window function using the complex FIR filter and the reference interferometer gave similar results to window functions calculated using a mirror sample and the FFT-IFFT Hilbert transform. Hence, the complex FIR filter can enable accurate and high-speed calibration of the magnitude and phase of spectral interferograms.

  15. High-speed spectral calibration by complex FIR filter in phase-sensitive optical coherence tomography

    PubMed Central

    Kim, Sangmin; Raphael, Patrick D.; Oghalai, John S.; Applegate, Brian E.

    2016-01-01

    Swept-laser sources offer a number of advantages for Phase-sensitive Optical Coherence Tomography (PhOCT). However, inter- and intra-sweep variability leads to calibration errors that adversely affect phase sensitivity. While there are several approaches to overcoming this problem, our preferred method is to simply calibrate every sweep of the laser. This approach offers high accuracy and phase stability at the expense of a substantial processing burden. In this approach, the Hilbert phase of the interferogram from a reference interferometer provides the instantaneous wavenumber of the laser, but is computationally expensive. Fortunately, the Hilbert transform may be approximated by a Finite Impulse-Response (FIR) filter. Here we explore the use of several FIR filter based Hilbert transforms for calibration, explicitly considering the impact of filter choice on phase sensitivity and OCT image quality. Our results indicate that the complex FIR filter approach is the most robust and accurate among those considered. It provides similar image quality and slightly better phase sensitivity than the traditional FFT-IFFT based Hilbert transform while consuming fewer resources in an FPGA implementation. We also explored utilizing the Hilbert magnitude of the reference interferogram to calculate an ideal window function for spectral amplitude calibration. The ideal window function is designed to carefully control sidelobes on the axial point spread function. We found that after a simple chromatic correction, calculating the window function using the complex FIR filter and the reference interferometer gave similar results to window functions calculated using a mirror sample and the FFT-IFFT Hilbert transform. Hence, the complex FIR filter can enable accurate and high-speed calibration of the magnitude and phase of spectral interferograms. PMID:27446666

  16. Probability of infestation and extent of mortality associated with the Douglas-fir beetle in the Colorado Front Range

    Treesearch

    Jose F. Negron

    1998-01-01

    Infested and uninfested areas within Douglas fir, Pseudotsuga menziesii Mirb.. Franco, stands affected by the Douglas-fir beetle, Dendroctonus pseudotsugae Hopk. were sampled in the Colorado Front Range, CO. Classification tree models were built to predict probabilities of infestation. Regression trees and linear regression analysis were used to model amount of tree...

  17. Study of Interpolated Timing Recovery Phase-Locked Loop with Linearly Constrained Adaptive Prefilter for Higher-Density Optical Disc

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kajiwara, Yoshiyuki; Shiraishi, Junya; Kobayashi, Shoei; Yamagami, Tamotsu

    2009-03-01

    A digital phase-locked loop (PLL) with a linearly constrained adaptive filter (LCAF) has been studied for higher-linear-density optical discs. LCAF has been implemented before an interpolated timing recovery (ITR) PLL unit in order to improve the quality of phase error calculation by using an adaptively equalized partial response (PR) signal. Coefficient update of an asynchronous sampled adaptive FIR filter with a least-mean-square (LMS) algorithm has been constrained by a projection matrix in order to suppress the phase shift of the tap coefficients of the adaptive filter. We have developed projection matrices that are suitable for Blu-ray disc (BD) drive systems by numerical simulation. Results have shown the properties of the projection matrices. Then, we have designed the read channel system of the ITR PLL with an LCAF model on the FPGA board for experiments. Results have shown that the LCAF improves the tilt margins of 30 gigabytes (GB) recordable BD (BD-R) and 33 GB BD read-only memory (BD-ROM) with a sufficient LMS adaptation stability.

  18. New data processing for multichannel FIR laser interferometer

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jun-Ben, Chen; Xiang, Gao

    1989-10-01

    Usually, both the probing and reference signals received by LATGS detectors of FIR interferometer pass through hardware phase discriminator and the output phase difference--hence the electron line densities is collected for analysis and display with a computerized data acquisition system(DAS). In this paper, a new numerical method for computing the phase difference in software has been developed instead of hardware phase discriminator, the temporal resolution and stability is improved. An asymmetrical Abel inversion is applied to processing the data from a seven-channel FIR HCN laser interferometer and the space-time distributions of plasma electron density in the HT-6M tokamak are derived.

  19. Local Volume Hi Survey: the far-infrared radio correlation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shao, Li; Koribalski, Bärbel S.; Wang, Jing; Ho, Luis C.; Staveley-Smith, Lister

    2018-06-01

    In this paper we measure the far-infrared (FIR) and radio flux densities of a sample of 82 local gas-rich galaxies, including 70 "dwarf" galaxies (M* < 109 M⊙), from the Local Volume HI Survey (LVHIS), which is close to volume limited. It is found that LVHIS galaxies hold a tight linear FIR-radio correlation (FRC) over four orders of magnitude (F_1.4GHz ∝ F_FIR^{1.00± 0.08}). However, for detected galaxies only, a trend of larger FIR-to-radio ratio with decreasing flux density is observed. We estimate the star formation rate by combining UV and mid-IR data using empirical calibration. It is confirmed that both FIR and radio emission are strongly connected with star formation but with significant non-linearity. Dwarf galaxies are found radiation deficient in both bands, when normalized by star formation rate. It urges a "conspiracy" to keep the FIR-to-radio ratio generally constant. By using partial correlation coefficient in Pearson definition, we identify the key galaxy properties associated with the FIR and radio deficiency. Some major factors, such as stellar mass surface density, will cancel out when taking the ratio between FIR and radio fluxes. The remaining factors, such as HI-to-stellar mass ratio and galaxy size, are expected to cancel each other due to the distribution of galaxies in the parameter space. Such cancellation is probably responsible for the "conspiracy" to keep the FRC alive.

  20. FIR digital filter-based ZCDPLL for carrier recovery

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nasir, Qassim

    2016-04-01

    The objective of this work is to analyse the performance of the newly proposed two-tap FIR digital filter-based first-order zero-crossing digital phase-locked loop (ZCDPLL) in the absence or presence of additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN). The introduction of the two-tap FIR digital filter widens the lock range of a ZCDPLL and improves the loop's operation in the presence of AWGN. The FIR digital filter tap coefficients affect the loop convergence behaviour and appropriate selection of those gains should be taken into consideration. The new proposed loop has wider locking range and faster acquisition time and reduces the phase error variations in the presence of noise.

  1. Growth responses of young Douglas-fir and tanoak 11 years after various levels of hardwood removal and understory suppression in southwestern Oregon, USA

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Harrington, T.B.; Tappeiner, John C.

    1997-01-01

    At two sites in southwestern Oregon, height, diameter, and crown width of young Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and sprout-origin tanoak (Lithocarpus densiflorus) were measured 1–11 years after reducing the density of a 2-year-old tanoak stand to 0%, 25%, 50%, and 100% of its initial cover. Some plots also included suppression of understory vegetation. Tanoak cover developed linearly with time, with steepness of the growth trajectory increasing at a diminishing rate with increasing percentage of initial tanoak cover. Fifth-year cover of understory vegetation declined linearly with increasing percentage of initial tanoak cover (R2 = 0.29). Survival of Douglas-fir (96–100%) differed little among initial abundances of tanoak, while growth trajectories for its size became increasingly exponential with decreasing percentage of initial tanoak cover. Eleventh-year heights of Douglas-fir were similar for 0%, 25%, and 50% of initial tanoak cover; however, diameter increased linearly with decreasing percentage of initial tanoak cover (R2 = 0.73), and the slope of the relationship steepened with understory suppression. Our results indicate that young stands exhibiting a wide range of stand compositions and productivities can be established by early manipulations of tanoak and understory abundance. Complete removal of tanoak plus understory suppression are necessary to maximize Douglas-fir growth, while productive, mixed stands can be achieved by removing 50% or more of tanoak cover.

  2. The influence of the relative thermal expansion and electric permittivity on phase transitions in the perovskite-type bidimensional layered NH3(CH2)3NH3CdBr4 compound

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Staśkiewicz, Beata; Staśkiewicz, Anna

    2017-07-01

    Hydrothermal method has been used to synthesized the layered hybrid compound NH3(CH2)3NH3CdBr4 of perovskite architecture. Structural, dielectric and dilatometric properties of the compound have been analyzed. Negative thermal expansion (NTE) effect in the direction perpendicular to the perovskite plane as well as an unusual phase sequence have been reported based on X-ray diffraction analysis. Electric permittivity measurements evidenced the phase transitions at Tc1=326/328 K and Tc2=368/369 K. Relative linear expansion measurements almost confirmed these temperatures of phase transitions. Anomalies of electric permittivity and expansion behavior connected with the phase transitions are detected at practically the same temperatures as those observed earlier in differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), infrared (IR), far infrared (FIR) and Raman spectroscopy studies. Mechanism of the phase transitions is explained. Relative linear expansion study was prototype to estimate critical exponent value β for continuous phase transition at Tc1. It has been inferred that there is a strong interplay between the distortion of the inorganic network, those hydrogen bonds and the intermolecular interactions of the organic component.

  3. Accurate thermometry based on the red and green fluorescence intensity ratio in NaYF4: Yb, Er nanocrystals for bioapplication.

    PubMed

    Liu, Lixin; Qin, Feng; Lv, Tianquan; Zhang, Zhiguo; Cao, Wenwu

    2016-10-15

    A biological temperature measurement method based on the fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR) was developed to reduce uncertainty. The upconversion luminescence of NaYF4:Yb, Er nanocrystals was studied as a function of temperature around the physiologically relevant range of 300-330 K. We found that the green-green FIR Fe and red-green FIR (I660/I540) varied linearly as temperature increased. The thermometric uncertainties using the two FIRs were discussed and were determined to be almost constant at 0.6 and 0.09 K for green-green and red-green, respectively. The lower thermometric uncertainty comes from the intense signal-to-noise ratio of the measured FIRs owing to their comparable fluorescence intensities.

  4. Forest growth in the Douglas fir region.

    Treesearch

    W.H. Meyer; P.A. Briegleb

    1936-01-01

    A study of forest growth in western Oregon and western Washington, the so-called Douglas fir region, was made in 1934-35 by the Pacific Northwest Forest Experiment Station. This is one phase of the Nation-wide forest survey undertaken by the Department of Agriculture under authority of the McSweeney-McNary Forest Research Act. Other phases of the survey are an...

  5. Cat Swarm Optimization algorithm for optimal linear phase FIR filter design.

    PubMed

    Saha, Suman Kumar; Ghoshal, Sakti Prasad; Kar, Rajib; Mandal, Durbadal

    2013-11-01

    In this paper a new meta-heuristic search method, called Cat Swarm Optimization (CSO) algorithm is applied to determine the best optimal impulse response coefficients of FIR low pass, high pass, band pass and band stop filters, trying to meet the respective ideal frequency response characteristics. CSO is generated by observing the behaviour of cats and composed of two sub-models. In CSO, one can decide how many cats are used in the iteration. Every cat has its' own position composed of M dimensions, velocities for each dimension, a fitness value which represents the accommodation of the cat to the fitness function, and a flag to identify whether the cat is in seeking mode or tracing mode. The final solution would be the best position of one of the cats. CSO keeps the best solution until it reaches the end of the iteration. The results of the proposed CSO based approach have been compared to those of other well-known optimization methods such as Real Coded Genetic Algorithm (RGA), standard Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and Differential Evolution (DE). The CSO based results confirm the superiority of the proposed CSO for solving FIR filter design problems. The performances of the CSO based designed FIR filters have proven to be superior as compared to those obtained by RGA, conventional PSO and DE. The simulation results also demonstrate that the CSO is the best optimizer among other relevant techniques, not only in the convergence speed but also in the optimal performances of the designed filters. Copyright © 2013 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  6. Optimal design of FIR triplet halfband filter bank and application in image coding.

    PubMed

    Kha, H H; Tuan, H D; Nguyen, T Q

    2011-02-01

    This correspondence proposes an efficient semidefinite programming (SDP) method for the design of a class of linear phase finite impulse response triplet halfband filter banks whose filters have optimal frequency selectivity for a prescribed regularity order. The design problem is formulated as the minimization of the least square error subject to peak error constraints and regularity constraints. By using the linear matrix inequality characterization of the trigonometric semi-infinite constraints, it can then be exactly cast as a SDP problem with a small number of variables and, hence, can be solved efficiently. Several design examples of the triplet halfband filter bank are provided for illustration and comparison with previous works. Finally, the image coding performance of the filter bank is presented.

  7. Integrating the ECG power-line interference removal methods with rule-based system.

    PubMed

    Kumaravel, N; Senthil, A; Sridhar, K S; Nithiyanandam, N

    1995-01-01

    The power-line frequency interference in electrocardiographic signals is eliminated to enhance the signal characteristics for diagnosis. The power-line frequency normally varies +/- 1.5 Hz from its standard value of 50 Hz. In the present work, the performances of the linear FIR filter, Wave digital filter (WDF) and adaptive filter for the power-line frequency variations from 48.5 to 51.5 Hz in steps of 0.5 Hz are studied. The advantage of the LMS adaptive filter in the removal of power-line frequency interference even if the frequency of interference varies by +/- 1.5 Hz from its normal value of 50 Hz over other fixed frequency filters is very well justified. A novel method of integrating rule-based system approach with linear FIR filter and also with Wave digital filter are proposed. The performances of Rule-based FIR filter and Rule-based Wave digital filter are compared with the LMS adaptive filter.

  8. Prediction of wood Quality in Small-Diameter Douglas-Fir using site and Stand Characteristics

    Treesearch

    C.D. Morrow; T.M. Gorman; J.W. Evans; D.E. Kretschmann; C.A. Hatfield

    2013-01-01

    Standing stress wave measurements were taken on 274 small-diameter Douglas-fir trees in western Montana. Stand, site, and soil measurements collected in the field and remotely through geographical information system (GIS) data layers were used to model dynamic modulus of elasticity (DMOE) in those trees. The best fit linear model developed resulted in an adjusted

  9. Adaptive frequency-domain equalization in digital coherent optical receivers.

    PubMed

    Faruk, Md Saifuddin; Kikuchi, Kazuro

    2011-06-20

    We propose a novel frequency-domain adaptive equalizer in digital coherent optical receivers, which can reduce computational complexity of the conventional time-domain adaptive equalizer based on finite-impulse-response (FIR) filters. The proposed equalizer can operate on the input sequence sampled by free-running analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) at the rate of two samples per symbol; therefore, the arbitrary initial sampling phase of ADCs can be adjusted so that the best symbol-spaced sequence is produced. The equalizer can also be configured in the butterfly structure, which enables demultiplexing of polarization tributaries apart from equalization of linear transmission impairments. The performance of the proposed equalization scheme is verified by 40-Gbits/s dual-polarization quadrature phase-shift keying (QPSK) transmission experiments.

  10. Procyanidins (Condensed Tannins) in Green Cell Suspension Cultures of Douglas Fir Compared with Those in Strawberry and Avocado Leaves by Means of C18-Reversed-phase Chromatography 1

    PubMed Central

    Stafford, Helen A.; Lester, Hope H.

    1980-01-01

    The procyanidins (the most common type of proanthocyanidin or condensed tannin) from cell suspension cultures derived from cotyledons of Douglas Fir have been compared with those isolated from leaves of strawberry and avocado. Seventy per cent methanol (v/v) extracts from 100 milligrams fresh weight samples were analyzed by a combination of C18-reversed-phase columns with high-performance liquid chromatography, and normal phase paper chromatography. (−)-Epicatechin and its oligomers were generally retarded longer on C18 columns than the corresponding units made of (+)-catechin when eluted with solvents made up of 5% acetic acid alone or mixed with methanol up to 15% (v/v). Douglas fir preparations contained the most complex set of procyanidins and consisted of oligomers of catechin and epicatechin, whereas strawberry and avocado contained mainly (+)-catechin and (−)-epicatechin derivatives, respectively. PMID:16661581

  11. Effects of water suspension and wet-dry cycling on fertility of Douglas-fir pollen.

    Treesearch

    Donald L. Copes; Nan C. Vance

    2000-01-01

    Studies were made to determine how long Douglas-fir pollen remains viable after suspension in cool water form 0 to 34 days. Linear regression analysis of in vivo and in vitro tests indicated that filled seed efficiency and pollen viability, respectively, decreased about 3 percent per day. The relation may have been nonlinear the first 6 days, as little decrease...

  12. Dual-Emission SG7@MOF Sensor via SC-SC Transformation: Enhancing the Formation of Excimer Emission and the Range and Sensitivity of Detection.

    PubMed

    Fu, Hong-Ru; Wu, Xiao-Xia; Ma, Lu-Fang; Wang, Fei; Zhang, Jian

    2018-05-30

    In this study, a water stable metal-organic framework FIR-53 is applied as a single-crystal container for anion exchange. The exceptional chemical stability and low crystallographic symmetry of FIR-53 makes it possible to determine anionic guests. Through ion exchange and single-crystal to single-crystal (SC-SC) transformation, 8-hydroxypyrene-1,3,6-trisulfonate (SG7, solvent green 7, ion form as SG7 3- ) is introduced into the pores of FIR-53 to obtain SG7@FIR-53. Because of the spatial confinement and partition effect, SG7@FIR-53 shows the bright exciter emission of SG7 ions. Interestingly, the composite SG7@FIR-53 exhibits a sensitive fluorescence quenching response against Cr 2 O 7 2- and MnO 4 - in aqueous solution. Especially, the detection limit toward MnO 4 - is as low as 0.12 ppb, which is the smallest value to date. Moreover, the prepared SG7@FIR-53 film also displays a broad response to nitro explosives in vapor/aqueous phase. Compared with the results of FIR-53, the range and sensitivity were greatly improved.

  13. Concomitant expression of far upstream element (FUSE) binding protein (FBP) interacting repressor (FIR) and its splice variants induce migration and invasion of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells.

    PubMed

    Müller, Benedikt; Bovet, Michael; Yin, Yi; Stichel, Damian; Malz, Mona; González-Vallinas, Margarita; Middleton, Alistair; Ehemann, Volker; Schmitt, Jennifer; Muley, Thomas; Meister, Michael; Herpel, Esther; Singer, Stephan; Warth, Arne; Schirmacher, Peter; Drasdo, Dirk; Matthäus, Franziska; Breuhahn, Kai

    2015-11-01

    Transcription factors integrate a variety of oncogenic input information, facilitate tumour growth and cell dissemination, and therefore represent promising therapeutic target structures. Because over-expression of DNA-interacting far upstream element binding protein (FBP) supports non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) migration, we asked whether its repressor, FBP-interacting repressor (FIR) is functionally inactivated and how FIR might affect NSCLC cell biology. Different FIR splice variants were highly expressed in the majority of NSCLCs, with the highest levels in tumours carrying genomic gains of chromosome 8q24.3, which contained the FIR gene locus. Nuclear FIR expression was significantly enriched at the invasion front of primary NSCLCs, but this did not correlate with tumour cell proliferation. FIR accumulation was associated with worse patient survival and tumour recurrence; in addition, FIR over-expression significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis in squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). In vitro, we applied newly developed methods and modelling approaches for the quantitative and time-resolved description of the pro-migratory and pro-invasive capacities of SCC cells. siRNA-mediated silencing of all FIR variants significantly reduced the speed and directional movement of tumour cells in all phases of migration. Furthermore, sprouting efficiency and single cell invasiveness were diminished following FIR inhibition. Interestingly, the silencing of FIR isoforms lacking exon 2 (FIR(Δexon2)) alone was sufficient to reduce lateral migration and invasion. In summary, by using scale-spanning data derived from primary human tissues, quantitative cellular analyses and mathematical modelling, we have demonstrated that concomitant over-expression of FIR and its splice variants drives NSCLC migration and dissemination. Copyright © 2015 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  14. Adaptive linear predictor FIR filter based on the Cyclone V FPGA with HPS to reduce narrow band RFI in AERA radio detection of cosmic rays

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

    Szadkowski, Zbigniew

    We present the new approach to a filtering of radio frequency interferences (RFI) in the Auger Engineering Radio Array (AERA) which study the electromagnetic part of the Extensive Air Showers. The radio stations can observe radio signals caused by coherent emissions due to geomagnetic radiation and charge excess processes. AERA observes frequency band from 30 to 80 MHz. This range is highly contaminated by human-made RFI. In order to improve the signal to noise ratio RFI filters are used in AERA to suppress this contamination. The first kind of filter used by AERA was the Median one, based on themore » Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) technique. The second one, which is currently in use, is the infinite impulse response (IIR) notch filter. The proposed new filter is a finite impulse response (FIR) filter based on a linear prediction (LP). A periodic contamination hidden in a registered signal (digitized in the ADC) can be extracted and next subtracted to make signal cleaner. The FIR filter requires a calculation of n=32, 64 or even 128 coefficients (dependent on a required speed or accuracy) by solving of n linear equations with coefficients built from the covariance Toeplitz matrix. This matrix can be solved by the Levinson recursion, which is much faster than the Gauss procedure. The filter has been already tested in the real AERA radio stations on Argentinean pampas with a very successful results. The linear equations were solved either in the virtual soft-core NIOSR processor (implemented in the FPGA chip as a net of logic elements) or in the external Voipac PXA270M ARM processor. The NIOS processor is relatively slow (50 MHz internal clock), calculations performed in an external processor consume a significant amount of time for data exchange between the FPGA and the processor. Test showed a very good efficiency of the RFI suppression for stationary (long-term) contaminations. However, we observed a short-time contaminations, which could not be suppressed either by the IIR-notch filter or by the FIR filter based on the linear predictions. For the LP FIR filter the refreshment time of the filter coefficients was to long and filter did not keep up with the changes of a contamination structure, mainly due to a long calculation time in a slow processors. We propose to use the Cyclone V SE chip with embedded micro-controller operating with 925 MHz internal clock to significantly reduce a refreshment time of the FIR coefficients. The lab results are promising. (authors)« less

  15. A tree-by-tree measure of site utilization for grand fir related to stand density index

    Treesearch

    Albert R. Stage

    1968-01-01

    The usefulness of stand density index (SDI) has been limited by lack of a way to partition its nonlinear expression into additive components to describe the relative stocking of a stand by species or quality classes. In this paper, a linear equation is derived to permit such a partition. A closely related expression for grand fir stocking is given that retains the...

  16. Effect of Malmquist bias on correlation studies with IRAS data base

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Verter, Frances

    1993-01-01

    The relationships between galaxy properties in the sample of Trinchieri et al. (1989) are reexamined with corrections for Malmquist bias. The linear correlations are tested and linear regressions are fit for log-log plots of L(FIR), L(H-alpha), and L(B) as well as ratios of these quantities. The linear correlations for Malmquist bias are corrected using the method of Verter (1988), in which each galaxy observation is weighted by the inverse of its sampling volume. The linear regressions are corrected for Malmquist bias by a new method invented here in which each galaxy observation is weighted by its sampling volume. The results of correlation and regressions among the sample are significantly changed in the anticipated sense that the corrected correlation confidences are lower and the corrected slopes of the linear regressions are lower. The elimination of Malmquist bias eliminates the nonlinear rise in luminosity that has caused some authors to hypothesize additional components of FIR emission.

  17. A test planting of 2-0 and 3-0 Douglas-fir trees on a steep south slope.

    Treesearch

    Carl M. Bernsten

    1958-01-01

    Regeneration of clear-cut areas is a high-priority problem facing forest managers in the Douglas-fir region. One of the most critical phases of this problem is the establishment of new stands on south-slope sites, where conditions are unfavorable for regeneration.

  18. Far-infrared spectral studies of phase changes in water ice induced by proton irradiation

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Moore, Marla H.; Hudson, Reggie L.

    1992-01-01

    Changes in the FIR spectrum of crystalline and amorphous water ice as a function of temperature are reported. The dramatic differences between the spectra of these ices in the FIR are used to examine the effect of proton irradiation on the stability of the crystalline and amorphous ice phases from 13 to 77 K. In particular, the spectra near 13 K show interconversion between the amorphous and crystalline ice phases beginning at doses near 2 eV/molecule and continuing cyclically with increased dose. The results are used to estimate the stability of irradiated ices in astronomical environments.

  19. Depletion of chlorine into HCl ice in a protostellar core. The CHESS spectral survey of OMC-2 FIR 4

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kama, M.; Caux, E.; López-Sepulcre, A.; Wakelam, V.; Dominik, C.; Ceccarelli, C.; Lanza, M.; Lique, F.; Ochsendorf, B. B.; Lis, D. C.; Caballero, R. N.; Tielens, A. G. G. M.

    2015-02-01

    Context. The freezeout of gas-phase species onto cold dust grains can drastically alter the chemistry and the heating-cooling balance of protostellar material. In contrast to well-known species such as carbon monoxide (CO), the freezeout of various carriers of elements with abundances <10-5 has not yet been well studied. Aims: Our aim here is to study the depletion of chlorine in the protostellar core, OMC-2 FIR 4. Methods: We observed transitions of HCl and H2Cl+ towards OMC-2 FIR 4 using the Herschel Space Observatory and Caltech Submillimeter Observatory facilities. Our analysis makes use of state of the art chlorine gas-grain chemical models and newly calculated HCl-H2 hyperfine collisional excitation rate coefficients. Results: A narrow emission component in the HCl lines traces the extended envelope, and a broad one traces a more compact central region. The gas-phase HCl abundance in FIR 4 is 9 × 10-11, a factor of only 10-3 that of volatile elemental chlorine. The H2Cl+ lines are detected in absorption and trace a tenuous foreground cloud, where we find no depletion of volatile chlorine. Conclusions: Gas-phase HCl is the tip of the chlorine iceberg in protostellar cores. Using a gas-grain chemical model, we show that the hydrogenation of atomic chlorine on grain surfaces in the dark cloud stage sequesters at least 90% of the volatile chlorine into HCl ice, where it remains in the protostellar stage. About 10% of chlorine is in gaseous atomic form. Gas-phase HCl is a minor, but diagnostically key reservoir, with an abundance of ≲10-10 in most of the protostellar core. We find the [35Cl]/[37Cl] ratio in OMC-2 FIR 4 to be 3.2 ± 0.1, consistent with the solar system value. Appendices are available in electronic form at http://www.aanda.org

  20. Conditional parametric models for storm sewer runoff

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jonsdottir, H.; Nielsen, H. Aa; Madsen, H.; Eliasson, J.; Palsson, O. P.; Nielsen, M. K.

    2007-05-01

    The method of conditional parametric modeling is introduced for flow prediction in a sewage system. It is a well-known fact that in hydrological modeling the response (runoff) to input (precipitation) varies depending on soil moisture and several other factors. Consequently, nonlinear input-output models are needed. The model formulation described in this paper is similar to the traditional linear models like final impulse response (FIR) and autoregressive exogenous (ARX) except that the parameters vary as a function of some external variables. The parameter variation is modeled by local lines, using kernels for local linear regression. As such, the method might be referred to as a nearest neighbor method. The results achieved in this study were compared to results from the conventional linear methods, FIR and ARX. The increase in the coefficient of determination is substantial. Furthermore, the new approach conserves the mass balance better. Hence this new approach looks promising for various hydrological models and analysis.

  1. A floating-point digital receiver for MRI.

    PubMed

    Hoenninger, John C; Crooks, Lawrence E; Arakawa, Mitsuaki

    2002-07-01

    A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system requires the highest possible signal fidelity and stability for clinical applications. Quadrature analog receivers have problems with channel matching, dc offset and analog-to-digital linearity. Fixed-point digital receivers (DRs) reduce all of these problems. We have demonstrated that a floating-point DR using large (order 124 to 512) FIR low-pass filters also overcomes these problems, automatically provides long word length and has low latency between signals. A preloaded table of finite impuls response (FIR) filter coefficients provides fast switching between one of 129 different one-stage and two-stage multrate FIR low-pass filters with bandwidths between 4 KHz and 125 KHz. This design has been implemented on a dual channel circuit board for a commercial MRI system.

  2. Pedestrian Detection in Far-Infrared Daytime Images Using a Hierarchical Codebook of SURF

    PubMed Central

    Besbes, Bassem; Rogozan, Alexandrina; Rus, Adela-Maria; Bensrhair, Abdelaziz; Broggi, Alberto

    2015-01-01

    One of the main challenges in intelligent vehicles concerns pedestrian detection for driving assistance. Recent experiments have showed that state-of-the-art descriptors provide better performances on the far-infrared (FIR) spectrum than on the visible one, even in daytime conditions, for pedestrian classification. In this paper, we propose a pedestrian detector with on-board FIR camera. Our main contribution is the exploitation of the specific characteristics of FIR images to design a fast, scale-invariant and robust pedestrian detector. Our system consists of three modules, each based on speeded-up robust feature (SURF) matching. The first module allows generating regions-of-interest (ROI), since in FIR images of the pedestrian shapes may vary in large scales, but heads appear usually as light regions. ROI are detected with a high recall rate with the hierarchical codebook of SURF features located in head regions. The second module consists of pedestrian full-body classification by using SVM. This module allows one to enhance the precision with low computational cost. In the third module, we combine the mean shift algorithm with inter-frame scale-invariant SURF feature tracking to enhance the robustness of our system. The experimental evaluation shows that our system outperforms, in the FIR domain, the state-of-the-art Haar-like Adaboost-cascade, histogram of oriented gradients (HOG)/linear SVM (linSVM) and MultiFtrpedestrian detectors, trained on the FIR images. PMID:25871724

  3. An optimization of the FPGA/NIOS adaptive FIR filter using linear prediction to reduce narrow band RFI for the next generation ground-based ultra-high energy cosmic-ray experiment

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Szadkowski, Zbigniew; Fraenkel, E. D.; Glas, Dariusz; Legumina, Remigiusz

    2013-12-01

    The electromagnetic part of an extensive air shower developing in the atmosphere provides significant information complementary to that obtained by water Cherenkov detectors which are predominantly sensitive to the muonic content of an air shower at ground. The emissions can be observed in the frequency band between 10 and 100 MHz. However, this frequency range is significantly contaminated by narrow-band RFI and other human-made distortions. The Auger Engineering Radio Array currently suppresses the RFI by multiple time-to-frequency domain conversions using an FFT procedure as well as by a set of manually chosen IIR notch filters in the time-domain. An alternative approach developed in this paper is an adaptive FIR filter based on linear prediction (LP). The coefficients for the linear predictor are dynamically refreshed and calculated in the virtual NIOS processor. The radio detector is an autonomous system installed on the Argentinean pampas and supplied from a solar panel. Powerful calculation capacity inside the FPGA is a factor. Power consumption versus the degree of effectiveness of the calculation inside the FPGA is a figure of merit to be minimized. Results show that the RFI contamination can be significantly suppressed by the LP FIR filter for 64 or less stages.

  4. Fast fringe pattern phase demodulation using FIR Hilbert transformers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gdeisat, Munther; Burton, David; Lilley, Francis; Arevalillo-Herráez, Miguel

    2016-01-01

    This paper suggests the use of FIR Hilbert transformers to extract the phase of fringe patterns. This method is computationally faster than any known spatial method that produces wrapped phase maps. Also, the algorithm does not require any parameters to be adjusted which are dependent upon the specific fringe pattern that is being processed, or upon the particular setup of the optical fringe projection system that is being used. It is therefore particularly suitable for full algorithmic automation. The accuracy and validity of the suggested method has been tested using both computer-generated and real fringe patterns. This novel algorithm has been proposed for its advantages in terms of computational processing speed as it is the fastest available method to extract the wrapped phase information from a fringe pattern.

  5. Automated knot detection with visual post-processing of Douglas-fir veneer images

    Treesearch

    C.L. Todoroki; Eini C. Lowell; Dennis Dykstra

    2010-01-01

    Knots on digital images of 51 full veneer sheets, obtained from nine peeler blocks crosscut from two 35-foot (10.7 m) long logs and one 18-foot (5.5 m) log from a single Douglas-fir tree, were detected using a two-phase algorithm. The algorithm was developed using one image, the Development Sheet, refined on five other images, the Training Sheets, and then applied to...

  6. Modelling and prediction for chaotic fir laser attractor using rational function neural network.

    PubMed

    Cho, S

    2001-02-01

    Many real-world systems such as irregular ECG signal, volatility of currency exchange rate and heated fluid reaction exhibit highly complex nonlinear characteristic known as chaos. These chaotic systems cannot be retreated satisfactorily using linear system theory due to its high dimensionality and irregularity. This research focuses on prediction and modelling of chaotic FIR (Far InfraRed) laser system for which the underlying equations are not given. This paper proposed a method for prediction and modelling a chaotic FIR laser time series using rational function neural network. Three network architectures, TDNN (Time Delayed Neural Network), RBF (radial basis function) network and the RF (rational function) network, are also presented. Comparisons between these networks performance show the improvements introduced by the RF network in terms of a decrement in network complexity and better ability of predictability.

  7. A minimax technique for time-domain design of preset digital equalizers using linear programming

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Vaughn, G. L.; Houts, R. C.

    1975-01-01

    A linear programming technique is presented for the design of a preset finite-impulse response (FIR) digital filter to equalize the intersymbol interference (ISI) present in a baseband channel with known impulse response. A minimax technique is used which minimizes the maximum absolute error between the actual received waveform and a specified raised-cosine waveform. Transversal and frequency-sampling FIR digital filters are compared as to the accuracy of the approximation, the resultant ISI and the transmitted energy required. The transversal designs typically have slightly better waveform accuracy for a given distortion; however, the frequency-sampling equalizer uses fewer multipliers and requires less transmitted energy. A restricted transversal design is shown to use the least number of multipliers at the cost of a significant increase in energy and loss of waveform accuracy at the receiver.

  8. Optical Temperature Sensor Based on Infrared Excited Green Upconversion Emission in Hexagonal Phase NaLuF4:Yb3+/Er3+ Nanorods.

    PubMed

    Li, Dongyu; Tian, Linlin; Huang, Zhen; Shao, Lexi; Quan, Jun; Wang, Yuxiao

    2016-04-01

    Hexagonal phase NaLuF4:Yb3+/Er3+ nanorods were synthesized hydrothermally. An analysis of the intense green upconversion emissions at 525 nm and 550 nm in hexagonal phase NaLuF4:Yb3/+Er3+ nanorods under excitation power density of 4.2 W/cm2 available from a diode laser emitting at 976 nm, have been undertaken. Fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR) variation of temperature-sensitive green upconversion emissions at 525 nm and 550 nm in this material was recorded in the physiological range from 295 to 343 K. The maximum sensitivity derived from the FIR technique of the green upconversion emissions is approximately 0.0044 K-1. Experimental results implied that hexagonal phase NaLuF4:Yb3/+Er3+ nanorods was a potential candidate for optical temperature sensor.

  9. Light Microscopy Module Imaging Tested and Demonstrated

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Gati, Frank

    2004-01-01

    The Fluids Integrated Rack (FIR), a facility-class payload, and the Light Microscopy Module (LMM), a subrack payload, are integrated research facilities that will fly in the U.S. Laboratory module, Destiny, aboard the International Space Station. Both facilities are being engineered, designed, and developed at the NASA Glenn Research Center by Northrop Grumman Information Technology. The FIR is a modular, multiuser scientific research facility that is one of two racks that make up the Fluids and Combustion Facility (the other being the Combustion Integrated Rack). The FIR has a large volume dedicated for experimental hardware; easily reconfigurable diagnostics, power, and data systems that allow for unique experiment configurations; and customizable software. The FIR will also provide imagers, light sources, power management and control, command and data handling for facility and experiment hardware, and data processing and storage. The first payload in the FIR will be the LMM. The LMM integrated with the FIR is a remotely controllable, automated, on-orbit microscope subrack facility, with key diagnostic capabilities for meeting science requirements--including video microscopy to observe microscopic phenonema and dynamic interactions, interferometry to make thin-film measurements with nanometer resolution, laser tweezers to manipulate micrometer-sized particles, confocal microscopy to provide enhanced three-dimensional visualization of structures, and spectrophotometry to measure the photonic properties of materials. Vibration disturbances were identified early in the LMM development phase as a high risk for contaminating the science microgravity environment. An integrated FIR-LMM test was conducted in Glenn's Acoustics Test Laboratory to assess mechanical sources of vibration and their impact to microscopic imaging. The primary purpose of the test was to characterize the LMM response at the sample location, the x-y stage within the microscope, to vibration emissions from the FIR and LMM support structures.

  10. Active field control (AFC) -electro-acoustic enhancement system using acoustical feedback control

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Miyazaki, Hideo; Watanabe, Takayuki; Kishinaga, Shinji; Kawakami, Fukushi

    2003-10-01

    AFC is an electro-acoustic enhancement system using FIR filters to optimize auditory impressions, such as liveness, loudness, and spaciousness. This system has been under development at Yamaha Corporation for more than 15 years and has been installed in approximately 50 venues in Japan to date. AFC utilizes feedback control techniques for recreation of reverberation from the physical reverberation of the room. In order to prevent coloration problems caused by a closed loop condition, two types of time-varying control techniques are implemented in the AFC system to ensure smooth loop gain and a sufficient margin in frequency characteristics to prevent instability. Those are: (a) EMR (electric microphone rotator) -smoothing frequency responses between microphones and speakers by changing the combinations of inputs and outputs periodically; (b) fluctuating-FIR -smoothing frequency responses of FIR filters and preventing coloration problems caused by fixed FIR filters, by moving each FIR tap periodically on time axis with a different phase and time period. In this paper, these techniques are summarized. A block diagram of AFC using new equipment named AFC1, which has been developed at Yamaha Corporation and released recently in the US, is also presented.

  11. Fast digital zooming system using directionally adaptive image interpolation and restoration.

    PubMed

    Kang, Wonseok; Jeon, Jaehwan; Yu, Soohwan; Paik, Joonki

    2014-01-01

    This paper presents a fast digital zooming system for mobile consumer cameras using directionally adaptive image interpolation and restoration methods. The proposed interpolation algorithm performs edge refinement along the initially estimated edge orientation using directionally steerable filters. Either the directionally weighted linear or adaptive cubic-spline interpolation filter is then selectively used according to the refined edge orientation for removing jagged artifacts in the slanted edge region. A novel image restoration algorithm is also presented for removing blurring artifacts caused by the linear or cubic-spline interpolation using the directionally adaptive truncated constrained least squares (TCLS) filter. Both proposed steerable filter-based interpolation and the TCLS-based restoration filters have a finite impulse response (FIR) structure for real time processing in an image signal processing (ISP) chain. Experimental results show that the proposed digital zooming system provides high-quality magnified images with FIR filter-based fast computational structure.

  12. EXPLAINING THE [C II]157.7 {mu}m DEFICIT IN LUMINOUS INFRARED GALAXIES-FIRST RESULTS FROM A HERSCHEL/PACS STUDY OF THE GOALS SAMPLE

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

    Diaz-Santos, T.; Armus, L.; Howell, J. H.

    We present the first results of a survey of the [C II]157.7 {mu}m emission line in 241 luminous infrared galaxies (LIRGs) comprising the Great Observatories All-sky LIRG Survey (GOALS) sample, obtained with the PACS instrument on board the Herschel Space Observatory. The [C II] luminosities, L{sub [C{sub II]}}, of the LIRGs in GOALS range from {approx}10{sup 7} to 2 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup 9} L{sub Sun }. We find that LIRGs show a tight correlation of [C II]/FIR with far-IR (FIR) flux density ratios, with a strong negative trend spanning from {approx}10{sup -2} to 10{sup -4}, as the average temperature of dustmore » increases. We find correlations between the [C II]/FIR ratio and the strength of the 9.7 {mu}m silicate absorption feature as well as with the luminosity surface density of the mid-IR emitting region ({Sigma}{sub MIR}), suggesting that warmer, more compact starbursts have substantially smaller [C II]/FIR ratios. Pure star-forming LIRGs have a mean [C II]/FIR {approx} 4 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup -3}, while galaxies with low polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) equivalent widths (EWs), indicative of the presence of active galactic nuclei (AGNs), span the full range in [C II]/FIR. However, we show that even when only pure star-forming galaxies are considered, the [C II]/FIR ratio still drops by an order of magnitude, from 10{sup -2} to 10{sup -3}, with {Sigma}{sub MIR} and {Sigma}{sub IR}, implying that the [C II]157.7 {mu}m luminosity is not a good indicator of the star formation rate (SFR) for most local LIRGs, for it does not scale linearly with the warm dust emission most likely associated to the youngest stars. Moreover, even in LIRGs in which we detect an AGN in the mid-IR, the majority (2/3) of galaxies show [C II]/FIR {>=} 10{sup -3} typical of high 6.2 {mu}m PAH EW sources, suggesting that most AGNs do not contribute significantly to the FIR emission. We provide an empirical relation between the [C II]/FIR and the specific SFR for star-forming LIRGs. Finally, we present predictions for the starburst size based on the observed [C II] and FIR luminosities which should be useful for comparing with results from future surveys of high-redshift galaxies with ALMA and CCAT.« less

  13. Syntheses, crystal structures and fluorescent properties of three metal- tris(4‧-carboxybiphenyl)amine frameworks

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yuan, Lv-Bing; He, Yan-Ping; Xu, Hai; Zhang, Jian

    2017-11-01

    Triphenylamine and its derivatives have been widely concerned because of their excellent performance in the area of the photoelectric functional material. In this work, we chose a nanosized tris(4‧-carboxybiphenyl)amine (H3TPA) as organic ligand. By employing the H3TPA ligand to assemble with M2+ (M = Zn, Cd, and Pb) ions, respectively, three metal-organic frameworks (FIR-43 to FIR-45, FIR denotes Fujian Institute of Research) have been synthesized under different solvent systems. FIR-43 exhibits a 3-connected two-dimensional (2D) network based on mononuclear [Zn(COO)3] second building unit (SBU). Unlike the anionic framework FIR-43, FIR-44 is a neutral 2D layer constructed by trinuclear [Cd3(COO)6] SBU and displays a (3,6)-NbSe2 topology structure. If the weak Pb-O interactions in the range of 2.79-2.88 Å are considered, FIR-45 is a neutral 3D framework built by hexanuclear [Pb6(DMAE)6(COO)6] SBU (DMAE = N,N-dimethylethanolamine) and represents a (3,6)-connected (4·82)2(42·811·102) topology. Thermogravimetric analyses (TGA) and X-ray powder diffraction (PXRD) patterns were used to evaluate their thermal stability and phase purity. Photoluminescence studies showed that they exhibited strong emitting bands in the visible region with high quantum yields and long luminescent lifetimes. The assembly between nanosized tris((4-carboxyl)phenylduryl)amine ligand and M2+ (M = Zn, Cd, and Pb) ions leads to three new metal-organic frameworks, which show excellent fluorescent properties.

  14. Derivative information recovery by a selective integration technique

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Johnson, M. A.

    1974-01-01

    A nonlinear stationary homogeneous digital filter DIRSIT (derivative information recovery by a selective integration technique) is investigated. The spectrum of a quasi-linear discrete describing function (DDF) to DIRSIT is obtained by a digital measuring scheme. A finite impulse response (FIR) approximation to the quasi-linearization is then obtained. Finally, DIRSIT is compared with its quasi-linear approximation and with a standard digital differentiating technique. Results indicate the effects of DIRSIT on a wide variety of practical signals.

  15. Development and Evaluation of Models for the Relationship between Tree Height and Diameter at Breast Height for Chinese-Fir Plantations in Subtropical China.

    PubMed

    Li, Yan-qiong; Deng, Xiang-wen; Huang, Zhi-hong; Xiang, Wen-hua; Yan, Wen-de; Lei, Pi-feng; Zhou, Xiao-lu; Peng, Chang-hui

    2015-01-01

    Tree diameter at breast height (dbh) and height are the most important variables used in forest inventory and management as well as forest carbon-stock estimation. In order to identify the key stand variables that influence the tree height-dbh relationship and to develop and validate a suit of models for predicting tree height, data from 5961 tree samples aged from 6 years to 53 years and collected from 80 Chinese-fir plantation plots were used to fit 39 models, including 33 nonlinear models and 6 linear models, were developed and evaluated into two groups. The results showed that composite models performed better in height estimate than one-independent-variable models. Nonlinear composite Model 34 and linear composite Model 6 were recommended for predicting tree height in Chinese fir plantations with a dbh range between 4 cm and 40 cm when the dbh data for each tree and the quadratic mean dbh of the stand (Dq) and mean height of the stand (Hm) were available. Moreover, Hm could be estimated by using the formula Hm = 11.707 × l n(Dq)-18.032. Clearly, Dq was the primary stand variable that influenced the height-dbh relationship. The parameters of the models varied according to stand age and site. The inappropriate application of provincial or regional height-dbh models for predicting small tree height at local scale may result in larger uncertainties. The method and the recommended models developed in this study were statistically reliable for applications in growth and yield estimation for even-aged Chinese-fir plantation in Huitong and Changsha. The models could be extended to other regions and to other tree species only after verification in subtropical China.

  16. Development and Evaluation of Models for the Relationship between Tree Height and Diameter at Breast Height for Chinese-Fir Plantations in Subtropical China

    PubMed Central

    Li, Yan-qiong; Deng, Xiang-wen; Huang, Zhi-hong; Xiang, Wen-hua; Yan, Wen-de; Lei, Pi-feng; Zhou, Xiao-lu; Peng, Chang-hui

    2015-01-01

    Tree diameter at breast height (dbh) and height are the most important variables used in forest inventory and management as well as forest carbon-stock estimation. In order to identify the key stand variables that influence the tree height-dbh relationship and to develop and validate a suit of models for predicting tree height, data from 5961 tree samples aged from 6 years to 53 years and collected from 80 Chinese-fir plantation plots were used to fit 39 models, including 33 nonlinear models and 6 linear models, were developed and evaluated into two groups. The results showed that composite models performed better in height estimate than one-independent-variable models. Nonlinear composite Model 34 and linear composite Model 6 were recommended for predicting tree height in Chinese fir plantations with a dbh range between 4 cm and 40 cm when the dbh data for each tree and the quadratic mean dbh of the stand (Dq) and mean height of the stand (Hm) were available. Moreover, Hm could be estimated by using the formula Hm=11.707×ln(Dq)-18.032. Clearly, Dq was the primary stand variable that influenced the height-dbh relationship. The parameters of the models varied according to stand age and site. The inappropriate application of provincial or regional height-dbh models for predicting small tree height at local scale may result in larger uncertainties. The method and the recommended models developed in this study were statistically reliable for applications in growth and yield estimation for even-aged Chinese-fir plantation in Huitong and Changsha. The models could be extended to other regions and to other tree species only after verification in subtropical China. PMID:25905458

  17. Using LiDAR to Estimate Total Aboveground Biomass of Redwood Stands in the Jackson Demonstration State Forest, Mendocino, California

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rao, M.; Vuong, H.

    2013-12-01

    The overall objective of this study is to develop a method for estimating total aboveground biomass of redwood stands in Jackson Demonstration State Forest, Mendocino, California using airborne LiDAR data. LiDAR data owing to its vertical and horizontal accuracy are increasingly being used to characterize landscape features including ground surface elevation and canopy height. These LiDAR-derived metrics involving structural signatures at higher precision and accuracy can help better understand ecological processes at various spatial scales. Our study is focused on two major species of the forest: redwood (Sequoia semperirens [D.Don] Engl.) and Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga mensiezii [Mirb.] Franco). Specifically, the objectives included linear regression models fitting tree diameter at breast height (dbh) to LiDAR derived height for each species. From 23 random points on the study area, field measurement (dbh and tree coordinate) were collected for more than 500 trees of Redwood and Douglas-fir over 0.2 ha- plots. The USFS-FUSION application software along with its LiDAR Data Viewer (LDV) were used to to extract Canopy Height Model (CHM) from which tree heights would be derived. Based on the LiDAR derived height and ground based dbh, a linear regression model was developed to predict dbh. The predicted dbh was used to estimate the biomass at the single tree level using Jenkin's formula (Jenkin et al 2003). The linear regression models were able to explain 65% of the variability associated with Redwood's dbh and 80% of that associated with Douglas-fir's dbh.

  18. Recursive inversion of externally defined linear systems by FIR filters

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bach, Ralph E., Jr.; Baram, Yoram

    1989-01-01

    The approximate inversion of an internally unknown linear system, given by its impulse response sequence, by an inverse system having a finite impulse response, is considered. The recursive least-squares procedure is shown to have an exact initialization, based on the triangular Toeplitz structure of the matrix involved. The proposed approach also suggests solutions to the problem of system identification and compensation.

  19. Frequency-selective quantitation of short-echo time 1H magnetic resonance spectra

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Poullet, Jean-Baptiste; Sima, Diana M.; Van Huffel, Sabine; Van Hecke, Paul

    2007-06-01

    Accurate and efficient filtering techniques are required to suppress large nuisance components present in short-echo time magnetic resonance (MR) spectra. This paper discusses two powerful filtering techniques used in long-echo time MR spectral quantitation, the maximum-phase FIR filter (MP-FIR) and the Hankel-Lanczos Singular Value Decomposition with Partial ReOrthogonalization (HLSVD-PRO), and shows that they can be applied to their more complex short-echo time spectral counterparts. Both filters are validated and compared through extensive simulations. Their properties are discussed. In particular, the capability of MP-FIR for dealing with macromolecular components is emphasized. Although this property does not make a large difference for long-echo time MR spectra, it can be important when quantifying short-echo time spectra.

  20. An Innovations-Based Noise Cancelling Technique on Inverse Kepstrum Whitening Filter and Adaptive FIR Filter in Beamforming Structure

    PubMed Central

    Jeong, Jinsoo

    2011-01-01

    This paper presents an acoustic noise cancelling technique using an inverse kepstrum system as an innovations-based whitening application for an adaptive finite impulse response (FIR) filter in beamforming structure. The inverse kepstrum method uses an innovations-whitened form from one acoustic path transfer function between a reference microphone sensor and a noise source so that the rear-end reference signal will then be a whitened sequence to a cascaded adaptive FIR filter in the beamforming structure. By using an inverse kepstrum filter as a whitening filter with the use of a delay filter, the cascaded adaptive FIR filter estimates only the numerator of the polynomial part from the ratio of overall combined transfer functions. The test results have shown that the adaptive FIR filter is more effective in beamforming structure than an adaptive noise cancelling (ANC) structure in terms of signal distortion in the desired signal and noise reduction in noise with nonminimum phase components. In addition, the inverse kepstrum method shows almost the same convergence level in estimate of noise statistics with the use of a smaller amount of adaptive FIR filter weights than the kepstrum method, hence it could provide better computational simplicity in processing. Furthermore, the rear-end inverse kepstrum method in beamforming structure has shown less signal distortion in the desired signal than the front-end kepstrum method and the front-end inverse kepstrum method in beamforming structure. PMID:22163987

  1. Linear Phase Sharp Transition BPF to Detect Noninvasive Maternal and Fetal Heart Rate.

    PubMed

    Marchon, Niyan; Naik, Gourish; Pai, K R

    2018-01-01

    Fetal heart rate (FHR) detection can be monitored using either direct fetal scalp electrode recording (invasive) or by indirect noninvasive technique. Weeks before delivery, the invasive method poses a risk factor to the fetus, while the latter provides accurate fetal ECG (FECG) information which can help diagnose fetal's well-being. Our technique employs variable order linear phase sharp transition (LPST) FIR band-pass filter which shows improved stopband attenuation at higher filter orders. The fetal frequency fiduciary edges form the band edges of the filter characterized by varying amounts of overlap of maternal ECG (MECG) spectrum. The one with the minimum maternal spectrum overlap was found to be optimum with no power line interference and maximum fetal heart beats being detected. The improved filtering is reflected in the enhancement of the performance of the fetal QRS detector (FQRS). The improvement has also occurred in fetal heart rate obtained using our algorithm which is in close agreement with the true reference (i.e., invasive fetal scalp ECG). The performance parameters of the FQRS detector such as sensitivity (Se), positive predictive value (PPV), and accuracy (F 1 ) were found to improve even for lower filter order. The same technique was extended to evaluate maternal QRS detector (MQRS) and found to yield satisfactory maternal heart rate (MHR) results.

  2. Method and system for training dynamic nonlinear adaptive filters which have embedded memory

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Rabinowitz, Matthew (Inventor)

    2002-01-01

    Described herein is a method and system for training nonlinear adaptive filters (or neural networks) which have embedded memory. Such memory can arise in a multi-layer finite impulse response (FIR) architecture, or an infinite impulse response (IIR) architecture. We focus on filter architectures with separate linear dynamic components and static nonlinear components. Such filters can be structured so as to restrict their degrees of computational freedom based on a priori knowledge about the dynamic operation to be emulated. The method is detailed for an FIR architecture which consists of linear FIR filters together with nonlinear generalized single layer subnets. For the IIR case, we extend the methodology to a general nonlinear architecture which uses feedback. For these dynamic architectures, we describe how one can apply optimization techniques which make updates closer to the Newton direction than those of a steepest descent method, such as backpropagation. We detail a novel adaptive modified Gauss-Newton optimization technique, which uses an adaptive learning rate to determine both the magnitude and direction of update steps. For a wide range of adaptive filtering applications, the new training algorithm converges faster and to a smaller value of cost than both steepest-descent methods such as backpropagation-through-time, and standard quasi-Newton methods. We apply the algorithm to modeling the inverse of a nonlinear dynamic tracking system 5, as well as a nonlinear amplifier 6.

  3. Linear mixed-effects models to describe individual tree crown width for China-fir in Fujian Province, southeast China.

    PubMed

    Hao, Xu; Yujun, Sun; Xinjie, Wang; Jin, Wang; Yao, Fu

    2015-01-01

    A multiple linear model was developed for individual tree crown width of Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook in Fujian province, southeast China. Data were obtained from 55 sample plots of pure China-fir plantation stands. An Ordinary Linear Least Squares (OLS) regression was used to establish the crown width model. To adjust for correlations between observations from the same sample plots, we developed one level linear mixed-effects (LME) models based on the multiple linear model, which take into account the random effects of plots. The best random effects combinations for the LME models were determined by the Akaike's information criterion, the Bayesian information criterion and the -2logarithm likelihood. Heteroscedasticity was reduced by three residual variance functions: the power function, the exponential function and the constant plus power function. The spatial correlation was modeled by three correlation structures: the first-order autoregressive structure [AR(1)], a combination of first-order autoregressive and moving average structures [ARMA(1,1)], and the compound symmetry structure (CS). Then, the LME model was compared to the multiple linear model using the absolute mean residual (AMR), the root mean square error (RMSE), and the adjusted coefficient of determination (adj-R2). For individual tree crown width models, the one level LME model showed the best performance. An independent dataset was used to test the performance of the models and to demonstrate the advantage of calibrating LME models.

  4. Adaptively combined FIR and functional link artificial neural network equalizer for nonlinear communication channel.

    PubMed

    Zhao, Haiquan; Zhang, Jiashu

    2009-04-01

    This paper proposes a novel computational efficient adaptive nonlinear equalizer based on combination of finite impulse response (FIR) filter and functional link artificial neural network (CFFLANN) to compensate linear and nonlinear distortions in nonlinear communication channel. This convex nonlinear combination results in improving the speed while retaining the lower steady-state error. In addition, since the CFFLANN needs not the hidden layers, which exist in conventional neural-network-based equalizers, it exhibits a simpler structure than the traditional neural networks (NNs) and can require less computational burden during the training mode. Moreover, appropriate adaptation algorithm for the proposed equalizer is derived by the modified least mean square (MLMS). Results obtained from the simulations clearly show that the proposed equalizer using the MLMS algorithm can availably eliminate various intensity linear and nonlinear distortions, and be provided with better anti-jamming performance. Furthermore, comparisons of the mean squared error (MSE), the bit error rate (BER), and the effect of eigenvalue ratio (EVR) of input correlation matrix are presented.

  5. End-point controller design for an experimental two-link flexible manipulator using convex optimization

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Oakley, Celia M.; Barratt, Craig H.

    1990-01-01

    Recent results in linear controller design are used to design an end-point controller for an experimental two-link flexible manipulator. A nominal 14-state linear-quadratic-Gaussian (LQG) controller was augmented with a 528-tap finite-impulse-response (FIR) filter designed using convex optimization techniques. The resulting 278-state controller produced improved end-point trajectory tracking and disturbance rejection in simulation and experimentally in real time.

  6. FPGA/NIOS Implementation of an Adaptive FIR Filter Using Linear Prediction to Reduce Narrow-Band RFI for Radio Detection of Cosmic Rays

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Szadkowski, Zbigniew; Fraenkel, E. D.; van den Berg, Ad M.

    2013-10-01

    We present the FPGA/NIOS implementation of an adaptive finite impulse response (FIR) filter based on linear prediction to suppress radio frequency interference (RFI). This technique will be used for experiments that observe coherent radio emission from extensive air showers induced by ultra-high-energy cosmic rays. These experiments are designed to make a detailed study of the development of the electromagnetic part of air showers. Therefore, these radio signals provide information that is complementary to that obtained by water-Cherenkov detectors which are predominantly sensitive to the particle content of an air shower at ground. The radio signals from air showers are caused by the coherent emission due to geomagnetic and charge-excess processes. These emissions can be observed in the frequency band between 10-100 MHz. However, this frequency range is significantly contaminated by narrow-band RFI and other human-made distortions. A FIR filter implemented in the FPGA logic segment of the front-end electronics of a radio sensor significantly improves the signal-to-noise ratio. In this paper we discuss an adaptive filter which is based on linear prediction. The coefficients for the linear predictor (LP) are dynamically refreshed and calculated in the embedded NIOS processor, which is implemented in the same FPGA chip. The Levinson recursion, used to obtain the filter coefficients, is also implemented in the NIOS and is partially supported by direct multiplication in the DSP blocks of the logic FPGA segment. Tests confirm that the LP can be an alternative to other methods involving multiple time-to-frequency domain conversions using an FFT procedure. These multiple conversions draw heavily on the power consumption of the FPGA and are avoided by the linear prediction approach. Minimization of the power consumption is an important issue because the final system will be powered by solar panels. The FIR filter has been successfully tested in the Altera development kits with the EP4CE115F29C7 from the Cyclone IV family and the EP3C120F780C7 from the Cyclone III family at a 170 MHz sampling rate, a 12-bit I/O resolution, and an internal 30-bit dynamic range. Most of the slow floating-point NIOS calculations have been moved to the FPGA logic segments as extended fixed-point operations, which significantly reduced the refreshing time of the coefficients used in the LP. We conclude that the LP is a viable alternative to other methods such as non-adaptive methods involving digital notch filters or multiple time-to-frequency domain conversions using an FFT procedure.

  7. Transcriptome responses to temperature, water availability and photoperiod are conserved among mature trees of two divergent Douglas-fir provenances from a coastal and an interior habitat.

    PubMed

    Hess, Moritz; Wildhagen, Henning; Junker, Laura Verena; Ensminger, Ingo

    2016-08-26

    Local adaptation and phenotypic plasticity are important components of plant responses to variations in environmental conditions. While local adaptation has been widely studied in trees, little is known about plasticity of gene expression in adult trees in response to ever changing environmental conditions in natural habitats. Here we investigate plasticity of gene expression in needle tissue between two Douglas-fir provenances represented by 25 adult trees using deep RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq). Using linear mixed models we investigated the effect of temperature, soil water availability and photoperiod on the abundance of 59189 detected transcripts. Expression of more than 80 % of all identified transcripts revealed a response to variations in environmental conditions in the field. GO term overrepresentation analysis revealed gene expression responses to temperature, soil water availability and photoperiod that are highly conserved among many plant taxa. However, expression differences between the two Douglas-fir provenances were rather small compared to the expression differences observed between individual trees. Although the effect of environment on global transcript expression was high, the observed genotype by environment (GxE) interaction of gene expression was surprisingly low, since only 21 of all detected transcripts showed a GxE interaction. The majority of the transcriptome responses in plant leaf tissue is driven by variations in environmental conditions. The small variation between individuals and populations suggests strong conservation of this response within Douglas-fir. Therefore we conclude that plastic transcriptome responses to variations in environmental conditions are only weakly affected by local adaptation in Douglas-fir.

  8. GBT Detection of Polarization-Dependent HI Absorption and HI Outflows in Local ULIRGs and Quasars

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Teng, Stacy H.; Veilleux, Sylvain; Baker, Andrew J.

    2013-01-01

    We present the results of a 21-cm HI survey of 27 local massive gas-rich late-stage mergers and merger remnants with the Green Bank Telescope (GBT). These remnants were selected from the Quasar/ULIRG Evolution Study (QUEST) sample of ultraluminous infrared galaxies (ULIRGs; L(sub 8 - 1000 micron) > 10(exp 12) solar L) and quasars; our targets are all bolometrically dominated by active galactic nuclei (AGN) and sample the later phases of the proposed ULIRG-to-quasar evolutionary sequence. We find the prevalence of HI absorption (emission) to be 100% (29%) in ULIRGs with HI detections, 100% (88%) in FIR-strong quasars, and 63% (100%) in FIR-weak quasars. The absorption features are associated with powerful neutral outflows that change from being mainly driven by star formation in ULIRGs to being driven by the AGN in the quasars. These outflows have velocities that exceed 1500 km/s in some cases. Unexpectedly, we find polarization-dependent HI absorption in 57% of our spectra (88% and 63% of the FIR-strong and FIR-weak quasars, respectively). We attribute this result to absorption of polarized continuum emission from these sources by foreground HI clouds. About 60% of the quasars displaying polarized spectra are radio-loud, far higher than the approx 10% observed in the general AGN population. This discrepancy suggests that radio jets play an important role in shaping the environments in these galaxies. These systems may represent a transition phase in the evolution of gas-rich mergers into "mature" radio galaxies.

  9. Free-electron laser spectroscopy in biology, medicine, and materials science; Proceedings of the Meeting, Los Angeles, CA, Jan. 22, 1993

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

    Schwettman, H.A.

    1993-01-01

    Various papers on FEL spectroscopy in biology, medicine, and materials science are presented. Individual topics addressed include: Vanderbilt University FEL Center, FIR FEL facility at the University of California/Santa Barbara, FEL research facilities and opportunities at Duke, facilities at the Stanford Picosecond FEL Center, FIR nonlinear response of electrons in semiconductor nanostructures, FIR harmonic generation from semiconductor heterostructures, intrinsic response times of double-barrier resonant tunneling diodes at tetrahertz frequencies, semiconductor spectroscopy and ablation processes with the Vanderbilt FEL. Also discussed are: picosecond nonlinear optics in semiconductor quantum wells with the SCA FEL, excitation spectroscopy of thin-film disordered semiconductors, biophysical applicationmore » of FELs, FEL investigation of energy transfer in condensed phase systems, probing protein photochemistry and dynamics with ultrafast infrared spectroscopy, plasma ablation of hard tissues by FEL, FEL irradiation of the cornea.« less

  10. The Dawn of Ultrafast Nonlinear Optics in the Terahertz Regime

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Blanchard, F.; Razzari, L.; Su, F. H.; Sharma, G.; Morandotti, Roberto; Ozaki, T.; Reid, M.; Hegmann, F. A.

    The terahertz (THz) frequency range is a specific region of the electromagnetic spectrum also known as the far-infrared (FIR) region. More precisely, THz waves cover the region from 100 GHz to 20 THz, thus bridging the gap between microwaves and infrared light. Physically, 1 THz is equivalent to a wavelength of 300 μm in vacuum, to 33.3 cm-1 in terms of wave numbers, to a photon energy of 4 meV, or to a temperature of 48 K. THz waves have the ability to penetrate various materials including non-metallic compounds (papers and plastics), organics, gases, and liquids, thus being a powerful tool for spectroscopic sensing [1]. This portion of the electromagnetic spectrum has been accessible for some time by various means including molecular gas lasers, gyrotrons, and free-electron lasers [2]. Due to complexity, cost, and limited frequencies of operation, these sources have traditionally made it difficult to gain full access to the terahertz frequency range. Nevertheless, there were several pioneering works in nonlinear FIR spectroscopy already in the early 1970s, about one decade after the advent of the laser (readers may find a review in [3]). In particular, saturated absorption in the FIR region was first studied in 1970, which led to the optically pumped FIR gas laser [4]. In the 1980s, the first demonstration of THz radiation coherently generated and detected was made. This result coincided with the development of ultrafast lasers and was obtained using a photoconductive antenna emitter [5], where photoexcited carriers induced by an ultrafast laser pulse are accelerated by a biasing electric field. The resulting time varying current J(t) radiates an electromagnetic transient, E ∝ partial J/partial t , whose amplitude and phase depend on various parameters such as carrier mobility, carrier lifetime, bias field, and on the impurity doping concentration [6]. This allowed the birth of coherent time-domain THz spectroscopy (TDTS) [1], which provided unprecedented insights into the nature of molecular vibrations, carrier dynamics in semiconductors, and protein kinetics [7-12]. Even with 30 years of rapid advances in the study of light-matter interactions at THz frequencies, lack of efficient emitters and sensitive detectors in this frequency range has for long time slowed down THz linear and nonlinear spectroscopy.

  11. Far-infrared response of spherical quantum dots: Dielectric effects and the generalized Kohn's theorem

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Movilla, J. L.; Planelles, J.

    2007-05-01

    The influence of the dielectric environment on the far-infrared (FIR) absorption spectra of two-electron spherical quantum dots is theoretically studied. Effective mass and envelope function approaches with realistic steplike confining potentials are used. Special attention is paid to absorptions that are induced by the electron-electron interaction. High confining barriers make the FIR absorption coefficients almost independent of the quantum dot dielectric environment. Low barrier heights and strong dielectric mismatches preserve the strong fundamental (Kohn) mode but yield the cancellation of excited absorptions, thus monitoring dielectrically induced phase transitions from volume to surface states.

  12. A census of radio-selected AGNs on the COSMOS field and of their FIR properties

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Magliocchetti, M.; Popesso, P.; Brusa, M.; Salvato, M.

    2018-01-01

    We use the new catalogue by Laigle et al. to provide a full census of VLA-COSMOS radio sources. We identify 90 per cent of such sources and sub-divide them into active galactic nuclei (AGNs) and star-forming galaxies on the basis of their radio luminosity. The AGN sample is complete with respect to radio selection at all z ≲ 3.5. Out of 704 AGNs, 272 have a counterpart in the Herschel maps. By exploiting the better statistics of the new sample, we confirm the results of Magliocchetti et al.: the probability for a radio-selected AGN to be detected at far-infrared (FIR) wavelengths is both a function of radio luminosity and redshift, whereby powerful sources are more likely FIR emitters at earlier epochs. Such an emission is due to star-forming processes within the host galaxy. FIR emitters and non-FIR emitters only differentiate in the z ≲ 1 universe. At higher redshifts, they are indistinguishable from each other, as there is no difference between FIR-emitting AGNs and star-forming galaxies. Lastly, we focus on radio AGNs which show AGN emission at other wavelengths. We find that mid-infrared (MIR) emission is mainly associated with ongoing star formation and with sources which are smaller, younger and more radio luminous than the average parent population. X-ray emitters instead preferentially appear in more massive and older galaxies. We can therefore envisage an evolutionary track whereby the first phase of a radio-active AGN and of its host galaxy is associated with MIR emission, while at later stages the source becomes only active at radio wavelengths and possibly also in the X-ray.

  13. [Quantification of Wood Flour and Polypropylene in Chinese Fir/Polypropylene Composites by FTIR].

    PubMed

    Lao, Wan-li; Li, Gai-yun; Zhou, Qun; Qin, Te-fu

    2015-06-01

    The ratio of wood and plastic in Wood Plastic Composites (WPCss) influences quality and price, but traditional thermochemical methods cannot rapidly and accurately quantify the ratio of wood/PP in WPCss. This paper was addressed to investigate the feasibility of quantifying the wood flour content and plastic content in WPCss by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. With Chinese fir, polypropylene (PP) and other additives as raw materials, 13 WPCs samples with different wood flour contents, ranging from 9.8% to 61.5%, were prepared by modifying wood flour, mixing materials and extrusion pelletizing. The samples were analyzed by FTIR with the KBr pellets technique. The absorption peaks of WPCss at 1059, 1 033 and 1 740 cm(-1) are considered as characteristic of Chinese fir, and the absorption peaks at 1 377, 2 839 and 841 cm(-1) are typical of PP by comparing the spectra of WPCss with that of Chinese fir, PP and other additives. The relationship between the wood flour content, PP content in WPCss and their characteristic IR peaks height ratio was established. The results show that there is a strong linear correlation between the wood flour content in WPCss and I1 059/l 1 377/I1 033, /I1377, R2 are 0.992 and 0.993 respectively; there is a high linear correlation between the PP content in WPCss and I1 377/I1 740, I2 839 /I1 740 R2 are 0.985 and 0.981, respectively. Quantitative methods of the wood flour content and PP content in WPCss by FTIR were developed, the predictive equations of the wood flour content in WPCss are y = 53.297x-9. 107 and y = 55.922x-10.238, the predictive equations of the PP content in WPCss are y = 6.828 5x+5.403 6 and y = 8.719 7x+3.295 8. The results of the accuracy test and precision test show that the method has strong repeatability and high accuracy. The average prediction relative deviations of the wood flour content and PP content in WPCss are about 5%. The prediction accuracy has been improved remarkably, compared to thermochemical methods. More importantly, FTIR is more easy-handing. This experiment may provide a simple, rapid and accurate method for quantification of wood flour and PP in Chinese fir/PP composites.

  14. GREEN BANK TELESCOPE DETECTION OF POLARIZATION-DEPENDENT H I ABSORPTION AND H I OUTFLOWS IN LOCAL ULIRGs AND QUASARS

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

    Teng, Stacy H.; Veilleux, Sylvain; Baker, Andrew J., E-mail: stacy.h.teng@nasa.gov

    2013-03-10

    We present the results of a 21 cm H I survey of 27 local massive gas-rich late-stage mergers and merger remnants with the Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope. These remnants were selected from the Quasar/ULIRG Evolution Study sample of ultraluminous infrared galaxies (ULIRGs; L{sub 8{sub -{sub 1000{sub {mu}m}}}} > 10{sup 12} L{sub Sun }) and quasars; our targets are all bolometrically dominated by active galactic nuclei (AGNs) and sample the later phases of the proposed ULIRG-to-quasar evolutionary sequence. We find the prevalence of H I absorption (emission) to be 100% (29%) in ULIRGs with H I detections, 100% (88%)more » in FIR-strong quasars, and 63% (100%) in FIR-weak quasars. The absorption features are associated with powerful neutral outflows that change from being mainly driven by star formation in ULIRGs to being driven by the AGN in the quasars. These outflows have velocities that exceed 1500 km s{sup -1} in some cases. Unexpectedly, we find polarization-dependent H I absorption in 57% of our spectra (88% and 63% of the FIR-strong and FIR-weak quasars, respectively). We attribute this result to absorption of polarized continuum emission from these sources by foreground H I clouds. About 60% of the quasars displaying polarized spectra are radio-loud, far higher than the {approx}10% observed in the general AGN population. This discrepancy suggests that radio jets play an important role in shaping the environments in these galaxies. These systems may represent a transition phase in the evolution of gas-rich mergers into ''mature'' radio galaxies.« less

  15. The High-Resolution Far-Infrared Spectra of Sulfur Di-Cyanide S(CN)2 and the Pursuit of that of Cyanogen Iso-Thiocyanate Ncncs

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Winnewisser, Manfred; Winnewisser, Brenda P.; De Lucia, Frank C.; Tokaryk, Dennis W.; Forthomme, Damien; Ross, Sephen C.; Billinghurst, Brant E.

    2012-06-01

    There are only pellet low resolution infrared spectra reported in the literature for sulfur di-cyanide S(CN){_2}, and none at all for cyanogen iso-thiocyanate, NCNCS. These two molecules are linked by a thermal isomerization reaction: NCSCN plus heat yields mainly NCNCS. Despite its difficult synthesis and its short kinetic life time, NCNCS is the best example so far of a quasi-linear molecule which clearly exhibits the distinctive monodromy-induced} dislocation of the ro-vibrational energy levels. The momentum maps (monodromy plots) of various physical quantities, such as effective rotational constants, ro-vibrational energies, dipole moment components etc. for NCNCS show at the top of the punt of the two-dimensional champaign-bottle potential energy function all the effects of quantum monodromy and exited state quantum phase transitions. For that reason it would be highly interesting to observe for NCNCS the high-resolution FIR bands of the lowest quasi-linear bending vibration. At the Canadian Light Source in May-June 2011 we first had to obtain the far-infrared spectrum of the precursor molecule S(CN)2 with the IFS125HR Bruker Fourier transform spectrometer. Six of the fundamental vibrational modes of this molecule have been observed and measured with the maximum resolution of 0.00096 cm-1. The analysis of the measured and assigned band systems is presently being carried out and will be reported in this contribution. The experimental strategy for synthesizing NCNCS and observing its FIR bands in a flow system through a multi-pass infrared absorption cell will also be discussed. B. P. Winnewisser, M. Winnewisser, I. R. Medvedev, F. C. De Lucia, S. C. Ross and J. Koput, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2010, 12, 8158-8189. D. Larese and F. Iachello, J. Mol. Struct., 1006 (2011) 611-628

  16. Using indicator plants to assess susceptibility of Californian red fir and white fir to the fir engraver beetle

    Treesearch

    George T. Ferrell

    1986-01-01

    Using a Vegetation Drought Index (VDI) for estimating the susceptibility of California red and white firs to the fir engraver beetle (Scolytus venttralis) was evaluated in northern California forests where these true firs (Abies species) occur in mixed conifer and true fir stands. Midway through the summer drought, true fir...

  17. Adaptive feedforward control of non-minimum phase structural systems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Vipperman, J. S.; Burdisso, R. A.

    1995-06-01

    Adaptive feedforward control algorithms have been effectively applied to stationary disturbance rejection. For structural systems, the ideal feedforward compensator is a recursive filter which is a function of the transfer functions between the disturbance and control inputs and the error sensor output. Unfortunately, most control configurations result in a non-minimum phase control path; even a collocated control actuator and error sensor will not necessarily produce a minimum phase control path in the discrete domain. Therefore, the common practice is to choose a suitable approximation of the ideal compensator. In particular, all-zero finite impulse response (FIR) filters are desirable because of their inherent stability for adaptive control approaches. However, for highly resonant systems, large order filters are required for broadband applications. In this work, a control configuration is investigated for controlling non-minimum phase lightly damped structural systems. The control approach uses low order FIR filters as feedforward compensators in a configuration that has one more control actuator than error sensors. The performance of the controller was experimentally evaluated on a simply supported plate under white noise excitation for a two-input, one-output (2I1O) system. The results show excellent error signal reduction, attesting to the effectiveness of the method.

  18. Research on signal processing of shock absorber test bench based on zero-phase filter

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wu, Yi; Ding, Guoqing

    2017-10-01

    The quality of force-displacement diagram is significant to help evaluate the performance of shock absorbers. Damping force sampling data is often interfered by Gauss white noise, 50Hz power interference and its harmonic wave during the process of testing; data de-noising has become the core problem of drawing true, accurate and real-time indicator diagram. The noise and interference can be filtered out through generic IIR or FIR low-pass filter, but addition phase lag of useful signal will be caused due to the inherent attribute of IIR and FIR filter. The paper uses FRR method to realize zero-phase digital filtering in a software way based on mutual cancellation of phase lag between the forward and reverse sequences after through the filter. High-frequency interference above 40Hz are filtered out completely and noise attenuation is more than -40dB, with no additional phase lag. The method is able to restore the true signal as far as possible. Theoretical simulation and practical test indicate high-frequency noises have been effectively inhibited in multiple typical speed cases, signal-to-noise ratio being greatly improved; the curve in indicator diagram has better smoothness and fidelity. The FRR algorithm has low computational complexity, fast running time, and can be easily transplanted in multiple platforms.

  19. Correlation among far-infrared reflection modes, crystal structures and dielectric properties of Ba(Zn{sub 1/3}Nb{sub 2/3})O{sub 3}–CaTiO{sub 3} ceramics

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

    Shi, Feng, E-mail: sf751106@sina.com.cn; Sun, Haiqing; Liu, Hongquan

    Highlights: • Crystal symmetry decreases with CT concentration from cubic to hexagonal structure. • Lattice constants as well as the ordered degree change with CT concentration. • Ordered structures turn from 1:1 to 1:2 ordering with change of crystal structures. • There is a correlation between FIR phonon modes and dielectric properties. • There is a correlation between FIR phonon modes and crystal structures. - Abstract: Ba(Zn{sub 1/3}Nb{sub 2/3})O{sub 3} (BZN)–CaTiO{sub 3} (CT) microwave dielectric ceramics were synthesized at 1395 °C for 4 h using conventional solid-state sintering technique with different CT contents. The ceramics were characterized by X-ray diffractionmore » (XRD) and far-infrared reflection (FIR) spectroscopy to evaluate correlations among crystal structures, dielectric properties, and infrared modes. XRD results showed that crystal symmetry decreased with increased CT concentration from cubic to hexagonal structure, and lattice constants and ordered degree changed accordingly. Ordered phases transformed from 1:1 to 1:2 ordered structure with crystal-structure change. FIR results demonstrated that two new IR active modes appeared at 300 cm{sup −1}, and another new mode appeared at 600 cm{sup −1} for the x ≥ 0.60 sample, which agreed with the change in crystal structures as confirmed by XRD results. Correlations between FIR modes and dielectric properties were established.« less

  20. H2O from R Cas: ISO LWS-SWS observations and detailed modelling

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Truong-Bach; Sylvester, R. J.; Barlow, M. J.; Nguyen-Q-Rieu; Lim, T.; Liu, X. W.; Baluteau, J. P.; Deguchi, S.; Justtanont, K.; Tielens, A. G. G. M.

    1999-05-01

    We present 29-197 mu m spectra of the oxygen-rich Mira variable star, R Cas, obtained with the Long- and Short- Wavelength Spectrometers (LWS and SWS) on board the Infrared Space Observatory (ISO). The LWS grating observations were made during two pulsational stellar phases, phi { ~ } 0.5 and 0.2 in August 1996 and June 1997 when the stellar luminosity was near its minimum and mean values, respectively. The infrared flux at the latter epoch was { ~ } 30-40% stronger than at the former. SWS grating observations were also made in June 1997. The spectrum presents a strong far-infrared (FIR) continuum and is rich in water lines suitable for use as circumstellar diagnostics. We have constructed a circumstellar model which consistently treats radiative transfer, chemical exchanges, photodissociation, and heating and cooling effects. The overall FIR excitation field was scaled by a factor which varied with the stellar phase. By fitting the model to the observed FIR water line fluxes and continuum while adopting the stellar parameters based on the Hipparcos distance we have found a mass-loss rate of dot {M} { ~ } 3.4*E(-7) Msun yr(-1) and a total ortho and para water vapour abundance (relative to {H_2} ) of f { ~ } 1.1x\\ex{-5}. The kinetic temperature and the relative abundances of {H2O} , OH, and O in chemical equilibrium have been derived as functions of radial distance r. {H2O} excitation is mainly dominated by FIR emitted by dust grains. The deduced model continuum flux at 29-197 mu m for the phi ~ 0.5 phase was 61% of the flux at phi ~ 0.2. Photodissociation by the FUV interstellar field and CO cooling effects operate farther out than the {H2O} excitation region. Our derived mass-loss rate of R Cas is similar to the value 6x\\ex{-7} Msun yr(-1) previously published for WHya, another oxygen-rich AGB star. Based on observations with ISO, an ESA project with instruments funded by ESA Members States (especially the PI countries: France, Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom) and with the participation of ISAS and NASA.

  1. Long-term cryopreservation of Greek fir embryogenic cell lines: recovery, maturation and genetic fidelity.

    PubMed

    Krajňáková, Jana; Sutela, Suvi; Aronen, Tuija; Gömöry, Dušan; Vianello, Angelo; Häggman, Hely

    2011-08-01

    In coniferous species, including Greek fir (Abies cephalonica Loud), the involvement of somatic embryo plants in breeding and reforestation programs is dependent on the success of long-term cryostorage of embryogenic cultures during clonal field testing. In the present study on Greek fir, we assayed the recovery, morphological characteristics and genetic fidelity of embryogenic cell lines 6 and 8 during proliferation and maturation after long-term cryostorage. Our results indicate successful recovery of both cell lines after 6 years in cryostorage. In the maturation phase, both cell lines were capable of producing somatic embryos although some differences were detected among experiments. However, these changes were more dependent on the differences in the components of the maturation media or in the experimental set-up than on the long-term cryostorage. During both proliferation and maturation phases, the morphological fidelity of the embryogenic cultures as well as of the somatic embryos were alike before and after cryopreservation. The genetic fidelity of the cryopreserved cell line 6 that was assayed by random amplified polymorphic DNA (i.e. RAPD) markers demonstrated some changes in the RAPD profiles. The results indicate possible genetic aberrations caused by long-term cryopreservation or somaclonal variation during the proliferation stage. However, in spite of these changes the embryogenic cultures did not lose their proliferation or maturation abilities. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  2. Weighted finite impulse response filter for chromatic dispersion equalization in coherent optical fiber communication systems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zeng, Ziyi; Yang, Aiying; Guo, Peng; Feng, Lihui

    2018-01-01

    Time-domain CD equalization using finite impulse response (FIR) filter is now a common approach for coherent optical fiber communication systems. The complex weights of FIR taps are calculated from a truncated impulse response of the CD transfer function, and the modulus of the complex weights is constant. In our work, we take the limited bandwidth of a single channel signal into account and propose weighted FIRs to improve the performance of CD equalization. The key in weighted FIR filters is the selection and optimization of weighted functions. In order to present the performance of different types of weighted FIR filters, a square-root raised cosine FIR (SRRC-FIR) and a Gaussian FIR (GS-FIR) are investigated. The optimization of square-root raised cosine FIR and Gaussian FIR are made in term of the bit rate error (BER) of QPSK and 16QAM coherent detection signal. The results demonstrate that the optimized parameters of the weighted filters are independent of the modulation format, symbol rate and the length of transmission fiber. With the optimized weighted FIRs, the BER of CD equalization signal is decreased significantly. Although this paper has investigated two types of weighted FIR filters, i.e. SRRC-FIR filter and GS-FIR filter, the principle of weighted FIR can also be extended to other symmetric functions super Gaussian function, hyperbolic secant function and etc.

  3. Constructing a bivariate distribution function with given marginals and correlation: application to the galaxy luminosity function

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Takeuchi, Tsutomu T.

    2010-08-01

    We provide an analytic method to construct a bivariate distribution function (DF) with given marginal distributions and correlation coefficient. We introduce a convenient mathematical tool, called a copula, to connect two DFs with any prescribed dependence structure. If the correlation of two variables is weak (Pearson's correlation coefficient |ρ| < 1/3), the Farlie-Gumbel-Morgenstern (FGM) copula provides an intuitive and natural way to construct such a bivariate DF. When the linear correlation is stronger, the FGM copula cannot work anymore. In this case, we propose using a Gaussian copula, which connects two given marginals and is directly related to the linear correlation coefficient between two variables. Using the copulas, we construct the bivariate luminosity function (BLF) and discuss its statistical properties. We focus especially on the far-infrared-far-ulatraviolet (FUV-FIR) BLF, since these two wavelength regions are related to star-formation (SF) activity. Though both the FUV and FIR are related to SF activity, the univariate LFs have a very different functional form: the former is well described by the Schechter function whilst the latter has a much more extended power-law-like luminous end. We construct the FUV-FIR BLFs using the FGM and Gaussian copulas with different strengths of correlation, and examine their statistical properties. We then discuss some further possible applications of the BLF: the problem of a multiband flux-limited sample selection, the construction of the star-formation rate (SFR) function, and the construction of the stellar mass of galaxies (M*)-specific SFR (SFR/M*) relation. The copulas turn out to be a very useful tool to investigate all these issues, especially for including complicated selection effects.

  4. Rooting cuttings from douglas-fir, white-fir, and California red fir christmas trees

    Treesearch

    C. M. Blankensop; R. Z. Callaham

    1960-01-01

    Christmas tree growers in California have asked geneticists to help improve the characteristics of the - wild species they are cultivating. The preferred Christmas trees of California are Shasta red fir (Abies magnifica A. Murr.), white fir (A. concolor (Gord. & Glend.) Lindl.), and Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga...

  5. Adaptive filtering with the self-organizing map: a performance comparison.

    PubMed

    Barreto, Guilherme A; Souza, Luís Gustavo M

    2006-01-01

    In this paper we provide an in-depth evaluation of the SOM as a feasible tool for nonlinear adaptive filtering. A comprehensive survey of existing SOM-based and related architectures for learning input-output mappings is carried out and the application of these architectures to nonlinear adaptive filtering is formulated. Then, we introduce two simple procedures for building RBF-based nonlinear filters using the Vector-Quantized Temporal Associative Memory (VQTAM), a recently proposed method for learning dynamical input-output mappings using the SOM. The aforementioned SOM-based adaptive filters are compared with standard FIR/LMS and FIR/LMS-Newton linear transversal filters, as well as with powerful MLP-based filters in nonlinear channel equalization and inverse modeling tasks. The obtained results in both tasks indicate that SOM-based filters can consistently outperform powerful MLP-based ones.

  6. Forecasting outbreaks of the Douglas-fir tussock moth from lower crown cocoon samples.

    Treesearch

    Richard R. Mason; Donald W. Scott; H. Gene Paul

    1993-01-01

    A predictive technique using a simple linear regression was developed to forecast the midcrown density of small tussock moth larvae from estimates of cocoon density in the previous generation. The regression estimator was derived from field samples of cocoons and larvae taken from a wide range of nonoutbreak tussock moth populations. The accuracy of the predictions was...

  7. Non-transmissible Sendai virus vector encoding c-myc suppressor FBP-interacting repressor for cancer therapy

    PubMed Central

    Matsushita, Kazuyuki; Shimada, Hideaki; Ueda, Yasuji; Inoue, Makoto; Hasegawa, Mamoru; Tomonaga, Takeshi; Matsubara, Hisahiro; Nomura, Fumio

    2014-01-01

    AIM: To investigate a novel therapeutic strategy to target and suppress c-myc in human cancers using far up stream element (FUSE)-binding protein-interacting repressor (FIR). METHODS: Endogenous c-Myc suppression and apoptosis induction by a transient FIR-expressing vector was examined in vivo via a HA-tagged FIR (HA-FIR) expression vector. A fusion gene-deficient, non-transmissible, Sendai virus (SeV) vector encoding FIR cDNA, SeV/dF/FIR, was prepared. SeV/dF/FIR was examined for its gene transduction efficiency, viral dose dependency of antitumor effect and apoptosis induction in HeLa (cervical squamous cell carcinoma) cells and SW480 (colon adenocarcinoma) cells. Antitumor efficacy in a mouse xenograft model was also examined. The molecular mechanism of the anti-tumor effect and c-Myc suppression by SeV/dF/FIR was examined using Spliceostatin A (SSA), a SAP155 inhibitor, or SAP155 siRNA which induce c-Myc by increasing FIR∆exon2 in HeLa cells. RESULTS: FIR was found to repress c-myc transcription and in turn the overexpression of FIR drove apoptosis through c-myc suppression. Thus, FIR expressing vectors are potentially applicable for cancer therapy. FIR is alternatively spliced by SAP155 in cancer cells lacking the transcriptional repression domain within exon 2 (FIR∆exon2), counteracting FIR for c-Myc protein expression. Furthermore, FIR forms a complex with SAP155 and inhibits mutual well-established functions. Thus, both the valuable effects and side effects of exogenous FIR stimuli should be tested for future clinical application. SeV/dF/FIR, a cytoplasmic RNA virus, was successfully prepared and showed highly efficient gene transduction in in vivo experiments. Furthermore, in nude mouse tumor xenograft models, SeV/dF/FIR displayed high antitumor efficiency against human cancer cells. SeV/dF/FIR suppressed SSA-activated c-Myc. SAP155 siRNA, potentially produces FIR∆exon2, and led to c-Myc overexpression with phosphorylation at Ser62. HA-FIR suppressed endogenous c-Myc expression and induced apoptosis in HeLa and SW480 cells. A c-myc transcriptional suppressor FIR expressing SeV/dF/FIR showed high gene transduction efficiency with significant antitumor effects and apoptosis induction in HeLa and SW480 cells. CONCLUSION: SeV/dF/FIR showed strong tumor growth suppression with no significant side effects in an animal xenograft model, thus SeV/dF/FIR is potentially applicable for future clinical cancer treatment. PMID:24764668

  8. Native root xylem embolism and stomatal closure in stands of Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine: mitigation by hydraulic redistribution.

    PubMed

    Domec, J-C; Warren, J M; Meinzer, F C; Brooks, J R; Coulombe, R

    2004-09-01

    Hydraulic redistribution (HR), the passive movement of water via roots from moist to drier portions of the soil, occurs in many ecosystems, influencing both plant and ecosystem-water use. We examined the effects of HR on root hydraulic functioning during drought in young and old-growth Douglas-fir [ Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco] and ponderosa pine ( Pinus ponderosa Dougl. Ex Laws) trees growing in four sites. During the 2002 growing season, in situ xylem embolism, water deficit and xylem vulnerability to embolism were measured on medium roots (2-4-mm diameter) collected at 20-30 cm depth. Soil water content and water potentials were monitored concurrently to determine the extent of HR. Additionally, the water potential and stomatal conductance ( g(s)) of upper canopy leaves were measured throughout the growing season. In the site with young Douglas-fir trees, root embolism increased from 20 to 55 percent loss of conductivity (PLC) as the dry season progressed. In young ponderosa pine, root embolism increased from 45 to 75 PLC. In contrast, roots of old-growth Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine trees never experienced more than 30 and 40 PLC, respectively. HR kept soil water potential at 20-30 cm depth above -0.5 MPa in the old-growth Douglas-fir site and -1.8 MPa in the old-growth ponderosa pine site, which significantly reduced loss of shallow root function. In the young ponderosa pine stand, where little HR occurred, the water potential in the upper soil layers fell to about -2.8 MPa, which severely impaired root functioning and limited recovery when the fall rains returned. In both species, daily maximum g(s) decreased linearly with increasing root PLC, suggesting that root xylem embolism acted in concert with stomata to limit water loss, thereby maintaining minimum leaf water potential above critical values. HR appears to be an important mechanism for maintaining shallow root function during drought and preventing total stomatal closure.

  9. Price projections for selected grades of Douglas-fir, coast hem-fir, inland hem-fir, and ponderosa pine lumber.

    Treesearch

    Richard W. Haynes; Roger D. Fight

    1992-01-01

    Grade-specific price projections were developed for Douglas-fir, coast hem-fir, inland hem-fir, and ponderosa pine lumber. These grade-specific price projections can be used in evaluating management practices that will affect the quality of saw logs produced under various management regimes.

  10. L'CO/LFIR Relations with CO Rotational Ladders of Galaxies Across the Herschel SPIRE Archive

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Kamenetzky, J.; Rangwala, N.; Glenn, J.; Maloney, P. R.; Conley, A.

    2015-01-01

    We present a catalog of all CO (carbon monoxide) (J (total angular momentum quantum number) equals 1-0 through J equals 13-12), [CI], and [NII] lines available from extragalactic spectra from the Herschel SPIRE (Spectral and Photometric Imaging Receiver) Fourier Transform Spectrometer (FTS) archive combined with observations of the low-J CO lines from the literature and from the Arizona Radio Observatory. This work examines the relationships between L (sub FIR (Far Infra Red)), L prime (sub CO), and L (sub CO) / L (sub CO, 1-0). We also present a new method for estimating probability distribution functions (PDFs) from marginal signal-to-noise ratio Herschel FTS spectra, which takes into account the instrumental "ringing" and the resulting highly correlated nature of the spectra. The slopes of Log (L (sub FIR)) versus Log (L prime (sub CO)) are linear for all mid- to high-J CO lines. The mid- to high-J CO luminosity relative to CO J equals 1-0 increases with increasing L (sub FIR), indicating higher excitement of the molecular gas, though these ratios do not exceed approximately 100. The luminosities relative to CO J equals 1-0 remain relatively at from J equals 6-5 through J equals13-2, across many orders of magnitude of L (sub FIR). Qualitative comparisons to current theoretical models do not match these flat SLED (spectral line energy distributions) shapes, indicating the need for more comprehensive modeling of the excitation processes of warm molecular gas in nearby galaxies.

  11. Weather and tree growth associated with white fir mortality caused by fir engraver and roundheaded fir borer

    Treesearch

    George T. Ferrell; Ralph C. Hall

    1975-01-01

    White fir (Abides concolor [Cord. & Glend.] Lindl.) stands in Western North America periodically suffer extensive tree mortality caused by outbreaks of the fir engraver bark beetle (Scolytus ventralis Lec.). The cambial zone of the boles infested by S. ventralis is also colonized by the roundheaded fir borer...

  12. Silvics of grand fir

    Treesearch

    Marvin W. Foiles

    1959-01-01

    Grand fir (Abies grandis) is one of the two balsam firs found in the northern Rocky Mountain region and one of seven in the Pacific Northwest. Except in the southern part of its range, where it is often confused with white fir (Abies concolor), it is distinguished from other firs in its range by its needles, which are distinctly two-ranked. Grand fir differs...

  13. Growth classification systems for red fir and white fir in northern California

    Treesearch

    George T. Ferrell

    1983-01-01

    Selected crown and bole characteristics were predictor variables in growth classification equations developed for California red fir, Shasta red fir, and white fir in northern California. Individual firs were classified on the basis of percent basal area increment (PCTBAI ) as Class 1 (≤ 1 pct), Class 2 (> 1 pct and ≤ 3 pct), or Class 3 (> 3...

  14. Fir dwarf mistletoe (FIDL).

    Treesearch

    Gregory M. Filip; Jerome S. Beatty; Robert L. Mathiasen

    2000-01-01

    Fir dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium abietinum Engelmann ex Munz) is a common and damaging parasite of white fir (Abies concolor (Gord. & Glend.) Lindl. ex Hildebr.), grand fir (Abies grandis (Dougl. ex D. Don) Lindl.), and California red fir (A. magnifica A. Murr.) in the western...

  15. Damage from wind and other causes in mixed white fir-red fir stands adjacent to clearcuttings

    Treesearch

    Donald T. Gordon

    1973-01-01

    Damage to timber surrounding clearcuttings and in one light selection cutting in mixed white fir-red fir stands was monitored for 6 years in northeastern California. In some years, bark beetles apparently killed more trees than did wind damage, but in two of the study years, severe wind storms caused much damage. One storm produced mainly break-age, apparently...

  16. Optical systolic solutions of linear algebraic equations

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Neuman, C. P.; Casasent, D.

    1984-01-01

    The philosophy and data encoding possible in systolic array optical processor (SAOP) were reviewed. The multitude of linear algebraic operations achievable on this architecture is examined. These operations include such linear algebraic algorithms as: matrix-decomposition, direct and indirect solutions, implicit and explicit methods for partial differential equations, eigenvalue and eigenvector calculations, and singular value decomposition. This architecture can be utilized to realize general techniques for solving matrix linear and nonlinear algebraic equations, least mean square error solutions, FIR filters, and nested-loop algorithms for control engineering applications. The data flow and pipelining of operations, design of parallel algorithms and flexible architectures, application of these architectures to computationally intensive physical problems, error source modeling of optical processors, and matching of the computational needs of practical engineering problems to the capabilities of optical processors are emphasized.

  17. Design of adaptive control systems by means of self-adjusting transversal filters

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Merhav, S. J.

    1986-01-01

    The design of closed-loop adaptive control systems based on nonparametric identification was addressed. Implementation is by self-adjusting Least Mean Square (LMS) transversal filters. The design concept is Model Reference Adaptive Control (MRAC). Major issues are to preserve the linearity of the error equations of each LMS filter, and to prevent estimation bias that is due to process or measurement noise, thus providing necessary conditions for the convergence and stability of the control system. The controlled element is assumed to be asymptotically stable and minimum phase. Because of the nonparametric Finite Impulse Response (FIR) estimates provided by the LMS filters, a-priori information on the plant model is needed only in broad terms. Following a survey of control system configurations and filter design considerations, system implementation is shown here in Single Input Single Output (SISO) format which is readily extendable to multivariable forms. In extensive computer simulation studies the controlled element is represented by a second-order system with widely varying damping, natural frequency, and relative degree.

  18. Timber marking costs in spruce-fir: experience on the Penobscot Experimental Forest

    Treesearch

    Paul E. Sendak

    2002-01-01

    In the application of partial harvests, time needs to be allocated to marking trees to be cut. On the Penobscot Experimental Forest located in Maine, eight major experimental treatments have been applied to northern conifer stands for more than 40 yr. Data recorded at the time of marking were used to estimate the time required to mark trees for harvest. A simple linear...

  19. Radial growth of grand fir and Douglas-fir 10 years after defoliation by the Douglas-fir tussock moth in the Blue Mountains outbreak.

    Treesearch

    Boyd E. Wickman

    1986-01-01

    Radial-growth recovery related to amount of tree defoliation was measured 10 years after a severe outbreak of Douglas-fir tussock moth (Orgyia pseudotsugata (McDunnough). For the period 1978-82, growth of qrand fir surpassed and was significantly greater than in the preoutbreak period, 1968-72. Douglas-fir growth during the postoutbreak period...

  20. Reconsidering price projections for selected grades of Douglas-fir, coast hem-fir, inland hem-fir, and ponderosa pine lumber.

    Treesearch

    Richard W. Haynes; Roger D. Fight

    2004-01-01

    Grade-specific price projections were once again developed for Douglas-fir, coast hem-fir, inland hem-fir, and ponderosa pine lumber. These grade-specific price projections can be used to demonstrate the returns to land management of practices that lead to high-quality logs that produce a larger proportion of high grades of lumber. The price ratios among low, medium,...

  1. Douglas-fir tussock moth- and Douglas-fir beetle-caused mortality in a ponderosa pine/Douglas-fir forest in the Colorado Front Range, USA

    Treesearch

    Jose F. Negron; Ann M. Lynch; Willis C. Schaupp; Vladimir Bocharnikov

    2014-01-01

    An outbreak of the Douglas-fir tussock moth, Orgyia pseudotsugata McDunnough, occurred in the South Platte River drainage on the Pike-San Isabel National Forest in the Colorado Front Range attacking Douglas-fir, Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco. Stocking levels, species composition, and tree size in heavily and lightly defoliated stands were similar. Douglas-fir...

  2. Picosecond acoustic phonon dynamics in LaF3:Pr3+

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kirkpatrick, Sean M.; Yang, Ho-Soon; Dennis, W. M.

    1998-09-01

    A plasma switching technique is used to generate subnanosecond, far-infrared (FIR) pulses with frequency 113 cm-1. The generation of subnanosecond FIR pulses enables us to improve the time resolution of phonon spectroscopic measurements from 50 ns to 350 ps. As an application of this technique, we investigate the subnanosecond dynamics of high-frequency phonons in 0.5% LaF3:Pr3+. In particular, we report on the generation and detection of a subnanosecond nonequilibrium phonon population at 113 cm-1, and the temporal evolution of the resulting decay products. The frequency dependence of the phonon relaxation rates of acoustic phonons in this material is found to deviate from the ω5 frequency dependence predicted by an isotropic model with linear dispersion. A more realistic model based on the actual dispersion curves of the material is presented and compared with the data.

  3. AmeriFlux CA-Na1 New Brunswick - 1967 Balsam Fir - Nashwaak Lake Site 01 (Mature balsam fir forest)

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

    Bourque, Charles P.-A.

    This is the AmeriFlux version of the carbon flux data for the site CA-Na1 New Brunswick - 1967 Balsam Fir - Nashwaak Lake Site 01 (Mature balsam fir forest). Site Description - immature balsam fir forest

  4. NHEXAS PHASE I ARIZONA STUDY--METALS IN URINE ANALYTICAL RESULTS

    EPA Science Inventory

    The Metals in Urine data set contains analytical results for measurements of up to 6 metals in 176 urine samples over 176 households. Each sample was collected from the primary respondent within each household during Stage III of the NHEXAS study. The sample consists of the fir...

  5. Fir Engraver (FIDL)

    Treesearch

    George T. Ferrell

    1986-01-01

    The fir engraver, Scolytus ventralis LeConte, belongs to the family of insects called bark beetles, which live between the bark and wood of host trees. A wide-ranging, native beetle, the fir engraver attacks most species of fir in the Western United States. Epidemics can cause severe tree mortality. From 1977 to 1978, for example, the fir engraver killed an estimated 1...

  6. A Multi Directional Perfect Reconstruction Filter Bank Designed with 2-D Eigenfilter Approach: Application to Ultrasound Speckle Reduction.

    PubMed

    Nagare, Mukund B; Patil, Bhushan D; Holambe, Raghunath S

    2017-02-01

    B-Mode ultrasound images are degraded by inherent noise called Speckle, which creates a considerable impact on image quality. This noise reduces the accuracy of image analysis and interpretation. Therefore, reduction of speckle noise is an essential task which improves the accuracy of the clinical diagnostics. In this paper, a Multi-directional perfect-reconstruction (PR) filter bank is proposed based on 2-D eigenfilter approach. The proposed method used for the design of two-dimensional (2-D) two-channel linear-phase FIR perfect-reconstruction filter bank. In this method, the fan shaped, diamond shaped and checkerboard shaped filters are designed. The quadratic measure of the error function between the passband and stopband of the filter has been used an objective function. First, the low-pass analysis filter is designed and then the PR condition has been expressed as a set of linear constraints on the corresponding synthesis low-pass filter. Subsequently, the corresponding synthesis filter is designed using the eigenfilter design method with linear constraints. The newly designed 2-D filters are used in translation invariant pyramidal directional filter bank (TIPDFB) for reduction of speckle noise in ultrasound images. The proposed 2-D filters give better symmetry, regularity and frequency selectivity of the filters in comparison to existing design methods. The proposed method is validated on synthetic and real ultrasound data which ensures improvement in the quality of ultrasound images and efficiently suppresses the speckle noise compared to existing methods.

  7. Heart Rots of Red and White Firs

    Treesearch

    J.W. Kimmey; H.H. Jr. Bynum

    1961-01-01

    Heart rots, caused by fungi that attack the heartwood of living trees, are responsible for the greatest volume loss sustained by California red fir (Abies magnifica A. Murr.) and white fir (A. concolor (Gord. and Glend.) Lindl.). These two firs comprise 25 percent of the commercial timber of California. More than 13 percent of the volume in these firs is useless cull...

  8. The identification of Douglas-fir wood

    Treesearch

    Forest Products Laboratory (U.S.)

    1963-01-01

    Douglas-fir is one of the largest, most abundant and widely distributed species of trees native to North America, and next to the southern yellow pines, it is cut in the greatest quantities of any wood of commercial importance. It belongs to the coniferous family and is, therefore, a softwood. Other names for Douglas -fir are red fir, yellow fir, Oregon pine, Puget...

  9. Weather, logging, and tree growth associated with fir engraver attack scars in white fir

    Treesearch

    George T. Ferrell

    1973-01-01

    The boles of 32 recently killed, and 41 living, white fir were examined for embedded fir engraver (Scolytus ventralis) attack scars. Of 287 scars found in annual rings for the years 1934-69, only 2 to 3 percent represented reproductively successful attacks. Trends in scar abundance were directly correlated with trends in white fir killed by ...

  10. Modeling effects of overstory density and competing vegetation on tree height growth

    Treesearch

    Christian Salas; Albert R. Stage; Andrew P. Robinson

    2007-01-01

    We developed and evaluated an individual-tree height growth model for Douglas-fir [Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirbel) Franco] in the Inland Northwest United States. The model predicts growth for all tree sizes continuously, rather than requiring a transition between independent models for juvenile and mature growth phases. The model predicts the effects...

  11. Disturbed alternative splicing of FIR (PUF60) directed cyclin E overexpression in esophageal cancers.

    PubMed

    Ogura, Yukiko; Hoshino, Tyuji; Tanaka, Nobuko; Ailiken, Guzhanuer; Kobayashi, Sohei; Kitamura, Kouichi; Rahmutulla, Bahityar; Kano, Masayuki; Murakami, Kentarou; Akutsu, Yasunori; Nomura, Fumio; Itoga, Sakae; Matsubara, Hisahiro; Matsushita, Kazuyuki

    2018-05-01

    Overexpression of alternative splicing of far upstream element binding protein 1 (FUBP1) interacting repressor (FIR; poly(U) binding splicing factor 60 [PUF60]) and cyclin E were detected in esophageal squamous cell carcinomas (ESCC). Accordingly, the expression of FBW7 was examined by which cyclin E is degraded as a substrate via the proteasome system. Expectedly, FBW7 expression was decreased significantly in ESCC. Conversely, c-myc gene transcriptional repressor FIR (alias PUF60; U2AF-related protein) and its alternative splicing variant form (FIRΔexon2) were overexpressed in ESCC. Further, anticancer drugs (cis-diaminedichloroplatinum/cisplatin [CDDP] or 5-fluorouracil [5-FU]) and knockdown of FIR by small interfering RNA (siRNA) increased cyclin E while knockdown of FIRΔexon2 by siRNA decreased cyclin E expression in ESCC cell lines (TE1, TE2, and T.Tn) or cervical SCC cells (HeLa cells). Especially, knockdown of SAP155 (SF3b1), a splicing factor required for proper alternative splicing of FIR pre-mRNA, decreased cyclin E. Therefore, disturbed alternative splicing of FIR generated FIR/FIRΔexon2 with cyclin E overexpression in esophageal cancers, indicating that SAP155 siRNA potentially rescued FBW7 function by reducing expression of FIR and/or FIRΔexon2. Remarkably, Three-dimensional structure analysis revealed the hypothetical inhibitory mechanism of FBW7 function by FIR/FIRΔexon2, a novel mechanism of cyclin E overexpression by FIR/FIRΔexon2-FBW7 interaction was discussed. Clinically, elevated FIR expression potentially is an indicator of the number of lymph metastases and anti-FIR/FIRΔexon2 antibodies in sera as cancer diagnosis, indicating chemical inhibitors of FIR/FIRΔexon2-FBW7 interaction could be potential candidate drugs for cancer therapy. In conclusion, elevated cyclin E expression was, in part, induced owing to potential FIR/FIRΔexon2-FBW7 interaction in ESCC.

  12. Far infrared promotes wound healing through activation of Notch1 signaling.

    PubMed

    Hsu, Yung-Ho; Lin, Yuan-Feng; Chen, Cheng-Hsien; Chiu, Yu-Jhe; Chiu, Hui-Wen

    2017-11-01

    The Notch signaling pathway is critically involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, development, and homeostasis. Far infrared (FIR) has an effect that promotes wound healing. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are unclear. In the present study, we employed in vivo and HaCaT (a human skin keratinocyte cell line) models to elucidate the role of Notch1 signaling in FIR-promoted wound healing. We found that FIR enhanced keratinocyte migration and proliferation. FIR induced the Notch1 signaling pathway in HaCaT cells and in a microarray dataset from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. We next determined the mRNA levels of NOTCH1 in paired normal and wound skin tissues derived from clinical patients using the microarray dataset and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis software. The result indicated that the Notch1/Twist1 axis plays important roles in wound healing and tissue repair. In addition, inhibiting Notch1 signaling decreased the FIR-enhanced proliferation and migration. In a full-thickness wound model in rats, the wounds healed more rapidly and the scar size was smaller in the FIR group than in the light group. Moreover, FIR could increase Notch1 and Delta1 in skin tissues. The activation of Notch1 signaling may be considered as a possible mechanism for the promoting effect of FIR on wound healing. FIR stimulates keratinocyte migration and proliferation. Notch1 in keratinocytes has an essential role in FIR-induced migration and proliferation. NOTCH1 promotes TWIST1-mediated gene expression to assist wound healing. FIR might promote skin wound healing in a rat model. FIR stimulates keratinocyte migration and proliferation. Notch1 in keratinocytes has an essential role in FIR-induced migration and proliferation. NOTCH1 promotes TWIST1-mediated gene expression to assist wound healing. FIR might promote skin wound healing in a rat model.

  13. Silvical characteristics of balsam fir (Abies balsamea)

    Treesearch

    Arthur C. Hart

    1959-01-01

    Balsam fir takes its name from the Latin word for balm. Some people know the tree as the Balm-of-Gilead fir. It has also been called the blister fir, because of the bark blisters that yield Canada balsam, a resin that is used for, among other things, mounting microscope slides. The needles of balsam fir have a spicy aroma that Donald Culross Peattie has called "...

  14. Predicting susceptibility of white fir during a drought-associated outbreak of the fir engraver, Scolytus centralis, in California

    Treesearch

    G.T. Ferrell; W.J. Otrosina; C.J. DeMars

    1994-01-01

    Phenotypic traits were compared with a vigor (growth efficiency) index for accuracy in predicting susceptibility of white fir, Abies concolor (Gord. & Glend.) Lindl., during a drought-associated outbreak of the fir engraver, Scolytus centralis LeC., in the central Sierra Nevada at Lake Tahoe, California.Predictor variables were estimated for 633 firs in six forest...

  15. Seed maturity in white fir and red fir

    Treesearch

    William W. Oliver

    1974-01-01

    White fir and red fir seed collected over a 2-month period in northern California was tested for germination of fresh and stratified seed. Ratio of embryo length to embryo cavity length was found to be the most useful index of seed maturity for white and red fir. Cone specific gravity also was correlated with nearly all measures of seed germination. Data suggest that...

  16. Differential susceptibility of white fir provenances to the fir engraver and its fungal symbiont in northern California

    Treesearch

    G.T. Ferrell; W.J. Otrosina

    1996-01-01

    The fir engraver, Scolytus ventralis LeC., attacks white fir, Abies concolor (Gord. and Glend.) Lindl., and other true firs, Abies spp., in western North America. The biology, attack behavior, and ecology of this bark beetle were recently summarized by Berryman and Ferrell (1988). During the summer flight season, the attacking beetles bore into the cambial zone of...

  17. Demonstrating a New Census of Infrared Galaxies with ALMA (DANCING-ALMA). I. FIR Size and Luminosity Relation at z = 0-6 Revealed with 1034 ALMA Sources

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fujimoto, Seiji; Ouchi, Masami; Shibuya, Takatoshi; Nagai, Hiroshi

    2017-11-01

    We present the large statistics of the galaxy effective radius R e in the rest-frame far-infrared (FIR) wavelength {R}{{e}({FIR})} obtained from 1627 Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) 1 mm band maps that become public by 2017 July. Our ALMA sample consists of 1034 sources with the star formation rate ˜ 100{--}1000 {M}⊙ {{yr}}-1 and the stellar mass ˜ {10}10{--}{10}11.5 {M}⊙ at z = 0-6. We homogeneously derive {R}{{e}({FIR})} and FIR luminosity L FIR of our ALMA sources via the uv-visibility method with the exponential disk model, carefully evaluating selection and measurement incompletenesses by realistic Monte-Carlo simulations. We find that there is a positive correlation between {R}{{e}({FIR})} and L FIR at the >99% significance level. The best-fit power-law function, {R}{{e}({FIR})}\\propto {L}{FIR}α , provides α =0.28+/- 0.07, and shows that {R}{{e}({FIR})} at a fixed L FIR decreases toward high redshifts. The best-fit α and the redshift evolution of {R}{{e}({FIR})} are similar to those of R e in the rest-frame UV (optical) wavelength {R}{{e}({UV})} ({R}{{e}({Opt}.)}) revealed by Hubble Space Telescope (HST) studies. We identify that our ALMA sources have significant trends of {R}{{e}({FIR})}≲ {R}{{e}({UV})} and {R}{{e}({Opt}.)}, which suggests that the dusty starbursts take place in compact regions. Moreover, {R}{{e}({FIR})} of our ALMA sources is comparable to {R}{{e}({Opt}.)} of quiescent galaxies at z ˜ 1-3 as a function of stellar mass, supporting the evolutionary connection between these two galaxy populations. We also investigate rest-frame UV and optical morphologies of our ALMA sources with deep HST images, and find that ˜30%-40% of our ALMA sources are classified as major mergers. This indicates that dusty starbursts are triggered by not only the major mergers but also the other mechanism(s).

  18. Risk-rating systems for mature red fir and white fir in northern California

    Treesearch

    George T. Ferrell

    1980-01-01

    On the basis of crown and bole characteristics, risk-rating systems to predict the probability that a tree will die within 5 years were developed for mature red fir and white fir in northern California. The systems apply to firs at least 10 inches (25.4 cm) in diameter-at-breast-height (d.b.h.), growing in mature stands, with the original overstory at least partially...

  19. Assessing the susceptibility of white fir to the fir engraver, Scolytus ventralis Lec. (Coleoptera: Scolytidae), using fungal inoculation

    Treesearch

    G.T. Ferrell; W.J. Otrosina; C.J. DeMars

    1993-01-01

    A method of assessing susceptibility of white fir, Abies concolor (Gord. and Glend.) Lindl., by fungal inoculation was tested during an outbreak of the fir engraver beetle, Scolytus ventralis LeC., at Lake Tahoe, California, in 1987 through 1989.A total of 592 firs growing in six forest stands containing trees infested by the beetle were inoculated with the mutualistic...

  20. THE PHYSICS OF THE FAR-INFRARED-RADIO CORRELATION. I. CALORIMETRY, CONSPIRACY, AND IMPLICATIONS

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

    Lacki, Brian C.; Thompson, Todd A.; Quataert, Eliot, E-mail: lacki@astronomy.ohio-state.ed

    2010-07-01

    The far-infrared (FIR) and radio luminosities of star-forming galaxies are linearly correlated over a very wide range in star formation rate, from normal spirals like the Milky Way to the most intense starbursts. Using one-zone models of cosmic ray (CR) injection, cooling, and escape in star-forming galaxies, we attempt to reproduce the observed FIR-radio correlation (FRC) over its entire span. The normalization and linearity of the FRC, together with constraints on the CR population in the Milky Way, have strong implications for the CR and magnetic energy densities in star-forming galaxies. We show that for consistency with the FRC, {approx}2%more » of the kinetic energy from supernova explosions must go into high-energy primary CR electrons and that {approx}10%-20% must go into high-energy primary CR protons. Secondary electrons and positrons are likely comparable to or dominate primary electrons in dense starburst galaxies. We discuss the implications of our models for the magnetic field strengths of starbursts, the detectability of starbursts by Fermi, and CR feedback. Overall, our models indicate that both CR protons and electrons escape from low surface density galaxies, but lose most of their energy before escaping dense starbursts. The FRC is caused by a combination of the efficient cooling of CR electrons (calorimetry) in starbursts and a conspiracy of several factors. For lower surface density galaxies, the decreasing radio emission caused by CR escape is balanced by the decreasing FIR emission caused by the low effective UV dust opacity. In starbursts, bremsstrahlung, ionization, and inverse Compton cooling decrease the radio emission, but they are countered by secondary electrons/positrons and the dependence of synchrotron frequency on energy, both of which increase the radio emission. Our conclusions hold for a broad range of variations in our fiducial model, such as those including winds, different magnetic field strengths, and different diffusive escape times.« less

  1. Human Research Initiative (HRI)

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Motil, Brian

    2003-01-01

    A code U initiative starting in the FY04 budget includes specific funding for 'Phase Change' and 'Multiphase Flow Research' on the ISS. NASA GRC developed a concept for two facilities based on funding/schedule constraints: 1) Two Phase Flow Facility (TphiFFy) which assumes integrating into FIR; 2) Contact Line Dynamics Experiment Facility (CLiDE) which assumes integration into MSG. Each facility will accommodate multiple experiments conducted by NRA selected PIs with an overall goal of enabling specific NASA strategic objectives. There may also be a significant ground-based component.

  2. Instantaneous and Frequency-Warped Signal Processing Techniques for Auditory Source Separation.

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Avery Li-Chun

    This thesis summarizes several contributions to the areas of signal processing and auditory source separation. The philosophy of Frequency-Warped Signal Processing is introduced as a means for separating the AM and FM contributions to the bandwidth of a complex-valued, frequency-varying sinusoid p (n), transforming it into a signal with slowly-varying parameters. This transformation facilitates the removal of p (n) from an additive mixture while minimizing the amount of damage done to other signal components. The average winding rate of a complex-valued phasor is explored as an estimate of the instantaneous frequency. Theorems are provided showing the robustness of this measure. To implement frequency tracking, a Frequency-Locked Loop algorithm is introduced which uses the complex winding error to update its frequency estimate. The input signal is dynamically demodulated and filtered to extract the envelope. This envelope may then be remodulated to reconstruct the target partial, which may be subtracted from the original signal mixture to yield a new, quickly-adapting form of notch filtering. Enhancements to the basic tracker are made which, under certain conditions, attain the Cramer -Rao bound for the instantaneous frequency estimate. To improve tracking, the novel idea of Harmonic -Locked Loop tracking, using N harmonically constrained trackers, is introduced for tracking signals, such as voices and certain musical instruments. The estimated fundamental frequency is computed from a maximum-likelihood weighting of the N tracking estimates, making it highly robust. The result is that harmonic signals, such as voices, can be isolated from complex mixtures in the presence of other spectrally overlapping signals. Additionally, since phase information is preserved, the resynthesized harmonic signals may be removed from the original mixtures with relatively little damage to the residual signal. Finally, a new methodology is given for designing linear-phase FIR filters which require a small fraction of the computational power of conventional FIR implementations. This design strategy is based on truncated and stabilized IIR filters. These signal-processing methods have been applied to the problem of auditory source separation, resulting in voice separation from complex music that is significantly better than previous results at far lower computational cost.

  3. Allelochemicals and activities in a replanted Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook) tree ecosystem.

    PubMed

    Kong, C H; Chen, L C; Xu, X H; Wang, P; Wang, S L

    2008-12-24

    Autotoxicity is a major reason for replant problems in managed tree ecosystems. Studies have related phenolics-based allelochemicals to autotoxicity. We selected a 20-year-old replanted Chinese fir [Cunninghamia lancealata (Lamb.) Hook] tree ecosystem to isolate, identify, determine the biological activity of, and quantify soil phytotoxins. Eight common phenolics (coumarin, vanillin, isovanillin, and p-hydroxybenzoic, vanillic, benzoic, cinnamic, and ferulic acids), friedelin, and a novel cyclic dipeptide (6-hydroxy-1,3-dimethyl-8-nonadecyl-[1,4]-diazocane-2,5-diketone) were obtained by using the bioassay-guided isolation technique from toxic soil of the replanted Chinese fir tree ecosystem. Chemical structures were determined by spectroscopic means, including 2D-NMR (COSY, HMQC, HMBC, and NOESY) experiments. High concentrations of soil phenolics and friedelin were observed in the natural evergreen broadleaf forest (CK) rather than in the Chinese fir tree ecosystem. The phenolics and friedelin were not phytotoxic to Chinese fir trees. However, the cyclic dipeptide inhibited Chinese fir growth at soil concentrations determined in the replanted Chinese fir tree ecosystem. There was a significantly higher soil concentration of cyclic dipeptide in the replanted Chinese fir tree ecosystem than in a fresh Chinese fir tree ecosystem. The results suggest that phenolics and friedelin are not key allelochemicals since they are weakly phytotoxic and are detected in low concentrations in the replanted Chinese fir tree ecosystem, while cyclic dipeptide is a highly active allelochemical with a phytotoxic effect that limits offspring growth in the replanted Chinese fir tree ecosystem. The discovery of cyclic dipeptide, as well as a further understanding of its potential action mechanism in the replanted Chinese fir tree ecosystem, may contribute to solving the replant problems in managed tree ecosystems.

  4. Precommercial thinning in mixed-species conifer plantations affected by armillaria and heterobasidion root diseases in West-Central Oregon and Washington: 30-year results

    Treesearch

    Gregory M. Filip; Joshua J. Bronson; Kristen L. Chadwick; Jeremy B. Filip; Susan J. Frankel; Donald J. Goheen; Ellen M. Goheen; Sylvia R. Mori; Angel L. Saavedra

    2015-01-01

    Four 10- to 20-year-old plantations were precommercially thinned to determine the effects on tree growth and mortality caused by armillaria and heterobasidion root diseases. The plantations represented different species compositions with one each of (1) coastal Douglas-fir and noble fir, (2) Douglas-fir and western hemlock, (3) pure Douglas-fir, and (4) Shasta red fir...

  5. Hybridization of a Rocky Mountain fir (Abies concolor) and a Mexican fir (Abies religiosa).

    Treesearch

    J.B. St. Clair; W.B. Critchfield

    1988-01-01

    Interspecific crosses of Abies religiosa (HBK.) Schlecht. & Cham. (oyamel) with Abies concolor (Gord. & Glend.) Lindle. ex Hildebr. var. concolor (white fir) and Abies magnifica A. Murr. (California red fir) were undertaken to explore the relationships between these species. The...

  6. Inhibition of the growth of Alexandrium tamarense by algicidal substances in Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata).

    PubMed

    Yang, Wei-Dong; Liu, Jie-Sheng; Li, Hong-Ye; Zhang, Xin-Lian; Qi, Yu-Zao

    2009-10-01

    The wood sawdust from Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) exhibited stronger inhibition on the growth of Alexandrium tamarense than those from alder (Alnus cremastogyne), pine (Pinus massoniana), birch (Betula alnoides) and sapele (Entandrophragma cylindricum). The water extract, acetone-water extract and essential oil from fir sawdust were all shown to inhibit the growth of A. tamarense. The inhibition of fir essential oil was the strongest among all the above wood sources while the half effective concentration was only 0.65 mg/L. These results suggested that the fir essential oil may play an important role in the algicidal effect of Chinese fir.

  7. Hybridization of a Rocky Mountain fir (Abies concolor) and a Mexican fir (Abies religiosa)

    Treesearch

    J. B. St. Clair; W. B. Critchfield

    1988-01-01

    Interspecific crosses of Abies religiosa (HBK.) Schlecht. & Cham, (oyamel) with Abies concolor (Gord. & Glend.) Lindl. ex Hildebr. var. concolor (white fir) and Abies magnifica A. Murr. (California red fir) were undertaken to explore the relationships between these species. The cross...

  8. User's guide to the Douglas-fir beetle impact model

    Treesearch

    Michael A. Marsden; Bov B. Eav; Matthew K. Thompson

    1993-01-01

    Douglas-fir beetle (Dendroctonus pseudotsugae Hopk.) occurs throughout the range of its principal host, Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco). At epidemic levels, the beetle causes considerable mortality in large-diameter Douglas-fir trees. Wind storms, drought, fire, and other factors have been reported as precedent...

  9. Douglas-Fir Tussock Moth

    Treesearch

    Boyd E. Wickman; Richard R. Mason; Galen C. Trostle

    1981-01-01

    The Douglas-fir tussock moth (Orgyia pseudotsugata McDunnough) is an important defoliator of true firs and Douglas-fir in Western North America. Severe tussock moth outbreaks have occurred in British Columbia, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, California, Arizona, and New Mexico, but the area subject to attack is more extensive

  10. Effects of far-infrared radiation on heart rate variability and central manifestations in healthy subjects: a resting-fMRI study.

    PubMed

    Lin, Yii-Jeng; Kung, Yen-Ying; Kuo, Wen-Jui; Niddam, David M; Cheng, Chou-Ming; Chou, Chih-Che; Yeh, Tzu-Chen; Hsieh, Jen-Chuen; Chiu, Jen-Hwey

    2015-01-01

    The aim of this study was to investigate the autonomic responses and central manifestations by peripheral FIR stimulation. Ten subjects (mean ± SD age 26.2 ± 3.52 years) received FIR stimulation at left median nerve territory for 40 min. Electrocardiograph was continuously recorded and heart rate variability (HRV) were analyzed. By using a 3 T-MRI scanner, three sessions of resting-state functional magnetic resonance images (fMRI) were acquired, namely, before (baseline-FIR), immediately after (IA-FIR) and 15 min after FIR was turned off (Post-FIR). The fractional amplitude of low-frequency (0.01-0.08 Hz) fluctuation (fALFF) of each session to evaluate the intensity of resting-brain activity in each session was analyzed. Our results showed that FIR stimulation induced significant HRV responses such as an increasing trend of nLF and LF/HF ratio, while FIR increased fALFF in right superior front gyrus, middle frontal gyrus and decreased the resting brain activity at fusiform gyrus, extrastriae cortex, inferior temporal gyrus and middle temporal gyrus, especially 15 min after FIR was turned off. We conclude that the central manifestation and the autonomic responses are prominent during and after FIR stimulation, which provide important mechanistic explanation on human disorder treated by such energy medicine.

  11. Noble fir: a bibliography with abstracts.

    Treesearch

    Jerry F. Franklin

    1962-01-01

    This bibliography on noble fir (Abies procera Rehd.) includes both North American and European references. Its purpose is to list articles for those interested in the species; the most important references have been abstracted. An article concerning California red fir and one concerning Shasta red fir are included, as their silvical characteristics...

  12. Authentication of the botanical and geographical origin of honey by mid-infrared spectroscopy.

    PubMed

    Ruoff, Kaspar; Luginbühl, Werner; Künzli, Raphael; Iglesias, María Teresa; Bogdanov, Stefan; Bosset, Jacques Olivier; von der Ohe, Katharina; von der Ohe, Werner; Amado, Renato

    2006-09-06

    The potential of Fourier transform mid-infrared spectroscopy (FT-MIR) using an attenuated total reflectance (ATR) cell was evaluated for the authentication of 11 unifloral (acacia, alpine rose, chestnut, dandelion, heather, lime, rape, fir honeydew, metcalfa honeydew, oak honeydew) and polyfloral honey types (n = 411 samples) previously classified with traditional methods such as chemical, pollen, and sensory analysis. Chemometric evaluation of the spectra was carried out by applying principal component analysis and linear discriminant analysis, the error rates of the discriminant models being calculated by using Bayes' theorem. The error rates ranged from <0.1% (polyfloral and heather honeys as well as honeydew honeys from metcalfa, oak, and fir) to 8.3% (alpine rose honey) in both jackknife classification and validation, depending on the honey type considered. This study indicates that ATR-MIR spectroscopy is a valuable tool for the authentication of the botanical origin and quality control and may also be useful for the determination of the geographical origin of honey.

  13. User's guide to the douglas-fir beetle impact model. Forest Service general technical report

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

    Marsden, M.A.; Eav, B.B.; Thompson, M.K.

    1994-09-01

    Douglas-fir beetle occurs throughout the range of its principal host, Douglas-fir. At epidemic levels, the beetle causes considerable mortality in large-diameter Douglas-fir trees. Wind storms, drought, fire, and other factors have been reported as precendent conditions for epidemics of Douglas-fir beetle. An impact model has been developed to simulate tree mortality during such epidemics. The model has been linked to the Stand Prognosis Model (Forest Vegetation Simulator). This is a guide for using the model.

  14. [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.

  15. Predicting postfire Douglas-fir beetle attacks and tree mortality in the northern Rocky Mountains

    Treesearch

    Sharon Hood; Barbara Bentz

    2007-01-01

    Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) were monitored for 4 years following three wildfires. Logistic regression analyses were used to develop models predicting the probability of attack by Douglas-fir beetle (Dendroctonus pseudotsugae Hopkins, 1905) and the probability of Douglas-fir mortality within 4 years following...

  16. Losses associated with Douglas-fir and true fir tops killed by western spruce budworm in eastern Washington.

    Treesearch

    Paul E. Aho

    1984-01-01

    A sample of 133 Douglas-firs (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca (Beissn.) Franco) and 69 true firs (Abies spp.) with dead tops caused by defoliation by the western spruce budworm (Choristoneura occidentalis Freeman) were felled, dissected, and examined for height loss and incidence and...

  17. Composition of root pressure exudate from conifers.

    Treesearch

    D.O. Ketchie; W. Lopushinsky

    1981-01-01

    Root pressure exudates collected from detopped seedlings of Douglas-fir, grand fir, noble fir, Pacific silver fir, ponderosa pine, lodgepole pine, and Engelmann spruce were analyzed for sugars, amino acids, organic acids, nitrogen, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Sugar concentrations ranged from 0.10 percent to 5 percent, and included glucose, sucrose, fructose, and...

  18. Effects of fir sawyer beetle on spatial structure of Siberian fir stands

    Treesearch

    Vladimir L. Gavrikov; Valentina P. Vetrova

    1991-01-01

    Insects not only use plants for food and habitat; they also change plant populations by influencing their structure and dynamics. This influence is evidenced in the alteration of the spatial structure of a stand. The fir sawyer, Monochamus urussovi Fisch. (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), is the most abundant xylophagous insect injuring siberian fir,...

  19. Timing of aerial surveys for the balsam woolly aphid

    Treesearch

    W.J. Buckhorn; Paul G. Lauterbach

    1957-01-01

    An outbreak of the balsam woolly aphid (Chermes piceae Ratz.) is damaging and killing Pacific silver fir, subalpine fir, and grand fir extensively in western Washington and Oregon. It is most serious in southern Washington where an outbreak on Pacific silver fir was discovered in 1954. Since effective methods for controlling this insect under...

  20. Biological Degradation of Chinese Fir with Trametes Versicolor (L.) Lloyd

    PubMed Central

    Chen, Meiling; Wang, Chuangui; Fei, Benhua; Ma, Xinxin; Zhang, Bo; Zhang, Shuangyan; Huang, Anmin

    2017-01-01

    Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook.) has been an important afforestation species in northeast China. It has obvious defects of buckling and cracking easily, which are caused by its chemical components. Trametes versicolor (L.) Lloyd, a white-rot fungus, can decompose the cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin in the wood. White-rot fungus was used to biologically degrade Chinese fir wood. The effects of different degradation time on the Chinese fir wood’s mechanical properties, micromorphology, chemical components, and crystallinity were studied. The results showed that the heartwood of Chinese fir was more durable than the sapwood and the durability class of Chinese fir was III. Trametes versicolor (L.) Lloyd had a greater influence on the mechanical properties (especially with respect to the modulus of elasticity (MOE)) for the sapwood. Trametes versicolor (L.) Lloyd degraded Chinese fir and colonized the lumen of various wood cell types in Chinese fir, penetrated cell walls via pits, caused erosion troughs and bore holes, and removed all cell layers. The ability of white-rot fungus to change the chemical composition mass fraction for Chinese fir was: hemicellulose > lignin > cellulose. The durability of the chemical compositions was: lignin > cellulose > hemicellulose. The crystallinity of the cellulose decreased and the mean size of the ordered (crystalline) domains increased after being treated by white-rot fungus. PMID:28773191

  1. Association of Far-Infrared Radiation Therapy and Ankle-Brachial Index of Patients on Hemodialysis with Peripheral Artery Occlusive Disease

    PubMed Central

    Chen, Szu-Chia; Lee, Mei-Yueh; Huang, Jiun-Chi; Kuo, I-Ching; Mai, Hsiu-Chin; Kuo, Po-Lin; Chang, Jer-Ming; Hwang, Shang-Jyh; Chen, Hung-Chun

    2016-01-01

    Background and Aim: The ankle-brachial index (ABI) is recognized to be a good marker for atherosclerosis, and is useful in the diagnosis of peripheral artery occlusive disease (PAOD) which is prevalent among patients on hemodialysis (HD). Methods: This randomized trial aimed to evaluate the effect of far-infrared radiation (FIR) therapy on ABI in HD patients with PAOD. PAOD was defined as patients with ABI < 0.95. One hundred and eight HD patients were enrolled, including 50 in the control group and 58 in the FIR group. A WS TY101 FIR emitter was applied for 40 minutes during each HD session, three times per week for six months. The ABI was measured before and after the FIR therapy. Results: Regardless of FIR therapy, the bilateral ABI decreased (in the FIR group, left: 0.88±0.22 to 0.85±0.24, p = 0.188; right: 0.92±0.20 to 0.90±0.23, p = 0.372; in control group, left: 0.91±0.23 to 0.88±0.21, p = 0144; right: 0.93±0.17 to 0.89±0.21, p = 0.082). Multivariate logistic analysis of the FIR group revealed that high uric acid (odds ratio [OR]: 2.335; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.117-4.882; p=0.024) and aspirin use (OR: 16.463; 95% CI: 1.787-151.638; p=0.013) were independently associated with increased bilateral ABI after FIR therapy. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that ABI is not increased after FIR therapy in HD patients with PAOD. However, in the FIR group, patients with higher uric acid level or those who used aspirin have increased bilateral ABI after FIR therapy. PMID:27994503

  2. Silver fir and Douglas fir are more tolerant to extreme droughts than Norway spruce in south-western Germany.

    PubMed

    Vitali, Valentina; Büntgen, Ulf; Bauhus, Jürgen

    2017-12-01

    Improving our understanding of the potential of forest adaptation is an urgent task in the light of predicted climate change. Long-term alternatives for susceptible yet economically important tree species such as Norway spruce (Picea abies) are required, if the frequency and intensity of summer droughts will continue to increase. Although Silver fir (Abies alba) and Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) have both been described as drought-tolerant species, our understanding of their growth responses to drought extremes is still limited. Here, we use a dendroecological approach to assess the resistance, resilience, and recovery of these important central Europe to conifer species the exceptional droughts in 1976 and 2003. A total of 270 trees per species were sampled in 18 managed mixed-species stands along an altitudinal gradient (400-1200 m a.s.l.) at the western slopes of the southern and central Black Forest in southwest Germany. While radial growth in all species responded similarly to the 1976 drought, Norway spruce was least resistant and resilient to the 2003 summer drought. Silver fir showed the overall highest resistance to drought, similarly to Douglas fir, which exhibited the widest growth rings. Silver fir trees from lower elevations were more drought prone than trees at higher elevations. Douglas fir and Norway spruce, however, revealed lower drought resilience at higher altitudes. Although the 1976 and 2003 drought extremes were quite different, Douglas fir maintained consistently the highest radial growth. Although our study did not examine population-level responses, it clearly indicates that Silver fir and Douglas fir are generally more resistant and resilient to previous drought extremes and are therefore suitable alternatives to Norway spruce; Silver fir more so at higher altitudes. Cultivating these species instead of Norway spruce will contribute to maintaining a high level of productivity across many Central European mountain forests under future climate change. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  3. MicroRNA-134 Contributes to Glucose-Induced Endothelial Cell Dysfunction and This Effect Can Be Reversed by Far-Infrared Irradiation

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Yen-Li; Chang, Shih-Ting; Liao, Ko-Hsun; Lo, Hung-Hao; Chiu, Ya-Lin; Hsieh, Tsung-Han; Huang, Tse-Shun; Lin, Chin-Sheng; Cheng, Shu-Meng; Cheng, Cheng-Chung

    2016-01-01

    Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease that is increasing worldwide. Furthermore, it is associated with the deregulation of vascular-related functions, which can develop into major complications among DM patients. Endothelial colony forming cells (ECFCs) have the potential to bring about medical repairs because of their post-natal angiogenic activities; however, such activities are impaired by high glucose- (HG) and the DM-associated conditions. Far-infrared radiation (FIR) transfers energy as heat that is perceived by the thermoreceptors in human skin. Several studies have revealed that FIR improves vascular endothelial functioning and boost angiogenesis. FIR has been used as anti-inflammatory therapy and as a clinical treatment for peripheral circulation improvement. In addition to vascular repair, there is increasing evidence to show that FIR can be applied to a variety of diseases, including cardiovascular disorders, hypertension and arthritis. Yet mechanism of action of FIR and the biomarkers that indicate FIR effects remain unclear. MicroRNA-134 (miR-134-5p) was identified by small RNA sequencing as being increased in high glucose (HG) treated dfECFCs (HG-dfECFCs). Highly expressed miR-134 was also validated in dmECFCs by RT-qPCR and it is associated with impaired angiogenic activities of ECFCs. The functioning of ECFCs is improved by FIR treatment and this occurs via a reduction in the level of miR-134 and an increase in the NRIP1 transcript, a direct target of miR-134. Using a mouse ischemic hindlimb model, the recovery of impaired blood flow in the presence of HG-dfECFCs was improved by FIR pretreatment and this enhanced functionality was decreased when there was miR-134 overexpression in the FIR pretreated HG-dfECFCs. In conclusion, our results reveal that the deregulation of miR-134 is involved in angiogenic defects found in DM patients. FIR treatment improves the angiogenic activity of HG-dfECFCs and dmECFCs and FIR has potential as a treatment for DM. Detection of miR-134 expression in FIR-treated ECFCs should help us to explore further the effectiveness of FIR therapy. PMID:26799933

  4. MicroRNA-134 Contributes to Glucose-Induced Endothelial Cell Dysfunction and This Effect Can Be Reversed by Far-Infrared Irradiation.

    PubMed

    Wang, Hsei-Wei; Su, Shu-Han; Wang, Yen-Li; Chang, Shih-Ting; Liao, Ko-Hsun; Lo, Hung-Hao; Chiu, Ya-Lin; Hsieh, Tsung-Han; Huang, Tse-Shun; Lin, Chin-Sheng; Cheng, Shu-Meng; Cheng, Cheng-Chung

    2016-01-01

    Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease that is increasing worldwide. Furthermore, it is associated with the deregulation of vascular-related functions, which can develop into major complications among DM patients. Endothelial colony forming cells (ECFCs) have the potential to bring about medical repairs because of their post-natal angiogenic activities; however, such activities are impaired by high glucose- (HG) and the DM-associated conditions. Far-infrared radiation (FIR) transfers energy as heat that is perceived by the thermoreceptors in human skin. Several studies have revealed that FIR improves vascular endothelial functioning and boost angiogenesis. FIR has been used as anti-inflammatory therapy and as a clinical treatment for peripheral circulation improvement. In addition to vascular repair, there is increasing evidence to show that FIR can be applied to a variety of diseases, including cardiovascular disorders, hypertension and arthritis. Yet mechanism of action of FIR and the biomarkers that indicate FIR effects remain unclear. MicroRNA-134 (miR-134-5p) was identified by small RNA sequencing as being increased in high glucose (HG) treated dfECFCs (HG-dfECFCs). Highly expressed miR-134 was also validated in dmECFCs by RT-qPCR and it is associated with impaired angiogenic activities of ECFCs. The functioning of ECFCs is improved by FIR treatment and this occurs via a reduction in the level of miR-134 and an increase in the NRIP1 transcript, a direct target of miR-134. Using a mouse ischemic hindlimb model, the recovery of impaired blood flow in the presence of HG-dfECFCs was improved by FIR pretreatment and this enhanced functionality was decreased when there was miR-134 overexpression in the FIR pretreated HG-dfECFCs. In conclusion, our results reveal that the deregulation of miR-134 is involved in angiogenic defects found in DM patients. FIR treatment improves the angiogenic activity of HG-dfECFCs and dmECFCs and FIR has potential as a treatment for DM. Detection of miR-134 expression in FIR-treated ECFCs should help us to explore further the effectiveness of FIR therapy.

  5. Far-infrared radiation acutely increases nitric oxide production by increasing Ca{sup 2+} mobilization and Ca{sup 2+}/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II-mediated phosphorylation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase at serine 1179

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

    Park, Jung-Hyun; Lee, Sangmi; Cho, Du-Hyong

    Highlights: •Far-infrared (FIR) radiation increases eNOS-Ser{sup 1179} phosphorylation and NO production in BAEC. •CaMKII and PKA mediate FIR-stimulated increases in eNOS-Ser{sup 1179} phosphorylation. •FIR increases intracellular Ca{sup 2+} levels. •Thermo-sensitive TRPV Ca{sup 2+} channels are unlikely to be involved in the FIR-mediated eNOS-Ser{sup 1179} phosphorylation pathway. -- Abstract: Repeated thermal therapy manifested by far-infrared (FIR) radiation improves vascular function in both patients and mouse model with coronary heart disease, but its underlying mechanism is not fully understood. Using FIR as a thermal therapy agent, we investigate the molecular mechanism of its effect on endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity andmore » NO production. FIR increased the phosphorylation of eNOS at serine 1179 (eNOS-Ser{sup 1179}) in a time-dependent manner (up to 40 min of FIR radiation) in bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC) without alterations in eNOS expression. This increase was accompanied by increases in NO production and intracellular Ca{sup 2+} levels. Treatment with KN-93, a selective inhibitor of Ca{sup 2+}/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) and H-89, a protein kinase A inhibitor, inhibited FIR radiation-stimulated eNOS-Ser{sup 1179} phosphorylation. FIR radiation itself also increased the temperature of culture medium. As transient receptors potential vanilloid (TRPV) ion channels are known to be temperature-sensitive calcium channels, we explore whether TRPV channels mediate these observed effects. Reverse transcription-PCR assay revealed two TRPV isoforms in BAEC, TRPV2 and TRPV4. Although ruthenium red, a pan-TRPV inhibitor, completely reversed the observed effect of FIR radiation, a partial attenuation (∼20%) was found in cells treated with Tranilast, TRPV2 inhibitor. However, ectopic expression of siRNA of TRPV2 showed no significant alteration in FIR radiation-stimulated eNOS-Ser{sup 1179} phosphorylation. This study suggests that FIR radiation increases NO production via increasing CaMKII-mediated eNOS-Ser{sup 1179} phosphorylation but TRPV channels may not be involved in this pathway. Our results may provide the molecular mechanism by which FIR radiation improves endothelial function.« less

  6. Trapping Douglas-fir beetle (Dendroctonus pseudotsugae) with pheromone baited multiple-funnel traps does not reduce Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) mortality

    Treesearch

    R.A. Progar; N. Sturdevant; M.J. Rinella

    2010-01-01

    Douglas-fir beetle (Dendroctonus pseudotsugae Hopkins) (DFB) causes considerable mortality to Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) in western North American forests. We evaluated the use of semiochemical-baited multiple-funnel traps for the protection of small, high-value stands of trees, such as those occurring...

  7. Size of Douglas-fir trees in relation to distance from a mixed red alder - Douglas-fir stand

    Treesearch

    R.E. Miller; D.L. Reukema; T.A. Max

    1993-01-01

    Variation in diameter, height, and stem volume of 57-year-old Douglas-fir(Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) was related to distance of these trees from a 27 m wide strip in the same Douglas-fir plantation that had been interplanted with red alder (Alnus rubra Bong.). Within the...

  8. HOW to Identify and Manage Needlecast Diseases on Balsam Fir

    Treesearch

    Mike Albers; Jana Albers; Jane Cummings Carlson; Linda Haugen; Nancy Wenner

    1996-01-01

    Needlecast diseases are common in balsam fir stands and Christmas tree plantations in the northeastern and north central United States and in southern Ontario, Quebec, and New Brunswick. Three different needlecast fungi, Lirula nervata, Lirula mirabilis and Isthmiella faullii, cause similar disease symptoms on balsam fir. These diseases may affect other firs planted in...

  9. Ten-year risk-rating systems for California red fir and white fir: development and use

    Treesearch

    George T. Ferrell

    1989-01-01

    Logistic regression equations predicting the probability that a tree will die from natural causes--insects, diseases, intertree competition--within 10 years have been developed for California red fir (Abies magnifica) and white fir (A. concolor). The equations, like those with a 5-year prediction period already developed for these...

  10. Diagnosis of Annosus Root Disease in Mixed Conifer Forests in the Northwestern United States

    Treesearch

    Craig L. Schmitt

    1989-01-01

    Recognizing annosus root disease affecting conifers in northwestern United States forests is discussed. Field diagnosis can bemade by observing characteristic stand patterns, wood stain and decay, ectotrophic mycelium, and sporophores. Most seriously affected trees include hemlocks, grand fir, white fir and Pacific silver fir. Ponderosa pine and other true firs may...

  11. Decay of subalpine fir in Colorado

    Treesearch

    Thomas E. Hinds; Frank G. Hawksworth; Ross W. Davidson

    1960-01-01

    Spruce-fir is one of the major forest types in the central Rocky Mountains. Engelmann spruce, Picea engelmanni Parry, is usually the predominant species with subalpine fir, Abies lasiocarpa (Hook. ) Nutt., making up one-fourth or less of the total volume. Lodgepole pine, Pinus contorta Dougl. ex Loud., is frequently present at the lower elevations of the spruce-fir...

  12. Stability of nuclear DNA content among divergent and isolated populations of Fraser fir

    Treesearch

    L.D. Auckland; J.S. Johnston; H.J. Price; F.E. Bridgwater

    2001-01-01

    Fraser fir (Abies fraseri (Pursh) Poir.) is an endemic species consisting of six major disjunct populations in the Appalachian Mountains, U.S.A. Nuclear DNA content was measured with laser flow cytometry to determine if genome size differences could be detected among the disjunct populations of Fraser fir and its close relatives, balsam fir

  13. Altitudinal gradients of bryophyte diversity and community assemblage in southern Appalachian spruce-fir forests

    Treesearch

    Sarah E. Stehn; Christopher R. Webster; Janice M. Glime; Michael A. Jenkins

    2010-01-01

    Ground-layer plant communities in spruce-fir forests of the southern Appalachians have likely undergone significant change since the widespread death of canopy Fraser fir (Abies fraseri) caused by the exotic balsam woolly adelgid (Adelges piceae). Bryophytes comprise an important part of the ground-layer flora in the spruce-fir...

  14. A SYNCHRONIZED FIR/VUV LIGHT SOURCE AT JEFFERSON LAB

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

    Stephen Benson, David Douglas, George Neil, Michelle D. Shinn, Gwyn Williams

    We describe a dual free-electron laser (FEL) configuration on the UV Demo FEL at Jefferson Lab that allows simultaneous lasing at FIR/THz and UV wavelengths. The FIR/THz source would be an FEL oscillator with a short wiggler providing nearly diffraction-limited pulses with pulse energy exceeding 50 microJoules. The FIR source would use the exhaust beam from a UVFEL. The coherent harmonics in the VUV from the UVFEL are out-coupled through a hole. The FIR source uses a shorter resonator with either hole or edge coupling to provide very high power FIR pulses. Simulations indicate excel-lent spectral brightness in the FIRmore » region with over 100 W/cm-1 output.« less

  15. Zero-phase FIR filters: Blessing or curse?

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Scherbaum, Frank

    These are exciting times for observational seismology. State-of-the-art broadband seismometers now easily cover a frequency band of more than one hundred seconds to several tens of Hertz in a single sensor. Commonly available data loggers provide a dynamic range exceeding 120 dB. Ground motion amplitudes differing by more than 6 orders of magnitude can be simultaneously recorded without distortion.

  16. Measurement of electron density profiles on HT-6M tokamak by 7-channel FIR HCN laser interferometer

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xiang, Gao; Qiliang, Guo

    1990-12-01

    Electron density measurements are periormed on HT-6M tokamak using a 7 channel Far-Infrared HCN laser interferometer. From the measured line integrals--7 channel phase shifts the electron density profile is reconstructed by a fit procedure. Results were tested by comparison to Abel inverted. Some recent interesting experimental results were reported.

  17. Logging costs for management planning for young-growth coast Douglas-fir.

    Treesearch

    .Roger D. Fight; Chris B. LeDoux; Tom L. Ortman

    1984-01-01

    Logging cost equations are provided that can be used for analyses of silvicultural regimes. These equations include costs for all phases of logging from felling to loading onto a truck. They are presented by various components so that the user can substitute other values if some components do not seem applicable. Where appropriate these costs vary by size of trees...

  18. Seed wasp invasions promoted by unregulated seed trade affect vegetal and animal biodiversity.

    PubMed

    Auger-Rozenberg, Marie-Anne; Roques, Alain

    2012-09-01

    Cone and seed insects are considered the most important predators of tree seeds during the pre-dispersal phase of development. Among them, exotic seed chalcids in the genus Megastigmus invaded Europe as a result of the rapidly-increasing and mostly unregulated seed trade for afforestation and ornamental plantations. Unlike their economic impact in seed orchards, until recently, little attention was paid to the ecological impact of these insects. In the present study, selected case studies of alien Megastigmus spp. were considered to assess their specific impact on the potential of natural regeneration of native woody plants and on the native entomofauna competing for seed resource. We re-analyzed data from former studies that did not focus on these ecological interactions and, here, present previously unpublished results. Seeds of Douglas-fir, true cedars, true firs and wild roses were sampled all over Europe, and the relative importance of the native and invasive chalcid species was assessed as well as their specific impact on seed yield. In most cases, the recent arrival of alien chalcids resulted in a significant decrease in the regeneration potential of the host trees. In the absence of competitors, alien chalcids occupied the entire seed niche in Douglas-fir, but their impact tended to decrease after the arrival of invasive seed bugs. In firs, alien chalcids tended to displace the native chalcids, but not in wild roses and cedars, where their damage was increasing. Different biological traits that might explain invasive success of alien chalcids are discussed. However, no general invasive patterns seem to exist. © 2012 Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd, ISZS and IOZ/CAS.

  19. Coupled nitrogen and calcium cycles in forests of the Oregon Coast Range

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Perakis, S.S.; Maguire, D.A.; Bullen, T.D.; Cromack, K.; Waring, R.H.; Boyle, J.R.

    2006-01-01

    Nitrogen (N) is a critical limiting nutrient that regulates plant productivity and the cycling of other essential elements in forests. We measured foliar and soil nutrients in 22 young Douglas-fir stands in the Oregon Coast Range to examine patterns of nutrient availability across a gradient of N-poor to N-rich soils. N in surface mineral soil ranged from 0.15 to 1.05% N, and was positively related to a doubling of foliar N across sites. Foliar N in half of the sites exceeded 1.4% N, which is considered above the threshold of N-limitation in coastal Oregon Douglas-fir. Available nitrate increased five-fold across this gradient, whereas exchangeable magnesium (Mg) and calcium (Ca) in soils declined, suggesting that nitrate leaching influences base cation availability more than soil parent material across our sites. Natural abundance strontium isotopes (87Sr/86Sr) of a single site indicated that 97% of available base cations can originate from atmospheric inputs of marine aerosols, with negligible contributions from weathering. Low annual inputs of Ca relative to Douglas-fir growth requirements may explain why foliar Ca concentrations are highly sensitive to variations in soil Ca across our sites. Natural abundance calcium isotopes (??44Ca) in exchangeable and acid leachable pools of surface soil measured at a single site showed 1 per mil depletion relative to deep soil, suggesting strong Ca recycling to meet tree demands. Overall, the biogeochemical response of these Douglas-fir forests to gradients in soil N is similar to changes associated with chronic N deposition in more polluted temperate regions, and raises the possibility that Ca may be deficient on excessively N-rich sites. We conclude that wide gradients in soil N can drive non-linear changes in base-cation biogeochemistry, particularly as forests cross a threshold from N-limitation to N-saturation. The most acute changes may occur in forests where base cations are derived principally from atmospheric inputs. ?? 2006 Springer Science+Business Media, Inc.

  20. Far-infrared protects vascular endothelial cells from advanced glycation end products-induced injury via PLZF-mediated autophagy in diabetic mice

    PubMed Central

    Chen, Cheng-Hsien; Chen, Tso-Hsiao; Wu, Mei-Yi; Chou, Tz-Chong; Chen, Jia-Rung; Wei, Meng-Jun; Lee, San-Liang; Hong, Li-Yu; Zheng, Cai-Mei; Chiu, I-Jen; Lin, Yuh-Feng; Hsu, Ching-Min; Hsu, Yung-Ho

    2017-01-01

    The accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in diabetic patients induces vascular endothelial injury. Promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger protein (PLZF) is a transcription factor that can be activated by low-temperature far-infrared (FIR) irradiation to exert beneficial effects on the vascular endothelium. In the present study, we investigated the influence of FIR-induced PLZF activation on AGE-induced endothelial injury both in vitro and in vivo. FIR irradiation inhibited AGE-induced apoptosis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). PLZF activation increased the expression of phosphatidylinositol-3 kinases (PI3K), which are important kinases in the autophagic signaling pathway. FIR-induced PLZF activation led to autophagy in HUVEC, which was mediated through the upregulation of PI3K. Immunofluorescence staining showed that AGEs were engulfed by HUVECs and localized to lysosomes. FIR-induced autophagy promoted AGEs degradation in HUVECs. In nicotinamide/streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice, FIR therapy reduced serum AGEs and AGEs deposition at the vascular endothelium. FIR therapy also reduced diabetes-induced inflammatory markers in the vascular endothelium and improved vascular endothelial function. These protective effects of FIR therapy were not found in PLZF-knockout mice. Our data suggest that FIR-induced PLZF activation in vascular endothelial cells protects the vascular endothelium in diabetic mice from AGE-induced injury. PMID:28071754

  1. Natural regeneration 10 years after a Douglas-fir tussock moth outbreak in northeastern Oregon.

    Treesearch

    B.E. Wickman; K.W. Seidel; G. Lynn Star

    1986-01-01

    A survey of natural regeneration 10 years after severe grand fir mortality caused by an outbreak of Douglas-fir tussock moth was conducted in the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness in the Blue Mountains of northeastern Oregon. Seedling stocking was only moderate, but seedling density was adequate where present. Grand fir is dominating both preoutbreak and postoutbreak...

  2. Douglas-fir growth and yield: research 1909-1960.

    Treesearch

    R.O. Curtis; D.D. Marshall

    2004-01-01

    Systematic research on growth and yield of Douglas-fir began in 1909. This line of early research evolved over time and culminated in publication of USDA Bulletin 201, The Yield of Douglas-fir in the Pacific Northwest. B201 had an enormous influence on development of Douglas-fir forestry and was arguably the most influential single research publication ever produced in...

  3. Symptoms associated with inoculation of stems on living Douglas-fir and Grand Fir Trees with Phytophthora ramorum

    Treesearch

    Gary Chastagner; Kathy Riley; Katie Coats; Marianne Elliott; Annie DeBauw; Norm Dart

    2010-01-01

    To obtain a better understanding of the potential risk of infection and colonization of living Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and grand fir (Abies grandis) stems, the stems on over 150 trees of each species were inoculated at a Christmas tree farm near Los Gatos, California. This study had the following objectives: 1)...

  4. Decay in white fir top-killed by Douglas-fir tussock moth.

    Treesearch

    Boyd E. Wickman; Robert F. Scharpf

    1972-01-01

    Stands heavily defoliated in 1936-37 by the Douglas-fir tussock moth, Hemerocampa pseudotsugata McD., at Mammoth Lakes, California, were studied to determine the incidence and extent of decay in top-damaged trees. This was done by dissecting the tops of trees felled during logging. Comparisons were made with white fir in a nearby logged area that was...

  5. Growth of White fir after Douglas-fir tussock moth outbreaks: long-term records in the Sierra Nevada.

    Treesearch

    Boyd E. Wickman

    1986-01-01

    Radial growth of white fir trees, Abies concolor (Gord. and Glend.) Lindl. ex Hildebr., defoliated almost 30 years ago by Douglas-fir tussock moth, Orgyia pseudotsugata (McDunnough), in the central Sierra Nevada was compared with 22 years of growth prior to the outbreak. There was little difference in growth between the two...

  6. Little response of true fir saplings to understory shrub removal

    Treesearch

    William W. Oliver; Fabian C.C. Uzoh

    2002-01-01

    The ability of white fir and California red fir to become established, persist, and eventually dominate montane shrub fields is well known. When the firs have eventually dominated do the understory shrubs continue to inhibit growth? In a small study in the southern Cascade Range of northeastern California, we tested the growth response of a thinned stand of saplings to...

  7. Environmental characteristics of the Grand Fir Mosaic and adjacent habitat types

    Treesearch

    Dennis E. Ferguson; John C. Byrne

    2000-01-01

    Grand Fir Mosaic habitats differ from adjacent forest habitats in their slow rate of secondary succession to woody vegetation. Remote monitoring stations were used to sample the environment at a Grand Fir Mosaic site and three adjacent habitat types. The Grand Fir Mosaic site has shorter growing seasons, cooler temperatures, and more soil moisture than the other sites...

  8. Mortality patterns following spruce budworm infestation in unprotected spruce-fir forests in Maine

    Treesearch

    Dale S. Solomon; Lianjun Zhang; Thomas B. Brann; David S. Larrick

    2003-01-01

    Cumulative and annual mortality of red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.) and balsam fir [Abies balsamea (L) Mill.] were examined over a 10 yr period to follow the mortality patterns in unprotected spruce-fir forests in northern Maine. Different mortality patterns were determined based on stand composition classes and merchantability classes. In general, balsam fir was more...

  9. Early development of matched planted and naturally regenerated Douglas-fir stands after slash burning in the Cascade Range.

    Treesearch

    R.E. Miller; R.E. Bigley; S. Webster

    1993-01-01

    We compared matched planted and naturally regenerated plots in 35- to 38- year-old Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii) stands at seven locations in western Washington and Oregon. Total number of live stems is similar, but stands planted to Douglas fir average 26 more live stemslac of Douglas-fir and 39 fewer...

  10. Tree Biomass Estimation of Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) Based on Bayesian Method

    PubMed Central

    Zhang, Jianguo

    2013-01-01

    Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook.) is the most important conifer species for timber production with huge distribution area in southern China. Accurate estimation of biomass is required for accounting and monitoring Chinese forest carbon stocking. In the study, allometric equation was used to analyze tree biomass of Chinese fir. The common methods for estimating allometric model have taken the classical approach based on the frequency interpretation of probability. However, many different biotic and abiotic factors introduce variability in Chinese fir biomass model, suggesting that parameters of biomass model are better represented by probability distributions rather than fixed values as classical method. To deal with the problem, Bayesian method was used for estimating Chinese fir biomass model. In the Bayesian framework, two priors were introduced: non-informative priors and informative priors. For informative priors, 32 biomass equations of Chinese fir were collected from published literature in the paper. The parameter distributions from published literature were regarded as prior distributions in Bayesian model for estimating Chinese fir biomass. Therefore, the Bayesian method with informative priors was better than non-informative priors and classical method, which provides a reasonable method for estimating Chinese fir biomass. PMID:24278198

  11. Tree biomass estimation of Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) based on Bayesian method.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Xiongqing; Duan, Aiguo; Zhang, Jianguo

    2013-01-01

    Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook.) is the most important conifer species for timber production with huge distribution area in southern China. Accurate estimation of biomass is required for accounting and monitoring Chinese forest carbon stocking. In the study, allometric equation W = a(D2H)b was used to analyze tree biomass of Chinese fir. The common methods for estimating allometric model have taken the classical approach based on the frequency interpretation of probability. However, many different biotic and abiotic factors introduce variability in Chinese fir biomass model, suggesting that parameters of biomass model are better represented by probability distributions rather than fixed values as classical method. To deal with the problem, Bayesian method was used for estimating Chinese fir biomass model. In the Bayesian framework, two priors were introduced: non-informative priors and informative priors. For informative priors, 32 biomass equations of Chinese fir were collected from published literature in the paper. The parameter distributions from published literature were regarded as prior distributions in Bayesian model for estimating Chinese fir biomass. Therefore, the Bayesian method with informative priors was better than non-informative priors and classical method, which provides a reasonable method for estimating Chinese fir biomass.

  12. Ecophysiology and growth of advance red spruce and balsam fir regeneration after partial cutting in yellow birch-conifer stands.

    PubMed

    Dumais, Daniel; Prévost, Marcel

    2008-08-01

    We investigated ecophysiological and growth responses of short (0.4 to 1.3 m in height) advance regeneration of red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.) and balsam fir (Abies balsamea L.) six years after removal of 0, 40, 50, 60 and 100% of the overstory basal area (BA) in two yellow birch-conifer stands. Partial cuts significantly increased stomatal conductance of red spruce only. Light-saturated photosynthesis (leaf-area basis) of both species increased with BA removal, but unlike red spruce, specific leaf area (SLA) of balsam fir decreased with increased cutting intensity. Partial cuts appreciably increased the concentration of N and Ca in red spruce and balsam fir foliage, respectively, and resulted in decreased foliar concentrations of K in red spruce and Mg in balsam fir. The height and lateral growth of both species increased with BA removal, although partial cuts were more beneficial to balsam fir. The data suggest that short advance regeneration of red spruce and balsam fir can coexist under partial overstory conditions, but balsam fir has physiological characteristics and a capacity for morphological adjustment (SLA) that places it at an advantage when in competition with red spruce.

  13. WATER AND METHANOL MASER ACTIVITIES IN THE NGC 2024 FIR 6 REGION

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

    Choi, Minho; Kang, Miju; Byun, Do-Young

    The NGC 2024 FIR 6 region was observed in the water maser line at 22 GHz and the methanol class I maser lines at 44, 95, and 133 GHz. The water maser spectra displayed several velocity components and month-scale time variabilities. Most of the velocity components may be associated with FIR 6n, while one component was associated with FIR 4. A typical lifetime of the water maser velocity components is about eight months. The components showed velocity fluctuations with a typical drift rate of about 0.01 km s{sup -1} day{sup -1}. The methanol class I masers were detected toward FIRmore » 6. The methanol emission is confined within a narrow range around the systemic velocity of the FIR 6 cloud core. The methanol masers suggest the existence of shocks driven by either the expanding H II region of FIR 6c or the outflow of FIR 6n.« less

  14. A Dynamic Attitude Measurement System Based on LINS

    PubMed Central

    Li, Hanzhou; Pan, Quan; Wang, Xiaoxu; Zhang, Juanni; Li, Jiang; Jiang, Xiangjun

    2014-01-01

    A dynamic attitude measurement system (DAMS) is developed based on a laser inertial navigation system (LINS). Three factors of the dynamic attitude measurement error using LINS are analyzed: dynamic error, time synchronization and phase lag. An optimal coning errors compensation algorithm is used to reduce coning errors, and two-axis wobbling verification experiments are presented in the paper. The tests indicate that the attitude accuracy is improved 2-fold by the algorithm. In order to decrease coning errors further, the attitude updating frequency is improved from 200 Hz to 2000 Hz. At the same time, a novel finite impulse response (FIR) filter with three notches is designed to filter the dither frequency of the ring laser gyro (RLG). The comparison tests suggest that the new filter is five times more effective than the old one. The paper indicates that phase-frequency characteristics of FIR filter and first-order holder of navigation computer constitute the main sources of phase lag in LINS. A formula to calculate the LINS attitude phase lag is introduced in the paper. The expressions of dynamic attitude errors induced by phase lag are derived. The paper proposes a novel synchronization mechanism that is able to simultaneously solve the problems of dynamic test synchronization and phase compensation. A single-axis turntable and a laser interferometer are applied to verify the synchronization mechanism. The experiments results show that the theoretically calculated values of phase lag and attitude error induced by phase lag can both match perfectly with testing data. The block diagram of DAMS and physical photos are presented in the paper. The final experiments demonstrate that the real-time attitude measurement accuracy of DAMS can reach up to 20″ (1σ) and the synchronization error is less than 0.2 ms on the condition of three axes wobbling for 10 min. PMID:25177802

  15. A key to arboreal spiders of Douglas-fir and true fir forests of the Pacific Northwest.

    Treesearch

    A.R. Moldenke; B.L. Fichter; W.P. Stephen; C.E. Griswold

    1987-01-01

    This illustrated key for identifying spiders inhabiting true fir and Douglas-fir is based on extensive collections from throughout the three North American Pacific Coast States. Details of the age classes present at budburst and the season in which to expect adults are presented for all species. This paper is written for people unfamiliar as well as familiar with...

  16. Stand and tree characteristics influencing density of fir engraver beetle attack scars in white fir

    Treesearch

    George T. Ferrell

    1973-01-01

    Density of embedded scars resulting from old fir engraver (Scolytus ventralis Lec.) attacks was assessed in 3,430 bole cross sections cut from 603 white firs growing in both cutover and in virgin old-growth stands in northern California. Mean scar density was directly related to percentage of mature stand removed by logging and was higher in...

  17. Mortality of spruce and fir in Maine in 1976-78 due to the spruce budworm outbreak

    Treesearch

    Donald W. Seegrist; Stanford L. Arner

    1982-01-01

    The spruce budworm population in Maine's spruce-fir forests has been at epidemic levels since the early 1970's. Spruce-fir mortality in 1976-78 is compared with predictions of what mortality would have been had the natural mortality rates remained at the levels experienced before the budworm outbreak. It appears that mortality of spruce and fir has increased...

  18. Impact of the first recorded outbreak of the Douglas-fir tussock moth, Orgyia pseudotsugata, in southern California and the extent of its distribution in the Pacific Southwest region

    Treesearch

    Tom W. Coleman; Michael I. Jones; Beatrice Courtial; Andrew D. Graves; Meghan Woods; Alain Roques; Steven J. Seybold

    2014-01-01

    The Douglas-fir tussock moth (DFTM), Orgyia pseudotsugata McDunnough (Lepidoptera:Erebidae: Lymantriinae), is a native western North American defoliator of true fir, Abies spp. Mill., and Douglas-fir, Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco. We investigated the population genetics and impact associated with the first recorded...

  19. Recent Advances in Laboratory Infrared Spectroscopy of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons: PAHs in the Far Infrared

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Mattioda, Andrew L.; Ricca, Alessandra; Tucker, Jonathan; Boersma, Christiaan; Bauschlicher, Charles, Jr.; Allamandola, Louis J.

    2010-01-01

    Over 25 years of observations and laboratory work have shown that the mid-IR spectra of a majority of astronomical sources are dominated by emission features near 3.3, 6.2, 7.7, and 11.2 microns, which originate in free polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) molecules. PAHs dominate the mid-IR emission from many galactic and extragalactic objects. As such, this material tracks a wide variety of astronomical processes, making this spectrum a powerful probe of the cosmos Apart from bands in the mid-IR, PAHs have bands spanning the Far-IR (FIR) and emission from these FIR features should be present in astronomical sources showing the Mid-IR PAH bands. However, with one exception, the FIR spectral characteristics are known only for a few neutral small PAHs trapped in salt pellets or oils at room temperature, data which is not relevant to astrophysics. Furthermore, since most emitting PAHs responsible for the mid-IR astronomical features are ionized, the absence of any experimental or theoretical PAH ion FIR spectra will make it impossible to correctly interpret the FIR data from these objects. In view of the upcoming Herschel space telescope mission and SOFIA's FIR airborne instrumentation, which will pioneer the FIR region, it is now urgent to obtain PAH FIR spectra. This talk will present an overview recent advances in the laboratory spectroscopy of PAHs, Highlighting the FIR spectroscopy along with some quantum calculations.

  20. Fifteen-year results from a Grand fir-Shasta red fir spacing study.

    Treesearch

    K.W. Seidel

    1987-01-01

    A 43-year-old, even-aged stand of advance reproduction of grand fir and Shasta red fir in central Oregon responded to release and thinning with diameter and height growth two to three times the prerelease rate. The response began the first growing season after the overstory was killed with 2,4-D. Diameter growth during the second and third 5-year periods after release...

  1. Tree growth in thinned and unthinned White fir stands 20 years after a Douglas-fir tussock moth outbreak.

    Treesearch

    Boyd E. Wickman

    1988-01-01

    Twenty-year postoutbreak growth was compared in thinned and unthinned, severely defoliated stands. Basal area of unthinned white fir has declined 37 percent and pine basal area has increased 32 percent since 1964. The stand thinned in 1960 has the lowest basal area in the study area, but the greatest tree growth before and after the outbreak. All defoliated fir are...

  2. Evolutionary history and population genetics of fraser fir and intermediate fir, southern Appalachian endemic conifers imperiled by an exotic pest and climate change

    Treesearch

    Kevin M. Potter; John Frampton; Sedley Josserand; C. Dana. Nelson

    2010-01-01

    Two Abies (true fir) taxa are endemic to high elevations of the Appalachian Mountains, where both are restricted to small populations and are imperiled by the same exotic insect. Fraser fir (Abies fraseri) exists in a handful of island-like populations on mountain ridges in the southern Appalachians of North Carolina, Tennessee and...

  3. A preliminary study of the deterioration of alder and Douglas-fir chips in outdoor piles.

    Treesearch

    Ernest. Wright

    1954-01-01

    In the fall of 1952, E. E. Matson of the Pacific Northwest Forest and Range Experiment Station learned that the Fir-Tex Insulating Board Company bf St. Helens, Oregon was considering mixing alder with Douglas-fir chips for outside storage. Since alder heartwood i s more susceptible to decay than that of Douglas-fir, the question arose whether mixing the two might...

  4. Training Technology Handbook for System Acquisition Planners: Preliminary Version.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1981-09-01

    relied upon to estimate training resources and -validation of program characteristics costs during the phases of the WSAP. The figure also 0 Ful- Sale ...COST (fIR ITUNENT 0 THIS IS All ESTIMATE ASED On TYPICAL RIOUIREOnT FOR THIS KIM OF SYSTEM p 45 i 8aSI U SI I i I I I ] | Ja I I I I a’ * I

  5. Forest research notes, Pacific Northwest Forest Experiment Station, No. 03, October 30, 1929.

    Treesearch

    1929-01-01

    To obtain definite information which can be used in formulating slash disposal policies, the Pacific Northwest Forest Experiment Station has begun a study of the slash problem in the Douglas fir region. Although there are numerous related but widely different aspects to this study, only one phase is treated in this brief summary, namely, the effect of fire on the...

  6. The Far Infrared Earth

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Harries, John; Carli, Bruno; Rizzi, Rolando; Serio, Carmine; Mlynczak, Martin G.; Palchetti, Luca; Maestri, T.; Brindley, H.; Masiello, Guido

    2007-01-01

    The paper presents a review of the far infrared (FIR) properties of the Earth's atmosphere, and the role of these properties in climate. These properties have been relatively poorly understood, and it is one of the purposes of this review to demonstrate that, in recent years, we have made great strides in improving this understanding. Seen from space, the Earth is a cool object, with an effective emitting temperature of about 255 K. This contrasts with a global mean surface temperature of 288 K, and is due primarily to strong absorption of outgoing longwave energy by water vapour, carbon dioxide and clouds (especially ice). A large fraction of this absorption occurs in the FIR, and so the Earth is effectively a FIR planet. The FIR is important in a number of key climate processes, for example the water vapour and cloud feedbacks (especially ice clouds). The FIR is also a spectral region which can be used to remotely sense and retrieve atmospheric composition in the presence of ice clouds. Recent developments in instrumentation have allowed progress in each of these areas, which are described, and proposals for a spaceborne FIR instrument are being formulated. It is timely to review the FIR properties of the clear and cloudy atmosphere, the role of FIR processes in climate, and its use in observing our planet from space.

  7. Far-infrared suppresses skin photoaging in ultraviolet B-exposed fibroblasts and hairless mice.

    PubMed

    Chiu, Hui-Wen; Chen, Cheng-Hsien; Chen, Yi-Jie; Hsu, Yung-Ho

    2017-01-01

    Ultraviolet (UV) induces skin photoaging, which is characterized by thickening, wrinkling, pigmentation, and dryness. Collagen, which is one of the main building blocks of human skin, is regulated by collagen synthesis and collagen breakdown. Autophagy was found to block the epidermal hyperproliferative response to UVB and may play a crucial role in preventing skin photoaging. In the present study, we investigated whether far-infrared (FIR) therapy can inhibit skin photoaging via UVB irradiation in NIH 3T3 mouse embryonic fibroblasts and SKH-1 hairless mice. We found that FIR treatment significantly increased procollagen type I through the induction of the TGF-β/Smad axis. Furthermore, UVB significantly enhanced the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and MMP-9. FIR inhibited UVB-induced MMP-1 and MMP-9. Treatment with FIR reversed UVB-decreased type I collagen. In addition, FIR induced autophagy by inhibiting the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. In UVB-induced skin photoaging in a hairless mouse model, FIR treatment resulted in decreased skin thickness in UVB irradiated mice and inhibited the degradation of collagen fibers. Moreover, FIR can increase procollagen type I via the inhibition of MMP-9 and induction of TGF-β in skin tissues. Therefore, our study provides evidence for the beneficial effects of FIR exposure in a model of skin photoaging.

  8. The FCF Fluids Integrated Rack: Microgravity Fluid Physics Experimentation on Board the ISS

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Gati, Frank G.; Hill, Myron E.; SaintOnge, Tom (Technical Monitor)

    2001-01-01

    The Fluids Integrated Rack (FIR) is a modular, multi-user scientific research facility that will fly in the U.S. laboratory module, Destiny, of the International Space Station (ISS). The FIR will be one of the racks that will constitute the Fluids and Combustion Facility (FCF). The ISS will provide the FCF and therefore the FIR with the necessary resources, such as power and cooling, so that the FIR can carry out its primary mission of accommodating fluid physics science experiments. This paper discusses the mission, design, and the capabilities of the FIR in carrying out research on the ISS.

  9. The heating of dust in starburst galaxies: The contribution of the nonionizing radiation

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Calzetti, D.; Bohlin, R. C.; Kinney, Anne L.; Storchi-Bergmann, T.; Heckman, Timothy M.

    1995-01-01

    The IUE UV and optical spectra and the far-infrared (FIR) IRAS flux densities of a sample of starburst and blue compact galaxies are used to investigate the relationship between dust obscuration and dust emission. The amount of dust obscuration at UV wavelengths correlates with the FIR-to-blue ratio; and an analysis of the correlation indicates that not only the ionizing but also the nonionizing radiation contribute to the FIR emission. The amount of UV and optical energy lost to dust obscuration accounts for most of the cool dust FIUR emission and for about 70% of the warm dust FIR emission. The remaining 30% of the warm dust FIR flux is probably due to dust emission from regions of star formation which are embedded in opaque giant molecular clouds and do not contribute to the integrated UV and optical spectrum. The use of the FIR emission as an indicator of high-mass star formation rate in star-forming galaxies can be problematic, since the contribution to the FIR flux from cool dust emission heated by relatively old stars is nonnegligible.

  10. Joint polarization tracking and channel equalization based on radius-directed linear Kalman filter

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Qun; Yang, Yanfu; Zhong, Kangping; Liu, Jie; Wu, Xiong; Yao, Yong

    2018-01-01

    We propose a joint polarization tracking and channel equalization scheme based on radius-directed linear Kalman filter (RD-LKF) by introducing the butterfly finite-impulse-response (FIR) filter in our previously proposed RD-LKF method. Along with the fast polarization tracking, it can also simultaneously compensate the inter-symbol interference (ISI) effects including residual chromatic dispersion and polarization mode dispersion. Compared with the conventional radius-directed equalizer (RDE) algorithm, it is demonstrated experimentally that three times faster convergence speed, one order of magnitude better tracking capability, and better BER performance is obtained in polarization division multiplexing 16 quadrature amplitude modulation system. Besides, the influences of the algorithm parameters on the convergence and the tracking performance are investigated by numerical simulation.

  11. Lumber recovery and deterioration of beetle-killed douglas-fir and grand fir in the Blue Mountains of eastern Oregon. Forest Service general technical report

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

    Parry, D.L.; Filip, G.M.; Willits, S.A.

    1996-09-01

    The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of time since death over a 4-year period on the amount of usable product volume and value, and to determine the species of fungi associated with wood deterioration in the stems of Douglas-fir and grand fir trees killed by bark beetles in northeastern Oregon.

  12. Growth of suppressed grand fir and Shasta red fir in central Oregon after release and thinning—10-year results.

    Treesearch

    Kenneth W. Seidel

    1983-01-01

    A 43-year-old, even-aged stand of advance reproduction of grand fir and Shasta red fir in central Oregon responded to release and thinning with diameter and height growth two to three times the prerelease rate. The response began immediately after the overstory was killed with 2,4-D. Diameter growth during the second 5 years after release increased significantly over...

  13. Lumber recovery and deterioration of beetle-killed Douglas-fir and grand fir in the Blue Mountains of eastern Oregon.

    Treesearch

    Dean L. Parry; Gregory M. Filip; Susan A. Willits; Catherine G. Parks

    1996-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of time since death over a 4-year period on the amount of usable product volume and value, and to determine the species of fungi associated with wood deterioration in the stems of Douglas-fir and grand fir trees killed by bark beetles in northeastern Oregon. Sap rot, caused principally by Cryptoporus...

  14. Comparison between hybrid feedforward-feedback, feedforward, and feedback structures for active noise control of fMRI noise.

    PubMed

    Reddy, Rajiv M; Panahi, Issa M S

    2008-01-01

    The performance of FIR feedforward, IIR feedforward, FIR feedback, hybrid FIR feedforward--FIR feedback, and hybrid IIR feedforward - FIR feedback structures for active noise control (ANC) are compared for an fMRI noise application. The filtered-input normalized least squares (FxNLMS) algorithm is used to update the coefficients of the adaptive filters in all these structures. Realistic primary and secondary paths of an fMRI bore are used by estimating them on a half cylindrical acrylic bore of 0.76 m (D)x1.52 m (L). Detailed results of the performance of the ANC system are presented in the paper for each of these structures. We find that the IIR feedforward structure produces most of the performance improvement in the hybrid IIR feedforward - FIR feedback structure and adding the feedback structure becomes almost redundant in the case of fMRI noise.

  15. Far infrared radiation (FIR): its biological effects and medical applications

    PubMed Central

    Vatansever, Fatma; Hamblin, Michael R.

    2013-01-01

    Far infrared (FIR) radiation (λ = 3–100 μm) is a subdivision of the electromagnetic spectrum that has been investigated for biological effects. The goal of this review is to cover the use of a further sub-division (3– 12 μm) of this waveband, that has been observed in both in vitro and in vivo studies, to stimulate cells and tissue, and is considered a promising treatment modality for certain medical conditions. Technological advances have provided new techniques for delivering FIR radiation to the human body. Specialty lamps and saunas, delivering pure FIR radiation (eliminating completely the near and mid infrared bands), have became safe, effective, and widely used sources to generate therapeutic effects. Fibers impregnated with FIR emitting ceramic nanoparticles and woven into fabrics, are being used as garments and wraps to generate FIR radiation, and attain health benefits from its effects. PMID:23833705

  16. A Radio Study of the Ultra-luminous FIR Galaxy NGC 6240

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Colbert, E.; Wilson, A. S.; Bland-Hawthorn, J.

    1993-05-01

    A number of galaxies observed in the IRAS mission are noted to emit ~ 99% of their bolometric flux in the FIR, with FIR luminosities in excess of 10(11) Lsun. The interacting galaxy NGC 6240 has often been referred to as the ``proto-typical'' ultra-luminous (L_FIR >~ 10(12) Lsun) FIR galaxy. The origin of the FIR excess remains a disputed subject in the literature. New observations of NGC 6240 were taken with the VLA at 20cm in the B-configuration, and at 3.6cm in the A-configuration. No significant radio emission was detected from or near the possible ultra-massive ``dark core'' hypothesized by Bland-Hawthorn et. al. (1991); however, approximately 30% of Seyfert galaxies have 20 cm radio luminosities weaker than the upper limit derived from the radio maps. The non-thermal radio emission from luminous FIR galaxies is tightly correlated with the FIR emission. Previous radio observations of NGC 6240 revealed two compact, steep-spectrum nuclear sources, nearly coincident with the two nuclear sources seen in optical images. The 2 images from the new VLA observations and 5 images from previous VLA observations are used to identify the morphological and spectral features of the strong, compact components in the nuclear regions (<~ 1.5 kpc; D=100 Mpc) and of the weaker ``clumps'' of diffuse emission south and west (>~ 3 kpc) from the nucleus. Feasible explanations for the radio emission are discussed. The models that have been proposed in the literature for the FIR excess of NGC 6240 are evaluated for consistency with the observed radio emission.

  17. RADIO IMAGING OF THE NGC 2024 FIR 5/6 REGION: A HYPERCOMPACT H II REGION CANDIDATE IN ORION

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

    Choi, Minho; Kang, Miju; Lee, Jeong-Eun, E-mail: minho@kasi.re.kr

    The NGC 2024 FIR 5/6 region was observed in the 6.9 mm continuum with an angular resolution of about 1.5 arcsec. The 6.9 mm continuum map shows four compact sources, FIR 5w, 5e, 6c, and 6n, as well as an extended structure of the ionization front associated with the optical nebulosity. FIR 6c has a source size of about 0.4 arcsec or 150 AU. The spectral energy distribution (SED) of FIR 6c is peculiar: rising steeply around 6.9 mm and flat around 1 mm. The possibility of a hypercompact H II region is explored. If the millimeter flux of FIRmore » 6c comes from hot ionized gas heated by a single object at the center, the central object may be a B1 star of about 5800 solar luminosities and about 13 solar masses. The 6.9 mm continuum of FIR 6n may be a mixture of free-free emission and dust continuum emission. Archival data show that both FIR 6n and 6c exhibit water maser activity, suggesting the existence of shocked gas around them. The 6.9 mm continuum emission from FIR 5w has a size of about 1.8 arcsec or 760 AU. The SEDs suggest that the 6.9 mm emission of FIR 5w and 5e comes from dust, and the masses of the dense molecular gas are about 0.6 and 0.5 solar masses, respectively.« less

  18. 7 CFR 301.92-2 - Restricted, regulated, and associated articles; lists of proven hosts and associated plant taxa.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... willow *Sequoia sempervirens Coast redwood *Syringa vulgaris Lilac *Taxus baccata European yew... Phytophthora ramorum: Abies concolor White fir Abies grandis Grand fir Abies magnifica Red fir Acer circinatum...

  19. 7 CFR 301.92-2 - Restricted, regulated, and associated articles; lists of proven hosts and associated plant taxa.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... willow *Sequoia sempervirens Coast redwood *Syringa vulgaris Lilac *Taxus baccata European yew... Phytophthora ramorum: Abies concolor White fir Abies grandis Grand fir Abies magnifica Red fir Acer circinatum...

  20. 7 CFR 301.92-2 - Restricted, regulated, and associated articles; lists of proven hosts and associated plant taxa.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... willow *Sequoia sempervirens Coast redwood *Syringa vulgaris Lilac *Taxus baccata European yew... Phytophthora ramorum: Abies concolor White fir Abies grandis Grand fir Abies magnifica Red fir Acer circinatum...

  1. 7 CFR 301.92-2 - Restricted, regulated, and associated articles; lists of proven hosts and associated plant taxa.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... willow *Sequoia sempervirens Coast redwood *Syringa vulgaris Lilac *Taxus baccata European yew... Phytophthora ramorum: Abies concolor White fir Abies grandis Grand fir Abies magnifica Red fir Acer circinatum...

  2. 7 CFR 301.92-2 - Restricted, regulated, and associated articles; lists of proven hosts and associated plant taxa.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... willow *Sequoia sempervirens Coast redwood *Syringa vulgaris Lilac *Taxus baccata European yew... Phytophthora ramorum: Abies concolor White fir Abies grandis Grand fir Abies magnifica Red fir Acer circinatum...

  3. Far-infrared properties of cluster galaxies

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bicay, M. D.; Giovanelli, R.

    1987-01-01

    Far-infrared properties are derived for a sample of over 200 galaxies in seven clusters: A262, Cancer, A1367, A1656 (Coma), A2147, A2151 (Hercules), and Pegasus. The IR-selected sample consists almost entirely of IR normal galaxies, with Log of L(FIR) = 9.79 solar luminosities, Log of L(FIR)/L(B) = 0,79, and Log of S(100 microns)/S(60 microns) = 0.42. None of the sample galaxies has Log of L(FIR) greater than 11.0 solar luminosities, and only one has a FIR-to-blue luminosity ratio greater than 10. No significant differences are found in the FIR properties of HI-deficient and HI-normal cluster galaxies.

  4. Tree-ring stable isotopes record the impact of a foliar fungal pathogen on CO(2) assimilation and growth in Douglas-fir.

    PubMed

    Saffell, Brandy J; Meinzer, Frederick C; Voelker, Steven L; Shaw, David C; Brooks, J Renée; Lachenbruch, Barbara; McKay, Jennifer

    2014-07-01

    Swiss needle cast (SNC) is a fungal disease of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) that has recently become prevalent in coastal areas of the Pacific Northwest. We used growth measurements and stable isotopes of carbon and oxygen in tree-rings of Douglas-fir and a non-susceptible reference species (western hemlock, Tsuga heterophylla) to evaluate their use as proxies for variation in past SNC infection, particularly in relation to potential explanatory climate factors. We sampled trees from an Oregon site where a fungicide trial took place from 1996 to 2000, which enabled the comparison of stable isotope values between trees with and without disease. Carbon stable isotope discrimination (Δ(13)C) of treated Douglas-fir tree-rings was greater than that of untreated Douglas-fir tree-rings during the fungicide treatment period. Both annual growth and tree-ring Δ(13)C increased with treatment such that treated Douglas-fir had values similar to co-occurring western hemlock during the treatment period. There was no difference in the tree-ring oxygen stable isotope ratio between treated and untreated Douglas-fir. Tree-ring Δ(13)C of diseased Douglas-fir was negatively correlated with relative humidity during the two previous summers, consistent with increased leaf colonization by SNC under high humidity conditions that leads to greater disease severity in following years. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  5. Far-infrared suppresses skin photoaging in ultraviolet B-exposed fibroblasts and hairless mice

    PubMed Central

    Chiu, Hui-Wen; Chen, Cheng-Hsien; Chen, Yi-Jie; Hsu, Yung-Ho

    2017-01-01

    Ultraviolet (UV) induces skin photoaging, which is characterized by thickening, wrinkling, pigmentation, and dryness. Collagen, which is one of the main building blocks of human skin, is regulated by collagen synthesis and collagen breakdown. Autophagy was found to block the epidermal hyperproliferative response to UVB and may play a crucial role in preventing skin photoaging. In the present study, we investigated whether far-infrared (FIR) therapy can inhibit skin photoaging via UVB irradiation in NIH 3T3 mouse embryonic fibroblasts and SKH-1 hairless mice. We found that FIR treatment significantly increased procollagen type I through the induction of the TGF-β/Smad axis. Furthermore, UVB significantly enhanced the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and MMP-9. FIR inhibited UVB-induced MMP-1 and MMP-9. Treatment with FIR reversed UVB-decreased type I collagen. In addition, FIR induced autophagy by inhibiting the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. In UVB-induced skin photoaging in a hairless mouse model, FIR treatment resulted in decreased skin thickness in UVB irradiated mice and inhibited the degradation of collagen fibers. Moreover, FIR can increase procollagen type I via the inhibition of MMP-9 and induction of TGF-β in skin tissues. Therefore, our study provides evidence for the beneficial effects of FIR exposure in a model of skin photoaging. PMID:28301572

  6. Harmonised information exchange between decentralised food composition database systems.

    PubMed

    Pakkala, H; Christensen, T; de Victoria, I Martínez; Presser, K; Kadvan, A

    2010-11-01

    The main aim of the European Food Information Resource (EuroFIR) project is to develop and disseminate a comprehensive, coherent and validated data bank for the distribution of food composition data (FCD). This can only be accomplished by harmonising food description and data documentation and by the use of standardised thesauri. The data bank is implemented through a network of local FCD storages (usually national) under the control and responsibility of the local (national) EuroFIR partner. The implementation of the system based on the EuroFIR specifications is under development. The data interchange happens through the EuroFIR Web Services interface, allowing the partners to implement their system using methods and software suitable for the local computer environment. The implementation uses common international standards, such as Simple Object Access Protocol, Web Service Description Language and Extensible Markup Language (XML). A specifically constructed EuroFIR search facility (eSearch) was designed for end users. The EuroFIR eSearch facility compiles queries using a specifically designed Food Data Query Language and sends a request to those network nodes linked to the EuroFIR Web Services that will most likely have the requested information. The retrieved FCD are compiled into a specifically designed data interchange format (the EuroFIR Food Data Transport Package) in XML, which is sent back to the EuroFIR eSearch facility as the query response. The same request-response operation happens in all the nodes that have been selected in the EuroFIR eSearch facility for a certain task. Finally, the FCD are combined by the EuroFIR eSearch facility and delivered to the food compiler. The implementation of FCD interchange using decentralised computer systems instead of traditional data-centre models has several advantages. First of all, the local partners have more control over their FCD, which will increase commitment and improve quality. Second, a multicentred solution is more economically viable than the creation of a centralised data bank, because of the lack of national political support for multinational systems.

  7. A SNP resource for Douglas-fir: de novo transcriptome assembly and SNP detection and validation.

    PubMed

    Howe, Glenn T; Yu, Jianbin; Knaus, Brian; Cronn, Richard; Kolpak, Scott; Dolan, Peter; Lorenz, W Walter; Dean, Jeffrey F D

    2013-02-28

    Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), one of the most economically and ecologically important tree species in the world, also has one of the largest tree breeding programs. Although the coastal and interior varieties of Douglas-fir (vars. menziesii and glauca) are native to North America, the coastal variety is also widely planted for timber production in Europe, New Zealand, Australia, and Chile. Our main goal was to develop a SNP resource large enough to facilitate genomic selection in Douglas-fir breeding programs. To accomplish this, we developed a 454-based reference transcriptome for coastal Douglas-fir, annotated and evaluated the quality of the reference, identified putative SNPs, and then validated a sample of those SNPs using the Illumina Infinium genotyping platform. We assembled a reference transcriptome consisting of 25,002 isogroups (unique gene models) and 102,623 singletons from 2.76 million 454 and Sanger cDNA sequences from coastal Douglas-fir. We identified 278,979 unique SNPs by mapping the 454 and Sanger sequences to the reference, and by mapping four datasets of Illumina cDNA sequences from multiple seed sources, genotypes, and tissues. The Illumina datasets represented coastal Douglas-fir (64.00 and 13.41 million reads), interior Douglas-fir (80.45 million reads), and a Yakima population similar to interior Douglas-fir (8.99 million reads). We assayed 8067 SNPs on 260 trees using an Illumina Infinium SNP genotyping array. Of these SNPs, 5847 (72.5%) were called successfully and were polymorphic. Based on our validation efficiency, our SNP database may contain as many as ~200,000 true SNPs, and as many as ~69,000 SNPs that could be genotyped at ~20,000 gene loci using an Infinium II array-more SNPs than are needed to use genomic selection in tree breeding programs. Ultimately, these genomic resources will enhance Douglas-fir breeding and allow us to better understand landscape-scale patterns of genetic variation and potential responses to climate change.

  8. A SNP resource for Douglas-fir: de novo transcriptome assembly and SNP detection and validation

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    Background Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), one of the most economically and ecologically important tree species in the world, also has one of the largest tree breeding programs. Although the coastal and interior varieties of Douglas-fir (vars. menziesii and glauca) are native to North America, the coastal variety is also widely planted for timber production in Europe, New Zealand, Australia, and Chile. Our main goal was to develop a SNP resource large enough to facilitate genomic selection in Douglas-fir breeding programs. To accomplish this, we developed a 454-based reference transcriptome for coastal Douglas-fir, annotated and evaluated the quality of the reference, identified putative SNPs, and then validated a sample of those SNPs using the Illumina Infinium genotyping platform. Results We assembled a reference transcriptome consisting of 25,002 isogroups (unique gene models) and 102,623 singletons from 2.76 million 454 and Sanger cDNA sequences from coastal Douglas-fir. We identified 278,979 unique SNPs by mapping the 454 and Sanger sequences to the reference, and by mapping four datasets of Illumina cDNA sequences from multiple seed sources, genotypes, and tissues. The Illumina datasets represented coastal Douglas-fir (64.00 and 13.41 million reads), interior Douglas-fir (80.45 million reads), and a Yakima population similar to interior Douglas-fir (8.99 million reads). We assayed 8067 SNPs on 260 trees using an Illumina Infinium SNP genotyping array. Of these SNPs, 5847 (72.5%) were called successfully and were polymorphic. Conclusions Based on our validation efficiency, our SNP database may contain as many as ~200,000 true SNPs, and as many as ~69,000 SNPs that could be genotyped at ~20,000 gene loci using an Infinium II array—more SNPs than are needed to use genomic selection in tree breeding programs. Ultimately, these genomic resources will enhance Douglas-fir breeding and allow us to better understand landscape-scale patterns of genetic variation and potential responses to climate change. PMID:23445355

  9. The Fluids Integrated Rack and Light Microscopy Module Integrated Capabilities

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Motil, Susan M.; Gati, Frank; Snead, John H.; Hill, Myron E.; Griffin, DeVon W.

    2003-01-01

    The Fluids Integrated Rack (FIR), a facility class payload, and the Light Microscopy Module (LMM), a subrack payload, are scheduled to be launched in 2005. The LMM integrated into the FIR will provide a unique platform for conducting fluids and biological experiments on ISS. The FIR is a modular, multi-user scientific research facility that will fly in the U.S. laboratory module, Destiny, of the International Space Station (ISS). The first payload in the FIR will be the Light Microscopy Module (LMM). The LMM is planned as a remotely controllable, automated, on-orbit microscope subrack facility, allowing flexible scheduling and control of fluids and biology experiments within the FIR. Key diagnostic capabilities for meeting science requirements include video microscopy to observe microscopic phenomena and dynamic interactions, interferometry to make thin film measurements with nanometer resolution, laser tweezers for particle manipulation, confocal microscopy to provide enhanced three-dimensional visualization of structures, and spectrophotometry to measure photonic properties of materials. The LMM also provides experiment sample containment for frangibles and fluids. This paper will provide a description of the current FIR and LMM designs, planned capabilities and key features. In addition a brief description of the initial five experiments planned for LMM/FIR will be provided.

  10. Accuracy assessments and areal estimates using two-phase stratified random sampling, cluster plots, and the multivariate composite estimator

    Treesearch

    Raymond L. Czaplewski

    2000-01-01

    Consider the following example of an accuracy assessment. Landsat data are used to build a thematic map of land cover for a multicounty region. The map classifier (e.g., a supervised classification algorithm) assigns each pixel into one category of land cover. The classification system includes 12 different types of forest and land cover: black spruce, balsam fir,...

  11. Analysis of enantiomeric and non-enantiomeric monoterpenes in plant emissions using portable dynamic air sampling/solid-phase microextraction (PDAS-SPME) and chiral gas chromatography/mass spectrometry

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yassaa, Noureddine; Williams, Jonathan

    A portable dynamic air sampler (PDAS) using a porous polymer solid-phase microextraction (SPME) fibre has been validated for the determination of biogenic enantiomeric and non-enantiomeric monoterpenes in air. These compounds were adsorbed in the field, and then thermally desorbed at 250 °C in a gas chromatograph injector port connected via a β-cyclodextrin capillary separating column to a mass spectrometer. The optimized method has been applied for investigating the emissions of enantiomeric monoterpenes from Pseudotsuga menziesii (Douglas-fir), Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) and Lavandula lanata (Lavender) which were selected as representative of coniferous trees and aromatic plants, respectively. The enantiomers of α-pinene, sabinene, camphene, δ-3-carene, β-pinene, limonene, β-phellandrene, 4-carene and camphor were successfully determined in the emissions from the three plants. While Douglas-fir showed a strong predominance toward (-)-enantiomers, Rosemary and Lavender demonstrated a large variation in enantiomeric distribution of monoterpenes. The simplicity, rapidity and sensitivity of dynamic sampling with porous polymer coated SPME fibres coupled to chiral capillary gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) makes this method potentially useful for in-field investigations of atmosphere-biosphere interactions and studies of optically explicit atmospheric chemistry.

  12. Price projections for selected grades of Douglas-fir lumber.

    Treesearch

    Richard W. Haynes; Thomas D. Fahey; Roger D. Fight

    1988-01-01

    Grade-specific price projections were developed for Douglas-fir lumber produced in the Douglas-fir region. These grade-specific price projections can be used as an aid in evaluating management practices that will affect the quality of saw logs that are produced.

  13. Predictions of fire behavior and resistance to control: for use with photo series for the Douglas fir-hemlock type and the coastal Douglas-fir-hardwood type.

    Treesearch

    David V. SANDBERG; Franklin R. Ward

    1981-01-01

    This publication presents tables on the behavior of fire and the resistance of fuels to control. The information is to be used with the photos in the publication, "Photo Series for Quantifying Forest Residues in the Coastal Douglas-fir—Hemlock Type, Coastal Douglas-fir—Hardwood Type" (Maxwell, Wayne G.; Ward, Franklin R. 1976. Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-GTR-051....

  14. Fluids and Combustion Facility: Fluids Integrated Rack Modal Model Correlation

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    McNelis, Mark E.; Suarez, Vicente J.; Sullivan, Timothy L.; Otten, Kim D.; Akers, James C.

    2005-01-01

    The Fluids Integrated Rack (FIR) is one of two racks in the Fluids and Combustion Facility on the International Space Station. The FIR is dedicated to the scientific investigation of space system fluids management supporting NASA s Exploration of Space Initiative. The FIR hardware was modal tested and FIR finite element model updated to satisfy the International Space Station model correlation criteria. The final cross-orthogonality results between the correlated model and test mode shapes was greater than 90 percent for all primary target modes.

  15. Litter dynamics in two Sierran mixed conifer forests. I. Litterfall and decomposition rates

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Stohlgren, Thomas J.

    1988-01-01

    Litterfall was measured for 4 years and leaf litter decomposition rates were studied for 3.6 years in two mixed conifer forest (giant sequoia-fir and fir-pine) in the southern Sierra Nevada of California. The giant sequoia-fir forest (GS site) was dominated by giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum (Lindl.) Buchh.), white fir (Abies concolor Lindl. & Gord.), and sugar pine (Pinus lambertiana Dougl.). The fir-pine forest (FP site) was dominated by white fir, sugar pine, and incense cedar (Calocedrus decurrens (Torr.) Florin). Litterfall, including large woody debris -1•year-1 compared with 4355 kg•ha-1•year-1 at the FP site (3.4:1). In the GS site, leaf litter decomposition after 3.6 years was slowest for giant sequoia (28.2% mass loss), followed by sugar pine (34.3%) and white fie (45.1%). In the FP site, mass loss was slowest for sugar pine (40.0%), followed by white fir (45.1%), while incense cedar showed the greatest mass loss (56.9%) after 3.6 years. High litterfall rates of large woody debris (i.e., 2.5-15.2 cm diameter) and slow rates of leaf litter decomposition in the giant sequoia-fir forest type may result in higher litter accumulation rates than in the fir-pine type. Leaf litter times to 95% decay for the GS and FP sites were 30 and 27 years, respectively, if the initial 0.7-year period (a short period of rapid mass decay) was ignored in the calculation. A mass balance approach for total litterfall (<15.2 cm diameter) decomposition yielded lower decay constants than did the litterbag study and therefore longer times to 95% decay (57 years for the GS site and 62 years for the FP site).

  16. Aboveground growth interactions of paired conifer seedlings in close proximity

    Treesearch

    Warren D. Devine; Timothy B. Harrington

    2011-01-01

    Where belowground resources are relatively abundant, naturally established trees sometimes occur in very close proximity to one another. We conducted a two-year study to assess the aboveground interactions between Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), grand fir (Abies grandis) and noble fir (Abies procera)...

  17. Early genetic testing of coastal Douglas-fir for Swiss needle cast tolerance.

    Treesearch

    Fatih Temel; G.R. Johnson; W.T. Adams

    2005-01-01

    The possibility of early testing coastal Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) for Swiss needle cast (SNC; caused by Phaeocryptopus gaeumannii (Rohde) Petrak) tolerance was investigated using 55 Douglas-fir families from western Oregon. Seedlings were inoculated with P...

  18. Technology Development of Miniaturized Far-Infrared Sources for Biomolecular Spectroscopy

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Kono, Junichiro

    2003-01-01

    The objective of this project was to develop a purely solid-state based, thus miniaturized, far-infrared (FIR) (also known as terahertz (THz)) wave source using III-V semiconductor nanostructures for biomolecular detection and sensing. Many biomolecules, such as DNA and proteins, have distinct spectroscopic features in the FIR wavelength range as a result of vibration-rotation-tunneling motions and various inter- and intra-molecule collective motions. Spectroscopic characterization of such molecules requires narrow linewidth, sufficiently high power, tunable (in wavelength), and coherent FIR sources. Unfortunately, the FIR frequency is one of the least technologically developed ranges in the electromagnetic spectrum. Currently available FIR sources based on non-solid state technology are bulky, inefficient, and very often incoherent. In this project we investigated antimonide based compound semiconductor (ABCS) nanostructures as the active medium to generate FIR radiation. The final goal of this project was to demonstrate a semiconductor THz source integrated with a pumping diode laser module to achieve a compact system for biomolecular applications.

  19. Spectral Energy Distribution of Far-infrared Bright Quasar Sample in the Lockman Hole

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dai, Y.; Huang, J.-S.; Omont, A.; Hatziminaoglou, E.; Willmer, C.; Fazio, G.; Elvis, M.; Bergeron, J.; Rigopoulou, D.; Perez-Fournon, I.

    2011-10-01

    The far-infrared (FIR) properties of Quasi-Stellar Objects (QSOs) is important in connecting the Starburst (SB) and Active Galactic Nucleus (AGN) activities. Therefore, we constructed a 24 μ m selected QSO sample to study their FIR behavior. All sources were spectroscopically identified from MMT or the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) as broadline quasars. Of the total ˜330 sources, 37 have secure FIR detections in the Herschel-HERMES field. We compared their SEDs to previous QSO templates, and found that those FIR bright quasars differ from existing AGNs only by an additional dust component(s). Further studies on the origin for the FIR emission reveals the relative roles starburst and AGN play in powering the dust emission, based on the dust temperature, FIR luminosity, and the shapes of individual SEDs. The dust temperatures have a wide range from 20K to 80K with a median of ˜ 30K, indicating homogeneous heating mechanisms that could later be related to the origin of these cold dust emissions.

  20. Fir Decline and Mortality in the Southern Siberian Mountains

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Kharuk, Viacheslav I.; Im, Sergei T.; Petrov, Ilya A.; Dvinskaya, Mariya, L.; Fedotova, Elena V.; Ranson, Kenneth J.

    2016-01-01

    Increased dieback and mortality of dark needle conifer (DNC) stands (composed of fir (Abies sibirica),Siberian pine (Pinus sibirica) and spruce (Picea obovata))were documented in Russia during recent decades. Here we analyzed spatial and temporal patterns of fir decline and mortality in the southern Siberian Mountains based on satellite, in situ and dendrochronological data. The studied stands are located within the boundary between DNC taiga to the north and forest-steppe to the south. Fir decline and mortality were observed to originate where topographic features contributed to maximal water-stress risk, i.e., steep (1825),convex, south-facing slopes with a shallow well-drained root zone. Fir regeneration survived droughts and increased stem radial growth, while upper canopy trees died. Tree ring width(TRW) growth negatively correlated with vapor pressure deficit (VPD), drought index and occurrence of late frosts, and positively with soil water content. Previous year growth conditions (i.e., drought index, VPD, soil water anomalies)have a high impact on current TRW (r 0.600.74). Fir mortality was induced by increased water stress and severe droughts (as a primary factor) in synergy with bark-beetles and fungi attacks (as secondary factors). Dendrochronology data indicated that fir mortality is a periodic process. In a future climate with increased aridity and drought frequency, fir (and Siberian pine) may disappear from portions of its current range (primarily within the boundary with the forest steppe)and is likely to be replaced by drought-tolerant species such as Pinus sylvestris and Larix sibirica.

  1. Veneer recovery from peeler-grade Douglas-fir logs in western Washington.

    Treesearch

    E.H. Clarke; A.C. Knauss

    1957-01-01

    As Douglas-fir plywood production continues to expand, increased demands will be made for all grades of peelable Douglas-fir logs. Thus, it becomes increasingly important to know the veneer-grade recovery expected so that timber and logs can be more accurately appraised.

  2. Biological research by optically pumped far infrared lasers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhengyu, Mi

    1989-05-01

    The FIR breeding for paddy rice, black bean and wheat, the chlorophyll mutation of paddy rice induced by optically pumped FIR laser, etc., are presented. The results of SDS electrophoresis analysis of soluble proteins of Drosophita melanrgaster irradiated by optically pumped FIR laser are described and discussed.

  3. Dwarf mistletoe-infected red fir: growth after release

    Treesearch

    Robert F. Scharpf

    1979-01-01

    Release cutting, live crown ratio, diameter-at-breast height, and dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium abietinum f. sp. magnificae). acted to affect radial and height growth of red firs (Abies magnifica A. Murr.). Infected and noninfected red firs responded well to release as expressed by increased radial growth: growth...

  4. Growing corkbark fir and subalpine fir for nursery production

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    This bulletin is largely based on research conducted at the University of Idaho during 2000-2009. Corkbark and subalpine fir have desirable characteristics for Christmas tree and landscape use, including soft, fragrant foliage that ranges from dark green to silvery or bluish-green. Depending on seed...

  5. Evolutionary history of two endemic Appalachian conifers revealed using microsatellite markers

    Treesearch

    Kevin M. Potter; John Frampton; Sedley A. Josserand; C. Dana Nelson

    2010-01-01

    Fraser fir (Abies fraseri [Pursh] Poir.) and intermediate fir (Abies balsamea [L.] Mill. var. phanerolepis Fern.) exist in small populations in the Appalachian highlands of the southeastern United States. We used ten nuclear microsatellite markers to quantify genetic variation within Fraser fir and intermediate...

  6. 77 FR 2930 - Airworthiness Directives; Turbomeca S.A. Turboshaft Engines

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-01-20

    ... certain power turbine (PT) blade fir-tree roots. This proposed AD would require removing the affected PT... detected geometric non-conformities on blade fir-tree roots. The technical investigations carried out by... was prompted by the detection of geometric non- conformities on PT blade fir-tree roots. We are...

  7. Dwarf Mistletoe on Red Fir . . . infection and control in understory stands

    Treesearch

    Robert F. Scharpf

    1969-01-01

    Height and age of understory red fir (Abies magnifica A. Murr.) were related to dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobiilm campylopodum f. abietinum) infection from the surrounding overstory red fir on four National Forests in California. Percentage of trees infected and intensity of infection increased significantly as height of understory...

  8. Fraser fir stand structure in the Black Mountains of North Carolina

    Treesearch

    Rachael H. McManamay; Lynn M. Resle; James B. Campbell

    2010-01-01

    Over the past several decades, naturally occurring populations of Fraser fir (Abies fraseri [Pursh.] Poir) have experienced devastating mortality rates due to attack by the exotic insect, balsam woolly adelgid (BWA) (Adelges piceae Ratz.). The decline in Fraser fir is particularly concerning because its natural geographic...

  9. Belowground competition from overstory trees influences Douglas-fir sapling morphology in thinned stands

    Treesearch

    Warren D. Devine; Timothy B. Harrington

    2009-01-01

    We evaluated effects of belowground competition on morphology of naturally established coast Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) saplings in 60- to 80-year-old thinned Douglas-fir stands in southwestern Washington. We separately quantified belowground competition from overstory and understory sources...

  10. AmeriFlux CA-Cha New Brunswick - Charlie Lake site 01 (immature balsam fir forest to be thinned in year 3)

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

    Bourque, Charles

    This is the AmeriFlux version of the carbon flux data for the site CA-Cha New Brunswick - Charlie Lake site 01 (immature balsam fir forest to be thinned in year 3). Site Description - mature balsam fir forest

  11. Jet Drying of Southern Pine and Douglas-Fir: Exploratory Study

    Treesearch

    Howard N. Rosen

    1978-01-01

    Southern pine and Douglas-fir boards, containing both heart- and sapwood and 1.75 inches thick, were jet dried at temperatures from 160 to 400 F and air velocities from 3,000 to 9,000 fmp. Jet drying was more effective for southern pine than for Douglas-fir.

  12. A forest health inventory assessment of red fir (Abies magnifica) in upper montane California

    Treesearch

    Leif Mortenson; Andrew N. Gray; David C. Shaw

    2015-01-01

    We investigated the forest health of red fir (Abies magnifica) and how it compared with commonly-associated species Jeffrey pine (Pinus jeffreyi), lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) and white fir (Abies concolor) in the upper montane forests of California. We evaluated tree mortality rates...

  13. Response of different white fir geographic provenances to Trichosporium symbioticum inoculation in California

    Treesearch

    William J. Otrosina; Stanley J. Zarnoch

    2012-01-01

    We inoculated the fir engraver (Scolytus ventralis LeConte) associated fungus Trichosporium symbioticum Wright onto 56 white fir (Abies concolor (Gordon & Glend.) Lindl. ex Hildebr.) trees planted in a common garden study near Camino, California, that represented five geographic provenances of this species....

  14. Saddle Bag Mountain Research Natural Area: guidebook supplement 34.

    Treesearch

    Reid Schuller; Ronald L. Exeter

    2007-01-01

    This guidebook describes the Saddle Bag Mountain Research Natural Area, a 121-ha (300-ac) tract established to represent an old-growth remnant of Pacific silver fir (Abies amabilis) and western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) forest in the Oregon Coast Range. Pacific silver fir and noble fir (Abies procera)...

  15. Madrone duff and the natural regeneration of Douglas-fir.

    Treesearch

    Don Minore

    1987-01-01

    Excellent natural regeneration of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii [Mirb.] Franco) often occurs under canopies of Pacific madrone (Arbutus menziesii Pursh), but the effects of madrone duff on regeneration are poorly understood. A field experiment was conducted in a thinned Douglas-fir stand in southwestern Oregon to see if...

  16. Dwarfmistletoe of Douglas-fir

    Treesearch

    Donald P. Graham

    1961-01-01

    Dwarfmistletoe (Arceuthobium douglasii Engelm.), one of the most destructive enemies of Douglas-fir, causes serious losses in many stands. This parasitic plant is present almost everywhere within the range of Douglas-fir in the northern, central, and southern Rockies. It is abundant in eastern Washington and Oregon and is common in southwestern Oregon and northern...

  17. Truffle abundance and mycophagy by northern flying squirrels in eastern Washington forests.

    Treesearch

    John F. Lehmkuhl; Laura E. Gould; Efren Cazares; David R. Hosford

    2004-01-01

    Although much is known about truffle abundance and rodent mycophagy in mesic Douglas-fir forests in the Pacific Northwest, few data are available for dry interior montane forests dominated by ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa), Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), and grand fir (Abies grandis). Our objective...

  18. Douglas-fir displays a range of growth responses to temperature, water, and Swiss needle cast in western Oregon, USA

    EPA Science Inventory

    Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) growth in the Pacific Northwest is affected by climatic, edaphic factors and Swiss needle cast (SNC) disease. We examine Douglas-fir growth responses to temperature, dewpoint deficit (DPD), soil moisture, and SNC ...

  19. Graft union formation in Douglas-fir.

    Treesearch

    D.L. Copes

    1969-01-01

    Greenhouse-grown Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii [Mirb.] Franco) graft unions were examined between 2 and 84 days after grafting. Room temperature was maintained at 60-70 F throughout the growing season. In most respects grafts of Douglas-fir followed development patterns previously reported for spruce and pine grafts, but specific differences...

  20. Botanical discrimination of Greek unifloral honeys with physico-chemical and chemometric analyses.

    PubMed

    Karabagias, Ioannis K; Badeka, Anastasia V; Kontakos, Stavros; Karabournioti, Sofia; Kontominas, Michael G

    2014-12-15

    The aim of the present study was to investigate the possibility of characterisation and classification of Greek unifloral honeys (pine, thyme, fir and orange blossom) according to botanical origin using volatile compounds, conventional physico-chemical parameters and chemometric analyses (MANOVA and Linear Discriminant Analysis). For this purpose, 119 honey samples were collected during the harvesting period 2011 from 14 different regions in Greece known to produce unifloral honey of good quality. Physico-chemical analysis included the identification and semi quantification of fifty five volatile compounds performed by Headspace Solid Phase Microextraction coupled to gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy and the determination of conventional quality parameters such as pH, free, lactonic, total acidity, electrical conductivity, moisture, ash, lactonic/free acidity ratio and colour parameters L, a, b. Results showed that using 40 diverse variables (30 volatile compounds of different classes and 10 physico-chemical parameters) the honey samples were satisfactorily classified according to botanical origin using volatile compounds (84.0% correct prediction), physicochemical parameters (97.5% correct prediction), and the combination of both (95.8% correct prediction) indicating that multi element analysis comprises a powerful tool for honey discrimination purposes. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  1. Design and analysis of optically pumped submillimeter waveguide maser amplifiers and oscillators

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Galantowicz, T. A.

    1975-01-01

    The design and experimental measurements are described of an optically pumped far-infrared (FIR) waveguide maser; preliminary measurements on a FIR waveguide amplifier are presented. The FIR maser was found to operate satisfactorily in a chopped CW mode using either methanol (CH3OH) or acetonitrile (CH3CN) as the active molecule. Two other gases, difluoroethane and difluoroethylene, produced an unstable output with high threshold and low output power when operated in the chopped CW mode. Experimental measurements include FIR output versus cavity length, output beam pattern, output power versus pressure, and input power. The FIR output was the input to an amplifier which was constructed similar to the oscillator. An increase of 10% in output power was noted on the 118.8 microns line of methanol.

  2. Simulations of a FIR Oscillator with Large Slippage parameter at Jefferson Lab for FIR/UV pump-probe experiments

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

    Benson, Stephen V.; Campbell, L. T.; McNeil, B.W.T.

    We previously proposed a dual FEL configuration on the UV Demo FEL at Jefferson Lab that would allow simultaneous lasing at FIR and UV wavelengths. The FIR source would be an FEL oscillator with a short wiggler providing diffraction-limited pulses with pulse energy exceeding 50 microJoules, using the exhaust beam from a UVFEL as the input electron beam. Since the UV FEL requires very short pulses, the input to the FIR FEL is extremely short compared to a slippage length and the usual Slowly Varying Envelope Approximation (SVEA) does not apply. We use a non-SVEA code to simulate this systemmore » both with a small energy spread (UV laser off) and with large energy spread (UV laser on).« less

  3. The Dust Content and Opacity of Actively Star-Forming Galaxies

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Calzetti, Daniela; Armus, Lee; Bohlin, Ralph C.; Kinney, Anne L.; Koornneef, Jan; Storchi-Bergmann, Thaisa

    2000-01-01

    We present far-infrared (FIR) photometry at 150 and 205 micron(s) of eight low-redshift starburst galaxies obtained with the Infrared Space Observatory (ISO) ISOPHOT. Five of the eight galaxies are detected in both wave bands, and these data are used, in conjunction with IRAS archival photometry, to model the dust emission at lambda approximately greater than 40 microns. The FIR spectral energy distributions (SEDs) are best fitted by a combination of two modified Planck functions, with T approx. 40 - 55 K (warm dust) and T approx. 20-23 K (cool dust) and with a dust emissivity index epsilon = 2. The cool dust can be a major contributor to the FIR emission of starburst galaxies, representing up to 60% of the total flux. This component is heated not only by the general interstellar radiation field, but also by the starburst itself. The cool dust mass is up to approx. 150 times larger than the warm dust mass, bringing the gas-to-dust ratios of the starbursts in our sample close to Milky Way values, once resealed for the appropriate metallicity. The ratio between the total dust FIR emission in the range 1-1000 microns and the IRAS FIR emission in the range 40 - 120 microns is approx. 1.75, with small variations from galaxy to galaxy. This ratio is about 40% larger than previously inferred from data at millimeter wavelengths. Although the galaxies in our sample are generally classified as "UV bright," for four of them the UV energy emerging shortward of 0.2 microns is less than 15% of the FIR energy. On average, about 30% of the bolometric flux is coming out in the UV-to-near-IR wavelength range; the rest is emitted in the FIR. Energy balance calculations show that the FIR emission predicted by the dust reddening of the UV-to-near-IR stellar emission is within a factor of approx. 2 of the observed value in individual galaxies and within 20% when averaged over a large sample. If our sample of local starbursts is representative of high-redshift (z approx. greater than 1), UV - bright star-forming galaxies, these galaxies' FIR emission will be generally undetected in submillimeter surveys, unless: (1) their bolometric luminosity is comparable to or larger than that of ultraluminous FIR galaxies and (2) their FIR SED contains a cool dust component.

  4. Influence of the local structure in phase-change materials on their dielectric permittivity.

    PubMed

    Shportko, Kostiantyn V; Venger, Eugen F

    2015-01-01

    Ge-Sb-Te alloys, which belong to the phase-change materials, are promising materials for data storage and display and data visualization applications due to their unique properties. This includes a remarkable difference of their electrical and optical properties in the amorphous and crystalline state. Pronounced change of optical properties for Ge-Sb-Te alloys is linked to the different bonding types and different atomic arrangements in amorphous and crystalline states. The dielectric function of phase-change materials has been investigated in the far infrared (FIR) range. Phonons have been detected by FTIR spectroscopy. Difference of the dispersion of the dielectric permittivity of amorphous and crystalline samples is caused by different structures in different states which contribute to the dielectric permittivity.

  5. Ectomycorrhizal fungi associated with ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir: a comparison of species richness in native western North American forests and Patagonian plantations from Argentina.

    PubMed

    Barroetaveña, C; Cázares, E; Rajchenberg, M

    2007-07-01

    The putative ectomycorrhizal fungal species registered from sporocarps associated with ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir forests in their natural range distribution (i.e., western Canada, USA, and Mexico) and from plantations in south Argentina and other parts of the world are listed. One hundred and fifty seven taxa are reported for native ponderosa pine forests and 514 taxa for native Douglas-fir forests based on available literature and databases. A small group of genera comprises a high proportion of the species richness for native Douglas-fir (i.e., Cortinarius, Inocybe, and Russula), whereas in native ponderosa pine, the species richness is more evenly distributed among several genera. The comparison between ectomycorrhizal species richness associated with both trees in native forests and in Patagonia (Argentina) shows far fewer species in the latter, with 18 taxa for the ponderosa pine and 15 for the Douglas-fir. Epigeous species richness is clearly dominant in native Douglas-fir, whereas a more balanced relation epigeous/hypogeous richness is observed for native ponderosa pine; a similar trend was observed for Patagonian plantations. Most fungi in Patagonian Douglas-fir plantations have not been recorded in plantations elsewhere, except Suillus lakei and Thelephora terrestris, and only 56% of the fungal taxa recorded in Douglas-fir plantations around the world are known from native forests, the other taxa being new associations for this host, suggesting that new tree + ectomycorrhizal fungal taxa associations are favored in artificial situations as plantations.

  6. Fir Decline and Mortality in the Southern Siberian Mountains

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Kharuk, Viacheslav I.; Im, Sergei T.; Petrov, Ilya A.; Dvinskaya, Mariya, L.; Fedotova, Elena V.; Ranson, Kenneth J.

    2016-01-01

    Increased dieback and mortality of dark needle conifer (DNC) stands (composed of fir (Abies sibirica),Siberian pine (Pinus sibirica) and spruce (Picea obovata)) were documented in Russia during recent decades. Here we analyzed spatial and temporal patterns of fir decline and mortality in the southern Siberian Mountains based on satellite, in situ and dendrochronological data. The studied stands are located within the boundary between DNC taiga to the north and forest-steppe to the south. Fir decline and mortality were observed to originate where topographic features contributed to maximal water-stress risk, i.e., steep (18 deg to 25 deg), convex, south-facing slopes with a shallow well-drained root zone. Fir regeneration survived droughts and increased stem radial growth, while upper canopy trees died. Tree ring width (TRW) growth negatively correlated with vapor pressure deficit (VPD), drought index and occurrence of late frosts, and positively with soil water content. Previous year growth conditions (i.e., drought index, VPD, soil water anomalies) have a high impact on current TRW (r = 0.60 to 0.74). Fir mortality was induced by increased water stress and severe droughts (as a primary factor) in synergy with bark-beetles and fungi attacks (as secondary factors). Dendrochronology data indicated that fir mortality is a periodic process. In a future climate with increased aridity and drought frequency, fir (and Siberian pine) may disappear from portions of its current range (primarily within the boundary with the forest- steppe) and is likely to be replaced by drought-tolerant species such as Pinus sylvestris and Larix sibirica.

  7. RADIO OBSERVATIONS OF THE STAR FORMATION ACTIVITIES IN THE NGC 2024 FIR 4 REGION

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

    Choi, Minho; Kang, Miju; Lee, Jeong-Eun, E-mail: minho@kasi.re.kr

    Star formation activities in the NGC 2024 FIR 4 region were studied by imaging centimeter continuum sources and water maser sources using several archival data sets from the Very Large Array. The continuum source VLA 9 is elongated in the northwest–southeast direction, consistent with the FIR 4 bipolar outflow axis, and has a flat spectrum in the 6.2–3.6 cm interval. The three water maser spots associated with FIR 4 are also distributed along the outflow axis. One of the spots is located close to VLA 9, and another one is close to an X-ray source. Examinations of the positions ofmore » compact objects in this region suggest that the FIR 4 cloud core contains a single low-mass protostar. VLA 9 is the best indicator of the protostellar position. VLA 9 may be a radio thermal jet driven by this protostar, and it is unlikely that FIR 4 contains a high-mass young stellar object (YSO). A methanol 6.7 GHz maser source is located close to VLA 9, at a distance of about 100 AU. The FIR 4 protostar must be responsible for the methanol maser action, which suggests that methanol class II masers are not necessarily excited by high-mass YSOs. Also discussed are properties of other centimeter continuum sources in the field of view and the water masers associated with FIR 6n. Some of the continuum sources are radio thermal jets, and some are magnetically active young stars.« less

  8. Survey for balsam woolly adegid in Washington and Oregon.

    Treesearch

    I. Ragenovich; B. Willhite; R. Mitchell; D. Overhulser; K. Ripley

    2002-01-01

    Balsam woolly adelgid (BWA) is an introduced insect that has had a significant impact on Abies tree species in the Pacific Northwest. During the late 1950s and 1960s, it caused extensive mortality of grand fir (A. grandis), subalpine fir (A. lasiocarpa), and silver fir (A. amabilis), particularly in the...

  9. Relationship between self-fertility, allocation of growth, and inbreeding depression in three coniferous species.

    Treesearch

    Frank C. Sorensen

    1999-01-01

    Mortality and growth of self and outcross families of three wind-pollinated, mixed-mating, long-lived conifers, Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa), and noble fir (Abies procera) were followed from outplanting to age 26 (25 for noble fir) in spaced plantings at a common...

  10. Pulp quality from small-diameter trees.

    Treesearch

    G.C. Myers; S. Kumar; R.R. Gustafson; R.J. Barbour; S.M. Abubakr

    1997-01-01

    Kraft and thermomechanical (TMP) pulps were prepared and evaluated from lodgepole pine and mixed Douglas-fir/western larch sawmill residue chips; lodgepole pine, Douglas-fir, and western larch submerchantable logs; and lodgepole pine, Douglas-fir, and western larch small trees and tops. Kraft pulp from small trees and tops was identical to that from submerchantable...

  11. Population dynamics of dwarf mistletoe on young true firs in the central Sierra Nevada, California

    Treesearch

    Robert E Scharpf; J. R. Jr. Parmeter

    1982-01-01

    Young red firs (Abies magnifica A. Murr.) and white firs (A. concolor [Gord. & Glend.] Lindl. ex Hildebr.) on the Stanislaus National Forest, California, were inoculated with seeds of dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium abietinum) for 5 successive years. Only 3 to 4 percent of about 7000 seeds placed on branches...

  12. Growth of bear-damaged trees in a mixed plantation of Douglas-fir and red alder.

    Treesearch

    Richard E. Miller; Harry W. Anderson; Donald L. Reukema; Timothy A. Max

    2007-01-01

    Incidence and effects of tree damage by black bear (Ursus americanus altifrontalis) in a 50-year-old, coast Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco var. menziesii) plantation are described. Bears girdled or partially girdled 35 dominant or codominant Douglas-fir trees per acre, but only in that...

  13. Forest tree improvement in California-1970

    Treesearch

    M. Thompson Conkle

    1972-01-01

    Foresters in California were surveyed in 1970 to determine the extent of artificial regeneration and tree improvement efforts in the State. Seeding of Douglas-fir was the prevailing practice in the North Coast. Inland areas were being planted with conifers, including ponderosa, Jeffrey, Monterey, and sugar pines, Douglas-fir, and red and white firs. Manpower devoted to...

  14. Conversion of SPORL pretreated Douglas fir forest residues into microbial lipids with oleaginous yeasts

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Douglas fir is the dominant commercial tree grown in the United States. In this study Douglas fir residue was converted to single cell oils using oleaginous yeasts. Monosaccharides were extracted from the woody biomass by pretreating with sulfite and dilute sulfuric acid (SPORL process) and hydrol...

  15. A SNP resource for douglas-fir: de novo transcriptome assembly and SNP detection and validation

    Treesearch

    Glenn R. Howe; Jianbin Yu; Brian Knaus; Richard Cronn; Scott Kolpak; Peter Dolan; W. Walter Lorenz; Jeffrey F.D. Dean

    2013-01-01

    Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), one of the most economically and ecologically important tree species in the world, also has one of the largest tree breeding programs. Although the coastal and interior varieties of Douglas-fir (vars. menziesii and glauco) are native to North America, the coastal variety is...

  16. First report of Phytophthora ramorum infecting grand fir in California

    Treesearch

    K.L. Riley; G.A. Chastagner

    2011-01-01

    Phytophthora ramorum was detected on grand fir in 2003 and 2005 in a Christmas tree plantation near Los Gatos, CA, in association with infected California bay laurel. Isolates derived from stem lesions were used to inoculate grand fir seedlings in two tests. Isolations from lesions on inoculated plants were positive for P. ramorum...

  17. Climate and growth rate as related to an outbreak of silver fir beetles.

    Treesearch

    Gerard M. Thomas

    1957-01-01

    In 1947, an outbreak of silver fir beetles, Pseudohylesinus grandis Sw. and P. granulatus (Lec.), was discovered in northwestern Washington. The epidemic flourished for the next six years, killing some 525 million board-feet of Pacific silver fir, Abies amabilis (Dougl.) Forbes. Prior to 1947, the silver...

  18. Shelterwood regeneration of true fir: conclusion after 8 years

    Treesearch

    Robert J. Laacke; Jeanne H. Tomascheski

    1986-01-01

    Shelterwood cuttings on Swain Mountain Experimental Forest were measured to determine performance six to eight years after the shelterwood cutting and before shelterwood removal. Use of appropriate selecting criteria minimized windthrow of seed trees. Regeneration remained red fir, even where the major seed source was white fir. Density of seed trees may affect...

  19. Photo guide for appraising downed woody fuels in Montana forests: Interior ponderosa pine, ponderosa pine - larch - Douglas-fir, larch - Douglas-fir, and interior Douglas-fir cover types

    Treesearch

    William C. Fischer

    1981-01-01

    Four series of color photographs show different levels of downed woody material resulting from natural processes in four forest cover types in Montana. Each photo is supplemented by fuel inventory data and potential fire behavior ratings.

  20. Douglas-fir tussock moth: an annotated bibliography.

    Treesearch

    Robert W. Campbell; Lorna C. Youngs

    1978-01-01

    This annotated bibliography includes references to 338 papers. Each deals in some way with either the Douglas-fir tussock moth, Orgyia pseudotsugata (McDunnough), or a related species. Specifically, 210 publications and 82 unpublished documents make some reference, at least, to the Douglas-fir tussock moth; 55 are concerned with other species in...

  1. Survival, frost susceptibility, growth, and disease resistance of corkbark and subalpine fir grown for landscape and Christmas trees

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Trees from six corkbark fir (Abies lasiocarpa var. arizonica) and 10 subalpine fir (A. lasiocarpa var. lasiocarpa) seed sources were grown at the University of Idaho Sandpoint Research and Extension Center (SREC) and two commercial nurseries in Idaho and Oregon. Post transplant mortality was highest...

  2. Multi-decadal establishment for single-cohort Douglas-fir forests

    Treesearch

    James A. Freund; Jerry F. Franklin; Andrew J. Larson; James A. Lutz

    2014-01-01

    The rate at which trees regenerate following stand-replacing wildfire is an important but poorly understood process in the multi-century development of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) and western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla (Raf.) Sarg.) forests. Temporal patterns of Douglas-fir establishment reconstructed from old-growth forests (>450 year) have...

  3. Mammoth lakes revisited—50 years after a Douglas-fir tussock moth outbreak.

    Treesearch

    Boyd E. Wickman; G. Lynn Starr

    1990-01-01

    For five decades after an outbreak of Douglas-fir tussock moth (Orgyia pseudotsugata (McDunnough)), radial growth of defoliated white fir trees (Abies concolor (Gord. & Glend.) Lindl.), was significantly greater than that of nondefoliated host trees nearby. The increased growth probably was due to the thinning effect of...

  4. Analysis of conifer forest regeneration using Landsat Thematic Mapper data

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Fiorella, Maria; Ripple, William J.

    1995-01-01

    Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) data were used to evaluate young conifer stands in the western Cascade Mountains of Oregon. Regression and correlation analyses were used to describe the relationships between TM band values and age of young Douglas-fir stands (2 to 35 years old). Spectral data from well regenerated Douglas-fir stands were compared to those of poorly regenerated conifer stands. TM bands 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7 were inversely correlated with the age (r greater than or equal to -0.80) of well regenerated Douglas-fir stands. Overall, the 'structural index' (TM 4/5 ratio) had the highest correlation to age of Douglas-fir stands (r = 0.96). Poorly regenerated stands were spectrally distinct from well regenerated Douglas-fir stands after the stands reached an age of approximately 15 years.

  5. Herschel/PACS far-IR spectral imaging of a jet from an intermediate mass protostar in the OMC-2 region

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    González-García, B.; Manoj, P.; Watson, D. M.; Vavrek, R.; Megeath, S. T.; Stutz, A. M.; Osorio, M.; Wyrowski, F.; Fischer, W.; Tobin, J. J.; Sánchez-Portal, M.; Diaz Rodriguez, A. K.; Wilson, T. L.

    2016-11-01

    We present the first detection of a jet in the far-IR [O I] lines from an intermediate mass protostar. This jet was detected in a Herschel/PACS spectral mapping study in the [O I] lines of OMC-2 FIR 3 and FIR 4, two of the most luminous protostars in Orion outside of the Orion Nebula. The spatial morphology of the fine structure line emission reveals the presence of an extended photodissociation region (PDR) and a narrow, but intense jet connecting the two protostars. The jet seen in [O I] emission is spatially aligned with the Spitzer/IRAC 4.5 μm jet and the CO (6-5) molecular outflow centered on FIR 3. The mass-loss rate derived from the total [O I] 63 μm line luminosity of the jet is 7.7 × 10-6M⊙ yr-1, more than an order of magnitude higher than that measured for typical low-mass class 0 protostars. The implied accretion luminosity is significantly higher than the observed bolometric luminosity of FIR 4, indicating that the [O I] jet is unlikely to be associated with FIR 4. We argue that the peak line emission seen toward FIR 4 originates in the terminal shock produced by the jet driven by FIR 3. The higher mass-loss rate that we find for FIR 3 is consistent with the idea that intermediate-mass protostars drive more powerful jets than their low-mass counterparts. Our results also call into question the nature of FIR 4. Herschel is an ESA space observatory with science instruments provided by European-led Principal Investigator consortia and with important participation from NASA.The final reduced Herschel data used in this paper (FITS) are only available at the CDS via anonymous ftp to http://cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr (http://130.79.128.5) or via http://cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr/viz-bin/qcat?J/A+A/596/A26

  6. The hot core towards the intermediate-mass protostar NGC 7129 FIRS 2. Chemical similarities with Orion KL

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fuente, A.; Cernicharo, J.; Caselli, P.; McCoey, C.; Johnstone, D.; Fich, M.; van Kempen, T.; Palau, Aina; Yıldız, U. A.; Tercero, B.; López, A.

    2014-08-01

    Context. This paper is dedicated to the study of the chemistry of the intermediate-mass (IM) hot core NGC 7129 FIRS 2, probably the most compact warm core found in the 2-8 M⊙ stellar mass range. Aims: Our aim is to determine the chemical composition of the IM hot core NGC 7129 FIRS 2, and to provide new insights on the chemistry of hot cores in a more general context. Methods: NGC 7129 FIRS 2 (hereafter, FIRS 2) is located at a distance of 1250 pc and high spatial resolution observations are required to resolve the hot core at its center. We present a molecular survey from 218 200 MHz to 221 800 MHz carried out with the IRAM Plateau de Bure Interferometer (PdBI). These observations were complemented with a long integration single-dish spectrum taken with the IRAM 30 m telescope in Pico de Veleta (Spain). We used a local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) single temperature code to model the whole dataset. Results: The interferometric spectrum is crowded with a total of ≈300 lines from which a few dozen remain unidentified. The spectrum has been modeled with a total of 20 species and their isomers, isotopologues, and deuterated compounds. Complex molecules like methyl formate (CH3OCHO), ethanol (CH3CH2OH), glycolaldehyde (CH2OHCHO), acetone (CH3COCH3), dimethyl ether (CH3OCH3), ethyl cyanide (CH3CH2CN), and the aGg' conformer of ethylene glycol (aGg'-(CH2OH)2) are among the detected species. The detection of vibrationally excited lines of CH3CN, CH3OCHO, CH3OH, OCS, HC3N, and CH3CHO proves the existence of gas and dust at high temperatures. The gas kinetic temperature estimated from the vibrational lines of CH3CN, ~405-67+100 K, is similar to that measured in massive hot cores. Our data allow an extensive comparison of the chemistry in FIRS 2 and the Orion hot core. Conclusions: We find a quite similar chemistry in FIRS 2 and Orion. Most of the studied fractional molecular abundances agree within a factor of 5. Larger differences are only found for the deuterated compounds D2CO and CH2DOH and a few molecules (CH3CH2CN, SO2, HNCO and CH3CHO). Since the physical conditions are similar in both hot cores, only different initial conditions (warmer pre-collapse and collapse phase in the case of Orion) and/or different crossing times of the gas in the hot core can explain this behavior. We discuss these two scenarios. Based on observations carried out with the IRAM Plateau de Bure Interferometer. IRAM is supported by INSU/CNRS (France), MPG (Germany), and IGN (Spain).Appendices are available in electronic form at http://www.aanda.orgThe interferometrid spectra of Fig. A.1 is only available at the CDS via anonymous ftp to http://cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr (ftp://130.79.128.5) or via http://cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr/viz-bin/qcat?J/A+A/568/A65

  7. Added Value of Far-Infrared Radiometry for Ice Cloud Remote Sensing

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Libois, Q.; Blanchet, J. P.; Ivanescu, L.; S Pelletier, L.; Laurence, C.

    2017-12-01

    Several cloud retrieval algorithms based on satellite observations in the infrared have been developed in the last decades. However, most of these observations only cover the midinfrared (MIR, λ < 15 μm) part of the spectrum, and none are available in the far-infrared (FIR, λ ≥ 15 μm). Recent developments in FIR sensors technology, though, now make it possible to consider spaceborne remote sensing in the FIR. Here we show that adding a few FIR channels with realistic radiometric performances to existing spaceborne narrowband radiometers would significantly improve their ability to retrieve ice cloud radiative properties. For clouds encountered in the polar regions and the upper troposphere, where the atmosphere above clouds is sufficiently transparent in the FIR, using FIR channels would reduce by more than 50% the uncertainties on retrieved values of optical thickness, effective particle diameter, and cloud top altitude. This would somehow extend the range of applicability of current infrared retrieval methods to the polar regions and to clouds with large optical thickness, where MIR algorithms perform poorly. The high performance of solar reflection-based algorithms would thus be reached in nighttime conditions. Using FIR observations is a promising venue for studying ice cloud microphysics and precipitation processes, which is highly relevant for cirrus clouds and convective towers, and for investigating the water cycle in the driest regions of the atmosphere.

  8. [Effects of conversion of natural broad-leaved forest to Chinese fir plantation on soil respiration in subtropical China].

    PubMed

    Zhang, Rui; Bai, Yang; Liu, Juan; Jiang, Pei-kun; Zhou, Guo-mo; Wu, Jia-sen; Tong, Zhi-peng; Li, Yong-fu

    2015-10-01

    Soil CO2 effluxes in natural broad-leaved forest and the conversed Chinese fir plantation in Linglong Mountains Scenic of Zhejiang Province were evaluated by using static closed chamber and gas chromatography method. The results showed that soil CO2 efflux showed consistent seasonal dynamics in natural broad-leaved forest and Chinese fir plantation, with the maximums observed in summer and autumn, the minimums in winter and spring. Soil CO2 effluxes were 20.0-111.3 and 4.1-118.6 mg C . m-2 . h-1 in natural broad-leaved forest and Chinese fir plantation, respectively. The cumulative soil CO2 emission of natural broad-leaved forest (16.46 t CO2 . hm-2 . a-1) was significantly higher than that of Chinese fir plantation (11.99 t CO2 . hm-2 . a-1). Soil moisture did not affect soil CO2 efflux. There was a significant relationship between soil CO2 efflux and soil temperature at 5 cm depth. There was no significant relationship between soil CO2 efflux of natural broad-leaved forest and water soluble organic carbon content, while water soluble organic carbon content affected significantly soil CO2 efflux in Chinese fir plantation. Converting the natural broad-leaved forest to Chinese fir plantation reduced soil CO2 efflux significantly but improved the sensitivity of soil respiration to environmental factors.

  9. Tree-ring stable isotopes record the impact of a foliar fungal pathogen on CO2 assimilation and growth in Douglas-fir

    EPA Science Inventory

    Swiss needle cast (SNC) is a fungal disease of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) that has recently become prevalent in coastal areas of the Pacific Northwest. We used growth measurements and stable isotopes of carbon and oxygen in tree-rings of Douglas-fir and a non-susceptible...

  10. Documentation of the Douglas-fir tussock moth outbreak-population model.

    Treesearch

    J.J. Colbert; W. Scott Overton; Curtis. White

    1979-01-01

    Documentation of three model versions: the Douglas-fir tussock moth population-branch model on (1) daily temporal resolution, (2) instart temporal resolution, and (3) the Douglas-fir tussock moth stand-outbreak model; the hierarchical framework and the conceptual paradigm used are described. The coupling of the model with a normal-stand model is discussed. The modeling...

  11. Host resistance screening for balsam woolly adelgid: A comparison of seedlings from 12 fir species

    Treesearch

    Leslie Newton; John Frampton; Fred Hain

    2012-01-01

    The balsam woolly adelgid, Adelges piceae (Hemiptera: Adelgidae) (BWA), first reported on Fraser fir, Abies fraseri (Pursh) Poiret, on Mount Mitchell in 1955 (Amman 1966, Boyce 1955), is a major pest in Christmas tree plantations and in native stands. Nearly all Fraser fir Christmas trees produced in North Carolina...

  12. Development of spruce-fir stands following spruce beetle outbreaks

    Treesearch

    J. M. Schmid; T. E. Hinds

    1974-01-01

    Logged and unlogged stands of Engelmann spruce-subalpine fir were evaluated in spruce beetle outbreak areas infested about 15, 25, 50, and 100 years ago. Seedling regeneration was generally adequate except in heavily logged areas, although seedlings were often damaged, apparently by animals. Species composition was dramatically altered in favor of fir in the unlogged...

  13. Guide to understory burning in ponderosa pine-larch-fir forests in the Intermountain West

    Treesearch

    Bruce M. Kilgore; George A. Curtis

    1987-01-01

    Summarizes the objectives, prescriptions, and techniques used in prescribed burning beneath the canopy of ponderosa pine stands, and stands of ponderosa pine mixed with western larch, Douglas-fir, and grand fir. Information was derived from 12 districts in two USDA Forest Service Regions and seven National Forests in Montana and Oregon.

  14. Rx for Abies: silvicultural options for diseased firs in Oregon and Washington.

    Treesearch

    G.M. Filip; C.L. Schmitt

    1990-01-01

    The true firs are important species in Oregon and Washington forests, but root diseases, stem decays, and dwarf mistletoes cause more mortality, growth loss, and cull in these species than in any other. This paper consolidates research, observations, and management techniques for diseases of true firs, especially the effects of silvicultural activities on root diseases...

  15. Resource use and clonal differences in attack rate by the Douglas-fir seed chalcid, Megastigmus spermotrophus Wachtl (Hymenoptera: Torymidae), in France

    Treesearch

    Nancy Rappaport; Alain Roques

    1991-01-01

    The within-cone distribution of Megastigmus spermotrophus Wachtl (Hymenoptera: Torymidae), the Douglas-fir seed chalcid, infesting Douglas-fir [Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco] cones from north-central France was compared with that in samples from California. Results indicate that the mid-region of cones was more intensively...

  16. Decay losses associated with wounds in commercially thinned true fir stands in northern California.

    Treesearch

    Paul E. Aho; Gary Fiddler; Gregory M. Filip

    1989-01-01

    A total of 562 white firs (Abies concolor (Gord. & Glend.) Lindl. ex Hildebr.) and red firs (A. magnifica A. Murr.) with logging wounds were felled, dissected, and analyzed for infection and decay in 28 commercially thinned stands on the Klamath and Tahoe National Forests in California. On the Klamath National Forest, decay...

  17. Veneer recovery from Douglas-fir logs.

    Treesearch

    E.H. Clarke; A.C. Knauss

    1957-01-01

    During 1956, the Pacific Northwest Forest and Range Experiment Station made a series of six veneer-recovery studies in the Douglas-fir region of Oregon and Washington. The net volume of logs involved totaled approximately 777 M board-feet. Purpose of these studies was to determine volume recovery, by grade of veneer, from the four principal grades of Douglas-fir logs...

  18. Financial analysis of pruning coast Douglas-fir.

    Treesearch

    Roger D. Fight; James M. Cahlll; Thomas D. Fahey; Thomas A. Snellgrove

    1987-01-01

    Pruning of coast Douglas-fir was evaluated; recent product recovery information for pruned and unpruned logs for both sawn and peeled products was used. Dimensions of pruned and unpruned trees were simulated with the Douglas-fir stand simulator (DFSIM). Results are presented for a range of sites, ages at time of pruning, ages at time of harvest, product prices, and...

  19. What's in your Douglas-fir bark?

    Treesearch

    M. Gabriela Buamscha; James E. Altland

    2008-01-01

    Douglas-fir bark is a common waste product of forest industry, and has potential use as a substrate in container nurseries. Douglas-fir bark (DFB) is strongly acidic and contains amounts of phosphorus, potassium, iron, copper and manganese within or above the levels recommended for growing container crops. As the pH of DFB decreases, electrical conductivity and amounts...

  20. A pioneer exotic tree search for the Douglas-fir region.

    Treesearch

    Roy R. Silen; Donald L. Olson

    1992-01-01

    After three-quarters of a century of introduction of 152 conifer and broadleaf species, no promising candidate exotic was found for the Douglas-fir region. Growth curves spanning 50 years or longer are figured for many species. Firs, pines, larches, spruces, hemlocks, and cedars originating in northwestern North America had superior growth rates to those from other...

  1. Behavior of ground vegetation under a partially cut stand of Douglas-fir.

    Treesearch

    Kenneth W. Krueger

    1960-01-01

    Environmental changes resulting from logging in the Douglas-fir region often create ideal growing conditions for many woody and herbaceous plants. A rapid increase of brush and low vegetation, in turn, can seriously hinder efforts to establish a new stand. Consequently, one argument against partial cutting in Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) is...

  2. Mortality and growth of dwarf mistletoe-infected red and white fir and the efficacy of thinning for reducing associated losses

    Treesearch

    H. K. Mehl; S. R. Mori; S. J. Frankel; D. M. Rizzo

    2013-01-01

    In managed forests dominated by true fir (Abies) species, stands are often restocked using understory trees retained during timber harvest, making the effects of dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium spp.) infestation on small true fir a concern. This study examined the response of small red (A. magnifica) and...

  3. Dwarf mistletoe in red and white firs in California–23 to 28 years after inoculation

    Treesearch

    John R. Parmeter Jr.; Robert F. Scharpf

    1989-01-01

    Spread and buildup of dwarf mistletoe, Arceuthobium abietinum, was studied on inoculated white fir, Abies concolor, and red fir, A. magnifica, in northern California for 23 to 28 years. At the end of these studies (1986), and in the absence of overstory infection, 13 of 23 trees had dwarf mistletoe populations...

  4. Ecological adaptations in Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca) populations. III. Central Idaho

    Treesearch

    Gerald E. Rehfeldt

    1983-01-01

    Rehfeldt, Gerald E. 1983. Ecological adaptations in Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca) populations. III. Central Idaho. Canadian Journal of Forest Research. 13: 626-632. Growth, phenology, and cold hardiness of seedlings from 74 populations of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca (Beissn.) Franco) from central Idaho were compared in four...

  5. Field performance of stress-laminated highway bridges constructed with glued laminated timber

    Treesearch

    J.P. Wacker

    2004-01-01

    This paper summarizes the field performance of three stress-laminated deck timber bridges located in Wisconsin, New York, and Arizona. The deck superstructures of these single-span highway bridges is comprised of full-span glued laminated timber (glulam) beam laminations manufactured with southern pine, hem fir/red maple combination, and/or Douglas fir lumber species....

  6. Growth of white firs defoliated by Modoc budworm in northeastern California

    Treesearch

    George T. Ferrell

    1980-01-01

    Open-grown, pole-sized white firs defoliated by Modoc budwonn (Choristoneura viridis) in northeastern California in the years 1959-62 and 1973-75 suffered only minor growth reductions and topkilling compared with the effects that more protracted budworm outbreaks have had elsewhere on their conifer hosts. Growth index analysis indicated that the firs...

  7. A model to estimate noble fir bough weight.

    Treesearch

    Keith A. Blatner; Roger D. Fight; Nan Vance; Mark Savage; Roger. Chapman

    2005-01-01

    The harvesting of noble fir (Abies procera) for the production of Christmas wreaths and related products has been a mainstay of the nontimber forest products industry in the Pacific Northwest (PNW) for decades. Although noble fir is the single most important bough product harvested in the PNW, little or no work has been published concerning the...

  8. Litter dynamics in two Sierran mixed conifer forests. II. Nutrient release in decomposing leaf litter

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Stohlgren, Thomas J.

    1988-01-01

    The factors influencing leaf litter decomposition and nutrient release patterns were investigated for 3.6 years in two mixed conifer forests in the southern Sierra Nevada of California. The giant sequoia–fir forest was dominated by giant sequoia (Sequoiadendrongiganteum (Lindl.) Buchh.), white fir (Abiesconcolor Lindl. & Gord.), and sugar pine (Pinuslambertiana Dougl.). The fir–pine forest was dominated by white fir, sugar pine, and incense cedar (Calocedrusdecurrens (Torr.) Florin). Initial concentrations of nutrients and percent lignin, cellulose, and acid detergent fiber vary considerably in freshly abscised leaf litter of the studied species. Giant sequoia had the highest concentration of lignin (20.3%) and the lowest concentration of nitrogen (0.52%), while incense cedar had the lowest concentration of lignin (9.6%) and second lowest concentration of nitrogen (0.63%). Long-term (3.6 years) foliage decomposition rates were best correlated with initial lignin/N (r2 = 0.94, p r2 = 0.92, p r2 = 0.80, p < 0.05). Patterns of nutrient release were highly variable. Giant sequoia immobilized N and P, incense cedar immobilized N and to a lesser extent P, while sugar pine immobilized Ca. Strong linear or negative exponential relationships existed between initial concentrations of N, P, K, and Ca and percent original mass remaining of those nutrients after 3.6 years. This suggests efficient retention of these nutrients in the litter layer of these ecosystems. Nitrogen concentrations steadily increase in decomposing leaf litter, effectively reducing the C/N ratios from an initial range of 68–96 to 27–45 after 3.6 years.

  9. HERUS: A CO ATLAS FROM SPIRE SPECTROSCOPY OF LOCAL ULIRGs

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

    Pearson, Chris; Rigopoulou, Dimitra; Hurley, Peter

    We present the Herschel SPIRE Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (FTS) atlas for a complete flux-limited sample of local ultraluminous infrared galaxies (ULIRGs) as part of the HERschel Ultra Luminous InfraRed Galaxy Survey (HERUS). The data reduction is described in detail and was optimized for faint FTS sources ,with particular care being taken for the subtraction of the background, which dominates the continuum shape of the spectra. To improve the final spectra, special treatment in the data reduction has been given to any observation suffering from artifacts in the data caused by anomalous instrumental effects. Complete spectra are shown covering 200–671 μmore » m, with photometry in the SPIRE bands at 250, 350, and 500 μ m. The spectra include near complete CO ladders for over half of our sample, as well as fine structure lines from [C i] 370 μ m, [C i] 609 μ m, and [N ii] 205 μ m. We also detect H{sub 2}O lines in several objects. We construct CO spectral line energy distributions (SLEDs) for the sample, and compare their slopes with the far-infrared (FIR) colors and luminosities. We show that the CO SLEDs of ULIRGs can be broadly grouped into three classes based on their excitation. We find that the mid- J (5 <  J  < 8) lines are better correlated with the total FIR luminosity, suggesting that the warm gas component is closely linked to recent star formation. The higher J transitions do not linearly correlate with the FIR luminosity, consistent with them originating in hotter, denser gas that is unconnected to the current star formation. We conclude that in most cases more than one temperature component is required to model the CO SLEDs.« less

  10. Severe leaching of calcium ions from fir needles caused by acid fog.

    PubMed

    Igawa, Manabu; Kase, Toshiyuki; Satake, Kosuke; Okochi, Hiroshi

    2002-01-01

    We have measured the components of the throughfall under fir trees (Abies firma) in the field around Mt. Oyama, where the forest appears to be declining, for the period 1994-1998. Exposure experiments of a simulated acid fog to fir twigs were performed under field conditions. There was a similarity between the acid response in the field and that in the laboratory. In both studies, the severe leaching of calcium ions from the needle surface was caused by exposure to acid fog. We also applied acid fog to fir seedlings over 1 year and observed a decrease in the growth of the seedlings due to this application in the dormant season. These results suggest that the severe leaching of calcium ions due to acid fog may cause the deficiency of calcium and be responsible for the decline of the fir trees.

  11. Installation Restoration Program, Phase 1. Records Search, Wheeler Air Force Base, Oahu, Hawaii

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1983-07-01

    the 3vegetation was already exotic, consisting of trees such as guava , koa haole, eucalyptus and silver oak, and shrubs and 3 grasses including lantana...Alkalioo Soap 5 gal GrounOd S~r Of f Base Fire Pit fir.Pit Of f Base PmecI" CoCAClo 20$ P 680 1S Sa.L Cro-..d tAint 10-20 gal 8w L..dt±u Off km. Thinmar

  12. Coarse woody debris in a Southern Appalachian spruce-fir forest of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    Treesearch

    Anita K. Rose; N.S. Nicholas

    2008-01-01

    Spruce-fir forests in the southern Appalachian Mountains receive high atmospheric nitrogen inputs and have high nitrate levels in soil solution and streamwater. High levels of excess nitrogen have been associated with reduced tree vigor. Additionally, the balsam woolly adelgid (Adelges piceae Ratz.) has killed the majority of endemic Fraser fir [

  13. An examination of the genetic control of Douglas-fir vascular tissue phytochemicals: implications for black bear foraging.

    Treesearch

    Bruce A. Kimball; G.R. Johnson; Dale L. Nolte; Doreen L. Griffin

    1999-01-01

    Silvicultural practices can influence black bear (Ursus americanus) foraging preferences for Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) cambial-zone vascular tissues, but little is known about the role of genetics. To study the impact of genetic selection, vascular tissue samples were collected from Douglas-fir trees in six half-sib families from five...

  14. Early survival and height growth of Douglas-fir and lodgepole pine seedlings and variations in site factors following treatment of logging residues.

    Treesearch

    W. Lopushlnsky; D. Zabowskl; T.D. Anderson

    1992-01-01

    Logging residues were broadcast burned, piled and burned, removed, or left in place after clearcutting in a high-elevation subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa (Hook.) Nutt.) lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl. ex Loud.) forest in north-central Washington. Survival, height growth and foliar nutrient content of planted Douglas-fir...

  15. Assessing the effects of vegetation types on carbon storage fifteen years after reforestation on a Chinese fir site

    Treesearch

    Qinkui Wang; Silong Wang; Jianwei Zhang

    2009-01-01

    Forest ecosystems play a significant role in sequestering carbon (C) in biomass and soils. Plantations established in subtropical China since the 1980s, mainly of Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook) in monocultures, have proved to be major C sinks. However, information is lacking about whether mixing Chinese fir with broadleaved tree...

  16. Conifer-Ceanothus interactions influence tree growth before and after shrub removal in a forest plantation in the western Cascade Mountains, USA.

    Treesearch

    Heather E. Erickson; Constance A. Harrington

    2006-01-01

    Ceanothus velutinous is often considered to be an aggressive competitor with young conifers in the western United States. Using a conifer (noble fir, Pacific silver fir, Douglas-fir, and western hemlock) plantation in western WA where Ceanothus had become established, we assessed how conifer-shrub crown interactions affected...

  17. How to identify brooms in Douglas-fir caused by dwarf mistletoe.

    Treesearch

    Robert O. Tinnin; Donald M. Knutson

    1985-01-01

    Dwarf mistletoe causes obvious brooms in Douglas-fir. The brooms are the easiest means of recognizing the presence of dwarf mistletoe; however, dwarf mistletoe is not the only cause of brooming in Douglas-fir. Therefore, accurate identification of dwarf mistletoe brooms is important. If no evidence of aerial shoots can be found in the brooms, and if the brooms occur...

  18. Within-stand spatial distribution of tree mortality caused by the Douglas-Fir beetle (Coleoptera: Scolytidae)

    Treesearch

    Jose F. Negron; John A. Anhold; A. Steve Munson

    2001-01-01

    The Douglas-fir beetle, Dendroctonus pseudotsugae Hopkins, causes considerable mortality in Douglas-fir, Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco, forests. Within-stand distribution of mortality was examined in affected stands using geostatistical techniques. A 10 x 10 m grid was established in two 4-ha study sites. Live and beetle-killed host basal area was measured at...

  19. A ponderosa pine-grand fir spacing study in central Oregon: results after 10 years.

    Treesearch

    K.W. Seidel

    1985-01-01

    The 10-year growth response from an initial spacing study established in a ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Dougl, ex Laws.) and grand fir (Abies grandis (Dougl. ex D. Don) Lindl.) plantation was measured in central Oregon. The study was designed to compare the growth rates of pure pine, pure fir, and a 50-percent mixture of...

  20. Seedfall and seed viability within artificial canopy gaps in a western Washington douglas-fir forest

    Treesearch

    Warren D. Devine; Timothy B. Harrington

    2015-01-01

    Seedfall of coast Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii [Mirb.] Franco var. menziesii) has been studied at the forest edge-clearcut interface and in small canopy gaps, but it has not been evaluated in gap sizes that would be typical of a group-selection method of regeneration. In a mature Douglas-fir forest in the Puget Sound...

  1. Site index curves for white fir in the southwestern United States developed using a guide curve method

    Treesearch

    Robert L. Mathiasen; William K. Olsen; Carleton B. Edminster

    2006-01-01

    Site index curves for white fir (Abies concolor) in Arizona, New Mexico, and southwestern Colorado were developed using height-age measurements and an estimated guide curve and 95% confidence intervals for individual predictions. The curves were developed using height-age data for 1,048 white firs from 263 study sites distributed across eight...

  2. White fur lumber recovery at a western Washington sawmill.

    Treesearch

    E.E. Matson

    1957-01-01

    In April 1956 a study was made in western Washington to determine grades of lumber that could be expected from silver fir (Abies amabilis) and grand fir (Abies grandis) which are grouped together the lumber industry and sold as white fir. At the sawmill where the study was made, none of the lumber is seasoned and most of it is...

  3. True fir spacing and yield trials—20-year update

    Treesearch

    Robert O. Curtis

    2013-01-01

    This report updates data and comparisons from previous reports (Curtis and others 2000, Curtis 2008) on a series of precommercial thinning and yield trials in high-elevation true fir–hemlock stands, using data from the 12 replicates for which 20-year data are now available. The stands were varying mixtures of Pacific silver fir (Abies amabilis (Douglas ex Loudon)...

  4. Natural regeneration of Douglas-fir and associated species using modified clear-cutting systems in the Oregon Cascades.

    Treesearch

    Jerry F. Franklin

    1963-01-01

    Clear cutting is the standard harvesting system in old-growth Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) forests in the Pacific Northwest. Usually these clear cuts are in "staggered settings" of 15 to 80 acres with the surrounding stand left uncut to provide seed and serve as a firebreak. However, satisfactory natural regeneration of Douglas-fir...

  5. Flight periodicity of the Douglas-fir beetle, Dendroctonus pseudotsugae Hopkins (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) in Colorado, U.S.A

    Treesearch

    Jose F. Negron; Willis C. Schaupp; Lee Pederson

    2011-01-01

    There are about 500 species of bark beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) in the United States (Wood 1982). A number of them are important disturbance agents in forested ecosystems, occasionally creating large tracts of dead trees. One eruptive species is the Douglas-fir beetle, Dendroctonus pseudotsugae Hopkins, which utilizes Douglas-fir, Pseudotsuga...

  6. Thinning balsam fir thickets with soil sterilants

    Treesearch

    Arthur C. Hart

    1961-01-01

    Under certain conditions that we do not yet fully understand, balsam fir has a tendency to form dense thickets that cause stagnation of growth. This condition is common throughout the spruce-fir region, and it presents the landowner with one of his most perplexing management problems. A typical thicket averaging 15 feet tall may contain 5,000 to 10,000 stems per acre (...

  7. Selected yield tables for plantations and natural stands in Inland Northwest Forests

    Treesearch

    Albert R. Stage; David L. Renner; Roger C. Chapman

    1988-01-01

    Yields arrayed by site index and age have been tabulated for plantations of 500 trees per acre, with five thinning regimes, for Douglas-fir, grand fir, and western larch. Yields were also tabulated for naturally regenerated stands of the grand fir-cedar-hemlock ecosystem of the Inland Empire. All yields were estimated with the Prognosis Model for Stand Development,...

  8. Changes in wood product proportions in the Douglas-fir region with respect to size, age, and time.

    Treesearch

    R.A. Monserud; X. Zhou

    2007-01-01

    We examine both the variation and the changing proportions of different wood products obtained from trees and logs in the Douglas-fir region of the Northwestern United States. Analyses are based on a large product recovery database covering over 40 years of recovery studies; 13 studies are available for Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.)...

  9. Five-year field trials using preservative-treated, second-growth Douglas-fir exposed in ground contact in Australia

    Treesearch

    Rodney C. De Groot; Douglas M. Crawford; Jack Norton; John Keith

    2000-01-01

    The durability of preservative-treated stakes of second-growth Coastal Douglas-fir was evaluated in a field plot in northern Queensland, Australia. Results from this field trial indicate that second-growth Douglas-fir can be treated with preservatives to meet Australian standards and will provide long-term durability in adverse environments. Data presented indicate...

  10. Height growth and site index curves for Douglas-fir on dry sites in the Willamette National Forest.

    Treesearch

    Joseph E Means; Mary E. Helm

    1985-01-01

    Equations and curves are presented for estimating height and site index of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) on hot, dry sites in the Willamette National Forest in western Oregon. The equations are based on the dissected stems of 27 trees. The curves differ from those previously published for Douglas-fir. Instructions are presented...

  11. Annosus Root Disease in True Firs in Northern and Central California National Forests

    Treesearch

    G. W. Slaughter; J. R. Parmeter Jr.

    1989-01-01

    True fir stands in California (3.5 million acres) were surveyed during 1979-1980 to estimate the prevalence of infection by Heterobasidion annosum, and to determine stand and tree characteristics associated with the occurrence of annosus root disease. Approximately 4 percent (1.46 billion board-feet) of the live true firs were estimated to be...

  12. Stand development 18 years after gap creation in a uniform Douglas-fir plantation

    Treesearch

    Robert O. Curtis; Constance A. Harrington; Leslie C. Brodie

    2017-01-01

    This report gives early results, 18 years after treatment and 30 years after planting, from a trial of early thinning and gap creation intended to increase biodiversity in a very uniform extensive Douglas-fir plantation. Gap creation has introduced canopy irregularity and a substantial hemlock component into what was originally a very uniform pure Douglas-fir...

  13. The distribution of genets and their nuclear composition reveal the dynamics of establishment and survival of Heterobasidion annosum in white fir stands

    Treesearch

    M. Garbelotto; F.W. Cobb; T.D. Bruns; W. Otrosina; T. Popenuck; Garey Slaughter

    1998-01-01

    The structure of Heterobasidiom annosum populations in white fir was studied in 15 mixed conifer sites of central and northern California. Areas selected for the study displayed mortality of white fir trees in enlarging discrete patches (mortality centers). At each site, fungal genotypes were defined by somatic compatibility tests...

  14. Fir sawyer beetle-Siberian fir interaction modeling: resistance of fir stands to insect outbreaks

    Treesearch

    Tamara M. Ovtchinnikova; Victor V. Kiselev

    1991-01-01

    Entomological monitoring is part of a total ecological monitoring system. Its purpose is the identification, prognosis, and estimation of forest ecosystem impacts induced by insects. The entomological monitoring of a forest is based on a clear understanding of the role played by insects in forest ecosystems. The patterns of insect population dynamics in space and time...

  15. Source identification of western Oregon Douglas-fir wood cores using mass spectrometry and random forest classification.

    PubMed

    Finch, Kristen; Espinoza, Edgard; Jones, F Andrew; Cronn, Richard

    2017-05-01

    We investigated whether wood metabolite profiles from direct analysis in real time (time-of-flight) mass spectrometry (DART-TOFMS) could be used to determine the geographic origin of Douglas-fir wood cores originating from two regions in western Oregon, USA. Three annual ring mass spectra were obtained from 188 adult Douglas-fir trees, and these were analyzed using random forest models to determine whether samples could be classified to geographic origin, growth year, or growth year and geographic origin. Specific wood molecules that contributed to geographic discrimination were identified. Douglas-fir mass spectra could be differentiated into two geographic classes with an accuracy between 70% and 76%. Classification models could not accurately classify sample mass spectra based on growth year. Thirty-two molecules were identified as key for classifying western Oregon Douglas-fir wood cores to geographic origin. DART-TOFMS is capable of detecting minute but regionally informative differences in wood molecules over a small geographic scale, and these differences made it possible to predict the geographic origin of Douglas-fir wood with moderate accuracy. Studies involving DART-TOFMS, alone and in combination with other technologies, will be relevant for identifying the geographic origin of illegally harvested wood.

  16. FIR statistics of paired galaxies

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Sulentic, Jack W.

    1990-01-01

    Much progress has been made in understanding the effects of interaction on galaxies (see reviews in this volume by Heckman and Kennicutt). Evidence for enhanced emission from galaxies in pairs first emerged in the radio (Sulentic 1976) and optical (Larson and Tinsley 1978) domains. Results in the far infrared (FIR) lagged behind until the advent of the Infrared Astronomy Satellite (IRAS). The last five years have seen numerous FIR studies of optical and IR selected samples of interacting galaxies (e.g., Cutri and McAlary 1985; Joseph and Wright 1985; Kennicutt et al. 1987; Haynes and Herter 1988). Despite all of this work, there are still contradictory ideas about the level and, even, the reality of an FIR enhancement in interacting galaxies. Much of the confusion originates in differences between the galaxy samples that were studied (i.e., optical morphology and redshift coverage). Here, the authors report on a study of the FIR detection properties for a large sample of interacting galaxies and a matching control sample. They focus on the distance independent detection fraction (DF) statistics of the sample. The results prove useful in interpreting the previously published work. A clarification of the phenomenology provides valuable clues about the physics of the FIR enhancement in galaxies.

  17. Space Shuttle Main Engine High Pressure Fuel Turbopump Turbine Blade Cracking

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Lee, Henry

    1988-01-01

    The analytical results from two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) finite element model investigations into the cracking of Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) High Pressure Fuel Turbopump (HPFTP) first- and second-stage turbine blades are presented. Specifically, the initiation causes for transverse cracks on the pressure side of the firststage blade fir tree lobes and face/corner cracks on the downstream fir tree face of the second-state blade are evaluated. Because the blade material, MAR-M-246 Hf (DS), is highly susceptible to hydrogen embrittlement in the -100 F to 400 F thermal environment, a steady-state condition (full power level = 109 percent) rather than a start-up or shut-down transient was considered to be the most likely candidate for generating a high-strain state in the fir tree areas. Results of the analyses yielded strain levels on both first- and second-stage blade fir tree regions that are of a magnitude to cause hydrogen assisted low cycle fatigue cracking. Also evident from the analysis is that a positive margin against fir tree cracking exists for the planned design modifications, which include shot peening for both first- and second-stage blade fir tree areas.

  18. Development of the Two Phase Flow Separator Experiment for a Reduced Gravity Aircraft Flight

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Golliher, Eric; Gotti, Daniel; Owens, Jay; Gilkey, Kelly; Pham, Nang; Stehno, Philip

    2016-01-01

    The recent hardware development and testing of a reduced gravity aircraft flight experiment has provided valuable insights for the future design of the Two Phase Flow Separator Experiment (TPFSE). The TPFSE is scheduled to fly within the Fluids Integration Rack (FIR) aboard the International Space Station (ISS) in 2020. The TPFSE studies the operational limits of gas and liquid separation of passive cyclonic separators. A passive cyclonic separator utilizes only the inertia of the incoming flow to accomplish the liquid-gas separation. Efficient phase separation is critical for environmental control and life support systems, such as recovery of clean water from bioreactors, for long duration human spaceflight missions. The final low gravity aircraft flight took place in December 2015 aboard NASA's C9 airplane.

  19. Six-year growth of Douglas-fir saplings after manual or herbicide release from coastal shrub competition.

    Treesearch

    William I. Stein

    1999-01-01

    Survival and growth of planted Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) saplings and associated shrubs were observed for 6 years after seven release treatments had been applied, side by, side on four areas in the Coast Range of Oregon. Four times as much Douglas-fir volume as in the control was produced by one manual cutting of shrubs, which also...

  20. Seedling Responses of Five Species of Western Conifers to Simulated Ambient Sulfur Dioxide Exposures

    Treesearch

    Theodor D. Leininger; Paul R. Miller; Susan L. Schilling; Paul H. Dunn

    1991-01-01

    Seedlings of ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, white fir, Engelmann spruce, and subalpine fir were exposed continuously to charcoal-filtered (CF) air or one of three levels of a simulated ambient exposure typical of SO, pollution near smelters in the western United States. Seedlings were exposed during winter-spring experiments for 60 days to hourly means of 17, 38, and 54...

  1. Foliage Consumption by 6th-Instar Spruce Budworm Larvae, Choristoneura fumiferana (Clem.) Feeding on Balsam Fir and White Spruce

    Treesearch

    A.W.  Thomas

    1983-01-01

    Female larvae ate about 1.5 times as much foliage as male larvae. Larvae ate significantly less old foliage than current foliage. Balsam fir current foliage was eaten in greater quantitities than any other foliage; white spruce current and balsam fir old were eaten to the same extent; very little old white spruce was eaten.

  2. Stereo photo series for quantifying forest residues in the Douglas-Fir-Hemlock type of the Willamette National Forest.

    Treesearch

    Roger D. Ottmar; Colin C. Hardy; Robert E. Vihnanek

    1990-01-01

    A series of stereo photographs displays a range of residue loadings for harvested units in the Douglas-fir-western hemlock cover type common to the Willamette National Forest. Postburn residue levels are also represented for the Douglas-fir-western hemlock types. Information with each photo includes measured quadratic means and weights for various size classes, woody...

  3. White fir stands killed by tussock moth...70-mm. color photography aids detection

    Treesearch

    Steven L. Wert; Boyd E. Wickman

    1968-01-01

    The use of large-scale 70 mm. aerial photography proved to be an effective technique for detecting trees in white fir stands killed by Douglas-fir tussock moth in northeastern California. Correlations between ground and photo estimates of dead trees were high. But correlations between such estimates of lesser degrees of tree damage--thin tops and topkill--were much...

  4. Genetic diversity and seed production in Santa Lucia fir (Abies bracteata),a relict of the Miocene broadleaved evergreen forest

    Treesearch

    F. Thomas Ledig; Paul D. Hodgskiss; David R. Johnson

    2006-01-01

    Santa Lucia fir (Abies bracteata), is a unique fir, the sole member of the subgenus Pseudotorreya. It is a relict of the Miocene broadleaved evergreen sclerophyll forest, and is now restricted to a highly fragmented range in the Santa Lucia Mountains of central coastal California. Expected heterozygosity for 30 isozyme loci in 18 enzyme systems...

  5. Optimal uneven-aged stocking guides: an application to spruce-fir stands in New England

    Treesearch

    Jeffrey H. Gove; Mark J. Ducey

    2014-01-01

    Management guides for uneven-aged forest stands periodically need to be revisited and updated based on new information and methods. The current silvicultural guide for uneven-aged spruce-fir management in Maine and the northeast (Frank, R.M. and Bjorkbom, J.C. 1973 A silvicultural guide for spruce-fir in the northeast. General Technical Report NE-6, Forest Service. U.S...

  6. Projected future suitable habitat and productivity of Douglas-fir in western North America

    Treesearch

    Aaron R. Weiskittel; Nicholas L. Crookston; Gerald E. Rehfeldt

    2012-01-01

    Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii [Mirb.] Franco) is one of the most common and commercially important species in western North America. The species can occupy a range of habitats, is long-lived (up to 500 years), and highly productive. However, the future of Douglas-fir in western North America is highly uncertain due to the expected changes in climate conditions....

  7. Effects of soil calcium and aluminum on the physiology of balsam fir and red spruce saplings in northern New England

    Treesearch

    Richard L. Boyce; Paul G. Schaberg; Gary J. Hawley; Joshua M. Halman; Paula F. Murakami

    2013-01-01

    We examined the influence of calcium (Ca) and aluminum (Al) nutrition on the foliar physiology of red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.) and balsam fir [Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.] in northern New England, USA. At the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest (NH, USA), spruce and fir saplings were sampled from control, Al-, and Ca-supplemented...

  8. The selection system of silviculture in spruce-fir stands - procedures, early results, and comparisons with unmanaged stands

    Treesearch

    Robert M. Frank; Barton M. Blum

    1978-01-01

    Early results after 20 years of record keeping indicate that spruce-fir stands will respond to the selection system of silviculture. Stand quality is improved, species composition can be altered, diameter-class distribution approaches a stated goal, stand density is controlled, and yields are increased. Selection silviculture in spruce-fir can now be compared to early...

  9. Conversion of SPORL pretreated Douglas fir forest residues into microbial lipids with oleaginous yeasts

    Treesearch

    Bruce S. Dien; Junyong Zhu; Patricia J. Slininger; Cletus P. Kurtzman; Bryan R. Moser; Patricia J. O' Bryan; Roland Gleisner; Michael A. Cotta

    2016-01-01

    Douglas fir is the dominant commercial tree grown in the United States. In this study Douglas fir residue was converted to single cell oils (SCO) using oleaginous yeasts. Monosaccharides were extracted from the woody biomass by pretreating with sulfite and dilute sulfuric acid (SPORL process) and hydrolyzing using commercial cellulases. A new SPORL process that uses pH...

  10. A comparison of postburn woodpecker foraging use of white fir (Abies concolor) and Jeffrey Pine (Pinus jeffreyi)

    Treesearch

    Kerry L. Farris; Steve Zack

    2008-01-01

    We examined the temporal patterns of the structural decay, insect infestation and woodpecker foraging patterns on white-fir and yellow pine following a prescribed burn in Lassen National Park, CA. Our objectives were to: 1) describe how pine and fir differ in their decay patterns and insect activity, and 2) determine how these differences reflect woodpecker foraging...

  11. Lumber recovery from young-growth red and white fir in northern California.

    Treesearch

    W.Y. Pong

    1982-01-01

    Lumber recovery data from 1,106 logs from 341 young-growth white fir (Abies concolor (Gord. & Glend.) Lindl. ex Hildebr.) and red fir (A. magnifica A. Murr) trees are presented. All logs were processed through a quad-band headsaw. Nominal 2x4's and 2x6's made up over 93 percent of the lumber volume; nearly 70...

  12. Mortality and growth reduction of white fir following defoliation by the Douglas-fir tussock moth

    Treesearch

    Boyd E. Wickman

    1963-01-01

    In 5 years after a 1954-56 outbreak of Hemerocampa pseudotsugata in Calaveras and Tuolumne Counties, California, 20 percent of the merchantable white fir, or 11,071 board feet per acre, died in heavily defoliated stands. Another 1,113 board feet per acre was lost owing to radial growth reductions in partly defoliated trees; 12 percent of these trees...

  13. Dimension lumber grades from white fir in Lakeview area.

    Treesearch

    E.E. Matson

    1955-01-01

    Production of white fir lumber in the western pine region amounted to a little more than a billion board feet in 1954, or about 13 percent of the output of pine-region sawmills. Moreover, production of the white fir lumber is expanding, and it is important to know what grades of lumber can be expected so that timber and log values can be more accurately appraised....

  14. Released advance reproduction of white and red fir. . . growth, damage, mortality

    Treesearch

    Donald T. Gordon

    1973-01-01

    Advance reproduction of white fir and red fir released by cutting overmature over-story was studied at the Swain Mountain Experimental Forest in northern California, at 6,300 feet elevation. Seedling and sapling height growth before logging was only 0.1-0.2 foot per year. Five years after cutting, seedling and sapling height growth had accelerated to about 0.5 to 0.8...

  15. Height-diameter equations for young-growth red fir in California and southern Oregon

    Treesearch

    K. Leroy Dolph

    1989-01-01

    Total tree height of young-growth red fir can be estimated from the relation of total tree height to diameter outside bark at breast height (DOB). Total tree heights and corresponding diameters were obtained from stem analyses of 562 trees distributed across 56 sampling locations in the true fir forest type of California and Oregon. The resulting equations can predict...

  16. Deterioration of beetle-killed Douglas-fir in Oregon and Washington: a summary of findings to date.

    Treesearch

    Ernest Wright; K.H. Wright

    1954-01-01

    In 1952 and 1953 cooperative research was conducted by the Pacific Northwest Forest Experiment Station and the Research Department of Weyerhaeuser Timber Company to obtain information concerning the rate of deterioration of beetle-killed Douglas-fir. The study was prompted by an outbreak of the Douglas-fir beetle that developed in 1951 and has since killed an estimated...

  17. Assessing post-fire Douglas-fir mortality and Douglas-fir beetle attacks in the northern Rocky Mountains

    Treesearch

    Sharon Hood; Barbara Bentz; Ken Gibson; Kevin Ryan; Gregg DeNitto

    2007-01-01

    Douglas-fir has life history traits that greatly enhance resistance to injury from fire, thereby increasing post-fire survival rates. Tools for predicting the probability of tree mortality following fire are important components of both pre-fire planning and post-fire management efforts. Using data from mixed-severity wildfire in Montana and Wyoming, Hood and Bentz (...

  18. Release of Oregon white oak from overtopping Douglas-fir: effects on soil water and microclimate.

    Treesearch

    W.D. Devine; C.A. Harrington

    2007-01-01

    Many former Oregon white oak woodland and savanna stands in the coastal Pacific Northwest have been invaded and subsequently overtopped by Douglas-fir during the past century. We examined soil water and microclimate conditions near overtopped oak trees and near oak trees that had been released from Douglas-fir. In each of the three study years, volumetric soil water...

  19. Systolic Signal Processor/High Frequency Direction Finding

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1990-10-01

    MUSIC ) algorithm and the finite impulse response (FIR) filter onto the testbed hardware was supported by joint sponsorship of the block and major bid...computational throughput. The systolic implementations of a four-channel finite impulse response (FIR) filter and multiple signal classification ( MUSIC ... MUSIC ) algorithm was mated to a bank of finite impulse response (FIR) filters and a four-channel data acquisition subsystem. A complete description

  20. Population buildup and vertical spread of dwarf mistletoe on young red and white firs in California

    Treesearch

    Robert F. Scharpf; John R. Parmeter Jr.

    1976-01-01

    Rate of population buildup of dwarf mistletoe, Arceuthobium abietinum Engelm. ex Munz., was slow in most small red firs and white firs 12 to 15 years after inoculation with the parasite. Where population buildup did occur, it remained clustered in the lower portions of tree crowns near inoculation sites. Maximum distance of vertical spread was 16...

  1. Douglas-fir ectomycorrhizae in 40- and 400-year-old stands: mycobiont availability to late successional western hemlock.

    Treesearch

    T. R. Horton; R. Molina; K. Hood

    2005-01-01

    We investigated ectomycorrhizal (EM) fungi in forest stands containing both early successional Douglas-fir and late successional western hemlock at two points in the typical stand development by identifying EM fungi from roots of Douglas-fir and western hemlock in mixed stands. Tn an early seral stage forest, EM roots of western hemlock seedlings and intermingling 40-...

  2. Gross yield and mortality tables for fully stocked stands of Douglas-fir.

    Treesearch

    George R. Staebler

    1955-01-01

    Increasing interest in the practice of intensive forestry has demonstrated the need for gross yield tables for Douglas-fir showing the volume of trees that die as well as volume of live trees. Net yield tables for Douglas-fir, published in 1930, give the live volume in fully stocked stands at different ages on different sites. As in all normal yield tables, no...

  3. Lumber grades from young-growth Douglas-fir.

    Treesearch

    E.E. Matson

    1952-01-01

    Young Douglas-fir timber is known to produce much No. 1 Common and Better lumber but, little or no clear lumber. The volume of lumber produced from young-growth timber has become a sizable part of the cut from the Douglas-fir region of Oregon and Washington. No exact figures are available, but it is estimated that more than one-fourth of the lumber produced from this...

  4. Estimating decay in 40- to 90-year-old grand fir stands in the Clearwater region of northern Idaho.

    Treesearch

    Gregory M. Filip; John W. Schwandt; Susan K. Hagle

    1990-01-01

    The fir decay equation for Oregon and Washington was used to predict stem decay in 12 grand fir (Abies grandis (Dougl. ex D. Don) Lindl.) stands in the Clearwater region of northern Idaho. These 12 stands represented a range in geographic and stand characteristic variation. All 12 observed decay percentages were within their associated 95-percent...

  5. Pityophthorus orarius Bright (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) in a northern California Douglas-fir seed orchard: effect of clone, tree vigor, and cone crop on rate of attack

    Treesearch

    Nancy G. Rappaport; David L. Wood

    1994-01-01

    The geographic range of the Douglas-fir twig beetle, Pityophthorus orarius Bright, was extended beyond the original provenance of southern British Columbia to northern California. A survey of 457 Douglas-fir [Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco] trees in 1985 revealed that those with heavy cone crops were more likely to be...

  6. Detecting changes in tree health and productivity in silver fir-beech forests of Slovenia

    Treesearch

    N. Torelli; W.C. Shortle; K. Cufar; F. Ferlin; K.T. Smith

    1999-01-01

    Cambial electrical resistance (CER) was used as an objective measure of vitality of silver fir (Abies alba) in the forests of Slovenia. Trees were rated during the growing season by CER and a subjective crown status index (CSI). Both CER and CSI were inversely correlated to annual ring width increment. Using both CER and CSI, fir were assigned to...

  7. Hydraulic architecture and photosynthetic capacity as constraints on release from suppression in Douglas-fir and western hemlock.

    PubMed

    Renninger, Heidi J; Meinzer, Frederick C; Gartner, Barbara L

    2007-01-01

    We compared hydraulic architecture, photosynthesis and growth in Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco), a shade-intolerant species, and western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla (Raf.) Sarg.), a shade-tolerant species, to study the temporal pattern of release from suppressive shade. In particular, we sought to determine whether hydraulic architecture or photosynthetic capacity is most important in constraining release. The study was conducted at two sites with mixed stands of 10- to 20-year-old Douglas-fir and western hemlock. At one site, the stand had been thinned allowing release of the understory trees, whereas at the other site, the stand remained unthinned. Douglas-fir had lower height growth (from 1998-2003) and lower relative height growth (height growth from 1998 to 2003/height in 1998) than western hemlock. However, relative height growth of released versus suppressed trees was higher in Douglas-fir (130%) than in western hemlock (65%), indicating that, although absolute height growth was less, Douglas-fir did release from suppression. Release seemed to be constrained initially by a limited photosynthetic capacity in both species. Five years after release, Douglas-fir trees had 14 times the leaf area and 1.5 times the leaf nitrogen concentration (N (area)) of suppressed trees. Needles of released western hemlock trees had about twice the maximum assimilation rate (A (max)) at ambient [CO(2)] as needles of suppressed trees and exhibited no photoinhibition at the highest irradiances. After release, trees increased in leaf area, leaf N concentration and overall photosynthetic capacity. Subsequently, hydraulic architecture appeared to constrain release in Douglas-fir and, to a lesser extent, in western hemlock. Released trees had significantly less negative foliar delta(13)C values than suppressed trees and showed a positive relationship between leaf area:sapwood area ratio (A (L)/A (S)) and delta(13)C, suggesting that trees with more leaf area for a given sapwood area experienced a stomatal limitation on carbon gain. Nonetheless, these changes had no significant effects on leaf specific conductivities of suppressed versus released trees of either species, but leaf specific root conductance was significantly lower in released Douglas-fir.

  8. Far-infrared observations of the evolved H II region M16

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Mcbreen, B.; Fazio, G. G.; Jaffe, D. T.

    1982-01-01

    The results of far infrared (FIR) observations of the larger H II region M16, associated with the young open star cluster NGC 6611, are discussed. Three FIR sources detected on an extended ridge of FIR emission within the scanned region are described. The observations confirm that M16 is an H II region in a late stage of evolution. The H II region has expanded and is now extremely density bounded, consisting of an extended region of ionized gas and a series of ionization fronts located at the surrounding molecular cloud boundaries nearest to the exciting OB star cluster. The FIR radiation arises from heated dust at these boundaries.

  9. Report on Contract F05611-76-90203. Volume I.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1976-01-01

    The most serious of these assumptions used in the development of the algorithms was that the sensors in use are much better than they really are...This was not the fault of the AFIT personnel, since the algo- rithus they developed used the best information about the sensors which they had at the...phase response for the first FIR filters. In the region trom 0.01 Hz to 0.1 liz the tiltmeter controls the servo. However, above 0. Ili the seismo-neter

  10. The correlation between far-IR and radio continuum emission from spiral galaxies

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Dickey, John M.; Garwood, Robert W.; Helou, George

    1987-01-01

    A sample of 30 galaxies selected for their intense IRAS flux at 60 and 100 micron using the Arecibo telescope at 21 cm to measure the continuum and HI line luminosities were observed. The centimeter wave continuum correlates very well with the far-infrared flux, with a correlation coefficient as high as that found for other samples, and the same ratio between FIR and radio luminosities. Weaker correlations are seen between the FIR and optical luminosity and between the FIR and radio continuum. There is very little correlation between the FIR and the HI mass deduced from the integral of the 21 cm line. The strength of the radio continuum correlation suggests that there is little contribution to either the radio and FIR from physical processes not affecting both. If they each reflect time integrals of the star formation rate then the time constants must be similar, or the star formation rate must change slowly in these galaxies.

  11. Early survival and growth of planted Douglas-fir with red alder in four mixed regimes.

    Treesearch

    Marshall D. Murray; Richard E. Miller

    1986-01-01

    To quantify between-species interactions, we measured and compared survival and growth of planted Douglas-fir and associated planted and volunteer red alder at a location on the west side of the Cascade Range in Washington. The planted alder were wildlings dug either from a nearby area or from a distant, coastal site and interplanted into a 3-year-old Douglas-fir...

  12. Effects of manganese and manganese-nitrogen applications on growth and nutrition of Douglas-fir seedlings.

    Treesearch

    M. A. Radwan; John S. Shumway; Dean S. DeBell

    1979-01-01

    Effects of manganese (Mn) on Douglas-fir grown in soil, with and without urea, and in nutrient solution were investigated. In addition, Mn sorption by forest soils was evaluated. Results show that Douglas-fir does not respond to added Mn and is quite tolerant to high Mn levels. Moreover, Mn sorption by soils is high. It is doubtful that Mn toxicity is of practical...

  13. Balsam fir conservation and red spruce ecosystem restoration initiatives in the West Virginia highlands

    Treesearch

    Corey A. Bonasso; David W. Saville

    2010-01-01

    The West Virginia Highlands Conservancy has been working for more than a decade to protect, conserve, and restore the spruce-fir forests in West Virginia. Beginning in the mid 1990s an effort was initiated to conserve balsam fir in West Virginia where it reaches its southern most extent in North America. This work led to further efforts which have focused on the...

  14. Nonlinear equations for predictiing diameter inside bark at breast height for young-growth red fir in California and southern Oregon

    Treesearch

    K. Leroy Dolph

    1989-01-01

    Inside bark diameters of young-growth red fir can be estimated from the relationship of inside bark diameter 10 outside bark diameter at breast height. Inside and outside bark diameter were obtained from stem analyses of 562 trees distributed across 56 sampling locations in the true fir forest type of California and southern Oregon. The resulting equation can predict...

  15. Repeated manual release in a young plantation: effect on Douglas-fir seedlings, hardwoods, shrubs, forbs, and grasses.

    Treesearch

    Philip M. McDonald; Gary O. Fiddler; Henry Harrison

    1994-01-01

    Douglas-fir seedlings on the Arcata Resource Area, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Department of the Interior, in central coastal California, were released by chain sawing and grubbing competing vegetation around them at different frequencies (0, 2, and 3 grubbings) over a 5-year period. After 5 years, average Douglas-fir stem diameter (measured at 12 inches above mean...

  16. Five-year growth responses of Douglas-fir, western hemlock, and western redcedar seedlings to manipulated levels of overstory and understory competition.

    Treesearch

    T.B. Harrington

    2006-01-01

    Douglas-fir, western hemlock, and western redcedar seedlings were planted in 2001 within clearcuts, shelterwoods, or thinned stands of second-growth Douglas-fir. Understory vegetation was left untreated or removed to provide areas of vegetation control (AVC) of 0, 50, or 100 percent of seedling growing space. Third-year stem volume of seedlings growing in clearcuts...

  17. Fine-structure mapping of the firA gene, a locus involved in the phenotypic expression of rifampin resistance in Escherichia.

    PubMed

    Lathe, R

    1977-09-01

    The firA (Ts)200 mutation not only eliminates the resistance to rifampin of certain genetically resistant strains, but, moreover, renders ribonucleic acid synthesis thermolabile. The firA gene has been mapped by P1 tranduction and is located extremely close to the structural gene for deoxyribonucleic acid polymerase III at 4 min on the Escherichia coli linkage map.

  18. Radial growth in grand fir and Douglas-fir related to defoliation by the Douglas-fir tussock moth in the Blue Mountains outbreak.

    Treesearch

    B.E. Wickman; D.L. Henshaw; S.K. Gollob

    1980-01-01

    Radial growth reduction related to amount of tree defoliation was studied following a severe tussock moth outbreak. Growth sharply declined the year after defoliation began, and amount of decline was proportional to percent defoliation. Growth recovery began the year after defoliation ceased and radial increment had returned to pre-outbreak levels 5 years after...

  19. Mulching to regenerate a harsh site: effect on Douglas-fir seedlings, forbs, grasses, and ferns

    Treesearch

    Philip M. McDonald; Gary O. Fiddler; Henry R. Harrison

    1994-01-01

    Douglas-fir seedlings on the Arcata District, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Department of the Interior, in central coastal California, were planted in an effort to restore the natural forest to what was then pastureland. Douglas-fir seedlings were released from a complex forb-grass-fern plant community by applying very large (10-ft square) and very small (2-foot...

  20. Comparative drought resistance of five conifers and foliage moisture content as a viability index.

    Treesearch

    Richard P. Pharis

    1966-01-01

    Whole plant lethal points of foliage moisture content (FMC) for ponderosa pine, sugar pine, Douglas-fir, grand fir, and incense-cedar were established from foliage tissue of various ages. Exact lethal level depended upon the age of the tissue, but there was a general plateau between the ages 6 and 13 months for sugar pine and Douglas-fir and 3 and 13 months for incense...

  1. Tree shaking machine aids cone collection in a Douglas-fir seed orchard.

    Treesearch

    Donald L. Copes; William K. Randall

    1983-01-01

    A boom-type tree shaker was used in a Douglas-fir seed orchard to remove cones from 7- to 9-meter tall grafted Douglas-fir trees. An average of 55 percent of the cones were removed by shaking, while damage inflicted to the upper crown was confined primarily to branch and leader breakage in the top three internodes. Damage to the lower bole, where the shaker head...

  2. [A comparative study on soil fauna in native secondary evergreen broad-leaved forest and Chinese fir plantation forests in subtropics].

    PubMed

    Yan, Shaokui; Wang, Silong; Hu, Yalin; Gao, Hong; Zhang, Xiuyong

    2004-10-01

    In this study, we investigated the response of soil animal communities to the replacement of native secondary forest by Chinese fir plantation forest and successive rotation of Chinese fir in subtropics. Three adjacent forest stands, i.e., native secondary evergreen broad-leaved forest stand (control) and Chinese fir plantation stands of first (20 yr) and second (20 yr) rotations were selected for the comparison of soil fauna. All animals were extracted from the floor litter and 0-15 cm soil layer of the stands in Summer, 2003 by using Tullgren method, wet funnel method and hand-sorting method. Compared to two Chinese fir plantation forests, the native secondary evergreen broad-leaved forest had a higher abundance and a higher taxonomic diversity of animals in soil and litter, but there were no significant differences in the biomass and productivity of soil fauna between all study stands. The abundance or diversity did not differ significantly between the first rotation and second rotation stands, too. The results supported that vegetation cover might be one of the main forces driving the development of soil animal communities, and the effect of successive rotation of Chinese fir on the development of soil fauna was a slow-running process.

  3. Source identification of western Oregon Douglas-fir wood cores using mass spectrometry and random forest classification1

    PubMed Central

    Finch, Kristen; Espinoza, Edgard; Jones, F. Andrew; Cronn, Richard

    2017-01-01

    Premise of the study: We investigated whether wood metabolite profiles from direct analysis in real time (time-of-flight) mass spectrometry (DART-TOFMS) could be used to determine the geographic origin of Douglas-fir wood cores originating from two regions in western Oregon, USA. Methods: Three annual ring mass spectra were obtained from 188 adult Douglas-fir trees, and these were analyzed using random forest models to determine whether samples could be classified to geographic origin, growth year, or growth year and geographic origin. Specific wood molecules that contributed to geographic discrimination were identified. Results: Douglas-fir mass spectra could be differentiated into two geographic classes with an accuracy between 70% and 76%. Classification models could not accurately classify sample mass spectra based on growth year. Thirty-two molecules were identified as key for classifying western Oregon Douglas-fir wood cores to geographic origin. Discussion: DART-TOFMS is capable of detecting minute but regionally informative differences in wood molecules over a small geographic scale, and these differences made it possible to predict the geographic origin of Douglas-fir wood with moderate accuracy. Studies involving DART-TOFMS, alone and in combination with other technologies, will be relevant for identifying the geographic origin of illegally harvested wood. PMID:28529831

  4. Impacts of simulated herbivory on VOC emission profiles from coniferous plants

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

    Faiola, C. L.; Jobson, B. T.; VanReken, T. M.

    The largest global source of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the atmosphere is from biogenic emissions. Plant stressors associated with a changing environment can alter both the quantity and composition of the compounds that are emitted. This study investigated the effects of one global change stressor, increased herbivory, on plant emissions from five different coniferous species: bristlecone pine ( Pinus aristata), blue spruce ( Picea pungens), western redcedar ( Thuja plicata), grand fir ( Abies grandis), and Douglas-fir ( Pseudotsugas menziesii). Herbivory was simulated in the laboratory via exogenous application of methyl jasmonate, an herbivory proxy. Gas-phase species were measuredmore » continuously with a gas chromatograph coupled to a mass spectrometer and flame ionization detector (GC-MS-FID). Stress responses varied between the different plant types and even between experiments using the same set of saplings. The compounds most frequently impacted by the stress treatment were alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, 1,8-cineol, beta-myrcene, terpinolene, limonene, and the cymene isomers. Individual compounds within a single experiment often exhibited a different response to the treatment from one another.« less

  5. Impacts of simulated herbivory on volatile organic compound emission profiles from coniferous plants

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

    Faiola, C. L.; Jobson, B. T.; VanReken, T. M.

    The largest global source of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the atmosphere is from biogenic emissions. Plant stressors associated with a changing environment can alter both the quantity and composition of the compounds that are emitted. This study investigated the effects of one global change stressor, increased herbivory, on plant emissions from five different coniferous species: bristlecone pine ( Pinus aristata), blue spruce ( Picea pungens), western redcedar ( Thuja plicata), grand fir ( Abies grandis), and Douglas-fir ( Pseudotsuga menziesii). Herbivory was simulated in the laboratory via exogenous application of methyl jasmonate (MeJA), a herbivory proxy. Gas-phase species weremore » measured continuously with a gas chromatograph coupled to a mass spectrometer and flame ionization detector (GC–MS–FID). Stress responses varied between the different plant types and even between experiments using the same set of saplings. Here, the compounds most frequently impacted by the stress treatment were alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, 1,8-cineol, beta-myrcene, terpinolene, limonene, and the cymene isomers. Individual compounds within a single experiment often exhibited a different response to the treatment from one another.« less

  6. The gas content in starburst galaxies

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Mirabel, I. F.; Sanders, D. B.

    1987-01-01

    The results from two large and homogeneous surveys, one in H I, the other in CO, are used for a statistical review of the gaseous properties of bright infrared galaxies. A constant ratio between the thermal FIR radiation and nonthermal radio emission is a universal property of star formation in spiral galaxies. The current rate of star formation in starburst galaxies is found to be 3-20 times larger than in the Milky Way. Galaxies with the higher FIR luminosities and warmer dust, have the larger mass fractions of molecular to atomic interstellar gas, and in some instances, striking deficiencies of neutral hydrogen are found. A statistical blueshift of the optical systemic velocities relative to the radio systemic velocities, may be due to an outward motion of the optical line-emitting gas. From the high rates of star formation, and from the short times required for the depletion of the interstellar gas, it is concluded that the most luminous infrared galaxies represent a brief but important phase in the evolution of some galaxies, when two galaxies merge changing substantially their overall properties.

  7. Impacts of simulated herbivory on VOC emission profiles from coniferous plants

    DOE PAGES

    Faiola, C. L.; Jobson, B. T.; VanReken, T. M.

    2014-09-18

    The largest global source of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the atmosphere is from biogenic emissions. Plant stressors associated with a changing environment can alter both the quantity and composition of the compounds that are emitted. This study investigated the effects of one global change stressor, increased herbivory, on plant emissions from five different coniferous species: bristlecone pine ( Pinus aristata), blue spruce ( Picea pungens), western redcedar ( Thuja plicata), grand fir ( Abies grandis), and Douglas-fir ( Pseudotsugas menziesii). Herbivory was simulated in the laboratory via exogenous application of methyl jasmonate, an herbivory proxy. Gas-phase species were measuredmore » continuously with a gas chromatograph coupled to a mass spectrometer and flame ionization detector (GC-MS-FID). Stress responses varied between the different plant types and even between experiments using the same set of saplings. The compounds most frequently impacted by the stress treatment were alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, 1,8-cineol, beta-myrcene, terpinolene, limonene, and the cymene isomers. Individual compounds within a single experiment often exhibited a different response to the treatment from one another.« less

  8. Impacts of simulated herbivory on volatile organic compound emission profiles from coniferous plants

    DOE PAGES

    Faiola, C. L.; Jobson, B. T.; VanReken, T. M.

    2015-01-28

    The largest global source of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the atmosphere is from biogenic emissions. Plant stressors associated with a changing environment can alter both the quantity and composition of the compounds that are emitted. This study investigated the effects of one global change stressor, increased herbivory, on plant emissions from five different coniferous species: bristlecone pine ( Pinus aristata), blue spruce ( Picea pungens), western redcedar ( Thuja plicata), grand fir ( Abies grandis), and Douglas-fir ( Pseudotsuga menziesii). Herbivory was simulated in the laboratory via exogenous application of methyl jasmonate (MeJA), a herbivory proxy. Gas-phase species weremore » measured continuously with a gas chromatograph coupled to a mass spectrometer and flame ionization detector (GC–MS–FID). Stress responses varied between the different plant types and even between experiments using the same set of saplings. Here, the compounds most frequently impacted by the stress treatment were alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, 1,8-cineol, beta-myrcene, terpinolene, limonene, and the cymene isomers. Individual compounds within a single experiment often exhibited a different response to the treatment from one another.« less

  9. Soil spore bank communities of ectomycorrhizal fungi in endangered Chinese Douglas-fir forests.

    PubMed

    Wen, Zhugui; Shi, Liang; Tang, Yangze; Hong, Lizhou; Xue, Jiawang; Xing, Jincheng; Chen, Yahua; Nara, Kazuhide

    2018-01-01

    Chinese Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga sinensis) is an endangered Pinaceae species found in several isolated regions of China. Although soil spore banks of ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi can play an important role in seedling establishment after disturbance, such as in the well-known North American relative (Pseudotsuga menziesii), we have no information about soil spore bank communities in relict forests of Chinese Douglas-fir. We conducted bioassays of 73 soil samples collected from three Chinese Douglas-fir forests, using North American Douglas-fir as bait seedlings, and identified 19 species of ECM fungi. The observed spore bank communities were significantly different from those found in ECM fungi on the roots of resident trees at the same sites (p = 0.02). The levels of potassium (K), nitrogen (N), organic matter, and the pH of soil were the dominant factors shaping spore bank community structure. A new Rhizopogon species was the most dominant species in the spore banks. Specifically, at a site on Sanqing Mountain, 22 of the 57 surviving bioassay seedlings (representing 21 of the 23 soil samples) were colonized by this species. ECM fungal richness significantly affected the growth of bioassay seedlings (R 2  = 0.20, p = 0.007). Growth was significantly improved in seedlings colonized by Rhizopogon or Meliniomyces species compared with uncolonized seedlings. Considering its specificity to Chinese Douglas-fir, predominance in the soil spore banks, and positive effect on host growth, this new Rhizopogon species could play critical roles in seedling establishment and forest regeneration of endangered Chinese Douglas-fir.

  10. Reproductive potential of balsam fir (Abies balsamea), white spruce (Picea glauca), and black spruce (P. mariana) at the ecotone between mixedwood and coniferous forests in the boreal zone of western Quebec.

    PubMed

    Messaoud, Yassine; Bergeron, Yves; Asselin, Hugo

    2007-05-01

    The reproductive potentials of balsam fir and white spruce (co-dominants in mixedwood forests) and black spruce (dominant in coniferous forests) were studied to explain the location of the ecotone between the two forest types in the boreal zone of Quebec. Four sites were selected along a latitudinal gradient crossing the ecotone. Cone crop, number of seeds per cone, percentage filled seeds, and percentage germination were measured for each species. Balsam fir and white spruce cone crops were significantly lower in the coniferous than in the mixedwood forest, while black spruce had greater crop constancy and regularity between both forest types. Mast years were more frequent for black spruce than for balsam fir in both forest types (mast year data not available for white spruce). The number of seeds per cone was more related to cone size than to forest type for all species. Black spruce produced more filled seeds in the coniferous forest than balsam fir or white spruce. The sum of growing degree-days and the maximum temperature of the warmest month (both for the year prior to cone production) significantly affected balsam fir cone production. The climate-related northward decrease in reproductive potential of balsam fir and white spruce could partly explain the position of the northern limit of the mixedwood forest. This could change drastically, however, as the ongoing climate warming might cancel this competitive advantage of black spruce.

  11. Spatial correlations between browsing on balsam fir by white-tailed deer and the nutritional value of neighboring winter forage.

    PubMed

    Champagne, Emilie; Moore, Ben D; Côté, Steeve D; Tremblay, Jean-Pierre

    2018-03-01

    Associational effects, that is, the influence of neighboring plants on herbivory suffered by a plant, are an outcome of forage selection. Although forage selection is a hierarchical process, few studies have investigated associational effects at multiple spatial scales. Because the nutritional quality of plants can be spatially structured, it might differently influence associational effects across multiple scales. Our objective was to determine the radius of influence of neighbor density and nutritional quality on balsam fir ( Abies balsamea ) herbivory by white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus ) in winter. We quantified browsing rates on fir and the density and quality of neighboring trees in a series of 10-year-old cutovers on Anticosti Island (Canada). We used cross-correlations to investigate relationships between browsing rates and the density and nutritional quality of neighboring trees at distances up to 1,000 m. Balsam fir and white spruce ( Picea glauca ) fiber content and dry matter in vitro true digestibility were correlated with fir browsing rate at the finest extra-patch scale (across distance of up to 50 m) and between cutover areas (300-400 m). These correlations suggest associational effects, that is, low nutritional quality of neighbors reduces the likelihood of fir herbivory (associational defense). Our results may indicate associational effects mediated by intraspecific variation in plant quality and suggest that these effects could occur at scales from tens to hundreds of meters. Understanding associational effects could inform strategies for restoration or conservation; for example, planting of fir among existing natural regeneration could be concentrated in areas of low nutritional quality.

  12. Added value of far-infrared radiometry for remote sensing of ice clouds

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Libois, Quentin; Blanchet, Jean-Pierre

    2017-06-01

    Several cloud retrieval algorithms based on satellite observations in the infrared have been developed in the last decades. However, these observations only cover the midinfrared (MIR, λ < 15 μm) part of the spectrum, and none are available in the far-infrared (FIR, λ≥ 15 μm). Using the optimal estimation method, we show that adding a few FIR channels to existing spaceborne radiometers would significantly improve their ability to retrieve ice cloud radiative properties. For clouds encountered in the polar regions and the upper troposphere, where the atmosphere is sufficiently transparent in the FIR, using FIR channels would reduce by more than 50% the uncertainties on retrieved values of optical thickness, effective particle diameter, and cloud top altitude. Notably, this would extend the range of applicability of current retrieval methods to the polar regions and to clouds with large optical thickness, where MIR algorithms perform poorly. The high performance of solar reflection-based algorithms would thus be reached in nighttime conditions. Since the sensitivity of ice cloud thermal emission to effective particle diameter is approximately 5 times larger in the FIR than in the MIR, using FIR observations is a promising venue for studying ice cloud microphysics and precipitation processes. This is highly relevant for cirrus clouds and convective towers. This is also essential to study precipitation in the driest regions of the atmosphere, where strong feedbacks are at play between clouds and water vapor. The deployment in the near future of a FIR spaceborne radiometer is technologically feasible and should be strongly supported.

  13. [Effects of broadleaf plantation and Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) plantation on soil carbon and nitrogen pools].

    PubMed

    Wan, Xiao-Hua; Huang, Zhi-Qun; He, Zong-Ming; Hu, Zhen-Hong; Yang, Jing-Yu; Yu, Zai-Peng; Wang, Min-huang

    2013-02-01

    A comparative study was conducted on the soil C and N pools in a 19-year-old broadleaf plantation and a Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) plantation in subtropical China, aimed to understand the effects of tree species on the soil C and N pools. In the broadleaf plantation, the C and N stocks in 0-40 cm soil layer were 99.41 Mg.hm-2 and 6. 18 Mg.hm-2, being 33.1 % and 22. 6 % larger than those in Chinese fir plantation, respectively. The standing biomass and the C and N stocks of forest floor in the broadleaf plantation were 1.60, 1.49, and 1.52 times of those in Chinese fir plantation, respectively, and the differences were statistically significant. There was a significant negative relationship between the forest floor C/N ratio and the soil C and N stocks. In the broadleaf plantation, the fine root biomass in 0-80 cm soil layer was 1.28 times of that in the Chinese fir plantation, and the fine root biomass in 0-10 cm soil layer accounted for 48. 2 % of the total fine root biomass. The C and N stocks in the fine roots in the broadleaf plantation were also higher than those in the Chinese fir plantation. In 0-10 cm soil layer, its C stock had a significant positive relationship with the fine root C stock. It was suggested that as compared with Chinese fir plantation, the soil in broadleaf plantation had a greater potential to accumulate organic carbon.

  14. How Do Trees Know When to Flower? Predicting Reproductive Phenology of Douglas-fir with Changing Winter and Spring Temperatures

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Prevey, J.; St Clair, B.; Harrington, C.

    2016-12-01

    Flowering at the right time is one of the primary ways that plants are adapted to their environment. Trees that flower too early risk cold damage to vulnerable new tissues and those that flower too late miss peak resources or may mistime flowering to coincide with other trees, altering outcrossing rates and gene flow. Past observations indicate that temperature cues over winter and spring influence the timing of flowering in many tree species. Understanding these cues is important for predicting how flowering phenology of trees will change with a changing climate.We developed predictive models of flowering for Douglas-fir, an abundant and commercially important tree in the Pacific Northwest. We assembled over 10,000 flowering observations of trees from 11 sites across western Oregon and Washington. We modeled the dates of flowering using hourly temperature data; our models of flowering were adapted from previous models of vegetative budburst and height growth initiation developed for Douglas-fir. Preliminary results show that both chilling (cold) and forcing (warm) temperatures over winter and spring are important determinants of flowering time for Douglas-fir. This suggests that as spring temperatures warm in the future, Douglas-fir across the Pacific Northwest will flower earlier, unless plants experience insufficient chilling over winter, in which case it is possible that Douglas-fir may flower later than in the past, or not flower at all. At one site, Douglas-fir genotypes from different geographic regions flowered in the same order from year to year, indicating that both temperature and heredity influence flowering. Knowledge of the environmental and genetic cues that drive the timing of flowering can help predict how changes in temperature under various climate models could change flowering time across sites. These models may also indicate the geographic areas where future climate could enhance or reduce flowering of Douglas-fir in the future.

  15. Sensor fusion to enable next generation low cost Night Vision systems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Schweiger, R.; Franz, S.; Löhlein, O.; Ritter, W.; Källhammer, J.-E.; Franks, J.; Krekels, T.

    2010-04-01

    The next generation of automotive Night Vision Enhancement systems offers automatic pedestrian recognition with a performance beyond current Night Vision systems at a lower cost. This will allow high market penetration, covering the luxury as well as compact car segments. Improved performance can be achieved by fusing a Far Infrared (FIR) sensor with a Near Infrared (NIR) sensor. However, fusing with today's FIR systems will be too costly to get a high market penetration. The main cost drivers of the FIR system are its resolution and its sensitivity. Sensor cost is largely determined by sensor die size. Fewer and smaller pixels will reduce die size but also resolution and sensitivity. Sensitivity limits are mainly determined by inclement weather performance. Sensitivity requirements should be matched to the possibilities of low cost FIR optics, especially implications of molding of highly complex optical surfaces. As a FIR sensor specified for fusion can have lower resolution as well as lower sensitivity, fusing FIR and NIR can solve performance and cost problems. To allow compensation of FIR-sensor degradation on the pedestrian detection capabilities, a fusion approach called MultiSensorBoosting is presented that produces a classifier holding highly discriminative sub-pixel features from both sensors at once. The algorithm is applied on data with different resolution and on data obtained from cameras with varying optics to incorporate various sensor sensitivities. As it is not feasible to record representative data with all different sensor configurations, transformation routines on existing high resolution data recorded with high sensitivity cameras are investigated in order to determine the effects of lower resolution and lower sensitivity to the overall detection performance. This paper also gives an overview of the first results showing that a reduction of FIR sensor resolution can be compensated using fusion techniques and a reduction of sensitivity can be compensated.

  16. Herschel Extreme Lensing Line Observations: [CII] Variations in Galaxies at Redshifts z=1-3*

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Malhotra, Sangeeta; Rhoads, James E.; Finkelstein, K.; Yang, Huan; Carilli, Chris; Combes, Francoise; Dassas, Karine; Finkelstein, Steven; Frye, Brenda; Gerin, Maryvonne; hide

    2017-01-01

    We observed the [C II] line in 15 lensed galaxies at redshifts 1 less than z less than 3 using HIFI on the Herschel Space Observatory and detected 14/15 galaxies at 3sigma or better. High magnifications enable even modestly luminous galaxies to be detected in [C II] with Herschel. The [C II] luminosity in this sample ranges from 8 × 10(exp 7) solar luminosity to 3.7 × 10(exp 9) solar luminosity (after correcting for magnification), confirming that [C II] is a strong tracer of the ISM at high redshifts. The ratio of the [C II] line to the total far-infrared (FIR) luminosity serves as a measure of the ratio of gas to dust cooling and thus the efficiency of the grain photoelectric heating process. It varies between 3.3% and 0.09%. We compare the [C II]/FIR ratio to that of galaxies at z = 0 and at high redshifts and find that they follow similar trends. The [C II]/FIR ratio is lower for galaxies with higher dust temperatures. This is best explained if increased UV intensity leads to higher FIR luminosity and dust temperatures, but gas heating does not rise due to lower photoelectric heating efficiency. The [C II]/FIR ratio shows weaker correlation with FIR luminosity. At low redshifts highly luminous galaxies tend to have warm dust, so the effects of dust temperature and luminosity are degenerate. Luminous galaxies at high redshifts show a range of dust temperatures, showing that [C II]/FIR correlates most strongly with dust temperature. The [C II] to mid-IR ratio for the HELLO sample is similar to the values seen for low-redshift galaxies, indicating that small grains and PAHs dominate the heating in the neutral ISM, although some of the high [CII]/FIR ratios may be due to turbulent heating.

  17. Herschel Extreme Lensing Line Observations: [CII] Variations in Galaxies at Redshifts z=1-3

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Malhotra, Sangeeta; Rhoads, James E.; Finkelstein, K.; Yang, Huan; Carilli, Chris; Combes, Françoise; Dassas, Karine; Finkelstein, Steven; Frye, Brenda; Gerin, Maryvonne; Guillard, Pierre; Nesvadba, Nicole; Rigby, Jane; Shin, Min-Su; Spaans, Marco; Strauss, Michael A.; Papovich, Casey

    2017-01-01

    We observed the [C II] line in 15 lensed galaxies at redshifts 1 < z < 3 using HIFI on the Herschel Space Observatory and detected 14/15 galaxies at 3σ or better. High magnifications enable even modestly luminous galaxies to be detected in [C II] with Herschel. The [C II] luminosity in this sample ranges from 8 × 107 L⊙ to 3.7 × 109 L⊙ (after correcting for magnification), confirming that [C II] is a strong tracer of the ISM at high redshifts. The ratio of the [C II] line to the total far-infrared (FIR) luminosity serves as a measure of the ratio of gas to dust cooling and thus the efficiency of the grain photoelectric heating process. It varies between 3.3% and 0.09%. We compare the [C II]/FIR ratio to that of galaxies at z = 0 and at high redshifts and find that they follow similar trends. The [C II]/FIR ratio is lower for galaxies with higher dust temperatures. This is best explained if increased UV intensity leads to higher FIR luminosity and dust temperatures, but gas heating does not rise due to lower photoelectric heating efficiency. The [C II]/FIR ratio shows weaker correlation with FIR luminosity. At low redshifts highly luminous galaxies tend to have warm dust, so the effects of dust temperature and luminosity are degenerate. Luminous galaxies at high redshifts show a range of dust temperatures, showing that [C II]/FIR correlates most strongly with dust temperature. The [C II] to mid-IR ratio for the HELLO sample is similar to the values seen for low-redshift galaxies, indicating that small grains and PAHs dominate the heating in the neutral ISM, although some of the high [CII]/FIR ratios may be due to turbulent heating. Herschel is an ESA space observatory with science instruments provided by European-led Principal Investigator consortia and with important participation from NASA.

  18. HERSCHEL EXTREME LENSING LINE OBSERVATIONS: [C ii] VARIATIONS IN GALAXIES AT REDSHIFTS z = 1–3

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

    Malhotra, Sangeeta; Rhoads, James E.; Yang, Huan

    We observed the [C ii] line in 15 lensed galaxies at redshifts 1 < z < 3 using HIFI on the Herschel Space Observatory and detected 14/15 galaxies at 3 σ or better. High magnifications enable even modestly luminous galaxies to be detected in [C ii] with Herschel . The [C ii] luminosity in this sample ranges from 8 × 10{sup 7} L {sub ⊙} to 3.7 × 10{sup 9} L {sub ⊙} (after correcting for magnification), confirming that [C ii] is a strong tracer of the ISM at high redshifts. The ratio of the [C ii] line to themore » total far-infrared (FIR) luminosity serves as a measure of the ratio of gas to dust cooling and thus the efficiency of the grain photoelectric heating process. It varies between 3.3% and 0.09%. We compare the [C ii]/FIR ratio to that of galaxies at z = 0 and at high redshifts and find that they follow similar trends. The [C ii]/FIR ratio is lower for galaxies with higher dust temperatures. This is best explained if increased UV intensity leads to higher FIR luminosity and dust temperatures, but gas heating does not rise due to lower photoelectric heating efficiency. The [C ii]/FIR ratio shows weaker correlation with FIR luminosity. At low redshifts highly luminous galaxies tend to have warm dust, so the effects of dust temperature and luminosity are degenerate. Luminous galaxies at high redshifts show a range of dust temperatures, showing that [C ii]/FIR correlates most strongly with dust temperature. The [C ii] to mid-IR ratio for the HELLO sample is similar to the values seen for low-redshift galaxies, indicating that small grains and PAHs dominate the heating in the neutral ISM, although some of the high [CII]/FIR ratios may be due to turbulent heating.« less

  19. China Report, Agriculture, Hubei Agricultural Geography

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1984-03-14

    the growing of crops. Numerous farm crops, forest trees and pasture grasses are suited to growth in soil with a pH of between 6 and 8. Plants do...kinds of timber forest trees Fir [Abies fabri], dragon spruce [Picea asperata], China fir, Pinus armandi, birch, oaks, mountain poplar [Populus...half of which are in timber forests . The trees most used in construc- tion are massoon pine, oak, Chinese fir, Pinus armandi, Chinese pine [ Pinus

  20. Fine-structure mapping of the firA gene, a locus involved in the phenotypic expression of rifampin resistance in Escherichia.

    PubMed Central

    Lathe, R

    1977-01-01

    The firA (Ts)200 mutation not only eliminates the resistance to rifampin of certain genetically resistant strains, but, moreover, renders ribonucleic acid synthesis thermolabile. The firA gene has been mapped by P1 tranduction and is located extremely close to the structural gene for deoxyribonucleic acid polymerase III at 4 min on the Escherichia coli linkage map. PMID:330494

  1. Alignment and Polarization Sensitivity Study for the Cassini-Composite InfraRed Spectrometer (CIRS) Far InfraRed (FIR) Interferometer

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Crooke, Julie A.; Hagopian, John G.

    1998-01-01

    The Composite InfraRed Spectrometer (CIRS) instrument flying on the Cassini spacecraft to Saturn is a cryogenic spectrometer with far-infrared (FIR) and mid-infrared (MIR) channels. The CIRS FIR channel is a polarizing interferometer that contains three polarizing grid components. These components are an input polarizer, a polarizing beamsplitter, and an output polarizer/analyzer. They consist of a 1.5 micron thick mylar substrate with 2 gm wide copper wires, with 2 gm spacing (4 micron pitch) photolithographically deposited on the substrate. This paper details the polarization sensitivity studies performed on the output polarizer/analyzer, and the alignment sensitivity studies performed on the input polarizer and beamsplitter components in the FIR interferometer.

  2. Generation of tunable laser sidebands in the far-infrared region

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Farhoomand, J.; Frerking, M. A.; Pickett, H. M.; Blake, G. A.

    1985-01-01

    In recent years, several techniques have been developed for the generation of tunable coherent radiation at submillimeter and far-infrared (FIR) wavelengths. The harmonic generation of conventional microwave sources has made it possible to produce spectrometers capable of continuous operation to above 1000 GHz. However, the sensitivity of such instruments drops rapidly with frequency. For this reason, a great deal of attention is given to laser-based methods, which could cover the entire FIR region. Tunable FIR radiation (approximately 100 nW) has been produced by mixing FIR molecular lasers and conventional microwave sources in both open and closed mixer mounts. The present investigation is concerned with improvements in this approach. These improvements provide approximately thirty times more output power than previous results.

  3. Regional patterns of increasing Swiss needle cast impacts on Douglas-fir growth with warming temperatures.

    PubMed

    Lee, E Henry; Beedlow, Peter A; Waschmann, Ronald S; Tingey, David T; Cline, Steven; Bollman, Michael; Wickham, Charlotte; Carlile, Cailie

    2017-12-01

    The fungal pathogen, Phaeocryptopus gaeumannii , causing Swiss needle cast (SNC) occurs wherever Douglas-fir is found but disease damage is believed to be limited in the U.S. Pacific Northwest (PNW) to the Coast Range of Oregon and Washington (Hansen et al., Plant Disease , 2000, 84 , 773; Rosso & Hansen, Phytopathology , 2003, 93 , 790; Shaw, et al., Journal of Forestry , 2011, 109 , 109). However, knowledge remains limited on the history and spatial distribution of SNC impacts in the PNW. We reconstructed the history of SNC impacts on mature Douglas-fir trees based on tree-ring width chronologies from western Oregon. Our findings show that SNC impacts on growth occur wherever Douglas-fir is found and is not limited to the coastal fog zone. The spatiotemporal patterns of growth impact from SNC disease were synchronous across the region, displayed periodicities of 12-40 years, and strongly correlated with winter and summer temperatures and summer precipitation. The primary climatic factor limiting pathogen dynamics varied spatially by location, topography, and elevation. SNC impacts were least severe in the first half of the 20th century when climatic conditions during the warm phase of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (1924-1945) were less conducive to pathogen development. At low- to mid-elevations, SNC impacts were most severe in 1984-1986 following several decades of warmer winters and cooler, wetter summers including a high summer precipitation anomaly in 1983. At high elevations on the west slope of the Cascade Range, SNC impacts peaked several years later and were the greatest in the 1990s, a period of warmer winter temperatures. Climate change is predicted to result in warmer winters and will likely continue to increase SNC severity at higher elevations, north along the coast from northern Oregon to British Columbia, and inland where low winter temperatures currently limit growth of the pathogen. Our findings indicate that SNC may become a significant forest health problem in areas of the PNW beyond the coastal fog zone.

  4. Spitzer Quasar and ULIRG Evolution Study (QUEST). II. The Spectral Energy Distributions of Palomar-Green Quasars

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Netzer, Hagai; Lutz, Dieter; Schweitzer, Mario; Contursi, Alessandra; Sturm, Eckhard; Tacconi, Linda J.; Veilleux, Sylvain; Kim, D.-C.; Rupke, David; Baker, Andrew J.; Dasyra, Kalliopi; Mazzarella, Joseph; Lord, Steven

    2007-09-01

    This is the second paper studying the QSOs in the Spitzer QUEST sample. Previously we presented new PAH measurements and argued that most of the observed far-infrared (FIR) radiation is due to star-forming activity. Here we present spectral energy distributions (SEDs) by supplementing our data with optical, NIR, and FIR observations. We define two subgroups, of ``weak FIR'' and ``strong FIR'' QSOs, and a third group of FIR nondetections. Assuming a starburst origin for the FIR, we obtain ``intrinsic'' active galactic nucleus (AGN) SEDs by subtracting a starburst template from the mean SEDs. The resulting SEDs are remarkably similar for all groups. They show three distinct peaks corresponding to two silicate emission features and a 3 μm bump, which we interpret as the signature of the hottest AGN dust. They also display drops beyond ~20 μm that we interpret as the signature of the minimum temperature (~200 K) dust. This component must be optically thin to explain the silicate emission and the slope of the long-wavelength continuum. We discuss the merits of an alternative model in which most of the FIR emission is due to AGN heating. Such models are unlikely to explain the properties of our QSOs, but they cannot be ruled out for more luminous objects. We also find correlations between the luminosity at 5100 Å and two infrared starburst indicators: L(60 μm) and L(PAH 7.7 μm). The correlation of L(5100 Å) with L(60 μm) can be used to measure the relative growth rates and lifetimes of the black hole and the new stars.

  5. Effect of ultraviolet and far infrared radiation on microbial decontamination and quality of cumin seeds.

    PubMed

    Erdoğdu, S Belgin; Ekiz, H İbrahim

    2011-01-01

    Cumin seeds might be exposed to a high level of natural bacterial contamination, and this could potentially create a public health risk besides leading to problems in exportation. Ultraviolet (UVC) and far infrared (FIR) radiation has low penetration power, and due to that, there might be no detrimental defects to the products during a possible decontamination process. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the effect of UVC and FIR treatment on microbial decontamination and quality of cumin seeds. For this purpose, FIR treatment at different exposure times and temperatures were applied followed by constant UVC treatment with an intensity of 10.5 mW/cm² for 2 h. Total mesophilic aerobic bacteria of the cumin seeds were decreased to the target level of 10⁴ CFU/g after 1.57, 2.8, and 4.8 min FIR treatment at 300, 250, and 200 °C, respectively, following a 2 h UVC treatment. Under the given conditions, a complete elimination for total yeast and molds were obtained while there were no significant changes in volatile oil content and color of the cumin seeds. Consequently, combined UVC and FIR treatment was determined to be a promising method for decontamination of the cumin seeds. This research attempts to apply UVC and far infrared (FIR) radiation for pasteurization of cumin seeds. The data suggested that combined UVC and FIR radiation treatments can become a promising new method for pasteurization of cumin seeds without causing any detrimental defect to the quality parameters. The results of this industry partnered (Kadioglu Baharat, Mersin, Turkey--http://www.kadioglubaharat.com) study were already applied in industrial scale production lines. © 2011 Institute of Food Technologists®

  6. Positive-pressure ventilation during transport: a randomized crossover study of self-inflating and flow-inflating resuscitators in a simulation model.

    PubMed

    Lucy, Malcolm J; Gamble, Jonathan J; Daku, Brian L; Bryce, Rhonda D; Rana, Masud

    2014-12-01

    Positive-pressure ventilation during transport of intubated patients is generally delivered via a hand-pressurized device. Of these devices, self-inflating resuscitators (SIR) and flow-inflating resuscitators (FIR) constitute the two major types used. Selection of a particular device for transport, however, remains largely an institutional practice. To evaluate the hypothesis that transport ventilation goals of intubated pediatric patients are better achieved using an FIR compared to an SIR. This randomized crossover simulation study compared the performance of SIR and FIR among anesthesia providers in a pediatric transport scenario. Subjects hand-ventilated a test lung while simultaneously maneuvering a stretcher bed to simulate patient transport. Hand ventilation was carried out using a Jackson-Rees circuit (FIR) and a Laerdal pediatric silicone resuscitator (SIR). The primary outcome was the proportion of total breaths delivered within the predefined target PIP/PEEP range (30+/- 3, 10+/- 3 cm H2O). Secondary outcomes included proportion of total breaths delivered with operationally defined unacceptable breath variables (PIP > 35 cm H2O or PEEP < 5 cm H2O). Overall, participants were four times more likely to deliver target breaths and one-third less likely to deliver unacceptable breaths using the FIR compared to the SIR. When comparing device performance, a 44% increase in the proportions of target breaths and a 40.4% decrease in unacceptable breaths using the FIR were observed (P < 0.0001 for both). Hand ventilation during patient transport is superior using the FIR compared to the SIR to achieve target ventilatory goals and avoid unacceptable ventilatory cycles. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  7. MO-DE-207A-07: Filtered Iterative Reconstruction (FIR) Via Proximal Forward-Backward Splitting: A Synergy of Analytical and Iterative Reconstruction Method for CT

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

    Gao, H

    Purpose: This work is to develop a general framework, namely filtered iterative reconstruction (FIR) method, to incorporate analytical reconstruction (AR) method into iterative reconstruction (IR) method, for enhanced CT image quality. Methods: FIR is formulated as a combination of filtered data fidelity and sparsity regularization, and then solved by proximal forward-backward splitting (PFBS) algorithm. As a result, the image reconstruction decouples data fidelity and image regularization with a two-step iterative scheme, during which an AR-projection step updates the filtered data fidelity term, while a denoising solver updates the sparsity regularization term. During the AR-projection step, the image is projected tomore » the data domain to form the data residual, and then reconstructed by certain AR to a residual image which is in turn weighted together with previous image iterate to form next image iterate. Since the eigenvalues of AR-projection operator are close to the unity, PFBS based FIR has a fast convergence. Results: The proposed FIR method is validated in the setting of circular cone-beam CT with AR being FDK and total-variation sparsity regularization, and has improved image quality from both AR and IR. For example, AIR has improved visual assessment and quantitative measurement in terms of both contrast and resolution, and reduced axial and half-fan artifacts. Conclusion: FIR is proposed to incorporate AR into IR, with an efficient image reconstruction algorithm based on PFBS. The CBCT results suggest that FIR synergizes AR and IR with improved image quality and reduced axial and half-fan artifacts. The authors was partially supported by the NSFC (#11405105), the 973 Program (#2015CB856000), and the Shanghai Pujiang Talent Program (#14PJ1404500).« less

  8. FIR Filter of DS-CDMA UWB Modem Transmitter

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kang, Kyu-Min; Cho, Sang-In; Won, Hui-Chul; Choi, Sang-Sung

    This letter presents low-complexity digital pulse shaping filter structures of a direct sequence code division multiple access (DS-CDMA) ultra wide-band (UWB) modem transmitter with a ternary spreading code. The proposed finite impulse response (FIR) filter structures using a look-up table (LUT) have the effect of saving the amount of memory by about 50% to 80% in comparison to the conventional FIR filter structures, and consequently are suitable for a high-speed parallel data process.

  9. Durability of structural lumber products after exposure at 82°C and 80% relative humidity

    Treesearch

    David W. Green; James W. Evans; Cherilyn A. Hatfield; Pamela J. Byrd

    2005-01-01

    Solid-sawn lumber (Douglas-fir, southern pine, Spruce–Pine–Fir, and yellow-poplar), laminated veneer lumber (Douglas-fir, southern pine, and yellow-poplar), and laminated strand lumber (aspen and yellow-poplar) were heated continuously at 82°C (180°F) and 80% relative humidity (RH) for periods of up to 24 months. The lumber was then reconditioned to room temperature at...

  10. Efficacy and safety of far infrared radiation in lymphedema treatment: clinical evaluation and laboratory analysis.

    PubMed

    Li, Ke; Zhang, Zheng; Liu, Ning Fei; Feng, Shao Qing; Tong, Yun; Zhang, Ju Fang; Constantinides, Joannis; Lazzeri, Davide; Grassetti, Luca; Nicoli, Fabio; Zhang, Yi Xin

    2017-04-01

    Swelling is the most common symptom of extremities lymphedema. Clinical evaluation and laboratory analysis were conducted after far infrared radiation (FIR) treatment on the main four components of lymphedema: fluid, fat, protein, and hyaluronan. Far infrared radiation is a kind of hyperthermia therapy with several and additional benefits as well as promoting microcirculation flow and improving collateral lymph circumfluence. Although FIR therapy has been applied for several years on thousands of lymphedema patients, there are still few studies that have reported the biological effects of FIR on lymphatic tissue. In this research, we investigate the effects of far infrared rays on the major components of lymphatic tissue. Then, we explore the effectiveness and safety of FIR as a promising treatment modality of lymphedema. A total of 32 patients affected by lymphedema in stage II and III were treated between January 2015 and January 2016 at our department. After therapy, a significant decrease of limb circumference measurements was noted and improving of quality of life was registered. Laboratory examination showed the treatment can also decrease the deposition of fluid, fat, hyaluronan, and protein, improving the swelling condition. We believe FIR treatment could be considered as both an alternative monotherapy and a useful adjunctive to the conservative or surgical lymphedema procedures. Furthermore, the real and significant biological effects of FIR represent possible future applications in wide range of the medical field.

  11. Detection of the 158 Micrometers[CII] Transition at z=1.3: Evidence for a Galaxy-Wide Starburst

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hailey-Dunsheath, S.; Nikola, T.; Oberst, T. E.; Parshley, S. C.; Benford, D. J.; Staguhn, J. G.; Tucker, C. E.

    2010-01-01

    We report the detection of 158 micron [C II] fine-structure line emission from MIPS J142824.0+352619, a hyperluminous ( L(sub IR) approximates 10(exp 13) L (sub solar)) starburst galaxy at z = 1.3. The line is bright, corresponding to a fraction L(sub [Cu II] L(sub Fir) approximates 2 x 10(exp -3) of the far-IR (FIR) continuum. The [C II], CO, and FIR continuum emission may be modeled as arising from photodissociation regions (PDRs) that have a characteristic gas density of n approximates 10(exp 4.2) /cm(exp 3) , and that are illuminated by a far-UV radiation field approximately 10(exp 3.2) times more intense than the local interstellar radiation field. The mass in these PDRs accounts for approximately half of the molecular gas mass in this galaxy. The L(sub [CII])/L(sub FIR) ratio is higher than observed in local ultralummous infrared galaxies or in the few high-redshift QSOs detected in [C II], but the L(sub [CII])/L(sub FIR) and L(sub CO)/L(sub FIR) ratios are similar to the values seen in nearby starburst galaxies. This suggests that MIPS J142824.0+352619 is a scaled-up version of a starburst nucleus, with the burst extended over several kiloparsecs.

  12. Physiology and growth of advance Picea rubens and Abies balsamea regeneration following different canopy openings.

    PubMed

    Dumais, Daniel; Prévost, Marcel

    2014-02-01

    We examined the ecophysiology and growth of 0.3-1.3 m tall advance red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.) and balsam fir (Abies balsamea [L.] Mill.) regeneration during a 5-year period following the application of different harvest types producing three sizes of canopy openings: (i) small gaps (<100 m(2) in area; SMA) created by partial uniform single-tree harvest; (ii) irregular gaps of intermediate size (100-300 m(2); INT) created by group-selection harvest (removal of groups of trees, mainly balsam fir, with uniform partial removal between groups); and (iii) large circular gaps (700 m(2); LAR) created by patch-selection harvest (removal of trees in 30-m diameter circular areas with uniform partial removal between gaps). An unharvested control (CON) was monitored for comparison. At the ecophysiological level, we mainly found differences in light-saturated photosynthesis of red spruce and specific leaf area of balsam fir among treatments. Consequently, we observed good height growth of both species in CON and INT, but fir surpassed spruce in SMA and LAR. Results suggest that intermediate 100-300 m(2) irregular openings create microenvironmental conditions that may promote short-term ecophysiology and growth of red spruce, allowing the species to compete with balsam fir advance regeneration. Finally, results observed for spruce in large 700-m(2) openings confirm its inability to grow as rapidly as fir in comparable open conditions.

  13. [Post-logging organic matter recovery in forest ecosystems of eastern Baikal region].

    PubMed

    Vedrova, E F; Mukhortova, L V; Ivanov, V V; Krivobokov, L V; Boloneva, M V

    2010-01-01

    The dynamics of organic matter accumulated in the soil and main vegetation elements was analyzed for post-logging forest ecosystem succession series in eastern Baikal region. The phytomass was found to allocate up 63 and 50% of carbon in undisturbed Scots pine and fir stands, respectively. The post-logging phytomass contribution to the total carbon pool appeared to decrease down to 16% in Scots pine and 6% in fir stands. In Scots pine stands, carbon storage was determined to account for almost 70% of the initial carbon 60 years after logging. In 50- to 55-year-old fir stands, carbon recovered its initial pool only by 10%. Soil carbon recorded in recently logged Scots pine and fir sites appeared to be 5 and 16 times that accumulated in the phytomass, respectively. The ratio between phytomass carbon and soil organic matter recovered back to the prelogging level in Scots pine stands by the age of 50-60 years. While phytomass carbon also increased in fir stand of the same age, it did not reach the level of the control stand.

  14. Repellent Activity of Botanical Oils against Asian Citrus Psyllid, Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae)

    PubMed Central

    Kuhns, Emily H.; Martini, Xavier; Hoyte, Angel; Stelinski, Lukasz L.

    2016-01-01

    The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, is the insect vector of the pathogen causing huanglongbing. We selected three botanical oils to evaluate behavioral activity against D. citri. In laboratory olfactometer assays, fir oil was repellent to D. citri females, while litsea and citronella oils elicited no response from D. citri females. In choice settling experiments, D. citri settled almost completely on control plants rather than on plants treated with fir oil at a 9.5 mg/day release rate. Therefore, we conducted field trials to determine if fir oil reduced D. citri densities in citrus groves. We found no repellency of D. citri from sweet orange resets that were treated with fir oil dispensers releasing 10.4 g/day/tree as compared with control plots. However, we found a two-week decrease in populations of D. citri as compared with controls when the deployment rate of these dispensers was doubled. Our results suggest that treatment of citrus with fir oil may have limited activity as a stand-alone management tool for D. citri and would require integration with other management practices. PMID:27429006

  15. Repellent Activity of Botanical Oils against Asian Citrus Psyllid, Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae).

    PubMed

    Kuhns, Emily H; Martini, Xavier; Hoyte, Angel; Stelinski, Lukasz L

    2016-07-14

    The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, is the insect vector of the pathogen causing huanglongbing. We selected three botanical oils to evaluate behavioral activity against D. citri. In laboratory olfactometer assays, fir oil was repellent to D. citri females, while litsea and citronella oils elicited no response from D. citri females. In choice settling experiments, D. citri settled almost completely on control plants rather than on plants treated with fir oil at a 9.5 mg/day release rate. Therefore, we conducted field trials to determine if fir oil reduced D. citri densities in citrus groves. We found no repellency of D. citri from sweet orange resets that were treated with fir oil dispensers releasing 10.4 g/day/tree as compared with control plots. However, we found a two-week decrease in populations of D. citri as compared with controls when the deployment rate of these dispensers was doubled. Our results suggest that treatment of citrus with fir oil may have limited activity as a stand-alone management tool for D. citri and would require integration with other management practices.

  16. A flattened cloud core in NGC 2024

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Ho, Paul T. P.; Peng, Yun-Lou; Torrelles, Jose M.; Gomez, Jose F.; Rodriguez, Luis F.; Canto, Jorge

    1993-01-01

    The (J, K) (1, 1) and (2, 2) NH3 lines were mapped toward a molecular cloud core in NGC 2024 using the VLA in its C/D-configuration. This region is associated with one of the most highly collimated molecular outflows. We find that the molecular condensations associated with the far-infrared sources FIR 5, FIR 6, and FIR 7 have kinetic temperatures of about 40 K. We also find line broadening toward FIR 6 and FIR 7. This suggests that these condensations may not be protostars heated by gravitational energy released during collapse but that they have an internal heating source. A flattened structure of ammonia emission is found extending parallel to the unipolar CO outflow structure, but displaced systematically to the east. If the NH3 emission traces the denser gas environment, there is no evidence that a dense gas structure is confining the molecular outflow. Instead, the location of the high-velocity outflow along the surface of the NH3 structure suggests that a wind is sweeping material from the surface of this elongated cloud core.

  17. Space-time modelling of lightning-caused ignitions in the Blue Mountains, Oregon

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Diaz-Avalos, Carlos; Peterson, D.L.; Alvarado, Ernesto; Ferguson, Sue A.; Besag, Julian E.

    2001-01-01

    Generalized linear mixed models (GLMM) were used to study the effect of vegetation cover, elevation, slope, and precipitation on the probability of ignition in the Blue Mountains, Oregon, and to estimate the probability of ignition occurrence at different locations in space and in time. Data on starting location of lightning-caused ignitions in the Blue Mountains between April 1986 and September 1993 constituted the base for the analysis. The study area was divided into a pixela??time array. For each pixela??time location we associated a value of 1 if at least one ignition occurred and 0 otherwise. Covariate information for each pixel was obtained using a geographic information system. The GLMMs were fitted in a Bayesian framework. Higher ignition probabilities were associated with the following cover types: subalpine herbaceous, alpine tundra, lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl. ex Loud.), whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis Engelm.), Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii Parry ex Engelm.), subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa (Hook.) Nutt.), and grand fir (Abies grandis (Dougl.) Lindl.). Within each vegetation type, higher ignition probabilities occurred at lower elevations. Additionally, ignition probabilities are lower in the northern and southern extremes of the Blue Mountains. The GLMM procedure used here is suitable for analysing ignition occurrence in other forested regions where probabilities of ignition are highly variable because of a spatially complex biophysical environment.

  18. Eco-physiological characteristics and variation in water source use between montane Douglas-Fir and lodgepole pine trees in southwestern Alberta

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Andrews, S.; Flanagan, L. B.

    2009-12-01

    Winter weather on the Canadian prairies is now warmer and drier than 50 years ago and this has implications for soil water re-charge in montane ecosystems with consequences for tree and ecosystem function. We used measurements of the hydrogen isotope ratio of tree stem water to analyze the use of different water sources (winter snow melt, ground water, summer precipitation) in two montane forest sites, one dominated by Douglas-Fir and the other dominated by lodgepole pine trees. On average during the growing season (May-October) stem water in both Douglas-Fir and lodgepole pine trees was composed of 60% summer precipitation. However, during late summer Douglas-Fir trees showed an increased use of ground water as summer precipitation was minimal and ground water was accessible at the bottom of a relatively large soil reservoir. The low summer precipitation and reduced soil water availability in the shallow soils at the lodgepole pine site resulted in severely reduced photosynthetic capacity in late summer. Increased precipitation during the autumn resulted in recovery of photosynthetic gas exchange in lodgepole pine before winter dormancy was induced by low temperatures. Stomatal limitation of photosynthesis, as estimated from measurements of the carbon isotope composition of leaf tissue, was higher in Douglas-Fir than lodgepole pine. This was also associated with lower midday water potential values in Douglas-Fir and sapwood cross-sectional area that was only 70% of that measured in lodgepole pine. The vulnerability of xylem to loss of conductivity with declines in water potential was very similar between the two species. However, midday water potential in Douglas-Fir approached values where cavitation and loss of conductivity were apparent, while in lodgepole pine midday water potential was always much higher than the point at which loss of hydraulic conductivity occurred. These data suggest that, despite the presence of Douglas-Fir on deeper and higher quality soils, lodgepole pine appears to have eco-physiological characteristics that allow it to better withstand and recover from exposure to summer water deficits that may increase in association with trends to warmer and drier conditions.

  19. High Resolution Thz and FIR Spectroscopy of SOCl_2

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Martin-Drumel, M. A.; Cuisset, A.; Sadovskii, D. A.; Mouret, G.; Hindle, F.; Pirali, O.

    2013-06-01

    Thionyl chloride (SOCl_2) is an extremely powerful oxidant widely used in industrial processes and playing a role in the chemistry of the atmosphere. In addition, it has a molecular configuration similar to that of phosgene (COCl_2), and is therefore of particular interest for security and defense applications. Low resolution vibrational spectra of gas phase SOCl_2 as well as high resolution pure rotational transitions up to 25 GHz have previously been investigated. To date no high resolution data are reported at frequencies higher than 25 GHz. We have investigated the THz absorption spectrum of SOCl_2 in the spectral region 70-650 GHz using a frequency multiplier chain coupled to a 1 m long single path cell containing a pressure of about 15 μbar. At the time of the writing, about 8000 pure rotational transitions of SO^{35}Cl_2 with highest J and K_a values of 110 and 50 respectively have been assigned on the spectrum. We have also recorded the high resolution FIR spectra of SOCl_2 in the spectral range 50-700 wn using synchrotron radiation at the AILES beamline of SOLEIL facility. A White-type cell aligned with an absorption path length of 150 m has been used to record, at a resolution of 0.001 wn, two spectra at pressures of 5 and 56 μbar of SOCl_2. On these spectra all FIR modes of SOCl_2 are observed (ν_2 to ν_6) and present a resolved rotational structure. Their analysis is in progress. T. J. Johnson et al., J. Phys. Chem. A 107, 6183 (2003) D. E. Martz and R. T. Lagemann, J. Chem. Phys. 22,1193 (1954) H. S. P. Müller and M. C. L. Gerry, J. Chem. Soc. Faraday Trans. 90, 3473 (1994)

  20. Silvical characteristics of bigcone Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga macrocarpa [Vasey] Mayr)

    Treesearch

    Gerald W. Gause

    1966-01-01

    Describes the climatic, edaphic, physiographic, and biotic habitat conditions of the natural range of bigcone Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga macrocarpa [Vasey] Mayr) and how this tree reproduces, grows, and dies.

  1. Estimating stand age for Douglas-fir.

    Treesearch

    Floyd A. Johnson

    1954-01-01

    Stand age for Douglas-fir has been defined as the average age of dominant and codominant trees. It is commonly estimated by measuring the age of several dominants and codominants and computing their arithmetic average.

  2. Incidence of the pine wood nematode in green coniferous sawn wood in Oregon and California. Forest Service research note

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

    Dwinell, L.D.

    1993-05-01

    Samples of green sawn Douglas-fir, redwood, ponderosa pine, and white fir were collected in August and September 1992 from seven mills in Oregon and California, and assayed for the pine wood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus. The mills produced about 108 million board feet during the survey period. The pine wood nematode was not found in any of the 424 samples of Douglas-fir, the 192 of redwood, or the 3 of white fir. The nematode was recovered from 8 of 105 samples of green ponderosa pine lumber from a mill in Oregon. These eight samples contained an average of 54 pine woodmore » nematodes per gram of dry weight. This is the first report of the pine wood nematode in Oregon.« less

  3. Dust silicate emission in FIR/submm

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Coupeaud, A.; Demyk, K.; Mény, C.; Nayral, C.

    2010-12-01

    The far-infrared to millimeter wavelength (FIR-mm) range in astronomical observations is dominated by the thermal emission from large (10-100 nm) and cold (10-20 K) dust grains, which are in thermal equilibrium with the interstellar radiation field. However, the physics of the FIR-mm emission from such cold matter is not well understood as shown by the observed dependence with the temperature of the spectral index of the dust emissivity β and by the observed far infrared excess. Interestingly, a similar behaviour is observed in experiments of characterization of the spectral properties of dust analogues. We present a study of the optical properties of analogues of interstellar silicate grains at low temperature in the FIR/submm range aiming to understand their peculiar behaviour. Such studies are essential for the interpretation of the Herschel and Planck data.

  4. Suppression of ITI by array head reading and 2D-equalization

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nakamura, Y.; Suzuto, R.; Osawa, H.; Okamoto, Y.; Kanai, Y.; Muraoka, H.

    2017-05-01

    Two-dimensional magnetic recording (TDMR) by shingled magnetic recording (SMR) draws attention as a next generation technology to increase the recording density in hard disk drive (HDD). It is shown that the two-dimensional finite impulse response (2D-FIR) filter provides gain the reproducing waveforms from an array head with 3 readers in the TDMR under a specification of 4 Tbit/inch.2 We evaluate the effect of the intertrack interference (ITI) reduction by 2D-FIR using the correlation between the real FIR filter output and the partial response class-I (PR1) signal corresponding to recording sequence by the computer simulation. The results show that the 2D-FIR filter is effective to mitigate ITI and improves the signal-to-noise ratio at the discriminate point by about 0.6 dB.

  5. In vivo evaluation of the effect of stimulus distribution on FIR statistical efficiency in event-related fMRI

    PubMed Central

    Jansma, J Martijn; de Zwart, Jacco A; van Gelderen, Peter; Duyn, Jeff H; Drevets, Wayne C; Furey, Maura L

    2013-01-01

    Technical developments in MRI have improved signal to noise, allowing use of analysis methods such as Finite impulse response (FIR) of rapid event related functional MRI (er-fMRI). FIR is one of the most informative analysis methods as it determines onset and full shape of the hemodynamic response function (HRF) without any a-priori assumptions. FIR is however vulnerable to multicollinearity, which is directly related to the distribution of stimuli over time. Efficiency can be optimized by simplifying a design, and restricting stimuli distribution to specific sequences, while more design flexibility necessarily reduces efficiency. However, the actual effect of efficiency on fMRI results has never been tested in vivo. Thus, it is currently difficult to make an informed choice between protocol flexibility and statistical efficiency. The main goal of this study was to assign concrete fMRI signal to noise values to the abstract scale of FIR statistical efficiency. Ten subjects repeated a perception task with five random and m-sequence based protocol, with varying but, according to literature, acceptable levels of multicollinearity. Results indicated substantial differences in signal standard deviation, while the level was a function of multicollinearity. Experiment protocols varied up to 55.4% in standard deviation. Results confirm that quality of fMRI in an FIR analysis can significantly and substantially vary with statistical efficiency. Our in vivo measurements can be used to aid in making an informed decision between freedom in protocol design and statistical efficiency. PMID:23473798

  6. Frontiers in Reproduction (FIR): An Assessment of Success1

    PubMed Central

    Ascoli, Mario; Mebane, Dorianne; Fazleabas, Asgerally T.

    2016-01-01

    The Frontiers in Reproduction (FIR) course has been held annually since 1998 at the Marine Biological Laboratories in Woods Hole, MA. The primary purpose of the course is to train young reproductive biologists in cutting-edge techniques that would strengthen their career opportunities. An initial evaluation of the FIR course was conducted by surveying the participants who took the course between 1998 and 2002. The findings of this survey were published in Biology of Reproduction in 2006, which highlighted the overall positive impact the course had on the training and upward career trajectory of the participants during the first 5 yr. The current study was designed to access the continued impact of FIR at the 10-yr mark by evaluating the participants who took the course between 1998 and 2008 using two different survey mechanisms. Based on these evaluations and feedback from the participants, it was evident that 1) FIR continues to have a significant positive impact on the careers of the participants, 2) the majority of the participants continue to be involved in research or administration related to the reproductive sciences, 3) nearly 90% of the attendees have been successful in obtaining funding for their research, and 4) most alumni have published at least five manuscripts in higher impact journals since they took the course. Therefore, it is evident that FIR participants are highly successful and continue to significantly impact the advances in the reproductive sciences worldwide. PMID:27335071

  7. Comparison of international normalized ratio audit parameters in patients enrolled in GARFIELD-AF and treated with vitamin K antagonists.

    PubMed

    Fitzmaurice, David A; Accetta, Gabriele; Haas, Sylvia; Kayani, Gloria; Lucas Luciardi, Hector; Misselwitz, Frank; Pieper, Karen; Ten Cate, Hugo; Turpie, Alexander G G; Kakkar, Ajay K

    2016-08-01

    Vitamin K antagonist (VKA) therapy for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation (AF) requires monitoring of the international normalized ratio (INR). We evaluated the agreement between two INR audit parameters, frequency in range (FIR) and proportion of time in the therapeutic range (TTR), using data from a global population of patients with newly diagnosed non-valvular AF, the Global Anticoagulant Registry in the FIELD-Atrial Fibrillation (GARFIELD-AF). Among 17 168 patients with 1-year follow-up data available at the time of the analysis, 8445 received VKA therapy (±antiplatelet therapy) at enrolment, and of these patients, 5066 with ≥3 INR readings and for whom both FIR and TTR could be calculated were included in the analysis. In total, 70 905 INRs were analysed. At the patient level, TTR showed higher values than FIR (mean, 56·0% vs 49·8%; median, 59·7% vs 50·0%). Although patient-level FIR and TTR values were highly correlated (Pearson correlation coefficient [95% confidence interval; CI], 0·860 [0·852-0·867]), estimates from individuals showed widespread disagreement and variability (Lin's concordance coefficient [95% CI], 0·829 [0·821-0·837]). The difference between FIR and TTR explained 17·4% of the total variability of measurements. These results suggest that FIR and TTR are not equivalent and cannot be used interchangeably. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  8. Tree demography suggests multiple directions and drivers for species range shifts in mountains of Northeastern United States.

    PubMed

    Wason, Jay W; Dovciak, Martin

    2017-08-01

    Climate change is expected to lead to upslope shifts in tree species distributions, but the evidence is mixed partly due to land-use effects and individualistic species responses to climate. We examined how individual tree species demography varies along elevational climatic gradients across four states in the northeastern United States to determine whether species elevational distributions and their potential upslope (or downslope) shifts were controlled by climate, land-use legacies (past logging), or soils. We characterized tree demography, microclimate, land-use legacies, and soils at 83 sites stratified by elevation (~500 to ~1200 m above sea level) across 12 mountains containing the transition from northern hardwood to spruce-fir forests. We modeled elevational distributions of tree species saplings and adults using logistic regression to test whether sapling distributions suggest ongoing species range expansion upslope (or contraction downslope) relative to adults, and we used linear mixed models to determine the extent to which climate, land use, and soil variables explain these distributions. Tree demography varied with elevation by species, suggesting a potential upslope shift only for American beech, downslope shifts for red spruce (more so in cool regions) and sugar maple, and no change with elevation for balsam fir. While soils had relatively minor effects, climate was the dominant predictor for most species and more so for saplings than adults of red spruce, sugar maple, yellow birch, cordate birch, and striped maple. On the other hand, logging legacies were positively associated with American beech, sugar maple, and yellow birch, and negatively with red spruce and balsam fir - generally more so for adults than saplings. All species exhibited individualistic rather than synchronous demographic responses to climate and land use, and the return of red spruce to lower elevations where past logging originally benefited northern hardwood species indicates that land use may mask species range shifts caused by changing climate. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  9. Star formation relations and CO spectral line energy distributions across the J-ladder and redshift

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

    Greve, T. R.; Leonidaki, I.; Xilouris, E. M.

    2014-10-20

    We present FIR [50-300 μm]–CO luminosity relations (i.e., log L{sub FIR}=αlog L{sub CO}{sup ′}+β) for the full CO rotational ladder from J = 1-0 up to J = 13-12 for a sample of 62 local (z ≤ 0.1) (Ultra) Luminous Infrared Galaxies (LIRGs; L {sub IR[8-1000} {sub μm]} > 10{sup 11} L {sub ☉}) using data from Herschel SPIRE-FTS and ground-based telescopes. We extend our sample to high redshifts (z > 1) by including 35 submillimeter selected dusty star forming galaxies from the literature with robust CO observations, and sufficiently well-sampled FIR/submillimeter spectral energy distributions (SEDs), so that accurate FIRmore » luminosities can be determined. The addition of luminous starbursts at high redshifts enlarge the range of the FIR–CO luminosity relations toward the high-IR-luminosity end, while also significantly increasing the small amount of mid-J/high-J CO line data (J = 5-4 and higher) that was available prior to Herschel. This new data set (both in terms of IR luminosity and J-ladder) reveals linear FIR–CO luminosity relations (i.e., α ≅ 1) for J = 1-0 up to J = 5-4, with a nearly constant normalization (β ∼ 2). In the simplest physical scenario, this is expected from the (also) linear FIR–(molecular line) relations recently found for the dense gas tracer lines (HCN and CS), as long as the dense gas mass fraction does not vary strongly within our (merger/starburst)-dominated sample. However, from J = 6-5 and up to the J = 13-12 transition, we find an increasingly sublinear slope and higher normalization constant with increasing J. We argue that these are caused by a warm (∼100 K) and dense (>10{sup 4} cm{sup –3}) gas component whose thermal state is unlikely to be maintained by star-formation-powered far-UV radiation fields (and thus is no longer directly tied to the star formation rate). We suggest that mechanical heating (e.g., supernova-driven turbulence and shocks), and not cosmic rays, is the more likely source of energy for this component. The global CO spectral line energy distributions, which remain highly excited from J = 6-5 up to J = 13-12, are found to be a generic feature of the (U)LIRGs in our sample, and further support the presence of this gas component.« less

  10. THE FLUIDS AND COMBUSTION FACILITY: ENABLING THE EXPLORATION OF SPACE

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Weiland, Karen J.; Gati, Frank G.; Hill, Myron E.; OMalley, Terence; Zurawski, Robert L.

    2005-01-01

    The Fluids and Combustion Facility (FCF) is an International Space Station facility designed to support physical and biological research as well as technology experiments in space. The FCF consists of two racks called the Combustion Integrated Rack (CIR) and the Fluids Integrated Rack (FIR). The capabilities of the CIR and the FIR and plans for their utilization will support the President s vision for space exploration. The CIR will accommodate physical research and technology experiments that address needs in the areas of spacecraft fire prevention, detection and suppression, incineration of solid wastes, and power generation. Initial experiments will provide data to support design decisions for exploration spacecraft. The CIR provides a large sealed chamber in a near-weightless environment. The chamber supports many simulated atmospheres including lunar or Martian environments. The FIR will accommodate experiments that address needs for advanced life support, power, propulsion, and spacecraft thermal control systems. The FIR can also serve as a platform for experiments that address human health and performance, medical technologies, and biological sciences. The FIR provides a large volume for payload hardware, reconfigurable diagnostics, customizable software, active rack-level vibration isolation, and data acquisition and management in a nearly uniform temperature environment.

  11. The Fluids and Combustion Facility: Enabling the Exploration of Space

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Weiland, Karen J.; Gati, Frank G.; Hill, Myron E.; O'Malley Terence F.; Zurawski, Robert L.

    2005-01-01

    The Fluids and Combustion Facility (FCF) is an International Space Station facility designed to support physical and biological research as well as technology experiments in space. The FCF consists of two racks called the Combustion Integrated Rack (CIR) and the Fluids Integrated Rack (FIR). The capabilities of the CIR and the FIR and plans for their utilization will support the President's vision for space exploration. The CIR will accommodate physical research and technology experiments that address needs in the areas of spacecraft fire prevention, detection and suppression, incineration of solid wastes, and power generation. Initial experiments will provide data to support design decisions for exploration spacecraft. The CIR provides a large sealed chamber in a near-weightless environment. The chamber supports many simulated atmospheres including lunar or Martian environments. The FIR will accommodate experiments that address needs for advanced life support, power, propulsion, and spacecraft thermal control systems. The FIR can also serve as a platform for experiments that address human health and performance, medical technologies, and biological sciences. The FIR provides a large volume for payload hardware, reconfigurable diagnostics, customizable software, active rack-level vibration isolation, and data acquisition and management in a nearly uniform temperature environment.

  12. The Douglas-Fir Genome Sequence Reveals Specialization of the Photosynthetic Apparatus in Pinaceae

    PubMed Central

    Neale, David B.; McGuire, Patrick E.; Wheeler, Nicholas C.; Stevens, Kristian A.; Crepeau, Marc W.; Cardeno, Charis; Zimin, Aleksey V.; Puiu, Daniela; Pertea, Geo M.; Sezen, U. Uzay; Casola, Claudio; Koralewski, Tomasz E.; Paul, Robin; Gonzalez-Ibeas, Daniel; Zaman, Sumaira; Cronn, Richard; Yandell, Mark; Holt, Carson; Langley, Charles H.; Yorke, James A.; Salzberg, Steven L.; Wegrzyn, Jill L.

    2017-01-01

    A reference genome sequence for Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii (Mirb.) Franco (Coastal Douglas-fir) is reported, thus providing a reference sequence for a third genus of the family Pinaceae. The contiguity and quality of the genome assembly far exceeds that of other conifer reference genome sequences (contig N50 = 44,136 bp and scaffold N50 = 340,704 bp). Incremental improvements in sequencing and assembly technologies are in part responsible for the higher quality reference genome, but it may also be due to a slightly lower exact repeat content in Douglas-fir vs. pine and spruce. Comparative genome annotation with angiosperm species reveals gene-family expansion and contraction in Douglas-fir and other conifers which may account for some of the major morphological and physiological differences between the two major plant groups. Notable differences in the size of the NDH-complex gene family and genes underlying the functional basis of shade tolerance/intolerance were observed. This reference genome sequence not only provides an important resource for Douglas-fir breeders and geneticists but also sheds additional light on the evolutionary processes that have led to the divergence of modern angiosperms from the more ancient gymnosperms. PMID:28751502

  13. Detection of the 158 Micrometers[CII] Transition at z=1.3: Evidence for a Galaxy-Wide Starburst

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hailey-Dunsheath, S.; Nikola, T.; Stacey, G. J.; Oberst, T. E.; Parshley, S. C.; Benford, D. J.; Staguhn, J. G.; Tucker, C. E.

    2010-01-01

    We report the detection of 158 micrometer [C II] fine-structure line emission from MIPS J 142824.0+3526l9, a hyperluminous (L(sub IR) approx. 10(exp 13) Solar Luminosity starburst galaxy at z = 1.3. The line is bright, corresponding to a fraction L[C II]/L(sub FIR) approx. equals 2 x l0(exp -3) of the far-IR(FIR) continuum. The [C II], CO, and FIR continuum emission may be modeled as arising from photodissociation regions (PDRs) that have a characteristic gas density of n approx. 10(exp 4.2)/cu cm., and that are illuminated by a far-UV radiation field approx. 10(exp 3.2) times more intense than the local interstellar radiation field. The mass in these PDRs accounts for approximately half of the molecular gas mass in this galaxy. The L[C II]/L(sub F1R) ratio is higher than observed in local ultraluminous infrared galaxies or in the few high-redshift QSOs detected in [C II], but the L[CII]/L(sub FIR) and L(sub CO)/L(sub FIR) ratios are similar to the values seen in nearby starburst galaxies

  14. Mice and voles prefer spruce seeds

    Treesearch

    Herschel G. Abbott; Arthur C. Hart

    1961-01-01

    When spruce-fir stands in the Northeast are cut, balsam fir seedlings often predominate in the regeneration that follows. Most landowners would prefer to have the spruce; but they do not get it, and they wonder why.

  15. Estimating seed crops of conifer and hardwood species

    Treesearch

    Philip M. McDonald

    1992-01-01

    Cone, acorn, and berry crops of ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Dougl. ex Laws. var. ponderosa), sugar pine (Pinus lambertiana Dougl.), Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco), California white fir (Abies concolor var. lowiana (Gord...

  16. Robustification and Optimization in Repetitive Control For Minimum Phase and Non-Minimum Phase Systems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Prasitmeeboon, Pitcha

    Repetitive control (RC) is a control method that specifically aims to converge to zero tracking error of a control systems that execute a periodic command or have periodic disturbances of known period. It uses the error of one period back to adjust the command in the present period. In theory, RC can completely eliminate periodic disturbance effects. RC has applications in many fields such as high-precision manufacturing in robotics, computer disk drives, and active vibration isolation in spacecraft. The first topic treated in this dissertation develops several simple RC design methods that are somewhat analogous to PID controller design in classical control. From the early days of digital control, emulation methods were developed based on a Forward Rule, a Backward Rule, Tustin's Formula, a modification using prewarping, and a pole-zero mapping method. These allowed one to convert a candidate controller design to discrete time in a simple way. We investigate to what extent they can be used to simplify RC design. A particular design is developed from modification of the pole-zero mapping rules, which is simple and sheds light on the robustness of repetitive control designs. RC convergence requires less than 90 degree model phase error at all frequencies up to Nyquist. A zero-phase cutoff filter is normally used to robustify to high frequency model error when this limit is exceeded. The result is stabilization at the expense of failure to cancel errors above the cutoff. The second topic investigates a series of methods to use data to make real time updates of the frequency response model, allowing one to increase or eliminate the frequency cutoff. These include the use of a moving window employing a recursive discrete Fourier transform (DFT), and use of a real time projection algorithm from adaptive control for each frequency. The results can be used directly to make repetitive control corrections that cancel each error frequency, or they can be used to update a repetitive control FIR compensator. The aim is to reduce the final error level by using real time frequency response model updates to successively increase the cutoff frequency, each time creating the improved model needed to produce convergence zero error up to the higher cutoff. Non-minimum phase systems present a difficult design challenge to the sister field of Iterative Learning Control. The third topic investigates to what extent the same challenges appear in RC. One challenge is that the intrinsic non-minimum phase zero mapped from continuous time is close to the pole of repetitive controller at +1 creating behavior similar to pole-zero cancellation. The near pole-zero cancellation causes slow learning at DC and low frequencies. The Min-Max cost function over the learning rate is presented. The Min-Max can be reformulated as a Quadratically Constrained Linear Programming problem. This approach is shown to be an RC design approach that addresses the main challenge of non-minimum phase systems to have a reasonable learning rate at DC. Although it was illustrated that using the Min-Max objective improves learning at DC and low frequencies compared to other designs, the method requires model accuracy at high frequencies. In the real world, models usually have error at high frequencies. The fourth topic addresses how one can merge the quadratic penalty to the Min-Max cost function to increase robustness at high frequencies. The topic also considers limiting the Min-Max optimization to some frequencies interval and applying an FIR zero-phase low-pass filter to cutoff the learning for frequencies above that interval.

  17. Fine-scale structure in the far-infrared Milky-Way

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Waller, William H.; Wall, William F.; Reach, William T.; Varosi, Frank; Ebert, Rick; Laughlin, Gaylin; Boulanger, Francois

    1995-01-01

    This final report summarizes the work performed and which falls into five broad categories: (1) generation of a new data product (mosaics of the far-infrared emission in the Milky Way); (2) acquisition of associated data products at other wavelengths; (3) spatial filtering of the far-infrared mosaics and resulting images of the FIR fine-scale structure; (4) evaluation of the spatially filtered data; (5) characterization of the FIR fine-scale structure in terms of its spatial statistics; and (6) identification of interstellar counterparts to the FIR fine-scale structure.

  18. Implementation of an FIR Band Pass Filter Using a Bit-Slice Processor.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1987-06-01

    R14 S IMPLEMENTATION OF AN FIR BND PASS FILTER USING A 1 /2 S" IT-SLICE PROCESSOR(U) NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCOOL N UTEREY CA D W PURDY JUN 97...WILRSIFIED F/I 12/6mmhhmmhhmhhhhl EIIIIIIEIIIII IIIIIIEEIIIEI IIIIIIIIIIIIIl IIIIIIIIIIIIIu EIIIIIIIIIIIII - U󈧖 ~1I.25 1 .41.6 -qwr- -qw qw wV vw- .W sw...Ae 10 .w w ’ 1 - w* lo % % q* NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL 0 Monterey, California 0 oi a ’: L t ",, I-’ ; OCT 0 �." THESIS IMPLEMENTATION OF AN FIR

  19. Methodology for processing pressure traces used as inputs for combustion analyses in diesel engines

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rašić, Davor; Vihar, Rok; Žvar Baškovič, Urban; Katrašnik, Tomaž

    2017-05-01

    This study proposes a novel methodology for designing an optimum equiripple finite impulse response (FIR) filter for processing in-cylinder pressure traces of a diesel internal combustion engine, which serve as inputs for high-precision combustion analyses. The proposed automated workflow is based on an innovative approach of determining the transition band frequencies and optimum filter order. The methodology is based on discrete Fourier transform analysis, which is the first step to estimate the location of the pass-band and stop-band frequencies. The second step uses short-time Fourier transform analysis to refine the estimated aforementioned frequencies. These pass-band and stop-band frequencies are further used to determine the most appropriate FIR filter order. The most widely used existing methods for estimating the FIR filter order are not effective in suppressing the oscillations in the rate- of-heat-release (ROHR) trace, thus hindering the accuracy of combustion analyses. To address this problem, an innovative method for determining the order of an FIR filter is proposed in this study. This method is based on the minimization of the integral of normalized signal-to-noise differences between the stop-band frequency and the Nyquist frequency. Developed filters were validated using spectral analysis and calculation of the ROHR. The validation results showed that the filters designed using the proposed innovative method were superior compared with those using the existing methods for all analyzed cases. Highlights • Pressure traces of a diesel engine were processed by finite impulse response (FIR) filters with different orders • Transition band frequencies were determined with an innovative method based on discrete Fourier transform and short-time Fourier transform • Spectral analyses showed deficiencies of existing methods in determining the FIR filter order • A new method of determining the FIR filter order for processing pressure traces was proposed • The efficiency of the new method was demonstrated by spectral analyses and calculations of rate-of-heat-release traces

  20. Growth after thinning in 110-year old Douglas-fir.

    Treesearch

    Vern P. Yerkes

    1960-01-01

    A 6-year record of growth after thinning indicates that 110-year-old Douglas-fir stands on site 111 land have passed the age when growth capacity can be fully transferred to fewer stems through thinning.

  1. View of FE Stott installing hardware on the Fluids Integrated Rack (FIR)

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2009-10-22

    ISS021-E-011438 (22 Oct. 2009) --- NASA astronaut Nicole Stott, Expedition 21 flight engineer, installs hardware in the Fluids Integrated Rack (FIR) in the Destiny laboratory of the International Space Station.

  2. View of FE Stott installing hardware on the Fluids Integrated Rack (FIR)

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2009-10-22

    ISS021-E-011443 (22 Oct. 2009) --- NASA astronaut Nicole Stott, Expedition 21 flight engineer, installs hardware in the Fluids Integrated Rack (FIR) in the Destiny laboratory of the International Space Station.

  3. View of FE Stott installing hardware on the Fluids Integrated Rack (FIR)

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2009-10-22

    ISS021-E-011440 (22 Oct. 2009) --- NASA astronaut Nicole Stott, Expedition 21 flight engineer, installs hardware in the Fluids Integrated Rack (FIR) in the Destiny laboratory of the International Space Station.

  4. Soil compaction and organic matter affect conifer seedling nonmycorrhizal and ectomycorrhizal root tip abundance and diversity. Forest Service research paper

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

    Amaranthus, M.P.; Page-Dumroese, D.; Harvey, A.

    1996-05-01

    Three levels of organic matter removal (bole only; bole and crowns; and bole, crowns, and forest floor) and three levels of mechanical soil compaction (no compaction, moderate compaction, and severe soil compaction) were studied as they influence Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca (Beissn.) Franco) and western white pine (Pinus monticola Dougl. ex D. Don) seedlings following outplanting. Moderate and severe soil compaction significantly reduced nonmycorrhizal root tip abundance on both Douglas-fir and western white pine seedlings (p less than or equal to 0.05). Ectomycorrhizal root tip abundance was significantly reduced on Douglas-fir seedlings in severely compacted areas with bole andmore » crowns and bole, crowns, and forest floor removed. Ectomycorrhizal diversity also was significantly reduced on Douglas-fir seedlings in all severely compacted areas.« less

  5. Far-infrared therapy for cardiovascular, autoimmune, and other chronic health problems: A systematic review

    PubMed Central

    Shui, Shanshan; Wang, Xia

    2015-01-01

    Physical therapy (physiotherapy), a complementary and alternative medicine therapy, has been widely applied in diagnosing and treating various diseases and defects. Increasing evidence suggests that convenient and non-invasive far-infrared (FIR) rays, a vital type of physiotherapy, improve the health of patients with cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and chronic kidney disease. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms by which FIR functions remain elusive. Hence, the purpose of this study was to review and summarize the results of previous investigations and to elaborate on the molecular mechanisms of FIR therapy in various types of disease. In conclusion, FIR therapy may be closely related to the increased expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase as well as nitric oxide production and may modulate the profiles of some circulating miRNAs; thus, it may be a beneficial complement to treatments for some chronic diseases that yields no adverse effects. PMID:25716016

  6. Far infrared maser communications technology

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Claspy, P. C.; Pao, Y. H.

    1975-01-01

    An optically pumped FIR laser was constructed and tested. Optimum operating conditions were determined with CH3OH as the lasing medium. The laser was found to operate equally well with flowing gas or in a sealed off configuration. The FIR cavity stability and pump laser stability were found to have significant problems. The absorption coefficient per unit pressure of 1-1 difluoroethylene at the P(22) and P(24) lines of the 10.4 micron CO2 band was measured. The FIR line pumped by P(22) occurs at approximately 890 microns, which may be in an atmospheric transmission window. It was found that significant Stark tuning of absorption lines of methanol and 1-1 difluoroethylene can be accomplished, even at the usual 100 to 300 mTorr operating pressures of FIR lasers. This means that the use of Stark tuning may enable more effective use of pump laser output.

  7. Selected beetle assemblages captured in pitfall traps baited with deer dung or meat in balsam fir and sugar maple forests of central Quebec.

    PubMed

    Brousseau, Pierre-Marc; Cloutier, Conrad; Hébert, Christian

    2010-08-01

    Vertebrate dung and carrion are rich and strongly attractive resources for numerous beetles that are often closely linked to them. The presence and abundance of beetles exploiting such resources are influenced by various ecological factors including climate and forest cover vegetation. We studied selected assemblages of coprophilous and necrophagous beetles in Quebec along a 115-km north-south transect in three balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Miller) forest sites and in a fourth forest site dominated by sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marshall), close to the southern fir site. Beetle abundance was estimated using a sampling design comprising replicated pitfall traps baited with red deer meat or dung in each site. A total of 8,511 beetles were caught and identified to family level, 95.7% of which belonged to families with known coprophilous or necrophagous behavior. Meat-baited pitfall traps caught nearly 15 times as many beetles as dung-baited traps. All Histeridae, Hydrophilidae, Scarabaeidae, and Silphidae were identified to species to examine specific diversity variation among sites. For the beetles caught in the meat-baited traps (majority of captures), decreases in abundance and species richness were observed from south to north along the fir forest transect, with evidence of decreasing specific diversity as measured by the Shannon index of diversity. Strong differences in species assemblages were also observed between the southern maple and fir forest sites. The Silphidae and Histeridae were more abundant in the maple forest, whereas the Hydrophilidae and Ptilidae were more abundant in the fir forest.

  8. In vivo evaluation of the effect of stimulus distribution on FIR statistical efficiency in event-related fMRI.

    PubMed

    Jansma, J Martijn; de Zwart, Jacco A; van Gelderen, Peter; Duyn, Jeff H; Drevets, Wayne C; Furey, Maura L

    2013-05-15

    Technical developments in MRI have improved signal to noise, allowing use of analysis methods such as Finite impulse response (FIR) of rapid event related functional MRI (er-fMRI). FIR is one of the most informative analysis methods as it determines onset and full shape of the hemodynamic response function (HRF) without any a priori assumptions. FIR is however vulnerable to multicollinearity, which is directly related to the distribution of stimuli over time. Efficiency can be optimized by simplifying a design, and restricting stimuli distribution to specific sequences, while more design flexibility necessarily reduces efficiency. However, the actual effect of efficiency on fMRI results has never been tested in vivo. Thus, it is currently difficult to make an informed choice between protocol flexibility and statistical efficiency. The main goal of this study was to assign concrete fMRI signal to noise values to the abstract scale of FIR statistical efficiency. Ten subjects repeated a perception task with five random and m-sequence based protocol, with varying but, according to literature, acceptable levels of multicollinearity. Results indicated substantial differences in signal standard deviation, while the level was a function of multicollinearity. Experiment protocols varied up to 55.4% in standard deviation. Results confirm that quality of fMRI in an FIR analysis can significantly and substantially vary with statistical efficiency. Our in vivo measurements can be used to aid in making an informed decision between freedom in protocol design and statistical efficiency. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  9. CROSS-CORRELATION OF NEAR- AND FAR-INFRARED BACKGROUND ANISOTROPIES AS TRACED BY SPITZER AND HERSCHEL

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

    Thacker, Cameron; Gong, Yan; Cooray, Asantha

    We present the cross-correlation between the far-infrared (far-IR) background fluctuations as measured with the Herschel Space Observatory at 250, 350, and 500 μm and the near-infrared (near-IR) background fluctuations with the Spitzer Space Telescope at 3.6 and 4.5 μm. The cross-correlation between the FIR and NIR background anisotropies is detected such that the correlation coefficient at a few to 10 arcminute angular scale decreases from 0.3 to 0.1 when the FIR wavelength increases from 250 to 500 μm. We model the cross-correlation using a halo model with three components: (a) FIR bright or dusty star-forming galaxies below the masking depth inmore » Herschel maps, (b) NIR faint galaxies below the masking depth, and (c) intra-halo light (IHL), or diffuse stars in dark matter halos, that is likely dominating the large-scale NIR fluctuations. The model is able to reasonably reproduce the auto-correlations at each of the FIR wavelengths and at 3.6 μm and their corresponding cross-correlations. While the FIR and NIR auto-correlations are dominated by faint, dusty, star-forming galaxies and IHL, respectively, we find that roughly half of the cross-correlation between the NIR and FIR backgrounds is due to the same dusty galaxies that remain unmasked at 3.6 μm. The remaining signal in the cross-correlation is due to IHL present in the same dark matter halos as those hosting the same faint and unmasked galaxies.« less

  10. 77 FR 24585 - Airworthiness Directives; Turbomeca S.A. Turboshaft Engines

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-04-25

    ... certain power turbine (PT) blade fir-tree roots. This AD requires removing the affected PT blades from... geometric non- conformities on PT blade fir-tree roots. We are issuing this AD to prevent PT blade rupture...

  11. Silvicultural treatments

    Treesearch

    Carl E. Fiedler

    2000-01-01

    Sustainable, ecologically-based management of pine/ fir forests requires silviculturists to integrate several treatments that emulate historic disturbance processes. Restoration prescriptions typically include cleaning or heavy understory thinning, improvement cutting to reduce the proportion of firs, and modified selection cutting to reduce overall stand density,...

  12. Site index curves for Douglas-fir in New Mexico

    Treesearch

    Carleton B. Edminster; Lewis H. Jump

    1976-01-01

    Presents a figure, table, and FORTRAN subroutine for estimating site indexes for Douglas-fir stands in New Mexico. Site index is expressed as the average height of dominant trees at a breast-height age of 100 years.

  13. ALMA observation of 158 μm [C II] line and dust continuum of a z = 7 normally star-forming galaxy in the epoch of reionization

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

    Ota, Kazuaki; Walter, Fabian; Da Cunha, Elisabete

    We present ALMA observations of the [C II] line and far-infrared (FIR) continuum of a normally star-forming galaxy in the reionization epoch, the z = 6.96 Lyα emitter (LAE) IOK-1. Probing to sensitivities of σ{sub line} = 240 μJy beam{sup –1} (40 km s{sup –1} channel) and σ{sub cont} = 21 μJy beam{sup –1}, we found the galaxy undetected in both [C II] and continuum. Comparison of ultraviolet (UV)-FIR spectral energy distribution (SED) of IOK-1, including our ALMA limit, with those of several types of local galaxies (including the effects of the cosmic microwave background, CMB, on the FIR continuum)more » suggests that IOK-1 is similar to local dwarf/irregular galaxies in SED shape rather than highly dusty/obscured galaxies. Moreover, our 3σ FIR continuum limit, corrected for CMB effects, implies intrinsic dust mass M {sub dust} < 6.4 × 10{sup 7} M {sub ☉}, FIR luminosity L {sub FIR} < 3.7 × 10{sup 10} L {sub ☉} (42.5-122.5 μm), total IR luminosity L {sub IR} < 5.7 × 10{sup 10} L {sub ☉} (8-1000 μm), and dust-obscured star formation rate (SFR) < 10 M {sub ☉} yr{sup –1}, if we assume that IOK-1 has a dust temperature and emissivity index typical of local dwarf galaxies. This SFR is 2.4 times lower than one estimated from the UV continuum, suggesting that <29% of the star formation is obscured by dust. Meanwhile, our 3σ [C II] flux limit translates into [C II] luminosity, L {sub [C} {sub II]} < 3.4 × 10{sup 7} L {sub ☉}. Locations of IOK-1 and previously observed LAEs on the L {sub [C} {sub II]} versus SFR and L {sub [C} {sub II]}/L {sub FIR} versus L {sub FIR} diagrams imply that LAEs in the reionization epoch have significantly lower gas and dust enrichment than AGN-powered systems and starbursts at similar/lower redshifts, as well as local star-forming galaxies.« less

  14. FPGA-based fused smart sensor for dynamic and vibration parameter extraction in industrial robot links.

    PubMed

    Rodriguez-Donate, Carlos; Morales-Velazquez, Luis; Osornio-Rios, Roque Alfredo; Herrera-Ruiz, Gilberto; de Jesus Romero-Troncoso, Rene

    2010-01-01

    Intelligent robotics demands the integration of smart sensors that allow the controller to efficiently measure physical quantities. Industrial manipulator robots require a constant monitoring of several parameters such as motion dynamics, inclination, and vibration. This work presents a novel smart sensor to estimate motion dynamics, inclination, and vibration parameters on industrial manipulator robot links based on two primary sensors: an encoder and a triaxial accelerometer. The proposed smart sensor implements a new methodology based on an oversampling technique, averaging decimation filters, FIR filters, finite differences and linear interpolation to estimate the interest parameters, which are computed online utilizing digital hardware signal processing based on field programmable gate arrays (FPGA).

  15. FPGA-Based Fused Smart Sensor for Dynamic and Vibration Parameter Extraction in Industrial Robot Links

    PubMed Central

    Rodriguez-Donate, Carlos; Morales-Velazquez, Luis; Osornio-Rios, Roque Alfredo; Herrera-Ruiz, Gilberto; de Jesus Romero-Troncoso, Rene

    2010-01-01

    Intelligent robotics demands the integration of smart sensors that allow the controller to efficiently measure physical quantities. Industrial manipulator robots require a constant monitoring of several parameters such as motion dynamics, inclination, and vibration. This work presents a novel smart sensor to estimate motion dynamics, inclination, and vibration parameters on industrial manipulator robot links based on two primary sensors: an encoder and a triaxial accelerometer. The proposed smart sensor implements a new methodology based on an oversampling technique, averaging decimation filters, FIR filters, finite differences and linear interpolation to estimate the interest parameters, which are computed online utilizing digital hardware signal processing based on field programmable gate arrays (FPGA). PMID:22319345

  16. Sol-gel transition of organogels observed by terahertz spectroscopy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hoshina, Hiromichi; Ozaki, Atsumi; Itagaki, Yusuke; Yajima, Setsuko; Suzuki, Hal; Ishii, Shinya; Ishida, Misaki; Uchiyama, Tetsuji; Kimura, Keiichi; Otani, Chiko

    2014-07-01

    Terahertz (THz) absorption spectra of organogels consisting of (1R,2R)-1,2-bis(dodecanoylamino)cyclohexane/2-nitrophenyl octyl ether (RR-BDC/NPOE) and RR-BDC/n-dodecane were measured by Fourier-transform far-infrared (FT-FIR) spectroscopy. The vibrational peaks of the gels were observed at the same frequencies as those of the pure gelator, suggesting that the intermolecular structure around the Nsbnd H⋯Odbnd C hydrogen bond is maintained in the gel phase. Temperature-dependent spectroscopy showed a drastic spectral change at the sol-gel transition temperature, in which the vibrational peak at 3.5 THz disappears and a new peak appears at 2.9 THz. The change in THz vibrational frequency is indicative of the structural collapse of the hydrogen-bonded fibrous architecture in the sol phase.

  17. Variation in phenology and monoterpene patterns of defoliated and nondefoliated Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca).

    Treesearch

    Rose-Marie Muzika; Judith Engle; Catherine Parks; Boyd Wickman

    1993-01-01

    Foliage was collected from paired Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca (Beissn.) Franco) trees characterized as either "resistant" or "susceptible" western spruce budworm (Choristoneura occidentalis Freeman (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) attack. Resistant trees produced more...

  18. NEEDLE ANATOMY CHANGES WITH INCREASING TREE AGE IN DOUGLAS FIR

    EPA Science Inventory

    Morphological differences between old growth and sapling (Pseudotsuga menziesii, (Mirb.) Franco) Douglas fir trees may extend to differences in needle anatomy. We used microscopy with image analysis to compare and quantify anatomical parameters in cross-sections of previous year...

  19. Genecology of Douglas fir in western Oregon and Washington.

    Treesearch

    J. Bradley St Clair; Nancy L. Mandel; Kenneth W. Vance-Borland

    2005-01-01

    Background and Aims. Genecological knowledge is important for understanding evolutionary processes and for managing genetic resources. Previous studies of coastal Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii) have been inconclusive with respect to geographical patterns of variation, due in part to...

  20. Frequency domain FIR and IIR adaptive filters

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Lynn, D. W.

    1990-01-01

    A discussion of the LMS adaptive filter relating to its convergence characteristics and the problems associated with disparate eigenvalues is presented. This is used to introduce the concept of proportional convergence. An approach is used to analyze the convergence characteristics of block frequency-domain adaptive filters. This leads to a development showing how the frequency-domain FIR adaptive filter is easily modified to provide proportional convergence. These ideas are extended to a block frequency-domain IIR adaptive filter and the idea of proportional convergence is applied. Experimental results illustrating proportional convergence in both FIR and IIR frequency-domain block adaptive filters is presented.

  1. Management, morphological, and environmental factors influencing Douglas-fir bark furrows in the Oregon Coast Range

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Sheridan, Christopher D.; Puettmann, Klaus J.; Huso, Manuela M.P.; Hagar, Joan C.; Falk, Kristen R.

    2013-01-01

    Many land managers in the Pacific Northwest have the goal of increasing late-successional forest structures. Despite the documented importance of Douglas-fir tree bark structure in forested ecosystems, little is known about factors influencing bark development and how foresters can manage development. This study investigated the relative importance of tree size, growth, environmental factors, and thinning on Douglas-fir bark furrow characteristics in the Oregon Coast Range. Bark furrow depth, area, and bark roughness were measured for Douglas-fir trees in young heavily thinned and unthinned sites and compared to older reference sites. We tested models for relationships between bark furrow response and thinning, tree diameter, diameter growth, and environmental factors. Separately, we compared bark responses measured on trees used by bark-foraging birds with trees with no observed usage. Tree diameter and diameter growth were the most important variables in predicting bark characteristics in young trees. Measured environmental variables were not strongly related to bark characteristics. Bark furrow characteristics in old trees were influenced by tree diameter and surrounding tree densities. Young trees used by bark foragers did not have different bark characteristics than unused trees. Efforts to enhance Douglas-fir bark characteristics should emphasize retention of larger diameter trees' growth enhancement.

  2. Can a fake fir tell the truth about Swiss needle cast? (paper) ...

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    A key question in dendrochronology to reconstruct forest disturbance history is how to distinguish between the effects of Swiss needle cast (SNC) and other forest disturbance agents (e.g., Arceuthobium spp., Armillaria, Phaseolus schweinitzii, Dendroctonus ponderosae, Dendroctonus pseudotsugae, Choristoneura occidentalis Freeman, Orgyia pseudotsugata McDunnough) on radial stem growth of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco). SNC impacts physiological processes of carbon and water relations by stomatal occlusion and early needle abscission resulting in a reduction of tree growth with a distinct periodicity, whereas phytophagous pests reduce tree growth by defoliation with epidemics following less regular pseudo-periodicities. Outbreaks of the various forest disturbance agents differ in their magnitude, frequency, and duration. In particular, SNC impacts on Douglas-fir growth display a primary periodicity of 6-30 years and a secondary periodicity of 3-5 years which is unique to the causal fungus Phaeocryptopus gaeumannii (Rhode) Petrak. We use frequency domain analysis of tree-ring chronologies of Douglas-fir to identify the SNC disease cycle and separate the confounding effects of climate and SNC. We demonstrate the dendroecological reconstruction of SNC impacts on ancient Douglas-fir trees dated ~65K radioactive years B.P. from Eddyville, OR that were unearthed by the Oregon Department of Transportation. By the end of the 21st century, climate

  3. FIR signature verification system characterizing dynamics of handwriting features

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Thumwarin, Pitak; Pernwong, Jitawat; Matsuura, Takenobu

    2013-12-01

    This paper proposes an online signature verification method based on the finite impulse response (FIR) system characterizing time-frequency characteristics of dynamic handwriting features. First, the barycenter determined from both the center point of signature and two adjacent pen-point positions in the signing process, instead of one pen-point position, is used to reduce the fluctuation of handwriting motion. In this paper, among the available dynamic handwriting features, motion pressure and area pressure are employed to investigate handwriting behavior. Thus, the stable dynamic handwriting features can be described by the relation of the time-frequency characteristics of the dynamic handwriting features. In this study, the aforesaid relation can be represented by the FIR system with the wavelet coefficients of the dynamic handwriting features as both input and output of the system. The impulse response of the FIR system is used as the individual feature for a particular signature. In short, the signature can be verified by evaluating the difference between the impulse responses of the FIR systems for a reference signature and the signature to be verified. The signature verification experiments in this paper were conducted using the SUBCORPUS MCYT-100 signature database consisting of 5,000 signatures from 100 signers. The proposed method yielded equal error rate (EER) of 3.21% on skilled forgeries.

  4. Relationships among environmental variables and distribution of tree species at high elevation in the Olympic Mountains

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Woodward, Andrea

    1998-01-01

    Relationships among environmental variables and occurrence of tree species were investigated at Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park, Washington, USA. A transect consisting of three plots was established down one north-and one south-facing slope in stands representing the typical elevational sequence of tree species. Tree species included subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa), Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), mountain hemlock (Tsuga mertensiana), and Pacific silver fir (Abies amabilis). Air and soil temperature, precipitation, and soil moisture were measured during three growing seasons. Snowmelt patterns, soil carbon and moisture release curves were also determined. The plots represented a wide range in soil water potential, a major determinant of tree species distribution (range of minimum values = -1.1 to -8.0 MPa for Pacific silver fir and Douglas-fir plots, respectively). Precipitation intercepted at plots depended on topographic location, storm direction and storm type. Differences in soil moisture among plots was related to soil properties, while annual differences at each plot were most often related to early season precipitation. Changes in climate due to a doubling of atmospheric CO2 will likely shift tree species distributions within, but not among aspects. Change will be buffered by innate tolerance of adult trees and the inertia of soil properties.

  5. Adaptive nonlinear polynomial neural networks for control of boundary layer/structural interaction

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Parker, B. Eugene, Jr.; Cellucci, Richard L.; Abbott, Dean W.; Barron, Roger L.; Jordan, Paul R., III; Poor, H. Vincent

    1993-01-01

    The acoustic pressures developed in a boundary layer can interact with an aircraft panel to induce significant vibration in the panel. Such vibration is undesirable due to the aerodynamic drag and structure-borne cabin noises that result. The overall objective of this work is to develop effective and practical feedback control strategies for actively reducing this flow-induced structural vibration. This report describes the results of initial evaluations using polynomial, neural network-based, feedback control to reduce flow induced vibration in aircraft panels due to turbulent boundary layer/structural interaction. Computer simulations are used to develop and analyze feedback control strategies to reduce vibration in a beam as a first step. The key differences between this work and that going on elsewhere are as follows: that turbulent and transitional boundary layers represent broadband excitation and thus present a more complex stochastic control scenario than that of narrow band (e.g., laminar boundary layer) excitation; and secondly, that the proposed controller structures are adaptive nonlinear infinite impulse response (IIR) polynomial neural network, as opposed to the traditional adaptive linear finite impulse response (FIR) filters used in most studies to date. The controllers implemented in this study achieved vibration attenuation of 27 to 60 dB depending on the type of boundary layer established by laminar, turbulent, and intermittent laminar-to-turbulent transitional flows. Application of multi-input, multi-output, adaptive, nonlinear feedback control of vibration in aircraft panels based on polynomial neural networks appears to be feasible today. Plans are outlined for Phase 2 of this study, which will include extending the theoretical investigation conducted in Phase 2 and verifying the results in a series of laboratory experiments involving both bum and plate models.

  6. Balloon measurements of stratospheric HCl and HF by far infrared emission spectroscopy

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Shibasaki, Kazuo; Chance, Kelly V.; Johnson, David G.; Jucks, Kenneth W.; Traub, Wesley A.

    1994-01-01

    We have analyzed atmospheric thermal emission spectra obtained with the balloon-borne FIRS-2 far infrared Fourier transform spectrometer during balloon flights from Palestine, Texas on May 12-13, 1988 and from Fort Sumner, New Mexico on September 26-27, 1989 and on July 4-5, 1990. Seven and two pure rotational transition lines in 100-205 cm(exp -1) range are analyzed for deriving vertical profiles of stratospheric HCl and HF, respectively. We obtain both the daytime and nighttime average vertical profiles from 15 to 50 km. We compare these profiles with the ones obtained in June, 1983 with the first version of FIRS spectrometer during the Balloon Intercomparison Campaign (BIC-2). BIC-2 results were revised to be consistent with the present analysis which uses the latest spectral parameters. According to our comparison results no increase is recognized for HCl but about 3 percent per year increase for HF from 1983 to 1990, assuming a linear trend. These annual increase rates are smaller than those reported by other groups. Recently Rinsland et al. (1991) and Wallace and Livingston (1991) reported long term behavior of total HCl and HF observed on Kit Peak between 1977 and 1990. As Kit Peak is located near both balloon launching sites, Palestine and Fort Sumner, we think our results are favorably comparable with theirs. Comparison results with ours and ground-based measurements will be presented and discussed.

  7. Modification of fast-growing Chinese Fir wood with unsaturated polyester resin: Impregnation technology and efficiency

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ma, Qing; Zhao, Zijian; Yi, Songlin; Wang, Tianlong

    In this study, Chinese Fir was impregnated with unsaturated polyester resin to enhance its properties. Samples 20 mm × 20 mm × 20 mm in size were split into different sections with epoxy resin and tinfoil and subjected to an impregnation experiment under various parameters. Vacuum degree was -0.04 MPa, -0.06 MPa or -0.08 MPa and vacuum duration was 15 min, 30 min, or 45 min. The results indicated that impregnation weight percent gain is linearly dependent on curing weight percent gain. Vacuum duration appears to have less influence on the curing weight percent gain than vacuum degree, and impregnation was most successful at the transverse section compared to other sections. The optimal impregnation parameters were 30 min modification under -0.08 MPa vacuum followed by 120 min at atmospheric pressure for samples 200 mm × 100 mm × 20 mm in size. Uneven distribution of weight percent gain and cracking during the curing process suggested that 30 min post-processing at -0.09 MPa vacuum was the most effective way to complete the impregnation process. The sample's bending strength and modulus of elasticity increased after impregnation treatment. Bending strength after impregnation without post-processing reached 112.85%, but reached 71.65% with vacuum-processing; modulus of elasticity improved 67.13% and 58.28% without and with post-processing, respectively.

  8. The ISS Fluids Integrated Rack (FIR): a Summary of Capabilities

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gati, F.; Hill, M. E.

    2002-01-01

    The Fluids Integrated Rack (FIR) is a modular, multi-user scientific research facility that will fly in the U.S. laboratory module, Destiny, of the International Space Station (ISS). The FIR will be one of the two racks that will make up the Fluids and Combustion Facility (FCF) - the other being the Combustion Integrated Rack (CIR). The ISS will provide the FCF with the necessary resources, such as power and cooling. While the ISS crew will be available for experiment operations, their time will be limited. The FCF is, therefore, being designed for autonomous operations and remote control operations. Control of the FCF will be primarily through the Telescience Support Center (TSC) at the Glenn Research Center. The FCF is being designed to accommodate a wide range of combustion and fluids physics experiments within the ISS resources and constraints. The primary mission of the FIR, however, is to accommodate experiments from four major fluids physics disciplines: Complex Fluids; Multiphase Flow and Heat Transfer; Interfacial Phenomena; and Dynamics and Stability. The design of the FIR is flexible enough to accommodate experiments from other science disciplines such as Biotechnology. The FIR flexibility is a result of the large volume dedicated for experimental hardware, easily re-configurable diagnostics that allow for unique experiment configurations, and it's customizable software. The FIR will utilize six major subsystems to accommodate this broad scope of fluids physics experiments. The major subsystems are: structural, environmental, electrical, gaseous, command and data management, and imagers and illumination. Within the rack, the FIR's structural subsystem provides an optics bench type mechanical interface for the precise mounting of experimental hardware; including optical components. The back of the bench is populated with FIR avionics packages and light sources. The interior of the rack is isolated from the cabin through two rack doors that are hinged near the top and bottom of the rack. Transmission of micro-gravity disturbances to and from the rack is minimized through the Active Rack Isolation System (ARIS). The environmental subsystem will utilize air and water to remove heat generated by facility and experimental hardware. The air will be circulated throughout the rack and will be cooled by an air-water heat exchanger. Water will be used directly to cool some of the FIR components and will also be available to cool experiment hardware as required. The electrical subsystem includes the Electrical Power Control Unit (EPCU), which provides 28 VDC and 120 VDC power to the facility and the experiment hardware. The EPCU will also provide power management and control functions, as well as fault protection capabilities. The FIR will provide access to the ISS gaseous nitrogen and vacuum systems. These systems are available to support experiment operations such as the purging of experimental cells, creating flows within experimental cells and providing dry conditions where needed. The FIR Command and Data Management subsystem (CDMS) provides command and data handling for both facility and experiment hardware. The Input Output Processor (IOP) provides the overall command and data management functions for the rack including downlinking or writing data to removable drives. The IOP will also monitor the health and status of the rack subsystems. The Image Processing and Storage Units (IPSU) will perform diagnostic control and image data acquisition functions. An IPSU will be able to control a digital camera, receive image data from that camera and process/ compress image data as necessary. The Fluids Science and Avionics Package (FSAP) will provide the primary control over an experiment. The FSAP contains various computer boards/cards that will perform data and control functions. To support the imaging needs, cameras and illumination sources will be available to the investigator. Both color analog and black and white digital cameras with lenses are expected. These cameras will be capable of high resolution and, separately, frame rates up to 32,000 frames per second. Lenses for these cameras will provide both microscopic and macroscopic views. The FIR will provide two illumination sources, a 532 nm Nd:YAG laser and a white light source, both with adjustable power output. The FIR systems are being designed to maximize the amount of science that can be done on-orbit. Experiments will be designed and efficiently operated. Each individual experiment must determine the best configuration of utilizing facility capabilities and resources with augmentation of specific experiment hardware. Efficient operations will be accomplished via a combination of on-orbit physical component change-outs or processing by the crew, and software updates via ground commanding or by the crew. Careful coordination by ground and on-orbit personnel regarding the on-orbit storage and downlinking of image data will also be very important.

  9. Outbreak of Zeiraphera rufimitrana on silver fir hitherto unknown in southwest Germany

    Treesearch

    Hermann Bogenschütz

    1991-01-01

    The most important defoliator of the silver fir, Abies alba, is Choristoneura murinana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) (Bogenschütz 1978). The fact that Zeiraphera rufimitrana H.-S. (Lepidoptera: Olethreutidae) (Bovey 1978) often occurs simultaneously with C. murinana has, in...

  10. Postseason hunting to reduce deer damage to Douglas-fir in western Oregon.

    Treesearch

    Glenn L. Crouch

    1980-01-01

    Effects of two successive postseason deer hunts on deer browsing of Douglas-fir seedlings in the Coast Range in western Oregon were evaluated. Terminal browsing was significantly lower on the area subjected to more hunting compared with other areas.

  11. Financial consequences of commercial thinning regimes in young-growth Douglas-fir

    Treesearch

    Robert M. Randall

    1977-01-01

    Commercial thinning in fully-stocked normal Douglas-fir stands of merchantable size is evaluated and compared to the alternatives of leaving stands to grow unthinned or of liquidating them. Comparisons are made in terms of volume production and financial returns.

  12. Programmable calculator programs to solve softwood volume and value equations.

    Treesearch

    Janet K. Ayer Sachet

    1982-01-01

    This paper presents product value and product volume equations as programs for handheld calculators. These tree equations are for inland Douglas-fir, young-growth Douglas-fir, western white pine, ponderosa pine, and western larch. Operating instructions and an example are included.

  13. Small-forest management in the spruce-fir region

    Treesearch

    A. C. Hart

    1953-01-01

    Small forest properties occupy about 3.4 million acres, or 25 percent of the total forest land, in the spruce-fir region of Maine and New Hampshire. Careful management of these small forest properties is important to the region and to the owners.

  14. The biology of arboreal rodents in Douglas-fir forests.

    Treesearch

    Andrew B. Carey

    1991-01-01

    Arboreal rodents in Douglas-fir forests west of the Cascade crest in Oregon and Washington include (listed in decreasing order of dependence on trees) red tree vole (Phenacomys longicaucfus), northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus), Douglas' squirrel (Tamiasciurus douglasii), dusky-footed woodrat...

  15. Response to commercial thinning in a 110-year-old Douglas-fir stand.

    Treesearch

    Richard L. Williamson

    1982-01-01

    During a 19-year period after a 110-year-old Douglas-fir stand was thinned, both standard plot compilations and stem analysis showed that growth of heavily and lightly thinned stands equaled growth of stands in control plots.

  16. Infection of Douglas-fir by Leptographium wageneri.

    Treesearch

    Paul F. Hessburg; Everett M. Hansen

    2000-01-01

    In three related experiments, root systems of 2-year-old Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) seedlings were dip-inoculated with a viscous blend of Leptographium wageneri var. pseudotsugae Harrington and Cobb spores and hyphal fragments and planted in a sterile potting medium. Infection...

  17. Phoretic mites of three bark beetles (Pityokteines spp.) on silver fir

    Treesearch

    Milan Pernek; Boris Hrasovec; Dinka Matosevic; Ivan Pilas; Thomas Kirisits; John C. Moser

    2008-01-01

    The species composition and abundance of phoretic mites of the bark beetles Pityokteines curvidens P. spinidens, and P. vorontzowi on Silver fir (Abies alba) were investigated in 2003 at two locations (Trakoscan and Litoric) in Croatia. Stem sections and...

  18. Hopkins in U.S. Lab with FIR/FCF

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2013-10-15

    ISS037-E-013951 (14 Oct. 2013) --- NASA astronaut Michael Hopkins, Expedition 37 flight engineer, works at the Light Microscopy Module (LMM) in the Fluids Integrated Rack / Fluids Combustion Facility (FIR/FCF) located in the Destiny laboratory of the International Space Station.

  19. A simple index of stand density for Douglas-fir.

    Treesearch

    R.O. Curtis

    1982-01-01

    The expression RD = G/(Dg½), where G is basal area and Dg is quadratic mean stand diameter, provides a simple and convenient scale of relative stand density for Douglas-fir, equivalent to other generally accepted diameter-based stand density measures.

  20. Characterizing root-associated fungal communities and soils of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) stands that naturally produce Oregon white truffles (Tuber oregonense and Tuber gibbosum).

    PubMed

    Benucci, Gian Maria Niccolò; Lefevre, Charles; Bonito, Gregory

    2016-07-01

    Many truffle species in the genus Tuber are endemic to North America. Some of these have commercial value such as Tuber oregonense and Tuber gibbosum, commonly known as Oregon white truffles. Most of what is known about the ecology of these truffles comes from observational data. These truffle species form ectomycorrhizas with Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and sometimes fruit abundantly in early successional forest regrowth. The goal of this study was to characterize fungal communities and soils associated with truffle-producing Douglas-fir sites. We extracted DNA from roots of five trees at four different truffle-producing Douglas-fir sites (n = 20). We amplified the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) and sequenced amplicons with 454 pyrosequencing. After quality filtering, we assembled 15,713 sequences into 150 fungal operational taxonomic units (OTUs). Pezizomycetes (Tuber and Pyronemataceae) were the most abundant taxa detected followed by Helotiales. Agaricomycetes represented most by Thelephoraceae, Russulaceae, and Inocybaceae were also abundant. A total of five Tuber species were detected. T. oregonense was the most abundant OTU, followed by T. gibbosum and Wilcoxina mikolae. Fungal root endophytes were also detected and well represented by Chalara and Phialocephala spp. Fungal community structure and soil chemistry differed between sites. This study represents the first characterization of the fungal communities in Douglas-fir stands producing Oregon white truffles. We found that Tuber species can be dominant ectomycorrhizal symbionts of Douglas-fir. Truffle fungi are also important in forest health, food webs, and as a non-timber forest resource that can contribute to rural economies.

  1. Gravitational lensing reveals extreme dust-obscured star formation in quasar host galaxies

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Stacey, H. R.; McKean, J. P.; Robertson, N. C.; Ivison, R. J.; Isaak, K. G.; Schleicher, D. R. G.; van der Werf, P. P.; Baan, W. A.; Berciano Alba, A.; Garrett, M. A.; Loenen, A. F.

    2018-06-01

    We have observed 104 gravitationally lensed quasars at z ˜ 1-4 with Herschel/SPIRE, the largest such sample ever studied. By targeting gravitational lenses, we probe intrinsic far-infrared (FIR) luminosities and star formation rates (SFRs) more typical of the population than the extremely luminous sources that are otherwise accessible. We detect 72 objects with Herschel/SPIRE and find 66 per cent (69 sources) of the sample have spectral energy distributions (SEDs) characteristic of dust emission. For 53 objects with sufficiently constrained SEDs, we find a median effective dust temperature of 38^{+12}_{-5} K. By applying the radio-infrared correlation, we find no evidence for an FIR excess that is consistent with star-formation-heated dust. We derive a median magnification-corrected FIR luminosity of 3.6^{+4.8}_{-2.4} × 10^{11} L_{⊙} and median SFR of 120^{+160}_{-80} M_{⊙} yr^{-1}} for 94 quasars with redshifts. We find ˜10 per cent of our sample have FIR properties similar to typical dusty star-forming galaxies at z ˜ 2-3 and a range of SFRs <20-10 000 M⊙ yr-1 for our sample as a whole. These results are in line with current models of quasar evolution and suggests a coexistence of dust-obscured star formation and AGN activity is typical of most quasars. We do not find a statistically significant difference in the FIR luminosities of quasars in our sample with a radio excess relative to the radio-infrared correlation. Synchrotron emission is found to dominate at FIR wavelengths for <15 per cent of those sources classified as powerful radio galaxies.

  2. MODELING THE ANOMALY OF SURFACE NUMBER DENSITIES OF GALAXIES ON THE GALACTIC EXTINCTION MAP DUE TO THEIR FIR EMISSION CONTAMINATION

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

    Kashiwagi, Toshiya; Suto, Yasushi; Taruya, Atsushi

    The most widely used Galactic extinction map is constructed assuming that the observed far-infrared (FIR) fluxes come entirely from Galactic dust. According to the earlier suggestion by Yahata et al., we consider how FIR emission of galaxies affects the SFD map. We first compute the surface number density of Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) DR7 galaxies as a function of the r-band extinction, A {sub r,} {sub SFD}. We confirm that the surface densities of those galaxies positively correlate with A {sub r,} {sub SFD} for A {sub r,} {sub SFD} < 0.1, as first discovered by Yahata et al.more » for SDSS DR4 galaxies. Next we construct an analytical model to compute the surface density of galaxies, taking into account the contamination of their FIR emission. We adopt a log-normal probability distribution for the ratio of 100 μm and r-band luminosities of each galaxy, y ≡ (νL){sub 100} {sub μm}/(νL) {sub r}. Then we search for the mean and rms values of y that fit the observed anomaly, using the analytical model. The required values to reproduce the anomaly are roughly consistent with those measured from the stacking analysis of SDSS galaxies. Due to the limitation of our statistical modeling, we are not yet able to remove the FIR contamination of galaxies from the extinction map. Nevertheless, the agreement with the model prediction suggests that the FIR emission of galaxies is mainly responsible for the observed anomaly. Whereas the corresponding systematic error in the Galactic extinction map is 0.1-1 mmag, it is directly correlated with galaxy clustering and thus needs to be carefully examined in precision cosmology.« less

  3. “Super-deblended” Dust Emission in Galaxies. I. The GOODS-North Catalog and the Cosmic Star Formation Rate Density out to Redshift 6

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, Daizhong; Daddi, Emanuele; Dickinson, Mark; Owen, Frazer; Pannella, Maurilio; Sargent, Mark; Béthermin, Matthieu; Magdis, Georgios; Gao, Yu; Shu, Xinwen; Wang, Tao; Jin, Shuowen; Inami, Hanae

    2018-02-01

    We present a new technique to measure multi-wavelength “super-deblended” photometry from highly confused images, which we apply to Herschel and ground-based far-infrared (FIR) and (sub-)millimeter (mm) data in the northern field of the Great Observatories Origins Deep Survey. There are two key novelties. First, starting with a large database of deep Spitzer 24 μm and VLA 20 cm detections that are used to define prior positions for fitting the FIR/submm data, we perform an active selection of useful priors independently at each frequency band, moving from less to more confused bands. Exploiting knowledge of redshift and all available photometry, we identify hopelessly faint priors that we remove from the fitting pool. This approach significantly reduces blending degeneracies and allows reliable photometry to be obtained for galaxies in FIR+mm bands. Second, we obtain well-behaved, nearly Gaussian flux density uncertainties, individually tailored to all fitted priors for each band. This is done by exploiting extensive simulations that allow us to calibrate the conversion of formal fitting uncertainties to realistic uncertainties, depending on directly measurable quantities. We achieve deeper detection limits with high fidelity measurements and uncertainties at FIR+mm bands. As an illustration of the utility of these measurements, we identify 70 galaxies with z≥slant 3 and reliable FIR+mm detections. We present new constraints on the cosmic star formation rate density at 3< z< 6, finding a significant contribution from z≥slant 3 dusty galaxies that are missed by optical-to-near-infrared color selection. Photometric measurements for 3306 priors, including more than 1000 FIR+mm detections, are released publicly with our catalog.

  4. FIR: Efficacy, Safety, and Biomarker Analysis of a Phase II Open-Label Study of Atezolizumab in PD-L1-Selected Patients with Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer.

    PubMed

    Spigel, David R; Chaft, Jamie E; Gettinger, Scott; Chao, Bo H; Dirix, Luc; Schmid, Peter; Chow, Laura Q M; Hicks, Rodney J; Leon, Larry; Fredrickson, Jill; Kowanetz, Marcin; Sandler, Alan; Funke, Roel; Rizvi, Naiyer A

    2018-05-15

    The FIR phase II study (NCT01846416) evaluated the efficacy and safety of anti-programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) atezolizumab in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) selected by tumor cell (TC) or tumor-infiltrating immune cell (IC) PD-L1 expression. Patients with PD-L1 TC2/3 (PD-L1 staining on ≥5% of TC) or IC2/3 tumors (PD-L1 staining on ≥5% of IC; determined by SP142 PD-L1 immunohistochemistry assay) with paired fresh and archival histology samples were recruited into Cohort 1 (chemotherapy-naïve/>6 months between adjuvant chemotherapy and recurrence), Cohort 2 (≥ second-line without brain metastases), or Cohort 3 (≥ second-line with treated brain metastases). Patients received 1200 mg atezolizumab, Day 1 (21-day cycles). Primary endpoint: investigator-assessed modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST), objective response rate (ORR; RECIST v1.1). Secondary endpoints: overall survival, progression-free survival, duration of response, safety. Patients (n=138) were enrolled (137 evaluable for response: Cohort 1, n=31; Cohort 2, n=93; Cohort 3, n=13). Investigator-assessed ORR was 32%, 21%, and 23% for Cohorts 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) were reported in 81%, 67%, and 69% of patients, respectively, including grade 3-4 TRAEs in 16%, 19%, and 15%. Moreover, 88.6% (n=86/97) paired baseline tumor samples had <5% change in TC/IC PD-L1 expression over time. Atezolizumab monotherapy showed clinical activity in patients with NSCLC, including those with brain metastases; safety was consistent with previous trials. Atezolizumab has completed phase III monotherapy studies in second-line; front-line trials are ongoing, confirming these favorable results. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  5. Can a fake fir tell the truth about Swiss needle cast?

    EPA Science Inventory

    A key question in dendrochronology to reconstruct forest disturbance history is how to distinguish between the effects of Swiss needle cast (SNC) and other forest disturbance agents (e.g., Douglas-fir beetle, tussock moth, western spruce budworm, laminated root rot, Armillaria ro...

  6. Epicormic branching on pruned white fir

    Treesearch

    Richard D. Cosens

    1952-01-01

    Epicormic branches have developed on white fir (Abies concolor) one to two years after part of the live limbs were removed in a pruning experiment. The appearance of an average of six epicormic sprouts per tree raises some doubt as to the desirability of planting this species.

  7. Skyline logging productivity under alternative harvesting prescriptions and levels of utilization in larch-fir stands

    Treesearch

    Rulon B. Gardner

    1980-01-01

    Larch-fir stands in northwest Montana were experimentally logged to determine the influence of increasingly intensive levels of utilization upon rates of yarding production, under three different silvicultural prescriptions. Variables influencing rate of production were also identified.

  8. Camas Swale Research Natural Area: guidebook supplement 42

    Treesearch

    Reid Schuller

    2011-01-01

    This guidebook describes Camas Swale Research Natural Area, a 127-ha (314-ac) area that supports dry site, old-growth Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) forest. Major plant associations present within the area include the Douglas-fir/salal/western swordfern (Pseudotsuga menziesii/Gaultheria shallon/Polystichummunitum) plant...

  9. 13C AND 15N IN MICROARTHROPODS REVEAL LITTLE RESPONSE OF DOUGLAS-FIR ECOSYSTEMS TO CLIMATE CHANGE

    EPA Science Inventory

    Understanding ecosystem carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycling under global change requires experiments maintaining natural interactions among soil structure, soil communities, nutrient availability, and plant growth. In model Douglas-fir ecosystems maintained for five growing seaso...

  10. Nespoli works with the LMM Spindle Bracket Assembly in the FIR

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2011-03-01

    ISS026-E-031090 (1 March 2011) --- European Space Agency astronaut Paolo Nespoli, Expedition 26 flight engineer, works with the Light Microscopy Module (LMM) Spindle Bracket Assembly in the Fluids Integrated Rack (FIR) in the Destiny laboratory of the International Space Station.

  11. Nespoli works with the LMM Spindle Bracket Assembly in the FIR

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2011-03-01

    ISS026-E-031086 (1 March 2011) --- European Space Agency astronaut Paolo Nespoli, Expedition 26 flight engineer, works with the Light Microscopy Module (LMM) Spindle Bracket Assembly in the Fluids Integrated Rack (FIR) in the Destiny laboratory of the International Space Station.

  12. Nespoli works with the LMM Spindle Bracket Assembly in the FIR

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2011-03-01

    ISS026-E-031084 (1 March 2011) --- European Space Agency astronaut Paolo Nespoli, Expedition 26 flight engineer, works with the Light Microscopy Module (LMM) Spindle Bracket Assembly in the Fluids Integrated Rack (FIR) in the Destiny laboratory of the International Space Station.

  13. Ion Flux in Roots of Chinese Fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook) under Aluminum Stress

    PubMed Central

    Ma, Zhihui; Huang, Binlong; Xu, Shanshan; Chen, Yu; Cao, Guangqiu; Ding, Guochang; Lin, Sizu

    2016-01-01

    Chinese fir is a tall, fast-growing species that is unique to southern China. In Chinese fir plantations, successive plantings have led to a decline in soil fertility, and aluminum toxicity is thought to be one of the main reasons for this decline. In this study, Non-invasive Micro-test Technology was used to study the effect of aluminum stress on the absorption of 4 different ions in the roots of the Chinese fir clone FS01. The results are as follows: with increased aluminum concentration and longer periods of aluminum stress, the H+ ion flow gradually changed from influx into efflux; there was a large variation in the K+ efflux, which gradually decreased with increasing duration of aluminum stress; and 1 h of aluminum stress uniformly resulted in Ca2+ influx, but it changed from influx to efflux after a longer period of aluminum stress. Changes in the different concentrations of aluminum had the largest influence on Mg2+. PMID:27270726

  14. A Study of the Radio Continuum Far Infrared Correlation at Small Scales in the Galaxy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rodriguez-Martinez, Monica I.; Allen, R. J.; Wiklind, T.; Loinard, L.

    2006-12-01

    We present a study of the behavior of the Radio Continuum (RC) Far Infrared (FIR) correlation on scales corresponding to the size of small molecular clouds. This was done by comparing the spatial distribution of RC emission and FIR emission from a sample of several regions, distributed within the range 79 ≤ l ≤ 174 in the Galaxy. We have examined the 408 and 1420 MHz mosaic images of the sample, from the Canadian Galactic Plane Survey (CGPS), which later were compared with images at 60 and 100 μm. Preliminary results suggest that the RC -FIR correlation still holds at small scales, since a good qualitative correlation between RC and FIR emission is found. The physical process involved that may cause such correlation will be discussed as well as the nature of the RC emission. This research makes use of data from the Canadian Galactic Plane Survey.

  15. Effectiveness of Mirror Therapy for Subacute Stroke in Relation to Chosen Factors.

    PubMed

    Radajewska, Alina; Opara, Józef; Biliński, Grzegorz; Kaczorowska, Antonina; Nawrat-Szołtysik, Agnieszka; Kucińska, Aleksandra; Lepsy, Ewelina

    The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of mirror therapy (MT) combined with comprehensive treatment and to investigate the possible relationships of functional state. Prospective, controlled trial of 60 stroke inpatients. The Functional Index "Repty" (FIR) was an outcome measure to assess changes of independence in daily activities. The Frenchay Arm Test (FAT) and Motor Status Score were outcome measures to assess changes in hand function. The analysis of pre- and posttest data indicated a significant improvement in hand function ([INCREMENT]FAT in the Mirror group p = .035, N = 30). Age factor indicated a significant change in relation to FIR outcome ([INCREMENT]FIR in the Mirror group p = .005, N = 30 and [INCREMENT]FIR in the Mirror group [left hand paresis] p = .037, N = 15). Additional MT influenced improvement in hand function. The age is significant in terms of functional state. The older adults are likely to benefit from MT. A positive impact of combining MT with other treatment was indicated.

  16. Morphological defects in native Japanese fir trees around the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant

    PubMed Central

    Watanabe, Yoshito; Ichikawa, San’ei; Kubota, Masahide; Hoshino, Junko; Kubota, Yoshihisa; Maruyama, Kouichi; Fuma, Shoichi; Kawaguchi, Isao; Yoschenko, Vasyl I.; Yoshida, Satoshi

    2015-01-01

    After the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (F1NPP) in March 2011, much attention has been paid to the biological consequences of the released radionuclides into the surrounding area. We investigated the morphological changes in Japanese fir, a Japanese endemic native conifer, at locations near the F1NPP. Japanese fir populations near the F1NPP showed a significantly increased number of morphological defects, involving deletions of leader shoots of the main axis, compared to a control population far from the F1NPP. The frequency of the defects corresponded to the radioactive contamination levels of the observation sites. A significant increase in deletions of the leader shoots became apparent in those that elongated after the spring of 2012, a year after the accident. These results suggest possibility that the contamination by radionuclides contributed to the morphological defects in Japanese fir trees in the area near the F1NPP. PMID:26314382

  17. SOLIS IV. Hydrocarbons in the OMC-2 FIR4 Region, a Probe of Energetic Particle Irradiation of the Region

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Favre, C.; Ceccarelli, C.; López-Sepulcre, A.; Fontani, F.; Neri, R.; Manigand, S.; Kama, M.; Caselli, P.; Jaber Al-Edhari, A.; Kahane, C.; Alves, F.; Balucani, N.; Bianchi, E.; Caux, E.; Codella, C.; Dulieu, F.; Pineda, J. E.; Sims, I. R.; Theulé, P.

    2018-06-01

    We report new interferometric images of cyclopropenylidene, c-C3H2, toward the young protocluster OMC-2 FIR 4. The observations were performed at 82 and 85 GHz with the NOrthern Extended Millimeter Array (NOEMA) as part of the project Seeds Of Life In Space (SOLIS). In addition, IRAM-30 m data observations were used to investigate the physical structure of OMC-2 FIR 4. We find that the c-C3H2 gas emits from the same region where previous SOLIS observations showed bright HC5N emission. From a non-LTE analysis of the IRAM-30 m data, the c-C3H2 gas has an average temperature of ∼40 K, a H2 density of ∼3 × 105 cm‑3, and a c-C3H2 abundance relative to H2 of (7 ± 1) × 10‑12. In addition, the NOEMA observations provide no sign of significant c-C3H2 excitation temperature gradients across the region (about 3–4 beams), with T ex in the range 8 ± 3 up to 16 ± 7 K. We thus infer that our observations are inconsistent with a physical interaction of the OMC-2 FIR 4 envelope with the outflow arising from OMC-2 FIR 3, as claimed by previous studies. The comparison of the measured c-C3H2 abundance with the predictions from an astrochemical PDR model indicates that OMC-2 FIR 4 is irradiated by an FUV field ∼1000 times larger than the interstellar one, and by a flux of ionizing particles ∼4000 times larger than the canonical value of 1 × 10‑17 s‑1 from the Galaxy cosmic rays, which is consistent with our previous HC5N observations. This provides an important and independent confirmation of other studies that one, or more, source inside the OMC-2 FIR 4 region emits energetic (≥10 MeV) particles. Based on observations carried out under project number L15AA with the IRAM NOEMA Interferometer. IRAM is supported by INSU/CNRS (France), MPG (Germany) and IGN (Spain).

  18. Chemistry of throughfall under douglas fir and Rocky Mountain juniper. [Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca; Juniperus scopulorum

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

    Hart, G.E.; Parent, D.R.

    1974-01-01

    Concentrations of sodium, calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus and nitrate were measured in throughfall under isolated douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca) and Rocky Mountain juniper (Juniperus scopulorum) trees in northern Utah for 39 storms in 1970 and 1971. Concentrations were 3-16 times greater under the trees than in the open. Throughfall under douglas fir invariably had higher concentrations than that under juniper. Since most of the chemical input occurs as dry fallout between storms, surface area and form of the canopy are believed to be the prime factors influencing throughfall chemistry in this region. 15 references, 2 figures, 5 tables.

  19. Far-Infrared Emission of Intracluster Dust (ICD)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Arimoto, N.; Takagi, T.; Hanami, H.

    2000-12-01

    In the young universe, clusters of galaxies could be bright FIR-Submm sources due to the dust emissions from young ellipticals. The intracluster dust (ICD) could also contribute to the FIR-Submm emissions considerably, but the ICD is fragile in the ambient hot ICM. Therefore, a chance to detect the ICD emission would be much smaller than the dust emissions from galaxies. Dust emissions from elliptical galaxies (EROs) in the young Coma cluster at a distance of z=2-3 would be easily detected by a future mission of H2L2 satellite, thus the FIR-Submm survey would become a powerful tool for searching high-z clusters.

  20. Boundary implications for frequency response of interval FIR and IIR filters

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bose, N. K.; Kim, K. D.

    1991-01-01

    It is shown that vertex implication results in parameter space apply to interval trigonometric polynomials. Subsequently, it is shown that the frequency responses of both interval FIR and IIR filters are bounded by the frequency responses of certain extreme filters. The results apply directly in the evaluation of properties of designed filters, especially because it is more realistic to bound the filter coefficients from above and below instead of determining those with infinite precision because of finite arithmetic effects. Illustrative examples are provided to show how the extreme filters might be easily derived in any specific interval FIR or IIR filter design problem.

  1. Evidence of montane spruce-fir forest recovery on the high peaks and ridges of the black mountains, North Carolina: recent trends, 1986-2003

    Treesearch

    Todd Allen Bowers; Robert I. Bruck

    2010-01-01

    Decline in high elevation red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.) and Fraser fir (Abies fraseri (Pursh) Poir.) forests throughout the southern Appalachians was shown following extensive surveys conducted during the 1980s.

  2. Breeding design considerations for coastal Douglas-fir.

    Treesearch

    Randy Johnson

    1998-01-01

    The basic principles of designing forest tree breeding programs are reviewed for Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) in the Pacific Northwest. Breeding populations are discussed given current and future breeding zone sizes and seed orchard designs. Seed orchard composition is discussed for potential genetic gain and maintaining...

  3. SIMULTANEOUS ONE-TUBE QUANTIFICATION OF HOST AND PATHOGEN DNA WITH REAL-TIME POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION

    EPA Science Inventory

    Phaeocryptopus gaeumannii is a widespread foliar parasite of Douglas-fir. Although normally innocuous, the fungus also causes the defoliating disease Swiss needle cast in heavily infected needles. The extent of P. gaeumannii colonization in Douglas-fir foliage was estimated wit...

  4. Veneer recovery from peeler-grade Douglas-fir logs in northwestern Oregon.

    Treesearch

    E.H. Clarke; A.C. Knauss

    1957-01-01

    Continued expansion of Douglas-fir plywood production develops a greater demand for all grades of peelable logs to supply the industry. Thus, it becomes increasingly important to know the veneer-grade recovery expected so that timber and log values can be more accurately appraised.

  5. Transpiration-induced axial and radial tension gradients in trunks of Douglas-fir trees.

    Treesearch

    J.C. Domec; F. C. Meinzer; B. L. Gartner; D. Woodruff

    2006-01-01

    We determined the axial and radial xylem tension gradients in trunks of young Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) trees. Axial specific conductivity (ks-a) and sap flux density (Js) were measured at four consecutive depths within the sapwood at a...

  6. SAPWOOD MOISTURE IN DOUGLAS-FIR BOLES AND SEASONAL CHANGES IN SOIL WATER

    EPA Science Inventory

    Large conifers, such as Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco var. Menziesii), purportedly draw on water stored in their boles during periods of summer drought. The relation of seasonal changes in soil moisture to sapwood water content was evaluated in four forest st...

  7. Estimating merchantable volumes of second growth Douglas-fir stands from total cubic volume and associated stand characteristics.

    Treesearch

    Richard L. Williamson; Robert O. Curtis

    1980-01-01

    Equations are given for estimating merchantable volumes of second-growth Douglas-fir stands to specified breast-high and top-diameter limits, in cubic feet or board feet, from total volume in cubic feet and certain associated stand characteristics.

  8. Inheritance of graft compatibility in Douglas fir.

    Treesearch

    D.L. Copes

    1973-01-01

    Graft compatibility of genetically related and unrelated rootstock-scion combinations was compared. Scion clones were 75% compatible when grafted on half-related rootstocks but only 56% compatible when grafted on unrelated rootstocks. Most variance associated with graft incompatibility in Douglas-fir appears to be caused by multiple genes.

  9. Burbank works at the LMM in the FIR/FCF in the U.S. Laboratory

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2011-12-01

    ISS030-E-007428 (1 Dec. 2011) --- NASA astronaut Dan Burbank, Expedition 30 commander, works at the Light Microscopy Module (LMM) in the Fluids Integrated Rack / Fluids Combustion Facility (FIR/FCF) located in the Destiny laboratory of the International Space Station.

  10. Burbank works at the LMM in the FIR/FCF in the U.S. Laboratory

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2011-12-01

    ISS030-E-007426 (1 Dec. 2011) --- NASA astronaut Dan Burbank, Expedition 30 commander, works at the Light Microscopy Module (LMM) in the Fluids Integrated Rack / Fluids Combustion Facility (FIR/FCF) located in the Destiny laboratory of the International Space Station.

  11. Burbank works at the LMM in the FIR/FCF in the U.S. Laboratory

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2011-12-01

    ISS030-E-007429 (1 Dec. 2011) --- NASA astronaut Dan Burbank, Expedition 30 commander, works at the Light Microscopy Module (LMM) in the Fluids Integrated Rack / Fluids Combustion Facility (FIR/FCF) located in the Destiny laboratory of the International Space Station.

  12. Soil charcoal from the plains to tundra in the Colorado Front Range

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sanford, R. L.; Licata, C.

    2010-12-01

    Throughout the forests of the central Rockies, soil charcoal from Holocene wildfires has been produced in response to wildland natural fire regimes. The extent and spatial distribution of soil charcoal production is poorly documented in this region, especially with regard to forests and shrublands at different elevations. Soil charcoal is a super-passive C pool derived from woody biomass that can be sequestered for millennia in forest soils. Recent research indicates that soil charcoal may promote enhanced soil fertility. Additionally, soil charcoal is an often overlooked component of soil C mass and flux. We hypothesize that differences in forest and shrubland fire regimes over the millennia have resulted in different soil charcoal amounts. Geospatial data were used to locate random sample plots in foothills shrublands (Cercocarpus montanus), and four forest types; ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa), Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) and spruce-fir (Picea engelmannii - Abies lasiocarpa). Sample plots were stratified to occur with the mid 200 m elevation band of each vegetation type with east aspect, and 10-30% slope. Soils were sampled widely at 0-10 cm depth and analyzed for total soil C and soil charcoal C via chemical digestion and dry combustion techniques. Overall, soil charcoal is four times more abundant in spruce-fir forests than in foothills shrublands (1.9 +/- 0.92 Mg C/ha versus 0.54 +/- 0.44 Mg C/ha). Soil charcoal is also abundant in lodgepole pine and ponderosa pine soils (1.4 +/- 1.02 Mg C/ha and 1.4 +/- 0.54 Mg C/ha respectively) but is less plentiful in Douglas-fir soils (1.0 +/- 0.67). Spruce-fir forests have the most above ground biomass, slower decomposition rates and a less frequent mean fire return interval than the other four forests, hence it makes sense that high per-fire rates of charcoal production would occur in the spruce-fir zone, given large amounts of surface fuels at the time of fire. In contrast, low amounts of coarse woody debris in ponderosa, lodgepole, and shrub communities would cause less charcoal to form, despite higher fire frequencies. The Douglas-fir soil charcoal seems anomalously low, but it may reflect a combination of low forest floor woody debris and low fire frequency. Foothills shrublands have the least biomass, comparatively rapid decomposition rates and a more frequent mean fire return interval. We propose that high biomass and slow turnover rates in the spruce-fir forests creates conditions for relatively higher net soil charcoal accumulation.

  13. CO detections and IRAS observations of bright radio spiral galaxies at cz equal or less than 9000 kilometers per second

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Sanders, D. B.; Mirabel, I. F.

    1985-01-01

    CO emission has been detected from 20 of 21 bright radio spirals with strong extended nuclear sources, including the most distant (NGC 7674) and the most luminous (IC 4553 = Arp 220, NGC 6240) galaxies yet detected in CO. All of these galaxies are rich in molecular gas, with M total(H2) = 3 x 10 to the 8th - 2 x 10 to the 10th solar masses. IRAS observations show that they have a strong far-infrared (FIR) excess, with L(FIR)/L(B) approximately equal to 1-35 and L(FIR) (40-400 microns) approximately equal to 10 to the 10th - 10 to the 12th L solar masses. The primary luminosity source for these radio cores appears to be star formation in molecular clouds. A strong correlation is found between the FIR and extended 21 cm continuum flux, implying that the fraction of massive stars formed is independent of the star formation rate. The ratio L(FIR)/M(H2) provides a measure of the current rate of star formation, which is found to be a factor 3-20 larger in these galaxies than for the ensemble of molecular clouds in the Milky Way. At these rates their molecular gas will be depleted in about 10 to the 8th yr.

  14. A comparison of coupled biogeophysical and biogeochemical dynamics across a precipitation gradient in Oregon using data assimilation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pettijohn, J. C.; Law, B. E.; Williams, M. D.; Stoekli, R.; Thornton, P. E.; Thomas, C. K.; Hudiburg, T. W.; Martin, J.

    2010-12-01

    We present results from our coupled biophysical - biochemical model data fusion (MDF) analysis across a climatic gradient in Oregon, USA, using data from a coast-range Douglas-fir (US-Fir; 2006-2008) and a semi-arid ponderosa pine (US-Me2; 2002-2008) AmeriFlux site. Our MDF scheme couples the Ensemble Kalman Filter (EnKF) with the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Community Land Model with Carbon-Nitrogen coupling (CLM-CN, version 3.5). Assimilated data includes continuous eddy covariance measurements of forest-atmosphere CO2 (NEE, net ecosystem exchange) and water vapor fluxes (λE, latent heat flux), chamber-based soil respiratory flux, soil moisture and temperature, snow depth (US-Me2), MODIS-derived 8 day LAI, and carbon and nitrogen pools. We quantify the ecosystem carbon and nitrogen budgets, partition NEE and λE fluxes, and thus increase confidence in multi-scale controls on CO2 and water vapor exchange. The MDF did a better job predicting NEE than λE at both sites (r2 = 0.86 for NEE at both sites; λE r2 = 0.65 and 0.63 at the US-ME2 and US-Fir sites, respectively) partly due to a weighting scheme we prescribed for NEE. The distribution of carbon and nitrogen differed significantly between sites, with total ecosystem carbon (vegetation, detritus, soil) of the US-Fir site being about 1.4 times higher than the US-Me2 site (35 kg C m-2 vs. 25 kg C m-2). Mean NEE over overlapping water years ‘07-‘08 was -495 gC m-2 at the US-Me2 site as opposed to -809 gC m-2 at the US-Fir site, nearly a two-fold difference in C uptake across this precipitation gradient. Average GPP and ecosystem respiration (Re) over these two water years were both ~1.7x greater at the US-Fir site, with 1712 gC m^-2 and 1217 gC m-2, respectively, at the US-Me2 site vs. 2841 gC m-2 and 2032 gC m-2 at the US-Fir. Autotrophic respiration contributed 79% and 72% to the Re flux at the US-Me2 and US-Fir sites, respectively, with total soil respiration contributing 53% and 58% to Re. While a comparison of observed and MDF environmental response functions suggests both root-zone soil moisture and leaf-to-air VPD photosynthetic controls at both sites, the MDF did not impose CLM-CN’s soil stress upon photosynthesis at the US-Fir site, suggesting the apparent soil moisture response arises from correlations with other driving variables such as VPD. In summary, we demonstrate that MDF analysis can help constrain coupled ecosystem carbon and water dynamics by combining long-term ecosystem measurements by incorporating necessary measurement and model uncertainties.

  15. Spatial and population characteristics of dwarf mistletoe infected trees in an old-growth Douglas-fir - western hemlock forest.

    Treesearch

    David C. Shaw; Jiquan Chen; Elizabeth A. Freeman; David M. Braun

    2005-01-01

    We investigated the distribution and severity of trees infected with western hemlock dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium tsugense (Rosendahl) G.N. Jones subsp. tsugense) in an old-growth Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) - western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla (Raf.) Sarg.)...

  16. Veneer recovery from peeler-grade Douglas-fir logs in southwestern Oregon.

    Treesearch

    E.H. Clarke; A.C. Knauss

    1957-01-01

    With the continued expansion of Douglas-fir plywood production, demand will increase for all grades of peelable logs to supply the industry. Thus, it becomes increasingly important to know the veneer-grade recovery expected so that timber and log values can be more accurately appraised.

  17. Greenery - an opportunity for forest landowners

    Treesearch

    A.L. Hammett; J.L. Chamberlain

    2002-01-01

    For generations, materials gathered from American forests have been used for holiday decorations and floral arrangements including Christmas wreaths, roping, swags, and sprays. Forest species utilized for these products include Fraser fir, Norway and blue spruce, mountain laurel, boxwood, ivy, grape vine, juniper, Douglas fir, incense cedar, and holly. White pine (...

  18. A pilot experiment of forest fertilization during an outbreak of the western spruce budworm in northeastern Oregon.

    Treesearch

    R.R. Mason; B.E. Wickman; H.G. Paul; T.R. Torgersen

    1998-01-01

    Mixed-conifer stands of grand fir (Abies grandis (Dougl. ex D. Don) Lindl.), Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca (Beissn.) Franco), and ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Dougl. ex Laws.) were fertilized with nitrogen and combination treatments of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium...

  19. Assessing the threat posed by indigenous exotics: A case study of two North American bark beetle species

    Treesearch

    K. J. Dodds; D. W. Gilmore; S. J. Seybold

    2010-01-01

    The Douglas-fir beetle, Dendroctonus pseudotsugae Hopkins, was detected in 2001 in northern Minnesota outside its natural range and the range of its native hosts, Douglas-fir, Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirbel) Franco, and western larch, Larix occidentalis Nutt. Consecutive years of...

  20. Spruce Budworm in the Eastern United States

    Treesearch

    Daniel R. Kuceral; Peter W. Orr

    The spruce budworm Choristoneura fumiferana (Clemens) is one of the most destructive native insects in the northern spruce and fir forests of the Eastern United States and Canada. Periodic outbreaks of the spruce budworm are a part of the natural cycle of events associated with the maturing of balsam fir.

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