A forest biomass yield table based on an empirical model

We report an empirical model for estimating unutilized wood biomass, and its application to Cryptomeria japonica D. Don and Larix kaempferi in Tohno City, Iwate Prefecture, northeast Japan. Outputs from the model are the quantity of unutilized wood biomass and merchantable volume produced by timber harvest. The unutilized wood biomass is divided into stumps, tops, branches, foliages, small trees, and unutilized stems due to their defects. Inputs to the model are mean diameter at breast height (DBH), mean tree height, trees per unit area, and timber utilization standards. DBH distribution, DBH–height curve, stem form, bark thickness, and relationship of stem biomass to foliage and branch biomass could be described by the proposed model, indicating its validity. The proposed model enables us to develop the forest biomass yield tables modified from the existing stem volume yield tables. The developed forest biomass yield tables indicated that the unutilized wood biomass due to defects accounted for the largest part of the whole unutilized wood biomass, and that the ratio of unutilized parts in stem volume to total stem volume could vary with stand age and site productivity class. Based on a comparison of the developed forest biomass yield tables with those reported previously, we concluded that the proposed model-based forest biomass yield table would be useful for estimating the quantity of unutilized wood biomass.     

Strength properties and effect of moisture content on the bending and compressive strength parallel to the grain of sugi (Cryptomeria japonica) round timber

Static bending tests and compressive test parallel to the grain of sugi (Japanese cedar, Cryptomeria japonica) green round timber were conducted to confirm whether its strength would satisfy the referenced strength determined by the Construction Ministry. The strength of green round timber and air-dried round timber were compared for bending and compression parallel to the grain. The strength change ratio in response to a 1 % change in the moisture content of round timber was compared with that of small clear specimens and timber. The results revealed that a 5 % parametric tolerance limit of bending and compressive strength parallel to the grain satisfied the referenced strength, even when using green round timber. The average strength of air-dried round timber was higher than that of green round timber, in both bending and compression parallel to the grain, with significant differences indicated at a 5 % significance level. The relation between the cross-section area that includes round timber, timber and the small clear specimens, and the strength change ratio in response to a 1 % change in moisture content change was fitted to a logarithm curve. Thus, the size of the specimen was considered to affect the strength change ratio.     

Potentiation of the ionotropic GABA receptor response by whiskey fragrance

It is well-known that the target of most mood-defining compounds is an ionotropic gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor (GABA(A) receptor). The potentiation of the response of these inhibitory neurotransmitter receptors induces anxiolytic, sedative, and anesthetic activity in the human brain. To study the effects of whiskey fragrance on the GABA(A) receptor-mediated response, GABA(A) receptors were expressed in Xenopus oocyte by injecting rat whole brain mRNA or cRNA prepared from the cloned cDNA for the alpha(1) and beta(1) subunits of the bovine receptors. Most whiskey components such as phenol, ethoxy, and lactone derivatives potentiated the electrical responses of GABA(A) receptors, especially ethyl phenylpropanoate (EPP), which strongly potentiated the response. When this compound was applied to mice through respiration, the convulsions induced by pentetrazole were delayed, suggesting that EPP was absorbed by the brain, where it could potentiate the GABA(A) receptor responses. The extract of other alcoholic drinks such as wine, sake, brandy, and shochu also potentiated the responses to varying degrees. Although these fragrant components are present in alcoholic drinks at low concentrations (extremely small quantities compared with ethanol), they may also modulate the mood or consciousness of the human through the potentiation of the GABA(A) receptor response after absorption into the brain, because these hydrophobic fragrant compounds are easily absorbed into the brain through the blood-brain barrier and are several thousands times as potent as ethanol in the potentiation of the GABA(A) receptor-mediated response.     

Microsatellite mapping of genes for branched spike and soft glumes in Triticum monococcum L.

The locus responsible for branched spike in a branched spike mutant of Triticum monococcum L. (2n = 2x = 14, A^mA^m genome) and soft glume in Triticum sinskajae Filat. et Kurkiev (2n = 2x = 14, A^mA^m genome) were mapped by genotyping F₂ populations using microsatellite markers. Phenotypic analysis in the cross T. sinskajae PI 418587/a branched spike mutant KT3-24 confirmed that both characters were under control of a recessive allele at a single locus, and they were linked with 26.6 cM. The branched head in T. monococcum (bh ^m ) locus was located on chromosome 2A^mS and the marker Xgwm122 flanked the bh ^m gene distally. Soft glume locus in T. sinskajae was allelic to the soft glume (sog) locus in mm09, a soft glume mutant of T. monococcum. The sog locus was linked with Xwmc644 distally. In the F₂ hybrids of T. monococcum #252/PI 418587 and T. monococcum KT 3-21/PI 418587, sog was linked with Xgwm71. The gene fg which determines a false glume was also located on chromosome 2A^mS and the recombination between sog and fg (1.6 cM) was obtained in F₂ hybrid of KT 3-21/PI 418587.     

Hybrid plant of Phaseolus vulgaris L. and P. lunatus L. obtained by means of embryo rescue and confirmed by restriction endonuclease analysis of rDNA

Summary Hybridizations between three lines of the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and two lines of the lima bean (P. lunatus L.) were attempted in order to transfer characters from the lima bean to the common bean. A total of 115 interspecific hybrid embryos were rescued and cultured, and 7 plantlets were eventually transferred to soil. The most compatible cross was Edogawa XPI164891, which had a high proportion of expanded ovules, and from which we obtained one mature interspecific hybrid. In general, morphological characters of the hybrid were intermediate between the parents, and the chromosome number of the hybrid was 2n=22 the same as that of both parents. The hybrid nature of the progeny plant was confirmed by restriction endonuclease analysis of rDNA. Species specific fragments were detected when total DNA was digested by BamHI, and BamHI-digested total DNA of the hybrid contained all fragments from both parents. Selves and backcrosses were attempted, but no progeny were obtained. The only hybrid obtained was completely sterile and meiosis highly irregular.     

Effect of Long-term Fertilizer Application on the Concentration and Solubility of Major and Trace Elements in a Cultivated Andisol

The concentrations and solubility of major and trace elements in soils collected from a field for long-term experiments maintained for more than 60 years and the neighboring area were investigated in order to reveal the influence of soil management on their behavior in soils. No obvious differences in the element concentrations in soils were observed except for P and U, whose concentrations were elevated in the surface soils of the experimented field because of the long-term application of phosphate fertilizers. Soil acidification associated with the successive applications of potentially acid fertilizers had changed the solubility of many elements as follows: the solubility of Li, Be, Al, Mn, Co, Zn, Y, Cd, Ba and rare earth elements increased, while the solubility of P, As, Se, Nb, Sb, Mo and V increased by liming. In the uncultivated soils, the concentrations of Fe, Zr, Nb, Hf and Th in the water extracts were relatively high, and a certain amount of these elements in the water extracts may occur in colloidal forms.