Effect of board density on bending properties and dimensional stabilities of MDF-reinforced corrugated particleboard

We investigated the bending properties of composite boards produced by reinforcing both sides of corrugated particleboard with medium-density fiberboard (MDF). Thickness swelling and linear expansion (LE) were measured to assess the dimensional stabilities of the composite board. Although the apparent density of the composite board was 0.48g/cm³, its strength was found to be equivalent to that of 18-type particleboard as described in JIS A 5908. The boards parallel/perpendicular anisotropy in strength was 0.9. The modulus of rupture (MOR) of the composite board increased with board density only up to a certain density, beyond which the MOR was constant. On the other hand, the thickness swelling of both corrugated particleboard and the composite board was smaller than that of flat-type particleboard, satisfying the JIS A 5908 standard of 12%. Linear expansion (soaking in water of ordinary temperature for 24h) of corrugated particleboard was 0.7%–0.9% in the parallel direction and 2.1%–3.1% in the perpendicular direction; hence, anisotropy in linear expansion existed in the corrugated particleboard. The linear expansion of the composite board was 0.6%–0.9% in the parallel direction and 1.8%–2.5% in the perpendicular direction. Although the LE of the composite board was lower than that of corrugated particleboard, it is necessary to improve the LE of composite board for practical use.     

Response of gas exchange rates in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Abies firma</Emphasis> seedlings to various additional stresses under chronic acid fog stress

In order to clarify the chronic influence of acid fog on the gas exchange rates of momi fir (Abies firma Sieb. et Zucc.) trees, we exposed them to simulated acid fog (pH 3) for 3 years. The composition of the acid fog was similar to that observed in a region where momi fir trees have been declining, and it contained organic acids. We then treated the firs with various additional stresses, such as drought, low temperature, fine root cutting, ozone exposure, soil acidification, nitrogen load, and rhizosphere aluminum stress. Under chronic exposure to acid fog, the momi fir seedlings exhibited a pattern of stomatal behavior whereby they excessively opened in summer and closed in winter. Furthermore, the stomata of these seedlings tended to open during drought stress, and their needles were visibly injured after ozone exposure. The net photosynthesis rates of the seedlings exposed to acid fog were regulated by their stomatal aperture, rather than directly by acid fog. These results suggest that acid fog exposure disturbs the control of stomatal function in the momi fir seedlings. In addition, we found that chronic acid fog exposure suppressed the decrease in net photosynthesis rate, due to its nitrogen load.     

Difference between sprouting traits of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cercidiphyllum japonicum</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">C. magnificum</Emphasis>

Cercidiphyllum japonicum and C. magnificum are deciduous tree species that produce large numbers of sprouts. They are found mainly in riparian and/or disturbed areas. C. japonicum is distributed in the montane zone in Japan, whereas C. magnificum is distributed mostly in the subalpine zone of central Japan. However, the two species sometimes coexist, e.g., on the talus slope at the valley head of the Chichibu Mountains. We investigated differences in sprouting traits in these two species by comparing class distributions of sprout diameter at breast height (DBH) and heights of individuals on the talus slope. Sprout DBH and individual height were smaller in C. magnificum as compared to C. japonicum. Moreover, the analysis of the DBH-class distribution of each species indicated that C. magnificum had numerous small sprouts and experienced high mortality, whereas C. japonicum had fewer small sprouts and low mortality. It is likely that the sprouting traits of C. magnificum make it more adapted to severe conditions in the subalpine zone than those of C. japonicum.     

Wireless monitoring of blood glucose levels in flatfish with a needle biosensor

A wireless biosensor system was developed for the continuous measurement of blood glucose levels in flatfish. The biosensor was implanted in the interstitial fluid under the scleral surface of the eyeball (EISF) to investigate the relationship between EISF and blood glucose levels. EISF glucose levels were found to be correlated with those in the blood and to be approximately the same as blood glucose levels in the range of 7–25 mg dl⁻¹. A needle-type biosensor was prepared for the continuous EISF glucose monitoring in flatfish. A working electrode was constructed using platinum iridium wire, and glucose oxidase was immobilized to the electrode. The biosensor was inserted into the EISF of flatfish for sensor implantation. A 650-mV potential (vs. Ag/AgCl) was applied by a wireless potentiostat to the working electrode for the amperometric glucose measurement. We investigated whether glucose in the EISF can be determined in vivo. The estimated glucose levels using a one-point calibration method were correlated with actual blood glucose levels. In conclusion, using a wireless biosensor system, we were able to monitor blood glucose levels in flatfish under free-swimming conditions for 16 h.     

Species composition of Modellidae and Cerambycidae (Coleoptera) in a coppice woodland

A continuous sampling of canopy beetles was carried out to determine variations in the abundance, species diversity, richness, and composition of the Mordellidae and Cerambycidae in a coppice woodland. Changes in the abundance and the species richness were monitored at three heights in the forest throughout the season in 1999, using yellow and blue water pan traps. The results showed significant variations in the abundance of Mordellidae among the canopy layers, while little variation was found for Cerambycidae. The abundance, species diversity, and richness were generally greater in summer. The results showed distinct species compositions in both families among layers.     

Chemical structures of the condensed tannins in the fruits of Diospyros species

The structural variety of the condensed tannins (proanthocyanidins) in the fruits of 16Diospyros species are reported. Eleven species contained condensed tannins mostly consisting of a mixture of catechin (CA) and gallocatechin (GCA) repeating units; the other five species did not. The GCA content in the CA-GCA total varied from 0.3% to 84.6%. The number of esterified gallic acid per one flavan repeating unit (degree of galloylation, DG) ranged from 0.01 to 0.89. The GCA content was found to be proportional to the DG values. Thus, 16Diospyros species tested may be classified into five groups by the analytical data of their condensed tannins. It may be interesting to compare their structural characteristics with those of the condensed tannins in other fruits, leaves, woods, and barks from the viewpoint of their biosynthesis and function in the plants.Part of this paper was presented at the 46th Annual Meeting of the Japan Wood Research Society, Tokyo, April 1995     

Mass propagation method from the cutting of three dipterocarp species

We developed a vegetative propagation system for mass-producing three dipterocarps species,Shorea selanica Bl.,Shorea leprosula Mig., andShorea platyclados Sloot. This system uses fog evaporative cooling inside a greenhouse to reduce the leaf-to-air vapor pressure deficit (leaf-to-air VPD) inside the propagator, even under high irradiance conditions. This cooling method has no negative influence on medium conditions such as overwetting. A plastic tent propagator combined with this cooling method was used for vegetative propagation experiments. In mass-production experiments, the annual rooting percentages from the cuttings were low in the first 2 years (1997–1998) due to operational problems of the tent propagator (S. selanica, 48–51%;S. leprosula, 56–59%;S. platyclados: 50–63%). A hard cover propagator improved the rooting percentages in the mass-production experiments in 1999 because it made operations easier (S. selanica, 70%;S. leprosula, 77%;S. platyclados, 77%). This system, which uses a combination of fog evaporative cooling and a hard plastic propagator, should be useful for the mass propagation of these dipterocarp planting stocks. This study was carried out under a joint project of the Ministry of Forestry, Indonesia and Komatsu Ltd. The project was supported by Research Association for Reforestation of Tropical Forest (RETROF) organized by Japanese Forestry Agency.     

Heterotrophic respiration causes seasonal hysteresis in soil respiration in a warm-temperate forest

To assess the effect of changes in organic litter stock on seasonal changes in heterotrophic respiration (R _H), soil respiration (R _S), and total ecosystem respiration (R _E), we measured seasonal changes in leaf litter respiration (R _LL) by the chamber method and estimated the seasonal change in total R _H using the RothC model in a warm-temperate mixed deciduous?Cevergreen forest in Japan. Both R _E and R _S had seasonal hysteresis and were higher in spring than at the same temperature during autumn. Under warm and humid conditions, the rate of decomposition of newly supplied leaf litter in one?year was high (60% loss). Consequently, R _LL and R _H were higher in spring after leaf drop, when more fresh material was available, than in autumn. In this study, 42 and 88% of the difference in R _E and R _S between spring and autumn (soil temperature 16?C18°C) could be accounted for by the difference in R _H, respectively, and 71% of the difference in R _H could be accounted for by the difference in R _LL. This study showed that seasonal changes in heterotrophic respiration (R _LL and R _H) could be a major factor in the seasonal hysteresis of R _E and R _S.     

Behavior of four broad-leaved tree species used to revegetate eroded granite hill slopes

Information on primary growth behavior after planting is required for mixed-plantation revegetation using broad-leaved species. To estimate primary growth, especially from the perspective of crown coverage and changing growth rates, we examined the growth and survival of four broad-leaved species that are frequently used in erosion-control plantations in Japan. The species studied were Myrica rubra Sieb. et Zucc., Alnus pendula Matsum., Quercus glauca Thunb., and Q. serrata Thunb. The survival, height, and basal diameter of planted trees were measured over a 4-year period, and crown area was calculated over a 3-year period. We found a negative relationship between relative growth rate (RGR) and survival rate, suggesting that fast growth may be fatal when resources are severely limited. The relative height growth rate (RHGR) of A. pendula was especially high during the early period of the study (1997–1999) and then drastically declined, whereas the opposite tendency was observed in Q. glauca. The results of stem allometry analyses conformed to the specific relationships between height growth and diameter growth of the four species; increases in stem thickness based on height increments were smaller in the pioneer species A. pendula. Between-species differences in coverage per planted tree (mean crown area multiplied by survival rate) were small as a result of the negative relationship between coverage area and survival rate.