Sauropod dinosaurs include the largest terrestrial animals and are considered to have uninterrupted rapid rates of growth, which differs from their more basal relatives, which have a slower cyclical growth. Here we examine the bone microstructure of several sauropodomorph dinosaurs, including basal taxa, as well as the more derived sauropods. Although our results agree that the plesiomorphic co...

We investigated the influence of shelterwood conditions on water relations and growth of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) seedlings on two harsh sites in eastern Texas. Site I was harvested to provide four overstory density treatments (0, 2.3, 4.6 and 9.2 m(2) of residual basal area per ha). To quantify the effects of overstory competition, trenched and nontrenched subplots, each containing 25 on...

Drought frequency and intensity has been predicted to increase under many climate change scenarios. It is therefore critical to understand the response of forests to potential climate change in an effort to mitigate adverse impacts. The purpose of this study was to explore the regional effects of different drought severities on tree growth and mortality. Specifically, we investigated changes in...

A shelterwood method is described that provides stand conditions that enhance the growth of estabhshed red oak advance reproduction, thereby improving the chances of maintaining an oak component in the next stand. Stocking of a mature, fully stocked stand is reduced to 60%, 65%, and 70% of initial stand basal area where oak site index is 70, 80, and 90 ft, respectively. The basal area reduction...

the aim of the present study is to assess the effect of pure and mixed plantations of eastern cottonwood (populus deltoides) and alder (alnus subcordata) on quantitative stand characteristics and soil properties. the experiment was established in 1994 using randomized block design with five treatments (1- p100%, 2- p67%-a33%, 3- p50%-a50%, 4- p33%-a67%, and 5- a100%) and four replicates in cham...

Several data support a central role for angiogenesis in breast cancer growth and metastasis. Observational studies have demonstrated that microvascular density (MVD) is a prognostic factor in invasive breast cancer, whereas others reached the opposite conclusion. Vascular endothelial growth factor is the most important angiogenic factor with proven significance in breast cancer, as it has been ...

We have mapped quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for commercially important traits (stem growth and form) and an adaptive trait (spring leaf flush) in a Populus F2 generation derived from a cross between interspecific F1 hybrids (P. trichocarpa x P. deltoides). Phenotypic data were collected over a 2-year period from a replicated clonal trial containing ramets of the parental, F1, and F2 trees. Co...

Competition indices are an attempt to quantify in a simple expression, the effects of neighboring plants on the growth of an individual tree. Many such indices have been proposed, and although few have reached operational use, this research has provided insights into tree growth and competition. Competition indices offer little utility for yield forecasting in "typical" stands. Few indices prov...

nitrogen (n) affects adversely the tobacco yield quantity and quality as it increases yield, chlorine and nicotine contents, but decrease potassium content. this experiment was aimed at optimization of (the balance between) n concentration in leaf, stem and root to increase both yield quantity and quality (high potassium, low chlorine and medium nicotine contents) using artificial neural networ...